Today is the 24th of January, and the Third Sunday after Epiphany.
It’s good to be listening to the bells of Peebles Old Parish - ringing out their joyous message to the people of Eddleston, Peebles and many other folk in Scotland and across the world. We know that we are joined together through these services by friends we have never met - in the USA, Australia, and Europe for example.
Our theme for today is based on the story of how Jesus - at the start of his ministry by the Sea of Galilee - called fishermen to be his disciples - to follow him.
When the bells finish, our first hymn is “Jesus calls us o’er the tumult”.
Duccio, di Buoninsegna, d. 1319
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
HYMN: Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
PRAYER
Let us acknowledge the circumstances in which we meet.
The church in heaven and on earth
the faithful - dear to our own hearts - who have worshipped before us
the hundreds of thousands of every place and language
who seek - on this day even in the midst of global crisis- to set their lives
within the atmosphere of renewing grace.
and as we think of them, let us take deliberate encouragement
from our unity with them all.
And let us acknowledge that all round the world people are praying for us.
Let us take heart from that, and pray in similar terms, praying for one another…
praying not only for our own peace,
but for our brothers and sisters who we do not know in person,
but who are pilgrims together on the journey of faith.
Perfect Light of revelation,
as you shone in the life of Jesus,
whose epiphany we celebrate,
so shine in us and through us,
that we may become beacons of truth and compassion,
enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
LESSON
Mark 1; 14-20
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee,
proclaiming the good news of God,
and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has
come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and
his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea--for they were
fishermen.
And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for
people."
And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and
his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets.
Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in
the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
HYMN: Take up thy Cross
REFLECTION
PRAYER
To God who welcomes all in love,
let us pray for the good of the church
and the concerns of those in need.
Mighty and merciful God
Hear the prayers of all who cry to you;
open the eyes of those who never pray for themselves,
have mercy on those who are in misery
deal gently with those who sit in darkness
and increase the number of those who love and serve you daily.
Preserve our world from all things hurtful, and especially in these days
from the ravages and destruction of coronavirus Covid-19. May the
efforts and struggles of doctors, nurses, and all those involved in caring
for the sick, the readiness of volunteers to help, the skill of scientists and
planners who seek to bring the virus under permanent control, may they
all be blessed and strengthened.
Comfort those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who are
despairing because of a loved one’s serious sickness.
And wherever in the world war, famine, disease or persecution hold sway,
grant that the course of the world may be ordered in obedience to your will
that the people may live in security.
And let us pray that the new administration entered into office in the
United States may come in humility and seeking grace, for the good of
their nation and for the whole world.
God of every land and nation,
you have created all people
and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ.
Listen to the cries of those who pray to you,
and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name,
all people will know the power of love at work in the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN: O Jesus I have promised
THE BLESSING
May the Lord bless you and guard you;
may the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
may the Lord look kindly on you
And give you peace.
And the blessing of God who creates and saves and sustains, be with
you this day, and in all the days to come. Amen.
Voluntary
Please note monthly Evening Services will start again on Sunday 31st January. For more information go HERE
New header image courtesy of Ross Duncan