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Limefield United Free Church of Scotland, West Calder, 8 Limefield Road, West Calder (2026)

14/12/2025

Request Carol Service 14 December 2025

Good evening, It is good to see the turnout tonight. We will start tonight with three requests.

First we will sing No 211 from Mission Praise – Hark! The herald-angels sing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IGP68i3JvU This has been requested from a list provided by Lydia Walker who admitted that she got carried away when trying to work out her favourite Carol. Mission Praise No 211 .

Now you've started warming up your vocal cords we will carry on with a request from Kathy Wilson. It is Mission Praise 644 – The first nowell the angel did say - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH7PshxnLiI.No 644

If you haven't chosen a carol in advance I'll give you the opportunity to choose one now. First to shout out will get the request always assuming it is in Mission Praise

You can rest your voices for a little bit while we come before God in Prayer.

Let us pray

Our hearts praise God this Advent
As we remember the excitement and expectation of a new baby
A baby who would bring hope, wonder and the promise of new life
A baby who would be the fulfilment of promises made long before his birth
A baby who would change the world
A baby who would bring health and new possibilities to those who sought him
and to those who did not.

Our voices praise God this Advent
As we rejoice in the miracle and challenge of God coming among us
God who would seek out the despised and dejected
God who would lift up the bent and the broken
God who would challenge the systems of power and authority
God who would bring new life and wholeness to those whose knew they needed changed and those who did not.

Our lives praise God this Advent
As we seek to be people who live out the radical message of the incarnation
People whose values are based on the Magnificat and not on the populist press
People whose message brings comfort to the uncomfortable
and challenges the comfortable
People who take action to be faithful disciples true to a hard message
People who have confidence in the God of Advent, who is with us today and tomorrow.

We pray these things in Jesus name and further pray the words he taught us
Our Father who art in Heaven
hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors
and lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom, the power
and the Glory forever
Amen.

It is now your turn again to raise your voices in song.

We will start this group of three carols with on chosen by you. Don't be shy shout it out.

We go back now to the shepherds and we will now sing No 764 – While shepherds watched their flocks by night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdASbgux6ds . Mission Praise 764.

I hope someone has thought of another carol not on my list and is going to shout it out

The bible reading this morning gave notice of the Birth of Christ many years before and I'd like to repeat it now.

Reading Isaiah 9: 2-7
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and for ever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

Amen

Back to you again we will start this time with No 597 – Silent night, holy night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePmp_fba-tIwhich was one of Lydia's choices. Mission Praise No 597.

Another of Kathy Wilson's choices keeps with the quietness Mission Praise No 588 – See, amid the winter's snow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlQTIN2HOAg No 588.

Two folk, Ann Gardiner and Kathy Wilson, chose the next carol No 589 – See him lying on a bed of straw - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_kwvn8G1wE No 589

We will take this opportunity to uplift an offering for the Lord's work.

Offertory Prayer

Lord, all we have is yours, all we are is yours. Accept the gifts we lay before you this day and accept too the givers, for we bring them to you not as a collection but as an offering, not given out of duty, but given out of gratitude, and not brought we feel we must, but brought out of love. We present our offering freely to you, as you offered yourself to us in Christ.

Doffie Slatterly has chosen the next carol for us, No. 342 from Mission Praise – Infant holy, infant lowly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwkkclFxfJE, No. 342

We will now sing a carol cosen by Karen Aitken. The carol is No. 539 – Once in Royal David's city - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgR48OpNmOA, No.539

Final carol this evening is No. 491 giving you the chance to lift the roof off singing O come all you faithful - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE4A4UBFj7Y after which we will have the benediction. No. 491

Benediction

Take our love, Lord, we pour at Your feet to treasure, take us, and we will be ever, only, all for You.

And now may the love and fellowship of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit be with each one of us and with those who are near and dear, now and forever more.

Amen.

14/12/2025

Enter into the magic and wonder of Christmas this Sunday evening at our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. All are welcome!

14/12/2025

14 December 2025

Intimations

1. We welcome members, friends and visitors to our Service this morning. Leading us in worship today is Alex Middleton. We give Alex a warm welcome and pray that the Lord is with him as he gives his message and that we hear what the Lord wishes us to hear.
2. Flowers in church this morning are from Ann Gardiner. Many thanks for them Ann. Next weeks flowers will be donated by Martha Delaney. I've been asked to intimate who is donating the flowers for a week ahead as some are forgetting that it is their turn and not providing money to pay for their flowers. The Flower List for 2026 is now available at the rear of the church and is filling up fast.
3. We meet next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, at 11.00am for our Service which will be conducted by Alex Middleton.
4. Our special Christmas services begin tonight when we hold our Carol Request Service at 7.00pm. If you are coming along and have a special Carol you'd like to hear please add your name and that of the carol to the list on the sheet at the back of the church.
5. Our second Christmas special takes place next Sunday 21st December, again at 7.00pm, with a service of Nine Lessons & Carols. I'm still looking for volunteers to read the Lessons on the night. We'd like to get different readers for each Lesson and not double up as we've had to do in the past.
9. You are invited to join for a further period of fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee in the hall following today's service.

Service to be conducted by Mr Alex Middleton
Hymns from Complete Mission Praise
Bible reading from NIV UK

Call to Worship

A Moment to Reflect, with ‘Be Still . . .’ [The first verse of Be Still is played to settle the congregation]

HYMN 211 Hark! the herald-angels sing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IGP68i3JvU

Prayer

HYMN 457 Make way, make way - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNDCyAB1Mvs

Reading Isaiah 9: 2-7

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and for ever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

Offering

Offertory Prayer

HYMN 39 As with gladness men of old - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB8rKNrlpDQ

Prayer

HYMN 337 In the bleak mid-winter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAzQIS4-MpY

Sermon

HYMN 493 O come, O come, Emmanuel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKu0or0t8Uw

Benediction

3 Fold Amen

07/12/2025

7 December 2025

Intimations

1. We welcome members, friends and visitors to our Service this morning. Leading us in worship today is Alex Middleton. We give Alex a warm welcome and pray that the Lord is with him as he gives his message and that we hear what the Lord wishes us to hear.
2. Flowers in church this morning are from Ola Mbireaye. Many thanks for them Ola. The Flower List for 2026 is now available at the rear of the church and is filling up fast.
3. We meet next Sunday, the Third Sunday in Advent, at 11.00am for our Service which will be conducted by Alex Middleton.
4. Today at 1.30pm there will be a Cantonese Service is scheduled in the church.
5. The Lothian Ensemble are holding A Christmas Candlelight Concert in the church at 6.00pm this evening. This is the second of the Ensemble's concerts here in Limefield and follows a well received concert, by those attending, earlier this month. The Ensemble is a local group of classical musicians, your support would be appreciated. Tickets are available on eventbrite or at the door. Under 18s are admitted free.
6. Our special Christmas services begin next Sunday 14th December when we hold our Carol Request Service at 7.00pm. If you are going to attend and have a special Carol you'd like to hear on the night let us know in advance, if you can, although we will take requests on the night
7. Jingle & Mingle – On Thursday 18th December, West Calder High School would like to invite retired people from our community to join them for an afternoon of Christmas Cheer! The timing of this is 1:30–3.00pm. There will be food, entertainment, and fun – all arranged by the young people themselves. It would be good to support them with this venture! If you'd like to attend please let me know by the 12th of December in person or by texting me on 07990547461 or emailing [email protected]
8. Our second Christmas special takes place on Sunday 21st December, again at 7.00pm, with a service of Nine Lessons & Carols. Between Alex and Bill we have been saying that we need everyone to work together. Now is your chance to do so as we require volunteers to read the Lessons on the night. We'd like to get different readers for each Lesson and not double up as we've had to do in the past. Let Bill know if you'd like to volunteer.
9. This being the first Sunday of the month we will hold our regular retiring offering for the Fabric Fund.
10. You are invited to join for a further period of fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee in the hall following today's service.

Service to be conducted by Mr Alex Middleton
Hymns from Complete Mission Praise
Bible reading from NIV UK

Call to Worship

A Moment to Reflect, with ‘Be Still . . .’ [The first verse of Be Still is played to settle the congregation]

HYMN 211 Hark! the herald-angels sing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IGP68i3JvU

Prayer

HYMN 740 We three kings of Orient are - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNBbCkDMSLw

Reading Isaiah 55: 1-13

55 ‘Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labour on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a ruler and commander of the peoples.
5 Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations you do not know will come running to you,
because of the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendour.’

6 Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,’
declares the Lord.
9 ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
it will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn-bush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure for ever.’

Offering

Offertory Prayer

HYMN 796 You shall go out with joy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivfUKd6AFXw

Prayer

HYMN 71 Child in a manger, infant of Mary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLif8yboAtg

Sermon

HYMN 764 While shepherds watched their flocks by night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdASbgux6ds

Benediction

3 Fold Amen

01/12/2025

We are holding our Annual Christmas Carol Request Service at 7.00pm on the evening of Sunday 14th December. If you are attending and would like to have a favourite Carol included in the Service you can let us know in the comments below. We take our carols from Complete Mission Praise.

30/11/2025

30 November 2025

Service to be conducted by Jane Sandell
Hymns from Complete Mission Praise
Bible reading from NIV UK

Welcome

Intimations

1. We welcome members, friends and visitors to our Service this morning. Leading us in worship today is Jane Sandell. We give Jane a warm welcome and pray that the Lord is with her as she gives her message and that we hear what the Lord wishes us to hear.
2. Flowers in church this morning are from Phyliss Booker. Many thanks for them Phyliss. The Flower List for 2026 is now available at the rear of the church.
3. We meet next Sunday, the Second Sunday in Advent, at 11.00am for our Service which will be conducted by Alex Middleton.
4. Next Sunday at 1.30pm there will be a Cantonese Service in the church.
5. The Lothian Ensemble are holding A Christmas Candlelight Concert in the church at 6.00pm next Sunday evening. This is the second of the Ensemble's concerts here in Limefield and follows a well received concert, by those attending, earlier this month. The Ensemble is a local group of classical musicians, your support would be appreciated. Tickets are available on eventbrite or at the door. Under 18s are admitted free.
6. Our special Christmas services begin on Sunday 14th December when we hold our Carol Request Service at 7.00pm. If you are going to attend and have a special Carol you'd like to hear on the night let us know in advance, if you can, although we will take requests on the night
7. Jingle & Mingle – On Thursday 18th December, West Calder High School would like to invite retired people from our community to join them for an afternoon of Christmas Cheer! The timing of this is 1:30–3.00pm. There will be food, entertainment, and fun – all arranged by the young people themselves. It would be good to support them with this venture! If you'd like to attend please let me know by the 12th of December in person or by texting me on 07990547461 or emailing [email protected]
8. Our second Christmas special takes place on Sunday 21st December, again at 7.00pm, with a service of Nine Lessons & Carols. Between Alex and Bill we have been saying that we need everyone to work together. Now is your chance to do so as we require volunteers to read the Lessons on the night. We'd like to get different readers for each Lesson and not double up as we've had to do in the past. Let Bill know if you'd like to volunteer.
9. You are invited to join for a further period of fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee in the hall following today's service.

A Moment to Reflect, with ‘Be Still . . .’ [The first verse of Be Still is played to settle the congregation

Call to Worship: Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

MP465 Meekness and Majesty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW5NVGQi5LM

Prayer

Telling Even More Tales p22

MP451 Love Came Down at Christmas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLws2WvdXdM

Reading: Luke 1:1-25; 57-66

Introduction

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The birth of John the Baptist foretold

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshippers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’

18 Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well on in years.’

19 The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realised he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 ‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favour and taken away my disgrace among the people.’

The Birth of John the Baptist

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”

62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

Offering

Offertory Prayer

MP457 Make Way, Make Way - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNDCyAB1Mvs

Prayer

MP210 Hark! The Glad Sound - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeBRYhG86x0

Sermon

MP162 From Heaven You Came - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4963QPHAIM

Benediction

Threefold Amen

27/11/2025

If you are interested in attending please let us know so we can give numbers to the school

23/11/2025

23 November 2025

Intimations

1. We welcome members, friends and visitors to our Service this morning. Leading us in worship today is Alex Middleton. We give Alex a warm welcome and pray that the Lord is with him as he gives his message and that we hear what the Lord wishes us to hear.
2. Flowers in church this morning are from Kathy Wilson. Many thanks for them Kathy. The Flower List for 2026 is now available at the rear of the church.
3. Thanks to those that supported the Sale yesterday.
4. This afternoon at 2.30pm the Lothian Ensemble present a Classical Gems String Quartet Concert Tickets are still available with admission at the door. Under 18s are admitted free. If you miss this concert there is another on 7th December with a Christmas Candlelight Concert at 6.00pm.
5. We meet next Sunday, the First Sunday in Advent, at 11.00am for our Service which will be conducted by Jane Sandell.
6. The prayer booklets for 2026 are available, please ensure that you take one away with you today if you didn't pick one up last Sunday.
7. You are invited to join for a further period of fellowship over a cup of tea or coffee in the hall following today's service.

Service to be conducted by Mr Alex Middleton
Hymns from Complete Mission Praise
Bible reading from NIV UK

Call to Worship

A Moment to Reflect, with ‘Be Still . . .’ [The first verse of Be Still is played to settle the congregation]

HYMN 640 The Church’s one foundation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCdASxyPIKE

Prayer

HYMN 495 O for a heart to praise - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FyAY9fzcnU

Reading Matthew 5: 13-16

Salt and light

13 ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Offering

Offertory Prayer

HYMN 115 Do not be afraid - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2rO0LhSWJ0

Prayer

HYMN 759 When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjCY0FymNGw

Sermon

HYMN 572 Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is in you - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6HA9G_hxHg

Benediction

3 Fold Amen

22/11/2025

Tickets still available, pay at door. Under 18s free.

Limefield United Free Church of Scotland, West Calder

14/12/2025

14/12/2025

14/12/2025

07/12/2025

01/12/2025

30/11/2025

27/11/2025

23/11/2025

22/11/2025

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