Cambuslang Parish Church
Sunday 7th December 2025 at 10.30am
Second Sunday in Advent
Celebration of Holy Communion
Our worship this morning is led by Karen Hamilton DCS
And Rev David Denniston
Scottish Charity Number SC000061
Christian Copyright Licence Number 20302
Welcome to worship, it’s good to see you!
Choir Introit
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship
The desert will sing and rejoice
and the wilderness blossom with flowers
All will see the Lord’s splendour
see the Lord’s greatness and power
Tell everyone who is anxious
‘Be strong, and do not be afraid’
The blind will be able to see
the deaf will be able to hear
the lame will leap and dance
those who can’t speak will shout
they will hammer their swords into ploughs
they will turn their spears into pruning knives
The nations will live in peace
no more will they train for war
This is the promise of God
God’s promises will be fulfilled
Advent Candle Beth Simpson
HYMN
We are the people of hope
we are a people of hope.
Lighting a candle, we wait for the dawn;
we are a people of hope.
We are a people of peace;
we are a people of peace.
Lighting a candle, we work for the dawn;
we are a people of peace.
God Welcomes All, 90
HYMN 543 Longing for Light
Prayer of Approach and Confession
Celebrations All Age Talk
HYMN 448 Lord, the Light of your Love is Shining
Bible Readings read by Archie Fotheringham
Isaiah 11: 1-10 P680 OT
Mattthew 3: 1-12 P5 NT
HYMN (Ps 72)
O God, with holy righteousness
stain your royal son,
that he may help your suffering folk
and see your justice done.
Through all the earth, from shore to shore,
his kingdom shall extend;
his enemies shall lick the dust,
his reign shall never end.
Rulers and kings of every land
shall bow before his throne;
and all the nations of the world
shall make his will their own.
For he shall rescue those in need,
protect the frightened poor
and, in the face of every threat,
make fragile lives secure.
Long may his name last like the sun,
long be his fame expressed
as people for like blessing pray
who know him as God’s blessed.
And blessed be God, for God alone
brings wondrous things to birth;
for ever may God’s name be praised
whose glory fills the earth.
Words John Bell & Grahm Maule
Tune CH4 304 ‘Forest Green’
Sermon ‘Tell it as it is’
Reflection including HYMN 276 Wait for the Lord
Invitation to the Table
HYMN 291 When out of poverty is born
Offering Presented
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
COMMUNION
HYMN 475 Christ is coming! Tune 110 Regent’s Square
Benediction
There will be a retiring collection after the service today in aid of Glasgow City Mission.
“At Glasgow City Mission, your support offers hope to hearts that have been starved of the love and care they need to grow”. £36 will pay for 6 people to have a Christmas dinner at the City Mission where they can join with others in warmth and security. If our congregation could raise £180, we could help 30 people have Christmas Dinner.
Singing and Making Music
We are planning some special musical items for next Sunday 14th December in the lead up to Christmas and we would love it if anyone who can play a musical instrument (even a bit!) could be part of that, and if folks would be willing to be part of a singing group for that service. You do not need to have a wonderful voice, and you certainly do not need to read music to join this! Have a word with one of the Ministers or with Tim, if you are interested. Singing practice will take place after worship today.
Advent and Christmas
13th December – Christmas Tree Festival, including Coffee Morning 10.00am – 12 noon and Carol Service at 3.30pm
14th December – Third Sunday in Advent and Gift Service
16th December – Carol Service and afternoon tea at 2pm especially for those who need transport to church
21st December – Fourth Sunday in Advent and Nativity Service
This will be the final service with us of our Deacon, Karen Hamilton, and we will be thanking her and saying ‘Farewell’
24th December – Messy Christingle Family Service at 6.30pm
24th December – Watchnight Service at 11.30pm with Carol Singing from 11.15pm
25th December – Family Christmas Day Service at 10.30am
28th December – Lessons and Carols Service
4th January 2026 – Parish Grouping Service with Flemington Hallside at CPC. Celebration of Holy Communion.
Readers required!
For some of our forthcoming services we are looking for a number of folks to read (mainly from the Bible, but also some other readings). The services in question are the Carol Service at the end of the Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday 13th, the Watchnight Service on Christmas Eve, and the Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday 28th. Any willing volunteers can have a word with David or Hilary. Thank you!
Discovery Group ‘Believing and Belonging’
Another series of ‘Believing and Belonging’ meetings, following the same topics and material as recent courses, will be commencing in January.
These meetings are for those interested in exploring the basics of the faith, or considering baptism, confirmation, or ‘church membership’, or wanting to discover more about God and the Christian Life, or wanting to ‘refresh’ what they believe, or if you are simply a bit curious about the Christian Faith and following Jesus.
These meetings will be on Thursday evenings at 7.00pm in the Morriston Room beginning on 8th January (and ending on 5th February).
For more information speak to, email, or phone David Denniston. (DDenniston@churchofscotland.org.uk; 07903 926727)
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday 9th December – Tuesday Service at 11.45 Karen leading
Thursday 11th December – Close Knit 1.30 in the Large Hall
Saturday 13th December – Mens Breakfast Club
Saturday 13th December – CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 10-4pm. Carol Service 3.30pm
Sunday 14th December – Gift Service
Tuesday 16thDecember – Tuesday service at 11.45 David, Hilary and Karen leading. Mince pies and tea and coffee to finish!
Tuesday 16thDecember – 2-4pm Carol Service and afternoon tea for 75yrs and over, including our housebound members. More information to follow.
Sunday 21st December – Nativity and Karen’s last service with us. Lunch will be served in the Large Hall for everyone
Church Family News
For information on any items please contact Karen Hamilton, David Denniston or Hilary McDougall
Our Mission Statement:
We are a warm and welcoming church
who seek to help all people experience and share
the love and teachings of Jesus Christ
in our worship and community involvement.
We affirm the dignity of all people
through compassion and kindness.
Hilary will be on annual leave from tomorrow (Monday 8th) until Sunday 14th inclusive. Today she is leading worship at Fernhill and Cathkin Parish Church.
Our offerings help support the mission and work of our church and we are grateful to all those who give financially Sunday by Sunday. Many people give by standing order but there is also the option to give via the offering plate in the vestibule area of the church, immediately before entering or leaving the sanctuary. You can pop your offering in the plate either before or after the service. Thank you!
Freewill Offering Envelopes for 2026 are available for uplifting in the vestibule. If anyone either requires a set of envelopes or no longer wishes to use envelopes please contact David Black or speak to your Elder. David Black, Freewill Offering Convenor
Reachout would like to create a small gift for all the staff in our local schools. To do this, they are looking for donations of small boxes of wrapped chocolates, such as Heroes, Celebrations, Roses or Quality Street. If you are able to help, please contact Karen Hamilton.
Jigsaws are available in the Welcome Area for anyone who wishes to borrow one. When finished, please return to the Welcome Area.
Close Knit Group will meet on Thursday December 11that 1:30pm. Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery or just yourself. Enjoy a cup of tea and a natter. All are welcome.
The Guild: On Monday first, the 8th of December, the Guild will share in Carols and Readings for Advent. We will also endeavour to make some decorations for our Christmas tree which will be part of the Christmas Tree Festival.
The following Monday, the 15th of December, is our Christmas Lunch. This will take place in the Large Church Hall. It will consist of a three course meal followed by mince pies and tea/coffee. Afterwards we will have Musical Entertainment. Price £22. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME FROM THE SYLLABUS. IT IS NOW 12 NOON FOR 12.30. All are welcome to come and join us. Please let us have your names by the 8th of December.
Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 13th December: Decorated trees will be on display in the church from 10am to 4.30pm – vote for your favourite. Coffee morning with mince pies in the large hall 10am to midday and refreshments will also be available during the afternoon. Join us for the Community Carol Service with local school choirs at 3.30pm. This is always a lovely day so please come along and enjoy the fun. There will be a second opportunity to admire the trees on Sunday 14th at our Gift Service when the winners of the most popular tree will be announced.
Communion Linen: Volunteers are needed to help with the washing and ironing of the cloths and napkins used at Communion. If you are able to help, please speak to Lorna Morrison after the service or phone/message her on 07962086130.
The wonderful Phoenix Choir will be performing in our Church Sanctuary on Sunday 22nd February next year. Tickets, £10, Children free. A perfect gift for Christmas and something to look forward to in the New Year. Tickets will be on sale on Sunday 14th and 21st December.
Foodbank: A big thank you to everyone who supports the Foodbank by donating. The items most needed this month are: Spaghetti Hoops, Macaroni Cheese, Beans & Sausage, Sugar, UHT Milk, Instant Noodles/Pasta, Coffee, Breakfast Cereal, Tinned Fruit, Rice Pudding.
Prayer Tree: The congregational Prayer Tree is available in the Welcome Area, along with tags on which names can be written of any for whom prayers are sought. Names on the Prayer Tree will normally be included by the Ministry Team in prayers offered in worship at the Sunday Service and Tuesday Service following. It is the normal practice of the Ministry Team to include first names only to help preserve appropriate anonymity. Prayer requests are removed from the tree after an appropriate time. If you wish a name to be remembered thereafter then please place a further tag on the tree. Thank you.
Halls Convenor: please send any enquiries about hall bookings etc to our Halls Convenor Derek Burns: derekburnscpc@gmail.com
Ohna Robertson will be delighted to receive your announcements for inclusion in the Order of Service by Wednesday at 12 noon: ohna.robertson@ntlworld.com
Worship at Cambuslang Parish Church
Sunday 14th December: 10.30am Service led by Rev David Denniston and our Deacon, Karen Hamilton.
Welcome Team: Jim Forsyth, Jim Nixon, Jim Ferguson
Tea Team: Anna Inglis, Isobel Allison, Eleanor Ferguson, Jim Ferguson
CONTACT THE MINISTRY TEAM
Interim Ministers:
David Denniston
DDenniston@churchofscotland.org.uk 07903 926727
(Off Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
Hilary McDougall
HMcDougall@churchofscotland.org.uk 07940 455473
(Presbytery work on Monday and off Thursday. On annual leave Monday 8th December – Sunday 14th December inclusive)
Deacon:
Karen Hamilton
KHamilton@churchofscotland.org.uk 07514 402612
(Off Saturday)