news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
March 2008

From the Manse

As a youngster in the late 50's & 60's and 'working' in the family garage business, I rarely knew what it was like to eat a buttie without oily, greasy hands! Shock! Horror! I suppose one's immune system just gulped a bit, then got on with it, for it never seemed to cause me any health problems. Now I'm not knocking the practice of washing hands, especially so these days when hospital visiting, but I do feel that sometimes we have become our own worst enemies and undermine our natural-born defence systems. Today we live in a different world of hand-gels, soaps and disinfectant sprays that allegedly kill 99.9% etc, yet the incidence of sickness bugs aye seems to increase.

In Bible times the washing of feet and hands was as much symbolic as it was a social necessity. The streets of Jerusalem were not paved with gold, but with the mire of human and animal waste! Remember too how, in the Upper Room, Jesus got up from his meal and washed his Disciples feet? It was the job of the lowest servant, but here was their Lord, kneeling on the floor with a bowl of water in humility, yet setting a powerful example to us of witness and service. Then recall later, that dramatic moment when the Governor, Pontius Pilate, found Jesus innocent of any crime, but gave in to the baying mob by taking a bowl of water, literally 'washing his hands' of the whole issue.

This month, as we prepare in our hearts and minds to follow the path of Christ to Calvary, then on to celebrate the great Easter Festival and the joy of the risen Christ, let us also cleanse ourselves from all our sins and woes.

With every good wish to you as we prepare to hear again the great news that

'He is risen indeed'

- and a happy Easter to you all.

Duncan

Special Services to CELEBRATE EASTER

The Morning Service at Burghead on the 9th March will be conducted by Mr Stewart Benson

Maundy Thursday 20th March in Kinloss Church 7 30pm: "Twas on that Night " An all-age Service with an informal Celebration of the Last Supper.

Easter Sunday 23nd March at Carsehill by Alves 8am Outdoor Service followed by Coffee & Croissants in Alves Church (contact 01309 690931 for details)

Wednesday 26th March at 1.30 pm in the church - School Easter Service.

Parish Register

Baptism

24th February Bobby Maclure, 32 Young Street, Burghead

Death

We extend our condolences to members of the family.
14th February Mrs D Brown, 24 Granary Street, Burghead

Fund Raising

Our thanks to Anne Milligan who inspired and created the recent 'Cannae cook, Winnae Cook' event and which raised over £ 300 towards church funds. Thanks also to all who braved the gales and enjoyed the fun and hospitality.

Evolution or Coincidence

Evolution or coincidence Part of the history of the Parish of Alves gives the minister admitted on 21st November 1728 as George Gordon. He was born in 1692, educated at Marischal College, Aberdeen, and was Schoolmaster of Rothes from 1710 - 1712. He was licenced by the Presbytery of Strathbogie on 20th June, 1716 and ordained to Boharm on 2nd May, 1717. He was called on 23rd January, 1728, but the Presbytery refused the call on 12th March. However, on appeal, the call was sustained by the Commission of Assembly, and he was presented by the Presbytery, translated and admitted 21st November, 1728. He died on 3rd March 1752.

He married his first wife Elizabeth on 13th January, 1719, but she died in April 1721. From this marriage there was one daughter Isabel who died before 1744. His second marriage to Agnes, second daughter of Thomas Brodie of Pitgaveny, on 9th August 1722, resulted in nine children, including a daughter Jean, who married Duncan Shaw, minister of Aberdeen.

Another daughter, Mary, born 17th Febuary 1729, married James Munro, minister of Alves, 1775 - 1780, and his son Harie became minister of Ardersier.

Perhaps further research is required!

Guild

Burghead

Tuesday, 4th March:- AGM followed by Jesus at Dundas - Cath and Ken Millar
Friday, 7th March:- World Day of Prayer, Hopeman Church, 7pm.
Tuesday, 18th March:- Moray Male Voice Gospel Choir - John Buchanan

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 18th March.

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.