Harvest – 5 October 2025
Music:
Introit Hymn 144 -Come, ye thankful people, come
Gradual Hymn 197 – For the fruits of his creation
Offertory Hymn 801 -We plough the fields and scatter
Communion Hymn 260 – God, whose farm is all creation
Post-Communion Hymn 183 – Fill your hearts with joy and gladness
Collect:
Creator of the fruitful earth, you made us stewards of all things. Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness, and steadfast wills to use your bounty well, that the whole human family, today and in generations to come, may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading: Joel 2.21-27
Do not fear, O soil; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things! Do not fear, you animals of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit, the fig tree and vine give their full yield. O children of Zion, be glad and rejoice in the LORD your God; for he has given the early rain for your vindication, he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the later rain, as before. The threshing-floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
Second Reading: Philippians 4.4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Gospel: John 6.25-35
When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Harvest Thanks:
Foodbank Collection
Thank you for your donations to our Harvest Foodbank Collection. Everything you have donated is much appreciated.
Flowers
Thank you to our Flower Team for the beautiful Harvest floral arrangements in Church.
Harvest Lunch Today
Thank you to the Events & Fundraising Team for organising the lunch today in the hall.
Choir
Many thanks, as always, to Philip and our Choir for the wonderful Harvest Music.
Please do come along to our Evensong Service, this evening at 5pm, followed by wine and nibbles. All Welcome.
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Forget me Notes:
We are looking for some additional helpers to make tea for the singers at Forget me Notes on the first and third Mondays of each month. This is a delightful and special programme which is enjoyed very much by those who attend and there is now a regular group of about 12-20. There is a rota so it is likely that you would only be called to help on perhaps 2 Mondays in a 3 month period. Duties include setting up small tables and making tea, all biscuits etc are provided. The singing session starts at 2pm and tea is at 3pm. For more information or to volunteer please speak to Joan Smith.
All Souls:
If you would like someone remembered during the 10.30am service on Sunday 2nd November, please print their names on the list at the back of church. Thank you.
Weekend Hall Lets:
If you are able to help open and close the church hall for the various weekend parties and events taking place here over the next busy few weeks, please let Marie know if you can help – email: stcuthbertscolinton@gmail.com
Thank you.
The Phoenix Club:
We are very pleased to say that Jean Myers has booked the Royal Scots Club for our Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 10 December at 1pm for 1.30 pm. Please just Save the Date just now, and if you would like to attend, please let us know, if you have not already done so. We also plan to have a buffet lunch at the Liberton Golf Club – maybe in November. Margaret K, Jean M and Margaret T
Piano:
A member of the local community has been in touch offering a piano to anyone who would like it – please contact stcuthbertscoliton@gmail.com for further details.
Weekly Prayer:
Dear Lord and Father of mankind, help us to be more aware of all the other living things with whom we share this planet; flowers, shrubs, trees, insects, birds and animals. How beautiful they all are! May we be more thoughtful for the future flourishing of flora and fauna and thankful for how they interact with us. We thank you for everything you give us, especially today we thank you for yet another harvest. Amen.
Scottish Charity Number: SC007578
www.stcuthbertscolinton.org.uk
Facebook: @stcuthbertscolinton
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