Lossiemouth Church of Scotland

14 April 2024 is the Third Sunday of Easter.

In this Season of Easter, as normal, the main text today is from the Acts of the Apostles (“Acts”).

In the aftermath of Jesus’ death and resurrection, two of his disciples, Peter and John, have healed a lame beggar. Their miracle attracts a crowd.

This is what follows:

Today’s main Bible reading

Acts 3:12-23 (from The Message Bible Translation)
Turn to Face God
12-16 When Peter saw he had a congregation, he addressed the people:

“Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus. The very One that Pilate called innocent, you repudiated. You repudiated the Holy One, the Just One, and asked for a murderer in his place. You no sooner killed the Author of Life than God raised him from the dead—and we’re the witnesses. Faith in Jesus’ name put this man, whose condition you know so well, on his feet—yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.

17-18 “And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders. But God, who through the preaching of all the prophets had said all along that his Messiah would be killed, knew exactly what you were doing and used it to fulfill his plans.

19-23 “Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus. For the time being he must remain out of sight in heaven until everything is restored to order again just the way God, through the preaching of his holy prophets of old, said it would be. Moses, for instance, said, ‘Your God will raise up for you a prophet just like me from your family. Listen to every word he speaks to you. Every last living soul who refuses to listen to that prophet will be wiped out from the people.’

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Sunday 31 March 2024 is Easter Sunday.

Today’s service from Lossiemouth Church of Scotland is led by our Parish Minister, Rev. Geoff McKee.

The main scripture for today is Mark 16:1-8. It is posted, below, along with the other New Testament readings in the Lectionary for this week’s service.

Today’s main scripture – and other Lectionary New Testament readings for today

Main scripture

Mark 16:1-8 (from The Message Bible Translation)
The Resurrection
16 1-3 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could embalm him. Very early on Sunday morning, as the sun rose, they went to the tomb. They worried out loud to each other, “Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?”

4-5 Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back—it was a huge stone—and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished.

6-7 He said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.”

8 They got out as fast as they could, beside themselves, their heads swimming. Stunned, they said nothing to anyone.

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This service on Friday 29 March 2024 was led by Rev. Christine McWhirter (Associate Minister) and Rev. Anne-Marie Simpson (Ordained Local Minister).

Call to worship

One this night, as the shadows darken, we come to be present with Jesus.

With the glory of Palm Sunday behind us, and the victory of Easter yet to come, we come together in this space with humble hearts.

In this world, where many face challenges, and bring doubts and questions, we seek to share this time with them, with love and unity.

At time, the dark valleys of life can seem overwhelming.

We come to this safe and holy place.

We come as ourselves, to wait.

Jesus Christ, holy friend, we know that you are here with us.

Video recording of Good Friday service 2024 from Lossiemouth Church of Scotland

Banner image credit: John Stuart