news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
December 2006

from the manse . . .

On Christmas night, having read a lovely bedtime story from a colourful new book, a father was saying goodnight to his little girl. She seemed so happy and content. Then, just as he was leaving her, she cried out in fear. "That curtain moved, so there must be someone behind it!" Of course Dad knew that there was no-one there, but, to calm her he turned on the light and moved back the curtain. Content and safe, the wee girl settled down to sleep! In the past year there has been much fear and anxiety largely due to 'quasi-religious' acts of terror. Like the little girl in our story, there has been much to make us afraid and that required us all to 'check behind the curtains' as it were, either of the seat in a train or aircraft! But this is not a new phenomenon, for even at the time of Christ's birth, there was much fear and brutality around. Palestine itself was an occupied country under the Roman Empire. It was a cynical and vexatious taxation that caused everyone, including Mary and Joseph, to return to their home town at great disruption and cost to their daily lives. (Hard enough as life was in those days ) Yet it was into such a world that Christ came and with Him a sign that God was not distant and aloof but right in the midst of pain and sorrow, of anxiety and fear! The message of the Angel couldn't have been clearer.

"Do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy"

It is easy to succumb to fear and to be the victim of its frightening power, isn't it? Yet, whatever sorrows have befallen us or our community during this past year, as Christians we can face the world and all its evils, with confidence and without fear, for in the words of the carol "Christ was born for this". In the assurance of his continuing presence, may we all give thanks to God for sending Jesus into a world of darkness and bringing with him such a light that the darkness can never overcome!

May God bless you, and those whom you love, this Christmas.

Duncan Shaw

Christmas Services

1/ Alves Church Guild Christmas Praise and Refreshments on Wednesday December 6th at 7.00 pm in Alves Parish Church featuring Alves Primary School Choir and Guests.

2/ Christmas Eve - Sunday, 24th December
Findhom - Morning Service at lO.OOam. Alves - Morning Service at 11.30am.
Burghead - Evening Service at 6.00pm. Kinloss - Watchnight Service at 11.30pm.

3/ Christmas Day - Monday, 25th December
Findhorn - Service at lO.OOam.
Burghead - Service at 11.30am.
(Children encouraged to take a favourite new toy to show us)

4/ New Year's Eve - Sunday, 31 st December
Kinloss - Service at lO.OOam.
Burghead - Service at 11.30am.

5/ New Year - Sunday, 6th January
Alves - Service at 11.30am.
Burghead - Service at 11.30am.

Parish Register - Deaths

We extend our condolences to members of the families.
3rd November Miss R Dick, 2 Keith Road, Burghead
22nd November Mr K Greene, Lower Hempriggs, Alves

WFO Envelopes

This month, those on the list will receive their envelopes for next year, ie. 2007. If you have not received your envelopes by the end of December, speak to your Elder.

Christmas Mail Delivery

In Burghead, the Boys Brigade will be carrying out their usual Christmas Card mail service. Arrangements will be announced later.

Royal Proclamation!

Moray Male Voice Gospel Choir celebrate Christmas and the Birthday of the King in Song and Story in St James' Church, Lossiemouth, at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, 12th December.

Guild - Burghead

Tuesday, 5th December:- Christmas Meal

Christmas Club on Thursdays 7th and 14th December for anyone in P4 to P7:
crafts-games-food-DVD from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm in the Church hall.

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 20th December.