Grace...

About time I put some comments up on here! Where to begin??? Let's start out with an overview and see where things go from there. Although it has been August since my last post the reason for my inactivity has been too much activity! Thankfully in the past few weeks I have been able to look through new eyes with a different set of priorities and, God willing, the outcome will mean more beneficial ministry. There were times over the past months I have been such a control freak and without it being my intention, I was not giving God much room to bring about His will. My mind would constantly be thinking and anxious about many things - mainly older teens. I felt like I was responsible for the well-being of their souls, needless to say this was a burden I could not bear! God has been teaching me over the past weeks that my best efforts no matter how noble mean little if they are not married to the Spirit and leaving room for His will. Since the summer we have seen a group of older teens stop coming to church and this has been a hard lesson. It brings home the realities of things out-with my control - the realities of an individuals choice, the pull of this World, the need to understand God's timing and not knowing when the seeds of faith will produce Life. As I am typing this and I have the time to think clearly about the past events, I am thankful to God for the clarity and insight this affords me.

Although my opening comments are a bit on the melancholy side, I am still in awe of what God continues to bring about in His church! Over the same period we have seen growth in other areas and reason to be excited about the coming years ahead. Both our Wednesday night and Friday night classes have seen significant growth. Friday night is where the journey begins again! We may have lost a few for a time, but we have gained much more! I must take a couple of sentences to mention the influence and encouragement that Dylan Sutherland has been to me. Dylan is 15 and in the past couple of months has been responsible for around 6 or 7 of his friends finding their way to Friday nights at church! Dylan has always been an extraordinary young man and it is my joy to have him in our group at this time. Just last week he lost his mum pretty suddenly. I am thankful to be able to be there for him and because of his interest in God over the years it helps. Please, when you have a moment, share a prayer for Dylan and his family - Brian (dad), Shantelle (sister), Angelo, Troy and Vernon (brothers).

I must express my penned up excitement for the beginning of a new chapter in our Church's journey.  JR, Daisha, Gideon and Naomi Sheets, God willing, will be here in March 2013! The best things in life are seldom easy to come by and the story being unfolded with JR and Daisha is no exception. We have much to be thankful for in light of their coming to work with us. God's timing is proving once again to be right! Yes, it would have been lovely to have had them here six months ago, but that would have meant we would have been all the poorer for it. We have been blessed to come to know and appreciate the Fairfax Church of Christ in Virginia. JR and the family are spending time with them in preparation for their move over here next year. Fairfax are hugely involved in this partnership and only God knows what this relationship will produce in the coming years as we deepen our relationships. We have already begun working towards a campaign in July 2013. Fairfax will be sending a group of 23 to work with us. This will be a first for us in the sense that the group are primarily teens with 5 adults. We are hopeful that the connections  that have already begun via Facebook, will bring both groups together and cause relationship in light of the Kingdom. Again, we ask that you pray with us in light of the good work that God has begun, but more importantly what He will bring to fruition :)  These comments do not do justice to what's in our hearts as we dream of what God has in store.

I mentioned at the beginning that sometimes God re-arranges our priorities in order to bring us into closer relationship with Him. One of our top priorities these past months has become Fenella's mum and dad -  Jack and Alexa. They have had quite a time of illness and much of it has left them housebound. With Fenella being their only child, the joy of caring for them fall primarily with us. Fenella takes care of all the more serious stuff and I am the message boy :) I make sure they have what they need when they need it. I have got to know the routine and what to bring on the said day. Even though they are family and it is what we do, it is still nice to have this avenue to do good deeds. I am growing to appreciate what God is teaching me through Jack and Alexa. They are so thankful for any help given - it humbles me. Alexa is slowly getting stronger and is able to get out and about more. She has been able to be at church these past couple of weeks and true to form is able to encourage everyone simply because she is there and brings her gentle spirit and warm smiles. Jack is showing signs of improving, but has still a distance to go. His blood is still being monitored closely due to blood clots in his lungs and while on the blood thinning medication he must wait till Feb/March next year to have a small surgery to repair some damage. However, God willing, this will give him the ability to enjoy more freedom in the not too distant future. Your prayers would be lovely  :)

In this section I will not be specific with those involved, but I will be on the impact it has had on my life. In a word it is "GRACE." I don't think there is a time in my life where I have learned or appreciated the beauty and power that is contained within the concept of grace. This term has led me to spend time with many who are struggling with sin and got themselves tangled up in it's consequences.In the process I am learning that it is impossible to minister without Grace. Yes, we can council and inspire, but in order for love to be the motive, we must be seasoned by grace. It is a joy to witness the evidence of God's grace beginning to defeat the ravages of sin - Thank God for His Church!

We have been involved in a bunch of activities with the youth since the summer. One of the highlights was the Aberdeen Youth Weekend. We took a big group through and enjoyed the weekend together. We had a couple of "growing" times with some of the group. I have come to learn that these times are necessary and in fact have led to healing most of the time. It was good to catch up with some good friends and getting to mingle in that atmosphere is one of my favourite things to do :)  It was my joy to stand in for Richard Harp, who was down to preach on the Sunday morning. Richard was taken to hospital pretty suddenly and spent some time on his back very ill just before the weekend. Thankfully, he has recovered now :)

A couple of weekends ago it was my time to travel up to Buckie and preach there. It turned out to be a cracking day, thanks to Jordan coming for the day with me. The journey there and back passed so quickly as we talked and shared. We were able to encourage the church and in the afternoon I took Jordan to visit a dear friend up in Cullen - Avril Bowie and Calum her son. It was so good to visit and talk! Off course, we nipped in for some ice cream while we were there in Cullen. The day was long, but it was such a blessing.

We have done some stuff with our young adults on Sunday nights - mostly going out to places of interest where we can enjoy the company. We have explored castles, walked around Bullers O' Buchan, done Aden Park a couple of times, Bowling, Movies and chilled out at McDonald's.

December will be a busy month! Our family will share in Holly and Hannah's 12th birthday, Amy's 21st, my 45th and Fenella's birthday at the end of the month. It will be our 23rd anniversary on the 1st and then there's Christmas to top things off! We have pretty much got the youth group outings and carol singing dates sorted. The schools are in till the 21st, so when the 22nd comes around we will breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy time with the family at home - bliss!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might."

Holly and Hannah's first day at Academy (High School)

Beth getting settled in her Glasgow halls

Bowling night out - Ethian, Jordan, Donald, Megan and C.J.

Fun - ducking for apples :)

Chalk and Cheese!

Family Update Summer 2012

Thought I would update everyone about what is happening with our family. Let me start by saying we are all doing well. The summer has seen Beth home for most of it, but Amy has been coming and going like a yo-yo! However, on the occasions when we have all been at home together - they have been priceless! We sometimes think that Holly and Hannah are missing out a bit not getting the benefit of having their big sisters around all the time. We are happy that the four girls are close and any time the family is complete - there is joy. Well, the summer is gone and I don't know where to begin! I think I want to get stuck into our time in London. There is no doubt that this was a once in a lifetime event! I commented in my last family update about both Amy and Beth getting the honor to play during the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. This made for a frantic period leading up to the performances as we tried to find reasonably priced accommodation around the London area during the time when the Olympics were on! We settled on Hemmel Hempstead, which was about half and hour outside London by train. We decided to drive down breaking the journey at Newcastle. We enjoyed 6 days down south and although we all had sore feet for most of the time we did find time to relax and unwind some too. We took Holly and Hannah to the Harry Potter Studio Tour and they loved it! (You may have noticed Fenella's facebook profile picture was taken there on Hagrid's motor bike :)  We spent three hours looking at the props and buildings from the movies and even tried a cup of "Butter Beer." If you are a Harry Potter fan this is a must see and the last room you enter is really quite stunning and takes your breath away! I won't spoil the secret in case you visit at a later date. Anyway, getting to the good stuff - Amy was first to perform with The National Youth Choir of Scotland. We arrived at the Albert Hall and took a moment to admire and take in the atmosphere and setting - it was a wee bit overwhelming thinking that our two daughters would be performing here! My mum was with us and she couldn't contain her joy saying, "I Canna believe we are here!" We got to our seats and for the next three hours we beamed as we sat listening to some of the most beautiful voices you will hear and of course we were beaming inside knowing that Amy was part of this beauty. As if that was not enough we were back again just four days later as Beth took to the stage with the National  Youth Orchestra of Scotland. As with Amy it is quite something to know your girl has the privilege to be a part of something so good. The concert was gorgeous and they had the double honor of having the violin soloist, Nicola Benedetti play with them. It was definitely a "wow" week in our lives! After Beth's concert we drove all the way back home and was pretty well done by the time we got through the front door. What a summer!!!

We have been preparing for Beth going off to Glasgow in September to begin her further studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she will continue to perfect her performance and music skill playing her oboe. Amy was up and down the road to Edinburgh securing a flat for this coming year and found a nice one that she is sharing with her friend Julie. The house will be empty again come September and rather than the six of us there will only be four :(  Holly and Hannah have crossed another milestone as they moved up to the Academy last Wednesday! They are doing great and have both adapted very well to life in the big school. They are in separate classes and have both got their own bunch of friends. With our house just a stones throw from the Academy they are fortunate that they can come and go in no time at all. 
Fenella is just about managing to juggle everything. Between work and family, both of which she does amazingly well, Fenella has a full load. Alexa, Fenella's mum is doing better and was strong enough to be at church this past Sunday for the first time. In everything like most families we have our stresses and struggles and there are always things that could have been done better. We are thankful for all four of our girls and we pray that we are ready to meet the next stages in their growth and development. 

God is good!  

Bringing in the Changes

Finally! It is not that I have been putting off updating my blog, but the time has come to finally sit down and think back over the past weeks and remember what God continues to bring about. Like most seasons we have had some memorable times for all the right reasons and some growing pains too. It seems we made a lot of choices this past weeks that has reshaped what our ministry will look like from this point forward. A few weeks into the changes in some areas and the story so far is good. I am always taken aback when I consider how things don't stay the same and equally made aware that ministry must be a team effort. Just before the summer break we began a new class for the young adults. We kept this class going throughout the summer break and have had some very memorable times together. The class is on Sunday nights incorporating the Gospel meeting and then fellowship. Things are certainly moving in the right direction as far as trying to get the youth and the congregation together. Having the young adults meet on Sunday nights means we are together during the meeting times and just last Sunday we made a decision to have the kids and adults meet together for the first part of Wednesday night bible class! This is great news and having the kids and congregation sing and pray together will be good. We tried to mix the classes a long time back, but the timing was not right. God willing this is the right time. We know there will be some give and take in order for the time to be a benefit to all, but we know for the future growth of the church there has to be more mixing and community between all. 

The summer weeks have been refreshing! It's not until you slow down that you realise the pace you were going. The more I am beginning to understand what is needed for a relationship with God the more I am confident that this "world" is conditioned against it! One thing I needed to learn and was made aware of is that it is God who restores our souls. Unless we are led to the green pastures and the still waters there is no place for God to bring restoration to our spirits. This world does not allow for peace and stillness, but it values business and activity! So, one thing I need to  discipline myself to do this term is to make time for stillness - away from ministry and study and alone with God. 

We have done our fare share of counselling and listening over the summer weeks. As our youth group move from teenage to young adult we are being challenged in keeping things focused and helping some struggle through the tough choices that come as the world mounts it's assault on their will and their devotion. With all this in mind I need to talk a bit about our campaign in July. This year we invited four young adults, Aubrey and Sara Boyns, David Cope and Sarah Ormsby, to come and help for ten days. Our main focus was to encourage and give our teens and young adults an avenue to serve. The results of the campaign were remarkable! From the weeks leading up to and the campaign itself, we had a committed and focused group who put on an outstanding VBS. I  wish I could recount everything that was excellent about the VBS, but there was too many to share. The involvement and creativity, the shared joy and enthusiasm, the smiles and the contact was beautiful! Our theme for the VBS was "Aiming High!" We had sketches staring Moses who didn't think he was good enough to compete, Abraham who was ready to compete, but was told he must go and compete in another event and Peter who was encouraged to  throw with his other hand and found miraculous distance! We had three movie clip bible lesson/discussion times featuring "Brave" and the need to be strong and courageous, "Up" and the challenge not to conform, but to transform and "Chitty, Chitty, Bang Bang" with the message that with God all things are possible! We had some active events outside that were sooo much fun and brought so much laughter and fellowship! There was no doubt that the children who came were blessed and I know the many who chose to be servants and look to the needs and enjoyment of the kids were also blessed. The campaign was indeed a time of building. There were numerous times we were together either preparing for VBS, or out in the evenings enjoying the company, or sitting in Symposium with a cup of coffee talking - in everything, at various times, Christ could be seen! To Aubrey, Sara, David and Sarah thank you for "Shining like stars in the universe" and for your devotion to the King's work. To our youth - the times you come together for good, you truly are beautiful!

While I am putting this post together I am still a little "groggy" from  the Aberdeen Youth Weekend! This past weekend it was my joy took a group of 15 through for what is always a highlight for our group. Yes - there was all  the usual niggles like not getting to sleep till 4.00am the first night and having to battle intense feelings of wanting to throttle the Cumbernauld boys! In light of the good that was done these little niggles are  easily forgotten. To climb aboard the minibus and look back at a sea of faces excited about being together and wanting to spend the weekend away from home and in the company of Christian's - praise God! Yes, I know there are varying degrees of desiring God and commitment to His praise, but I know everyone in the group has a heart that is open to the seed of God's goodness and that their lives will be receiving a blessing from some element of the weekend. It is so important for our group to be in the presence of other young Christians and adults who enjoy their stage in life! One of the key verses used throughout the lessons was Hebrews 12:1 and the sense of our group being surrounded by godly people will inspire and spur them in the direction of God. The weekend was excellent and even the couple of times when one or two needed to be counselled  the outcome and the healing far out-weighed the pain. The one disappointment was not being able to see Richard Harp, who had to spend the weekend recovering from surgery after having his appendix removed and having to battle post surgery infection. Richard was one of the invited speakers and in light of his surgery I was asked to fill in at the last moment and take the Sunday morning lesson. I had the joy of covering the topic, "Receiving the Reward." We explored Paul's teaching in Philippians 3 and focused on the phrase, "Forgetting what is behind and Straining for what is ahead." The core thought of the lesson was whether there was evidence in our lives that we are indeed "Straining" toward knowing Christ and becoming like Him and that we are forgetting and leaving behind the desires of the flesh and the distractions of this world - quite a challenge! I am excited to see everyone on Wednesday night, now that we have had a couple of days to  come recover.  

Last night saw the first class of the new term with the primary age group. It was lovely to see the children. The class was a treat and although there is a huge gap now that the gang of P7's are no longer there on Monday night, we still have a good core to build upon. Now that the P7's are in High School they will be part of our Friday nights and we will begin the challenge of integrating this group of 11 into  a more focused and "grown-up" setting. The younger kids last night were missing the older ones, but were looking forward to Wednesday nights when all the age groups are together and can catch up. We are dealing with some of the biggest changes we have ever made as far as the structure of our youth program is concerned and in light of  this we would love to know we have your prayers as we press on. As in everything leadership is critical. Please pray that we make  the most of the opportunities God has placed in our care. 

Well, might just have touched the hem of the garment, but I am hopeful that you are encouraged and able to see God's hand in what is happening here in Peterhead. 

"God is good and His love endures forever." 

It's not easy, but we must go...

MINISTRY!!! Just felt like I needed to do that :) I am constantly being reminded that nothing stays the same! Just when you think things are finding some kind of "Normality" something is triggered that makes you sit up and scratch your head again. This past while we have been faced with a surge in new children aged between 10 and 12 (P6/7's). This has been pretty great and as a result both Monday nights and Wednesday nights have grown big time as a result :) On Monday nights the growth is manageable because of the class structure and the fact that it is all Primary school kids who come and the bible time is geared to that age group,. However, on Wednesday nights the structure is different and presents us with some growing pains. On Wednesdays we have mixed ages from Primary all the way through to young adult! The bible class time is split into three classes - P1-5's where there are up to 5 kids, P6-7's where there are up to 20 and the older ones where there are up to 20. Because we are not blessed with vast numbers of willing teachers, we are at breaking point! Things are tricky when you factor in that within this group you have a full spectrum of bible awareness ranging from zero to sound knowledge. Now, I mention this to highlight my last blog entry where I shared that we were beginning to look ahead to developing our older teen and young adult ministry in light of the group coming up to Friday nights. It now seems that in both cases there will need to be a great deal of consideration on how to continue the development of faith in their young lives. As I am typing this, (and hitting the spell check button) I am again filled with wonder at the opportunity we have been given! I am, if I am honest, also filled with fear and a sense of being overwhelmed. I know this is a time where God's grace and strength must be our refuge and I ask for your support and prayers that this will be the case. I hope you got a glimmer of what God is doing as I tried to, for myself, gain some clarity in writing this.

In light of this let me try to share why growth is happening. With the younger kids it is primarily due to the children themselves! They are exited about coming and they are taking their friends, simple as that! On Monday nights we continue to focus on two areas; play and worship. They enjoy connecting with new and familiar faces through team games and Tuck-shop and learn to engage in worship as we instill the values of prayer and bible. Wednesday nights follow the same principle, but have the added blessing and challenge of having the older teens there. On Wednesdays we broaden their worship experience with singing and the class time is more focused. Friday nights with the teens and young adults follow the same principles, but there is a heightened expectation and sense of respect in both the play and worship times. If I didn't make myself clear before, let me say it again, "It is NOT easy!" The constant juggling and adjustments that have to be made in order to be sensitive to the varying age and stage of their appreciation for things Godly is ALL important, but it is hard! Until a child is willing to give respect for you and the Godly values you are imparting to them, it will be a struggle, but when there is acceptance and trust built over time there is a channel for God's power to be poured into their life! You have probably heard it said many times, but the saying is true, "Consistency is Key!"  

Oops, got a bit side-tracked! Need to comment on some cool things it has been my joy to be part off these past weeks. I need to mention the East Kilbride Youth Weekend! In a sentence, "Reason to be Encouraged!" You can look at a youth weekend on two levels, it's impact on your group and then on the larger collective audience. On both counts there was plenty to be excited about. I loved the local involvement of the EK youth group and outside of the weekend itself it is obvious that God has some channels for imparting blessing on young lives searching for their true Home. Richard and Mary Harp are getting their hands dirty!!! I know the group we took down were impacted for good and came away challenged thinking they could do something similar. This is good timing as we start to get things going for our campaign in July - excited :) It was my joy to share in the teaching for the weekend with David Cope and Niall Scobie and together we were used to God's glory. I was able to share two lessons and loved being used to share good stuff with young people who have an open heart for the truths of God :) Loved the weekend and again loved the chance to get out and close with our older youth from Peterhead! 

 Over the past weeks I have been looking more intently at who might respond to the challenge of being able to take on responsibility for some of the organising that needs to be done for our campaign in July. We have a VBS planned for part of the time and we look to have some motivated to take up the baton! It is easy to get distracted when you are working with a bigger group and to forget to look for the ones who can share the joy with you. I tend to devote quite a bit of my time to meeting up with the older teens and listening to their lives. I do not confess to have all the answers to their needs and in fact many times I simply don't, but I have the chance, from time to time,  to drop in some seeds that will allow them to think higher and wider about their faith and their willingness to apply it. Going forward with our ideas for the campaign will be exciting and I know the journey will not be straight forward, but I am prayerful that for some the journey will add to their faith :)

Preparing for classes takes up most of my "Head" time. It is constant and relentless. Trying to share God in a relative and real way to minds that have every opportunity to turn their attention to worldliness. Add to this the "me" element. It all screams to me that God and His tinkering are responsible for anything good that comes from my heart and mouth! I am always taken aback when we stumble across a neat way to get the kids, especially the younger ones, engaged in discussion and expression in one of our bible times. Last Monday night we had one of those moments. We tried a new approach by using the "Scattegories" game idea as a means for getting the kids engaged. I would give them a category and they had to, in groups,  come up with an answer. An example would be; Can you tell me a parable Jesus taught? In their groups they would have to come up with a parable that none of the other groups can think off. The discussion in the groups is both excited and teaching! Those who have not been coming long learn and feel part of the group answer. If a group come up with an answer no-one else has they get a point for their team :) It is effective!

Our church building is now officially paid! April saw the last payment on our mortgage and so from now on we have no debt on our building :) There is no doubt that God has been instrumental in the whole process from start to finish and all the thanks is due to Him! There have been many along the way who have given so that we can have the building as a useful tool for ministry. God is good and in the future years we anticipate that the use of our building will result in glory for His name here in Peterhead. 

God bless.

Family Update :)

Where does the time go? I am sitting in our local coffee shop with my usual "vanilla Latte" and enjoying the moment to stop and reflect on the joys and strains of the past weeks. I want to begin with some family things. It was a timely break when the Easter holiday came, I must admit that I was so ready to enjoy time at home and focus the majority of my energies to the ladies in my life. It was precious to have all our girls home for a while and enjoy the blessing of our children. In fact when Amy and Beth left this past Monday, Fenella and I looked at each other holding back a tear, knowing how much we miss them when they are not home. Holly and Hannah shine when their big sisters are home and as parents we thank God that our girls have a deep and loving bond that ties them together. We were able to spend a couple of nights down in Edinburgh as we got to see Beth perform with the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra at the Usher Hall. I never tire of saying the same thing over and over again, that it is a blessing to see our daughter be part of something that sounds so beautiful. Beth had the added privilege of getting to know a lot of music students who will be starting at Glasgow this coming September. One of the "proud parent moments" was when Beth made the comment that she had found another like minded soul who does not drink and will not be engaging in all the "Freshers Week" worldliness that goes on at the start of university life. Yes, we are proud of Beth's musical talent, but more so of her heart to be holy :) We had the chance to go down and see Amy perform with both the Edinburgh University Chamber Choir and with the National Youth Choir of Scotland. The photo is Amy's solo with the Uni Choir and I don't need to say anything - you can see Amy's passion for singing. In my last post I had shared some news about Beth playing at the "PROMS" in London at the Albert Hall, Amy too will be singing at the proms with NYCOS! They will be performing within a couple of days of each other, so we are frantically trying to work out how we can get to London and find accommodation, bearing in mind it will be during the chaos of the Olympic games - happy days!

Holly is finding that she has talent in the field of baking :) She loves to make cupcakes and make them look nice. She certainly has an eye for beauty and this is evident in everything she does. It was Beth's 18th birthday on Friday and her request was that Holly make some cupcakes! Hannah helped decorate them too. Holly is growing and has a lovely friendly nature. She is very social and loves to be in company. Hannah enjoys playing piano and violin. She is never far away from a book! Hannah likes nothing better than to be snuggled up with a book in her hand :) Hannah is very considerate and never short on affection. It is hard for Fenella and I to grasp that they will be moving up to the Academy (high school) this year! We are proud of them both and going by their recent report cards they are doing very well in P7. They should do well at the next level of their education. In June they will be off on a school trip to Glenshee doing a bunch of active outdoor pursuits - they are excited!

Fenella and I are just about managing to hold things together. Fenella's mum has just finished her fifth in a course of six chemo treatments. Alexa is very much ready to be done with the chemo! We are touched by Alexa's ability to gracefully journey through this battle with cancer. In spite of the effects and devastating toll that the chemo has brought, we love Alexa's quiet strength and lovely character that is so evident in this time of extreme testing. I can't talk about Alexa's circumstances without instantly being aware of the support and love both Fenella and Jackie have been. From the time Fenella and I were dating, I can remember being in no doubt that there was no shortage of love in their home and this continues to be the case :) I have heard it said that it is in the times of deepest struggles that God is most clearly seen - amen!

My parents have been going through some changes and challenges these past weeks too. We had a scare when my mum was rushed to hospital a few weeks back and although we still don't quite know what is wrong, we sense that the doctors are taking things in hand and we are prayerful that the cause and indeed a cure can be found to bring some relief. My dad has just finished his second spell offshore on the stand-by boats. He seems to be settling into his new environment and career pretty well :)

As I take stock of what is going on with our nearest and dearest I am aware of how blessed we are! If it were not for the great evidence of faith on display I wonder what state our lives would be in? Let me encourage and let us be reminded again of the reality that, "God is good and His love endures forever!" 

Christ... who strengthens!

After a youth weekend, climbing a mountain and making a trip down and back to Edinburgh in the same day - I am aware that my brain may not be at it's optimum for remembering all that God has done these past weeks. However, what a few weeks they have been! A couple of weeks ago I was studying for a lesson and came across an observation from a wise scholar that said, "Too many people are so intoxicated by their busy lives that they never stay sober long enough to ask the big questions in life." As I observe and listen to our culture I totally agree with this. Yes, it is important to be active in life, but at the core of our activity, may it be God that we find there.

Be prepared for a real mixed bag in this entry. Within our family we have been touched by joy as well as trial. In the church we are being challenged to discern the will of God in new ways as we look to the future of the kingdom here in Peterhead and in our ministry we are challenged to look ahead in preparation for change. I want to mention a little of Fenella and my joy as parents. Although we could not go down together to see Amy perform in Handel's "Semele" we were both able to be on different nights. She was beautiful! We are constantly reminded of God's goodness when we listen to Amy sing. Can't remember if I mentioned this in my last entry, but allow me a little boasting in sharing some joy at Beth's achievements too. Beth was successful in auditioning for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and as part of their summer program will be performing at the "Proms" in the Royal Albert Hall in London! We had the pleasure of going to Beth's music school concert at the Music Hall in Aberdeen - beautiful! The two photo's are of Beth in rehearsal's for the concert and Amy performing in Semele. Fenella and I are very aware of our girls "talent" and gift of music - we are very proud :)

Before I get a bit more specific about my core ministry involvement, I want to mention some of the out of the ordinary stuff. I was blessed to share a day with Ian Starrs and Patrick Boynes, however I must confess that when Ian phoned on the Sunday night about their plans to go and climb "Benachie" the following morning I was a wee bit hesitant. We had just got home from the Cumbernauld youth weekend and I was still fighting a flu bug, but I was sooo glad to have made the effort! Although the weather was far from perfect the company was special :) I am thankful for the day we shared and the chance to get to know Patrick and Ian that bit better. We laughed, talked and walked - joy! 

I must mention something about the weekend we had in Cumbernauld with some of our youth group. Donald Sutherland and I took a group of seven down and had a good time getting closer to the group. Sam, Kirsty, Amie, Claire, Shaun, Jordan and Scott were such an encouragement! They were exemplary in their involvement and their attitude throughout the weekend - THANK YOU! I must mention the good work going on in Cumbernauld. The youth there did a good job in organising and heading up the weekend. I want to comment on Aubry Boynes and David Cope's involvement too. They were two of the featured speakers for the weekend and both showed depth and desire in their expression of where their study and preparation had led them. A joy to see these young men grow - praise God!

A few Sunday's back we spent the day up in Buckie, supporting the church there. The Peterhead Church, once a month, sends someone up there to help with the preaching of the Word. This is a worthy work of the church and it's a joy to be a part of it. Fenella and the girls came up with me and we had an excellent day. We planned to stop in by Cullen to visit with Avril Bowie on our way home. Holly and Hannah loved their time at Avril's! Avril loves to inspire the young and her gifts are a joy to see. She spent the afternoon teaching our girls how to knit using their fingers as needles. They LOVED it! All the way home they were creating these long knitted lengths, that would make a scarf when joined together. Again, THANK YOU Avril - you are lovely :)

 

OK, the core stuff. We are about to go through some changes to the fabric of our youth program :) Growth is good and the challenges it produces causes us to look constantly to God for His strength and will for the direction needed to continue the good work He is doing! This comment is easy to say, but it takes so much focus and discipline to do! Let me try to explain... In the summer we have a big  group of P7's that will be moving up from Monday nights to Friday nights. They are taking the next step into a new arena of involvement and focus toward God.  We are encouraged that this class on Friday nights has proved to be critical in holding this group of 12 to 18+ age youth to church. In our history this is the age we have failed to bring through and stay connected with. So, in one sense we give praise to God for this and are thankful that the structure is now there for the younger ones coming up. However, we now have this group of around 15 young adults who are now needing to move beyond the foundation that Friday nights have given and on to something more "Adult." God is good and as a church we have challenges and decisions to make that are a joy! We are beginning to work through the planning of what this will look like and how to make it happen. With this in mind we are beginning to mold this years campaign around this transition. I will comment more about this in my next entry as things develop. Again it sounds so simple when I am writing this, but knowing the importance and trying to discern God's plan through this is testing. I would love to know that you all are praying for what God is doing here and for our church that we are bringing the Truth of God's Kingdom to the community.   

As I try to close out this entry there are still so many things on my heart that I would love to lay bare on here and give you the opportunity to bring them to God's throne in prayer, but that is not possible. Let me simply request that you keep our family and the church here in Peterhead in prayers. There are many things that God is working for the good of the kingdom here and we are confident that He will continue to give more strength and grace in order for His will to be followed - please pray for us.

Let me close with a comment on Fenella's mum Alexa. Alexa continues to stay strong in spirit, but her body is showing signs of struggle. She was unable to have her third round of Chemo yesterday because she is not able at this point. Fenella is totally devoted to caring for her mum and Jackie is holding everything together. Please pray for strength through all this.

God is good.

 

Thank You!

Well, the first entry for the year 2012! I want to begin this entry by stating a fact - "God is good and His love endures forever!" As I have time to reflect on the year past and move into this new year I can take strength from the way God has worked in my family and I give Him thanks for every blessing we have in Christ! As a father, I take joy in the efforts and choices my girls are making and on the occasions we get to talk intimately, I am thrilled to see evidence of their faith laced throughout their plans and life. Christ makes the difference. I look at my wife and continually thank God for her true beauty, our girls and I are blessed! So, as we gird up and anticipate a new year in the kingdom I am prayerful that God finds purpose and channel through our lives to proclaim to this world that in Christ there is LIFE!

Where to begin? There have already been occasions for my family to look hard at life and be confident that God is in control and that only in Him there is meaning and hope to life. We had the joy of having Patrick Boynes make a short visit to be with us. I have known Patrick for a while, predominantly through our efforts at Camp Tayside, and although I had great appreciation for him I was never able to spend much time getting to know him closer. It was a joy to be with him! He is a gentleman and through all the facial hair you can't help but notice his eyes. Patrick has such honesty and consideration in his eyes. I loved looking on around our dinner table as he would captivate Hannah and Holly with his quirky knowledge and ability to communicate beautifully with them. I have a special affection for adults who make an effort and give due consideration to young ones. Patrick did so much good for my family in the two short days he was with us! His constant expressions of faith and trust in God have left their mark on Fenella and I. Thank you Patrick!

I was provoked to give glory to God in light of those who continually provide financially for my family and make it possible for me to focus on ministry here in Peterhead. I do confess that I am not mindful enough of those who, I and sure at times sacrificially, give in order to support my family. I do tend to rest in the fact that God will do the blessing for your efforts. I do not make light of this and the truth is that there is an enduring sense of humility, knowing that people love God to the extent that they give above and beyond to help support my family. We also take great joy in the fact that God provides and He allows His people the joy of bestowing the gift :) Thank you all!!! With all this in mind I want to highlight the impact this has on my family's faith. Over the Christmas holidays we got a phone call from a couple telling us of their plan to send a gift of money for our ministry. I mentioned earlier about the humbling effects your generosity has on us, listen to this. This couple must love the kingdom dearly because the husband has, other than a couple of phone conversations, no experience of my family. His wife visited on campaign on a couple of occasions and has a bit more of an idea, but still, how do you account for abundant generosity, other than hearts that love the kingdom and more importantly love their God! Again, thank you to everyone who continues to be considerate of my family and the work of the kingdom here in Peterhead. Your gift of support is a tower of strength and a beacon of faith continually reminding us that our Father provides through His people.

I want to share another story of faith that is so near and dear to my family. Fenella's mum Alexa continues in her journey with cancer. I do not want to go into all the detail about treatment and the like, but want to focus on the important points and that being her faith. Alexa is a huge example to my family and her gentle spirit, although being tested to breaking point, continues to shine bright. There is no doubt that her impact in the lives of our girls is massive and there is no shortage of love and support for their Grandma. Alexa might not know the impact her gentle spirit is having on her granddaughter's, but in a kingdom sense it is absolutely priceless! I all this I have to mention Fenella's selfless pursuit of her mum's best interests. Fenella loves her mum and in light of this love is doing whatever it takes. Jackie continues to soldier on. It is not easy to handle the feeling of being powerless, when in a heartbeat you know he would do anything for his wife. He continues to make every effort to keep Alexa's spirits up and even though he spends most of his time in Alexa's "bad books" he is a devoted husband who loves his wife :) It goes without saying that we need your prayers and in the quietness of you reading this post, you may offer a prayer for Alexa's faith to sustain her as she  journey's through this trying chapter of her life.

Let me just touch on some of the ministry happenings so far this year. The first Monday the kids were back in school we began with our primary age class! It was a most excellent new year beginning. The kids were excited to be back and there was a real atmosphere of joy in everything we did together. We shared a slide show of the last years togetherness. The class is growing and it is always good to see the signs that the kids are bringing their friends to something they themselves value enough to share - joy! We are excited for the term ahead pray that God's Spirit continues to find avenues to serve through the lives of all involved in the class, from the kids to the teens and to the adults! The same spirit continues into Wednesday and Friday nights. The same anticipation for being together is evident through all the ages. I want to make a mention of two of our older teens, Ryan and Donnie, who have impressed over the past weeks. I know we all have rough edges and stuff, but it is good to see evidence of maturity and in Ryan's case it is unmistakable. Donnie has only been coming a short time, but again I am so encouraged to see him investing time in church and building relationships with godly people, it shows courage and will be blessed. Both Ryan and Donnie have faithfully been coming on Sunday nights as well as on Wednesday and Friday's too. I know there are a bunch who deserve to be highlighted and it is impossible to mention everything, but it is refreshing to see that lives are being affected and are turning, however slowly and gradually, to acknowledge their maker and begin to lay a foundation for their faith. 

The break over Christmas was good! I realised how relaxed and mellow I had become when everything started back and my mind had to jump back into gear and engage in preparing lessons and teaching classes. I have loved the material God has led me to these past weeks. It was my joy to be  preaching last Sunday night and yesterday morning and on both occasions we looked at Christ. Last Sunday night as the Word in John 1:1, and His being the very reason for life and the only way for meaning and purpose to become real in our lives. Yesterday morning we looked at "Emmanuel," GOD the Creator desiring to be in a close relationship WITH those of US He created, who desire to come with nothing but the knowledge that WE NEED CHRIST! Isn't God Wonderful! Can I also share a lesson that made an impact last Friday night with the teens. We looked at the fruit of the Spirit and then looked at the parable of the Prodigal Son and in small groups identified the times when the various fruit were evident in the characters of Jesus teaching. It was really effective. I suppose it stands to reason that when Jesus is portraying the character of God in this parable, that of course the fruit of the Spirit being the essence of His nature, will be the obvious result. 

I pray that this post has given you reason to praise God for His goodness and His faithfulness.

God bless!