news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
May 2007

from the manse . . .

The long-running TV programme 'The Sky at Night' has, with its endearing
and gently eccentric presenter Patrick Moore, become something of an institution,
certainly in my lifetime. Although not a great star-gazer myself,
(the Milky Way for me is what you can eat between meals!) like many,
I'm fascinated, and frequently humbled, by the awe and wonder of a starry night.
I suppose I gained this in part from the influence of my father, a Navigator
by profession, who could (and still does) reel off the names and location of
planets and constellations. This month, for example, if you look up on a clear
night to the North West, you might see a group of six stars which are called
Pleaides. According to ancient myth, they were a group of seven sisters one
of whom was called Maia. In Roman times she was regarded as the Goddess of
Spring and New Growth. It is from this ancient legend that is derived the name
of the month we know as May! May is generally a good month with the promise of
Summer approaching, the birds singing at their best, the trees and plants blooming.
Once again it seems that "the winter is past, the flowers appear on the earth
and the time of the singing birds has come" as we read in Song of Songs 2:12.
For me, the wonder of Creation and the natural beauty that surrounds us can only
remind us of… "In the beginning, God".
What about you?

May, the light of God's love shine upon you.

God Bless.

Duncan

Communion

A joint Communion Service will be held in Alves Church on Sunday, 3rd June.
Please note that there will NOT be a service at Burghead.

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.

Boys Brigade

The Boys Brigade Service will be held on Sunday, 27th May.

Election Fever !

Did you vote? If so, is it for 'the Party' or for 'the Person'? Or is it because you've always voted like that ? On the other hand, perhaps it is because you are a Christian. The Christian imperative has always been the unity of our common humanity. We are one body. Yet there are still those who would create walls of division. As Christians, in the words of St Paul, we should stand firm and immovable against those who would raise barriers amid our common humanity. Barriers which only create division and seek only to achieve… political power and control ?

Christian Aid

Christian Aid Week commences on 13th May.
There will be a COFFEE MORNING 10-12 in the Church Hall, on Saturday 19 May

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 22nd May.

Hymn Books

Contact Mrs A Milligan if you wish to purchase a Complete Mission Praise Book.
If a sufficient number of orders are received, it may be possible to obtain a discount.

Unholy Racket!

The Pastor of a gospel church whose noisy celebrations drove residents from their homes has been fined £400. He was found guilty of breaching a noise abatement notice last November. The singing and drumming from 'The Written Word Family Outreach Church in Hove' made life a misery for its neighbours. The Church's band practice reached 92.2 decibels and was described as the levels one would expect in a nightclub. A lady, whose house backs on to the church, said that most weekends she was driven out of her home by the noise! The pastor was also ordered to pay £800 costs. With our Sandra on 'Keys' along with Patrick on the Bells…..perhaps the Minister should start saving !

***
Every time I see a Church
I pay a little visit
So when at last I'm carried in
The Lord won't say, "Who is it?'
***