Morning Praise Items – Amazing Grace & Psalm 60
Amazing grace -how sweet the sound-
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
God’s grace first taught my heart to fear,
his grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
his grace has brought me safe this far
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
my shield and great reward is he
as long as life endures.
And when this mortal life is past
and earthly days shall cease,
I shall possess with Christ at last
eternal joy and peace.
The earth will soon dissolve like snow,
the sun no longer shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be for ever mine.
Psalm 60
When troubles come and hopes depart
in mercy, Lord, arise;
the ruined landscape of my heart
lies bare before your eyes.
Where human pride is humbled low
and crushed beneath your hand,
your solace, Lord, again bestow
and heal this broken land.
Though darkness seems to hide your face
amid earth’s sin and pain,
break through the clouds, O God of grace,
restore my soul again.
The banner of your love unfurled
proclaims a sheltering arm;
no foes in all this fallen world
can bring your people harm.
In holiness your word goes forth
from that eternal throne:
to east and west, to south and north,
your glory rules alone.
Frail human strength is nothing worth
beset by evil powers,
yet with the God of all the earth
the victory is ours!
TIMOTHY DUDLEY-SMITH
© Author CCL Licence No. 1203197
CM – Tune St Magnus
Additional Evening Praise Item
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
a great high priest, whose name is love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is written on his hands,
my name is hidden in his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
no power can force me to depart,
no power can force me to depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
and tells me of the guilt within,
I look to heaven, and see him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Saviour died
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God, the just, is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me,
to look on him and pardon me.
Behold him there! The risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace!
One with himself, I cannot die,
my soul is purchased by his blood;
my life is safe with Christ on high,
with Christ, my Saviour and my God,
with Christ, my Saviour and my God.
CHARITIE L BANCROFT 1841-1923
CCL Licence No. 1203197
Tune: Before the Throne (extended) DLM
Dingwall & Strathpeffer Free Church is a Designated Scottish Charity: SC011143
welcome to
DINGWALL &
STRATHPEFFER
free church
God calls us to delight in Christ and to share His Hope.
Sunday 12th December 2010
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
Led by God, we join together in joyful and reverent worship, seeking unity and maturity in Christ, preparing every believer to share and show God’s Hope as revealed in His Word.
Welcome! We meet for worship in Dingwall at 11.00 am (conducted by the minister) and 6 pm (with communion conducted by Rev Calum MacMillan, Rosskeen). Lunch is served in the hall about 15 minutes after the morning service: all are welcome. Tea and coffee is served after the evening service. There is a short practice for the carol service in the church shortly after the morning service. All are welcome to remain for that or to remain and chat in the foyer before lunch is served.
Children go out to Sunday School andBible Classafter the second singing this morning. The Sunday school classes meet in the HTC building this morning. A crèche is also available in the church hall.
Due to the recent bad weather and the forecast of a return to wintry conditions, the Friday Fellowship meal planned for later this week has been postponed until early in the new year.
There is a monthly offering today for our OMF missionary partners.
Tea Rota: Karen Mackay is renewing the tea rota for next year. Talk to her (01349 864067) to join or come off the rota.
A GUIDE TO COMMUNION THIS EVENING
Today we are delighted to welcome into the membership of the congregationRev Andrew and Mrs Margaret Fraser, 4 Drumdyre Road, Dingwall (862545), who join us by certificate of transfer from Lochinver. The Kirk Session meets briefly in the small hall at 5.45 pm this evening. Christians visiting our congregation are welcome to share with us in communion. Anyone wishing to come into membership is asked to speak to the minister, an elder or the welcome team. Jesus shared bread with his followers and commanded them to continue to remember his death by regularly sharing a memorial meal. This meal uses bread and wine as reminders of Jesus’ body and blood. Eating the meal symbolises Jesus giving up His life for us on the cross and our “taking” Jesus as our Lord and King. In our refurbished church building we serve bread and wine to all those seated downstairs. The Bible tells us to examine our life before we share in such a meal (1 Cor. 11:28). If you are a Christian (someone who trusts in Jesus) this memorial meal is for you and will strengthen your faith. If you are not yet a Christian, you first need to find a living faith in Jesus. Ask Him to become your Saviour. Our sins are never a reason to stay away from the Lord, or from Communion. Instead we are invited to turn from our sin to Jesus: a process the Bible calls repentance. Those who repent find peace with God and so should come thankfully to share in communion. Those not taking part are asked simply to pass the bread and wine along the row to those seated nearby.
Worship: The Kirk Session recently unanimously agreed to accept the finding of the General Assembly on worship to allow greater liberty in our local practice. We will continue to give predominance to Psalms and scripture songs. As appropriate we will add to our traditional practice the use of suitable hymns and spiritual songs. The Session agreed to permit the use of instruments to help congregational praise when this was appropriate and to give some greater variety to our praise. We will seek to conserve the best of our traditional practice along with the best additional materials to supplement our worship. We pray that God may have all the glory.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Presbytery meets in Greyfriars Church, Inverness, this Monday at 7 pm.
Mini Marvels parent and toddler group meets in the foyer each Tuesday at 10.30 am. To get involved please talk to Anna Stirling, Erin Maston or Ishbel MacArthur.
Women’s Bible Study: a Bible study on The Sermon on the Mount is held at Rhoda MacDonald’s home, 1 Eastbank (862473), at 10.30 am this Tuesday 14th December. It will resume again in the new year.
Home Groups: The Dingwall North and South, Pelaig, Strathpeffer and Conon home groups are organising a time of prayer and an evening of food and fellowship this Wednesday evening (or as arranged) in place of our prayer meeting this week. The Tulloch group plans to hold their event on Saturday 29th January at 6.30 pm at 29 Bayne Drive. Folk not attending a home group event this week may wish to support the prayer meeting at Evanton Free Church on Wednesday at 7.30 pm.
Praise Practice for Carol Service: Anyone who would like to practice singing or be part of a small group next Sunday is welcome to a practice at the Free Church Manse, Firthview, at 7.30 pm this Tuesday 14thDecember (862183).
The Gap Youth Café plans aChristmas Meal with a Gospel Talk this Thursday evening. We would appreciate help from some of the ladies in the church to help with catering for the young folk at the Café. Talk to Matthew, Naomi, Alan or Lynn to get involved.
Road to Recovery: A support group is available in the church hall for folk living with addiction. The group meets every Thursday from 7.30 pm. Those directly affected by addiction including carers and family members are all most welcome.
Roots: The Christmas eventis this Friday. A bus leaves Dingwall Church at 6.30 pm.
INVITATIONS TO OUR CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Please take some invitation cards to pass on to your family and friends or work colleagues. If you can you spare some time to deliver invitations around the town see the minister after the services today.
LOCAL BLYTHSWOOD BOOKSHOP SALE
The Blythswood Christian Bookshop in the Dingwall Station Square (864608) is offering 25% off all Book Stock until 24th December. Please consider visiting to ensure the future of our local bookshop. (Open Monday to Saturday 10 am – 12:30pm & 2 - 5 pm, closed Thursday afternoons and at 4 pm on Saturday).
CHRISTMAS 2010 EVENTS
Sunday 12th December - a bring-and-share lunch will follow morning service.
Wednesday 15th December - Home Groups Prayer fellowship and Social Night.
Thursday 16th December – Gap Youth Café Christmas Meal – 7.00 pm.
Sunday 19th December - All-Age Christmas Family Service at 11 am.
Sunday 19th December - Carols for Christ our King at 6 pm.
Thursday 23rd December - School Service in Strath. Parish Church at 10 am.
Sunday 26th December - Family Service at 11 am.
Wednesday 29th December – Family Fellowship Night with worship, eats and a quiz.
Saturday 1st January 2011 - Worship for New Year’s Day at 11 am.
Sunday 2nd January at 6 pm – Meeting The Messiah with help from Handel.
Ceilidh night at the end of January / early February.
COMING EVENTS
Out of the Box run a puppet musical event for children and adults on Saturday 18th December in Inshes Church at 6.30 pm. The theme is 'Born in Bethlehem.’
The Deacons’ Court have an end-of year meeting in the hall on Tuesday 21st December at 7.30 pm.
Girls Group: Naomi Nakahashi will be running a new group for girls in the congregation on Friday afternoons, twice a month from January.
SERVING ONE ANOTHER
Welcome Team: Fred Lees, Angus MacKay, Murdo MacKay, and Joan Chamier-Tripp.
Crèche: 12th - Joan Stewart & Rhoda Urquhart. 19th - Julia Reid & Iona Forbes.
Bus Drivers: 12th – M MacArthur – 861250. 19th – A Stirling – 865324. 26th – D MacRae – 865998.
Nursing Homes: Fodderty House at 1.45 pm, 19th – Ron MacMaster. Ross Memorial Hospital, Sunday 19th at 2 pm – Rev A MacRae.
To Contact the Minister – Rev Angus MacRae: Free Church Manse, Firth View, Dingwall. 01349 862183. (Email: ).
CD / Tape Orders: Sina (01349 865998) or Fred (01349 864297)
Disabled Access is via a ramp and internal lift at the back door of the church.
Website: Sermons and newsletters are available at
Call to worship (Jeremiah 29:11-13 & Psalm 63:1,3)
Minister - The Lord says: I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
ALL: O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you.
Minister - The Lord says: Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
ALL: O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you.
Minister - The Lord says: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
ALL: O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Amen.
MORNING PRAISE
63:1-8* (p.80) LM
Hymn: Amazing Grace (CM Amazing Grace)
80a14-19* (p. 107)
60 (Version by Tim Dudley-Smith) CM St Magnus.
EVENING PRAISE
116:1-6 (p. 395)
Prayer / Reading
22:1-8* (p. 25)
Sermon
Hymn: Before the throne of God above (Tune DLM Before the throne of God above)
Table
72:17-19 (p. 314)
Amazing grace-how sweet the sound-
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
God’s grace first taught my heart to fear,
his grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
his grace has brought me safe this far
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
my shield and great reward is he
as long as life endures.
And when this mortal life is past
and earthly days shall cease,
I shall possess with Christ at last
eternal joy and peace.
The earth will soon dissolve like snow,
the sun no longer shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be for ever mine.
JOHN NEWTON 1725-1807
© Jubilate Hymns
Morning Version of Psalm 60
When troubles come and hopes depart
in mercy, Lord, arise;
the ruined landscape of my heart
lies bare before your eyes.
Where human pride is humbled low
and crushed beneath your hand,
your solace, Lord, again bestow
and heal this broken land.
Though darkness seems to hide your face
amid earth’s sin and pain,
break through the clouds, O God of grace,
restore my soul again.
The banner of your love unfurled
proclaims a sheltering arm;
no foes in all this fallen world
can bring your people harm.
In holiness your word goes forth
from that eternal throne:
to east and west, to south and north,
your glory rules alone.
Frail human strength is nothing worth
beset by evil powers,
yet with the God of all the earth
the victory is ours!
TIMOTHY DUDLEY-SMITH
© Author CCL Licence No. 1203197
CM – Tune St Magnus
Evening hymn:
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
a great high priest, whose name is love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is written on his hands,
my name is hidden in his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
no power can force me to depart,
no power can force me to depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
and tells me of the guilt within,
I look to heaven, and see him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Saviour died
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God, the just, is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me,
to look on him and pardon me.
Behold him there! The risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace!
One with himself, I cannot die,
my soul is purchased by his blood;
my life is safe with Christ on high,
with Christ, my Saviour and my God,
with Christ, my Saviour and my God.
CHARITIE L BANCROFT 1841-1923
CCL Licence No. 1203197
Tune: Before the Throne (extended) DLM
CAMPS 50th ANNIVERSARY
We have available some tea towels (£4) and DVDs (£6) commemorating 50 years of Free Church youth camps. These are available on the table in the foyer.
Sunday Morning: Does Christmas Matter? – Jason Maston – Hebrews 2
47:1-9* (p. 62)
46a:8-11* (p. 60)
8:3-9* (p. 8)
Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean (8787D)
Sunday Evening: Christian Certainties – Douglas Horne - Romans 8:28-39
145(1):1-7 (page 442)
36:5-10* (page 44)
61:1-5 (page 293)
96:1-9* (page 126)
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone! - who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Thankyou Music
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
William Rees 1802-83 8787D
My Lord you wore no royal crown (LM)
My Lord, you wore no royal crown;
you did not wield the powers of state,
nor did you need a scholar's gown
or priestly robe, to make you great.
You never used a killer's sword
to end an unjust tyranny;
your only weapon was your word,
for truth alone could set us free.
You did not live a world away
in hermit's cell or desert cave,
but felt our pain and shared each day
with those you came to seek and save.
You made no mean or cunning move,
chose no unworthy compromise,
but carved a track of burning love
through tangles of deceit and lies.