Worship Notes

The History The ceremony of Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan is of American origin, though based on Scottish history and legend. Scotland came under British rule following the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The Scots were not allowed to wear Summerville Presbyterian Church their tartans, which represented Scottish heritage, for 50 years. The stubborn Scots would secretly carry a piece of their tartan to the Kirk (church) where the minister would slip in a blessing (a Kirkin’). The first Kirkin’ in the US was in 1943 at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. ORDER OF Worship 21st Sunday after Pentecost Blessing of the Tartans The worship service is very traditional and much is based on the Church of Scotland. Central to the theme of a Sunday, October 25, 2020 traditional Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan is the presentation of various tartans for a blessing. The Kirkin’ is intended to 10:00 am encourage all participants to reflect with thanksgiving on their own family and ethnic heritage, and to celebrate Scottish Heritage Sunday God’s grace poured out for all generations.

The Beadle A kilted Beadle leads the worship procession carrying the Bible to the front of the sanctuary and pulpit. Reminiscent of an old custom of the Church of Scotland, this tradition highlights the Bible as the Word of our Lord and the center of our faith.

The Bible The inscription on the Bible reads “Independent or Congregational Church of St. George’s Parish, Dorchester SO. CA. from John Rose Esquire, 1809.”

The Evolution of the Kilt No doubt the most identifiable garment worn by the Scots is the kilt, regardless of the fabric. The kilt of modern times is made with eight yards of tartan, pleated together in the back, left unpleated in the front, and designed like a wrap-around apron. The modern kilt is made to cover only the lower half of the body, from the waist down to the knees. But in the late 1500’s, the Feileadh Mhor, or the Great Kilt (as seen on William Wallace in Braveheart), covered the body from the knees to the neck, and sometimes even the head.

Source: Clothing 1: What’s up with the Guy in the Skirt? (Vol. 1, Issue 5, April 30, 2001) (www.shetlandpiper.com)

Summerville Presbyterian Church In October 1695, in response to letters received from the people of Carolina requesting spiritual guidance, the people of Dorchester, Massachusetts organized a church with the descendants of the original English Immigrants, "to go to Carolina and settle the gospel there." And so begins the history of Summerville Presbyterian Church. To learn more, pick up a "History of Summerville Presbyterian Church" brochure at the welcome desk. The stoles worn by the worship leaders today are made from the Hamilton Plaid. The history of the Hamilton clan dates all the Flowers way back to 1294, when a Norman named Walter Fitz-Gilbert of Hambledon, moved to Renfrewshire. Later, during the Wars of Today’s flowers are given by The Page family in honor of Scottish Heritage Sunday. Independence, Fitz-Gilbert came across to Bruce’s side and was rewarded with a portion of confiscated Comyn lands. Among his new properties was the Barony and lands of Cadzow which would in time be the town of Hamilton.

Worship Leaders Much of the liturgy for today’s service comes from a Scottish Heritage Sunday celebration Rev. Dr. Pastor Anita K. Herbert in 2016 by St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, GA. William Bennett, Director of Music

Jim Moore, Organist In Preparation for Worship Peter Armstrong, Bagpiper The Kirk – As we believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, so we firmly believe that from the beginning Chancel Choir there has been, now is, and to the end of the world shall be, one Kirk, that is to say, one company and multitude Candace Pratt, Liturgist of men chosen by God, who rightly worship and embrace him by true faith in Christ Jesus, who is the only Head of John Crofts, EIC the Kirk, even as it is the body and spouse of Christ Jesus. The Scots Confession, Chapter XVI, 1560 Ushers – Lionel Lawson and Mike Patterson *Assurance of Pardon from The Scots Confession GATHERING Our faith and its assurance are the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. We confess that the Holy Ghost does sanctify and regenerate us, without respect to any merit proceeding from us. He Who has begun the work in Prelude “Highland Cathedral” Traditional us alone continues us in it, to the praise and Glory of His undeserved Grace. Peter Armstrong/Jim Moore Friends, believe the good news of the gospel:

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Welcome and Announcements *Song of Praise “Glory Be To The Father” GLORIA PATRI Minute for Mission – Thanksgiving Basket Project William Bennett

*Blessing of the Tartans and Families of the Church: *Affirmation of Faith from The Scots Confession Rev. Dr. Anita K. Herbert Minister: Eternal God, we ask your blessing on all people. We are thankful for our heritage and ask You to We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to Whom we must cleave, Whom alone we must serve, bless the families of our church, that they may love and walk humbly with You through the grace of Jesus Whom only we must worship, and in Whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, Christ. Amen. immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three People: We proclaim that we are all united in the covenant of Jesus Christ, for there is but one Lord, one persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We most surely believe that God preserved, Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all. instructed, multiplied, honored, adorned, and called from death to life His Kirk in all ages since Adam

until the coming of Christ Jesus in the flesh. Amen *Call to Worship Candace Pratt, Liturgist

God of grace and God of glory, On Thy people pour Thy power; THE WORD Crown Thine ancient church’s story; Bring its bud to glorious flower. Pastoral Prayer/Lord’s Prayer Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, Offering “Amazing Grace” Virginia Harmony For the facing of this hour, Peter Armstrong/Jim Moore For the facing of this hour. *Doxology Opening Hymn “The King Of Love My Shepherd Is” ST COLUMBIA William Bennett *Prayer of Dedication

*Call to Confession Scripture Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 Rev. Dr. Anita K. Herbert The Lord be with you. And also with you. Sermon “A Word For Turbulent Times” Rev. Dr. Anita K. Herbert Let us pray.

*Prayer of Confession (Adapted from Scottish Reformer John Knox’s Liturgy of 1560) SENDING Almighty God, we do not deserve any grace or mercy from You, if You dealt with us as we deserve. We have sinned against You, O Lord, and we have offended You. And yet, as we acknowledge our sins and *Closing Hymn “Be Thou My Vision” SLANE offenses, so also do we acknowledge You to be a merciful God, a loving and favorable Father to all who turn to You. And so we humbly ask You to show mercy to us. Forgive the sins of our youth and the sins of *Benediction our old age. By Your Spirit, O God, take possession of our hearts so that not only the actions of our lives, but also the words of our mouths and the smallest thought of our minds, may be guided and governed *Benediction Response by You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. *Postlude “Scotland the Brave” Traditional Peter Armstrong *Silent Prayer

*Song of Assurance “O Lord, Have Mercy” Kyrie Eleison William Bennett