What if I had given everything...

There's always something exciting about the start of a new year! This is my first entry for 2011 and I am delighted with how things have started this year. This is our second week of classes being back at church and the kids have been great. There is a really good feel to how we have kicked off this year. We have new faces come to our primary school age class on Monday night's, it is always a good indicator when the kids bring a friend along for the first time and this is true of Nichole who brought her friend Melissa for the first time. Monday nights continue to be both an amazing outreach for the younger kids, but also a magic training ground for the older teens. The teens are showing great signs of involvement and are having a big impact on the atmosphere created on Monday's - great stuff!!! Wednesday night's are flourishing again. Tonight we had an outstanding class! We come together at 6.15 and have a 45 minutes to hang out and play some games or get creative with some card making. At 7.00 we settle down and have a time of singing, tonight was memorable. We sang for quite a bit longer than usual, it seemed that every time we would say this would be the last song there would be someone asking for another and everyone was still engaged in the songs. After we did our "Bible Quick Draw" the time was 7.40! We didn't have time to start what I had intended to share so we looked through some old slide shows of old VBS' and Scavenger Hunts, the group had the best time reminiscing old memories and giggling at how young they looked back then. It may not have been what I had planned for the night, but the end result was rich.

I want to focus a moment on our Friday night's. The past 2 classes have been excellent! I have to say that the lessons have been amazing and the response has been equally so. The first week back we talked about what we see in the mirror. We looked at 3 perspectives - how we see ourselves, how others see us and most importantly how God sees us. We had a bit of fun with some of the observations, but when it came to the deeper issue of what God sees there was such a focus in the group. They are desperate to be seen as someone of value and importance. There were a number of noticeable reactions and I had one older teen confess some of his past actions that he was caused to face up to as a result of the lesson. God's word was active and hearts were softened. Last Friday the lesson again reached the group and hit the target. I asked the question, "Are you Motivated or simply going through the Motions." I played a song by Matthew West called "The Motions" which had been set to a simple animated movie. The first time i watchedthe animation I was sold and related totally to the message. It was when the black ball of fluff is touched by the red ball and in turn begins to bounce around impacting other black balls and turning them red also that touched a cord in my heart. The line in the song that said, "I don't wanna spend my whole life askin what if I had given everything!" That line has stuck with me and on Friday night the lesson was powerful. I know the group were challenged to question their values and what motivated them. I have no doubt that again the Spirit was softening their young hearts to "HEAR" the words of life.

On Sunday night we had our 3rd Sunday. I have to confess that I was feeling rather spent before the weekend came around, but even in my weakness I was the benefactor of strength that came from above. Paul's words come to mind, "When I am weak, then I am strong." I shared a lesson on, "Why we look forward to the New Year." We shared the principle of our need for re-birth and forgiveness and that New Year is a time we try to forget what is behind and focus on what is in front of us. I spoke from the heart about my need for the hope that comes from being forgiven and how I couldn't imagine going from day to day without having the assurance that my failings and guilt had been taken care off. It was again evidence for me that God can use a broken earthen vessel to share priceless and timeless truths about His grace and mercy.

There has been a change in our 3rd Sunday's. I used to spend ages phoning around trying to get the teens there, to now seeing them come of their own free will. We have a great bunch of Christian youth and another bunch seeking and faithfully coming to hear and see. It is true reason to anticipate that this will be a good year - God willing!


I must also mention our "Watchnight Service." This is a long held tradition in Peterhead that we meet at 11.30 on the eve of the New Year and see in the New Year with a time of worship and fellowship. This year we were able to share the occasion with a bunch of the youth. Everyone commented how refreshing it was to have been a part of it. We had some sweet mince pies and other refreshments while enjoying a time of fellowship. Everyone wished each other "All the best for 2011." Afterward we had the youth down to our house for some fun. We finally had to kick them out at 4.00 in the morning! We really enjoyed the night and the youth made some good memories to start off the New Year with.

My work in the schools has got off to a flyer! This afternoon I was filling my diary with all my school commitments and assembly dates for the term and I am overwhelmed at the opportunity I am afforded! I think back to the first contact with Central school and look at how again, God finds use for a broken earthly vessel - He is Good! One exciting thing that happened as I was arranging my assembly dates with the schools was two of them were planning into next term because they didn't want to miss out in getting the Campaign group! It was obvious that a great impression had been made last June with the newly formed group made up from within UK churches. We have already got the ball rolling for this years campaign and anticipate great things!

Just a quick word in closing about Fenella's mum Alexa. Alexa went into hospital last week for a hip replacement. On the whole, Everything has gone well and she is now home recovering. Fenella has been tirelessly going back and forth to Aberdeen to be with her mum and has been amazing. No doubt Fenella will be playing a very active part in Alexa's rehabilitation over the coming weeks.

God Bless!

Cheerio Alex... "Haste ye Back!"

On Sunday 12th December we had a special meeting in recognition of Alex time with us at Peterhead. It was a delight to see everyone attend the farewell send off for Alex. There were many young and elderly, a fitting tribute to the way Alex touched the lives of all generations. We began with a time of singing, which of course is what Alex enjoys most. We sang a selection of his favorite songs. After the singing we watched a slide-show of photo's that portrayed Alex time with us. This was great! It became clear that almost every photo had Alex either doing something silly or making others laugh. Alex had an ability to see the funny things in life. He made it a priority to lift others and help them see the joy in life. We had a couple of film clips in the show. The first was the, "Face plant." If you know Alex, you will have seen this video clip. It was taken during a Harding campaign, when we took a day out to Rattray Beach - famous for it's sand dunes. This clip was followed by one of Alex competing against Brittany in a race to spin as fast as you can while wrapping yourself in toilet roll. The winner was the one who finished the roll first. Off course half way through the race Alex flies off at a tangent and falling over because he is so dizzy! Well, needless to say everyone was smiling after the slide show.

Next on the agenda was was a time for everyone to say something publicly about a memory they have of Alex. Thomas began the compliments with many following with their kind regards for the times Alex had touched their life. I shares some heart felt truths about why I would miss Alex. Alex then responded and passionately talked for a while. At the beginning after making the statement, "I am going to miss you all." Alex broke down for a minute and showed the impact the Church has had on his life.

We then presented Alex with a chorus book. Shaun Main has made the suggestion that we get everyone to leave a comment in the song book, knowing how much singing from it had meant to Alex. The book was full of personal notes of thanks and encouragement for all. I took the book to Anna Ritchie School for the boys who we played football with, to sign it. I have no doubt Alex will treasure this gift. Many gave Alex a gift of money to help with settling back into life in America. The congregation also gave a token gift of money to help a little too.

After the meeting we stayed to enjoy a time of fellowship around a cup of tea and some biscuits. There is no doubt that we will miss Alex and the place will won't be the same without his unique involvement. We wish Alex God's blessing as he endeavours to rejoin life in America and begin a new chapter in his life. Take care brother!

Blitz

Here goes nothing... I have left this way too late! I am going to attempt to remember all that has been of value since the last entry. Where to begin??? I will begin with the most precious first. It has been lovely having all our girls home these past days. I had the joy of going down to get Amy on the 20th. The joy of hearing her sing with the Fife Opera was priceless. Fenella has sent the file of her solo to some of you I'm sure - it is amazing. Beth got an early Christmas break due to the weather conditions meaning the boarding had to be closed. We were hoping to have Beth's new oboe here for her to try before Christmas, but since it was coming up from Glasgow that was not possible, again due to the snow. All of us were ready to be together and have some family time. Holly and Hannah were especially delighted to have their big sisters home. We were able to be together for Amy's 19th birthday and the girls had fun decorating Amy's birthday cakes. Speaking about birthdays, it was Holly and Hannah's 10th birthday on the 4th of December! They are most definitely growing up - FAST! Christmas was really fine this year. We did most of the prep for the dinner on Xmas eve, so on the day there was just the cooking. We shared the day with Fenella's mum and dad and from start to finish it truly was a good day! No stress or struggle, just good company and joy. Fenella has been off work this past week and we have had a couple of days out, mainly through to Aberdeen to do some shopping with the girls to spend their Xmas money on some clothes. Looking forward to this week before Amy leaves for Edinburgh and Beth leaves for Dyce. We are BLESSED!

In the past month there has been some cool things happen at church. I will mention as many as I can remember. I will begin with our night to show the over 60's in church we care for them. A

bunch of the younger (under 60's) did all the cooking and organising. Alex and I were responsible for the entertainment and a bunch did the food and decoration. The meal was lovely - a full Christmas dinner with ALL the trimmings! We fed around 40 of our faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. After the food we enjoyed two games together - "Countdown" and "Family Fortune." This went down well and everyone had a bit of fun in good company. I have to mention the input of the teens. There were about 15 teens there to help serve and make the night memorable. It was a good night and everyone went away full in every sense of the word.



During December we organised a Tour of some of the nursing homes to do some carol singing. We originally planned 4 homes to visit, but due to snow conditions, we only made it to 3 of them. We had the most excellent time! There was a bunch at each of the homes, with as much as 20 in some! We sang our hearts out and it was obvious that the elderly residents enjoyed the singing and especially the joy that came from the group. The group was pretty varied, we had some as young as 6 right through to some in their 60's, all singing together for the encouragement of others - beautiful! After about 45 minutes singing we would have a prayer and would then give the home a gift. The gift was rather special. In Sunday School we made rocking chairs out of clothes pegs and made cute snowmen out of cotton balls to sit on the chair. They were received with great delight. We also gave them a picture that portrayed a Christmas theme also made by the children on Wednesday nights. I was very thrilled to see the number that came to each of the homes, but more thrilling was their joy that they came to share - Memorable!




We had a lot of fun with the young ones at our Christmas party and also during our outing to Aberdeen. On the 6th December we took the young classes through to see the movie "Megamind." Before the movie we all went for something to eat at Burger King. This trip was a plan B, since we had to cancel our much anticipated trip to the Chocolate Factory due to the snow and bad road conditions. Although the kids were a bit disappointed at the change we still had a great night out and it was a fine treat for them. It is good to do this from time to time to show we care. Our party was a blast! From the start at 6.30 all the way to 8.00pm there was fun and laughter. We didn't get through all the games we had planned, but in everything the purpose was to get the kids laughing and share a good time - Mission Accomplished!

We took the teens out on the 22nd December. This again was our second attempt due to the snow and poor road conditions. We were due to go on the 17th, but postponed till 22nd. The night was fantastic!!! This is the 3rd year we have done this. We leave at 4.00pm and half of the group go bowling while the other half play football at an indoor pitch, myself of course, getting stuck into the football match! We then meet up at Pizza Hut to enjoy some food and fellowship, ands then on to the movies to see, "Narnia - Voyage of the Dawn Treader." I love these outings - they are indicators of the groups growth and joy of being together away from home. There was never a raised voice, other than in fun, and I have nothing but praise for the behaviour and attitude of the group. In fact, when I got home I had a comment on my FB from Andrew Stars which read, "Thought you'd want to know that my manager said you were all a delight to serve and the kids in the youth group were patient and polite and no fuss at all, which is rare for a table of that size! So you're welcome back at any time :)" It is always good when those observing can see what you see! There were 24 of us on the trip. My dad and John Campbell came to help out. The only down side was our surprise at coming out from the movie and finding that about 6 inches of snow had fallen! We took it easy going home and finally got home at 12.00!


Throughout all this activity there has been numerous bible classes and teaching opportunities. I don't know how close many are to the kingdom, but I'm excited for 2011!

Reason to lift up our Eyes

I have been reminded today that it is so important to enjoy and notice the happy times along the way. Yes, we feel the pain and burdens of those we are close too, but it is so important when sharing pain to see joy in other situations. I was thinking about the passage when Jesus made the statement, "When I am lifted up from the world will draw all men to myself." I was pondering the idea that it's almost like Jesus is telling us that He is taking the pain and burden of this fallen world on his shoulders as he is raised up on the cross and He is giving us opportunity to lift our eyes upward, away from the mess of this world and looking to the source of hope and salvation. It is so important that in times of pain there is reason and purpose to lift our eyes upward. Jesus is that reason and hope.

Anyway, I just wanted to share some of my joy this week. I have literally been in the door an hour since being hugely encouraged. Friday afternoons are spent at Anna Ritchie School. Alex and I get to play football with around 20 kids. Anna Ritchie is a special school! Every Friday it is like a safe haven and filling station. To be accepted and included into their lives in the way we are is a beautiful thing. This afternoon we went to the school and the weather was pretty poor, so we were planning on going indoors for our session. When we signed in and went to the hall we were met with a bunch of music amps and microphones and it was obvious that we were not going to have the use of the hall. I started to go around the classes explaining to the boys that we would have to cancel because there was nowhere to play and the look of dismay on their faces was so sad. I decided to have a quick check outside just in case the rain had stopped and would you believe it - it had! There was smiles and cheers as we relayed the news that we were going ahead with the game. If you haven't picked up on it yet the game today was extraordinary. Every goal scored was truly amazing and not in keeping with the norm. There was so much smiles and joy as goal after goal went in, Alex and I both knew this was a day to remember. The score finished at 8-6. In the midst of this Lucas scored a hat trick of the highest quality! Afterward I gestured a thanks to Alex for deliberately missing a save on his last goal which was with his head and Alex said there was no way he was going to spoil Lucas' moment to shine.

This is one of the reasons why I love the kingdom! To have the desire to lift people up and to share nothing but encouragement and support. It is a joy to serve in the community and especially in the school's with the children. It is a constant reminder that God is active and we always have times of refreshing and opportunity to lift our eyes and hearts Christ ward.

The photo's are from our bunch at Crimond School. Every Tuesday afternoon we have the joy of working with these kids. I do enjoy football, but I LOVE the opportunity to influence and touch lives with the motivation that comes from knowing Christ!

God Bless!

Words don't come easy...

This entry is not going to be an easy one. There are times when you have to weigh up the for's and against's for sharing information via this avenue. I know there are many, who given the chance, would be supportive and prayerful about our church, but I am also aware that this is a public site and can be viewed by anyone, therefore I cannot share all that is in my heart via this entry. I can honestly say the past week has been hard. We have been faced by circumstances that I wouldn't have dreamt possible in a small town like Peterhead. I would ask that everyone reading this would pray for our church. When you come face to face with the brokenness and falleness of this creation and see the evidence and extent to which evil can overcome and control a person, it makes you want to run all the more keenly into the arms of our Father. This is as much as I can share.

There has been grief within our Youth group these past days too. Ryan, Stuart, Claire, Stephen and Kevin, The Geddes', lost their Granada this past week. It was obvious that he was a great man. His passing has devastated their young lives and shows the extent of how much love there was between them all. Again, I would ask for prayers for this family. We have had a strong connection with the Geddes' over the years and I have to say that their lives have shown much growth and faithfulness toward the kingdom. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to be there for them through this hard time.

Although there has been some dark and trying times here and my mindset may have been tainted as a result, I can't deny that there has been much happiness and joy running alongside this. Last Monday night we had a "Sugar and Spice and All things Nice" party with the younger kids who come on a Monday and Wednesday night. As you can see from the pictures they put in the effort to dress up well! Note also the "Dynamic Duo" of Alex and myself. Alex made a fantastic "Batman" outfit and I came as "Pic & Mix." From the start to the finish we had non stop fun and laughter! It was a chance to enjoy the occasion and just make smiles! We went to a lot of effort to make it a memorable night for the kids and I am confident we succeeded. We made sure everybody went home happy and full of joy, and heavy laden with chocolate! We had a hunt for the golden ticket which was won by Megan, who received the "Month supply of Chocolate." I spoke to her mum, Alison the next day, who was delighted at the bundle of chocolate Megan came home with and hopes to share in the prize!

This past Wednesday night was special! I had asked Shaun the week before to do the prayer for this week, this would have been his first public prayer. When we got started I foolishly forgot about asking Shaun to do it and said the prayer. I forgot with good motives though, my heart was full on behalf of the Geddes' and in my desire to bring them before God's throne, I left Shaun on the bench. However, at the end of the classes we got everyone through and Shaun closed in prayer. I was so humbled by his sincerity and depth in his prayer. After a nervous first few words, his sentiments were truly beautiful. There is something special about being able to witness a heart communicating with their God - a true Joy!

Well, a little note about the plates we are juggling at the moment. We have our meal for the over 60's on the 27th November. Alex and I have to come up with an hour and a half of entertainment. We have an outing with the primary age children to a chocolate factory on 6th December and an outing with the teens on 17th December to Aberdeen. We are also taking a group on the 16th November to a football match in Aberdeen between Scotland and Faeroe Isles. My head is full of events and places to be - crazy, but great!

I have not mentioned anything about the bulk of my ministry in the schools, but know that this term they are going great and the opportunity is very much the same and I am working with some great groups of children. Time is truly flying and every day with the exception of Wednesday I have the joy of being in front of Children with the opportunity to share goodness and God!

As I am writing this there is an overwhelming reality that in December we will be saying goodbye to Alex. I try not to stress about this too much, but the reality is going to be tough. The gap that Alex fills at present will be very tough to fill. I have hopes that our own teens will go some way to closing the gap, but the reality is I am going to miss Alex, greatly! His personality and presence will cause a void here! With this in mind I again request your prayers. We are growing and active and will soon be a man down! Please pray for the right people to be sent, or raised up for the continued good of the kingdom here.

We had a visit last weekend from dear friends. Chrissy and Robin Vick and Jenny Johnson came up for the weekend. It is always good to spend time with those who are desiring to make a difference in this world. It is good to know they are just down the road and not on a whole different continent! All three friends have had an impact in Peterhead and have touched lives here for the good.

Just a note on our family. This weekend we were all home!!! Amy came up from Edinburgh and Beth was home from Dyce! I LOVE my girls! I am so proud of the way they are living their lives and continuing to make good choices. I am not the most expressive of men, but I know in my heart that I am a blessed man and the smile I have on the inside is greatly the work of my girls.

This entry has been tough to put into words, but I hope you get the message.

God bless!

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!