news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
July 2007

From the Manse

Have you ever visited Elgin Auction Mart? If you havn't it's worth a look. Viewing the goods before the weekly sale can bring out a whole range of emotions. Sometimes sadness as you look at old books, obviously once part of a treasured collection. Once cared for and lovingly placed on a bookcase, but now lying in a heap in a cardboard box. Further on another item catches the eye, "Gosh we used to have one those when I was a lad!" And just for a moment you're taken back to former years and memories of childhood. Come the time of the auction, there's always an element of expectancy and excitement. Especially when the 'lot' you're interested in comes 'under the hammer'. Bidding speeds up by a pound a time (well at my level it does!) Will our bid be successful or will someone else outbid us? We were once attracted to a large blue plate. It had an oriental picture painted on it. It was very old and a bit chipped here and there, but it had a beauty of its own. Our bid was successful and that old plate again sits proudly in a family home. It's well over a hundred years old and you start to wonder to whose home did it once bring beauty. How many generations looked at it or used it, perhaps even taking it for granted ? Now it sits, a little careworn but still decorative and admired.

It strikes me that we sometimes meet people who are a bit like that. Those for whom the passage of time has made them a bit chipped around the edges! Or those who, in spite of being a bit worn, still manage to bring beauty to those around them!

Occasionally in auctions, an old family Bible turns up. A bit battered around the edges and not much to look at. It still contains pages full of wisdom and sound advice for our age. Like these words from the prophet Isaiah,

"The beauty of this life is like the flower of the field; in time the grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of God and his promises will stand for ever."

For me, that puts everything into perspective. Even more than a sermon....on a plate!

God Bless you and yours.

Duncan

Gardening

The Minister's theme was the benevolent wisdom of God who knows which of us grows best in the sunlight and which of us need the shade. He took an example from the garden. "You know you plant roses in sunlight," he said, "but if you want your fuchsias to grow they must be kept in the shade."

After church a lady came up to him, her face glowing. "I'm so grateful for your wonderful sermon," she said, "It did me so much good." A glow of pride warmed the minister's heart! "Yes," she continued, "I never knew before where I was going wrong...with my fuchsias" !

Parish Register

Deaths

We extend our condolences to members of the family.

8th June Mr J Sutherland, 21 Macdonald Crescent, Burghead

14th June Mrs M N Mackenzie, 3 Davidson Place, Burghead

Long Service to the Church

On Sunday, 17th June, Mr L M Knowles (Pat Knowles) who has been an Elder for thirty years was presented with his Long Service Certificate.

Guild

Alves

Sunday, 8th July:- Strawberry Tea - 2.00 pm to 5 pm

Burghead

The Annual Guild Rally will be held in the Caird Hall, Dundee, on Saturday, 25th August. Two tickets are available. Anyone wishing to attend the Rally, please contact Ruth on 01343835946 or 07967685357.

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 17th or 24th July (exact date not available at the moment).
For further details of Blythswood, check on-line at ~ www.blythswood.org.uk

Ecumenical Relations

In its report to the General Assembly, the Committee on Ecumenical Relations found that shared services were the most popular activity. It also found a wide range of ecumenical engagement including worship activities, study groups, chaplaincy work and numerous social activities. The report continues by pointing out that to many young people denomination means little and they do not see the difference between the denominations - this compares to the older generation who are more bound by the limits of church divisions. The report concludes that there must be continued reflection with ecumenical organisations and that there should be a pronounced encouragement between denominations and ecumenical organisations to collaborate on activities. The connection of people at a local, national and international level is vital to secure a rewarding future for ecumenical activities. Exciting developments have been taking place with other denominations during the last year. In September 2006 a unique and historic covenant was signed between the Church and the United Free Church of Scotland. Talks also continue with the Free Church of Scotland which have resulted in a joint statement of mutual recognition and understanding and a mutual commitment to cooperate in the advancement of the kingdom of God. In what way could we do more to reach out and share with our brothers and sisters in Christ from other denominations? Your views welcome.

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.