news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
February 2007

from the manse . . .

It's February already and the plants in the garden still can't quite decide whether
winter has been, or has still to come. One thing is sure as the days lengthen,
'Spring is just around the corner'! Now I usually wax lyrically at this time
(Ministers are allowed to do that!) about St Valentine, the poor soul who is now
almost regarded as the patron saint of greeting cards. So I become grumpy and
'harrumph' about the amount of money which is spent, mostly on trivia that has
more to do with folk-lore than any religious feast or celebration. The same is
not true of course about a much tastier date this month. 'Shrovetide' or Shrove
Tuesday (the 20th this year) is the day before Ash Wednesday which marks the
beginning of Lent, a time when Christians would begin a 40 day Fast leading up
to Holy Week and Easter. Traditionally, pancakes were made to use up any butter,
milk and eggs as a sign of penance to reflect on the Passion of Jesus Christ. We're
not so good at giving things up these days are we, least not for any religious
reason. But let's not knock that. There are plenty of people struggling to get
healthier by stopping smoking, eating more fresh fruit and the like or just trying
to lose some weight. They need our support and encouragement. So how about it ?
What are you going to give up for Lent ? How about putting aside the pennies you
might spend on chocolate - or whatever your vice is - and then at Easter donate
whatever you've saved to some good cause? No! That doesn't mean a Chocolate Cream Egg!


God Bless you and yours.

Duncan

Burghead Primary School

The school held their usual Nativity Play in the Church in December. The collection
taken was split between the Church (to cover heating and lighting) and the
Aberdeen and North East Deaf Society (Elgin Branch). The Congregational Board
is very grateful to the school for the donation.

Sunday Service - 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.

Parish Register

Deaths

21st January Mrs C Bannerman, 68 Forteath Street, Burghead
We extend our condolences to members of the family.

Guild

Tuesday, 6th February:- Topic - A Glimpse of the Holy Land ~7.30pm with Rev. Douglas Clyne Tuesday, 20th February:- Topic - A Floral Evening - ~ 7.30pm with Mrs Hilda Anderson Friday, 2nd March:- World Day of Prayer ~ 7.00 pm in Burghead Church

Blythswood

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