March 2019 The Church of Scotland 0
The Church of Scotland Inverness East Church Services & Meetings Sunday Services: 11am and 6.30pm Sunday School at 11am Gaelic Services: Second Sunday of the month at 3pm Women s Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10.30am Girls Brigade: Tuesdays from 5pm Word at One: Last Tuesday of the month at 1.05pm Prayer Meetings: Wednesdays at 1pm and 7.30pm Toddler Group Thursdays at 10am (except third Thursdays) The Gathering Third Thursdays at 10.30am Youth Group Third Fridays at 7.30pm -------------------- Church Secretary: Miss Sheila Murray Office Address: Academy Street, Inverness, IV1 1LU Telephone: 01463 236695 Email: invernesseastoffice@gmail.com Website: www.invernesseast.com Scottish Charity Number: SC 0168661 1
A word from the Interim Moderator Rev. Dr. Hugh Watt I was delighted to meet some of you at the morning service on Sunday 3rd February. I was very impressed at the wisdom of (what was apparently) the youngest and newest member of the Sunday School. It is always a joy to meet God s people, brothers and sisters of all ages, especially in the context of worshipping God together. Indeed it can be a wonderful experience to meet a fellow saint in a new context. Maybe you are on holiday and you sit at the poolside beside a couple you get chatting to them you sense a fellow-feeling from them you finally discover that they are Christians but you had that feeling very early on, before they revealed their faith Christ shone from them to you, and presumably He shone from you to them as well. There is something very special about Christian fellowship. It surprises me greatly, therefore, that there are some Christians who see no need for fellowship. They see no need to be with God s people on a Sunday in a service of worship of our great God. Our local Church of Scotland Mission Adviser, Steve Aisthorpe, has done some fairly comprehensive research which suggests that there are 30,000 Christians living in the Highlands of Scotland who never attend a Sunday Church Service. People often say to me (as they probably say to you also) that: you don t have to go to Church to be a Christian. And technically that may be true. My question to such a comment is alway the same: But why would any Christian NOT WANT to be with God s people on a Sunday to enjoy fellowship with them and with God together? 2
Obviously there will be exceptions - e.g. Christians who are housebound or in a Care Home - but there are seemingly plenty of Christians who are fit and free, and who simply choose to absent themselves from Sunday worship and fellowship with the saints. Maybe they have forgotten, or simply choose to ignore the warning of the writer to Hebrews: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:24,25. Even non-christians realise that one day they may need friends by them, but, as Christians, it should surely be our great desire, as it is our privilege, to enjoy being part of God s worldwide family. Is it not true that we are here and now preparing for heaven? Will heaven not be full of our fellow saints and we will worship God together? What better preparation for heaven than enjoying meeting with those fellow saints now? Yours, Hugh 3
News and Information Sound Over the last couple of weeks, we have installed some new sound equipment and will be fine tuning the setup over the next few weeks. To help with this, we would appreciate feedback on your experience of the quality of the sound in the church. We would particularly like some feedback from anyone that makes use of the loop system as we have been unable to check this so far. Please speak to Robert Taylor if you have any comments. Thank you. World Day of Prayer The theme this year is "Come - Everything is ready" prepared by the Christian women of Slovenia. It will be held from 10am to 12 noon on Friday 1 st March in the Lower Hall. All welcome. Girls Brigade We continue to work on all aspects of our badge work which the girls are bringing their enthusiasm to. We have also been taking some time each week to enjoy our favourite games. The girls, from Explorers to Brigaders, are participating and enjoying this time as a whole group. On Saturday 2nd March some of our Juniors will be taking part in a Challenge Day at Trinity church. They will be joined by the other Juniors in Highland Division including Stornoway & are looking forward to this. We thank you all for your continued prayerful support in our work. Women s Bible Study The Women s Bible Study meets every Tuesday in the Vestry from 10.30am 12 noon. Bibles, study books and tea/coffee provided. 4
Prayer Meetings Please join us for Bible study and prayer, every Wednesday at 1pm or 7.30pm in the Lower Hall. Toddler Group The Toddler Group meets on Thursdays at 10am in the Lower Hall, every week except the 21 st of March. Open Doors The Church is open on Friday the 8 th and 22 nd in March. The Church and hall are open from 1pm 3pm. All welcome for tea, coffee and a chat. Music Group The Music Group will be leading items of praise on the second Sunday of the month. Gaelic Services The monthly Gaelic Service will be held at 3pm on Sunday 10 th March conducted by Rev. D.A. Maclennan. Youth Group (S1-S6) The Youth Group meet on Friday 15 th March at 7.30pm in the Lower Hall. The Gathering The March meeting of The Gathering is on Thursday 21 st March at 10.30am in the Lower Hall. EMMS Fundraising Ceilidh and Dinner Ceilidh and Fundraising Dinner at 7pm on Friday 15 th March at the Highland Rugby Club, Clubhouse, Canal Park, Inverness IV3 5SS. Tickets are 39 or 360 for a table of 10. Tickets available from www.emms.org/ceilidh or 0131 313 3828 or events@emms.org 5
Word at One The Word at One Service and lunch is on Tuesday 26 th March at 1.05pm in the Lower Hall, led by Ian Challinor. All welcome. Elevate (S3-S6) Elevate is a monthly highland Christian Youth event. Keep up to date at facebook.com/elevatehighland Congregational Roll New Member We welcome Mrs Irene Grant to our membership. 6
Letter to Congregation Dear Friends, June and I are very grateful for all the kindness, help and support we received from the congregation of Inverness East Church, throughout the past ten years. We are, however, particularly grateful for the pictures, the gifts and the most generous cheque which we received at the Farewell Social. Please accept our heartfelt thanks. Since leaving, we have also received many cards and other greetings, some of them referring to the the times of joy and sorrow that we shared over these past ten years. They also underline how much we will miss our church family at Inverness East. We are still unpacking boxes! Moving from a large Manse to a bungalow has its challenges but we are gradually getting there and our lovely new house is taking shape. I have also started my new part-time job. As I type this, I am looking out of the window of my new office in the Highland Theological College. It has a wonderful view of Ben Wyvis. Hopefully by the time there is no snow left on the Ben, the last of the boxes will be unpacked! June and I assure you of our prayers as you take the next step in the life of the congregation. We trust that God will lead you and bless you. Once again, please accept our thanks for your kindness and love towards us. Andrew & June McGowan 7
Church Duties Multi Media 3 rd March Sheila Murray & Tina Bruce 10 th March Ann MacDonald, Robert Taylor & Shaun Macdonald 17 th March Willie Chuma & Pam Lyall 24 th March David McGowan, Shaun & Ryan Macdonald 31 st March Ann MacDonald & David McGowan Refreshments 3 rd March Mary Anne & Alistair Mackay & Sheena Hendry 10 th March Kay Matheson, Chrisma Mosey & Donnie Maclean 17 th March George & Mhairi Jane Campbell & Pam Lyall 24 th March Anne Smitton, Malina Fraser & Christine Dunnett 31 st March John Bruce, Tina Bruce & M.E. Crèche 3 rd March Della Mackay & Sheena Fraser 10 th March Christine Dunnett & Fiona Campbell 17 th March Donna Smith & Fiona Stephen 24 th March Alison MacDonald & Malina Fraser 31 st March Mary Macleod & Jennifer Morrison Flowers 3 rd March Vacant 10 th March Elaine Henderson 17 th March Anne Smitton 24 th March Jennifer Morrison 31 st March M. E. Toddler Group (Thursdays) 7 th March Agnes Chisholm 14 th March Iona Macdonald 8
Fellowship Groups Roneval, Drumsmittal, North Kessock Monday 4 th March at 7.30pm 5 Victoria Drive, Inverness Monday 11 th March at 7.30pm 28 Moray Park Terrace, Culloden Tuesday 19 th March at 7.30pm 5 Culduthel Place, Inverness Thursday 14 th March at 7.30pm Iain Macdonald s Group Date and location to be confirmed. Please contact Iain on 07752567822. 9
Hello Easterlings Submitted by Ann MacDonald 10
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Can you find the dove hidden in the story? 15
Daily Readings & Prayer Points There seems to always be a guarantee in life that change will happen. Some change is exciting and invigorating but at other times it can be disruptive and challenging. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we do not feel in control of life. The good news is that God has a plan for our lives to give us hope for the future. If we trust in God and allow change to make us spiritually grow to become more like Jesus Christ in how we respond and act, then we are promised that all things will work together for good for those who love Him and keep His commandments. The theme for this month s readings is change and how The Bible describes change and more particularly how it instructs us as Christians to respond to changes in our lives and the world about us. We are experiencing change as a fellowship through this period of vacancy. We are experiencing change in our personal lives and it hardly needs saying with all the political uncertainty going on around us that the future for our nation also has many uncertainties. The only constant is that God is in control and we need to place our trust in him and turn to him in prayer for guidance and strength. March 1st 2 Peter, ch 3 vs 9 Pray for the vacancy and that those appointed to steer us through this process have a sense of God s guidance and grace. March 2nd Deuteronomy, ch 31 vs 6 Pray for the recently established Mother and Toddler group. Give thanks for the children brought to the group and that they will in time come to know Jesus. 16
March 3rd Ecclesiastes, ch 3 vs 1 Pray for the Sunday School and the teachers who are so committed in their service to our young people. March 4th Hebrews, ch 6 vs 19 Pray for the elders who are leading the prayer meetings. March 5th Hebrews, ch 13 vs 8 Pray for the political situation and that politicians of all parties would look to to God for guidance and wisdom. March 6th Isaiah, ch 43 vs 18-19 Pray for those affected by illness and pray for their recovery. March 7th James, ch 1 vs17 Pray for the Deacons Court and their stewardship of the congregation s assets. March 8th Jeremiah, ch 29 vs11 Pray for the Highland Theological College and the training they give to the ministers and teachers of the future. 17
March 9th Joshua, ch 1 vs 9 Give thanks for the recognition Susan Mackenzie received for all her service to the Girls Brigade and pray that the event to recognise that honour will go well tonight. March 10th 1 Corinthians, ch 6 vs 11 Pray for both the English and Gaelic services today. Give thanks for those who are willingly providing pulpit supply during this period of vacancy. March 11th 2 Thessalonians, ch 3 vs 3 Pray for those who are supporting relatives or family members who are ill. March 12th Malachi, ch 3 vs 6 Pray for the Girls Brigade and the leadership team. Give thanks for all the girls who attend weekly to learn to seek, serve and follow Christ. March 13th Numbers, ch 23 vs 19 Prayer Point Pray for the Prayer Meetings today and the elders who are leading them. Pray for those who attend that they will be encouraged. 18
March 14th Psalm, 18 vs 2 Pray that our period of vacancy would be a short one and that the congregation would stay united through this time of uncertainty. March 15th Romans, ch 12 vs 1-2 Pray for the EMMS fundraising event tonight and give thanks for the support the congregation has given to the work of EMMS over many years. March 16th Philippians, ch 4 vs 6-8 Pray for the Open Doors team and pray that their work would be blessed. Pray that people will feel welcome and encouraged to come to the Church. March 17th 2 Corinthians, ch 4 vs 16-18 Pray for the services today. Pray that our congregational attendance will be sustained during this vacancy. March 18th Lamentations, ch 3 vs 21-23 Pray for the fellowship groups that will meet this month. Pray for those who the groups and open their homes up to others within the congregation. 19
March 19th Psalm, 103 vs 1-6 Please pray for the data and sound teams who contribute so much to our worship. Give thanks for those with these talents and pray that others will be encouraged to put themselves forward to help in this work. March 20th Philippians, ch 4 vs 13 Pray for those who are unemployed, or facing employment uncertainty. Give them hope in God s plans for their lives. March 21st Psalm, 84 vs 1-4 Prayer Point Pray for Professor McGowan and his family as they settle in to their new home and the next stage of their ministry. March 22nd Ephesians, ch 2 vs 10 Give thanks for those who visit and give transport to the elderly in the congregation. Give thanks for the work of Cameron House and Ballifeary House. March 23rd John, ch 16 vs 13 Pray for the homeless and destitute and give thanks for the agencies and organisations who support them. Pray for the food bank and give thanks for those who donate time and resources to it. 20
March 24th Mathew, ch 11 vs 28 Prayer Point Pray for the services today and those from the congregation who are leading the reading and prayer. Give thanks for those who give time to the creche and tea duty. March 25th Hebrews, ch 11 vs 8 Pray that in this week of Brexit there would be unity and clarity of purpose between our political leaders and the outcome of this process would be shaped and guided by God s spirit. March 26th 1 John, ch 3 vs 2 Pray for Dr MacVicar in his role as Session Clerk. Ask God to give him strength and wisdom as he leads the congregation during this period of vacancy and change. Pray also for Reverend Hugh Watt, our Interim Moderator, at this time. March 27th Acts, ch 22 vs 10 Pray for the students attached to this congregation, who are at college and university. Pray that the foundations that were laid here will shape and influence their lives in the years ahead. March 28th Philippians, ch 3 vs 21 Pray for the Youth Fellowship and give thanks that Sheila Murray has stepped forward to lead this. Pray that numbers will increase and that the young people will respond to this message. 21
March 29th Psalm, 32 vs 8 Give thanks for the work of Blythswood and Crossreach who support those in need both at home and abroad. March 30th Proverbs, ch 3 vs 5-6 Give thanks for the work of Drummond School and other organisations who support those in our community with additional support needs. March 31st Psalm, 119 vs 105 Prayer Point Give thanks for the Music Group and pray for the various ministries through music and pray that God will speak to many through his gift of music. The March Daily Readings and Prayer Points have been submitted by our Deputy Session Clerk, George Campbell. 22
Inverness East Church Interim Moderator: Rev. Dr. Hugh Watt (01456 450231) Email: HWatt@churchofscotland.org.uk Session Clerk: Dr Donald MacVicar (01463-792389) Email: d.macvicar@btinternet.com Deputy Session Clerk: Mr George Campbell (01463-731875) Email: gfjcampbell@tiscali.co.uk Chairman of the Deacons Court: Mr George Campbell (01463-731875) Email: gfjcampbell@tiscali.co.uk Clerk to the Deacons Court: Ms Marlene MacRae (01463-418744) Email: Marlenermacrae@gmail.com Treasurer: Mr Duncan Fraser (01463-811527) Email: duncanfraser6135@gmail.com Fabric Convener: Mr Calum Campbell (01463-221226) Email: campbellcalum@yahoo.co.uk 23