Edgar Ogston - Kiltarlity Church and Kirkhill Church

Transcription

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
Kiltarlity and Wardlaw Churches
Dear Friends,
In August this year we ran our annual Holiday Club in Beauly based on an Olympic theme.
One of the key and catchy songs which we used was entitled “Let us run with determination”
based on Hebrews 12:1-2. This says, “Let us run with determination the race that lies before
us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends.” It is a good verse to
keep in mind at the beginning of the church year.
Every year, Australia hosts a 543 mile endurance race from Sydney to Melbourne. It is
considered among the world's most gruelling ultra-marathons.
The race takes five days to complete and is normally only
attempted by world-class athletes who train specially for the
event. But back in 1983, a man named Cliff Young showed
up at the start of this race. Cliff was 61 years old and wore
overalls and work boots. To everyone's shock, Cliff wasn't a
spectator. He picked up his race number and joined the other
runners. The press and other athletes became curious and
questioned Cliff. They told him, "You're crazy, there's no
way you can finish this race." To which he replied, "Yes I
can. See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford
horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up,
whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and
round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres.
8 February 1922 – 2 November 2003
Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three
days. It took a long time, but I'd always catch them. I believe I can run this race."
When the race started, the pros quickly left Cliff behind. The crowds were entertained
because Cliff didn't even run properly; he appeared to shuffle. All of the professional
athletes knew that in order to compete, one had to run about 18 hours a day and sleep the
remaining 6 hours. The thing is, Cliff Young didn't know that ! When the morning of the
second day came, everyone was in for another surprise because he had continued jogging all
night. Cliff just kept running. Each night he came a little closer to the leading pack. Finally
he was the first competitor to cross the finish line and he set a new course record of five
days, 14 hours, and four minutes at the age of 61.
Cliff ran with determination the race that lay before him. He wasn’t the fastest runner in the
pack but he just kept going. It is not our speed that matters. It is our determination to keep
going to the end keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Best wishes
Edgar Ogston
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 55 - September 2012
Page 1 of 20
A tribute by Ian Morrison
I’m quite sure that if there was an Olympic prize for
long drawn out stories Glen Howard Thomas would
have been a strong contender for a gold medal. He
was not known as a man of a few words and in his
mouth the words “To cut a long story short” always
had an ominous ring.
To a greater or lesser extent all our lives have been
touched by Glen and whilst we mourn his death we
rejoice in whatever share we had in his life. We are
glad to have this opportunity of expressing our
feelings and showing our love and support of
Ellenor, Gavin and Alistair and their families.
Glen was an only child, born in the West Yorkshire
village of Todmorden in 1931. He was educated at
the nearby Hebden Bridge School where he
became head boy and he was awarded his B.Sc. in
civil engineering by London University after
studying at Bradford Technical College. Glen was a chartered member of the Institute of Civil
Engineers and of the Institute of Highway Engineers.
After graduation Glen was called up for National Service in the Royal Engineers. Somehow, whilst
the rest of his intake was square bashing at Aldershot, Corporal G.H. Thomas R.E. wangled two
years swanning about Hong Kong ostensibly supervising the Kowloon water supply. His many tales
from the East about this stage in his life during the 1950’s were not only interminable but utterly
hilarious. He certainly made the most of his time overseas, even visiting Japan at her Majesty’s
expense and his service in Hong Kong led to several lifelong friendships with both Chinese and
British colleagues.
Back in Civvy Street Glen joined the firm of Carmichaels and was appointed sub-agent on the new
Mallaig Road contract. An accomplished mountaineer, he’d always loved Scotland’s mountains and
became a keen member of Lochaber Climbing Club. Glen had more than a 100 Munros to his
credit. He was also a member of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and took part in saving many
lives on the hills along with Hamish MacInnes and others.
At this time Glen was leading a lonely bachelor existence in a caravan at Onich – not for long ! In
1960 through the church in Fort William he and Ellenor met and Glen was quick off the mark in
asking her out for a spin in his open topped MG roadster. Ellenor soon realised that this was one
Sassenach who needed to be taken in hand and she and Glen were married in 1963 – 49 years ago
yesterday ( 31st July ).
Glen tidied up the caravan and the young couple moved in. Gavin was born in 1964 and Alistair 2
years later.
/ Contd.
Page 2 of 20
Glen was ordained an elder in Urquhart and Resolis in 1982 and translated to our Kirk Session in
1984 when the family moved to Bruiach Mill. Our session meetings were never quite the same after
that – they certainly took a lot longer. Any semblance of political correctness went out the window.
Glen succeeded Hugh as our Session Clerk in 1998 and served up to 2005 when progressive
dementia cruelly began to take his life from him and to take his company and fellowship from all
of us. The last 3 years in particular have been bleak ones for both Glen and Ellenor.
Pat and I first met Glen and Ellenor in 1969 through Inverness Round Table club. Glen progressed
to Dingwall Rotary club and I know how much he will be missed there despite their meetings now
being considerably shorter. Perhaps the most vivid memory Rotarians will have of Glen will be of
the Christmas they all dressed up as elves with charity collection buckets to accompany Santa
along Dingwall High Street.
On arriving at The Town Hall they realised that one elf had got lost and a search party had to be
organised for You Know Who.
Glen and I shared two interests in particular – dogs and Robert Burns. For many years Glen and
Ellenor hosted a Burns Supper at Bruiach Mill. I remember at the first one Glen seemed more
interested in our national beverage than our national bard when his party piece comprised a
consummate performance of “Albert and the Lion” – Yorkshire accent and all. Hamish and I were
churlish enough to point out that “Albert and the Lion” was not part of the Burns canon but it
made absolutely difference to Glen – he did it year after year.
Unlike most of us, as an engineer Glen leaves several tangible monuments to his time with us – the
Mallaig Road, Glenmore ski road, the Garry / Ericht hydro scheme and many other construction
projects in which he participated over his career with private contractors, The Forestry Commission,
the county councils of Inverness and Ross and Cromarty and with Highland Council.
What we will remember though are the intangible but much more important aspects of Glen’s life
– his legacy to us is our fond recollection of his full and happy life and of the happiness he gave to
others:His lovable eccentricities which only Glen could have got away with
His character and his gregarious personality
His love of Ellenor, Gavin, Alistair and Ellie and how proud he was of them all
His Christian faith and the contribution he made to this church and the life of our
congregation and parish
Dare I say it – To cut a long and a happy story short We pay tribute to and give thanks for a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a true and
honest friend -
The service of thanksgiving for the life of Glen Howard Thomas was
held at Tomnacross Church on Wednesday, 1 August 2012 and was
conducted by Rev. Dr. Willis A. Jones.
Page 3 of 20
VACANCY – THE NEWS THIS MONTH IS ….
The Presbytery of Inverness has not held any meetings in July and August. The next meeting of the
Presbytery of Inverness is Tuesday, 4 September 2012, so that is the earliest date we might know how
our vacancy application is progressing. We are still awaiting the authority to call a Minister and thus
form a nominating committee. This was as expected, as we have been advised in late spring that this
permission would not be forthcoming until September or October of this year. We must continue to
pray for guidance and patience in this procedure.
Sandy and Marion Rennie, plus their two boys and a family cocker spaniel, have moved into the
Wardlaw Manse on the 4th August. The family are pleased with the inside and outside space and thank
everyone who cleaned and prepared the Manse for their arrival. Please respect their privacy and do
not park at the top of the Manse drive whilst they are in residence.
As reported last month, we had a serious local bidder who had indicated an interest in the plot of land
at the rear of Wardlaw Church which is for sale. The bidder was awaiting the outcome of a decision
from their bank to finance the purchase. Unfortunately, the bank’s decision was a negative one at this
time; however, the bidder is still interested and is actively looking for a new source of finance.
However, if you know of anyone who is interested, ask them to contact Anne at the Church of Scotland
Law Department at 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN Tel: 0131 240 2263 without delay.
The Third Sunday Praise will be held on Sunday, 16 September starting at 6:00 p.m.
The guest speaker will be the Church of Scotland’s World Mission partner in Nepal, Joel Githinji.
This Wardlaw Church event will be a mixture of praise songs interspersed with short Bible readings
and prayers. This event gives everyone a chance to learn and sing new hymns and songs. People of all
ages, from the youngest to the oldest, and from all Churches and none, will be made most welcome.
There will be tea, coffee and home baking served at the end.
If you are able to play a musical instrument, and wish to share that skill, please speak to
Alasdair Morrison – 831 185.
The dangers of bifocals
A Minister went into the pulpit one Sunday morning wearing a pair of new bifocals. The
reading portion of the glasses improved his vision considerably, but the top portion of the
glasses didn't work so well. In fact he was experiencing dizziness every time he looked
through them.
He explained to the congregation that the new glasses were causing
problems. "I hope you will excuse my continually removing my glasses," he said. "You see
when I look down I can see fine, but when I look at you, it makes me feel sick."
Page 4 of 20
Copies available on table at back of
Wardlaw Church sanctuary.
CRÈCHE FACILITIES / SUNDAY SCHOOL
Wardlaw Church now has a crèche facility operating each Sunday during the normal
service time of 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. throughout the year. The crèche will operate
from the Vestry and will have a minimum of two persons on duty.
Please tell your neighbours, family and friends of this new facility and encourage them
to come along to enjoy a time of Sunday worship knowing their children are being well
cared for in a nearby safe environment.
Children from age 4 are most welcome to join our Sunday School. The new term has
now started in the Guild Room at Wardlaw Church. Sunday School is a fun place to be
with songs, Bible readings, DVD’s, drama, games, hands-on activities and arts and
crafts.
Page 5 of 20
An American Minister was on an exchange to a church in the Highlands. It was a high pulpit, with
8 or 9 stairs and on the first Sunday the Minister, as was his tradition, began punctuating his
sermon ever so often with an ‘alleluia, praise the Lord.’
The first time he did this there was not, unlike his own church back in the States, much of a
response. Nobody said anything. A few minutes later, he made another point in the sermon and
said’ alleluia, praise the Lord,’ - again this failed to elicit any response from the congregation.
Undeterred he made his third point, shouted ‘ALLELUIA, PRAISE THE LORD’ and, to add emphasis,
banged his fist down on the pulpit lectern. Unfortunately the lectern was not as solid a structure
as it seemed and as he hit the bottom of the wooden lectern the top half swung upwards towards
his head. With great fleetness of foot he stepped sideways - only to lose his footing and fall
ungraciously down the pulpit stairs. The church went absolutely silent - until a wee women spoke
to her neighbour in a voice everybody heard “that is what he gets for praising the Lord in this
church !”
EVEREST MARATHON FUND
In a way it seems like an age since the
Everest Marathon last December, but I must
say the memory is incredibly fresh and the
scars only slightly less so !
The charities who received money from the
marathon fund have, as promised, provided
details of how they plan to use their grants so
I thought an update might be of interest please see details of the major grants below.
A total of £64,006 was raised and distributed
to a wide range of charities in the Everest
region. The total that I submitted was £1,365
excluding Gift Aid. I am especially grateful to
everyone for all their support and also for your very kind donations.
Grants made to : Community Action Nepal: £9,000: £1,000 for the porter shelter at Gokyo +
£8,000 for the Gola health post to cover one year’s operating costs. International Nepal
Fellowship: £9,000: £4,000 for the General Rehabilitation Unit at Surkhet ( physiotherapy and
occupational therapy ) + £5,000 for Baglung HIV / AIDS programme ( testing, drug therapy,
counselling and education ). Britain-Nepal Medical Trust: £9,000 to upgrade the TB laboratory
in Biratnagar. Nepal School Projects: £9,000 for water and sanitation projects in the
Mahabharat hills. Nepal Leprosy Trust: £9,000 for surgical equipment for the newly renovated
operating theatre at Lalgadh hospital. Help Nepal: £6,093 for one year’s operating costs at the
Mugu health post. Namche Bazaar dental clinic: £2,645: £2,000 for construction of a new
toilet ( damaged in last year’s earthquake ) + £645 for a new promotional leaflet. There is
currently about £5,400 in the account which is being held for the Namche Bazaar dental clinic
with a view to training a second dental therapist provided that such training is available in
Kathmandu. Esther Benjamin Trust: £3,000 for rescuing Nepalese children from Indian
circuses. Namche Bazaar Youth Club: £496 for market wardens ( for assistance on race day ).
Hamish MacDonald
Page 6 of 20
PARISH NOTICE BOARD
∗
We once again had a supply of excellent pulpit cover during August, and thank Edgar for making those
arrangements. We extend our grateful thanks to Mr Len Cazaly, Mrs Morven Archer, Rev. Bart Buell, and Mr
Iain Todd. We thank God for their attendance and delivering the Lord’s message to us all.
∗
Kiltarlity Free Church’s First Sunday Praise evening is on Sunday, 2nd September, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Everyone is most welcome to come along to this service. Tea and home baking is served after the service.
∗
Mrs Jean Ogston makes a very welcome return to lead our first Sunday service in September. On the 9th
September we welcome the Rev. Hector Morrison, Principal at the Highland Theological College in Dingwall
to lead us in worship. Vivien Roden will take the service at Wardlaw Church on the 16th September, with
Tomnacross Church having a joint service with the Kiltarlity Free Church. Joe Barnard will be leading the
worship at Kiltarlity at 12 noon on this Sunday. Tea / coffee and home baking will be available after this
service. Tomnacross Church welcomes their friends from the Kiltarlity Free Church to join them for Sunday
worship on this date. Mr Iain Todd returns on the 23rd September to lead the services in Kirkhill and
Kiltarlity . The service on the 23rd September at Tomnacross Church will be a family Harvest Thanksgiving
Service. Rev. Stewart Frizzell will take the Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Wardlaw Church on the 30
September and then preach at Tomnacross Church at 12 noon.
∗
Wardlaw Church will be holding their Harvest Thanksgiving service on Sunday, 30 September. They have
also designated that Sunday for members of the regular congregation to “Bring a friend to Church” on that
day. Everyone is invited to stay on after and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some excellent home baking.
∗
Over the past 12 months, when the Kirkhill Deacons’ Court and Kirk Session have met on the same evening,
the finish time has been after 11:00 p.m., even with a 7 o’clock start. So for a trial period, Edgar has
requested that we hold the two meeting on different days. This will allow the Elders to think more about
the vision and strategy that the Church will need to take whilst their minds are fresher, and address the
opportunities that arise during the recruitment period. Presently these issues have been tackled at a
meeting that has started after 9 o’clock at night, directly after a 2+ hour Deacons’ Court meeting, and for
some, a full day’s work.
∗
Kirkhill’s Deacons’ Court will meet on Monday, 10 September 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Wardlaw Church.
Kirkhill’s Kirk Session will meet on Tuesday, 18 September 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Wardlaw Church.
∗
Kiltarlity’s Deacons’ Court and Kirk Session will meet on Wednesday, 19 September 2012 at Tomnacross
Church starting at 7:30 p.m.
∗
Any member of the Churches congregation are welcome to attend any of the Deacons’ Court and Kirk
Session meetings to observe the proceedings and listen to discussions on the general agenda items. Visitors
are not allowed to vote on any proposals discussed. If the agenda point concerns an individual, then any
visitors are asked to leave the meeting whilst that matter is discussed.
∗
The Tuesday coffee / tea and home baking at Wardlaw Church is proving a great success, thanks to Mary,
Anne, Maris and Sarah, plus everyone who comes along to enjoy the refreshments and fellowship. Also a
big thank you to all those who bring along home baking each week. This event will continue to happen
every Tuesday between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon. You are more than welcome to come along and bring your
neighbours and friends. There is no fixed charge for the refreshments, but a donation towards the cost will
be most welcome. The Church sanctuary will also be open during this time for anyone who wishes to have
some “private time” for prayer and thought.
∗
The Kirkhill Community Centre closed on 20 August 2012 for building and refurbishment work, and is not
due to open until 23 November 2012. Groups that use the Community Centre for their activities are
welcome to use the facilities at Wardlaw Church during this time on the same terms, if the facilities we
have are suitable for them. The Tiny Tots group have been meeting on a Wednesday and Friday successfully
at Wardlaw Church since 15th August. We would welcome any volunteers to move the Church chairs to the
back of the sanctuary on a Tuesday afternoon, and make the Church ready for Sunday service after 12 noon
on a Friday - please speak to Iain Mortimer. Bookings for use of the Church during the period the Kirkhill
Community Centre is closed should be made with Wilma Williamson – 831 737.
Page 7 of 20
Clothing, Fashion and the Bible
The Bible reminds us that clothing is merely a covering, beneath which we are equal in
the eyes of God ( Genesis 3:7 and 21 and 1 Samuel 16:7 ). Clothing provides us with
comfort, enjoyment and protection, yet according to the Bible it is not something about
which we should worry ( Matthew 6:25-34 ). Nevertheless, in Biblical narratives as in
today’s culture, it can be an important signifier of self-image, social status, role and
responsibility.
Clothing in the Bible is used to signify a vast range of motives and meanings. It is used as
a mark of respect, honour and generosity and as a metaphor for God’s favour, provision
and protection. Putting on new clothes can indicate purification or a change of mood,
such as the end of a period of mourning. Status is frequently indicated by the clothes
people wear, such as widowhood or kingship, though James warns of judging people
incorrectly by the clothes they wear :
For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor
person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine
clothes and say, ‘Have a seat here, please’, while to the one who is poor you say, ‘Stand
there’, or ‘Sit at my feet’, have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become
judges with evil thoughts ?
Clothing is mentioned as a right in Exodus 21 and by Jesus, by implication, in Matthew 25.
Dirty and torn clothes or the absence of clothing, are signs of poverty and suffering.
Conversely, clean clothes can be signs of respect for God in worship and health. Clothes
can be a metaphor for righteousness, watchfulness and readiness. Clothes as gifts can
be about honouring the recipient ( Joseph - Genesis 37:3 ) or caring ( the man set upon
by robbers - Luke 10:30-35 ).
Often in the Bible the clothes people choose to wear tell us about them and what they
are doing. People use them for disguise; for concealing a weapon; as a tool for
seduction; and to indicate a sense of their own importance. Elisha receives Elijah’s
mantle as a sign of succession and responsibility. Angels wear particularly bright clothes
and Jesus’ clothes glow at his Transfiguration. Jesus’ clothes are associated with healing
when a woman touches the hem of his cloak; he is dressed in scarlet to be mocked by
the Roman soldiers and lots cast for his garments as he hung upon the cross.
Given that we know what Jesus was dressed in moments after his birth and what he was
wearing just before he was nailed to the cross, we may draw the conclusion that clothes
are perhaps more important than we think. As comment and metaphor, clothes deserve
careful thought and appreciation.
Jamie MacDonald climbs to the top of Mt. Sinai to get close enough to talk to God.
Looking up, he asks the Lord... 'God, what does a million years mean to you ?'
The Lord replies, 'A minute.'
Jamie asks, 'And what does a million pounds mean to you ?'
The Lord replies, 'A penny.'
'Jamie asks, 'Can I have a penny ?'
'The Lord replies, 'In a minute.'
Page 8 of 20
WARDLAW
CHURCH,
KIRKHILL
GUILD
The Guild’s 2012 / 13 programme starts in October. The meeting day is now a
Wednesday afternoon. The Committee of Maris, Anne and Rosemary are hopeful
that Wednesday is better suited than a Tuesday, and therefore more people will
come along to listen to the speakers and join in on the fellowship. All meetings
are on the first Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., unless
otherwise stated, at Wardlaw Church, Kirkhill. All meetings are open and
everyone, male and female, is welcome to come along. All meetings conclude
with a cup of tea and biscuits !
The first three speakers of the new season are :
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Guest Speaker: Ian Dearing
Prison Service Stories
Ian is a Deacon at Wardlaw Church, also Property Convenor and Manse Committee
member. He has been “persuaded” to share his recollections of his previous working life at
HMP Porterfield, Inverness and other Scottish prisons.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Guest Speaker: Keith McClelland
Pictures of the Highlands and beyond
Keith is a renowned photographer, and cruise lecturer. He has helped Wardlaw Church
greatly by donating time and pictures for the church. Since moving to the Highlands, Keith
has delighted in taking pictures of the scenery and wildlife.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Guest speaker: Anne Lyle
Christmas flower arranging class
Anne is a member of Wardlaw Church and is responsible for the lovely flower arrangements
we see each Sunday and at special services. After a very enjoyable Guild flower arranging
class last April, Anne will demonstrate some easy arrangements for December. Advice on
what to bring will be issued in good time.
The full Guild programme for 2012 / 13 will be
printed and distributed during September 2012.
Guild Theme 2012 – 2015 is “A Faith to proclaim” Being Christian in today’s world
Page 9 of 20
Can you place the 22 names listed below to the
faces appearing in the photograph ?
3 April 1996 - Kirkhill SRWI summer outing to
the Ross-shire Journal offices in Dingwall.
Iona MacDonald, Chrissie MacMillan, Sheila Cameron,
Peggy Coghill, Irene MacKenzie, Helen Miller,
Margaret MacDonald, Ellen Fraser, Betty Smith, Elma Rorison,
Jessie Morrison, Elma Tawse, Nancy Paterson, Mary MacDonald,
Maureen Matheson, Margaret Shiels, Ala Forbes,
Mairi MacFarlane, Nellie Steele, Margaret Fraser,
Joan Smith and Wilma Williamson.
Next month we will be printing a photograph from the Kirkhill SWRI photo album of
a photograph taken at their 21st birthday in October 1969.
Some names are missing from this photo, so we will be seeking names to fill in the blanks.
Page 10 of 20
Tomnacross Church –“Raise the Roof”
Kiltarlity Church needed to replace its roof, at a cost of approximately £50,000. We set
ourselves an ambitious target of raising £20,000 and Mrs Ann Gloag had very generously offered
to match, pound for pound, all money that we raise. Together with a grant from the Church of
Scotland General Trustees, this would take us to the total of £50,000.
We have had a very successful year and raised slightly in excess of our target of £20,000, and
had plenty of fun along the way. Our final event to close the fund raising year is a Ceilidh in
Kiltarlity Village Hall starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 5 October 2012. Matthew Maclennan,
champion accordionist, and many other local artists will be performing on that night. Posters
will be displayed around the village during September giving more details, or contact Hamish or
Margo Maclennan – 741 312.
Progress towards Target - as of 27 August 2012 :
£2k
£4k
£6k
£8k
£10k
£12k
£14k
£16k
£18k
£20k
£21k
Calendar of Events
Date
Time
4thNovember
2011
Location
Ceilidh
Throughout
December
24th February
2012
Quiz Night
Inverness
Gospel Male
Voice Choir
Car Treasure
Hunt
Kiltarlity
Community
Gala
Friday,
13 April 2012
Friday,
11th May 2012
Saturday,
19th May 2012
Tuesday,
5th June 2012
Silent
Auction
Raised £512
Raised £130
Kiltarlity
Village Hall
Raised £420
Tomnacross
Church
Raised £370
Kiltarlity
Village Hall
Raised £250
Tomnacross
School
Raised £80
Achnagairn
House,
Kirkhill
Raised £10,090
Belladrum
7:30 p.m.
Ceilidh
Details
Raised £545.
School
Christmas
Fayre
Christmas
Quiz
19th November
2011
3rd / 4th
August 2012
Friday,
5th October
2012
Event
Raised £152
Kiltarlity
Village Hall
To close the successful
year of fundraising
There are a number of other on-going opportunities to participate in our fundraising efforts:
Buy a slate :
Please ‘buy’ a slate for £3 or a nail for £1, and receive an attractive
ownership certificate - contact Louise Watson – 741 876.
Tea Towels and
Canvas Bags :
These commemorative items, decorated with a line drawing of the
Church, can be purchased from the Post Office or from the Tomnacross
Church @ £6 per tea towel ( or 2 for £10 ) and £3 per bag.
Page 11 of 20
Sunday, 30 September is Wardlaw Church’s “Bring a friend to Church Day.”
“This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them” ( Luke 15.1 ). This one verse sums up the
whole, scandalous message of the Christian faith. Everyone is welcome. We are welcome
not because of our goodness, or worthiness, or even our faithfulness. We are welcome
because God invites us. And he invites us even though we are sinners.
Don’t be startled by the word ‘sinner.’ Is there anyone alive who hasn’t regularly gone to bed
at night and lay there regretting things they’d said or wishing they’d acted differently ? In
other words, we all fall short of our own standards, let alone the standards of God. Falling
short of what we are supposed to be is called sin. It is when we are less then we could be or
should be.
Well, the big message of the Christian faith is that whoever you are and whatever you’ve
done, you are welcome at Jesus’ table. No, more than this, God is actually looking for you.
God thinks that his party is incomplete until you’ve arrived. That’s why the shepherd in this
story goes looking for the one lost sheep, and then rejoices when that sheep is found. God
rejoices when we come to his table.
He doesn’t mind whether you’re ready or not. God just wants to welcome you in. That’s why
in the reading from Ezekiel God says “I myself will be the shepherd” ( Ezekiel 34.15 ). I will
be the one who is looking for you and longing to bring you into safe pastures; those safe
pastures that Psalm 23 famously speaks about. For even though life can sometimes be dark,
dangerous and difficult, the God who is revealed in Jesus Christ is a loving shepherd who
seeks out the lost.
Now you might not feel ‘lost’ in the literal sense of ‘not knowing where you are’, but many of
us do feel lost in all sorts of other ways. We can feel lost in relationships where we are
misunderstood or taken for granted. We can feel lost in work when it is dis-spiriting or
unsatisfying. We can feel lost in unemployment, without hope or worth. Sometimes we can
just feel alone, what is sometimes referred to as being 'lost in the crowd.' “We go astray” (1
Peter 2.25). That is the image the first letter of Peter uses.
If you are a regular attendee at our Church, please invite a friend, neighbour or relative to
come along to our Church on this day. People may, for whatever reason, not have been to a
Sunday service for a long time, for whatever reason. They are ‘lost’, the Christian faith says
God is looking for them. He longs to lead them home. He has good things to give them, and
they are welcome at his table. They don't need to sign on the dotted line; they don’t need to
have a huge faith; they just need to accept the invitation.
Happily, many will be coming back to church this month for precisely that reason. They have
been invited back to church and they have said yes. The church consists of people who have
turned up, not just people who have signed up. Thank you for turning up on Sunday 30
September. You are all very welcome !
Wardlaw Church will also be holding a family Harvest Thanksgiving service on 30 September
at 10:30 a.m., so the day is a double celebration – welcoming new friends and a harvest
thanksgiving. Coffee / tea and home baking will be served at the end of the service.
Page 12 of 20
WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYERS
The Kirkhill Evening Prayer meetings for September will take place on 12th and 26th
September and will be held in the Guild Room at Wardlaw Church. The short service
begins at 7 o’clock and finishes by 7:30 p.m. Prayers are both free and fixed. Pray
for individuals and their needs, the church, world issues, and whatever is on the
minds and hearts of those present. Everyone is most welcome to join us for this time
of prayer.
Joel Githinji
Joel will be visiting the Presbytery of Inverness
between
Saturday,
15th
Monday, 24th September.
September
and
Whilst Joel is in
Inverness his itinerary includes visits to Ness
Bank
Church,
Presbytery
Tomatin
Guild
Breakfast
meeting,
Club,
a
Drumnadrochit
Church, a Sexual Health Update Day at Council
Chambers
in
Inverness,
the
Barn
Church,
Ardersier, Petty and Crown Churches. Joel will
also take part in the Third Sunday Praise event
at Wardlaw Church in Kirkhill on Sunday, 16th September starting at 6 o’clock.
Joel and his wife Agnes were born and grew up in Kenya. They have 2 children,
Grace and Francis.
Agnes is not accompanying Joel on this visit to the Presbytery.
Joel went to Egerton University and graduated in 1992 in Sociology, and later
enrolled for a Master’s Degree at Nairobi University. He later joined World Vision as a
program manager working in relief, development and HIV work for 11 years in
Kenya. He then had two years working with VSO Nepal as Organisation Development
Advisor. He is currently working for the Church of Scotland as a Mission Partner
based at the United Mission to Nepal where he is Integral Mission Advisor for HIV.
Because they had no reservations at a busy restaurant, my elderly neighbour and his wife
were told there would be a 45-minute wait for a table. 'Young man, we're both 90 years
old,' the husband said 'We may not have 45 minutes.' They were seated immediately.
Page 13 of 20
Grateful thanks to Iain and Avril Marr for allowing their garden and home to be open for
the annual afternoon tea event on 5th August. Iain and Avril would like to thank
everyone who helped, especially the marvellous “M’s” Maris, Mary, and Margaret and all
those who did baking, serving and washing up. We are very grateful for answered
prayers giving us a rain free afternoon and for the generosity of friends which has
swelled the Wardlaw Church Fabric Fund by £750. It was good to see Mary Donaldson
and her Beauly beauties enjoying their afternoon tea (with their little fingers in the air)
in their own little snug. Also enjoying the afternoon was Elspeth Coburn’s brother and
nephew from across the border.
Photographs by Rosemary Mortimer
Page 14 of 20
Members of our Church family and others to be remembered in your prayers
Words cannot even to begin to express our sorrow for the Beaton and MacKay families as they come to
terms with the tragic loss of four members of their families, Ewen ( father ), Ewen, and Jamie
Beaton and Grace MacKay, following their canoe capsizing on Loch Gairloch. May their memories
give the families strength, and may the love of those around them help through the days ahead. May
the comfort of God help the families during this difficult time.
Remember Elma and Bert Tawse in your thoughts and prayers as they learn to cope with the new
challenges in their lives following Elma’s slight stroke and Bert’s recent stay in Raigmore Hospital and
stomach operation he underwent whilst there.
Walter MacFarlane continues to be housebound but remains in good spirits. Mairi continues to be
troubled by her back which affects her mobility and keeps her from attending Church. Please continue
to remember both Walter and Mairi in your prayers.
Rev. Edgar Ogston, our Interim Moderator, has been suffering from mild pneumonia since he
returned from his holiday in late July. Edgar is still recovering after a course of antibiotics, but he
needs to continue resting, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. In the last few days Edgar has
developed a nasty cough which stops him holding a telephone conversation without breaking off with a
coughing fit. We need to keep Edgar in our thoughts as he becomes stronger and pray for his
continued recovery. Please also remember Jean in your prayers as she nurses Edgar through his
illness and takes on extra parish burdens.
Did I read that sign right ?
In an office - TOILET OUT OF ORDER......... PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW.
In a Laundromat - AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES
WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT.
In a London department store - BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS.
In an office - WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING
IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN.
In an office - AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE
DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD.
Outside a second-hand shop - WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES,
etc. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN ?
Notice in health food shop window - CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS.
Spotted in a safari park - ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR.
Seen during a conference - FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE
IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1st FLOOR.
Notice in a farmer's field - THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE,
BUT THE BULL CHARGES.
On a repair shop door - WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR THE BELL DOESN'T WORK.
Page 15 of 20
The Tomnacross Church “Raise the
Roof” team raised their spirits and
boogied on down to the Belladrum
Festival at the beginning of
August. Having purchased our new
"pop up" Royal Blue tent, (which
will be useful, we tell ourselves,
for future occasions - the emphasis
on "future"), we took on a jubilee
theme.
Annabel Fraser and
Elizabeth Fraser set the show on
the road with the tent festooned
with red white and blue bunting
and helium balloons bobbing to
the music.
The theme of the occasion was to
purchase a lucky slate on a
purpose
made
roof,
kindly
donated by Andrew and Elizabeth
Fraser.
Andrew’s joinery skills
were applauded and definitely will be called on again! A picture board showing 12 unusual
angles of the views within the Festival with a chance to win a next year festival ticket was
money making venture whilst TCC did good work with their lucky dip!
There were old Belladrum photos on show which created much interest and we wondered what
Ada and Archibald Merry would be thinking of the "Scene around Bella 2012" - slightly different
from their view back in 1920's. With us all taking a slot the time passed, the weather was good
and strategically sited next to the Kiltarlity Teas, we were ensured of a plentiful supply of tea
and cakes, although it could not be said that the Festival came to us, we made enough to make
it worth our while and as Wallace would tell Gromit "We had a grand day out !"
Thanks must go to Joe Gibbs for his continuing generosity in not only letting us attend this
year’s event but for contributing to our efforts throughout our fund raising year.
Photograph by Annabel Fraser and words by Ethna Ferguson
Good reasons for joining a church choir
Page 16 of 20
Humans have been making music for tens of thousands of
years. Singing bonds people together, exercises a range of
muscles and makes you feel happy.
The camaraderie of communal singing is of benefit to
people - have you noticed how much everyone enjoys
singing en masse at football matches and religious
gatherings with no thought of their own ability ?
You don't get that feeling when listening to a CD.
Singing is good for your health, it lifts the spirits
and you can do it for free - so what are you waiting
for ? There's so much you can do...
Mary Robb is presently planning a programme of
new and old favourite carols for the Celestial Choir
to perform at the 2012 Candle and Carol Service in
late December at Wardlaw Church, Kirkhill.
Rehearsals start on Saturday, 8 September 2012 at 10
o’clock at Wardlaw Church, Kirkhill. Rehearsals last
for approximately 90 minutes.
Mary is looking forward to welcome anyone, male or
female, who enjoys singing to join the Celestial Choir.
The Celestial Choir is not a Church choir, but a community
based choir, and welcomes anyone from any other Church or if
you have no Church. Remember, being a member of the choir
guarantees you a seat at the very busy Candle and Carol Service in December.
Five reasons God created Eve
1. God worried that Adam would get lost in the Garden, because men never ask directions.
2. God knew that Adam would never buy a new fig leaf when the seat wore out, and therefore would need
Eve to get one for him.
3. God knew that Adam would never make a doctor’s appointment for himself.
4. God knew that Adam would never remember which night to put the wheelie bins out.
5. God knew that Adam would need someone to hand him the TV remote, because men don't want to see
what's on television, they want to see WHAT ELSE is on television.
Page 17 of 20
Highland Foodbank - Harvest 2012
Harvest is a time of year when we remember
God’s goodness to us – and also reflect on our
responsibility to express his love to those in our
community and in our world who are in need.
The level of need in our community remains
high:
in the continuing difficult economic
conditions many people in the Highlands are
finding
themselves
in
financial
crises.
Throughout 2011, just short of 4,000 people
were referred to the Foodbank and provided
with emergency supplies of food, and in the first
seven months of this year over 1,920 people
from in and around Inverness have been supplied with food.
The Foodbank have been able to help these people because of the continuing
generosity of the public and especially members and friends of our Churches in
donating food to the Project. Whatever our Church’s previous involvement with
Highland Foodbank, they are asking if you would consider supporting us at Harvest
time again this year, thus helping make a difference in people’s lives in the weeks
ahead.
As you may know, the Foodbank has a ‘shopping list’ of items which they would like
each congregation to donate.
The ‘shopping list’ for Kiltarlity is :
Packets of oatcakes / tins of fruit / tinned ham / sugar
The ‘shopping list’ for Kirkhill is :
UHT or powdered milk / tea bags * / breakfast cereals /
tinned ham
∗
Preferred option for tea bags is boxes whose contents are foiled wrapped in 40’s ( e.g.
Morrison’s Red Label ), then Foodbank can split up the box. However, any size will be greatly
appreciated, and larger packs will be distributed to bigger families.
Donations can be left in each of the respective Church entrances, and
Elizabeth Fraser, for Kiltarlity, and Margaret Birkbeck, for Kirkhill,
will ensure that all items reach the Highland Foodbank depot.
22 September - When the sun goes edgewise, daytime equals night
September 22nd is the autumnal equinox ( if you live in the northern hemisphere ) or the vernal ( Spring )
equinox ( if you live in the southern hemisphere ). The equinoxes occur in March and September, when
the Sun is ‘edgewise’ to the Earth’s axis of rotation, so that everywhere on earth has twelve hours of
daylight and twelve hours of darkness.
Page 18 of 20
An urgent call to pray for our troubled world
11 years ago this month the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York were hit by two planes,
flown by Islamic terrorists. The world changed that day. Since then, the past 11 years have witnessed a
horrible succession of violence: the carnage of 7/7 in London, the wretched suicide bombings in so many
countries, the riots in the UK ( 2011 ), the wars across the Middle East, and currently the slaughter in Syria.
The world is in a battered state.
Billy Graham’s daughter, Anne, was being interviewed on an American TV show by Jane Clayson, who
asked her this question in the days following the 9/11 tragedy “How could God let something like this
happen ?” Anne gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said “I believe that God is deeply
saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we have been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out
of our Government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe that he has calmly
backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that he leaves
us alone ?” Has anything changed in the last 11 years to alter that belief ? I think not.
Now we are asking ourselves why our children and young adults have no conscience, why they don’t know
right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard, we can figure it out. I think it has a good deal to do with “We
reap what we sow” Galatians 6:7-8.
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God, and then wonder why the world’s going to Hell. Funny
how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how the lewd, crude,
vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but the public discussion of God is suppressed in
schools and the workplace. Funny how someone can be so fired up for Christ on a Sunday, but be an
invisible Christian the rest of the week.
Our own society is in deep need. Britain in broken in so many ways. The pastoral burden that every local
church bears is a continual reminder to us that a tragically high number of our fellow citizens lead
dysfunctional, damaged lives. And the on-going financial crisis bears down on all of this, adding yet more
layers of anxiety to our already traumatic situation.
It is easy to think that we, as local Christians, can do nothing. That is so wrong. We CAN do something.
We can pray. Not the polite few words that come to our lips in opening or in closing a church meeting. But
prayers where we turn to God with our inner selves, and with real urgency ask God for help. We need to
cast ourselves and our hurting world upon him with a renewed sense of our absolute dependence upon him.
Prayer is not something a Christian should do occasionally. It is something that we should be doing all the
time. Prayer is the only link we have with God. It is the most vital thing that we can do in life. You would
not get far in a human relationship without speaking to the one you love; you will not get far in any spiritual
realm without speaking either.
When we open our hearts to God in prayer, he hears us. He increases our faith, and our desire for more of
him, and for the extension of his kingdom. Don’t know what to pray ? It is simple; ‘your kingdom come...’
into whatever situation about which you are praying.
Our churches can be real spiritual powerhouses – more expectant in worship, more effective in witness,
more able to be the salt and light of our society.
These words and thoughts are taken from a few different sources and are not the words / thoughts of one person or organisation.
Page 19 of 20
Wardlaw Church contact
Maris Elkin 831 590
Kiltarlity Church contact
David Garvie 741 038
Interim Moderator – Rev. Edgar Ogston 782 260 or [email protected]
Kirkhill Sunday School – Margaret Birkbeck 831 518 / Flora Morrison 831 373
Kiltarlity Sunday School – Linda MacKenzie 741 313 / Anneliese Garvie 741 038
The Parishioner – Iain and Rosemary Mortimer 782 648
E-mail – [email protected]
Diary dates for SEPTEMBER 2012
2 September Worship at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and KILTARLITY at 12 noon.
Preacher – Mrs Jean Ogston
2 September
4 September
First Sunday service at Kiltarlity Free Church at 6:00 p.m.
Coffee / tea / home baking at Wardlaw Church at 10:00 a.m.
Preacher – Rev. Hector Morrison
10 September
11 September
12 September
Kirkhill’s Deacons’ Court at Wardlaw Church at 7:30 p.m.
Prayer meeting at Wardlaw Church at 7:00 p.m.
Preachers – Mrs Vivien Roden at Wardlaw and Joe Barnard at Kiltarlity
16 September
18 September
18 September
19 September
Third Sunday Praise ( with Joel Githinji ) at Wardlaw Church at 6:00 p.m.
Kirkhill Kirk Session at Wardlaw Church at 7:30 p.m.
Kiltarlity Deacons’ Court and Kirk Session at Tomnacross Church at 7:30 p.m.
Preacher – Mr Iain Todd
25 September
26 September
Prayer meeting at Wardlaw Church at 7:00 p.m.
Preacher – Rev. Stewart Frizzell
2 October
The October 2012 issue of The Parishioner will be published on Sunday, 30 September 2012
Page 20 of 20

Edgar Ogston - Kiltarlity Church and Kirkhill Church

Transcription

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