ST CUTHBERT’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH

COLINTON

Pentecost 5

5 July 2020

COVID-19

No Services in Church

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Hymn 52 – At the name of Jesus At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, every tongue confess him King of glory now; ‘tis the Father’s pleasure we should call him Lord, who, from the beginning, was the mighty Word.

In your hearts enthrone him; there let him subdue all that is not holy, all that is not true; crown him as your captain in temptation’s hour; let his will enfold you in its light and power.

Truly, this Lord Jesus shall return again, with his Father’s glory. with his angel train; for all wreaths of empire meet upon his brow, and our hearts confess him King of glory now.

Caroline Mead Noel (1827-1877) alt. ©Copyright 2008 Kevin Mayhew Ltd, Anglican Hymns Old & New

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Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. The Peace The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Collect for Purity Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Confession and Absolution God is love and we are God's children. There is no room for fear in love. We love because God loved us first. Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith. God our Father, we confess to you and to our fellow members in the body of Christ that we have sinned in thought, word and deed, and in what we have failed to do.

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We are truly sorry. Forgive us our sins, and deliver us from the power of evil. For the sake of your Son who died for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord. God, who is both power and love, forgive us and free us from our sins, heal and strengthen us by the Spirit, and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen. Gloria (Said)

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

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Collect of the Day Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ has taught us that what we do for the least of your children we do also for him. Give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, who gave up his life and died for us, but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD First Reading: Romans 7.15-25a I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate.

Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right.

So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me.

I know that good does not live in me—that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it.

I don't do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do.

If I do what I don't want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me.

So I find that this law is at work: when I want to do what is good, what is evil is the only choice I have.

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My inner being delights in the law of God. But I see a different law at work in my body—a law that fights against the law which my mind approves of.

It makes me a prisoner to the law of sin which is at work in my body. What an unhappy man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death?

Thanks be to God, who does this through our Lord Jesus Christ!

This, then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God's law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Gradual Hymn 152 – Dear Lord and Father of mankind Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways! Re-clothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper rev’rence praise, in deeper rev’rence praise.

Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease; take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace, the beauty of thy peace.

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Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm; let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind and fire, O still small voice of calm! O still small voice of calm!

John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) ©Copyright 2008 Kevin Mayhew Ltd, Anglican Hymns Old & New

Gospel: Matthew 11.16-19, 25-30 Hear the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Glory to Christ our Saviour. “Now, to what can I compare the people of this day? They are like children sitting in the marketplace. One group shouts to the other, ‘We played wedding music for you, but you wouldn't dance! We sang funeral songs, but you wouldn't cry!’ When John came, he fasted and drank no wine, and everyone said, ‘He has a demon in him!’ When the Son of Man came, he ate and drank, and everyone said, ‘Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’ God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by its results.”At that time Jesus said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and learned. Yes, Father, this was how you were pleased to have it happen. “My Father has given me all things. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

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“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.

Give thanks to the Lord for his glorious Gospel. Praise to Christ our Lord. The Sermon

Studying our Gospel reading, I’m immediately transported back to events in my childhood or, more recently, the childhood experiences of my daughters or, even more recently, the experiences of my young granddaughters. Nothing much changes: there’s always the bossy group of youngsters who insist on playing the game they’ve chosen, using the rules they’ve decided on, and any child wishing to alter the rules or play a different game is scornfully excluded. I’m sure you can all think of examples of your own, and frequently witnessed an end result of tears of anguish, frustration and distress from the excluded child.

But how often does the bossy group, the little clique who sneer at the child wishing to initiate new rules or a new game, how often do they end up cross and dissatisfied, unwilling to admit that there could be something interesting in the other child’s ideas? We know of course that, in our passage from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus was recounting a parable, but certainly one that not only rang true in his day but speaks to us in our own day and society.

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As in all of his parables, Jesus was expressing deep truths. The mocking, dissatisfied children represented the crowd he was addressing, the crowd who found it difficult to appreciate that John, with his eccentric lifestyle, was pointing the way to the promised Messiah. They couldn’t see how his style, his way of conveying the message, fitted into their own preconceptions, expressed in the rules and expectations of their Jewish faith. And how could they accept Jesus, who was completely turning upside down their understanding of acceptable behaviour by eating and drinking with the marginalised and outcast of society? How could he possibly fit their picture of a true Jewish saviour, of their long anticipated Messiah? Their minds were indeed closed, they were behaving like narrow minded, bossy children, expecting others to play according to their rules, their interpretation of how the game should be played.

However, later in today’s passage from the Gospel, we find Jesus talking about a group of very different children, children who were curious, intrigued by something new, willing to follow the rules of the game, but open to a new interpretation of these. Jesus in this case was referring to those who really listened to his teaching and grasped the significance of it. These people were like the inquisitive child who wishes to understand the most basic issues of creation (like why a spider has eight legs: I could never find a satisfactory answer to that question!) the child who won’t let go until better understanding is reached, thus enabling him or her to move on in wonder to find out more about the incredible workings of the creator. I’m reminded at this

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point of another of Jesus’ parables, where those who truly listened and were prepared to take his teaching to heart and follow it faithfully, were like the seed that fell on fertile ground. These people had open minds and were able to truly recognise the workings of God through the words spoken by Jesus and were willing to mull over these words, to investigate further and come to realise the importance of following Jesus’ message wholeheartedly. However, unfortunately so many of his listeners were like the bossy clique of youngsters in the market place, their understanding and willingness to accept Jesus’ message blocked by their rigid preconceptions.

It is to the second group, the curious and open minded, that Jesus addressed the final words in our passage. His words of reassurance were directed at those people who’d opened their hearts and minds to receive a caring, compassionate and loving God. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.....For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ Jesus’ listeners were carrying the burdens of onerous and seemingly exclusive religious rules and laws. The yoke he spoke of refers to the new sense of direction Jesus was giving, a direction fulfilling the law, not breaking it, but allowing its full spirit to shine through in its fundamentally compassionate and original intent: a yoke much easier to bear than rigid adherence to rules.

How does all of this speak to us today, in our current circumstances? Well, firstly, those reassuring words

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embrace us too as we tread our chosen path, as Christians, as disciples of our Lord, a path often seeming somewhat subversive in a principally materialistic and individualistic world. We may sometimes feel distinctly at odds with the dominant culture, the culture in some ways well represented in Jesus’ parable by the bossy children in the market place. But also we need those reassuring words even more just now as we carry the burden of coping with the restrictions imposed on us in these scary, surreal and often tedious times of the Covid 19 pandemic. We can often feel alone, frustrated, nervous and fearful and find it hard to remember that we aren’t alone, that God is constantly with us in our struggles. And God knows us all, he recognises that as flawed human beings we will fall short, have doubts and often feel worn down by what we have to face in our daily lives. But he wants us to turn to him for help, as Julian of Norwich, the medieval hermit, asserts in her lovely little prayer: ‘God, of your goodness, give me yourself......If I ask for anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you do I have all.’

But it’s not that easy, is it? We pray, but where are the answers? Yes, we have various worship services on offer, either online, on TV or the radio or the service sheets Nicki faithfully sends out each week. Certainly they’re all a wonderful support, but perhaps the most telling answers God gives us just now are in the little everyday events, the phone call received from a friend we’ve not heard from for years, the cheery smile from the person delivering an item we’ve ordered or in the friendly greeting of a stranger we

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pass at a social distance in the street. God is working through all of this, but perhaps, when we experience those ‘down times’, the final words of that wonderful little prayer, ‘Blessings,’ may be the most reassuring of all. When we see only one set of footprints in the sand when we’re walking with God, that’s when he’s carrying us. Amen and blessings to all.

Margaret Dineley

Affirmation of Faith We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high. We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Intercessions

The response to: Lord in your mercy is: Hear our prayer.

We pray for your wonderful world as it bursts with life. Animals bring us a lot of happiness and we must look after them. Pray for all the animals who have been struggling to find food because we have been in lockdown. Pray for Edinburgh Zoo working so hard to raise money to feed the animals.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

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We remember young people who have just finished a very difficult term of learning. Pray that they may have fun and relaxation in the holidays. Remember our young people awaiting results of national exams which they were unable to sit. Remember teachers as they plan a safe return for all pupils to school buildings.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray that all people are respected whatever the colour of their skin. Help us to value the contributions of everyone.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who are ill the doctors and nurses looking after them. We remember all those shielding and their families helping to keep them safe. Remember especially Cora’s grandad who is about to come home from hospital.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who have died and their friends and families who are sad.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

Merciful father accept these prayers for the sake of your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Megan Emmerson and our Young People

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THE LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENT Offertory Hymn 835 – 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!

Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear, when the breakers roar and the reef is near? While the surges rage, and the wild winds blow, shall the angry waves then your bark o’erflow?

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Will your eyes behold through the morning light, the city of gold and the harbour bright? Will you anchor safe by the heav’nly shore, when life’s storms are past for evermore?

Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1899) ©Copyright 2008 Kevin Mayhew Ltd, Anglican Hymns Old & New

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation; through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made; it will become for us the bread of life. Blessed be God for ever.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation; through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands; it will become the cup of our salvation. Blessed be God for ever. Eucharistic Prayer The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.

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OPENING PRAYER: celebrating the work of God, Father, Son and Spirit, in creating, restoring and bringing to completion, all that is His.

Worship and praise belong to you, Father, in every place and at all times. All power is yours. You created the heavens and established the earth; you sustain in being all that is. In Christ your Son our life and yours are brought together in a wonderful exchange. He made his home among us that we might for ever dwell in you. Through your Holy Spirit you call us to new birth in a creation restored by love. As children of your redeeming purpose, we offer you our praise, with angels and archangels and the whole company of heaven, singing the hymn of your unending glory: SANCTUS: an anthem to God’s glory.

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

BENEDICTUS: The greeting to him who came in the flesh, comes in the sacrament and is still to come.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. CHRISTOLOGICAL PRAYER: Thanksgiving to God for all that was accomplished in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

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Glory and thanksgiving be to you, most loving Father, for the gift of your Son born in human flesh. He is the Word existing beyond time, both source and final purpose, bringing to wholeness all that is made. Obedient to your will he died upon the Cross. By your power you raised him from the dead. He broke the bonds of evil and set your people free to be his Body in the world. NARRATIVE OF THE INSTITUTION: an account of the Last Supper.

On the night when he was given up to death, knowing that his hour had come, having loved his own, he loved them to the end. At supper with his disciples he took bread and offered you thanks. He broke the bread, and gave it to them, saying: "Take, eat. This is my Body: it is broken for you." After supper, he took the cup, he offered you thanks, and gave it to them saying: "Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new covenant; it is poured out for you, and for all, that sins may be forgiven. Do this in remembrance of me." ANAMNESIS AND OBLATION: The work of Christ is recalled and linked with our offering.

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We now obey your Son's command. We recall his blessed passion and death, his glorious resurrection and ascension; and we look for the coming of his Kingdom. Made one with him, we offer you these gifts and with them ourselves, a single, holy living sacrifice. EPICLESIS: We ask for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the divine response to our obedience.

Hear us, most merciful Father, and send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this bread and this wine, that, overshadowed by his life-giving power, they may be the Body and Blood of your Son, and we may be kindled with the fire of your love and renewed for the service of your Kingdom. PRAYER OF PETITION: As members of the Church we pray for her whole life and mission.

Help us, who are baptised into the fellowship of Christ's Body to live and work to your praise and glory; may we grow together in unity and love until at last, in your new creation, we enter into our heritage in the company of the Virgin Mary, the apostles and prophets, Saint Cuthbert and of all our brothers and sisters living and departed. DOXOLOGY: A concluding act of praise. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be to you, Lord of all ages, world without end. Amen.

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Breaking of the Bread The living bread is broken for the life of the world. Lord, unite us in this sign. Lord’s Prayer As our Saviour Christ has commanded and taught us, we are bold to say: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Communion

Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.

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Communion Hymn 321 – How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear! It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear.

Weak is the effort of my heart, and cold my warmest thought; but when I see thee as thou art, I’ll praise thee as I ought.

Till then I would thy love proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of thy name refresh my soul in death.

John Newton (1725-1807) ©Copyright 2008 Kevin Mayhew Ltd, Anglican Hymns Old & New

God of unending love, you are present to us in Word and Sacrament. With all around the world who gather to worship, I offer you my praise and thanksgiving; and though I cannot eat the bread of God, or drink the royal wine of heaven, I pray that I may know the fountain of your love drench my heart and your Incarnate presence encompass me behind and before, that through the power of your Spirit, I may rejoice in the sure and certain hope that I abide in your wondrous love now and for all eternity, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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THANKSGIVING AND SENDING OUT Give thanks to our gracious God Whose mercy endures for ever. Post Communion Prayer Father, your steadfast purpose is the completion of all things in your Son. May we who have received the pledges of the kingdom, live by faith, walk in hope and be renewed in love, until the world reflects your glory and you are all in all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessing The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always. Amen. Dismissal Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

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HYMN 232– Go forth and tell

Go forth and tell! O Church of God, awake! God’s saving news to all the nations take: proclaim Christ Jesus, Saviour, Lord and King, that all the world his worthy praise may sing.

Go forth and tell! the doors are open wide: share God’s good gifts – let no one be denied; live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose, your ransomed powers for his sole glory use.

Go forth and tell! O Church of God, arise! Go in the strength which Christ your Lord supplies; go til all nations his great name adore and serve him, Lord and King, for evermore.

James Edward Seddon (1915-1983) ©The representatives of the late James Edward

Seddon/Jubilate Hymns. Used by permission. ©Copyright 2008 Kevin Mayhew Ltd, Anglican Hymns Old & New

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St Cuthbert’s Notes 5 July 2020 St Cuthbert’s, Colinton Re-Opens: The church (church only) is now open for private prayer on a Monday & Thursday, 2pm-4pm, abiding by all government guidelines, and following the instructions for visiting the church given by the Vestry of St Cuthbert’s. If you have any queries, please contact stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com YouTube: From this Sunday, to join the full service each week, including readings, intercessions, and the hymns played by Philip please use this link to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3iPQOkQiVERjeHZbj2OnBQ/playlists Weekly Prayer: Creator God, who breathed this world into being, who is discernible within the harmony of nature, the perfection of a butterfly's wing, the grandeur of a mountain range, the soaring eagle and humming bird, thank you for this world which you have created. Thank you for summer sun, which reminds us that your creative breath is still alive and active. Thank you for the warmth of your love, sustaining this world, your garden. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.