news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
September 2007

From the Manse

Sometimes a phrase or sentence from the Bible is uncannily relevant to our lives. I came across one just the other day. It reads: 'The City streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there'(Zech 8.5). These words from Zechariah somehow have a hollow ring to them today, don't they? The very thought of our children playing in the streets is one to raise all sorts of fears for their safety, even for their very lives! Understandably, some parents believe it's not even safe for youngsters to stand on the pavement without fear of being run over, abducted, or worse. As I write, a family and community in Liverpool are struggling to come to terms with an 11 year old who was shot dead, whilst simply out playing football!

'The City streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there' So, how can these words possibly have any relevance for today's world ? Over 2000 years ago, Zechariah was trying to cheer his community by giving them a vision of better things to come. His country had been invaded by evil powers. Their homes and places of worship were razed to the ground. A few exiles started to drift back to Jerusalem and the prophet reminded them that, one day, people would return, the city would prosper and it would be safe for children once more. Many communities in the world today would long for that to come true and perhaps it may. The very fears which has resulted in children being cosseted and becoming 'untouchable', have led to a generation who, know their Rights, but have scant regard for Responsibility. Perhaps, through the tragedies and lost innocence of one generation, parents, grandparents and families may now be inspired to restore boundaries for their children and the lost values of love and justice. Such values are, after all, central to Christianity. They were also at the heart of He who became an innocent victim; He whose sacrifice turned around the evils of his day. But you know, the greatest thing is this, He's still doing it!

God bless you and yours

Duncan Shaw

Parish Register

Deaths

We extend our condolences to members of the families.

4th August Mrs J E Oliphant, Standing Stones, Alves.

17th August Mr W Arbuthnott, Forres (formerly Alves).

Guild

Burghead

Tuesday, 25th September:- Open Evening
The first meeting of the new session of the Guild will be held on Tuesday 25th September in the Church Hall. This is an open meeting where everyone - women and men - are very welcome. Look forward to seeing you.

Blythswood

The monthly collection will be on Tuesday, 19th September. See below for Shoe Box Appeal.

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.

Amnesty International

Jenny Adams, co-opted member of the Church and Community Committee, and an Elder in St Giles' & St Columba's South Church, Elgin has asked that the following information be distributed to all ministers and their congregations in Moray Presbytery:

Moray Amnesty International are hosting an exhibition of human rights cartoons, running from 1st - 21st September in the Gallery at Elgin Library. There will be an Open Evening, including speakers on human rights in China and Guantanamo Bay, on Friday 7th September at 7.00pm.- Everyone Welcome.

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