CHURCH MAGAZINE
MARCH 2010
MINISTER’S LETTER
2009 was a year of economic gloom throughout the world and only in the last few months does there seem to have been any progress in our economy. Many of us have felt the pinch – although it is those who have lost jobs or have had to take pay cuts that have suffered most. Growth has not been happening in the economy and we all feel a bit worse off – and the experts tell us that it may be some time before things get much better!
It was not a year of significant growth in our church either. Financially, our income did not decline significantly – despite the economic situation. Our membership remained the same at 219 members – although sadly we lost some good friends but we have also welcomed new members during the year. In many parts of the church in the UK growth is regarded as a thing of the past, but I am firmly convinced that growth is meant to be a key characteristic of the church of Jesus Christ. We are all meant to grow as Christians, to grow in fellowship, to grow in numbers and the church is meant to grow throughout the world. That’s surely what Jesus meant when he said, “Go, then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples.” (Matthew 28:19a). There’s your recipe for growth!
The very cold weather of early January this year, with its persistent snow cover lasting weeks, taught me a lesson. When the ice and snow melted there were green shoots everywhere, bulbs had sprouted out of sight, ready for the spring. Now the flowers are already blooming. Even when everything seemed frozen there was life ready to burst out!
We are already seeing growth in our church this year - following last year’s Alpha Course. New Christians will be confessing their faith on 7 March and we will be welcoming new members that day too. Now, I believe that the emphasis this year throughout the church should be on prayer – that’s where the life of the church begins – like the green shoots under the snow.
That is also the message of Easter – that the resurrection life of Jesus is there and ready – even in the darkest times - to bring life and hope to us all through our faith in him!
Every blessing to you this coming Easter and always
David
THE PRODIGAL’S THOUGHTS ON
RETURNING HOME
Just look at me – what a MESS! What a sight! What is my old man going to say? He’ll never have me back, looking like this. And there’s the money. Oh help – the money! I can’t BELIEVE I used it ALL! What on earth was I doing? He’ll go mad. The mud’s all dry on my skin – ugh! Can’t believe where I’ve been working. And those pigs – ugh – they are so filthy. Though must confess, I was beginning to get attached to those two little ones! I need a sit down – I’m so tired and my feet are so sore. I could do with a good bath – pooh what a pong. He’ll go mad. I just know he will blow his top. He’ll never let me back in the house, that’s for sure. Let me think now, how will I start? I’ll go round to the back door and Get one of the servants to let me in. I’m dreading meeting him face to face. He’ll shout and go mad – I just know he will. I’d better say something like I’m sorry. I know I’ve done wrong. I’ve sinned against heaven and against you. Or maybe, I could ask the servant for a wash first. Then I wouldn’t look so bad. THEN I could give my speech and it might not sound as bad if I am looking and smelling cleaner!
| Oh my who’s that? I can see someone coming down the road. Oh no! It’s HIM – oh boy, what I’m going to say? God, if you’re there please help me! Aaarrgg, wait for it. He’s going to shout any minute now… Why has he brought those servants with him? Hey, this is AMAZING – he’s hugging me and kissing me – he’s crying – My old man is crying! I try to say the words I have rehearsed, but only get as far as “sinning against my father and against heaven” the rest is lost as he holds me close. It feels so good to be held by him. My legs feel like jelly, and giving way under me. Oh boy, it is so good to feel his warmth. Although my neck is wet from his tears. What’s that he’s saying? Robe? Ring? Sandals? Fatted calf? Party? Celebrate? Dead? Alive? Lost? Found? That must be me! Oh I get it; he is pleased to see me. The hot bath was SO GOOD And the clean clothes remind me of how I felt before I went away. Family. Everyone’s enjoying themselves – feasting. The food and drink and party. But where is my brother? I thought he would be glad I am home. My father has gone out to speak to him. Says he won’t come in and party with us; Perhaps he is lost too!
|
CEILIDH on the 2nd January
Severe weather conditions meant
that it was touch and go as to
whether the ceilidh would go ahead
However, over 30 people decided to
brave the wintry elements and
Brian Christie, who was supplying
the music, also managed to travel
from Penicuik to get to us. He
persevered for over 4 hours and
was determined not to let us down.
Everyone had a great night. Lots of
laughs, unusual dances and party food. Thank you and well done to Brian and everyone else who helped organise a very successful event.
Andy Beattie
Messy Church On Saturday, Daniel, Emily and I visited Messy Church and had a great time. I don't mind admitting I was a bit apprehensive at first, especially as Nigel was at work and it meant bringing Daniel and Emily on my own, but there was no reason to worry. When I got there, late as usual, the games were out. Some kids were playing Twister, Connect 4, and other games and I wondered how I would keep Daniel from trashing the place. However, it turns out that playing Connect 4, or rather putting counters into holes, is the highlight of a 2 year olds day. He loved it!!! Then the arts and crafts came out, you could paint, make fruit skewers, build bugs from pipe cleaners, do loads of arty things. I thought Daniel would love to make a bug, but unfortunately, he had become obsessed with the connect 4, and I could not drag him away. So I made a bug instead, got a bit too involved in it, fun for all the family. Then Daniel noticed the fruit skewer table- food!! He was off. After that, there was no stopping him; he particularly enjoyed painting" fireworks", sky and sea, on the "in the beginning" banner. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy and when Daniel did his usual panic stricken run to the toilet, I was able to abandon Emily with other families, this was also the case when Emily needed feeding and I left Daniel at the banner table. Thanks Iain and Kirsteen! We then had a short service with singing and actions, which all the kids seemed to love. Then a time of fellowship with dinner, baked potatoes yum!!! All in all we had a great time. Should Messy Church become a regular thing, we will be there, covered from head to toe in paint and cotton wool no doubt, but there none the less. Hope to see you there!!
Fiona Rae
