Cruden Parish Church of Scotland
10.00am, Sunday 11 July 2021
‘Prophecy – listening to the heart of God’
(Ezekiel, facade of the cathedral Notre-Dame in Amiens, France. Credit Guillaume Piolle / Wikimedia)
ORDER OF SERVICE:
Click here to print out the Order of Service
FACEBOOK PAGE:
Click here to join the Service live on Facebook or to view a recording later.
Welcome to Cruden Parish Church! We are a congregation of the Church of Scotland serving the communities in and around the villages of Longhaven, Hatton, Cruden Bay and Whinnyfold. We also extend a special welcome to those unable to be physically present with us this morning and following the service online. Wherever you are and whatever your circumstances, we pray that you may know God’s blessing and presence during this time of worship.
Call to Worship
God of justice, peace and righteousness,
come into our midst this morning
Wake us up
Open our eyes
Unplug our ears
that we might hear
that we might see
that we might grieve
that we might dream
that we might follow the ways
of your extraordinary kingdom
Let is worship God
Hymn 212: Morning has broken
- Morning has broken,
Like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken
Like the first bird;
Praise for the singing,
Praise for the morning,
Praise for them springing
Fresh from the Word.
- Sweet the rain's new fall,
Sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall
On the first grass;
Praise for the sweetness,
Of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness
Where his feet pass.
- Mine is the sunlight,
Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light
Eden saw play;
Praise with elation,
Praise every morning,
God's re-creation
Of the new day.
Prayers of Approach & Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen
Bible Readings Ezekiel 1: 1-3, 2:1 -3:4 & 16-17
Ezekiel’s Inaugural Vision
In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin— the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the Lord was on him.
Ezekiel’s call to be a prophet (2:1-3:4)
He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.’ As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
He said: ‘Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says.” And whether they listen or fail to listen – for they are a rebellious people – they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.’
Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.
And he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.’ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.
Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
He then said to me: ‘Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them.
Ezekiel’s task as watchman (3: 16-17)
At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.
Sermon ‘Prophecy - Listening to the heart of God’
Hymn 600: Spirit of God, unseen as the wind
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove;
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour’s love.
- You spoke to men long, long ago,
gave us the written Word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God’s voice is heard.
- Without Your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live His way;
we need Your power, we need Your strength,
following Christ each day.
Prayers of Intercession & Commitment
God of Love, God of Peace
This fractured word
Cries out in pain
Burns deep into my soul
And challenges me
To make a difference
God of Love, God of Peace
God of this world
Scarred by grief and tears
Ignorance and fear
Soften hearts of stone
And begin with mine
God of Love, God of Peace
Create within me
A heart for people
A desire for change
For new beginnings
To start this day
Hymn 594: Come Holy Spirit come!
- Come Holy Spirit come!
Inflame our hearts with love,
Transforming every heart and home
With wisdom from above.
Let none of us despise
The humble path Christ trod
But choose to shame the wordily wise,
The foolishness of God.
- Spirit of truth, arise
Inspire the prophet’s voice
Expose to scorn the tyrant’s lies
And bid the poor rejoice
O Spirit clear our sight
All prejudice remove
And help us to discern the right
And covet only love.
- Give us the tongues to speak
The word of love and grace
To rich and poor, to strong and weak,
In every time and place.
Enable us to hear
The words that others bring,
Interpreted with open ear
The special song they sing.
- Come, Holy Spirit, dance
Within our hearts to day
Our earthbound spirits to entrance,
Our mortal fears allay.
And teach us to desire
All other things above
That self-consuming holy fire,
The perfect gift of love.
Dismissal and Blessing
So now we leave this space of worship,
may we know the blessing of summer.
Lord God, Creator of all things,
grant us refreshment of mind and body.
as we enjoy the long warm days of summer.
Go in peace.
May the blessing of God,
the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit
Be with you all forever more.
Amen
CRUDEN PARISH CHURCH NEWS
Cruden Parish Church News
Although the church is now open, Covid restrictions are still in place. We appreciate your support in maintaining social distancing, the wearing of facemasks, and sitting in the marked spaces. Also, a special thanks to our volunteers on door duty and providing an enhanced cleaning regime.
The service will also be broadcast live via the Facebook Page and be available for later viewing. If you would like a copy of the Order of Service, which includes the words of the readings, hymns, intimations etc., please contact Sean.
Also due to the increased numbers of people wishing to attend church, the Kirk Session has agreed to make parts of balcony available. Like the main body of the church, social distancing is still required, and available seating will be appropriately signed.
Walking for health and well-being
The official health walk is taking a break for the next few weeks, but a social walk will continue over the summer. Meet as usual this coming Tuesday morning (11th July) at 10.00 am outside the St Olaf Hotel. Everybody welcome.
Dedication/Consecration of the New Cruden Cemetery
The dedication/consecration of the New Cruden Cemetery takes place at 2.00 PM, Tuesday 13th July 2021. The event is organised by Aberdeenshire Council, and everybody is welcome to attend.
Summer Discussion Group
Our second online discussion takes place at 7.00 PM, Sunday 11th July via Zoom. The topic requested by a member of the congregation is ‘The Bible and Homosexuality!’ As usual everybody is welcome to come and contribute or just listen to the discussion. The zoom link is available on request.
‘On your marks!’ Summer Holiday Club
Our holiday club runs from Wednesday 11th to Friday 13th August 2021 at Mill Park, Station Road, Cruden Bay. We are looking for volunteers to help in an assortment of roles, including crafts, refreshments, admin, organising games for the very young etc. Please speal to Sean (O7791 755976) or Jamet (07790 934031) for more info.
Sponsored Walk for Christian Aid – 2.00 PM, Sunday 22nd August at Bennachie Visitor Centre
On the afternoon of Sunday 22nd August Magnus and Melville (Sean & Alison’s mischievous Westie and adorable Golden Retriever) will be doing a sponsored walk for Christian Aid up Bennachie. Dogs and well-behaved humans are also welcome! Why not bring a picnic? We meet up at 2.00 pm at Bennachie Visitor Centre (AB51 5HY)
You can support Magnus & Melville in church via the sponsorship form or on-line at
Sean Swindells is fundraising for Christian Aid (justgiving.com)
.