news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
January 2009

From the Manse

A happy and prosperous New Year to you! 'Now hold on Padre! Just how do you expect us all to be happy and prosperous given the present economic climate? The more so, when the prophets of doom and gloom make increasingly depressing pronouncements about 2009 and beyond!' - Recession affects us all, but it is the High Street businesses that are the barometer for most of us, as businesses suffer and decline. Probably like me, you'd be sad to see 'Woolies' in Elgin close. Though, I have to admit, in recent years I have only been in it a handful of times and probably for a handful of nails!

Our thoughts at these times do go out to those who have lost their employment and with it the camaraderie of the work place. Recession makes us all feel helpless, as we see hard earned savings reducing in worth, or that new carpet we'd saved up for, now unaffordable. There are those in our community who have lived through all this before, even worse. They at least can help to assure us that recessions and the need to tighten the belt a little are overcome if we 'Hold fast'! Not to the often vague and slippery words of economist and political pundits, but to words that have helped to overcome and endure famine and suffering of every kind throughout the ages.

Holding fast and keeping faith. These are the watchwords that strengthen us and see us through! Words echoed below by St Paul.

May God bless and preserve you in 2009 and... beyond!

Duncan

Parish Register

We extend our condolences to members of the families.
20th December Ms H S Maclean, 41 Dunbar Street, Burghead

The whole congregation was saddened by the sudden death of the Reverend Duncan Clyne who so ably came amongst us during the vacancy. Click here for newspaper tribute

Life & Work

The payment for the year 2009 is due by the end of January. Please pay Mrs Milligan.

St Paul

St Paul writes,
"My brothers and sisters, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this".

Guild

Tuesday, 6th January The Boys Brigade in Burghead with Jennifer and Keith
Tuesday, 20th January Scots Night with Rosemary Nisbet

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.

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 20th January.
Please ensure that no bags are left until the day or the night before the collection.