news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
August 2007

From the Manse

August is still a prime time for holidays and, whether it's Bali or Balnabarefoot, I guarantee the cameras will be out. Looking at old holiday photos in winter months remind us of warmer days on the beach. Like those silly moments when we lose our inhibitions and the camera records the scene for posterity. I'm sure that somewhere in the depths of our family albums there's a photo we'd blush about showing in public! But of course, these are generally for family consumption or close friends only. Perhaps that's why I get just a little cross under the clerical collar when the private and relaxed holidays of people in the public eye are sold for large sums of money. "Well of course", the Press say, "it's in the public interest." Well, I'm the public and I'm not in the least interested! On the other hand, photos of little children suffering from starvation in a Darfur refugee camp are very much in the public interest, heightening our awareness of human atrocities and stimulating relief efforts. Yet, thousands of pounds will be paid for one photo of some little known celebrity, just to titillate the readers of a glossy magazine. (By the way, if you do read such a publication, have you thought just how much Relief Aid could be bought for the price of your 'glossy'?

What would Jesus say about our sensational 'paparazzi' stories which claim to be 'in the public interest'? Well one day it happened! Jesus was teaching in the Temple when a crowd of self-righteous teachers of the Law and some Pharisees burst in. Acting of course ' in the public interest', they dragged outside a woman guilty of adultery. "It's the Law", they shouted, "she should be stoned to death - so what do you have to say about it Jesus?" Slowly, quietly and without any fuss, Jesus gave his reply. "Whichever one of you that has committed no sin, may throw the first stone at her". He then returned to what he had been doing. Funnily enough, their concern for 'the public interest' suddenly waned and they all left, leaving the woman. Jesus looked at her and said, "Neither do I condemn you, go, but do not sin again". I say no more - in the public interest, of course!

God Bless you, and all who are enjoying holidays.

Duncan

Parish Register

Marriage

Congratulations go to Samantha and William.

Miss Samantha Greig, Fraser Road, Burghead, and Mr William Thom, Elgin, were married in Burghead Church on Saturday, 21st July.

Deaths

We extend our condolences to members of the families.

1st July Mr J Dawson, Meadowlark, Forres (formerly Alves).

4th July Mr J A Farquharson, 3 Granary Lane, Burghead.

Guild

St Michael's Church Guild, Dallas, invites members of our Congregation and Guild to a
Songs of Praise Service, St Michael's church on Sunday 26th August at 6.30 pm.

Elgin Strathspey and Reel Society Orchestra will lead the praise. Rev. Paul Amed will introduce the hymns and we look forward to an enjoyable evening of fellowship together. [Please note change of date]

Songs of Praise at Findhorn Pier

The annual Songs of Praise sevice at Findorn Pier wii be held on the pier 26th August at 6.00 pm. Music will be provided by the RAF Kinloss Voluntary Band. All welcome.

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 21st August.

Host

'It was a pity. Myfriend had a wonderful time with lovely people in the north of Scotland, but there was no place for me.' (Chinese student) For 20 years, HOST has been linking international students at British universities with volunteer hosts, for short, enjoyable and mutually beneficial visits. Last year, several hundred adults, from all over the world, enjoyed discovering Christmas or New Year in private homes across the UK. Sadly, several hundred more had to be disappointed. There is a particular shortage of invitations in Scotland. If you think you might be able to offer an invitation, please look at www.hostuk.org, or call HOST's voluntary regional organiser:Margaret Stevens 01326 341212. HOST is a registered charity, founded by the British Council and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to promote international friendship and understanding. See External Links for HOST UK's website.

'Our Children Lord, in faith and prayer'

Police chiefs have urged computer websites to remove violent video footage of children fighting, following an investigation by the BBC. The 'Panorama' programme (30th July) found that films showing brutal fights between children are regularly uploaded to computer websites. Police say the companies should monitor what is posted on their sites and remove any violent or criminal content. But, 'YouTube', one of the sites found with footage, naively says it relies on users to "flag up" inappropriate films! The 'Panorama' investigation found films showing children as young as 11 and 12 punching and kicking other youngsters. Your children or grandchildren, may have access to such violent films if they have access to a computer or video-phone. If you are concerned about such images on the Internet being readily seen by your children, then why not write to our MP asking him to raise this issue in Parliament? It only costs a stamp and you may help to prevent our youngsters from being exposed to such violent material or being victims of indiscriminate bullying.
Our MP is: Angus Robertson MP, c/o 9 Wards Road, Elgin (or 01343 551111). See External Links for his website.

Sunday Services - Scripture Readings

A 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.