news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
February 2008

From the Manse

The Bible is aye contentious, both in its challenging content and its language. Over the years, I've found it's often the latter that is most often the cause for debate!

Thanks to the Reformers of the 16th century, the Bible became accessible to all, and in their own languages. For the English-speaking world, this was to result in the Authorized Version of 1611 with the glorious language and lyrical phrasing of that era. Language however moves on. Every generation since then has seen new versions and translations. Especially so as previously unknown biblical texts were uncovered in the Holy Land and academic studies unlocked hidden nuances of meaning and understanding. This leads us to the plethora of translations that exist today - yes, and we do all have our favourites! I've heard every argument (often passionate!) from defenders of 'their' preferred translation. My view is certainly that the Word of God be heard, but also that it be understood! Few today have either the capacity or the desire to read Elizabethan English, Gaelic or even the Doric for that matter. For, if we are really serious about authenticity, we ought to read it in Common Greek, the 'lingua franca' of the Carpenter of Nazareth.

Our own Biblical preferences are fine, but by far the more important is that the next generation have access to God's Word in a language they can understand, and through it find faith! Let the last word come from the writer of Psalm 119 and verse 105 – 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path' Authorized Version or 'Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk' Contemporary English Version. The jury is out!

God Bless, Duncan

Parish Register

We extend our condolences to members of the families.

13th January Dr G M Smith, Anchorage, Alves.
15th January Mr I Tregale, 15 St Aethans Road, Burghead
23rd January Mr R Draper, Gamrie (formerly Burghead)
30th January Mr A Mathieson, 6 Mackenzie Place, Burghead

Guild

Tuesday, 5th February:- Learning through Life

MONDAY, 18th February:- Christian Aid - with Marjory Clark
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE

Guides

On 24th February at 11.30am there will be a special family service for Guide Thinking Day. During the service, Guides, rainbows and Brownies will re-take their Promises to which all ex-guides of every age will be invited to join in!

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 19th February.

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.

Fund Raising

22nd February at 7pm - 'Can't cook, Won't cook'. A fund raising event featuring a professional cookery demonstration and 2 reluctant amateurs! Tickets £ 2.50 including refreshments. Further details from Anne Milligan.

More FUNd Raising

On 3rd February Anne Milligan handed out BIBLE FOOD QUIZ sheets - 50p - though no prizes were actually mentioned we think there will be some. If you're reading this, you can still enter by clicking the link on the right.