Further Archive

Aberdeen St Mark's Church of Scotland

Further Archive

On the basis that I never throw anything away, this page will contain older items from previous Messengers, probably up to 2 or 3 years old. Then I will totally discard them. Time related items however (advertising "future" events etc) will not be kept.

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The Summer 2006 Messenger

Your Easter Letter from the Manse

I read a survey in the Christian Herald that the minister's/pastor's letter is the least read article in the whole of the magazine. I am sure that this is not the case here, or would you really miss it if I left it out?

(Webmaster's note: If you've got this far and not noticed anything odd, re-read the first paragraph and John's title!!)

I am not sure what it is supposed to achieve other than letting you know that the minister is using his computer at least 4 times a year. The Manse letters are difficult to write and the summer magazine article is probably the most difficult one for so little is happening over the summer months with organisations winding down and meetings being curtailed or even stopped.

It is definitely not the case from September to June because this is a busy place, make no mistake about it. It is a church that is seen as being a vibrant witness in the city centre. However, is it as evident as that on a Sunday morning? Attendances during Sunday worship are not as good as they used to be. Some days are better than others but in the main it could be much better than it is. It is the duty of every member to worship in their church as regularly as possible, barring holidays and such like, illness and so forth. So perhaps we need to look at ourselves a bit closer and see what we can do to pull up our socks a bit.

To help us, therefore, I propose that in September or October, we have a full service of recommitment. That means every single member, young and old alike should be in their pew. I also propose to have a special service to welcome any new members to St. Mark's Church after our Open Day on Sunday 9 September. If we are welcoming other people from other churches into our midst we have to show them that we mean business.

Christ called us to serve Him here in this place and difficult though it may be I am sure that most of us will accept His challenge head on. Because of what I have said at the beginning of this letter I will put it in the magazine somewhere else and it will be well advertised in the pew leaflets and notice boards in the hall and the church. That way everyone will hopefully see it at some time.

I sincerely hope that all of you have a wonderful summer wherever you are going and return safely to us.

Your friend and Minister, John.

Jesus - did he really exist?

Some people think that the Christian story is a fairy tale and that Jesus Christ is a mythical figure that never really existed. However, the weight of evidence is very much against them for there is more evidence to support the historical reality of Jesus than any other figure in the period.

Josephus: A First century historian writes: "Jesus was a wise man who had many followers. He was also a teacher and a prophet." What Josephus writes in a way accords very much with the Gospel account of Jesus. If a Jewish historian had made something like this up he would have been ridiculed or even worse.

Tacitus: A First century historian and Governor of the Province of Asia. He mentions in his writings, Christus who was crucified during the reign of Tiberius Caesar at the hands of Pontius Pilate and whose followers were still causing trouble for the Roman Government.

Pliny, Suetonius and Rabbi Eliezer: other historians who mention Jesus and who lived soon after the events recorded in the Gospels.

Archaeology? There is an abundance of other sources that agree with the New Testament on public figures, historical events, dates and place names. These confirm that the Bible is deeply rooted in history.

So, whatever else they say about Jesus it is almost impossible to write him off as a fairy story. For me Jesus is as real as anything else I can see, feel or hear and I hope that he is exactly the same for you.

From the Easter 2006 Messenger

Letter from the Manse Easter 2006

There are two dates that will always be etched in our memories when the horrors of global terrorism were brought home to us. That day in September 2001 when over 3000 innocent souls suffered at the hands of a group of misguided men intent on bringing the western world to its knees. Nearer home in July of last year they struck again causing havoc and mayhem in London and causing death to over 50 innocent people with their suicide bombs. After both incidents, the churches not just in the area surrounding the horror were full to bursting as people flocked there looking for some sort of answer to why such things had happened.

What did happen on these fateful days was that it became painfully clear to all of us that death from the suicide bomber is able to bridge the distance once seen as a security blanket. What crumpled on these two days, was not just the Twin Towers in New York, or the tube station tunnels, but the illusions that we held that we were somehow safe from it all. It matters not now where we live, how wealthy we are, how far we may feel removed from the powers of evil, the fact is that we are all in it together and that is the only hope we have now of peace.

It may not seem like a comparison, but try to compare that which happened in New York and London with what happened on the first Good Friday more than 2,000 years ago. Evil had its way then with Jesus on the Cross and it seemed that ideals and visions and hopes had crumbled. However it all changed on the first Easter day, when after an initial upset those who came to thetomb of Jesus realised that He had in fact risen from the dead just as he had said He would. The Easter message which shone through the evil of Good Friday is the same message that shines through the horrors of our present militant societies. Despite whatyou say and do, there will always be a Resurrection day. That is the message of Easter, not cuddly furry bunnies, or chocolate eggs or holidays, but good news for all of the people of God that as sure as the sun riseson Easter morning, so will one day God?s light rise upon the doers of evil in the world.

I hope that you have a blessed time this Easter with your family and friends, and that you will indeed be blessed in many different ways through His love for you.

Your Friend and Minister

John Watson

The 23rd Psalm explained

This is quite an eye opener for we probably never thought about it or looked at it in this way, even though we sing it over and over again.

The Lord's My Shepherd that's a relationship.
I shall not want that's supply
He makes me to lie down that's rest
In green pastures that's tranquillity
He leads me that's a promise.
Beside the still waters that's refreshment.
He restores my soul that's healing.
And leads me that's comfort.
In the paths of righteousness that's guidance.
For His Names sake that's purpose.
Yea though I walk that's intent.
Through the valley that's the way.
Of the shadow of death that's testing.
I'll fear no evil that's protection.
For thou art with me that's faithfulness.
Thy rod and staff comfort me that's discipline.
Thou annointest my head with oil that's consecration.
My cup runneth over that's abundance.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life that's blessing.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever
that's security.
Forever and ever
that's eternity.

What is most valuable is not what we have in our lives, but who we have.

Autumn 2006

Letter from the Manse

By the time you are reading this Rosalyn and I will have returned from our trip to Malawi, bringing back experiences that we know will change our lives. I can tell you that we are both grateful for this opportunity to go and represent our congregation in this visit and I know that what we will have taken, apart from the generous donations you have given, will have been your love and your prayers to the people of Malawi.

Modern communications mean that we know what is going on now so far away, almost as soon as it happens and I have been told that the folks who are members of Mpachika church see us as dear friends and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ and they have asked me to preach in their church on one of the Sundays that we are there. I hope that we will, between us, be able to make a “movie” of our trip and show it to you when we get back, so keep your fingers crossed that we get it right.

Coming back reminds me that we will be into the new session of worship in our church when I return and that means longer nights and shorter days and a bit colder as well.

However, there is, I know, that wonderful warmth in the church that so many people make comments on and I feel a sense of pride when I hear that because that is what we are meant to be.

We will have had our Congregational Rededication Service on 3 September, as well as a baptism and we are welcoming new members into our church almost on a weekly basis now. Please play your part and help to make this church in Rosemount the church that people want to belong to because . . . . . well, just because they want to.

I hope that all of you have enjoyed the summer break and wherever you may have been, have become refreshed and been given that little bit extra for the future. As Tiny Tim (from Scrooge)
says; God bless us everyone.
Your Friend and Minister, John

Prayer for Today and Everyday

Lord you love with an everlasting love because you are love. And so you are plainly effective always and everywhere, even when we cannot feel your presence. Teach us to love without wanting to control; to love without limit, to love you, our friends and also our enemies. Teach us to be patient in love when love is not returned; teach us to be patient when even you are apparently far away. Teach us loving, waiting, patience when there is no answer to our questionings and our doubts.
Amen

Church Magazine Bloopers

Our next song is "Angels We Have Heard Get High"
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Jean will be leading a weight-management series Wednesday nights. She's used the program herself and has been growing like crazy!
Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. Would all those wishing to do something on the carpet should come forward and do so.
During the absence of our minister, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when A. N. Other took the pulpit.
The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of the congregation.
While the minister is on holiday all massages should be given to the secretary.

Its really a woman’s world. . .
Why God created Eve

10. God was worried that Adam would frequently become lost in the garden because he would not ask for directions.
9. God knew that one day Adam would require someone to locate and hand him the remote.
8. God knew Adam would never go out and buy himself a new fig leaf when his wore out and would therefore need Eve to buy one for him.
7. God knew Adam would never be able to make a doctor's, dentist, or haircut appointment for himself.
6. God knew Adam would never remember which day to put the bin out.
5. God knew if the world was to be populated, men would never be able to handle the pain and discomfort of childbearing.
4. As the Keeper of the Garden, Adam would never remember where he left his tools.
3. Apparently, Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the garden.
2. As the Bible says, It is not good for man to be alone!
And finally, the Number 1 reason why God created Eve . .
1. When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, scratched his head, and said, "I can do better than that."

Tribute to Revd Samuel Ballantyne M.A. B.D.

On Sunday, 23 July, ‘06 in Devanha Gardens Nursing Home the Reverend Samuel Ballantyne M.A. B.D passed away after a long illness bravely borne, and was called into the higher service of His Lord and Master.

Sam was born in Cullybachie, Northern Ireland in 1917. The family moved to the west coast of Scotland and Sam was, from a child, brought up in Greenock, attending Greenock High School and attaining a University place at Glasgow. At Glasgow he graduated with an M.A. in 1937 followed by a B.D. with distinction in Old Testament Studies in 1940. He gained the Cleland and the Rae Wilson Gold medals for excellence in both Old Testament and New Testament Studies.

He went from University to be assistant at Dunblane Cathedral where he served conscientiously for 2 and a half years, before accepting the vacant charge of Wick Bridge Street. He served there for six and a half years before being called to serve as minister in the Parish of Rutherford, Aberdeen.

Sam served the Parish faithfully for 33 years being noted for his committed pastoral work in the area. On his retrial he retained his seat in Aberdeen Presbytery, served in many vacant charges as locum, notably St Mark’s and St Fitticks. He was the Moderator of the Presbytery in 1971 and was its precentor for 22 years. In retirement he conducted many weddings and funerals which he did in his own inimitable style.

Sam’s first wife Margaret was greatly beloved, and later after her death, Sam met and was married to Barbara who became a most loyal and devoted wife, supporting him in all aspects of his ministry.

This congregation of St Mark’s owes Sam Ballantyne, more than it can ever repay, and on a very personal note, I deemed it a privilege to have been his minister and pastor for the last 18 years. May he rest in peace.

A letter from Barbara

Through this issue of the Messenger I would like to express my sincere thanks to my fellow members of St Mark’s for the sympathy expressed to me and the Ballantyne family by cards, telephone messages, letters and flowers on Sam’s death.

Our minister John conducted a private service at the crematorium as was Sam’s wish, but, putting aside his own arrangements, made 6th August service in the church a memorial service to Sam which was fine, fitting and far ranging, and heart warming and yet heart breaking. Thank you John. Thanks also to our ladies who provided and served lunch. They are equal to any task.
Barbara Ballantyne

From the December 2005 Messenger

Letter from the Manse Christmas 2005

A lady I heard this week told a wonderful story of how she was involved in a terrible road accident. Her head, face and body were embedded in the steering column and she was convinced she had died. She felt like an eagle soaring in the sky, when suddenly a dark cloud came over her, she lost her vision and as if her wings had been clipped, she plummeted to the ground. Then miraculously, she was picked up by an angel from heaven and taken to a place of safety. When she awoke from the accident after being in a coma for many months her injuries were unbelievable and she spent a long time getting back to health. Her angel was there all the time until she was able to get about on her own. Never ever having been interested in the church she is now a committed Christian whose testimony is the most moving I have heard in over twenty years.

Why is it that it takes something like that to bring someone to Christ and to commit their lives to Him, when we who have had it relatively easy are much less committed than he is?

I am asking every single person who reads this to answer the questions below honestly and if the answer No is present in any of them, then you are not committed and either have to become so or stop trying to convince yourself that you are a Christian.

Do I love the Lord Jesus Christ? Yes/No
Do I want to follow His ways? Yes/No
Do I love myself? Yes/No
Do I love my neighbour? Yes/No
Have I any unforgiveness in my heart? Yes/No

Jesus came into the world for all. As Christmas approaches we are reminded of the way in which He came. Before 2006 comes, let the Lord take care of all your burdens and problems and promise Him more commitment in 2006.

In our card to you this Christmas, Jennifer and David and I as your manse family sincerely wish you all our love and happiness for this time of the year and our blessings upon you for 2006.

Blessings John, Jennifer & David

A Prayer for Today and Everyday

Lord, it's sometimes hard for us to realise that you will come back again and sometimes we must confess that we don't want you to come back because we know we haven't lived in exactly the way you would want us to. Please forgive us.

This Christmas as we sing all the familiar Carols and hear all our favourite lessons read, give to each of us the gift of pure worship.

Reveal yourself to us so that our hearts will be filled with joy and change us so that this Christmas we may be the kind of people you want us to be, ready to do your will in everything even at a cost to ourselves.
Amen

A Father's letter for Christmas.
(A cry of a Father's heart from Genesis to Revelation)

My Child, you may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139.1) I know when you sit down and when you rise (Psalm 139.2). I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139.3). Even the hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10.29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1.27). In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17.28). For you are my offspring (Acts 17.28). I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1.4-5). I chose you when I planned Creation (Ephesians 1.11-12). You were not a mistake (Psalm 139.15-16). For all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139 .15-16).

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17.26). You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 138.14). I knitted you together in your mother?s womb (Psalm 139.13). And then brought you forth on the day that you were born (Psalm 71.16). I have been misrepresented by those who do not know me (John 8 41-44). I am not distant nor am I angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4.16) and it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3.1). Simply because I am your Father and you are my child (1 John 3.1) I offer you much more than your earthly father could (Matthew 7.11). For I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5.48). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1.17) for I am your provider and I meet all of your needs (Matthew 31.33). My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29.11) because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 13.3). My thoughts towards you are as countless as the sand on the seashore ( Psalm 139.17-18) and I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3.17). I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32.40) for you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19.5).

I desire to establish you with all my heart and soul (Jeremiah 32.41) and I want to show you great and marvellous things (Jeremiah 33.3).

If you seek me with all of your heart then you will find me (Deuteronomy 4.29). Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37.4) for it is who gave you those desires (Philemon 2.13). I am able to do more for you than you could ever possibly imagine (Ephesians 3.20).

For I am your great encourager (2 Thessalonians 2.16-17). I am also the Father who comforts you in all of your troubles (2 Corinthians 1.3-4). When you are broken-hearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34.18). As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah.40.11). One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21.3-4) and I will take away all the pain that you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21.4). I am your Father and I love you now even as I love my son Jesus (John 17.23) for in Jesus my love for you is revealed (John 17.26). He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1.3) and He came to demonstrate that I am for you and not against you (Romans 8.31) and to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5.18-19). Jesus died for you so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5.18-19).

His death is the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4.10). I gave up everything that I love so that I might gain your love (Romans 8.32). If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, then you receive me (1 John 2.23) and nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8.38-39). Come home to me and I will throw the biggest party Heaven has ever seen (Luke 15.7). I have always been your Father and will always be your Father (Ephesians 3.14-15). My question to you is? Will you be my child? (John 1.12-13). I am waiting for you (Luke 15.11-32).

From the Autumn 2005 Messenger

Letter from the Manse

Whilst going through some old magazines, I found a copy of one where we welcomed Helen Jones to the church, who at that time was the flatmate of our student David Thom. Helen, as you may or may not know, was one of the victims of the bombings in London on 7/7/05 - her body being the last to be retrieved from King's Cross Tube Station.

When I was contacted about this, it suddenly brought home to me the horror of such occurrences and the stupidity of it all. Yes, the Islamic extremists may have an axe to grind, but killing innocent people is certainly not the way to get sympathy. In fact, it has the opposite effect. When Jennifer and I attended Helen's funeral in Paisley in mid July, it was obvious by the outpouring of grief, just how much this young girl had touched the lives of so many people in such a short time. So many people of all age groups were affected by her.

As Christians, we say that the sacrifice that our Saviour Jesus Christ made on the Cross was for all and that we should remember just that, even though we may feel deep hatred towards someone for what they have done to us. Forgiveness from the Lord will be theirs as much as it can be ours. It is not ours to give or to take away but the Lord's.

In the first century people like the extremists of Islam, tried to put out the light of Jesus Christ but were unable to do so. He flickered to life and still shines brightly today. It Can sometimes be hard to believe that it is the case but remember, "The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not overcome it" (John's Gospel).

As we approach another autumn and winter, things in the church will quicken pace again. It is that light that will drive us forward to do His will in this church and in this city. It is His will that every single member who calls themselves a Christian will play their part, not just in 2006 but for as long as you are able.

YOUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU!!!

Your Friend & Minister

John

Who are You?

One day a man went to visit a church. Getting there a bit early he parked his car and got out. "Hey, you're parking in my place", shouted another driver!. "I always park there-you took my place!" The man then went into the church where the Sunday School were, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady approached him and said "You are in my seat. You have taken my place." The man was somewhat annoyed by the rudeness of the welcome but said nothing. Then he made his way into the church and took a pew. He had no sooner sat down than a member of the church walked up and said, "That is where I sit!! You took my place." The man was even more troubled by this but still said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the man stood up and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars appeared on his hands and his feet. Just then someone in the congregation noticed and shouted at him. "What has happened to you-who are you?!" As the man's hat became a crown of thorns and a tear fell from his eye, he quietly said "I TOOK YOUR PLACE!!!!"

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Have you really wondered what the song The Twelve days of Christmas has to do with Christmas? What do leaping lords and French hens, swans and especially the partridge out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Well, read on. In the years 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly so someone wrote this catechism song for the young Catholics to learn. It has two distinct levels of meaning. The surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Catholic faith. Each element in the song has a code word for a religious reality which the children could easily remember.

The Partridge in the Pear Tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith hope and love.

Four calling birds were the four Gospels.

Five gold rings were the first five books of the Bible (The Torah)

Six gees a-laying were the six days of creation.

Seven swans a swimming were the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Ten Lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

Twelve drummers were the 12 points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

From the Summer 2005 Messenger

Letter from the Manse

It hardly seems credible that we are already half way through 2005 and yet here we are in mid June. It's a very true saying, is it not, that the older you get the faster time flies?

I suppose that it brings home to us that there are so many things that we still want to do, to achieve and put in place before our time comes to leave this world.

This very fact was brought home to me recently when I was dealing with a young man who was dying of cancer. I had married him and his girl friend only three months before his death. I had been called in, by him and his family, to make him and them ready for his passing. The day before he died I visited him in hospital and he told me that he had taken the three months he had been given since his marriage to prepare himself for death and to make sure that there were no stones left unturned. He had meticulously put all his affairs in order and he was now prepared to let go of life.

Think fast on that and realise, in a way, how lucky that lad was. He knew that he had only so many months to live and that meant he was able then to put his affairs in order, to a timetable.

Most of us believe that we have a long time left. We cannot conceive of not being here, next year or sooner. However, the truth of the matter is that none of us knows the day or the hour. Jesus said that, only the father knows when.

That sobering thought makes me, and I hope you, realise that there is really not much time left to put our affairs in order, before we have to give account. Let?s all treat every day as if it were our last day on earth and let all of us treat each other as we would want ourselves to be treated. That is a little thing, but a big step in making amends.

Wherever and whenever you are going this summer on holiday I sincerely hope that you will have a wonderful time.

Your friend and minister

John

From the Spring 2005 Messenger

Letter from the Manse

Easter is almost one month earlier than it was last year and of course when you get that e-mail from the editor that your contributions are due in for the magazine, it shakes you out of the complacency that there is still plenty of time to do it.

One of the hard things to do in writing such a letter is to find something new to say about Easter. You all know the story of Easter so there is little point in relating that to you once again. You all know what leads up to Easter and there is again, little I can say about that.

This time last year all the talk was about Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of Christ". It was a movie milestone and helped many thousands if not millions of people to see Jesus for the first time.

If you haven't seen it, then you might wish to do so. It is a film centred on the last hours of Jesus. If any of us have been in that position, would we have been able to do what He did? Fear and trepidation would have taken over us and no doubt most of us would have done a runner.

But what a difference Jesus makes. He knew what lay ahead of Him and when His final words would come. On the Cross, with nails searing His hands and feet, He was barely able to lift his body to breathe, much less to speak. Added to this, the fact that He had been brutally beaten by His accusers. How, amazing then, that the first statement uttered by Jesus from His cross was a prayer of forgiveness for His enemies.

The amazing thing is that He still offers that same forgiveness to you, not just at Easter but at all times. He offers you forgiveness for denying Him or forgetting about Him. He offers you forgiveness for the things that you do against your neighbours. He offers you forgiveness for your lack of commitment. He offers you all this but you must do something about your failings and Easter is as good a time to start as you will ever get.

What we are doing in this church is more than a passing importance. This is the most important institution on earth and what we are and what we are to become has everything to do with how well we understand and how fundamentally important we are to seeing God's Kingdom become a reality in the lives of those we touch.

Make your promise to him to do more for Him now.

Your friend and Minister,

John

From the Winter 2004 Messenger

Letter from the Manse

I am sure if every one of us was granted one wish for 2005 it would be to have peace in the world. I know of one person at this very moment who cannot sing their beloved carol "0 little town of Bethlehem" because of the situation in the city at this time. When you have been there and seen for yourself the beauty of the manger and the simplicity of it all and then see the desecration that now surrounds the place because of man's intransigence, it makes you weep. I know how Jesus must have felt when He looked over the city and wept. That verse is the smallest verse in the whole of the Bible but it is the most dramatic.

God always answers prayers does He not? So let us do something for him now. Pray this prayer each night along with me and let us see what happens by the summer??

Lord Jesus You came to us as the Prince of Peace. Now I ask You to bring that peace upon the people of this world. Help all the warring Nations to lay down their arms and to embrace that peace of Yours, so I ask It now in Your precious name, Amen.

The Manse family hope that each one of you has received a card from us this year. It comes with our love and wishes for your prosperity and good health in 2005. We look forward to serving you for another year, God willing. God bless you all,

Your minister and friend, John.

During the Communion Service on Sunday 17 October, as a congregation, we rededicated ourselves with prayer. Just to remind all of us of that commitment, the prayers said in Church are repeated here.

Prayers of Dedication for the Congregation of St. Mark's

Father, We the congregation of St. Mark's pledge ourselves anew this day to the work and the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ in this church.

We affirm our loyalty to You, to our minister, to our Kirk Session, to our Congregational Board and to all other office bearers who have taken on the duties of working for Your church.

We affirm here and now that we will give of our time and our talents and our substance so that the work of this congregation will continue to be a part of Your presence in this city.

We pray that our dedication and our loyalty to You and this church will be one of the stepping stones of love and life in this church and we pray that all things that are brought in to try and upset the harmony of this church, things that are not of Your making but of the evil one's, will now be things of the past and that love among us will abound through the love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord help each one of us in the days and weeks and year that lie ahead to work with You and not against You and open our eyes to see what You are calling us to do, through the love and the saving power of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer of Dedication for all Elders and Deacons

Father, as we stand here today we are mindful of the calling You have placed in our hearts when we agreed to serve You in this special way. We know that the responsibilities You have placed on our hearts are there and we ask You now to forgive us if, in any way, we have failed to live up to these responsibilities. Lord, we remember Your courage in standing up for what You believed in and for what You knew to be right, following the will of Your Father in Heaven and we ask You now in our calling as members of the Session and members of the Board to do likewise so that we bring into the hearts of all people here and in this city Your love and compassion.

Give us greater commitment, greater courage, greater understanding, greater loyalty and widen our love for each other and for all those who are Your children. Lord, we commit ourselves anew now to Your teaching and to Your Word and we offer this dedication now in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

From the Autumn 2004 Messenger

Letter from the Manse

The day that I started to write this letter I received notification that the painters were finished in the church ahead of their planned schedule.

With the work now completed it is almost 30 years since it was last painted. Although I know that not everyone will like the colours chosen, I am sure that most of you will be delighted with the results. However you cannot, as they say, please everyone.

I heard just the other day from a friend that the church she belongs to decided to change the colour of their sanctuary from blue to green. This woman was so angry that she left the church. Her reason??? They had dared to change the blue which she said was exactly the same shade of blue as Mary, mother of Jesus' dress. That was a Methodist church! I wonder how she knew Mary wore blue?

One of the most difficult things in the ministry is to try and keep the peace with everyone, and I know that I will never succeed in doing that. However where I have erred I hope I can be man enough to admit it and get on with things knowing that I have tried my best.

Jesus never expected us to be perfect beings, but He does expect us to follow the basic rules of His teaching.

That is to love one another and to love God with all your heart, soul and voice. That means putting aside petty feelings of hurt or animosity and standing up for Christ. Not saying you do and then doing the opposite.

As a result of one sermon during the summer recess I have decided to do a series on the Sermon on the Mount. I am sure there will be one to suit you.

Now the new session is under way, I hope you managed to get some rest away from it all for at least a few days. We will need all our energies and dedication for what lies ahead of us. God bless you and your family.

John

From the Spring 2004 Messenger

Let Your Light Shine

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won�t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Nelson Mandela

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