news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
April 2009

From the Manse

"Rome wasn't built in a day" - well that's true, for even today there's every sign of "work in progress"! Having recently enjoyed a few days in that bustling and historic city, there are signs of old and new at every street corner. Stylish and contemporary apartments rub shoulders with ancient ruins that pre-date our Christian faith! Even today the site of the Circus Maximus, where doughty charioteers once risked life and limb in hard fought races, is still visible although it is now surrounded by even faster and relentless city traffic!

Not far away the Coliseum, scene of Gladiatorial contests (and also where many early Christians were literally "thrown to the lions") still attracts the crowds. Incidentally, each year at Easter the Pope conducts a memorial service there in memory of those early Christians who were martyred for their faith. For Roman Catholic Christians, the Vatican City and especially St Peter's Square, has become a place of pilgrimage and focus for their faith. Every day literally thousands, from all over the globe, come to worship and to seek spiritual guidance and inspiration.

Of course, Rome has importance for all Christians in that it was where the apostles Peter and Paul founded the church as we know it. When we approach Easter and recall the sufferings of Christ with the joy and promise of resurrection, let us go forward in the knowledge and power that Christ has overcome death, defeated its grasp, transformed its darkness, and leads us forward into newness of life.

"The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Halleluia!"

Wishing you all a happy, holy and blessed Easter - Duncan

LET'S CELEBRATE EASTER 2009

Special Easter Services
Maundy Thursday - 9th April at Kinloss Church 7 30pm - "Twas on that Night " An all-age Service with an informal celebration of the Last Supper.

Easter Sunday - 12th April at Carsehill by Alves 8am Outdoor Service followed by Coffee and Croissants in Alves Church

Burghead Church - 11 30am Easter Morning Service

(Please car-share where possible for the above)

Summer Mission

We are running a summer mission for everyone in Burghead between 19th and 26th July.

A morning holiday club is planned for all school children, some evenings with a teenage focus, and a final youth service on Sunday, 26th.

The mission will be based in the Community Hall. Lots of help will be required, so keep an eye on the notice board in the church vestibule.

From next month, sheets will give details of opportunities.

Who's Who in the Bible

Abraham (meaning father of a multitude)
The first great Patriach of the nation of Israel, Abraham is also revered as the epitome of human faith in the will of God by Christians and Muslims. Indeed, Abraham's very name, though of disputed linguistic origin, has been taken to mean "father of a multitude". Abraham, originally known as Abram (exalted father) was probably born some 4000 years ago in the famous Babylonian city known as Ur of the Chaldeans, which was situated in what is now Iraq.

A direct descendant of Noah's son Shem, he was a wealthy man, the head of a clan that lived by herding large flocks and by seasonal farming. His beautiful wife Sarah was barren. Abram was given his first test of faith at the age of 75 when God appeared to him and promised he would become the father of a great nation, but only if he left his homeland and most of his relations behind. Evidently, Abram's faith at this point was extraordinately strong, for he immediately gathered up his household and left the settlement of his father and other kindsmen. Sarah joined him on his challenging journey which marks the first great turning point in biblical history.

Guild

Burghead
Saturday, 18th April - Coffee Morning in Church Hall

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 21st April. Please ensure that no bags are left until the day or the night before the collection.

Sunday Services - Scripture Readings

A NEW list of Bible Readings for each of the services for the next three months is on the Notice Board at the church entrance. Anyone who would like to read a lesson during the service, please append your name to the sheet.