Welcome to the sound of the bells of Peebles Old Parish Church. As they ring out we join with
our linked partners at Eddleston and Stobo and Drumelzier Churches, in the heart of the lovely
Scottish Borders.

This week it is announced that the church building of Peebles Old will open for Sunday morning
worship on 18th July. We welcome that step forward in a situation which has seen 66 weeks pass
by since we were last able to use the building. A short daily worship service has resumed
Monday to Saturday at 10 am. All are welcome. In the meantime our online worship - which has
had a remarkable response - will continue to meet the need for those who have expressed
enthusiasm.. When that time comes about that this situation may change, we shall consult as to
what should happen.

Today finds us still with Apostle Paul. His missionary journeys are continuing, with many
challenges to Paul’s authority. We shall find out more later.

When the bells fall silent, we shall hear - and perhaps join in with - the singing of “When morning
gilds the skies”.

HYMN: When morning guilds the skies

7th Sunday after Pentecost

PRAYER

Lord God,
the wonders of your creation the splendour of the heavens,
the beauty of the earth,
the order and richness of nature all speak to us of your glory,
and remind us too of our sacred charge to care for and protect your creation.

The coming of your Son,
the presence of your Spirit,
the fellowship of your Church,
show us the marvel of your love.

We worship and adore you God of grace and glory.
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God of mercy, God of love in humbleness of heart we confess our sins,
we forget to love and serve you and wander from your ways.

Merciful God,
forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ,
your son, Our SAVIOUR.

Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

LESSON

St Paul's letter to the Ephesians 1:3-14 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be
holy and blameless before him in love.
He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ,
according to the good pleasure of his will,
to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the
Beloved.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our
trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight
he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his
good pleasure that he set forth in Christ,
as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things
in heaven and things on earth.
In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined
according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to
his counsel and will,
so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for
the praise of his glory.
In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of
your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the
promised Holy Spirit;
this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own
people, to the praise of his glory.

HYMN: Jesus call us, o'er the tumult

Reflection

PRAYER

We lift our prayers to you, O Lord, for all people everywhere, those
close to us and those far away.

Creator God look with compassion on the whole human family; take
away arrogance and hatred that infects the hearts of those who
pursue violence and terrorism; break down the walls that separate
us; unite us in bonds of love and peace.
We pray today for peacemakers throughout the world, may they
bring hope out of despair, peace out of conflict and prosperity out of
poverty.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Father God we pray for our families and friends and especially for
young people that they may grow up knowing love and hope,
valuing life and respecting others. We pray for all young people,
stressed by the implications of the Covid Pandemic. We pray for
those who are about to leave school and move on to the next stage
in their lives, and for those for whom what happens next depends
on exam or assessment performance.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Merciful God we pray for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit and
for those who care for them. We pray for the sick especially for
those who like St Paul have been given “a thorn in the flesh”.
We pray for any who are in special need of our prayers at this time,
especially those known personally to us. We raise them now before
you ….
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for those whose hearts have been
saddened by the death of someone close and dear to them, for
members of our families who have died and whose anniversary we
recall. Help us to experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit within us,
and the fellowship of the church family around us until we are
reunited once more in your heavenly kingdom.                                                                                                                                                  Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Faithful God we pray for ourselves; as we move on from our
worship today to start the week ahead, we ask that in all we do, we
may walk more closely with you at our side safe in the knowledge
that your Fatherly love and care knows no bounds.

 Amen

Hymn: Crown him with many crowns

THE BLESSING and BENEDICTION

Go in the peace of God;
Go in the love of Christ;
Go in the power of the Holy Spirit
to fulfil your calling as servants of Christ.

And the Blessing of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you all.
This day and in all the days to come.
AMEN.

Voluntary