Sunday service for 14 December 2025, third Sunday of Advent

Sunday 14 December 2025, Advent 3
Gourock St. John’s Church of Scotland
Service prepared by Rev. Teri Peterson
Manse phone: 632143 
Email: TPeterson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk
Email Charlene, Parish Assistant: CMitchell (at) churchofscotland.org.uk

Sanctuary Prelude Music (praise band)

Welcome and Announcements

We Gather As God’s Family (As the Bible is brought in, we stand and sing)
A family gathered in love,
striving for justice and joy,
blessing the broken-hearted,
and sharing the hope of God’s kingdom.

Lighting the Advent Candle
One: Come one and all, from near and far —
All: God who provides gathers us in.
One: Come, whoever you are and whatever your life —
All: Seek the One whose vision is vast and whose purpose is sure.
One: Come, hungry and thirsty, longing and listening —
All: Rejoice! The light of life is coming near!
~candle~

Hymn 291: When Out of Poverty is Born

Prayer
Why do we spend our money and time and energy
on things that do not satisfy, O God?
You have shown us what is good,
and yet we stuff ourselves with more and more of everything else.
We confess that we are over-full of things we don’t need —
material things that we think will make us happy for awhile,
judgment of others that we think makes us feel better about ourselves,
savings for a rainy day that we never plan to share —
and so have no room for you to satisfy our hunger.
We also admit that in our fullness,
we assume what others need but have no intention of sharing what we have.
In our fullness, we think we understand
when in fact we see only a sliver of your big picture.
Forgive us and clear some space, God.
Forgive us our too-small vision,
our exploitation of the earth for our insatiable appetite,
our desire for convenience that so often destroys connection.
Take from us all that does not serve your purpose.
Fill us instead with your good things,
and make us ready to accomplish all that you desire.
Rain down your word,
water all creation with your purpose,
that together we may flourish
and go out in your joy.
We ask in the name of the One who came that we might have life and have it abundantly,
Jesus the Christ.
Amen.

Sanctuary Sung Prayer: Hymn 301 v. 3

Sanctuary Children’s Time

Hymn: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (praise band) 

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55
Last week we heard the prophet Ezekiel proclaiming God’s promise of new life to the dry bones, and to the people who waited and wondered if hope was lost. Today we move forward a few decades to meet the second prophet Isaiah, who spoke to the people in exile just as things were changing and the end of their exile was in sight. Hope is blossoming in the community that God is going to act, and soon. I am reading Isaiah chapter 55, in the New Revised Standard version.

Hear, everyone who thirsts;
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread
and your earnings for that which does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.

I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.

See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.

Now you shall call nations that you do not know,
and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.

Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake their way
and the unrighteous their thoughts;

let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

For you shall go out in joy
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle,
and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

For the word of God in Scripture
For the word of God among us
For the word of God within us
Thanks be to God.

Sermon: dream big
I’m sure I have said this to you all before: this is my favourite chapter in the entire Bible. Out of all 66 books, if there was only one chapter I could keep forever, it would be this one. I love love love everything about it. A vision of God gathering us all in, providing more than we can imagine, and a covenant we can’t buy our way into, it’s a gift freely given. A call to repent and turn back from the things we do that hurt instead of satisfy. A promise that God’s word accomplishes God’s purpose and never goes to waste. An invitation to look up from our too-small ideas, out of our too-narrow human scope, to see the vast goodness of God’s wonder and glory and kingdom. A promise of joy so great that all creation joins the song. What is not to love??

If I had the opportunity I think I could probably preach a whole sermon series just on this chapter. But I don’t have that opportunity today, so I’ll just say this:

The prophet here gives us a picture of what God’s economy looks like…and therefore what a godly economy looks like. People able to access the necessities of life, food and water, and even the joyful things like rich food and wine and milk, regardless of their ability to pay. A creation that celebrates because it is not being exploited for human gain. All that God provides is freely available, so that together we can all live the abundant life God desires. And because that’s how the economy is structured, there’s no need for nations to fight. Instead they come together to see what a wonder God has done, making this abundant life possible!

And we will say “well that’s nice and all but it’s impossible.”

To which Isaiah asks us: why do you spend your resources on things that don’t actually satisfy? Why do you choose a way of life that doesn’t lead to abundance or goodness? Why, when God’s way is available, and look what it would be like?

And I think the answer is actually also in this chapter. It’s because we’re busy looking down instead of up, in instead of out. We think the economy as we know it can’t be changed into something more sustainable and just, because we insist our narrow understanding is the only way. We think that world peace is impossible because we only look to our own interests. We think that climate change can’t be solved because we only look at our own small part in the face of a huge problem. We think that secularisation and church decline are inevitable because we can’t see past the way things used to be.

But God says: look up.

My ways are higher than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts.
Look up from your small ideas and see my grand vision!

We only think things are impossible because they haven’t been done by humans before…but God is showing us this big picture so that we can imagine it and then do it! Instead we have looked and said “that’ll be nice in heaven one day.” That isn’t the purpose of God’s word to us through the prophets, and it isn’t the purpose of God’s word coming among us in the flesh. It isn’t about seeing what the afterlife will be like….it’s about seeding our imaginations with God-sized dreams so that we can put them into practice. God’s word does not return empty, it accomplishes God’s purpose — on the earth, not only in heaven.

So perhaps it’s time for us to dream big. To think big. To look at what God desires this community, this town, this nation, this world to be like, and to make it happen. Not to just say “oh that would be lovely but people never change” or “oh I wish” or “won’t heaven be amazing”…but to actually do it. Not to scale down and cut back until we can fit our calling into the budget, but to pursue the grand vision, the big picture. To work toward what we think God wants for this place and trust that when we do what we are supposed to do, God will give us what we need to accomplish the work.

Phillips Brooks, the author of the words of “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” once said in a sermon to “Pray the largest prayers. You cannot think a prayer so large that God, in answering it, will not wish you had made it larger. Pray not for crutches but for wings.” Don’t make our ideas small so we can achieve them on our own without God’s help — look at the vision God has for the world, make a start, and ask for what we need to make it reality. But we have to actually do it, not just lament that our prayers weren’t all answered with everything lined up in a row first. Look up at God’s ways that are higher than ours, knowing that a godly economy and world will be like this one way or another — so let’s be a part of what God is doing right now! Anticipate the joy that comes from seeing God’s word fulfilled and bearing fruit, the joy that comes from sitting together with people from all over who come seeking the abundance God has given us, the joy of a creation that is not exploited or abused, the joy of living in a world where everyone has what they need, the joy of being full and fulfilled rather than emptier and emptier from all the nonsense we’ve tried to feed ourselves with. And from that promise…begin. Not to earn our way in but to live as God’s covenant people. That’s when we will truly experience God providing beyond our imagining — because God’s word, made flesh in Jesus, fulfils God’s purpose and that purpose is abundant life for all.

May it be so. Amen.

Silence for Reflection

Online Hymn 320: Joy to the World

Sanctuary Offering and Response: Hymn 324 vv. 4 and 5
Though an infant now we view him,
he will share his Father’s throne,
gather all the nations to him;
every knee shall then bow down:
Come and worship
Christ, the new-born King.
Come and worship,
worship Christ, the new-born King.

All creation, join in praising
God the Father, Spirit, Son,
evermore your voices raising
to the eternal Three in One:
Come and worship
Christ, the new-born King.
Come and worship,
worship Christ, the new-born King.

Sanctuary Invitation to Communion
This, today,
is the meeting place of heaven and earth.

This, today,
is the holy mountain on which God provides
all that is needed for abundant life.

This, today
is the stable in which God keeps the appointment
to meet God’s people.

Not many powerful are here, not many holy,
not many innocents, not many worldly wise,
not all familiar faced,
not all frequent visitors.

But, if today only strangers met,
that would be enough.

If today any incline their ear and come to this place,
God will be near.

For Bethlehem was not the hub of the universe,
nor was the stable a platform for famous people.

In an out-of-the-way place
which people never thought to visit—
on any mountaintop where God’s word is proclaimed,
at any table where Christ is the host,
there God kept, and keeps, God’s promise;
here, God sends the Son,
here, the Spirit brings together the feast of heaven and earth.

This is not a Presbyterian table, it does not belong to me or to this church: It is the Lord’s table, and he is the one who invites us all to the feast he has prepared — no strings attached, no exceptions: all are welcome, come as you are.

Communion Hymn 715: Behold the Mountain, vv. 1, 2, 5, 7

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer (communion in the sanctuary service)

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe,
for Your word accomplishes your purpose,
and so we give you thanks,
for you provide beyond our imagining
and you reveal the fullness of your vision.
You call us to follow you and reflect your image into the world,
and when we lose our way or turn away,
still you speak in prophet and preacher,
and even coming among us in your Son to close every gap we have opened,
to reconcile all creation to you.
Your word never fails,
and so, trusting your purpose,
we bring our worries and sorrows for this world —
begging your word to bear fruit sooner rather than later.
For people are hungry, Lord,
and thirsty,
and the systems of this world don’t have room to provide for everyone.
But you do.
We pray for your kingdom economy to come into being,
to be real and tangible,
not just words on a page or in a prayer.
People are hungry and thirsty for food to sustain their bodies,
and also for your word that sustains our souls,
and we admit we often give out only one or the other,
so we pray you would strengthen our hands and hearts to serve both.
And strengthen our will and our courage, too,
that we might work for change
so that no one goes hungry,
no one has to walk miles for dirty water,
no one watches others hoard while they long for just a crumb,
no one is left out in the cold,
no land is exploited,
no trees or hills cut apart for the greed of a few.
Your ways are higher than our ways, O God,
so lift our eyes out of our self-centred plans and our short term view
to see the fullness you have in mind,
amazing and beautiful, better than the best we can dream.
Lift our eyes to see the wonders of your creation,
a gift you have set us in the middle of.
Lift our eyes to see the neighbours we share this time and place with,
a gift you have given, too.
On this 14th day of the month we join our hearts as your St John’s family to pray
*For all who live and work in the Cardwell Bay and upper Cardwell Bay areas.
*for the youth organisations of St John’s: for the Anchor Boys, Junior Section, and Company & Senior Section of the Boys’ Brigade, for the Smurfs, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers, and for the Exploratorium holiday clubs. For their leaders, volunteers, young people, and families. May they grow in faith, hope, and love together.
*For the land, people, and governments of the nations of Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Comoros.

Lift our eyes to recognise that we are all part of your grand vision together,
and inspire us to pursue your purpose,
not just to talk about it.
Bring us all to your way,
…
that we may join with all the heavenly host, who forever sing to the glory of your name:

(Tune: Adeste Fidelis)
Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of all power and God of might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest,
To you, O Lord.

Blessèd is he, blessèd is he
Who in the Lord’s name is coming!
Blessed is he, in the Lord’s name coming
Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest
To you, O Lord.

You create and redeem and sustain all things by your power,
You send your Son to reveal your presence and your grace,
You speak through your prophets,
You provide through your Spirit,
and so at this table we trust that you will meet us again,
where word and bread and wine make a feast for body and soul.
As you promised, turn these common things to holy use,
that all who share this meal might also share in your kingdom,
where you gather us from every corner of creation,
feed us with the very bread of heaven,
and send us out with joy to fulfil your purpose.

…by the power of your Holy Spirit, we pray,
For we ask in the name of the Word who is coming in the flesh,
Jesus the Christ, who taught us to pray together:
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.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Words of Institution

Communion of the People
During communion: Choir to sing Te Harinui

Prayer After Communion

Sharing the Peace

Sanctuary Hymn 320: Joy to the World

Benediction
Look up! See God’s grand vision, and go out to pursue it with joy.
And as you go, may the Spirit of God go above you to watch over you. May the Spirit of God go beside you to be your companion. May the Spirit of God go before you to show you the way, and behind you to push you into places you might not go alone. And may the Spirit of God go within you, to remind you that you are loved more deeply than you can possibly imagine. May the fire of God’s love burn brightly in you, and through you into the world. Go in peace. Amen.

Sung Benediction Response (John L Bell, tune Gourock St John’s)
Now may the Lord of all be blessed,
Now may Christ’s gospel be confessed,
Now may the Spirit when we meet
Bless sanctuary and street.

Sanctuary Postlude Music (organ)

Announcements

* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am, and Sunday worship is also online. If you are able, please enter by the front door in Bath street, and only those who need step-free access should use the back door. If you feel unwell, please worship online, to protect both yourself and others in our community.

* The first Sunday of the month at 11am is an all-age service, with different ways of encountering God’s word without a traditional sermon. All people — young and old, different personalities and learning styles, are welcome! You’ll find a more informal service with a variety of music, a Bible story, prayer, and some more interactive elements. The online service for the first Sunday will therefore also be different — there will still be a reading, prayers, and music, but usually not a sermon.

* Starter Packs are in need of Shaving Foam, Shampoo, Soap, Hand Wash. Also in preparation for Christmas they are collecting hats, scarves and gloves for children and adults, selection boxes, chocolates and biscuits.

The FoodBank are short of everything except pasta, so anything you can donate will be gratefully received!
You can bring donations to the church and place them into the boxes in the vestibule. Thank you!

* This year we are invited to purchase a gift for someone who is on their own this Christmas. If you didn’t get a tag from the giving tree last week, let us know you’d like one and we can get that for you — then you just buy the gift and attach the tag and bring it back to put under the Christmas tree in the sanctuary by Sunday the 21st of December. Thank you for your generosity!

* The Allegria choir Christmas concert, with special guests the Moorfoot Primary choir, is tonight (14 December) at 7:30pm. Tickets are £5 and under-18s go free!

* Bowl & Blether is on the first and third Mondays through the winter, with doors open from 11:30-1:30, and lunch served from noon. All are welcome for a bowl of soup, a toastie, a friendly chat in our warm hall! See you TOMORROW the 15th of December!

* The Contact Group meets this Tuesday the 16th of December for carols and readings. The syllabus of events is available from Fiona Webster or Anne Armour. The syllabus donation of £5 will go towards our charity fundraising.

* Next Sunday the 21st of December at 6pm is our Longest Night service. It’s a quieter candlelight service that is perfect for those who need a bit of a break from all the festive Christmas cheer, or who are struggling with their well-being, or grief, or health. We recognise that not everyone can feel the cheer all the time, and this service makes space for a full range of emotions and experiences. There is a chance to light a candle for your own prayers or in memory of someone, as well as some of the less-exuberant carols, some poetry and reflection, and Silent Night by candlelight. All are welcome.

* We are partnering with the new charity Quinto Community to host a Christmas Lunch in the church hall — if you or anyone you know is on their own this Christmas and would prefer to share a meal with others, please do book in! We’d love to have you. For more information and to book your place please phone Dee at 01475 305035.

* Did you know that the ministry we do at St John’s costs about £3000 per week and we are currently running about £500 short? Everything we do is funded by your generous giving — all our support for young people, older people, bereavement care, community outreach, worship, study, spiritual growth, and community work is because of your offering. If you would like to set up a standing order in order to facilitate your spiritual discipline of giving, or if you would like to make an extra gift to support the ministry St. John’s does in our parish, you can give online by clicking here. If you would like to set up a standing order, please contact Teri and she can give you the treasurer’s details. You can also send your envelopes to the church or the manse by post and we will ensure they are received. 
It is also possible to donate to the work of the parish assistant, speak to Anne Love about how to go about directing new donations to that item in the budget.

* Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Youtube, and to sign up for our email newsletter! Midweek you can watch Wine and the Word on Youtube, pray with video devotions on Facebook, and consider a new angle on something with a devotional email. 

* Wednesday Evening Bible Study is at 7:30pm in the Manse and we are reading Luke!

* Free period products are available in the church toilets for anyone who might need them, thanks to Hey Girls and Inverclyde Council.