Church Newsletter April 2006sorry the formatting and images don't survive the transfer to web page Above AllAbove all powers above all kings Above all nature and all created things Above all wisdom and all the ways of man You were here before the world began Above all kingdoms above all thrones Above all wonders the world has ever known Above all wealth and treasure of the earth There's no way to measure what You're worth Crucified laid behind a stone You lived to die rejected and alone Like a rose trampled on the ground You took the fall and thought of me Above all
From the Manse Dear Friends In March I attended a two-day conference in Aviemore. It was the biggest residential conference ever organised by the Church of Scotland - 450 of us at the McDonald Hotel. It was also one of the most important conferences. Its purpose was to encourage the "Church Without Walls" process which is involving churches up and down the land in looking afresh at what they have always been doing and finding new ways to do the Lord's work, whether that is opening a café, or using video projectors in services, or whatever. One project we heard more about that was very striking was a centre for bereaved children in Craigmillar. There are too many deaths among young people especially in some of the big housing estates in our towns and cities: suicides, murders, drug overdoses, Aids and alcohol abuse; and too many children are having to cope with the sudden loss of a parent or sibling. The centre helps them to work through that.
The speakers were excellent, and included John Bell, Elaine Storkey, Kenny Borthwick and Liz Henderson. You can hear the main talks on line at http://www.cwwresources.org.uk and then the link to the Reenergise conference. The worship was also excellent - whether we were singing a metrical psalm unaccompanied or new hymns with the worship band. Most encouraging of all, though, was a sense that God is moving in His church. God is moving to tear down all that is spiritually dead, God is moving to build up and encourage all that is alive in Christ. I also felt that if I had pushed up onto the stage then I would have plenty to talk about with everything that you the people of God are doing in Burntisland both in new ways and in long established ways. Do invite your friends and family to the Easter Day service. Easter is a time when even the most nominal Christian knows they should come to church. Because I will be using a screen during the service we will only be using the front two sides of the church that Sunday. Our Outreach purpose group has been busy: they have promoted an Easter drawing competition in the primary school which attracted lots of colourful entries; on the Saturday before Easter Sunday they will be serving tea / coffee and hot cross buns (tea and bun for £1, juice and bun for the kids 50p) in Solid Rock, and every half hour or so we will show a very powerful 3 minute video "Its Friday but Sunday's coming". Again, bring someone to Solid Rock with you. We cannot make enough of the good news of Easter - it is the very heart of what we believe - Jesus the Son of God died for us and is raised to life. We are set free from sin and the fear of death, for Jesus is with us, now and always.
Yours in Christ, Alan Sharp
Vestry Time
Vestry times are on Wednesday’s: 11.15am - 12.00 noon and 6.30pm - 7pm in Solid Rock. I am always glad to talk to people who have enquiries about weddings and baptisms or any other matter. You can also see me after the service, or you can phone me at any time (mornings and 6pm -7pm is best).
Introits
April CH4 374 ‘The Servant King’ [verses 1, 2 and 4]
Crèche
3 A Prayer for April
Lord, because you prayed that we would all be one, renew your mind in ours so that we will yearn for the unity you seek.
Unite our hearts, that we may find a place for others in our plans.
Unite us with a vision of a world in search of you.
Enclose us in your purpose to bring all peoples to a knowledge of your love. Bring us together to bring hope to our neighbours in despair.
Make us one, Lord, so that together we may look much more like you.
Anniversary Congratulations
Please let us know when your Silver, Ruby, Golden or Diamond Wedding Anniversary is to be celebrated.
4 Church Flowers Rota April 9th Mrs. Duthie and Flower Box 16th Mrs. Adam and Donation 23rd Mrs. Gray and In Memory of Mr. D. Balloch 30th Flower Fund May 7th Mrs. S. Glen and Mrs. S. Young
Arranging April 9th Mrs. Taylor 16th Mrs. McCowat 23rd Mrs. Birrell 30th Mrs. Johnston May 7th Mrs. Mackie
Delivery April 9th Miss Dewar and Mrs. Laird 16th Mrs. Taylor 23rd Mrs. Coull 30th Mrs. Bray May 7th Mrs. Balloch and Miss Reekie
Parish Register
Funerals “There is nothing in life or death that can separate us from the love of God”
March 18th Isabella Rollo, Kinghorn Road 27th John Thomson, Balbie Farm
Birthday Congratulations
If you are 90 years and over, please let us know when you are celebrating your birthday.
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Elders on Duty
April 9th D. MacLean, R. Sweenie, S. Gillan and M. Morrison 16th G. Johnston, M. Reekie, K. Cameron and T. Allan 23rd K. MacLean, K. Adamson, A. Birrell and M. Wood 30th F. Seaton, I. McGhie, G. Brownlie and F. Watson May 7th Alec Taylor, I. Smart, A. Smart, C. Thomson and C. Davis
Welcome Teams
April 9th Maureen Johnson and Marion Lazmirski 16th Shirley Carson and Aneris Grant 23rd Ann and Alec Taylor 30th Rae Sweenie and Maud Wood May 7th Margaret Morrison and Alex Birrell
Easter Lunch Sunday 16th April After Morning Worship Names to Jean Muir tel. 873763 6 Thank You
I would like to thank the church for the lovely flowers – they fairly cheered me up. Thank you also to everyone for the lovely get-well cards they sent me. Mrs. Porteous
I wish to send my sincere thanks for the lovely flowers I received after my recent sad loss. They were greatly appreciated. Mary Crossland
Mrs. Jane Henderson would like to thank the congregation for the recent lovely gift of flowers with the added bonus of another nice visit from Margaret Balloch. Thank you for the surprise gift at Xmas from the Pastoral care group. It is good to know that out of sight does not mean out of mind and I do appreciate it all.
Stewart and Caroline Marshall should like to say thank you for the many kind wishes and lovely flowers received over the past year. Thanks also to the Minister for his visits and special thanks to the flower team.
Ronnie Thomson would like to say ‘thank you’ for the lovely flowers he received during his illness. They were greatly appreciated and brightened up his day.
Mrs. Lily Christie would like to thank the congregation for the lovely flowers she received recently – they were very much appreciated.
Miss Jenny Sharp would like to express her appreciation for the lovely flowers that she received recently. It is nice to be remembered in this way.
Church Intimations
Anyone wishing to include an intimation on Sunday mornings should contact Alan, 874303, or e-mail alansharp03 "funny at" aol dot com, by Wednesday.
Parish Magazine
All articles for inclusion in the May issue of the Parish Magazine should be handed to the editor, Rae Sweenie, by Sunday, 30th April, no later than after the morning Service. You can also e-mail your article to me at R dot Sweenie" funny at" tesco dot net.
7 Easter
13th April – Maundy Thursday Celebration of Holy Communion in Erskine Church at 7pm.
14th April – Good Friday Burntisland Parish Church at 7pm.
16th April – Easter Sunday Easter Service at 11am followed by Easter Lunch.
19th April – Palm Sunday Walk Burntisland Churches Together. The walk begins at St. Joseph’s Church at 2pm. Then via Kirkton Graveyard, Salvation Army Hall, Parish Church, St. Serf’s Church and finishes at Erskine Church for a short time of worship followed by tea and hot cross buns.
Why not join us for all or part of the walk or for the Service at 3pm. Look forward to seeing you all
All Welcome
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Christian Aid Scotland Cordially invite
All Christian Aid Collectors and Supporters
To a meeting with
Marjorie Clark (East Scotland Christian Aid Co-ordinator)
Thursday 27th April 2006
in Burntisland Parish Church Hall at 7.00 pm
Light refreshments will be provided
9 SERVING THE WIDER COMMUNITY
Christian Aid is one of the many opportunities we have to serve the wider community. An agency of the churches in the UK and Ireland, Christian Aid works, with local organisations, to help the world’s poorest communities in 50 countries. This is done by improving people’s access to food, water, health and education. Christian Aid also campaigns to change the structures that keep people poor and to challenge inequality and injustice.
Dr Daleep Mukarji, Director of Christian Aid, said recently on Radio 4 “The fact that we have Christian in our name is inevitably suspicious in some circles. But we will not use our aid to in any way make people Christian, or help only Christians, or in different ways to try to see that we give jobs to Christians. Christian Aid works with people who are in need. We are here as an agency to help Christians in Britain to put their faith into action and that defines who we are.”
This work is only made possible by the efforts of many volunteers who raise the money to fund Christian Aid. You can help change the world this year in three ways:
• Come and hear Marjorie Clarke (Christian Aid) on Thursday 27 April in the Church Hall
• Take part in a Sponsored Crossing of the Forth Bridge on Saturday 29 April
• Help with our door-to-door collections between 14 and 20 May
If you wish any further information please contact: Margaret Balloch (874348), Jean Muir (873763) or Alan Smart (873929).
Alan Smart Convenor Serving the Wider Community Purpose Group
10 Chapter and Verse” Burntisland Parish Church Shop Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Easter Day – Sunday 16th April Cards, palm crosses, books and gifts all available in the shop now to please all ages and tastes.
Book Reviews
Billy Graham is respected and loved around the world. And this work is his magnum opus, the culmination of a lifetime of experience and ministry! Chapter by chapter, Graham leads us on a journey in faith. We learn about God and his purpose for our lives, who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We learn to deal with challenges along the way: temptation; wrong thoughts and motives, habits that destroy our spirit, and what to do when life turns against us. And we are given practical advice on the Bible, prayer, knowing God's will, making right decisions, finding fellowship, strengthening our marriage, being wise parents, and using our gifts to share Christ with others. With insight that only comes from a life spent with God, "The Journey" is filled with wisdom, encouragement, hope, and inspiration for anyone who wants to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
So many people know about the Bible but so few have read it at all, let alone from cover to distant cover. This version of the Bible has been written to bridge that gap. The 100-Minute Bible picks out the essential elements of the Bible from Genesis through to the Revelation of John using universal language. Most people will be able to read it in 100 minutes, making it the ideal read for that upcoming rail or aeroplane journey, or for an enjoyable evening of enlightenment.
The shop team would like to wish Elspeth Paterson a happy retirement from Chapter and Verse and we thank her for all the support and help she has given over the years.
We would also like to thank the generous lady who knits and donates the lovely children’s jumpers we sell. Thank you. 11 Thank You
We would like to thank Chapter and Verse for their donation over the last two years of £5,000 to the Outreach Fund.
Is There Life after ‘*****’?
None of us will live for ever. ***** will take us all one day, later or sooner! Many of us have lost someone who was very close to us.
The question of ***** must be faced. But do we? Most of us do everything to avoid thinking about *****. We live for today, make plans for tomorrow, and forget eternity. We fool ourselves and say, “It won’t happen to me”. But it will!
God, however, has the answer to *****. He says “THE ANSWER IS EASTER”. He has not left us in the dark. He came as the man Jesus. He lived among us. He was put to *****. But on the first Easter Day He overcame *****. God raised Him to life and God will raise to life those who have loved and served Him on earth.
May we ask you, “At your funeral service, will the minister be able to commit you in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ?”
Do you know this hope? Or are you not quite sure? It is a question of life and *****. Why not find out more this Easter?
JOIN US FOR EASTER WORSHIP ON SUNDAY 16TH APRIL AT 11AM
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The day before Easter
Solid Rock will be open on Saturday 15th April
Tea, coffee and hot cross buns will be served
On display will be: • entries from Burntisland Primary to the competition to draw “the meaning of Easter” • Sunday’s Comin’ – a multimedia presentation
Fellowship Circle
The Fellowship Circle continues to meet for prayer, Bible Study and Fellowship in Solid Rock on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. On 29th March and 5th April we are looking forward to attending the Spiritual Growth Group’s first workshop, Discovering Your Church Family in rooms 2 & 3 of the church halls 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Among other things we hope to learn more about the new Purpose Group structure within our church. Please note the change of venue on these two Wednesday evenings. The workshop is open to everyone, so if you would like to come too just let Kath Adamson know.
Normal Fellowship Circle meetings will resume in Solid Rock on Wednesday 12th April when we will begin a study on the Prophets in the Bible. In the Old Testament alone we can read the writings of at least sixteen prophets. What kind of people were they: eccentric doomsayers or faithful truth tellers? Why were their messages so crucial that God appointed them specifically to speak? From Elijah to John the Baptist in this study we will take a fresh look at the lives of thirteen prophets and the major themes of their messages. Come and join us in this next voyage of discovery as we seek to learn more from God’s gift of His Word to us.
13 Spiritual Growth Workshops Enjoyable and stimulating workshops – ask those who have already attended! Fun, Food, Fellowship and Further growth in your spiritual life
Discovering My Church Family
Saturday 8th April 9.30am - 1pm in the Church Halls
Find out more about: • the purpose God has for us • the things we believe in • our new purpose group structure and plans • what it really means to be a church member
Discovering Spiritual Maturity
Wednesdays 24th and 31st May, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Saturday 27th May, 9.30am -1pm In the Church Halls
Find out more about: • the four paths to spiritual growth • how to deepen your prayer life • the real meaning of fellowship • why it is better to give than to receive
Who are these for? - Elders who wish to encourage and lead the congregation - Members who wish to learn and grow - Anyone who wants to grow closer to God and become more like Jesus
A crèche and transport will be provided if requested.
To Register Fill in a registration form, which can be collected and handed in at the Church Shop. OR Call or Email the following people:
Kath Adamson, Tel: 874063, Email: kathleen dot adamson "funny at" virgin dot net Finlay Seaton, Tel: 874608, Email: seatons "funny at" fsmail dot net The Guild
The guild session ended on 28th March when the AGM was held. We hope to have a report from this in the May magazine.
Praise Group
We meet together on Thursday evenings at 8pm in the church hall to sing and practice new songs to share with the congregation.
If you enjoy singing [even if you don’t want to sing in public], please come and join us.
Change of Address
Please notify either your district Elder or Mr. Alan Stroud, the Roll Keeper if you are changing your address. Please also notify Mrs. Wood, who will arrange delivery of your Parish Magazine to your new address.
Church Office Friday 10am - 12 noon ROTA April 7th Lilian Findlay [873813] and Adrienne Ward 14th Rae Sweenie [873567] and Janet Barbour 21st Jan Williamson [872074] and Linda Potrykus 28th Mary Dunlop [872052] and Barbara Neish May 5th Christine Jamieson [873439] and Moira Keillor
Please contact any of the above if you require printing or photocopying. Jan Williamson, Co-ordinator
15 Friday Tea and Coffee Morning Every Friday Morning 10am – 12 noon
Church Web Page
The church web site is now up and running at http://www.burntislandkirk.org.uk . Do have a look at it - let me know what you think of it. I hope you like it. There is a whole lot more that should be on it - news, details of organisations, pictures. Do email me or I'll take hand written notes of material for the site.
16 Why God Created Children (and in the process, Grandchildren)
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students...here is something to make you chuckle. Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve.
And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit?
Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"
"No Way!"
"Yes, way!"
"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.
"Why"
Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was ticked!
"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?" said the Father.
"I don't know," said Eve.
"She started it!" Adam said.
"Did not!"
17 "Did too!"
"DID NOT!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself.
If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT! 1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shutup.
2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.
3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.
4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.
6. We childproofed our homes, but they are still getting in.
7. Just when you redecorate their room into a nice TV room, they show up with boxes, suitcases and large dogs, to move back home.
ADVICE FOR THE DAY:
Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home one day.
AND FINALLY:
IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE, DO WHAT IT SAYS N THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE: "TAKE TWO ASPIRIN" AND "KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN"!!!!!
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19 LIFE & WORK MAY ISSUE Representing the Resurrection Jolyon Mitchell highlights the struggles, artists, both contemporary and historic, have endured to bring the Easter message to life.
A ‘Biblical Christian’ Muriel Armstrong meets Lord Mackay of Clashfern, Lord High Commissioner to the Kirk’s General Assembly in May.
Campaigning for change Irene Khan, the secretary general of Amnesty International, talked to Lorna Hill about the universal values of faith and of her continuing campaign for human rights.
The Pilgrim Way Lynne McNeil offers a taste of the Christian heritage of the south west of Scotland.
AND MORE…letters, reviews, comment, crosswords, finance.
Please write any Prayer Requests that you would like to be included on the Prayer Chain on the slip below. You can send them to Kath Adamson, 10 Rossend Terrace, Burntisland, KY3 ODT, Tel: 874063, email kathleen dot adamson "funny at" virgin dot net, or place them in the prayer boxes in the church vestibule, Solid Rock and Chapter and Verse.
20 20 What’s On
A 8th “Discovering My Church Family” Workshop at 9.30am in the Church Hall
9th Morning Worship – The cross of Jesus
P 13th Thursday: “The Last Supper” – at Erskine Church
14th Good Friday Service in the Parish Church
15th Prayerathon, starting in Solid Rock at 9am. ‘The Day before Easter’ presentation in Solid Rock. R 16th Morning Worship – Easter “Sunday’s a comin’” – The Rising again of Jesus Easter Lunch in the Church Hall after the Service.
I 23rd Morning Worship – “The Gospel”
24th The Kirk Session at 7pm in the Session House.
L 27th Christian Aid meeting in the church hall at 7pm.
30th Morning Worship – “How do we know that we are Christians?”
May 7th Morning Worship at 11am.
Morning Worship – Sunday’s at 11am in The Church TGI Sunday Service – Sunday’s at 6.30pm in Solid Rock Midweek Service – Wednesday’s at 10.30am-10.50am in Solid Rock, followed by tea and coffee Prayer Breakfast – Saturday’s at 9am–10am in Solid Rock Bacon rolls + tea / coffee (or bring your own cereal) followed by open prayer. Could folks please try to get down by 9.10am? Ideally I would like to start the prayer at 9.30am and finish at 10am prompt.
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