news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
October 2007

From the Manse

Doesn't Harvest time remind us of just how dependent we are upon what the earth produces to sustain our lives? Unlike so many in the world, and thanks to our farmers and growers, we enjoy a wide variety of foods. Every day we are tempted and seduced by the plethora of TV food programmes and adverts. 'Give us each day our daily bread' seems almost dull and lacklustre when faced with the enticing produce of our 'Celebrity' cooks!

Now, stop! Go back in time to the Middle East and the land where Jacob and his sons lived (reading Genesis 43. 1 – 12 may help!) "The famine was sore in the land". Strangely enough, when he sent his sons to Egypt to obtain food, he also told them to "take the choice fruits of the land" with them and "double money in your hand". So clearly they had plenty of rich food, but there was still a famine! Common sense tells us that a healthy physical life is impossible on a diet of sweet things. Without staple food we cannot live.

Equally, as bread is the staple food for the body, so also there must be a staple food for our souls. Where do we find that these days ? Well, Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life" and following his diet ensures a healthy spiritual life. Even though we may be tempted to surround ourselves with the latest ramblings of some glossy lifestyle guru, or sit cross-legged on the parquet in a kimono thinking about nothing, our spiritual souls need the basic satisfying nourishment we can only find in the Gospels. "I am come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly".

May God bless and keep you

Duncan.

Kirk expresses solidarity with rural and farming communities

The Church of Scotland's Rural Strategy Team, has expressed solidarity with the farming community in Scotland, and is very conscious of the worry and difficulty that the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is having alongside the consequential livestock movement ban. The Kirk acknowledges the stress that a crisis like this can place on the farming community. Operating a territorial ministry, this means that everyone in Scotland, no matter where they live, has access to the support and friendship of a minister. The Rural Strategy Team also has strong links with the Scottish Churches Rural Group, an ecumenical body and support is also available to farmers through other denominations. We would encourage any farmer who is worried about the situation to talk to a minister if they feel that it would help them.

People can also contact the Rural Stress Helpline on 024 7641 2916.

The Kirk's Rural Strategy Team responded to the recent suspected case of FMD in the Lanark Auction Mart with the offer of help and support. Posters were put up around the auction mart during the lock down with the telephone number of the Rural Stress Helpline run by our colleagues at the Arthur Rank Centre. Practical support from local churches was also offered and plans were in place should they have been needed. The Rural Strategy Team are currently recruiting ministers, and lay people, who have a background in farming to act as a resource to ministers across the country. Recognising that farming is a specialised industry, the church hopes to provide specialist advice and support to those who need it most. At this difficult and nervous time for our farming community in Scotland, the church assures all those involved of our continuing support and prayer.

Parish Register

Deaths

We extend our condolences to members of the family.

26th August Mr N F Wale, St Aethans Drive, Burghead

Communion

Burghead Church extends an invitation to you. A joint Communion Service will be held in Burghead Church on Sunday, 21st October.

Guild

Burghead

Tuesday, 2nd October:- Workshop - Worship for Guild Members
Tuesday, 9th October:- Topic - Think on these Things, with Rev. D Shaw
Saturday, 13th October:- Coffee Morning in Church Hall - 10.00 to 12 Noon
Tuesday, 23rd October:- Topic - Scottish Love in Action, with Liz Moir
Sunday, 28th October:- Guild Dedication Service

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.

Morning Tea & Coffee

Thanks go to all the volunteers who serve tea and coffee before the service on a Sunday morning.

Songs of Praise on the pier

On 26th August our linked churches organized Songs of Praise on Findhorn pier with RAF Kinloss Voluntary Band making the music; Duncan Shaw officiated. Despite cloudy, cool weather 'twas a success. Click link on right for 2 pictures

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 23rd October. See below for Shoe Box Appeal.

Blythswood Care: Christmas Shoe Box Appeal

Christmas may seem far away, but time will pass quickly.
If you would like to provide items for shoe boxes or fill a shoe box yourself for Blythswood to transport to the needy folk in Eastern Europe in time for Christmas, please read on.
Instructions
Fill a shoe box with some of the items (see list).
Wrap box and lid separately and secure with rubber band or sticky tape.
Please complete and tape the customs list to the outside of the box.
If you wish to make a contribution towards delivery costs, tape coins to the box or place a cheque payable to Blythswood Care in an envelope inside your shoe box.
Deliver your box to local collection point.
Collection point is Burghead Church of Scotland, 1 - 1.30pm, on 19th September and 23rd October.
(or your shoe box may be handed in to any of the Blythswood Centres by 9th November).

Checklist for customs : Click the link in the right-hand column to get a page to print from your browser