news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
April 2007

from the manse . . .

Traditionally Easter messages are associated with Peace. As I write, those who are trying to bring peace and stability to a troubled world are in many ways between a rock and a hard place. Royal Navy personnel are presently being held by the Iranians (please God that when you read this they have been released).

Peace-keeping has never been easy – any Roman Centurion could tell you that !

Trying to keep rival factions apart when they are hell-bent on killing each other is not for the faint-hearted.

Today's 'Centurions' are stretched to the limit. The young men and women of our armed services are witnessing scenes of unimaginable cruelty and evil in Afghanistan and Iraq. Every day facing up to an unknown enemy who one minute may be greeting them with a welcoming smile on a busy street, before blowing themselves up, along with anyone else who happens to be passing. The politics of why we should or shouldn't be there are for others to debate.

However, the human legacy of these times should be of great concern to us all.

A significant number of our 'peacekeepers' on return to 'normal' duties will experience the deeply distressing psychological effects of 'What they have seen and heard'. Supporting them and their families in our community, both in our prayers and good neighbourliness is not much to ask and the least we can do. Perhaps it is good for us all to recall that, following the Crucifixion,

the first witness to recognize the integrity and innocence of Jesus was… a Roman Centurion!

May the Resurrection of Jesus be a source of Joy and Hope to you this Easter.

My God bless you and those whom you love.

Duncan

Combat Stress

(For over 80 years, Combat Stress has been the only services charity specializing in helping those from the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy suffering from psychological disability as a result of their service. There are 3 centres in the UK including one at Hollybush House near Ayr. If you wish to support this organization the address is:

Fundraising Department (Web), COMBAT STRESS Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, FREEPOST SW3850, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BR )

Organist

Readers will be delighted that after a lengthy period of ill-health, our Burghead organist, Sandra Millar, is fit and ready to lead worship again. Welcome back Sandra. By the same token our sincere thanks are due to Eleanor Butler who, in addition to her duties at Alves, has played for Sunday services and funerals at Burghead. God bless you both for the music that you bring and which so uplifts our Praise.

Communion

A joint Communion Service will be held at Burghead on Easter Sunday, 8th April.

Parish Register

Deaths
We extend our condolences to members of the family.

25th February	Mr G Moir, 19 Granary Street, Burghead
1st March	Mr S Morrison, Clarkly Hill, Burghead

Guild

Burghead

Saturday, 21st April:- Coffee Morning in Church Hall 10.00 to 12.00

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 24th April.

Burghead Church

The coffee in the hall before the service requires helpers.

If you can assist, please check the rota on the notice board in the hall and append your name.

Finance Report - 2006

I am pleased to report that, compared with last year, the income from Collections, Envelopes and Gift Aid showed an increase. However, expenditure also increased. As a result, in the General Fund, the year showed a deficit of just under £ 1000. The Fabric Fund had considerable transactions due to the upgrading work, resulting in a deficit for the year of £ 2352.
Thanks are expressed to the congregation for their continuing support.

I would remind you that if you are a taxpayer and contribute regularly, please consider using the W.F.O. Envelopes, or other methods which can be recorded, and signing a "Gift Aid" form. This enables the church to reclaim tax paid, amounting to 28 pence in every pound (next year it reduces to 25 pence).
The year 2006 saw a tax reclaim of £ 2501 which greatly helps our finances.

I have completed my term as Congregational Treasurer and will hand over to Mr D Gardner.

B G Millar

"Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Brian for his 18 years service as Treasurer and every good wish to his successor Duncan Gardner" - the Minister