Sunday service for 16 August 2026

Sunday 16 August 2026, Bloom Where You’re Planted 5
Gourock St. John’s Church of Scotland
Service prepared by Rev. Teri Peterson
Manse phone: 632143
Email: TPeterson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk

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Sanctuary Prelude Music (praise band)

Welcome and Announcements

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

Call to Worship
1: Look at the birds of the air
2: Look — really look, past the surface, to the truth
All: God cares for them because God created and loves them.
1: Consider the flowers
2: Consider — think deeply, wonder, ponder the truth
All: God has made even something fleeting so beautiful.
1: Beyond our first impressions
2: Beyond what we think we know
All: God’s kingdom is here, waiting to be revealed

Sanctuary Hymn: Open the Eyes of My Heart (praise band)

Prayer
God who provides for all creation,
we come today with minds and hearts full —
full of wonder and also full of worry,
full of things we need to get done and things we never had time for,
things we want others to do and things we wish would happen,
full of hopes and dreams and regrets and hurts.
Our minds and hearts are full,
and so we see only what fits what we already know,
there’s no room for anything else.
No room for different facts or different ways,
no room for new ideas or new faces…
we confess actually maybe no room for you.
We admit that we are full up,
with no answer to how much is “enough”
and every intention of holding on to all we have for dear life.
Forgive us when we are so caught up by what we have or what we can get
that we cannot see what you are doing.
Forgive us when we are so fierce in our possessiveness
that we cannot see what, or who, possesses us.
Forgive us when we believe we have to handle things ourselves
despite saying that you are Lord of all.
Forgive us, O God,
and set us free…
free to seek your kingdom first,
and let your priorities organise ours.
We ask in the name of Jesus the Christ.
Amen.

Sanctuary Children’s Time
Back to school…

Online Hymn 716: Come and Find the Quiet Centre
Sanctuary Hymn 154: O Lord My God (Fiona W favourite) (organ)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6.19-33
Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If, then, the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

“No one can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the gentiles who seek all these things, and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

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: pay attention
So often we read the words of Jesus and say “easier said than done.” This is one of those classic moments — do not worry, Jesus says. Okay then…if only it were that simple!

In addition to being perhaps simplistic, it also feels a little naive. How can we say don’t worry about food and clothing when the cost of living is spiralling up, more and more people need food banks and school uniform banks, and there seems no end in sight as the climate breakdown affects crops and wars affect the ability to move them around the world? Surely we should be worried?

Jesus lived among people who also struggled — they were occupied by an empire that controlled the population by controlling the food supply, in a place and climate where growing enough food was a challenge. And they too looked around at the upper classes and wished they could have such fine linen or dyed fabric, elaborate hairstyles or jewellery. He isn’t speaking to people so different from us that we can simply disregard his words as for another simpler time.

In fact in many ways, it seems as if he’s looking straight into our hearts when he says: where your treasure is, there your heart will be…you cannot serve both God and wealth. Uncomfortable as it makes us, he says we have to choose. How will we order our priorities?

When our priority is what we can get…acquire, experience, have, hold, enjoy, use, and be seen to have…that treasure will take all our energy. We will have to protect it, obsess about it, focus on it, make sure no one takes it and nothing happens to it. When we most treasure things we think we can control, our attention will necessarily be on controlling it. Whether that’s money or our image or our home or our material things. And conversely, whatever we say about what we treasure, our behaviour will tell the truth. It has often been said that to know what really matters to us, look at our bank books! Our priorities quickly become clear when we look at how we spend or give our resources. That’s as true for individuals as it is for nations — the budget reveals the truth about what we value.

When our priorities start with ourselves, our savings and our comfort and our possessions and our desires and our image and our status…then we have much to worry about, actually. We will always need to worry about what we look like, who we are seen with, what we are doing, what we are wearing, what we are eating. How does it all fit with what we want to achieve or who we want to be or how we want to retire. We will worry…and that worry will not lengthen our lives by one second. In fact, it may well shorten our lives because we know that stress is hard on our bodies and minds, and it will definitely reduce our enjoyment of this life.

Jesus says that it’s the gentiles who do all this worrying — in other words, the people who don’t have a relationship with God. Those who do claim to trust in God and yet their worry reveals these kinds of priorities are what we would call a “functional atheist” — they live their actual lives without God, no matter what their words say. And the thing is, our society really wants functional atheists. The systems in which we live want us to live as if it all depends on us, as if we have to take care of ourselves, as if the goal of life is to get and keep as much as we can. But it’s best if we say we believe in God, too, because that will make us worry about even more things and then we can be distracted from how those systems and structures benefit the few and keep the rest of us stuck.

Again, though, it’s easy to say and harder to do. But in this instance, Jesus did actually give us some directions how to go about changing the situation. The word used here about worrying is the same word he says to Martha — you are worried about many things. That word means pulled apart, pulled in competing directions. And then the instruction he gives in this teaching is: Focus.

He says: Look at the birds.

Not just glance at them, or see them in your peripheral vision. Not just register their existence, and how annoying they are sitting on top of the chimney squawking at all hours. Look at them. Behold. In Greek it actually says to stare or look intently. Be interested, invested.

Look at the birds.

And similarly, consider the lilies. Consider — observe, ponder, learn thoroughly all they have to teach. Not just a surface level “oh that’s pretty” but really give them time and space in your mind and heart.

Consider the lilies.

That’s Jesus’ instruction for those who would truly seek the kingdom of God first: Look at the birds. Consider the lilies.

In other words: pay attention to what God has done and is doing. Notice how God has ordered the creation. Notice that even small things, even temporary things, are provided for, cared for, and beautiful. Give your attention to how God provides for those with no capacity to earn or store up. Spend time thinking about how and why God would make something so fleeting as a flower so lovely.

When we look deeply, past the first impression, spending time focusing our attention on what God has done, we may just begin to see something more. Something beyond the expected. Looking deeper as Jesus instructs us to do opens our eyes to the kingdom in our midst — already here, for those with eyes to see.

And when we see more truly, then the way we live also changes. When all we see around us is the systems and structures of a society and economy based on getting and having and self-reliance, we can’t possibly live in the kingdom of God that is interdependent and trusting and abundant. But when we pay attention to how God’s kingdom is already happening around us, that makes it possible for us to live in that kingdom, even right now. It makes it less naive and ridiculous to trust God’s providing when we see that God provides for all the other parts of creation — why wouldn’t God also provide for us? When we think about how interconnected the creation is, we recognise that we are not separate, but also interconnected — so how can we continue to live as if we are individuals relying on no one and creating no consequences for others from our actions?

What we see will determine how we behave — as if we belong to God, or as if we belong to ourselves, or as if we belong to the economy.
What we see will determine how we behave …and what we see is determined by how we look. Do we look for what we can get, or how things affect us, or what advantage there is, or what it’s going to cost? Or do we look for what God is doing? What we see will depend entirely on how we look, and what we see will determine how we behave.
So Jesus says: Look. Consider. Pay attention. Because how you spend your attention is related to how you spend your treasure. And if you are invested — with your material resources and your attention resources — in the kingdom of God, then your life will be different than those who aren’t.

If it isn’t…then what difference does faith make? If our lives are the same as the people without God, why bother with God? We’re functional atheists, saying one thing and doing another.

But also notice what Jesus is talking about here. He isn’t talking about our lives looking different in our drinking dancing swearing and having fun. He’s talking about a whole orientation, for a whole people: be oriented toward a kingdom where no one needs to worry about having enough to eat, or a place to sleep, or having the right clothes to wear. He’s talking about a kingdom where the way we look at others is with grace, not with judgment that clouds our vision and darkens our own hearts. He’s talking about a kingdom where money is not in the drivers seat — not for individuals and not for the whole society either. He’s talking about a kingdom where we are called in one direction, rather than pulled apart by all the competing voices and desires and expectations and concerns.

And he says it isn’t naive: it’s faithful. Because when we focus on the one direction, all that other stuff falls into its right place. When we get our priority list right, then the stuff farther down the list comes as well. This is what the word righteousness means: to be in right relationship. When we have our relationship with God in the right order, then our relationship with the rest of the stuff of life also falls into the right order. The first thing determines the rest. When we have our relationship priorities mixed up, we end up pulled apart trying to chase it all.

It’s still easier said than done, not least because it needs all of us getting the priorities right, not just a few of us. If we are going to truly do this, the Body of Christ has to do it together. Otherwise the systems and structures of society will pull and mock and we’ll be back where we always are: saying it’s nice enough for Jesus to say that, but it’s impractical and we’re better off if we say a wee prayer and get back to serving the economy and keeping God to the weekends. Because it’s true: we cannot serve both God and wealth, one will always be more important than the other.

Therefore, look at the birds…see how they work together to travel far, and how they both support and are supported by so many other parts of creation. Consider the flowers…pay attention to how their seemingly useless short-lived beauty plays many roles in the ecosystem in addition to brightening the world. Look deeper. Notice how God provides for them together…this is what the kingdom is like, and it is here already, for those who seek it continually and choose it first.

May it be so. Amen.

Silence for Reflection

Online Hymn 465: Be Thou My Vision
Sanctuary Hymn 641: Seek Ye First (organ)

Sanctuary Offering and Response Hymn 231: For the Fruits of All Creation, v1 (tune: ar hyd y nos) (organ)

For the fruits of all creation,
 thanks be to God;

for these gifts to every nation,
 thanks be to God;
For the ploughing, sowing, reaping,
 silent growth while we are sleeping,

future needs in earth’s safe-keeping, 
thanks be to God.

Concerns of the Church
*prayer meeting today
*Bible Study
*Youth Organisations start back
*prayer groups

Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
You, O God, are our creator and sustainer.
You continually offer yourself and your world,
and you call us into community that reflects your image.
In this world where the birds of the air are cared for,
we pray that our neighbours might also experience that care.
You have given enough that no one need go hungry,
and so we ask for the humility to take only what we need,
and the compassion to share what we have,
and the courage to demand equity even when it costs us.
May the day come when indeed no one is in want.
In this world where the flowers of the field are lovelier than the highest-fashion label,
we pray that we would recognise beauty in our neighbours.
You have made us in every shape and size and colour and accent,
and so we ask for the grace to accept one another, and ourselves,
and the desire for our community to reflect the diversity of your meadow,
and the peace that comes from truly knowing one another in all our glory and thorns.
May the day come when indeed we live together in unity and it is more beautiful than royal robes.
In this world where there is so much to worry about,
so much to prepare for, though we are never truly ready,
so much to keep up with,
we ask for the blessing of community committed to one another’s well-being,
for a sense of responsibility for others, not only ourselves,
and for a deep trust in your promise to provide.

On the 16th day of the month we join our hearts as your St John’s family to pray:
*For all who live and work in the Hillside Road / Arran View (Weymouth Crescent) neighbourhood, and those who visit and walk around the reservoir.
*For the music ministry of St John’s: for the choir, the praise band, the organist, and all who enable our worship and prayer through music.
*For the land, people, and governments of the nations of Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea.

May the day come when the kingdom of heaven is lived on earth.

We ask in the name of the One who revealed your kingdom here among us, 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.

Sanctuary Hymn 465: Be Thou My Vision (organ)

Sending

Go out from this time of worship to pay attention: look, consider, look deeper. Seek the kingdom of God here among us, in order that we might live in it, even now. 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 if you thought you were 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) (organ)
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.

Postlude Music (organ)

Announcements

* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am, and Sunday worship is also online.

* 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.

* There will be a time of prayer and reflection following the service TODAY led by Brian Ross. It will include short readings to focus our thoughts and some time for silent, personal prayer. Please pick up a coffee and come back into the sanctuary after the service.

* Wednesday Bible Study is at 7:30pm in the manse.

* Bowl & Blether is on the first Mondays of the month, 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! We will take August off, so see you next on the 7th of September.

* Starter Packs are in need of Toothpaste, Hand Wash, Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaner.
The FoodBank are short of milk, diluting juice, biscuits, and tinned meals and meats.
You can bring donations to the church and place them into the boxes in the vestibule. Thank you!

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

* 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.

* 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 and Theology Thursday on Youtube, get snippets of thought or inspiration following Teri on TikTok, and of course keep up with announcements and events on Facebook and our weekly email.