So, once again we are invited to join with the congregation in Crathie Parish Church for Divine Service. We follow the Order of Service for the last Sunday in August.
Today, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (who are staying at Balmoral Castle) will be joining the congregation for Divine Service at 11.30 am.
Welcome to Worship!
Whether you are a first-time visitor,
a regular participant, or a returning friend,
we are glad you have been able to join us today.
We trust that you might sense something of
the peace and presence of God amongst us.
‘Within these walls let no-one remain a stranger’
NOTICES
This morning (26 August) we bid a warm welcome to the Reverend Scott Brown, a Church of Scotland minister who, following his studies in Aberdeen, joined the Royal Navy and now serves as the Chaplain of the Fleet.
The Guest Preacher next weekend (2 September - today!) will be the Right Reverend Albert Bogle, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
MONDAY CAFE: The Kirk Hall at Crathie will be open tomorrow morning as usual for locals and visitors alike – come along and bring a friend!
GATHERING WORDS (Psalm 34:1-3)
I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
OPENING RESPONSES (seated)
Min: The Lord is risen!
All: He is risen indeed!
Min: This is the day that the Lord has made
All: We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Min: The Lord be with you!
All: And also with you
Hymn 28 Thy mercy, Lord, is in the heavens
PRAYER OF APPROACH AND LORD’S PRAYER (‘debts’)
THOUGHT FOR ALL AGES
‘The Sword of the Spirit’
Hymn 566 When I receive the peace of Christ
(Children may leave for Crèche)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
Lord Jesus Christ, we acknowledge that you are the Holy One of God. Yet, even as we profess your Lordship, we confess that we struggle to follow you in the way. Your teachings demand commitment, but we lack energy and imagination, and at times we may even consider turning away from you altogether. But to whom can we go – for You alone have the words of eternal life? Risen Christ, have mercy on us. Choose us yet again. Send your Spirit to empower our work and witness, for you glory. AMEN.
(A short silence will be kept)
ORGAN PRELUDE
EPISTLE: Ephesians 6:10-20
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
GOSPEL: St John 6:56-69
56Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” 66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
DOXOLOGY
Hymn 806 To Father, Son and Holy Ghost
SERMON
'The Whole Armour of God'
Hymn 515 Soldiers of Christ arise
Soldiers of Christ, arise,
And put your armour on,
Strong in the strength which God supplies
Through his Eternal Son.
Strong in the Lord of hosts,
And in his mighty power,
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
Is more than conqueror.
Stand then in his great might,
With all his strength endued;
And take, to arm you for the fight,
The panoply of God.
From strength to strength go on;
Wrestle and fight and pray;
Tread all the pow'rs of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.
That having all things done,
And all your conflicts past,
Ye may o'ercome, through Christ alone,
And stand entire at last.
OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
AND INTERCESSION
Hymn 737 Will your anchor hold?
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand,
For 'tis well secured by the Saviour's hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
BENEDICTION
Happy Sunday!
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