news

This is the
churches' news-sheet
for
November 2008

From the Manse

In 1661 the Bishop of Norwich gave life to the words:

"We bless thee for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life".

Well we certainly have been blessed this year with a beautiful and colourful Autumn, even though the winds have strengthened and covered the manse garden with leaves, which defy my best efforts to control! Now, there they lie on the damp soaked grass, where once above they waved with such glory and life, providing a panoply of colour and welcome shade throughout the Spring and Summer. Words from Psalm 103 come to mind:

"the wind passeth over it and it is gone, and the place thereof shall know it no more."

It is a sad irony that November should ever be linked with remembrances, not only of the year that has gone, but also of All Saints Day closely followed and linked to Remembrance Sunday. November 1st, within the Christian church at least, is a day given to all those who, throughout the centuries, died in relative anonymity and with no great saint's name, yet who contributed to this earthly life. I rather like the idea it suggests, that no soul is left unnoticed by God whether prince or pauper. As we gather around our stones of remembrance, both the leaves, along with the bright red poppies, help to remind us of the sacrifices that have been made. Sacrifices made in order that we may live in relative comfort and peace. I also like the following words from Psalm 103 which can lift us at this time of remembrance:

"But the mercy of God is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; to those that remember his commandments to do them"

May God bless you, and all whom you remember with love and affection.

God bless you and yours, Duncan.

Parish Register

We extend our sympathy and condolences to members of the families.

30th September Mrs J Greene, Lower Hempriggs, Alves

6th October Mr A Rigby, 1 Keith Road, Burghead

Life and Work Magazine

Orders for 2009 have to be forwarded soon.

Please contact Mrs A Milligan, telephone 830096, by 9th November to confirm or cancel your copy of Life and Work.

Services

Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday, 9th November starting at 10.50am.

A joint Communion Service will be held at Alves on Sunday, 7th December at 11.30am.

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.

WFO Envelopes

Shortly, the list of envelopes for next year will be compiled. If you wish your name to be added to the list, OR wish to have your name removed from the list, please inform the convener, Mrs J Smith, telephone 542635, by the end of the month.

Guild

11th November 7.30 pm St James Praise Group

25th November 7.30 pm The Search for Spirituality with Susie Alexander

30th November 7.00 pm Songs of Praise, Burghead Church.

Get on the Atheist Bus ?

Would you believe it! An atheist bus campaign is doing something its backers probaobly didn't expect - gaining Christian support!

Around 300 London buses will sport the message: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Starting from January some 5000 ads are likely to run for a month. This strange idea is being promoted by one of the most prominent atheists in Britain. Professor Richard Dawkins, who threw his weight behind the campaign headed by journalist Ariane Sherine of the British Humanist Association, raised more than £ 30,000 on its first day of fundraising. Except it isn't really an atheist message at all; it's agnostic. Ironically, the insertion of the word "probably" into the first sentence has left room for debate about God's existence. How should Christians respond to this?. Well, at least we have a destination and a ticket to ride - sorry, Prof Dawkins....next bus please!