Palm Sunday 5th April 2020
Peace that comes from knowing God
CMP 1072 In Christ alone
1
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this cornerstone, this solid ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all,
here in the love of Christ I stand.
2
In Christ alone – who took on flesh,
fullness of God in helpless Babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
scorned by the ones he came to save
till on that cross as Jesus died,
the wrath of God was satisfied,
for every sin on Him was laid;
here in the death of Christ I live.
3
There in the ground his body lay,
light of the world by darkness slain,
then, bursting forth in glorious day,
up from the grave He rose again!
And as he stands in victory
sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
for I am His and He is mine –
bought with the precious blood of Christ.
4
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
this is the power of Christ in me;
from life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
can ever pluck me from His hand;
till He returns or calls me home,
here in the power of Christ I’ll stand!
Prayer of the Day
(inspired by Psalm 138)
Holy God, you are the God above and beyond all things! With trust, hope and humility in our hearts and minds, we gather to praise and worship you, the God who always hears and answers our prayers. God’s promises are trustworthy and honourable, and so with thankful hearts and minds, we praise and worship our God who understands and guides us.
Ever-loving and Faithful God, you are utterly to be trusted! God’s mercy and love does not discriminate between the rich and the poor, the powerful or the humble, but instead, God pours blessings and grace upon all people who respond to God’s gracious and generous acts of love and compassion.
Awesome God, we come in reverent wonder before our God! Every day and night, we have been blessed by the wonders of our God, whose ways are beyond our understanding, but whose mercy never fails; and whose gentle powers are shown through God’s unfailing kindness to people who are weak and in need of strength, encouragement and hope for the future.
Ever-present God, your faithful love endures for ever, and ever. We give thanks with all our hearts to our Listening and Faithful God. Amen.
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Welcome Worship Witness
Meet our minister, Rev. Marc Bircham
Marc is an Ayrshire man; he was born in Irvine and spent his formative years in Kilmarnock. Married in 1989 to Anthea they have four children: Josiah, Nathan, Lily & Jed. Marc became a Christian at the age of 20, under the influence of Dr Jim and Clarinda McHardy; a wonderful couple who opened their home and their hearts to the young people of Kilmarnock.
Having served his apprenticeship as a butcher, Marc worked as a shop manager. However, having been a member of a summer mission team in the mid 80s he had a keen sense of God’s calling to full time Christian service and changed careers to become a residential social worker with Dr. Barnardo’s.
After 4 years working with young people with challenging behaviour and children with learning disabilities, Marc decided to study Theology at Edinburgh University. His intention was to use his degree as a springboard into working within the church as a community worker, bridging the gap between those who feel excluded and the local worshipping community. However, God had other ideas and, under the very challenging preaching of Rev. Jerry Middelton, Marc had a very clear call from God to enter parish ministry.
This was the start of a very long process which involved completing a BD and doing a Masters in Theology, in which Marc examined the growing church in the USA.
On graduating, Marc served his probationary 18 months at St. David’s, Broomhouse under the tutelage of Rev. Neil Dougal, a wonderfully enriching and rewarding experience.
Marc now serves the congregation of St. Madoes & Kinfauns in the Carse of Gowrie. He has been the minister here since February 2000 and is really excited about what God is doing and what He will do. Marc serves as chaplain at the local primary school, and convenor of the Presbytery business committee.
Aside from work, Marc enjoys listening to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and a whole range of music styles with the exception of Rap, which he simply does not understand!
Kilmarnock Football Club are a passion and when he can he takes in a match.
Marc also enjoys the movies, particularly those that convey the Christian truth, and he loves a good curry!
This page last updated 9th October 15