St Cuthbert’s Notes – Fourth Sunday of Easter – 21 April 2024
Music:
Introit Hymn 407 – Jesus, where’er thy people meet
Gradual Hymn 166 – Faithful Shepherd, feed me
Offertory Hymn 340 – I will sing the wondrous story
Anthem (Choir): My shepherd is Lord – Harrison Oxley
Communion Hymn 495 – Loving Shepherd of thy sheep
Post-Communion Hymn 623 – Praise, my soul, the King of heaven!
Organ Voluntary: Theme and Variations – Hendrik Andriessen
Collect
O God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading: Acts 4.5-12
The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is “the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.” There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.’
Second Reading: 1 John 3.16-24
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Gospel: John 10.11-18
‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’
St Cuthbert’s Playgroup:
Playgroup returns on Monday, 22 April 10am – 11.30am. Thank you to all those who make St Cuthbert’s Playgroup a lovely, fun place for families on a Monday morning. If you are interested in helping in any way, any time, please speak to Megan.
The Colinton & Merchiston Community Choir in St Cuthbert’s Church:
There has been a fantastic response to the choir’s ‘Summer Sessions’, and we look forward to welcoming them to St Cuthbert’s for their first evening tomorrow, Monday 22 April from 7.20pm – 9pm. A series (8 evenings in total) of fun, enjoyable evenings for all, singing a variety of classical, popular and folk songs. No previous singing experience is required! Still time to join – please speak to Margaret Kieran.
Thursday Afternoon Service:
The next Thursday afternoon service will be on 2nd May at 2.30pm. The theme will be ‘Rogation Days – What are they?’ Everyone is welcome, and we hope to see you there. Refreshments will follow the service.
St Cuthbert’s Walking Challenge:
Are you able to participate in the St Cuthbert’s Walking Challenge in May? If so, please speak to Nicki, Judith or Joan. Details of how to support our challenge by ‘sponsorship’, will follow. Thank you!
Phoenix Group:
Please see details in the April issue of ‘The Sign’ regarding 2 planned trips – Rosslyn Chapel on 9th May and Canal Trip on 2nd July. (still places available on both trips). Please speak to Margaret Kieran, Jean Myers or Margaret Temple if you are interested.
Weekly Prayer:
Dear Lord and Shepherd, we thank you for you faithfulness and forgiveness as we strive in our imperfection to match them. Help us to worship you in recognition of your glory and majesty. Help us to love, as you loved us. Give us the courage to act as we know we should.
Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action (1 John 3.18) Amen.
Scottish Charity Number: SC007578
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Scottish Charity Number: SC007578