Resources for worship

Church Hymnary and Common Order

The Church of Scotland uses three main books for worship: the Holy Bible, Common Order, and Church Hymnary Fourth Edition (CH4). The Church has also added to these with the publication of God Welcomes All, a supplement to the Church Hymnary Fourth Edition. This features over 200 hymns and songs in a variety of styles, with a focus on hospitality and welcome.

You can order Common Order and the Church Hymnary Fourth Edition through St Andrew Press where a discount is offered for bulk orders. You may also find books being offered by local congregations on Exchange and Transfer. God Welcomes All can be sourced through Canterbury Press.

Information on the Church Hymnary Fourth Edition can be found on music for worship.

The Holy Bible

The Church of Scotland does not have an official version of the Bible that it uses; however, the most common Bible used in the Church is the New International Version. Some congregations prefer the New Revised Standard Version or the Good News Bible.

At the beginning of each Moderator's term they are asked which version of the Bible they would like to use during the General Assembly that year. The Scottish Bible Society then gifts the Moderator with a copy of their chosen version of the Bible.

Common Order

Common Order is the Church's book of services and resources for public worship, drawing from a wide range of church traditions. This book offers complete orders of service, prayers, and a three-year lectionary.

  • Common Order is available to purchase from St Andrew Press for £32
  • Leabhar Sheirbheisean is the Gaelic language edition of Common Order 1994. The book is £6 and can be ordered through the Church.

Pamphlets based on the Book of Common Order

  • Welcome to a Child £4.99. For parents, those seeking to be baptised, and worship leaders. Many Christian parents seek a rite of reception of their child into the family of the Church which would leave the child free upon reaching maturity to decide for themselves to seek baptism. This book features four orders of service for these situations.
  • By Water and the Spirit £6.99. What it means to be baptised. This book is for all those, of whatever denomination, who wish to explore baptism and Church membership, especially those who seek baptism for themselves or their children.
  • Christian Baptism £1.50. An outline and explanation of baptismal services for those considering Baptism for themselves or their children.

Same Sex Marriage Liturgies

The General Assembly of 2022 agreed to allow ministers and deacons in the Church of Scotland to solemnise same sex marriages. The Church's Faith Nurture Forum created liturgies for such ceremonies; three different liturgies are available for those ministers who are authorised to solemnise same sex marriage as provided for in the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977.

Ordinal and Service Book

The Ordinal and Service Book includes recommended prayers, declarations, and benediction for ministers to use during the ordination or induction of a new minister into the Church of Scotland, or the introduction of a minister to a new congregation.

This book also contains the official words used during services for the ordination of a deacon, admission to the office of reader, a welcome to members from other churches, linking and union of congregations, and prayers for beginning a Church meeting.

The latest edition also includes services for the dedication of a church or a church hall, or closure of a church building. A free PDF version can be ordered via email.