Another - Something Special!

In this entry I want to focus on what went on during our 3rd Sunday night! I had spent a bit of time with Thomas and Shaun challenging them to be involved with the lesson for Sunday night. When we went through the plan for the lesson they both decided to share the reading of Psalm 40:1-4. Thomas would take the first two verses and Shaun would take the second two. Each of them prepared something to say in relation to their section of the Psalm.

We had our customary cup of tea and fellowship before the meeting. It was especially good to see Donald and Ethan come along! I must admit I was quietly delighted to see them come in because I knew this would be a lesson that would make an impression on Donald's heart. I remember telling Thomas and Shaun, before the meeting that even though I preached for 30 minutes and they for only 2 or 3, I would guarantee the audience will remember their contribution far more that mine! John Campbell led the singing and welcomed everyone and the whole time before the lesson I was feeling quite nervous, but not for myself - it was for my two young companions!

At the beginning we shared some photo's of the Chilean Miners rescue and talked about how the events being covered on the news had impacted us. We then talked about the parallel between the rescue mission and the plan of salvation. There were some great points expressed and one moment I loved. Betty Hepburn, a faithful Christian for more than 60 years and a huge encourager made a comment about her getting on her knees to thank God for the deliverance of these miners on the other side of the world. Betty also made an amazing declaration of faith when she courageously shared about her choice all those years ago to accept Christ and how her life has been so rich as a result - when Betty speaks there is instant RESPECT! Her words touched everyone there because everyone has been touched by Betty's life for the good.

Well, after all that we watched a clip of footage from the rescue mission and focused on what the miners said on their T-shirts, their willingness to give God all the honour and glory for sustaining them throughout the 69 days and for their deliverance! It was now time for Thomas and Shaun to share some comments on Psalm 40 in respect of their own lives. Thomas spoke of his relating to the Psalm and how his life was once dark and lost, but since his decision to become a Christian things have turned around in his life. Shaun spoke of his new found ability to put his trust in the church and in God as a result of the godly influence he has found in Christian's since coming in contact with us. I was truly blown away! I struggled to get myself engaged in the conclusion of the lesson, but found strength from knowing that we had seen 1st hand the evidence of faith and the work of the Spirit in these two young men! At the conclusion of the lesson I asked the question, "Why on earth would you not want to be rescued from the filth and darkness of the pit?

It was obvious that we had been a part of something good! Everyone stayed for a good while after and expressed their thanks for the lesson and gave much encouragement to Thomas and Shaun!

Between this entry and the one before I can only give thanks to our Father for the inexpressible riches that are ours, because we are His!

Special Wedding!

Weddings are always special times, but every once in a while one comes along that just stands out a little more. Saturday night was one of those weddings. The bride, previously known as Miss Green, has had a huge influence in the lives of Amy and Beth in regard to their music. Rachel Gill (Miss Green) asked both Amy and Beth to take part in her wedding ceremony, along with three other of her music pupils. Beth had the huge honour of playing the bride down the isle to the tune of "Gabriel's oboe," a gorgeous piece of music, and played it beautifully! Amy had the honour of singing "The Prayer" at the reception, her performance was breathtaking! Fenella and I were extremely proud of our girls and once again we were faced with the joy of knowing our girls can produce such beauty - they are truly blessed!

Anyway, forgive me in sharing my little bit of pride with you all. There are times it just needs to be shared!

God bless!

What did the miners in Chile say on their shirts?

Planning to use this clip this coming Sunday night as part of our third Sunday Gospel lesson. Thought I would give you a sneek peek! Will share more soon about how the lesson went!

Moving Along Nicely - God Willing

It's Monday morning and before things get too occupied I will try to get you all up to speed with what has been going on here. I want to begin with an overall statement. There are times in ministry when things are confusing and there is strain and even frustration when things don't happen as quickly or in the way "I" want them to. There has been a sense of calm these past weeks and the evidence of growth is obvious. There is a real air of belonging occurring within the older kids. I am always cautious now when things are going well and slow to look too far ahead, because things can change quickly and the foundation you thought was there may not be. I am gradually learning to be thankful for the times there is growth and also for the times there are challenges. It is through the trying times that our love and care is best displayed and afterward the evidence of growth is more obvious. Anyway, I wanted to begin with sharing the fact that we are growing.

At the beginning of this term we made a conscious decision to spend more time one on one with the teens if there was opportunity. I want to say that this may be the reason why there is an obvious growth spurt, but I am not sure yet. All I know is that Alex and I have tried to spend one or two morning/afternoons a week with whoever wants to meet up. We usually meet for coffee and either play snooker or tennis. There are usually 4 teens, Thomas, Shaun, Stuart and Ryan who are able to meet. We want the teens to know we are there for them and want them to know we are committed to their lives and their faith. I am constantly weighing up the question of whether we are simply "playing" with the boys or if there is in reality opportunity for deeper relationship and in turn opportunity for Christ to be more real to them. I am settled in thinking that the latter is the case and pray that in committing this time with their young lives will reap a harvest for the kingdom in due time. A couple of weeks ago we spent a morning setting up a "Facebook" page for our youth group. This has been a huge success and I am so dalighted at the comments and encouragment being shared through this avenue. If you want to see it you will have to recieve an invite from us before you can join. We wanted to keep it private so the youth can feel they own it. The page name is "Peterhead Church of Christ Youth Group."

I am prayerful that we are able to spread into family territory through our work with the youth. There is one family who are drawing closer and, God willing, will continue taking steps nearer to the kingdom. They have two sons, one of which is coming to the Friday night teen class. His dad has stayed the past two classes and is loving the time with the group.

Last weekend our church held it's annual "Social" where Christians come from all over the country to spend the day with us. The hall was full! The day consisted of food, Fellowship and worship. We had invited Bert Ritchie from the church in Colraine, N.Ireland to preach - he is one of my favorite preachers! He spoke about the reality of change and our need to embrace and serve within it. The church was encouraged and challenged! The day was a joy, and in spite of much labour behind the scenes getting everyone fed physically, no-one left without being filled Spiritually.

We had a group helping the church for two weeks. The "Sojourners" a group of retired and able workers came over, rolled their sleeves up and got busy doing work around the building. I was able to spend a little bit of time with them and was blessed by their desire to serve. They were a great encouragement to many in our congregation. Michael and Alex Shonie were the ones taking care of the group and as well as putting them to work balanced things out with a trip to the beautiful Isle of Skye. There is no doubt the group left an impression on the congregation for good.

We had a bit of fun with the kids on Saturday. We hired the swimming pool and had a blast! There was a bunch there and a few of the kids who come invited a friend to come as a way of introducing them to the church and potentially sparking some interest in coming to classes at the church. For an hour and a half we just laughed and enjoyed pure fun! There was a huge inflatable obstacle course that we all battled to conquer. For the last half hour we moved to the diving board and played "chicken." You had to copy what the last person does or else jump off acting and sounding like a chicken. There were 5 parents there and we were able to show how Christan's care and enjoy life. The time passed too fast, but there were plenty memories made and memories make for great talking points. As long as I am on the topic of fun, I have shared some funny pics of our "Fluffy Bunny" challenge on Wednesday night.

One last comment about yesterday. It was my joy to preach in the morning. I loved the challenge from preparing the lesson. We shared an insight into what motivated Paul to serve the way he did. We looked at 2 Corinthians 5 and saw how Paul was motivated by, The hope of Heaven, The goal of pleasing Christ, The reality of Judgment, The compelling Love of Jesus and the Great commission to share the ministry of Reconciliation! God worked through my heart and His word was active!


God Bless!