RevSarah Shares: Recent Episodes
Rev Sarah Ross
As we enter the land of podcasts, making worship material available in a variety of settings we are starting out with the weekly bible reading and reflection. We hope over time to develop more but as we explore here we will learn as we go! Do look us up on social media and website as Moncreiff (watch the ei - it catches many out including the Minister!).
A thoughtful time at the moment considering diaries, the filling of time and the good use of time along with other random updates and a wee poem about how important we all are. How good are you at saying no? Or at disappointing people? #ministry
It has been a whirlwind week since I left you on Tuesday. Meetings and ministry, conversations and communion, wedding dresses and football. Busy, busy, yet exciting and exhilarating. I love it but at the same time it is concerning. But join me in the chaos and the movement of the Spirit.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes. A year older but no wiser. Thinking session work, ministry and mission, the danger of overthinking and the gift of creativity. Plus a few encouraging verses from scripture. Oh and prayers for a football event…. #ministry #prayer #clergymum #creativity
Ministry is a whirlwind of activity and diary management. All good fun but there are only so many hours. But I love to give them away. Asked what I wanted for my birthday - more time! There is so much I want to do…enjoy today’s instalment and give it away - your life, your love and … #ministry #Christianity #clergymum
Ministry has become a voyage of discovery - well I suppose it always has been. Maybe old age is taking its toll! Some thoughts on being confident, the challenges of time such as Saturday meetings and other aspects to life. Can we, can I trust the potter? #ministry #learning #confidence.
It is super late but it is still Friday. Need to find my recording rhythm (I promise). A wee catch up on a week that has been jam packed but also very joyous. Celebrating lives, even in loss, and marking milestones. Blessings Sarah
The last update of the GA experience touching on highlights, questions about manses, CPD and whether one ever truly stops being in the parish…as well as remembering the gift of presence. Did the mood of the GA follow the weather? For my take on some of it (and remember at times I was distracted by other responsibilities) do have a listen along. Have a great weekend and catch you next Tuesday.
For those of you brave enough to listen to another minister ramble on here are my insights from today. May it bring you something to smile about and to pray about. At least it wasn’t all about the money! Quite a well balanced set of topics to be fair. #GA2024
This week they have made me leave the parish (though you’ll notice I sneak back!) so I’ll share with you the best I can some food for thought over the coming week. What is the purpose of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland? Keeping an open mind here! Honest. All welcome to join me on my field trip. God bless you. #GA2024 #ministry
The power of one, the presbytery plan and pushing the wrong button. It’s been quite a tough few days. But now I’m on annual leave so you get peace for a week or so. Back next Friday. Until then God bless you!
Welcome to Friday just back in the door from the party and sharing the bundle of joy that was was Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! Lots of fun and privilege. Thanks for joining with me again.
Unravelling - a good thing? Feeling under the weather but my mouth still works. Enjoy the wee thinkings as I debrief with you…and I hope you help recognise the nudges of the Spirit.
Another Friday… wow. Where does the time go? Lots of beginnings and ministry development. And family….
Another episode - a good week. A planning week thinking about what we do and perhaps more importantly why! As well as wee updates…do enjoy and love to hear your feedback.
Another week has passed and what a week. A quieter end to the week but that’s no bad thing. Lots of worship prep, hanging out with people and generally pondering about forgiveness, transformation and the future.
Welcome to another episode of the new twice weekly format. I mention no rhythm to ministry in the podcast but maybe there is more than I realise. Something to ponder. However, here we talk weddings, baptism, running and the ability to make people cry! Hope you enjoy the ponderings again and maybe by Friday I’ll even find some profound to say. God bless. Love Sarah
Welcome to another edition of the RevSarah Shares Podcast. All recorded on Spotify this time so a little different. Covers Wed-Fri! Enjoy!
So I promised vaguely a Tuesday and Friday episode. Not had time to update the cover but here is April. The first few days after Holy Week and Easter can be hard to navigate and so some of this sounds more down than up. But actually, as always, the love of ministry for Jesus overpowers the negativity the institution can sometimes bring...
Still here, and still doing washing!
Love of Christ be with you!
Blessings
Sarah
Happy Easter. Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed.
Welcome to the last day of my March Podcast. I will be back twice a week (at least that is the plan!) - Tuesdays and Fridays.
It is Easter Sunday and I share some of the joy of that, my sense of blessing and the love I have for Moncreiff.
So now I sign off and back Tuesday...
God bless and lots of love.
Sarah
ministry #parish #Easter #Godheals #hope #Moncreiff
It is Holy Saturday. Another day off that didn't quite happen.
But it has been a good day and been full of blessings.
Finishing touches to services, sorting out various things and avoiding a house fire....
Have a blessed night and yes Dad is on his way home!
Love Sarah
ministry #parish #churchofscotland #hope #moncreiff
It is Good Friday and I am still in awe of Maundy Thursday and writing Easter Sunday. No wonder I never know what day of the week it is. Some observations about ministry and the privilege. And an accidental recording of my hubby!
All is good and the Mac Cheese worked well...
Bless you for joining with me and for the reminder that no minister is an island...
God bless
Love Sarah
ministry #lent #GoodFriday #parish #churchofscotland #moncreiff
It is Maundy Thursday and it has been quite the day. Kettle's On, a funeral for a much loved lady, Asda's and preparing for our Maundy Thursday service. Oh yes, and my Dad went for his long awaited hip operation.
Every blessing on this special day where I touch on the topic of foot washing and the intimacy of touch. Honesty!
Love Sarah
ministry #holyweek #lent #footwashing #parish #honesty #MaundyThursday
The end of the month is coming near and I am looking forward to reflecting on this past month. Well aware that the work/life balance is out and certainly feeling it. But also grateful that I have more to rejoice over right now than stress over.
Holy Week service tonight was the spiritual balance I needed but more about that tomorrow. Today I have been into Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, even dabbled with Good Friday and planned Easter Sunday outlines. Talk about a week in a day!
Also having annoying habits behind you from the husband, the wonder of technology and a run in the snow.
What a day!
God bless
Love Sarah
ministry #parish #clergymum #deskday #Lent #HolyWeek #healing #fidgets #Moncreiff
Another busy day but tomorrow is a 'quiet' day! Shhh
Looking forward to Holy Week worship tonight but here is some thoughts on last nights, along with a capture of my day in chaplaincy and community ministry. Another day of setting up my new computer and working towards not requiring a PC. Is that possible?
Have a fabulous night/day and may your feet keep paddling...
Love Sarah
ministry #lent #worship #praise #chaplaincy #assemblies #welcome #Moncreiff #parish
It is Holy Monday and also Easter Assemblies for our local high school. They get to come down to Church - poor souls got soaked. It was good fun and seemed to be well received.
For ministers we don't get to celebrate these special times of the year in linear time. It is interesting and challenging at the same time.
I hope you enjoy today's thoughts and I look forward to what tomorrow brings. Off to a Holy Week Service...
One thing I might do in retirement is have a year off so I can do the Christian year in the right order!
Blessings
Sarah
ministry #parish #chaplaincy #busy #Lent #Moncreiff #churchofscotland
One week to go of the daily podcast and what a week to finish on. Today thinking about planning for church growth rather than decline so kinda get on my soap box again. A day of moving about and another train...
And finding a signal...
God bless!
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Love Sarah
ministry #parish #Lent #Moncreiff #hope-filled #EK #ChurchofScotland #PalmSunday
A great day - I ain't complaining. Mind you the bathroom unit is built but still in the living room! I got coffee out with a friend and we didn't talk work!
We have a wonderful piece of poetry/prayer from Sheena Oo today, inspired by our Covenanting with Creation series (Eco-Congregation Scotland influenced) and it is fab. I am sure you will agree.
Grateful for the encouragement too!
God bless you!
Love Sarah
ministry #poetry #prayer #God #Lent #preparation #parish #Moncreiff #bestjobever
Welcome to a time themed podcast. Perhaps just sparked by the fact family are going to see Back to the Future tomorrow or just the busy period of Lent and Easter. Struck today in my reflecting on how God knows we are human and what that actually means...
And that I need to swallow my own advice...
So enjoy whilst I go find a comfy seat (and walk the dog and pick up the kid and... :) )
God bless
Love Sarah
Not quite another day in the office but certainly not a lot of time in front of a screen. Chatting and sorting, listening and praying...definitely another interesting one for me.
Hopefully you enjoy this and have an answer to the question -which is most important the crucifixion or the resurrection?
Enjoy...
Blessings
Sarah
christian #God #parish #moncreiff #conversations #hope #chaplaincy #beingpresent #churchofscotland
Welcome to another day in the parish and I was in the parish. Hanging out in the church office was good for me (and put some on their best behaviour!). And then it was some more Holy Week prep before a visit to Maxwellton Primary for 3 hours. And then the largest Zoom call I have been on with the Presbytery! What have I got myself into now?
Included is a beautiful piece Like a Mighty River by singer and organist Jonathan Buchan that he had recorded for people like me to use for video services. It seemed apt for tonight!
Prayers for Presbytery.
God bless! See you at coffee tomorrow?
Love Sarah
ministry #parish #churchofscotland #pastoral #listening #hope #prayers #candle #music
Scripture pushes me to be honest about how I feel the ministry we are called to can, at times, be manipulated by the good intentioned. And that I too must be honest about how I feel about other workers in the field especially when they are different to me. As human beings we can resent others without meaning too...question is am I a guiding light or a snuffer?
Plus I learn about insurance for Isla and enjoy a different kind of coffee and buy books...
Enjoy and forgive me...
Love Sarah
parish #ministry #minirant #Moncreiff #Christian #God #workers #hope #confession
It's Monday again - how does that happen?
Welcome to this episode where the Lord challenges me over hindrances, I do get out and about and get outsmarted by my dog Isla!
Enjoy!
Love Sarah
ministry #chaplain #seacadets #parish #dog #pastoral #hindrance #faith
Happy St Patrick's Day! Welcome to another reflection on my day in ministry. A positive day with a focus on the place of feedback and encouragement and motivation. There is no real handbook on how to be a minister so feedback is important (though keep it kind!).
Also wee insights into manse life...
Every blessing
Love Sarah
Another day of two halves - work this morning and rest this afternoon! Well...
Finally planned a Silver Wedding Anniversary party...
Grateful for technology and frustrated by it.
Thanks for joining with me and in our wee reflection I am grateful. A lovely reading from Philippians...
Every blessing
Love Sarah
Today is one of those days where there more left unsaid than said. It is actually hard to keep everything on track when there is so much going on. But entering a new environment, culture even with its own language was fascinating.
Plenty people say we shouldn't go to Church either!
So its Bingo, Burns, and People today.
And it is super late...so goodnight and God bless
Love Sarah
Hey! It's heading towards the middle of March but not quite there. Today's podcast is running late but I was caught up in school for a few hours...
Ministry is about being where the people are - and I hope that what we are trying to do as part of Connected Calderwood and as Moncreiff is go where the people are. What I do know is that there simply isn't enough time to do everything!
Be blessed and be present!
God bless
Love Sarah
ministry #parish #churchofscotland #tired #school #chaplaincy #relationships #moncreiff #podcast
Seriously, wow - thank you for continuing to journey with me. Pondering the amount of work I do that is here today and gone tomorrow. There is a lot of writing and scripting that goes on. I manage to get my daughter involved (as long as I cook dinner). I have included a cheerful scripture and thanks to Pixabay Alexas for our wee music interlude.
A day of reasonable focus but well aware that distractions are far too real. Mind you that's no way to talk about the children! ;)
Every blessing
Sarah
ministry #parish #writing #creative #God #funeral #assembly #moncreiff #workinprogress #churchofscotland
Hello! A day off. A rare treat that shouldn't be!
A wee focus on food, coffee and dog. I dare you not to snigger during the coffee story!
But the thing with birthdays and catching up with 'old' friends is the passage of time makes you humble!
So, I am off to enjoy a wee treat and get ready for a 6am run...
Have a lovely evening.
Every blessing
Sarah
ministry #parish #dayoff #rest #gettingold #time #Moncreiff #churchofscotland
Back for another day. Actually felt quite calm today and focussed on getting through admin which is really working with people and being part of a team. Today I think about parish ministry and really ponder whether we have truly grasped what parish ministry is...as an institution. So far all I see is we want to change but keep it the same!
Yet do I even know what I mean?
Enjoying the journey but questioning the destination!
And yes, I let Hazel have a Wee Cuppa Worship today - making the most of having an extra pair of hands! ;)
Have fun and enjoy your Monday.
Love Sarah
ministry #admin #people #beingthere #presence #parish #God #churchofscotland #Moncreiff
It is Sunday again and here are some of my thinking out loud moments as I wrestle with decision making and wonder what next Lord? New beginnings again - just like motherhood! Mother's Day smiles and being a softie.
I hope you know that I love my calling but I struggle with the institution at the moment.
Thanks for the comments and I'm glad for the laughs I have caused as well.
Today I found a music piece on my system that I must have been given by a Mackie musician I am presuming. But I hope, like I did, you find it helpful. I sat and listened to it the whole way through.
May God bless you, and remember we are all children of our Mother, Father God.
Love Sarah
It's meant to be my day off but this week has been super busy and I needed to finish off work. I have felt grumpy about needing to adult(!) and been given a choice to make that isn't easy. Prayers and wisdom needed.
Thanks for listening and do pray for me.
Happy Saturday
Love Sarah
ministry #churchofscotland #moncreiff #parish #life #dayoff #busy #housework
Running very late with tonight's podcast but it is here! Kinda all about people and the bible...my love for God's word and how I wish we could engage with it well. Other random thoughts along the way. Very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and hopefully share something supportive with others.
Thanks for the love and interest.
ministry #parish #love #Bible #BBs #Moncreiff #waffling
Thank you for all the lovely comments today. Great feedback. I am enjoying the project although getting way more chatty with you! Some insights and some thoughts - a week of the young people it seems.
I hope you enjoy today's reflection around bible verses and remember your own special ones.
Love Sarah
ministry #pastoral #bible #reflection #Moncreiff #hope #scripture
Welcome to day 6 of the Life of a Parish Rev. Today has been one of those unusual days where I simply had to respond to a need in the community. I was invited to support my local high school through a trauma incident in the community. Listen and reassure.
I am honest about the tiredness!
I share a little about the other stuff going on in the background - a reminder that we are professionals and people!
Thank you for joining with me and if you are listening this evening, a wee extra prayer as I do my safeguarding training!
ministry #chaplaincy #responsibilities #prayer #Moncreiff #parish #safeguarding #pet
Hello and welcome to day 5. I hope you are enjoying these meanderings through my days. Today has been a trip down memory lane with the talk for the Ladies Circle and the privilege and place of worship along with a sharp reminder that we live in the present!
The Ladies Circle at Claremont were absolutely lovely to me! And I had a ball!
The Lord is certainly taking me on a journey at the moment and I'm glad I can share it.
Do pray for our young people affected by an event in our community today.
Every blessing and may peace be with you. And thank you for letting me be a part of your life as well.
Love Sarah
Sorry very late tonight. Sea Cadets starts at 6:15pm which means the late afternoon slot that I want to do the podcast in is lost to cooking and well as you'll hear to everything else I fitted in today. A busy mum as well as a busy minister. Today's main highlight though is the Sea Cadets to whom I am a chaplain. But also a little bit of Mary and Martha as I was very much both!
Hope you enjoy today's podcast and join me in the Sea Cadets prayer with an Amen.
God bless!
Love Sarah
Moncreiff #ChurchofScotland #ministry #seacadets #marymartha #God
It has been a busy Sunday - Lent course, worship, wedding couple, Forefaulds...
Why do we build in even more busyness? So our focus today has a touch of a Mary/Martha balance...plus some good news and some good advice from others...and some of the sound tracks of my life.
Thanks for listening and for feedback.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Love Sarah
ministry #churchofscotland #parish #lent #God #Moncreiffparishchurch
Welcome to day 2 of this Podcast. Today was the meeting of Presbytery and hopefully you will come back for day 3 after listening! Actually, you might be pleasantly surprised or shocked... in the drag of business are we missing appreciation for fellowship and friendship? Are we prioritising the wrong elements when we devalue meeting up?
Thank you for the lovely feedback so far!
Hope you might continue with me but I'll be back tomorrow anyway.
churchofscotland #ministry #parishminister #God #bible #reflection #Moncreiff
Debating the wonders of having a Podcast I have been thinking about what I might put out there amongst everything else. It is not a perfect start here but I am braving sharing what life is like for a parish minister with a busy church and teenagers at home.
It's a work in progress and I fully expect to benefit more from this than you will. But I'd love to share the journey with you.
Just what does a parish minister get up to? How does the institution help or hinder? Are there boring bits? What about the emotional rollercoaster ride?
Each day will a short wee blether about my day with wee updates thrown in and a ponder with God along the way. God has placed this on my heart to do and maybe my love for parish ministry will keep me in the institution a little longer.
You are very welcome to join in and share your thoughts and comments. Remember though - no two parish ministers are like. And probably that's a good thing!
Love Sarah
This is the last RevSarahShares Podcast for 2023. Planning a revamp in the New Year! Not sure what yet...But do enjoy today's ponderings...
It is the Second Sunday inAdvent with next week being the Nativity (so no service online until much later in the day!) and then it is Christmas Eve! Therefore today Rev Sarah takes us on a wander through running logic, mind and heart battles and how we might too find ourselves in the dark and what we might do about it. We remember too the candle of peace and it influences our prayers and ponderings.
So do worship with us andkeep in touch this Advent season.
Thanks to Hazel for coveringthe readings this week.
Advent #worship #God #peace#hope #churchofscotland #eastkilbride #moncreiff #light #Christmas
Welcome to our first Sunday in Advent worship service led by Hazel who has passed her final review! We are really pleased for her. Rev Sarah is off to help out at Eleanor's service so Hazel enlisted Anne and Niall to help! Our theme for Advent is Isaiah 9:2 - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light...something we feel is pretty relevant for our time as well. So Hazel combines the theme of the first advent candle - Hope with the Light, and ponders what hope in this context might look like. With grateful thanks to the author Nick Fawcett for permission to use his material which this time includes his mediation called 'A Resident in Jerusalem' (publisher Kevin Mayhew)#worship #hope #advent #Moncreiff #churchofscotland #light #praise #prayer #God #revsarahsharespodcast #EastKilbride
All are welcome to join usas we celebrate the Reign of Christ the King Sunday at Moncreiff Church of Scotland, East Kilbride. It is the last one in the liturgical calendar as Advent starts next week. Hazel leads us through a reflection on the parable of the sheep and the goats a We pause to remember that Christ is King and therefore in the only place to judge. The question is 'would we be surprised by histhoughts about us?' Not an easy text and very rich in imagery but still one we need to consider.
Thank you to Fiona for sharing the reading, Hazel for reflection and I pop up at the end to give a wee run down of what is happening over the next few weeks...
worship #prayer #praise #churchofscotland#Moncreiff #eastkilbride #church #judgement #communion #holycommunion #grace #bible#Matthew25
It is our Gift Service just after our Christmas Fayre. A busy day and wow, the preparation that wentinto it. A Santa’s Grotto, tables ladenwith gift ideas and mince pies everywhere…But today we take time to think about whose Christmas it is and then dig deeper into our text for this Sunday from Matthew25:14-30. A challenging text and our focus is on how we ‘measure’ success in church terms and whether we havesomewhat missed the point…
Rev Sarah is on the reflections so we have an intro section, reading, reflection, reading, reflection and finish. Thanks to Andy for reading.
Remember, even if you can’t support our Christmas Appeal you can support one near you. There are toomany people needing our help this year as the cost of living crisis continues. No matter how small the difference we make, it is worth it.
Check us out on our social media and drop us a like, acomment or a question. May God bless you richly as you use what he gives you to build his kingdom wherever you might find yourself this week.
worship #Moncreiff #ChurchofScotland #Christmas #Giving #Talents#Matthew25 #hope #challenge #prayer #praise #church #revsarahsharespodcast
Continuing with last week's theme about what is a Christian we explore what it means to practice what wepreach. There is an opportunity to think about that as individuals but also as a Church. There are some insightful questions and perhaps ones that might make us uncomfortable to answer. But again, are we about pleasing God or pleasing people.
We hear a couple of texts - Joshua and Matthew texts looking at leadership and authorisation, a powerful teaching on humble leadership and a recognition that God not church or person gives authorisation...
Cameron and Logan lead our call to worship which I have included as it is a lectionary text and because it is lovely to have the boys share, Lynne shares the texts and Rev Sarah leads the reflection.Enjoy and do check us out on social media or drop us a message at theoffice@moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk
Moncreiff #God #Jesus#prayer #praise #preach #faith #Christian #worship #churchofscotland#EastKilbride
Worship from Moncreiff Parish Church, East Kilbride for Sunday 29th OctoberWell, you know when you think you will go in one direction but God has other plans...this Sunday we explore two texts - one very familiar and one not so much but the pondering led me down the track of what do we think a Christian is. And guess what? It isn't the Rev I M Jolly (a wee nod to Rikki Fulton's character). But rather we ponder whether we should be without fear, happy and getting into trouble. So with help from Jesus, Paul and others we explore this. Thank you to Ann McK for the readings today. Thank you for all the marathon support. Stuart and I completed and we are very grateful for the support - messages and financial. We have raised just shy of £2000 and we are so grateful. There is still an opportunity to sponsor us on our justgiving page...#worship #churchofscotland #eastkilbride #moncreiff #God #praise #lectionary #christian #faith #revsarahsharespodcast
Welcome to our Harvest Service where we ponderwhat Harvest means to us, and how it is such a significant festival coming off the back of summer where we often think of self, and before Christmas and itsconsumerism arrives. We recognise also that small actions lead to big reactions because of God. His generosity is such that no matter how small our faith orour giving he can multiply greatly with the stories of the mustard seed and yeast. But we are reminded that though there are many blessings, we also rememberthat we still live in the now and the not yet with the story of the wheat and the weeds. God holds the future.
Thank you to Andy and Susan for our biblereadings. Our donations will be going to the EK Community Foodbankand if you can donate somewhere this Harvest time please do.
Due to my holidays there will be no podcast for the next couple of weeks but we will be back. Do check us out on social media as online services will still be available.
worship #harvest #praise#God #Moncreiff #prayer #generosity #churchofscotland #eastkilbride#revsarahsharespodcast
Welcome to worship forSunday 24th September at Moncreiff Church. It is the last Stewardship Sunday and Hazel leads us through a reflection on the impact of generosity with a weechallenge for you all to try. Just how might you be 'more' generous or generous in a different way.
All are welcome and do check us out. Thank you for the support given the news last week about the future ofMoncreiff. Our first request to change our status is on Tuesday 26th September and we pray for a favourable outcome. Please pray for the Presbytery asdifficult decisions are faced.
worship #stewardship #churchofscotland#revsarahsharespodcast #generosity #holycommunion #communion #God #light #prayer#praise #bible
Welcome to a busy service for Sunday 17th September. The theme of Stewardship overarches as we think about the generosity of God and how his generosity moves us to be generous in return. We remind ourselves that generosity is not just about money but about time and talents as well. With Scripture throughout we have the wonderful re-telling of the Parable of the Rich Fool by our McKenzie family (love it!), and Ann brings us a challenging text from 2 Corinthians. We don’t like the money sermons but I hope it is more encouraging than worrying. Sarah offers the reflection.
worship #eastkilbride #God #stewardship #generosity #praise#Guild #churchofscotland #time #talent #tithes #prayer #gratitude #Moncreiff
Visit social media for Moncreiff to access the full video for the service or listen along at 01698681230.
Welcome to worship for Sunday 10th September 2023 as we continue our Stewardship month looking at Joyful Generosity. This week is Joyful in Receiving, even when it isn't something we want! Our texts are from 1 Peter 1: 3-9 and 1 Chronicles 16: 8-36. Hazel gives an intro and Sarah leads us through some thinking about being joyful in receiving. After all this coming week we are joyful in receiving the Presbytery Mission Plan...
Yet, what Sarah unfolds is the fact that no matter how tough it all gets God is faithful and holds the day of salvation safe for us all. Nothing can take that away from us. Through the various events of life we are reminded of his provision, guidance, strength and peace and know that whatever we face he will be there.
If you are local to East Kilbride, do check us out, pop in and see us. There is so much happening and we'd love to offer further support and prayers. Check out our www.moncreiffparishchurch.org.uk and Facebook for what we are up too. All are welcome.
eastkilbride #moncreiff #worship #generosity #stewardship #churchofscotland #prayer
revsarahsharespodcast #God #Christian
Welcome to worship for Sunday 3rd September 2023 where Hazel leads us through the beginning of our month of stewardship with the theme of God's generosity. We have a dramatised reading (2 voices) for the epic creation story in Genesis 1-2:4 as well as Fiona taking us through Colossians chapter 1.
Do check us out on all the usual social media channels. Have a very blessed week!
worship #God #generosity #stewardship
Jesus #creation #EastKilbride #moncreiff #churchofscotland #praise #prayer #reflection
revsarahsharespodcast
Welcome to our Podcast version of worship for 27thAugust - our Back to Church Sunday/Songs of Praise mix. Here is the teaching element on how worship is shaped and Hazelshares why gather together, and Scripture is read by Freya. I have included as well Psalm 150 at the beginning, setting the scene for the worship. We hope that all who gather with us will feel part of our extended family, and find today's material informative and encouraging. We love that you join with us.
worship #God #Jesus #revsarahsharespodcast #churchofscotland #moncreiff #eastkilbride
Worship from Moncreiff - the talky bits!
Our Friendship series draws to a close on this Sunday 20th August with a meander through the stories of Jesus and Peter, considering how this friendship gives us all hope. Hope eternal because Jesus is the one friend that keeps us close even when we fail or betray. And I question whether the Church needs more Peter's! What might it be like if actually we welcomed more Peters...not sure what I mean then do have a listen along.
Thank you to Lynne who took time to record the Scriptures from her wee time away celebrating her 50th Wedding Anniversary (Happy Anniversary), and to Nick Fawcett for permission to use his work (No Ordinary Man published by Kevin Mayhew Publishing) and Niall who shares it.
Finally thank you for being part of our worshipping community. Do share with us, drop us a note or a hello, and if local do pop in any time. Otherwise check us out on Facebook or on our website.
worship #God #friendship #prayer
Gospel #Peter #Jesus #Moncreiff #EastKilbride #revsarahsharespodcast #churchofscotland
Welcome to worship for Sunday 13th August as we consider group dynamics in friendship with the help of the disciples. Without a doubt a wonderful group but not without their moments. Sharing a little of their friendship can help us appreciate and value the diversity within our churches and communities. Featuring a drama with Judas and Thaddeus, reflection and several pieces of scripture shared by Suzanne and Karen. Often we are accused in the church of not practising what we preach. Today is a reminder we are human and it is God, through Jesus, who changes us to be more like Christ.
Remember the full service is available on youtube and facebook. #worship #eastkilbride #moncreiff #God #friendship #drama #bible #gospel #revsarahsharespodcast
Welcome to the RevSarahShares Podcast where we put up the bible reading and reflections from the Sunday service. We are continuing our friendship series with the last OT characters, namely David and Jonathon. I have surprised myself with enjoying this wee series and the different perspective it has given me. There are always underlying assumptions about where we might go and God never ceases to open my mind and heart.
This week I give a wee introduction to their story, Heather shares excerpt texts from 1 Samuel 18-20 although their story runs before and after. And then the reflection follows with a dip into generational characteristics, a realisation that Jonathan manages to be more millennial than Gen-Xer and that perhaps as Christians we need to be more than brothers and sisters in Christ. We actually should be friends as we cover Matthew 12 and bring Jesus into the mix as we should!
Thanks for joining with us again and do check us out on social media channels or at our website for more information about us. Open door and open hearts at Moncreiff.
Moncreiff #worship #friendship #eastkilbride #churchofscotland #david #jonathan #revsarahshares
Welcome to worship this week where we have pre-recorded this shorter summer service while we are on holiday. We continue our theme of friendship and consider hospitality and welcome. Hazel invites us to think about Abraham’s hospitality to strangers in the Old Testament and Jesus call to welcome all.
Sarah reads the bible texts from Genesis and Matthew's Gospel.
eastkilbride #worship #moncreiff #friendorstranger #prayer
praise #WelcomeallasifChrist #Godlovesus #Churchofscotland
Have a great week and don't forget to check us out on Moncreiff social media channels.
Welcome to Worship for Sunday 23rd July. This week and next week are a couple of shorter services, varying from what is happening in the building. Hazel and Sarah are having some well earned rest – well we like to think so! However, we have enjoyed thinking about friendship for these two weeks. Sarah looks at the strength in the numbers and next week Hazel looks at hospitality in friendship. Scripture, read by Hazel. Using a passage from Ecclesiastes 4 and the sending out of the 72 I consider what the value of having friends might be. And of course, we remember that Jesus is a certainly the friend to have in our lives.
May God bless you all.
eastkilbride #worship #moncreiff #strength #prayer #praise #Ecclesiastes #Godlovesus #Churchofscotland
Welcome to worship this week where we continue our theme of friendship and focus on sibling friendship found in Aaron and Moses. We think first about each of the brothers examining their different skills and callings and then we look at their relationship and how they work together through the lens of friendship. Hazel really enjoyed learning about these two well-known characters in her preparation and hopes you do too.
Thank you to Margaret for leading us in Scripture readings all of which are from the book of Exodus. May God bless you all.
#eastkilbride #worship #moncreiff #brothers and friends #differentskillssamegoal #ServingGodtogether
Godlovesus #Churchofscotland
Welcome to our Podcast for Sunday 9th July 2023 where we continue our friendship series looking at the story of Samson and Delilah. Not an easy topic for some but please be assured that this is not therapy or providing advice on toxic friendships. It is a look at this relationship and encouraging us to consider how we treat our friends and what our friendship with Jesus looks like. I do appreciate that it might be a sensitive topic and please look after yourself and remember God is holding you. It may cause you to re-evaluate your friendships and I pray that this journey leads you in a positive direction.
Andy brings the readings from Judges re’ Samson and Delilah, our chosen friendship for this week. Rev Sarah leads the teaching. Thank you for joining with us.
Do check us out on social media and drop us a note in any of the usual ways or email us on theoffice@moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk
worship #Samson
churchofscotland #EastKilbride #Moncreiff #friendship #bible #praise #prayer
friend #Godlovesyou #RevSarahShares
Welcome to Worship on Sunday 2nd July and our new series on Friendship. We are excited to start this one where we look at relationships in the Bible through the lens of friendship. Starting with Ruth and Naomi we look at sticking in and recognising that friendship can over come difference. Next week we look at toxic friendships with Samson and Delilah, and later in the series sibling friendship, group dynamics and more. (There is a wee break due to holidays!).
Thank you to Hazel for opening up Scripture and Suzanne for sharing the reading from Ruth chapter 1. Do take time to read through Ruth this week – a brilliant wee story.
worship #churchofscotland
moncreiff #EastKilbride #prayer #praise #church #ministry #friendship #Ruth
Sunday #podcast
Welcome to worship for Sunday 25th June. It is our Appreciation Sunday where we have a focus on our young people and children. We take time to remember their wonderful contribution to our church family, recognising they are just as important as anyone else. But on the podcast we continue our teaching series on UP-IN-OUT with a focus on UP this week. We are called to imitate Christ and so we look at his behaviours and practices particularly around relationship with God his Father. We consider practical advice and practices as well as the why of it all. Hopefully it is encouraging and maybe even permission giving.
Thank you to Anne for sharing our reading from Matthew 11:25-30.
Full service available on Youtube, Facebook and telephone 01355681230
And if you want to read up more on the UP-IN-OUT model and more about what kind of Church I recommend The Passionate Church or Passionate Life by Mike Breen.
worship #churchofscotland
moncreiff #EastKilbride #prayer #praise #UP #church #ministry #appreciation
Welcome to the Podcast for Sunday 18th June 2023. We continue our short UP-IN-OUT series looking at what kind of church are we. The focus this week is on the OUT considering what we do and more importantly the 'why' we do it. Is it for our glory or God's glory? Are we moved with compassion or something else? Of course we hope we are motivated by compassion but in these changing times and having to self-promote it is good to be reminded of our 'why'. Thank you to Tim for sharing the readings from Matthew 9:35-10:1 and Romans 5:1-8.
Thank you for listening and remember you can check us out for the whole service on Youtube and Facebook.
churchofscotland
eastkilbride #moncreiff #worship #compassion #mission #prayer #praise
revsarahshares
Welcome to worship for Sunday 11th June. This week we are starting a short three week session on UP/IN/OUT triangle looking at what kind of church we are. It is based on Mike Breen material and his book the Passionate Church still shapes key elements of how I understand church life and ministry.
Due to the lectionary readings I have started with IN looking at relationships within church, developing our relationship with God and a bit more using lectionary texts from Matthew 9:9-13 and Romans 4: 13-25. I have called it a teaching series rather than reflection…but I hope there are elements within it that give you pause as well.
Thank you for joining with us and we do truly want you to feel part of our church family, no matter where you find yourself in the world. Do let us know you are around sometime! God bless you. Love Rev Sarah
Do check us out on Youtube or Facebook for the full video version of worship or on 01355681230 for the full audio version. And of course, find out more about who we are and what we are up to on the usual social media channels or www.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk
worship #church #triangle
eastkilbride #moncreiff #churchofscotland #revsarahshares #praise #family
Welcome to our Trinity Sunday worship, a day when we celebrate our triune God, one God revealed to us through 3 persons. Our readings are Isaiah 40 and Matthew's Gospel, chapter 28. The focus is on knowing God and on understanding His greatness as well as His closeness. We are opened to the challenge of sharing the Good News with others as we consider how we respond to the command to GO, - 'to go into all the nations in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit'. Thanks to Fiona for reading our scripture and Hazel for leading us through the reflection.
Do check us out on our social media - Moncreiff Parish Church - almost all platforms!
Thank you for joining with us.
Eastkilbride #Worship #Moncreiff #TriuneGod
Creator #Friend #helper #sharegoodnews #godislove #churchofscotland
Reflecting on our voice and how we share faith in word and action, and whether we need to be more proactive about sharingJesus? Maybe not quite ready for preaching or street corners but our lives preach a message! What messages about God do people receive?
Thank you to Andy for our bible readings this week from Acts and Numbers.
Have a great week! Love Sarah
Remember do check us out on all the usual social media platforms - Moncreiff Parish Church.
churchofscotland #eastkilbride #worship #Pentecost #holycommunion #singing #scripture
Welcome to worship this week where we explore the story of Stephen from the Book of Acts which is a lectionary reading for this week. His loyalty to Jesus the King is second to none but what does loyalty mean in our lives today? We also take a wee daunder into the kingdom and ponder where God lives, and what heaven might be like. So it is a multi-faceted royal theme in worship. So do join us and ponder kingdom, king and loyalty as we might be led to understand it, recognising that there is much left to be said on the topic.
churchofscotland #eastkilbride #worship #moncreiff #easter #loyalty #king #revsarahshares
Welcome to worship for Sunday 30th April as we continue through the Easter season looking at the theme of Jesus the Good Shepherd. We focus in on Psalm 23 but also visit John 10:1-16 (thanks Anne), and share reflections around the love of Jesus reflected in that psalm. Sometimes it is good to hear an old text in a different context and this time Hazel and I share the reflection. Always good to try somethingnew...
Whether we are in the bleakest of times or the most contented, facing our enemies across the table or enjoying hospitality with a friend, God is with us also.
God bless,
worship #Jesus #Easter #revsarahshares#LordsmyShepherd #EastKilbride #churchofscotland #Gospel #hope #love
Welcome to a familiar text this week as we continue with resurrection stories, walking the road to Emmaus. Hazel, our student minister leads the whole service as part of her training and so encouragement would be great! She helps us ponder journeying with God and whether our time with God helps our hearts burn within us.
Thanks to Ann for our Gospel reading from Luke 24. Do check us out on social media - moncreiffparishchurch
Jesus #worship #easter #churchofscotland #moncreiff #eastkilbride#Emmaus #revsarahshares
Welcome to our Sunday Worship for 16th April - also known as Low Sunday. Today with help from Thomas Sarah explores faith and accepting it at face value or question everything with a couple of short reflections. Margaret leads us through our Gospel reading from John 20.
churchofscotland #worship #Easter #moncreiff #prayer #Thomas #revsarahshares #eastkilbride
Remember the full service is available on our Youtube channel or you can listen for the price of a phonecall on your plan at 01355681230.
Thank you for listening and hope you have a lovely week.
Christ is Risen - He is Risen Indeed Happy Easter! Welcome to our service of celebration for Easter 2023. After a full week of Holy Week drama and reflection we gather rejoicing before the empty tomb knowing that death no longer has the last word. So rejoice with us as we reflect on John 20:1-16 read by our John McAlpine, and ponder the emotional wonder of this particular day. A shared service with Hazel and Sarah where Hazel leads a short mediation and then a fuller reflection. You just need to imagine the glass in her hand!
Easter #churchofscotland #worship #eastkilbride #moncreiff #revsarahshares #Jesus
Welcome to the RevSarahShares Podcast. Here we share the bible readings and reflection from the Sunday service. The full video is available on YouTube and Facebook. Celebrating Palm Sunday with a focus on thequestion asked as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey - 'Who is he?'. Whatwould we answer to that question and how might that impact on our journeythrough Holy Week. Suzanne leads us through two texts - Matthew's accountof the triumphal entry and Philippians hymn in chapter 2. I enjoyed the journeythrough the texts and it certainly challenged me again, building on the themeof last week of who is God to me. I hope as we enter Holy Week we all take thetime to truly focus on God and Jesus, that we might experience his sacrifice oflove in a real and changing way.
Moncreiff #churchofscotland #worship #lent #God#Jesus #PalmSunday #revsarahshares #holyweek #eastkilbride
Welcome back! This week we look into the story of Lazarus where the questions raised made me ponder easy answers. We want them but whatif easy answers especially using God as a fixer doesn't do justice to God or to us? What if we embrace the complex answers instead? Thank you to Lynne for leading us in scripture from John 11.
Remember you can listen to the whole service on the phone: 01355681230 for the price of a local call. Or check us out on Youtube and Facebook for the video editions. FYI this Sunday we do celebrate Holy Communion as well. #churchofscotland #God #lent #moncreiff #revsarahshares #eastkilbride #answers #lazarus #worship
It is the 4th Sunday in Lent and the main focus is 'Healed by Grace' as Hazel delves into the story of the healingof a blind man. Heather reads John 9:1-25 for us and then Hazel brings us her focus points on the text recognising there is more to be said!
Holy Week is fast approaching...
worship #lent #God#moncreiff #eastkilbride #churchofscotland #revsarahshares #grace
Welcome to the RevSarahShares podcast where we share the Bible reading and reflection from Sunday Worship. Freya shares the Gospel story of the Woman at the Well from John 4. I love this story and there is so much we could focus on but my wondering leads me to contemplate how the most shunned woman in town is entrusted with the identity of Jesus and gets to be the Gospel Messenger. This story challenges our prejudice and judgement of others but also of ourselves. Is there more for us to consider and perhaps opens us to challenge, and we are given permission to talk openly with God about what we know.
And behind it all is the Lord giving dignity and grace to this beautiful, intelligent, vulnerable woman.
Do check out the full service on our youtube channel or visit us across social media to find out more about us.
worship #Lent #God #HolySpirit #Samaritanwoman #churchofscotland
revsarahshares #podcast #eastkilbride #moncreiff
Welcome to the Rev Sarah Shares as we continue through the season of Lent. The all-age message is all about asking for help, and then a reflection on knowing yet not knowing. Is there are a chance that actually there is room for learning, growing, developing in faith? What questions are we asking and is there freedom to be found? Thanks to Fiona for sharing the Scriptures - Psalm 121 and John 3: 1-17.
For the full service you can listen on the telephone (01355 681230 - cost of a local call) or find us on the usual channels at Moncreiff Church.
Blessings, Sarah
Welcome to worship for Sunday 26th February 2023 which is the first Sunday in Lent. We explore the Temptation of Jesus, with a focus on the 40 days. Often we head straight to the temptation but what if the answer to temptation lies in the preparation. Andy brings us a reading from Matthew 4 and then the reflection from the worship service.
Remember if you want the whole thing - you can listen on the phone (cost of a local call) on 01355 681230 or check us out on YouTube and Facebook.
worship #churchofscotland #lent #temptation #preparation #moncreiff #eastkilbride #revsarahross #God #christian #allwelcome
Welcome to RevSarahShares for Sunday 5th February! This week we look at the other two reading in the lectionary so rather than Psalm and Corinthians, we are in the Gospel of Matthew and Isaiah. We consider salt, light and the law, and ponder for a moment if we are guilty of being too salty or too bright! And how on earth can we fulfil the whole of the law? Without Jesus we can’t. And we are reminded that Jesus is not dismissing the past but fulfilling it and therefore bringing all with him. Maybe there is something there for us as well when we are too quick to dismiss what was…
I’ll be back in a couple of weeks but worship will continue in all the usual places. God bless
worship #churchofscotland #eastkilbride #God #SermonontheMount #Jesus #Isaiah #saltlight #love #revsarahshares #welcome
Welcome to the RevSarahShares Podcast for 29th January 2023. Today we finish our wee series on chapter 1 of 1st Corinthians where we consider that to know God is to belong to the crucified Christ. Not as complicated as it sounds. Psalm 15 helps us think how our lives proclaim Christ so we start with that and then onto Paul. Thanks to Lisa for the readings. We celebrated Holy Communion in the service hence the references. If you want to participate in that look us up on our social media for the full service.
worship #moncreiff #reflection #psalms #1Corinthians #revsarahross
Is Unity in Christ possible? Scripture and Reflections from Moncreiff Parish Church 22/01/2023
Welcome to Sunday worship as we consider togetherness and unity in Christ. Can focussing on Christ help us work together despite our differences? Using Psalm 27:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 we ponder conflict, choosing parties (beliefs) and how we actually fully belong to Christ. We consider things that go together and those that don't yet somehow work. We will never all agree on everything just like you can't please all the people all the time. But is there a way through it all?
Thank you to John for his first appearance reading Scripture.
Have a blessed week and do drop us a note of your random duos...
worship #moncreiff #unity #Christ #eastkilbride #churchofscotland #1Corinthians
Welcome to our worship service for Sunday 15th January. For the next three weeks we are focussing on 1stCorinthians chapter 1 and the Psalms. The readings are for these Sundays in Epiphany and we are pondering Christ as our centre – Blessed through Christ, Unity through Christ and Proclaiming Christ. A great way to start a year is to remember we are a holy people.
So this week we have two for the price of one (it's all free!) - firstly Eleanor reads from Psalm 40:1-11 and then there is a reflection on how we show love and how we show God we love him. In the service it is more interactive with ideas coming from the floor I'm sure. And it helps us consider testimony time. Then Eleanor returns with the reading from 1st Corinthians 1:1-9 with a reflection about Blessed through Christ - that is all of us are holy people and his church wherever we might be located. In reality, the whole reflection comes down to the fact God loves us so much he sent Jesus. Anyway, a word for the week, even the year ahead perhaps.
God bless
worship #praise #blessed #Christ #EastKilbride #Moncreiff #Church of Scotland
Welcome to the RevSarahShares Podcast. Today we are looking at the story of the wise men and reflecting on God’s Sat-Nav, using their tale to help us consider the choices we make, the paths we follow and so on. This week the reflection is split into two pieces with the Scripture reading in the middle. The first part is playing around with the idea of going on a baby hunt, using the story of we’re going on a bear hunt as an example, and then the second part looks more closely at what it means to follow God’s directions. There is an honesty moment where we recognise that to follow God’s direction does mean that negative outcomes might arise. Faith and following God is amazing and life changing but not everyone will agree or get it. So with the Carol We three Kings swirling in the back of your mind, let’s climb aboard and turn on the sat-nav!
Thank you for listening and I look forward to sharing with you next week. Don’t forget you can follow us on social media on all the usual channels, including watch and worship with us on Youtube for the full content or listen on the telephone for cost of a local UK call – 01355681230. Remember Moncreiff is spelt ei!
Happy New Year and God Bless.
Happy New Year - May 2023 be a year filled with blessings and an increasing awareness of God's love and presence. Welcome to Worship. This week Lynette Jardine, locum at Stewartfield Church is leading Moncreiff and Stewartfield in worship. (Their community building is closed). So a very warm welcome to her and Lesley who brings the reading from Luke's Gospel.
I pray you will continue to join with us in 2023 and thank you for all your support in 2022. Every blessing, Love Sarah Don't forget to follow us on all the usual social media channels.
#worship #Jesus #carols #MoncreiffEK #churchofscotland #stewartfield #newyear #2023
Welcome to our Christmas Day Service from Moncreiff. We would normally hold a service whether it was a Sunday or not but it is great they coincide! ;)
Included is the reading by Anne from John 1:1-18, a short reflection with a wee challenge thinking about what we need to celebrate and whether the host of our party is included or forgotten!
For our full services check us out on Youtube and Facebook, or listen on your phone for the price you pay for a local call - 01355 681230. You'll get everything there!
Merry Christmas to you and all whom you love. May you know the peace of Christ and the hope that he brings.
worship #Jesus #Immanunel #ChristmasDay #churchofscotland #Moncreiff #RevSarahRoss
Welcome to worship today which our Faithbuilders and Leaders have worked together to bring praise to God. Here we share just a little with the Alphabet Nativity poem from Eva, James and Ruby at the end, with a reflection on the power of the Nativity from myself in the middle, and the bible story read from Luke 2:1-20 by Freya. All good stories should have a great beginning, end and middle but we need to remember that the Nativity isn't the beginning and the story hasn't ended. But the Nativity is certainly a powerful milestone along the way.
I do hope you enjoy this wee meander through what it means to welcome a baby and how there is something universal in that moment that allows us even today to 'perform' the nativity in schools and see it is a part of the Christmas experience. How do we take this most inclusive moment and build on it?
Merry Christmas and do follow us on the usual social media channels to find out more! Please know though there will be Christmas and New Year online services (and on our dedicated phoneline).
churchofscotland #worship #eastkilbride #moncreiff #Christmas #nativity
Welcome to the Podcast for Sunday 11th December. The theme is Advent Joy and considering how we have a message of joy to share, even when we feel like we are in exile. The connectivity of the Old and New Testament held once again through John the Baptist. It can be hard to find our place in a world full of mixed messages, and we can feel uncertain. But going back to the Word, and seeing God at action, faith in action brings us joy and spreads the message more effectively.
Thank you to Andy for the readings from Isaiah 35 and Matthew 11 which are the lectionary readings for this week and then the reflection as given at Sunday service.
worship #advent #joy #churchofscotland #eastkilbride #moncreiff #faithinaction #faith
Welcome to the first Sunday in Advent (hope) where we consider the third horizon in a faith perspective. We are so caught in the now and near future, that taking time to gaze further takes effort. Advent isn't just to prepare for the Christ child but a reminder that the King will return. What are we doing or not doing about that? Thank you to Heather for our reading All are welcome. To find out more about us do check out our social media or website: www.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk #worship #churchofscotland #advent #thirdhorizon #moncreiff #eastkilbride #EKMoncreiff
Welcome to Christ the King Sunday service with Moncreiff. We share the story of Moses all grown up and ponder what power is and whether we believe God still has power. Do journey with us through this meandering landscape. Grateful to Laura for the readings from Exodus 5:1-9, 17-22 14:5-8, 13-31 and John 2:13-21. All are welcome. #worship #churchofscotland #power #extraordinaryseries #Moses
Welcome to our worship service where we continue our series looking at Extraordinary Lengths with Miriam, Moses, their mum and quick stop by Philip in Acts. Sometimes we go to extraordinary lengths and so does God. There are Remembrance overtones in the reflection and the full service includes an Act of Remembrance. All are welcome. Thank you to Anne for our readings. #worship #remembrance #EastKilbride #ChurchofScotland #ExtraordinarySeries
Welcome to worship for Sunday 6th November 2022. Today we explore Extraordinary Faith with Noah and Thomas, recognising there are any number of examples of extraordinary and ordinary faith in Scripture. But these two did face some amount of ridicule and helps us think about what faith is – a spiritual conviction and something that changes our perspective and actions.
Thank you to Fiona for our readings from Genesis 6 & 7 and John 20. If you want to read the whole story of Noah then read Genesis 6-9.
All are welcome no matter whether your faith is strong, tiny, or doubtfilled – Lord I believe, help my unbelief.
Follow us on all usual social media and at www.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk
extraordinary #faith #eastkilbride #stewardship #churchofscotland #EKMoncreiff
Welcome to our Podcast version of worship containing the bible readings and the reflection where we explore the place of vision in the life of faith and the Church. For Halloween and All Saints it seemed appropriate. The Girls Brigade lead us through our Scripture readings. Without vision we will crumble and fall. God is always moving forwards to completion. All welcome!
#worship #Ezekiel #vision #EastKilbride #ChurchofScotland #Moncreiff #Girlsbrigade
Welcome to the Rev Sarah Shares podcast. Today we meet Joseph (known for his technicolour dream coat!) but we meet the biblical version starting as an arrogant know it all teenager sold into slavery by his fed up brothers, and with a hop skip and a jump through his time in prison and landing up as the second most important man in Egypt we fall headlong into his tearful reunion with his brothers. Genuinely encourage you to read through Genesis 37-45 to get all the drama and plenty of it there is.
Heather, a lay worship leader gives us a brilliant down to earth reflection on his story and we throw in a little of Saul who became Paul's journey into the mix as well. Thank you to Margaret for the readings - there is a quite a bit of bible today but it is more story than theology so hope you will enjoy it before the reflection.
Next week it is Extraordinary Witness focussing on Christians Against Poverty.
worship #story #bible #Joseph #Moncreiff #Extraordinaryseries
Welcome to our Harvest Service where we ponder gratitude and generosity, Our donations in the service are going to the East Kilbride Community Foodbank and I have included statistics from them. We have children in our community relying on foodbanks. Harvest reminds us that we are indebted to farmers of all types around the world and that there is much unfairness around resources that we all need. God is generous with us and we like him are called to be generous to one another. Thank you to Grace, Ailsa, and Freya for our scripture readings today from Ruth 2 and 1 John 3:16-18.
worship #harvest #extraordinaryseries #welcome #moncreiff #foodbanks
Our Old Testament characters series now has a name - the Extraordinary Series.
All of us have times when we wonder if running away is the best option, and if not possible hide under the duvet. All of us have had to seek forgiveness from loved ones and experienced grace. Today we explore Extraordinary Grace with the help of our reluctant, grumpy prophet Jonah. So Karen shares with us some of his story but I do encourage you to read Jonah right through. Its only 4 chapters and a worthy read. He is a character many of us can relate too even if we don't want to admit it. I love Jonah. And at times I am definitely like him.
We do have a text from Ephesians that reminds us that we experience Grace through Jesus Christ - a gift we are given not something we work for. We had Holy Communion in the service as a physical act of remembrance.
There won't be a podcast next week as I am off running a marathon but we will be back on 9th October for Harvest exploring Extraordinary Generosity with Ruth.
Welcome, readings and reflection included here. For full service check us out on Youtube or Facebook.
worship #grace #church #EastKilbride #Moncreiff
Welcome to worship for 18th September 2022. Starting a new series on Old Testament characters we look at Deborah, visit Mary and consider the life of service and women. We pay tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth recognising her life of service and the role of faith for all three women. Touching on marginalising people particularly through gender and what it might mean to rise to the challenge, something we can do with faith. With thanks to Lynne for our two readings (Judges 4:1-10 and Luke 1:26-38).
worship #OTcharacters #Deborah #ChurchofScotland
Welcome to worship this week as we finish our series on the parables. This time we look at the parable of the gold coins and ponder work, commitment and what does the Kingdom of God actually mean...well a short look at it! Like it or not we are created to work, to do, to participate, to live. Reading from Luke 19:11-27 and one from Revelation that I remembered to add in!
Do check us out on our social media - www.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk All welcome. Have a blessed week. Love Sarah
worship #parables #kingdomofgod #moncreiff #church #churchofscotland
Welcome to Worship on Sunday 28th August 2022. This weekend we had an open weekend – we are always open and welcoming but we wanted to celebrate and share and make it easy to connect with worship as well. We explore the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector and explore how religion is not necessarily of God, and how if we can get past the block it sometimes is we find freedom in God.
Just a short podcast this week!
parable #worship #prayer
Welcome to worship for Sunday 21st August. Today Jillian leads us in worship through the parable of the Widow and the Judge, with a stop by in Genesis looking at prayer and when it is hard work. Her reflection speaks to us all as she recognises that prayer can be hard work. Persistence in prayer is something we know but don’t like!
Thank you to Ann and Sarah for bible readings and Jillian for reflection.
All are welcome and we hope you find this reflection reassuring and feel able to pray in all situations. Do check us out at www.moncreiffparishchurch.org.uk and social media.
worship #parables #prayer #EastKilbride #Moncreiff #ChurchofScotland
Welcome to worship for Sunday 14th August 2022. Today we explore the Parable of the Great Feast which leads me down the path of diagnosing the problem with Church…well part of it anyway. As the Church of Scotland and other denominations go through rationalisation, closing and uniting congregations I ponder procrastination, busyness and distraction, and perhaps how we have often excluded the other becoming a ‘type’ instead of open to all. So our reflection is split into two – who to invite and the cause of decline in the Church. Our mission is to all but sometimes we have become blinkered, too busy or distracted to realise we have drifted away. Lisa brings us the parable from Luke 14:15-24.
worship #parable #church #churchofscotland #music #ekmoncreiff
Welcome to Worship for August 7th 2022 where we continue our Parables season. Today we look at the story of the ten young bridesmaids and ponder whether we are planners or go with the flow! We also consider the second coming of Jesus, what heaven might be like and touch on the hard topic of death and grieving. As always there is more that can be said than is but hopefully it might help us think about what keeps us hope-filled in a world full of change and decay and death. Thank you to Margaret for sharing the Gospel reading from Matthew 25:1-13.
worship #parables #Jesus #Moncreiff
Welcome to worship on Sunday 31st July with Eleanor Hamilton. Continuing with the parable of the Unforgiving Servant Eleanor encourages us to look deep into what forgiveness might truly look like. How do we respond to those moments that hurt and damage us or others? Again not an easy topic but go with it as she does with the help of those who have walked this road before us. Thank you to Andy Gray for the reading. and Eleanor for the reflection.
All are welcome. #worship #Moncreiff #ChurchofScotland #parables #forgivenesswww.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk
Welcome to worship on Sunday 24th July with Eleanor Hamilton as she continues our series. In fact, she chose the theme and her two parables first! Eleanor leads worship on 24th and 31st July. Today’s service focuses on the parable of the sower and gives plenty to think about. She even challenges our ability to truly listen…and how do we measure success or is it something else we should measure?
Thanks to Alison and Eleanor this week especially as I'm on my holidays!
Have a blessed week.
worship #parables #seeds #sower #faithfulness
www.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk
Welcome to worship on Sunday 17th July as we continue our parables of Jesus summer series. This week we look at the story of the unfruitful fig tree from Luke’s Gospel. Time is our focus – time to pause, ponder and reflect, time to listen, learn and feed, time to flourish and grow. The service is shorter reflections and includes Taize music - Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. (Emmaus music)
God gives us time but even that time will run out…
Thank you to Heather for the bible reading.
Have a blessed week and may you flourish in God, with God and through God. Amen.
worship #parables #figtree #repentance #renewal #hope
www.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk
Continuing our series on Parables with a Twist Jillian explores the Parable of the Rich Farmer or the Rich Fool. How do we measure our worth? Through material objects or spiritual blessings? Is wealth a gift for sharing or earned for hoarding? All are welcome as she helps us ponder anew where our treasure is. Thanks to Alison for the reading. All are welcome. #worship #ministry #wealth #Moncreiff #student #parables
Welcome to Sunday 3rd July Worship from Moncreiff Parish Church. We are starting a series on the parables of Jesus and we are beginning new/old clothes and wineskins, with a bit of a wedding theme there as well. Sometimes we are so convinced about new ways that we dismiss the old ways but what if they are to work together, blessing and building together. What if there is room for all? What does that look like? Not got all the answers here but as parables do - we start pondering. Thanks to Anne McI for the reading of Luke 5:33-39. #Moncreiff #worship #churchofscotland #parables #Jesus #newold
Welcome the RevSarah Shares podcast on Sunday 26thJune 2022. Today we look at the 5th mark of mission about caring for creation. Jillian, our trainee minister leads our reflection and her chosen text is Genesis 1:1-31 – the infamous creation text. She explores why we should care more as Christians for we are made in the image of God. Thank you to Ann for the reading.
As our series concludes I hope you have enjoyed our exploration of the 5 marks of mission. Over the summer we are exploring the parables.
worship #EKMoncreiff #creation #creationcare #HolyCommunion #Communion #prayer #praise #5marksofmission
Welcome as we look at the 4th Mark of Mission - TRANSFORM. Using the story from Luke 8 about the demon-possessed man we explore how we push the responsibility for 'ills' onto others, something rather current in the UK today it appears, and yet we are called to transform society. Somehow that is an uphill struggle. Somehow we know what we want but not how to get there. And sometimes we forget that actually through Jesus we too are healed and included in the Kingdom of God and therefore have a story to tell. So Laura brings our reading and then we have the reflection from Sunday 19th June 2022 service. Full service available on Youtube and Facebook - Moncreiff Parish Church.
Welcome to worship at Moncreiff Parish Church as we return to the 5 marks of mission. Using a challenging passage of the judgement from Matthew 25:31-46 we explore kindness, motivation and the fact God knows us and our choices. The mark of mission – TEND is about how we respond to human need in loving service. It is second nature to many churches and people but why do we do it?
Included here is the scripture reading and the reflection. You can get the full service via our Facebook page or Youtube channel - just look up Moncreiff Parish Church.
Thanks for listening and pondering and worshipping.
And if you are interested in all things General Assembly do look up The Go-Bag Podcast also on Anchor and elsewhere. Short podcasts sharing thoughts and reflections co-hosts myself and Stewart Cutler, who also has a podcast.
Love RevSarah
Welcome to Sunday worship on the second mark of mission which is teach. To teach, nurture and baptise…discipleship. We explore this with Paul and Lydia, cast our minds back to last week and see threads throughout scripture. Tell and teach are different yet related obviously. At the heart of the message today is that we are all teachers and learners but perhaps at different stages of learning and maturity.otho
All are welcome!
(No podcasts for the next couple of weeks due to other commitments. I will be back on 12th June)
Welcome to worship for Sunday 15th May 2022. Today we start a new series on the 5 Marks of Mission. The theme is TELL or sharing the Good News of the Kingdom. With help from Peter (remember him from last week – the epic fail guy who was loved and forgiven and trusted) we explore how the good news is for everyone. Who is our Cornelius’ today opening up the eyes of the religious prejudiced to God’s welcome for all? And who are our Peters who have learnt we can’t stand in the way of God? I pray you know you are welcome in God’s Kingdom.
It is also Christian Aid Sunday hence references to their work.
Welcome to our Sunday 8th May 2022 reflection where we explore failure and betrayal and our relationship with God, viewed through the story of Peter and Jesus. There is so much hope and renewal in this wee story and reminds us that all us are redeemable. Perhaps you don’t feel worthy, perhaps you think your failure is too great for God. Peter denied Jesus three times in the ultimate betrayal, far more damaging than Judas. Yet he was forgiven and restored.
May God bless you and may you know freedom from your failures.
Easter #Resurrection #Healing #Worship #Therapy #Failure #Moncreiff
Welcome to worship – the third Sunday of Easter as we continue our series of signs upon the door. Today’s one say’s Gone Fishing. We explore together return to safety (home perhaps) and the concern we carry about being ‘enough’. We are gently reminded that ‘apart from Jesus we can do nothing’ but that with him we are enough, have enough. It is a message of encouragement in a world that often says we are not enough, the church is not enough and so on.
ministry #worship #prayer #resurrection #withGodweareenough #Moncreiff #ChurchofScotland
Welcome to Low Sunday - after the high of Easter Sunday morning what happens next? Exploring the story of the disciples and Thomas considering what happens when we hang up our closed signs. Where is God in those circumstances? I'd like to say he has pastoral care sorted with time, peace, power and a future - hopefully you'll agree. Scripture from John 20:19-31 (thank you Karen). All are welcome. Happy Easter. Intro, reading, reflection and goodbye!
Check us out at www.moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk and all usual social media.
Easter #worship #churchofscotland #Moncreiff #mentalhealth
Welcome to our Easter Sunday bible readings and reflection from Moncreiff as we celebrate the Risen Christ. We share the Resurrection story from John 20. We consider the confusion and the angst of a missing body and meeting the risen Lord. We touch on how women were first to meet him - the last shall be first! And ponder how no matter how unworthy we feel God loves us dearly. We think about 'happy ever after' and even superheroes. Some surprises in store I'm sure.
Happy Easter!
Welcome to Worship as we draw ever closer to Holy Week. We think today about Love our/for enemies. A really challenging text in the current climate. But is there something about love, God’s love, our love that is fundamental to the Christian faith. For me it is foundational but do you think so too? As we explore this text together we ponder how revolutionary Jesus was/is…asking a people oppressed to love their enemies.
Introduction, reading and reflection.
Thank you for listening. Do check us out at Moncreiff Parish Church.
Welcome to Worship. Still in the season of Lent, following Why was Jesus Crucified? Today’s story reminds us that Jesus didn’t conform. What we perceive should happen doesn’t!
Our main focus is on perception – how is Jesus, Christianity, the Church perceived by others. Niall is our Depute Session Clerk and a trained Lay Worship Leader. In partnership with Rev Sarah, Niall is leading worship. His reflection on the story of the Prodigal Son is in part in his own story, and we are grateful for his honesty. He hopes that others will find it encouraging especially if like him they have come to faith as an adult. His message is not without its challenge yet he knows, from experience, the welcome of God. Thank you to Suzanne for the Scripture Reading.
Reading Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Welcome to worship on Sunday 20th March 2022 where we mark the third Sunday in Lent. We are continuing our series on ‘”Why was Jesus Crucified?’ and considering the title Protester. Jesus overturning the tables in the temple is an important event that should disturb us and make us think as individuals and as a church. It is a wake up call in the face of apathy or for lukewarm or cold churches. It also helps us think about prophetic protesters. Do join with us in this exploration and perhaps feel the challenge or the encouragement of this story. Small acts really can make a big difference. Included in the podcast is the Scripture reading and the reflection on it.
Welcome to Worship for Sunday 13th March 2022 – Lent 2 Why was Jesus Crucified? For being a rule-breaker perhaps. Wondering if sometimes the Church is caught up in religiosity rather than relationship, or rules and doctrine rather than reconciliation. We also explore anger with Jesus and from Jesus. The story of healing the woman on the Sabbath also speaks to those of us who often feel ignored in the Church. She does nothing to capture Jesus’ attention. He sees her and is moved to help her regardless of the rules or doctrine. However, he doesn’t wipe out the need for Sabbath – just wants to do good with it. So whether you need reminded that God sees you or that faith isn’t about restrictions but relationships then stop by. And if something jars with you explore whether it is your religiosity rather than your faith that is being shaken…
Please do subscribe and do get in touch. Every blessing, Love Rev Sarah
Welcome to worship as we begin our journey through Lent. We will be exploring the question ‘Why was Jesus crucified?’ looking at the social and cultural issues that came his way. Why was he loved and hated, welcomed and rejected, wanted yet feared? It will never be a complete answer to the question. The intention is as we explore the question we might come to a fuller understanding of how someone who preached in word and action a message of love and reconciliation with God ultimately died a criminal’s death. This week we look at the story of his rejection by his home town and ponder if the message was just to radical to accept.
Included is reading from Luke 4:16-30 and the reflection on it.
Have a blessed week and may love be evident worldwide! #Lent #Jesus #worship #Moncreiff #ChurchofScotland
It is our final week looking at Paul's letter to the Philippian Church, and today we explore what it might mean to be content in all circumstances. Stoical or content? Can we be content in a stormy world? Reading from Philippians 4:10-23 and then the reflection on the passage.
Next week we begin our Lent series on 'Why was Jesus Crucified?' exploring how someone who did good still got killed...Why does Christianity still drive a wedge when its primary message is love? Exploring stories and events in his ministry to see what challenges or builds up our foundation of faith. #worship #churchofscotland #Moncreiff #content #praise #prayer #Philippians
This is our first podcast so it is just a blend of the Scripture reading and the reflection on it. So please forgive this wee trial run...
This is the sermon reflection from Sunday 20th Feb 2022 looking at Philippians 4:1-9, exploring what it means to practice what we preach. How has the church made Christianity so boring when a brand new church facing persecution stands firm? Why are Christians not meant to dance and party? Why are we so beige? Is that really what it means to be a Christian? Are we practicing what we preach and actually what are we preaching? This is part of a short series exploring Philippians.