Welcome to the bells of the Old Parish Church as they ring out on behalf of
Eddleston Parish Church, Peebles Old Parish Church, and Stobo and Drumelzier
Parish Church in the heart of Tweedale in the Scottish Borders.
We are still providing online worship services, even although our plans are under review for opening our buildings. Stobo Kirk is already open and providing worship each Sunday at 11:30 am.
Jesus said to his disciples “With what can we compare the kingdom of God? It is
like a mustard seed!”
And that is the theme of our worship this morning.
How do we compare with a mustard seed; in size so small, but in the context of
potential within the Kingdom of God - how mighty.
As the bells fade, we will hear our first hymn in preparing for worship. “Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.”
HYMN: Be still, for the presence of the Lord
3rd Sunday after Pentecost
PRAYER
Loving God
God of small seeds and mighty plants, you take our meagre lives and
with your love cause them to produce acts of loving kindness for you
in this world. You hear our cries and find us when we are lost and
wandering in fear. You bring us home with you so that we may be
made whole, rejoicing in your goodness. Help us to joyfully serve you
all our days, knowing that you are always watching over us. Prepare
our hearts to receive your word and our spirits to respond in
eagerness to serve you. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
~ written by Nancy C. Townley, on the Worship Connection page of the
Ministry Matters website.
http://www.ministrymatters.com/
THE LORD'S PRAYER
LESSON
Mark 4: 26-34
He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter
seed on the ground,
and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout
and grow, he does not know how.
The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the
full grain in the head.
But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle,
because the harvest has come."
He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or
what parable will we use for it?
It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the
smallest of all the seeds on earth;
yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all
shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can
make nests in its shade."
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were
able to hear it;
he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained
everything in private to his disciples
HYMN: There's a wideness in God's mercy
Reflection
PRAYER
We may not be able to confront queens,
or challenge presidents;
We may not have the capacity to divert resources,
or uplift communities;
We may not have the voice to silence the noise of war,
or the words to negotiate peace between armies;
But, as we follow you, O Christ, we are able to do
something.
And so, we pray that you would inspire us
to commit to and act on
the small difference we can make:
May we bring peace
through small acts of gentleness
and reconciliation;
May we bring wealth
through small contributions
and collaborations;
May we bring safety
through small acts of consideration
and acceptance;
May we bring wholeness
through small acts of care
and service.
And in the small ways, O God,
may our small difference make a big contribution
to your saving work in our world.
Amen.
~ written by John van de Laar. Posted on Sacredise.
http://sacredise.com/
Hymn: My life flows on in endless song
THE BLESSING and BENEDICTION
Feel the love of God growing within your heart. Go
into God’s world, planting seeds of love, mercy, joy,
and peace in all that you say and do. Be at peace
and serve God.
And the blessing of God who is Creator, Saviour,
and Nourisher be with you this day and always.
AMEN.
Voluntary