The Gathering
As Samuel Johnson remarked, “… let me tell you, the noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees, is that high road that leads him to England!” As so it was such great pleasure that we were able to welcome the members of the Lancashire & Cheshire Federation of Scottish Societies for their annual service. This is part of a weekend of celebrations which have been held for some years now within the boundaries of the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde.
A congregation of close on 100, which included our very good friends, the mayor & mayoress of the Borough of Wyre, Cllr & Mrs Alan Vincent, filled the nave. They were welcomed in the porch by Wendy Slattery, Ann Shadbolt and Rene Stevenson. The service was led by the Federation’s honorary chaplain, the Revd Sandy Mailer, who is also the Federation’s chieftain. (Mr Mailer is a retired United Reformed Church minister.)
The Federation’s standard was carried by Stewart Ross. The readers included the chaplain, the Chieftain’s Lady, Mary Mailer, and the Federation President, Jean Johnson. The morning gifts were taken up by Wendy Slattery, Ann Shadbolt, Rene Stevenson and Jean Riley. Spirited music was provided throughout by the John Gibson.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
THE CALL TO WORSHIP
HYMN 117: O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made (Tune: How great thou art. Music: Swedish folk melody arranged by Stuart K Hine. Words: Russian hymn translated Stuart K Hine.)
During the singing of the first hymn the Federation’s standard shall be brought for safe keeping in the chancel
PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
- READING: Psalm 24, Verses 1 to 6 … Reader: Chieftain’s Lady
HYMN 679: The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want (Tune: Crimond. Music: Melody ascribed to Jessie Irvine but more probably by David Grant harmonised by TCL Pritchard. Words: Metrical version by William Whittingham)
NOTICES FOR THE COMING WEEK AND THE ELDERS WAIT ON US FOR OUR MORNING GIFTS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
HYMN 308, 309, and 308: Spirit of the living God (Tune: Spirit of the living God. Music: Daniel Iverson harmonised by Gerald L Barnes. Words: Daniel Iverson & Michael Baughen.)
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts, Chapter 11, Verses 1 to 18. Bench ‘Good News Bible’ New Testament page 162 … Reader: The Chaplain
GOSPEL: John, Chapter 13, Verses 31 to 35. Bench ‘Good News Bible’ New Testament page 137 … Reader: The Federation President
- SERMON
HYMN 558: Will you come and follow me, if I but call your name? (Tune: Kelvingrove. Music: Scottish traditional melody arranged by the compilers of R&S. Words: John Bell & Graham Maule.)
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
HYMN 289: To God be the glory, great things he has done! (Tune: To God be the glory. Music: WH Doane. Words: Fanny Crosby.)
During the singing of the hymn the Federation’s standard shall be returned from safe keeping in the chancel
PRAYER OF DISMISSAL AND BLESSING
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Following the service the members paraded to the cenotaph in the Memorial Park to lay a wreath of poppies. On their return refreshments were served by the ladies of the church in the main hall.