St Cuthbert’s Notes – Seventh Sunday of Easter – (Sunday after Ascension)
17 May 2026
Music:
Introit Hymn 378 – Jesus calls us here to meet him
Gradual Hymn 399 – Jesus shall reign
Offertory Hymn 453 -Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour
Communion Hymn 62 – Be still, for the presence of the Lord
Post-Communion Hymn 103 – Christ triumphant
Collect
Almighty God, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven. Mercifully give us faith to know that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading: Acts 1.6-14
So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel: John 17.1-11
After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
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The Sign:
Today is the deadline please for any information and articles for the June issue of ‘The Sign’. Please send to stcuthbertscolinton@gmail.com. Thank you.
Forget- Me-Notes:
Join us for an hour of music and memories, followed by refreshments – tomorrow, Monday 18th May from 2pm – 4pm in the church hall. All Welcome.
Pentecost:
We now look ahead to our Pentecost services on 24th May. I would like to invite everyone to wear something red as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. Nicki
Evensong:
Our next Evensong Service is at 5pm on Sunday 24th May. Please join us if you can. All Welcome.
Prayers for Peace: Tuesday 26 May
Join us as we come together in prayer for peace in our hearts, our communities, and our world. All are welcome. Last Tuesday of each month at Noon in church.
Our next Thursday afternoon service is on
4th June. All welcome.
Church BBQ: Saturday 27th June 2pm – 4pm
Join us to celebrate refugee week in June. Please let Joan or Judith know if you would like to join us, and they will give you a ticket.
Edinburgh Schools Singing Programme:
Music Education through Choral Singing: Primary 4 and Primary 5 Children
A chance to experience the joy of singing in a choir, grow in confidence and musical skills, and perform in exciting concerts. St Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday’s from 4.45pm – 5.45pm during school term time. For more information please contact Katrina Mackinnon by email: choraldirector@cathedral.net
Weekly Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, before your ascension into heaven, you commissioned your apostles to be your witnesses, inspired by the Holy Spirit. May we be similarly inspired to spread your gospel message in word and deed, according to your will. May we do so with joy and in spite of our limitations. Help us to remember your glorious ascension, by reflecting as far as we are able, your kingdom in Heaven, where you are seated at the right hand of God, the Father. Amen.
Scottish Charity Number: SC007578
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