Sunday Service for 13 August 2023: songs of praise in the season of prayer

Sunday 13 August 2023 — Season of Prayer week 2: Songs of Praise
Gourock St. John’s Church of Scotland
Service prepared by Rev. Teri Peterson
Manse: 632143 
Email: tpeterson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk

Prelude Music

Welcome and Announcements

St Augustine wrote that “whoever sings to God in worship prays twice” — so let us join together, breath and body, heart and voice, in songs of praise.

Hymn 740: For All the Saints (vv. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)

Call to Worship
Come, people of God—make a joyful noise!
Come, beloved of Christ—lift up your offering of praise!

We gather in the presence of mystery,
grace known and unknown,
promises fulfilled and still awaited.
We have received beyond measure,
building our hope on a foundation of love.

The Spirit of truth fills this place,
empowering us to lead lives 
worthy of Christ’s calling.
The Spirit of truth fills this place,
 revealing the Way:
to love as we have been loved.

In the triune God we live and move
 and have our being,
and so we come to worship, one by one,
to be remade as the Body of Christ,
 together and whole,
making God’s justice and peace visible even in our days.

Come, Body of Christ—
see what God has done
and see what God will do!

Sanctuary Hymn 552: O For A Closer Walk (tune: Martyrdom) 
Online Hymn 539: I Want Jesus to Walk With Me

Prayer (written by Nicola Whyte, CofS weekly worship)
Faithful God,
We gather in spirit and truth with all your people, in Your presence:
Those of us who seek you often
and those who have not looked for a long time,
giving thanks that you are always here even when we aren’t paying attention.
We gather our hearts and minds together as those who are full of faith
and those who don’t know what we believe,
those who can hardly keep from singing,
and those who can barely face the day.
We lift our hearts in the unity of your Spirit because You have called us,
because You love us,
because You are our God.
We look to you, not because we are good or pure or holy,
but because of our need.
We turn back to you, knowing that again and again
we have failed to live as You would have us live,
that we have not loved one another,
that we have not loved Your creation,
that we have not loved You,
that we have not loved ourselves.
Forgive us, God,
and renew us to be Your people.
Turn us round again to your way.
Make us one with you and one another,
and reassure us in our true identity
as children of our creator who is above all things.
For we pray this in the name of Jesus Christ,
Our faithful and forgiving friend and saviour.
 Amen

Hymn 336: Christ is Our Light

~~~~
Leith Fisher’s hymn is an affirmation of faith: Christ is our light, love and joy. He is the one we follow: our guide like the morning star, our fellow human baptised and claimed as God’s child, our leader whose instructions we follow that we may see his glory. With just three glimpses of Jesus’ life all taken from the first two chapters of John’s gospel, we get a sense of who Jesus is for the whole world as well as for us. And did you notice the end of each verse turned from affirmation to prayer of commitment? We prayed for Christ’s light to shine into our hearts and therefore into the world…we prayed Christ would turn our faces to see him…and we prayed to see his glory the same way his disciples did.

That commitment to follow Christ, who is our light, may well be tested, as it was for his disciples at various times. Our next hymn invites us to stay the course, to keep the faith and keep walking Christ’s way even when things are difficult. It was taken from the 17th century classic novel Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, in which Christian has to traverse a wide variety of landscapes and situations on his life’s journey. There are many trials and temptations, different companions along the way — some of whom are helpful and some who are more of a hindrance — and lots of possible side paths. Over the years, the hymn has been changed and changed back, because people wonder about a hymn including words like “hobgoblin” — but ultimately, the sense of a life of faith as an adventure with twists and turns, enemies and friends, and a sense of direction but not a perfect exact map has won the day. So we sing together the hymn “Who Would True Valour See”, and I invite you to remain seated as we sing, but to picture where your own adventuresome journey of faith has taken you thus far.
~~~~

Hymn 535: Who Would True Valour See

Reading: Philippians 2.1-13 (New Revised Standard Version)

If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
assuming human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a human,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God exalted him even more highly
and gave him the name
that is above every other name,
so that at the name given to Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

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.

Sanctuary Hymn 461: How Sweet the Name (tune: Rowan Tree) 
Online Hymn 481: Jesus Is the Name We Honour

Sanctuary Affirmation (mission statement)
One: Who are we, and what are we called to do?
All: We are a family gathered in love,
where all ages and experiences sing and study together,
laugh and cry together, grow in faith and life together.
One: We are not perfect, we are a work in progress
All: and there’s always room at Christ’s table for more,
so all are welcome!
One: As a family, we are striving for justice and joy,
All: by standing up for what’s fair and right,
challenging systems that harm,
working toward a world that sustains us all,
joining our creativity with creation’s joy.
The Holy Spirit has work for us to do.
One: As a family, we offer blessing to the broken-hearted,
All: by walking alongside each other,
holding one another’s stories with grace,
sharing comfort and practical support,
with compassion and prayer.
One: As a family, we are always sharing the hope of God’s kingdom.
All: standing on God’s promises,
trusting the Spirit’s leading,
we will be the hands and feet of Jesus,
serving with love, joy, and generosity.

Sanctuary Hymn 615: Holy Spirit Ever Living 

Reading: Psalm 96.1-6, 9-13 (The Inclusive Bible)
Sing to God, a new song!
Sing to God all the earth!
Sing to God, bless God’s name!
Proclaim God’s salvation day after day;
declare God’s glory among the nations,
God’s marvels to every people.
God is great, most worthy of praise,
to be revered above all gods.
The gods of the nations are nothing, they don’t exist,
but God created the universe.
In God’s presence are splendour and majesty,
in God’s sanctuary power and beauty.
Worship God, majestic in holiness;
tremble in God’s presence, all the earth!
Say among the nations,
“God reigns supreme!”
The world stands firm and unshakable:
God will judge each nation with strict justice.
Let the heavens be glad; let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar and all that it holds!
Let the fields exult and all that is in them!
Let all the trees of the forest sing for joy
at the presence of God, who is coming.
God is coming to rule the earth —
to rule the world with justice and its peoples with truth!

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.

~~~~~
The author of our next hymn, Joachim Neander, was brought up in Germany in the mid-1600s. He was a university student — with all the usual shenanigans students have gotten up to since universities were invented — when in 1670 a new pastor came to his town. This minister was known for his earnest piety and for holding Conventicles of the type typical here in Scotland in those years. Neander and some of his friends went to service one Sunday, for the purpose of having a bit of fun at the new minister’s expense, and criticising his almost-certainly ridiculous views. But the earnest words of the minister touched his heart; and this proved the turning-point of his spiritual life, and he had many further conversations with the minister and eventually became his assistant. For the next ten years Neander worked as an assistant minister and as a teacher, he worked for the reform of the churches and towns he lived in, and he wrote hymns, including the favourite “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of Creation” and many others. He is often described as the first great German hymn-writer after the Reformation. And yet this hymn wasn’t translated into English for more than 200 years!
The author’s experience of going to a worship service with his own agenda, and finding the Holy Spirit changed his heart while he was there, is one many of us can probably relate to. So often we think we know what to expect but God is somehow able, through word and song and prayer, to meet us anyway and transform our hearts and lives. And so we sing together “All My Hope on God is Founded.” If you’re comfortable doing so, I invite you to stand as we sing together.
~~~~~

Hymn 192: All My Hope On God Is Founded (tune: Michael)

Offering (Sanctuary only)
God’s generosity is amazing — the gift of creation, the gift of our role as stewards of creation, the gift of Christ the Son living among us as God’s word made flesh, the gift of the Holy Spirit empowering us to share in the work of the kingdom. We who are made in the image of this generous God are also called to be generous. All the ministry and mission that happens in this place is because of your generous giving — it is through you that God’s work is done here. Thank you for heeding God’s call to give of your time, your energy, your talent, and your resources. As we hope to expand what we do to better fulfil God’s calling to us as a community, we can’t do it without you. As our next hymn, which we will sing during the collection, says: it’s Christ’s world, and Christ’s people, and Christ himself who meets us when we participate in his work. Jesus said it was when we were among the least of these that we would see him, and that whenever we wish we can do good for those who are poor. May we offer our prayer and our gifts in his service. Your morning offering will now be received, and you are invited to remain seated as we sing.

Sanctuary Offering Hymn 724: Christ’s Is The World

Prayer and 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.
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 644: O Jesus, I Have Promised (tune: Thornbury)
Online Hymn: Thrive

Benediction

Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting. As we have encountered the beauty of singing praise and prayer today, let that beauty dwell in you and be visible to others who could use a glimpse of God’s good news.

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. 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.

Postlude Music

Announcements

* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am, and all Sunday worship is also online (or on the phone at 01475 270037, or in print). 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.

* Starter Packs are short of Washing up Liquid, Bathroom/Kitchen Cleaner, Kitchen Towels, Ladies Shampoo, Toothpaste, Children’s Shampoo, Baby Bath. 
The FoodBank are short of biscuits, UHT milk, soup, tinned fish, and tinned meats. You can bring donations to the church and place them into the boxes in the vestibule. Thank you!

* Greenock Philharmonic Choir are hosting a ‘Come and Sing Coronation Music’ event on Saturday, 19th August, in St John’s Episcopal Church, Union Street, Greenock. All singers of all abilities are welcome. Rehearsals will start at 10.30am, followed by a performance at 4pm. The cost is £15 to participate all day, and £5 for anyone wishing to attend the performance. Advance booking is recommended.

* Did you know that the ministry we do at St John’s costs about £2700 per week? 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 new parish assistant, speak to Anne Love about how to go about directing new donations to that new item in the budget.

*Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Youtube, and to sign up for our email devotions! 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. Feel free to share with your friends, too!

* Wednesday Evening Bible Study is on a summer break and will resume on Wednesday 30 August at 7:30pm at the Manse! Please contact Teri if you’d like a copy of the study book.

* Young Adult Bible Study is on a summer break!

* 2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the 2nd Gourock Boys’ Brigade. Our anniversary Grand Charity Ball will be Saturday 9th September 6.30 for 7pm in Greenock Town Hall. Tickets priced £50 or £500 for a table of 10 are available now from BB leaders. The benefitting Charities have been selected and will be announced shortly. We are delighted to announce that every penny raised from ticket sales and our charity auction on the evening will go directly to our chosen charities. This event is open to all so please spread the word, book your table, put the date in your diary and look forward to what we are sure will be a Second To None evening of enjoyment and celebration.

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