St Cuthbert’s Notes – Fourth Sunday of Easter – 26 April 2026
Music:
Introit Hymn 407 – Jesus, where’er thy people meet
Gradual Hymn 355 – In heavenly love abiding
Offertory Hymn 379 – Jesus calls us: o’er the tumult
Communion Hymn 166 – Faithful Shepherd, feed me
Post-Communion Hymn 711 – The head that once was crowned with thorns
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 2.42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2.19-25
For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Gospel: John 10.1-10
‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
~~~
Thank you!
The afternoon tea on 18th April was a lovely event. Everyone who attended said how much they enjoyed it. Many thanks to the Catering Crew and Vestry Members for all their hard work and a special mention to Megan for the beetle drive. It was such good fun and it took many of us back to the good old days. George Bungay, People’s Warden
Prayers for Peace: Tuesday 28th April
Join us as we come together in prayer for peace in our hearts, our communities, and our world. Prayers will take place on the last Tuesday of each month at Noon, in Church. All are welcome.
Fresh Start:
Our thanks and appreciation go to Hilary Pritchard – our Fresh Start Co-ordinator for many years – providing St Cuthbert’s with updates on this Edinburgh charity and their fundraising events, and for arranging successful collections here in Colinton. As Hilary steps down from this role, we are looking for a volunteer/s to come forward to take over. Please speak to Nicki or any member of Vestry if you can help. Thank you.
Dementia Awareness Workshop: with Diana Kerr, Author of ‘Singing Groups for People with Dementia’
Tuesday 5th May 1.30pm – 3.30pm in St Cuthbert’s Church, Colinton. Please join us at this workshop to learn more about dementia and particularly the most positive ways to engage with anyone living with the disease. Refreshments will be served. No need to book a place – no charge to attend. Just come along on the day. All welcome.
Scottish Parliamentary Election on Thursday 7th May 2026: St Cuthbert’s Church Hall Polling Place
There will be no access into (unless you are coming to vote!) or through the hall from 8.30pm on Wednesday 6th May and on Thursday 7th May due to Election Polling. Thank you.
Thursday Afternoon Service: 7th May at 2.30pm – ‘JOY’
Please join us for this informal service in church – everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there. Please enter via the Church front door. Refreshments will be served in church after the service (not in the hall due to it being used for election polling).
New Role for Rev Cletus:
It has been a real honour and joy to have Cletus working alongside me since his arrival last summer. I am delighted to share the wonderful news that he will be moving to Christ Church, Falkirk, to take up the role of part-time Locum Priest on May 1st, while he completes his PhD. (I have been serving as their interim pastor since Pentecost 2025 and will continue to do so until Cletus finishes his studies.) His last service here will be May 10th and I hope you can join us for the service and refreshments following to wish him well. Thank you, Nicki
Recycling:
Please help us to recycle responsibly – we are trying to do our bit for the environment, and aim to recycle as much of our waste in church as possible.
Weekly Prayer:
Dear Lord and Shepherd, we thank you for your faithfulness and forgiveness as we strive in our imperfection to match them. Help us to worship you in recognition of your glory and majesty. Hold us fast and guide us in the narrow way, the way of steadfast belief in what is right.
Faithful shepherd, lead me
Where thy steps are seen (Hymn 166) Amen.
Scottish Charity Number: SC007578
Scottish Charity Number: SC007578
www.stcuthbertscolinton.org.uk
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