Bridge of Allan Parish Church: Recent Episodes
Bridge of Allan Church
We invite you to listen to our Sunday worship that takes place every week at Bridge of Allan Parish Church, Stirling. All are welcome to join us within the Church at 11 am, or you can find us on Facebook or Instagram too!
God Revealed In Relationship - Luke 6:27-38 - Sunday 20th February 2022
More info can be found about the Friends of Bridge of Allan by going to their Facebook page - found here - https://tinyurl.com/friendsofBofA
Or by emailing bridgeofallanparishchurch@gmail.com and we'll put you in touch.
Jesus at Home - Luke 2:41-52 - Boxing Day 2021
This is the last podcast of the year, and we will start back up again as of Sunday 16th January 2022.
Pilgrimage with the map maker - building with the master builder - Psalm 127 - 7th November 2021
Harvest Thanksgiving - Psalm 104 - Sunday 3rd October
Apologies that some of it is based around pictures in the video feed. Although it will make sense.
Living in Creation 2 - Communion - Life and Faith - James 2:14-17 - Sunday 12th September
David's shame - 2 Samuel 12:1-9 - 1st August 2021
Apologies that for Sunday's the 8th and 15th August there will be no podcast. Normal service will resume on Sunday 22nd August.
(next week, Sunday 13th, is communion so have your bread and wine, or similar, ready for then)
Trinity Sunday - Who Will Go For Us? - Isiah 6:1-8 - Sunday 30th May - Led by Trish Archibald
The true vine - “you will bear good fruit” - John 15:1-8 - Sunday 2nd May 2021
Christ is the vine, we are the branches, let us bear good fruit together.
So go into your week as part of the living vine,
Go from here to bear fruit and share that fruit with others.
Holy Wednesday - John 13:21-32 - 31st March 2021
An ecumenical reflection between BofAPC and St Saviour's Scottish Episcopal Church
Briefest Encounters - Palm Sunday 28th March - Mark 11:1-11
Holy Week services will go live from the 28th March tot he 4th April every day at 8 am.
Restoration for all – Jeremiah 31:31-34 – Sunday 21st March
Throughout all the prophetic writing of the old testament there is a lot of talk of sin and destruction. There is no getting away from it.
These writings all talk of sin and destruction but after that always comes words of restoration and reconciliation.
These words from this Jeremiah reading are words of reconciliation for all.
Snakes and Mistakes – Communion and Coming back to God - Numbers 21: 4-9 - Sunday 14th March 2021
Have some wine and bread, or ribena and a hobnob, or whatever feels comfortable to you at hand to join in our celebration of communion.
Rules and Responsibilities - Exodus 20:1-17 - Sunday 7th March 2021
The Ten Commandments
The time has come - Mark 1:14-20 - Sunday 24th January 2021
The full version of the Apostle's Sea Shanty can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQzZ8Sz8sk0
O Come O Come and PRepare the Nativity - Advent 4 - Luke 1:28-38
Try not to think too hard this week - try to be present in the wonder and joy of Christmas.
Pray that both yourself and others may know hope and joy the Christmas.
Sing any and all Christmas songs that come to mind, favourites from your youth, those which annoy those around you and especially those that make you smile.
O Come O Come and Prepare yourself – John 1:6-8,19-28 – Advent 3
Who are you?
What makes you you?
Do you look for signs of God?
Do you point to the signs of Love at work where you are?
Love came down at Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIr5th0d44Y
O Come O Come and Be Prepared – Mark 1:1-8 – Communion – Advent 2 2020
Jingle Bells
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CWJNqyub3o
Hark the Herald Angles Sing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqooC4ZG75Y
O Come all you faithful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tM5pwvUGMI
Silent Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEH7_2c644Q
We wish you a Merry Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-OF7KGyDis
We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/
Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100187
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Advent 1 - O Come O Come and be prepared - Mark 13:24-37
Ful details of our Advent and Christmas services can be found on our social media and website.
Christ the King – Served and Serving - Matthew 25:31-46
What would you do in you were a king or queen?
Who would you serve and who would you have serve you?
What does it mean to be in the service of Christ the King?
Music - Crown him with many crowns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7OCs0d_4vM
Prisoner's Week - Not Alone - BofAPC - John 14:15-21
The full Prisoners Week service will go live at 10 am on Sunday 15th November and can be found at the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=386680566080776&id=101928991222603
https://www.facebook.com/Prisoners-Week-Scotland-101928991222603/
* Haughty and Humbled – Matthew 23:1-12 ***
Further Question(s)
Who in your life lives a life of service and care for others, and what can you do for them that recognises the quiet love they show.
Young Folk
Talk about what it is to be a show off, and think about times you have either been the show off or seen somebody else showing off. Then discuss how this made you feel.
Music
Be Thou My Vision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxvXGgSlRcs
* Law and Love – Matthew 22:34-46 ***
Further Question(s)
As you think of the Harvest and as you think about the two commandments that cover all the law and the prophets, think about honour these things. How do you show you are greatful for food in the shops, how do you show you love God with all you heart, soul and mind, and how do you love your neighbour as yourself?
Young Folk
At the next meal you share together take time to talk about how eat of the things that you eat are raised, grown or produced. And give thanks for all the people involved in that process.
Music
We plough the fields and scatter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccVEjKFkAV4
Sabbath Rest
Please find a warm welcome as we join Stirling St Mark's for the 4th, 11th and 18th of October.
We will be back online and in-person from Sunday 25th October.
Please visit https://www.facebook.com/stmarksstirling to find their latest content.
*Human and Divine - Sunday 27th September***
Further Question
Continue to reflect on what you can do for those who will be affected the most by the change in regulations.
Young Folk
Please find activity sheets in the files section of our BofAPC Workbooks Facebook group.
Music
Guide me of thou great Jehovah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT4n1hGjDDg&t=2s
* Working through Matthew - Workers and Wages - Matthew 20:1-16 ***
Further Question
As you reflect on all of this, continue to think about the question asked in the reflection – in an unfair world what can you do to show an individual that they matter just as much as you do?
Try to identify one new-to-you practical thing you can do this week to make the world a place where all are valued for who they are, and do it.
Young Folk
Please find activity sheets in the files section of our BofAPC Workbooks Facebook group.
And talk to each other about what you all think it means to be fair. A look at what you can do together show loving fairness.
Music
we plough the fields and scatter (CH4 299)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWHMZsf-Ano
* Working through Matthew - Freedom and Forgiveness - Matthew 18:21-35 ***
Further Question
Your mistakes are forgiven as you forgive. Think through the grudges you hold, the things that still provoke you after the fact and try to forgive to wrongs of that situation.
Young Folk
Please find activity sheets in the files section of our facebook page.
More Music
Praise my soul the King of Heaven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3dHeRB2c3g
Working through Matthew - Rocks and blocks - Matthew 16:21-28
Questions to think about
There is a lot to think about in today’s reading, and even though the focus in the piece is on thinking about rock and block, it is helpful to reflect on that further.
Take time to identify one rock, one thing that you can build upon in your life of faith, and one block that is stopping you doing something in your life of faith. Then give thanks for the rock and see how you can make sure the rock doesn’t crumble. And then think about the single block you have identified and think about what you can do to overcome it.
Things to talk to children about
Talk to your young people about what is meant by truth. Ask them about how they can identify the difference between was is truthful and what is not.
Then discuss with them about how you know, or believe, your faith to be true.
Remind them that doubt and questions are an integral part of a life of faith.
Hymns
510 Jesus calls us here to meet him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ModYoPReYYw
533 Will you come and follow me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk6IUalJ3sk
* Steps of Faith – Step On - Matthew 16:13-20 ***
Richmond’s Hope
Richmond’s Hope provides support for children and young people aged 4-18 years who have been bereaved. The charity provides a safe space for children to work through their grief both verbally and non verbally, to preserve memories of the person who has died, to explore their feelings, to develop coping strategies and to understand the impact the bereavement has had on their lives.
For more info look here - https://www.richmondshope.org.uk/
Further Questions
As you think through this week, take time to think about how you would describe Jesus to others. Start by describing your understand of Jesus to yourself, and then start to think about how and why the message and person of Jesus is still relevant.
With Young People
Continue to talk about how you might describe Jesus. Think about how he might have looked and how he might of dressed, and then look up “The Real Face of Jesus” (https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a234/1282186/) and see how your thoughts compare.
And then think how you would describe the actions and values that were important to Jesus, and how you might show them in how you act.
Music/hymn links
286 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6ji4y9Q-K0
739 The Church's one foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jotNbcFelX4
* Steps of faith - Step up - Matthew 15:21-28 ***
Questions
What does it mean to you that Jesus changed his mind in the reading?
What does it mean to you that Jesus listened to the Canaanite Women in the reading?
What would you ask God for if you thought you could change something for the better?
What would you be prepared to do to make that come true?
Young People
Talk to your young people about mental health, reminding them that mental health is something we all have, and that sometimes it is in good health and sometimes it might need help. Remind them that when they find themselves hurting in body and/or mind that they are still loved for who they are by God and by you. Sit with your young person, maybe sit as a family, and take turns in saying to each other… “God loves your for who you are. I love you for who you are. I especially love …(blank)… about you.” Filling in the blank with things you love about each other.
hymn/piece of music
Gather us in (CH4 623) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbNXqjwh8is
Beauty for Brokenness (CH4 259) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO1G-o7Yj-c
Questions to think about
Take time to consider (perhaps write down as a list) times in
your life when you have found yourself starting to have that
sinking feeling. Troubling, challenging times when naturally
it has been difficult to cope emotionally and sometimes
physically.
We all have these times.
• What prevented you sinking?
• Who stopped you from sinking deeper?
• How did you manage to stay afloat?
Hopefully we recognise the hand of God in those moments.
Be thankful for the people, the self-resilience and the help
that was available to you as you managed these difficult
times.
Things to talk to children about
Today’s reading is about signs that Jesus gives.
The sign that God offers calm in the storm
The sign that as we start to sink God will reach out to us
Talk with your young people about what signs they see in the world; maybe road sings or the new signs in school that help with social distancing and special Covid measures. And then ask them what signs they see that point to God.
Talk to them about how and where you see God, and how you can look for God together.
Hymn/Music
485 Dear Lord and Father of mankind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gYuEXsKsiU
509 Jesus calls us! O'er the tumult
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idAoS7at3nQ
Sunday 2nd August - BofAPC - Moderators Supply part 1
Apologies for nothing uploading last week, not sure what happened there.
Further Question(s)
Think about the Kingdom of Heaven, and what it means to you?
Do you think about the Kingdom of Heaven as something in an afterlife? Or do you think of it as a set of ideas based in love to live by now?
We cannot know in certainty what life after death will be, other than knowing God is big enough and loving enough to take care of that. What we can know is that Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like and that the Kingdom is now. So we have to try to live out those Kingdom values now.
What would it mean to you if you tried to permeate love into all aspects of life?
Young Folk
See what seeds of love you can plant this week.
Send a message to someone you think might need to know love this week, or write a letter to someone you’ve not seen in a while. Tell them that they are loved, and show that in what you write to them.
Remember to ask a grown up to help you if you need help.
More Music
Love is like a magic penny
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IclFQj4l3F0
Seek ye first CH4 641
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9MTRPA0z-E&t=71s
* spreading seeds - the parable of the sower ***
Questions
Reflect this week ask yourself the question – where are the seeds?
Think about where the seeds of faith, hope and love are found. Think about the seeds that you plant but also that are planted in you. Look for the good in both the obviously good but also in the challenge.
Young Folk
This week think of scattering seeds with your young people. If you are able to get a packet of wildflower seed and go and scatter those seeds whilst talking about how you might share seeds of faith hope and love within your family and beyond.
Music
All things bright and beautiful CH4 137
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgqKfGRT0PM
How great thou art CH4 154
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdE_NKyY_o0
More Questions
As you think about how you can find personal rest, think more about how you can personally support others inthier rest too.
And go beyond that, think about how you can influence the Church and wider community to removed burdens and obligations to help reduce exhaustion before it sets in. As well as how you can offer to support those who are already weary within institution and organisation.
Young Folk
Think about being tired and what makes you fully you again.
Maybe take the letters of the word rest and make an acrostic of pictures or phrases that show what you do to rest and how you can help others recharge their batteries.
If you you have any of this you want to share then please send it to the church FB page and we will then share what you send in.
More Music
I heard the voice of Jesus say CH4 540
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUVCpF8-VuE
Just as I am, without one plea CH4 553 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcFp0-4RZzc
More Questions
Having wrestled with the difficult question in the video that asks you to be self-reflective now think about those fleeing conflict and persecution and are now seeking refuge. If you had to flee your home with about an hours’ notice what would you take, and more importantly when you got to wherever it was you were fleeing too what do you think you would need? Try to find out more about the personal stories of refugees by looking at the stories section of the Scottish Refugee Council’s website - https://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/category/stories/
Young Folk
Think and talk with young people about water, and ask them what it feels like to be thirsty. Then move the conversation in to thirsting for something in a metaphorical way, asking them about what changes in the world they thirst for that are either fun, like a special tap for irn bru in the kitchen, or more in line with Christ’s teaching like everyone having enough food to eat.
More Music
Let us build a house CH4 198
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKJgcv8SdnQ
Here in this place, new light is streaming CH4 623
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar0BXa82F9M
Further Questions
Think more about the “haves” and “have nots” and read about the significant increase in death rates due to covid19 in areas of deprivation in Scotland. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-53079112
Young People
Take time to go outside and find some green space, if you can, and look for all the different types of birds or listen to their songs. Talk about the differences in the birds and the differences between people, but how all people are made and loved by God no matter how different they are.
More music
Inspired by love and anger (CH4 253)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zijXIgMEg7c
We sing a love that sets all people free (CH4 622)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YABQFILp8FA
More music
Will you come and follow me CH4 533
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk6IUalJ3sk
When Jesus saw the fishermen CH4 340
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_VYeQrWEvA
Questions
Not only question the role you play in day to day life in the Kingdom of god, but also think about what role you play in BofAPC? And ask yourself what role you would like to play. And if there is something you’d like to do or be involved in, either in lockdown or afterwards, then please get in touch. (dharper@churchofscotland.org.uk)
For younger people
Ask your young people to play a game of charades with you. Take turns each depicting a person, profession or practice that helps you and individuals. Each time you guess together thank God for what that person does. And as the game finishes start to think about ways both now and the future your young people might want to show love in the world.
Questions
Not so much a question – but a suggestion – go and find articles and accounts about systemic racism written by people of colour. Listen to black voices and indigenous voices of people from all over the world and try to understand to the perspective of those on the margins better. Voices from the USA, Australia and Palestine are good places to start. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scRpgoR_qyo&fbclid=IwAR3SInfx4fzwEE95E6EuiaMzOopN1hcodt_IQOfTs0Ptlzfzy6rk-J03f5Y
Young People
It is important to talk to young people about race and racism. Helpful advice can be found here - https://www.facebook.com/cbeebies/photos/a.201695253199118/2861521840549766/?type=3&theater And https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/7xvLw6Q4qbJBnkzkj6xm9Z/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-race-and-racism?fbclid=IwAR1m4Lkwkqg6MUavedhzc_6DbEF_0hDdrdGNPY7xxsYbjEueuBCQ4sKGVxI
Lord’ Prayer
https://www.facebook.com/churchofscotland/videos/2829524383829776/?t=1
Other Music
'I have a dream', a man once said (CH4 710) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHx2uWjECW4 "When I Needed A Neighbour" (CH4 544) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fExR7eOhJO0
More music
Be still for the presence of the Lord
(CH4 189)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZugvUQ4m90U
spirit of god unseen as the wind (CH4 600)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy8AZ46GKqc
More Questions
How do you speak of love to others? In what way, in what words or actions, do you speak of justice? Ask the Holy Spirit to nudge you into ways of doing this more.
(For children)
We talk about the Holy Spirit as being like fire, or like a dove or even a wind the blows. In all these different ways we are talking about something that moves and is active. What do you do that is active and full of joy. Try to describe what is feels like to be full of joy, and maybe even dance or draw what that feels like.
Questions to think about
Rather than asking yourself too many questions this week, I invite you to take time to reflect.
Find a quiet dark corner and light a candle. Watch the flame as it flickers and think about the light that shines from you. And ask the light of Christ to shine through you.
Things to talk to children about
Memories are important, what do things do you remember about your friends? Find a way to share a good memory you have with them.
Think about how people might remember you, and think about things you could do that will create nice memories for you, your families and friends, things that will punch holes of light into the darkness.
hymn/piece of music
Seek ye first CH4 641
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FuurRAJkZY
Questions to think about
Where do you encounter the helper?
How do you, or could you, show a togetherness with God in love in action?
What actions of love could you take today?
Things to talk to children about
What are you good at, and where do you need a little more help?
In what ways can you show love to your family and friends, and what help might you need to do that? And is that help needed from family or from God?
hymn/piece of music
Be still, my soul (CH4 691) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd9EMtFOQJk
Love divine, all loves excelling (CH4 519) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOLcOPXJE34
Questions to think about
What can you do today to follow the way of Jesus?
What does the truth of Christ mean to you?
How will you respond to the life of Jesus today?
Things to talk to children about
Can you see a family resemblance in your family?
Do you like to do similar things to your family? What are the good things you do together as a family?
What can you do together as a family to show God’s love?
hymn/piece of music
The Church’s one foundation CH4 739 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1YBYrJ8Hzg
What a friend we have in Jesus CH4 547 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SCorW9r_Is
Questions to think about
What journey are you on?
And where in the journey might you encounter or rely on God?
Things to talk to children about
What is surprising?
What’s the difference between good and bad surprises.
How can you surprise someone with love?