Welcome to Sleat and Strath FC’s website & blog.
If you are a visitor to Sleat, or the south end of Skye, and looking for a church you are welcome to worship with us. We believe the Gospel, are reformed, evangelical, bible-believing, Presbyterian and, above all, Christian.
Diary
Services today: 29th May 2016
11:00am @ Sleat – Psalm 123 – Looking for Mercy
6:00pm @ Broadford – Monthly Joint Service with Church of Scotland
Mid-week meetings: Mid-week Bible Study – Discipleship Explored
Next Lord’s Day: 5th June 2016
11:00am @ Sleat – D.J. Stewart
5:00pm @ Kyleakin – Alasdair Macleod
Rotas
If you are unable to carry out rota duty, please arrange cover yourself.
| Date | Door | Tea | Sunday School
Crèche |
| 29 May | Cameron & Isabel | Isabel/Carol/Mairi | Fiona |
| 05 June | Alastair & Mairi L | Mairi L & Rosie | Fiona |
Crèche At the moment, as Hannah is the only pre-school child, Dolina is organising crèche herself. If you are a visitor, please speak to Dolina.
Notices
Joint Service with Church of Scotland
The service this will be the monthly joint service with the Church of Scotland, in Broadford, at 6:00pm
Congregational Meeting
The Annual Congregational Meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday 1st June, has had to be postponed. One of the staff at our accountants firm took ill, and though the accounts are prepared, they have not been formally audited yet. Additionally, Callum MacDonald is unable to join us on Wednesday – please remember his sick mother-in-law in your prayers. We will give notices of a rescheduled date
Holiday Club
We are looking at the feasibility of running a holiday club the week 4th-8th July. To do this we would need accommodation for a team – probably two male, two female helpers. This year we cannot accommodate any team members at the manse. Please contact Gordon if you are able to help.
Maryburgh Communion
Gordon expects (D.V.) to be away next Sunday assisting at the Maryburgh Communion. The morning service will be led by DJ Stewart (Elder, Kyle Free Church) and the evening service by Alasdair Macleod.
Denominational News
Free Church welcomes new Broughty Ferry and Inverness congregations
The Free Church formally welcomed two new congregations at the General Assembly. The arrival of Broughty Ferry Presbyterian Church and the West Church Inverness was heartily applauded by commissioners. Broughty Ferry minister Rev Alberto de Paula also had his application to join the ministry approved. West Church Inverness minister Rev Andrew McMillan had already joined the Free Church at the March 2015 Commission of Assembly.
Ministry news from the Mission Board report
Gairloch, Kinlochewe and Torridon will be able to call on a five-year renewable basis, with another three-year local arrangement for Sleat and Strath on the Isle of Skye. A union between Portree and Bracadale was also approved. East Kilbride will continue on local arrangements for a year, with proposals coming to next year’s General Assembly. The linkage between Glasgow City and Campbeltown was disjoined, with the latter now hoping to call a minister on a three-year arrangement. Assistant minister applications for Back, Glasgow City and Smithton were also all approved.
Shawbost minister appointed as Principal Clerk-designate
Shawbost minister Rev Callum Macleod is set to become Principal Clerk after being appointed to the role by commissioners. Current Principal Clerk Rev James Maciver had announced his intention to step down next year. Because Mr Macleod is Assistant Clerk, his successor will be appointed at next year’s Assembly with Presbyteries providing nominations in due course.
Board of Trustees chair calls for debate on Christian education
With the “struggle for the survival of Christianity itself in our society”, the chairman of the Board of Trustees called on the Free Church to have a debate on Christian education. James Fraser CBE drew on the vision of Scottish reformer John Knox who saw education “not just as a tool for economic and cultural transformation but also as a tool for Christianising the nation”. Mr Fraser said the denomination was not to “get bogged down” in an argument over Christian versus state schools, but to “consider other variants which may be alternatives or steps to a new educational system”.
Youth Committee seeking to better equip Christian parents
The Youth Committee aims to better train and equip Christian parents to lead their families in the Lord. Convener Rev Dr Colin Dow said parents must take primary responsibility for the Christian growth of their children. The committee is focusing on resources for family worship and covenant parenting.
Diary
Services today:
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 4:24 The Father is Seeking Lost Sheep
5:00pm @ Broadford – Evening Worship – 1 Peter 2:13-17 How should Christians vote in the Referendum?
Mid-week meetings & events:
Tuesday, 12-2:00pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Mustard Seed Cafe
Wednesday, 7:00pm @ Sleat – National Day of Prayer: Referendum
Next Lord’s Day
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 3:16 The Extra-ordinary Lengths God Goes To
3:30pm @ Kyleakin – Afternoon Worship
5:00pm @ Broadford – Evening Worship – Luke 12:4-7 Hell is Real
Rotas
If you are unable to carry out rota duty, please arrange cover yourself.
| Date | Door | Tea | Sunday School
Crèche |
| 14th Sept. | J.N. & Mairi L. | Kate & Dolina | Fiona & Elena
Lyn-Anne |
| 21st Sept. | Gordon & Kate | Elena & Shonnie | Dolina & Shonnie
Maggie |
| 28th Sept. | Alasdair & Carol | Mairi M. & Isobel | Dolina & Shonnie
Carol |
| 5th Oct. | J.N. & Kate | Elena & Dolina | Fiona & Elena
Lyn-Anne |
Notices
Edinburgh Theological Seminary Saturday Course
The ETS Saturday Course starts Saturday, 27th September. It would be great to get a group together for this, please talk to Gordon is interested.
Foodbank Training
On Thursday 25th September at the lighthouse Christian centre, a training evening is being held for all those who are willing to “man” the Foodbank. 7.30-9:00pm. More info from Lesley 544488.
Denominational News
Praying for the independence referendum
Rev Iver Martin, minister of Stornoway Free Church on the Isle of Lewis and Principal of the Edinburgh Theological Seminary, has written a helpful guide on what Christians can pray for in the run up to the independence referendum on Thursday 18 September. You can read the full article on the Free Church of Scotland website: http://www.freechurch.org
Over £35,000 raised for emergency Iraq and Syria appeal
Thanks to all congregations who have contributed so generously to the emergency Iraq and Syria appeal. So far over £35,000 has come in, and this will be split between Tearfund efforts in Syria, and the Federation for the Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East – which supports the work of Canon Andrew White, chaplain of St George’s Anglican Church in Baghdad. Please continue to pray for Christians and other minorities in these countries who are suffering in the Islamic State (ISIS) controlled regions.
Concern as Royal Mail opens 100 delivery offices on Sundays
A Free Church minister has criticised a decision by the Royal Mail to open 100 delivery offices on Sundays, adding that money being used to open these premises could be better spent reducing the price of stamps. Dundee minister Rev David Robertson described the development as a retrograde step, and also said it would create a two-tier system with huge swathes of rural areas across Scotland being excluded from the new service.
North-east Glasgow congregation begins four-month pilot
Please pray for Steven Hay, who is going to be leading services in Lennoxtown Free Church, near Glasgow, until the end of the year as part of a four-month pilot. Mr Hay recently completed theological training with Cornhill Scotland in Glasgow, and is originally from Airdrie. The Lennoxtown congregation hopes to run a Christianity Explored course in the near future.
Thanks from Highland Harmony Singers
Many thanks to all the folk, including children, who supported Highland Harmony’s last recital of psalms at Smithton on Saturday 6 September. It was a wonderful occasion and will leave many good memories! Alison Young from Ellon conducted, and Alistair Murray did the last item. Highland Theological College (HTC) Principal Hector Morrison gave a powerful message from Zephaniah on the God who sings, not only over his perfect creation, but also over ransomed sinners. Nearly £1,000 was contributed for the work of HTC, Dingwall. Many thanks again to everyone.
Lord’s Day – 27th July 2014
Diary
Services today:
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – Teaching from the Psalms
6:00pm @ TBC – Monthly Joint service with Church of Scotland – Kyleakin Church of Scotland
Mid-week meetings & events:
Wednesday, 7:00pm @ Sleat – Weekly Bible Study
Next Lord’s Day
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – Exodus 29 – Set Apart for Service
5:00pm @ Broadford – Evening Worship – 2 Samuel 18-19 – Rebellion’s End
Rotas
| Date | Door | Tea |
|
| Today | Gordon & Shonnie | Kate & Rosie | School Hols. |
| 3rd Aug. | J.N. & Mairi L. | Shonnie & Lyn-Anne | School Hols. |
| 10th Aug. | Gordon & Isobel | Carol & Mairi L. | Family Service |
| 17th Aug. | Alasdair & Mairi L. | Rosie & Helen | School Hols. |
Notices
Joint Service with the Church of Scotland
This evening we close to go to the monthly joint service with the Church of Scotland. This evening the meeting is at Kyleakin Church of Scotland, at 6:00pm. There will be a Faith mission preacher.
Holiday Club – Support Meeting
This year’s Holiday Club runs Monday 4th – Friday 8th August, from around 9:30am at Sleat Primary school. We will meet on Wednesday, after the mid-week fellowship, to settle plans for lunches, etc.
Please also note the following points:
Denominational News
Rev Paul Clarke becomes minister of St Andrews
Rev Paul Clarke was inducted as minister of St Andrews Free Church in Fife on Sunday (20 July). Although the 39-year-old father-of-three had effectively been senior pastor for the past 15 months, it now formalises his appointment by the congregation and the Home Missions Board. St Andrews began as a church plant in 2003, and Paul officially became a Free Church minister earlier this year. Before his move to the north-east of Fife, he ministered for 14 years to one of the biggest Anglican congregations in England – St Helen’s Bishopsgate in inner city London. We give thanks for the blessing seen under Paul’s ministry over the past year.
Remembering the fallen: the First World War
Monday 28 July marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. Rev Angus MacRae, minister of Dingwall Free Church and chairman of the Board of Ministry, has written a thoughtful reflection on the profound effect this had on ministry in our congregations and their respective communities. Ten Free Church ministry students lost their lives as well as one minister. Mr MacRae’s article will be on the Free Church website on Monday: http://www.freechurch.org Some of the fallen may have been forgotten by the passing of time, but the Lord Jesus Christ never forgets his own.
Sinclair Ferguson to address John Knox conference in Perth
Leading Presbyterian theologian Rev Dr Sinclair Ferguson is one of two keynote speakers at a conference in Perth next month commemorating the 500th anniversary of what is thought to be the birth of John Knox. The day event fittingly takes place at Knox Church in Perth (Tulloch Terrace) on Monday 11 August. It begins at 7pm, all welcome. Earlier in the afternoon there is a restricted session aimed at ministers and church leaders. Talks will be led by Rev Dr Sinclair Ferguson and American pastor Rev Dr Steven J Lawson from Alabama.
Service to mark reopening of Partick building – Friday 8 August
Partick Free Church are holding a special service on Friday 8th August at 7:30pm to mark the reopening of their upgraded church building. The building work was completed earlier in the year and has resulted in the refurbishment of the sanctuary, as well as the formation of a new kitchen, office, vestry and toilets on the ground level of the building. The congregation has appreciated the support of friends throughout the church while they have been waiting to return to their premises and extend a warm welcome to all to join them at the opening service.
Diary
Services today:
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 13:18-30 – Judas – The Great Betrayal
3:30pm @ Kyleakin – Monthly Afternoon Service
5:00pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Evening Service – 2 Samuel 13-14 – Family Fortunes
Mid-week meetings & events:
Tuesday, 12-1:30pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Mustard Seed Cafe
Wednesday, 7:00pm @ Sleat – Weekly bible Study
Next Lord’s Day
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 13:31-38 – A New Commandment & Some Supreme Over-Confidence
6:00pm @ Venue TBC – Monthly Join Service with Church of Scotland (Church of Scotland hosting)
Rotas
| Date | Door | Tea |
| 25th May | Gordon & Isobel | Carol & Mairi |
| 1st June | Alasdair & Mairi L | Rosie & Helen |
| 8th June | J.N. & Shonnie | Elena & Rosie |
Notices
Holiday Club Fund Raiser
Thank you for all the help at the Holiday Club fund raiser on Saturday.
Skye YMCA
A soup and pudding lunch in aid of Skye YMCA will be held on Saturday 31st May from 12 noon to 2pm at the Old Library, Bayfield Road, Portree.
CWI Annual Tour
We hope to have Ru Maclean, recently appointed as CWI’s Scotland rep., on Sunday, 1st June, at the morning service. The previous Friday evening, he, along with Mike Moore and David Zadock, will be speaking at Tigh-na-Sgire in Portree.
South Skye and Lochalsh Foodbank
Lynne Kearns writes, “We are especially looking for volunteers to man the Foodbank for 2 hours on a Friday every four / five weeks but also people to help with stock and driving. We are having an open meeting on Tuesday 10 June 7.30 pm in the Lighthouse Centre and we invite anyone who wants to find out more to attend. Or call in at the Lighthouse Centre on Fridays, leave their details and I will contact them.”
Denominational News
General Assembly Week
If you want to follow the General Assembly by webcam, visit:
Alternative ministry arrangements to be discussed
The Home Missions Board (HMB) is presenting plans for alternative ministry arrangements, which would allow congregations to appoint a minister on a flexible basis with a potential reduction in stipend. The agreement would need to be made locally and at no cost to the HMB. Any applications would be passed to the Presbytery along with a ministry development plan.
Proposals to make church committees more efficient
Proposals from the Board of Trustees will slim down the number of Assembly committees from 12 to six with fewer committee members. The Board said this would make committee work more streamlined and effective, with the added benefit of reducing expenditure. The Home and International Missions Boards would merge from 2015, with Presbyteries reclaiming the primary responsibility for ministry and mission within their own bounds.
Rev Dr Sinclair Ferguson to speak at Seminary launch
Rev Dr Sinclair Ferguson will help launch the Edinburgh Theological Seminary at the Assembly, by giving an address on Wednesday 21 May at 7.30pm. The Seminary officially replaces the Free Church College. In encouraging news, several private students will begin their studies at the Seminary in September alongside a healthy intake of Free Church ministry candidates. The College Board also acknowledges the selfless gesture of the Professors, who have all taken a cut in stipend in order to help attain financial savings.
Free Church releases papers on independence referendum
Four papers discussing the place of Christianity in a post-referendum Scotland have been released online (www.freechurch.org). Skye minister Rev Gordon Matheson and solicitor and elder Neil DM MacLeod, write from a pro-independence perspective, with Prof Donald Macleod and former Moderator Rev Dr John Ross writing in defence of the union. All four papers call for positive practical engagement in national political discourse, and commit to working with politicians from all parties regardless of the vote.
Committee proposes three-day Assembly for 2015
The 2015 Free Church General Assembly should only last three days, according to the report of the Assembly Arrangements Committee. It is hoped that the evenings would involve shorter business sessions and include worship items. The Committee has also recommended that invitations to other denominations and organisations be issued only every third year, so representatives do not all attend in the same year.
2013 remittances increase
We are pleased to report that congregational remittances for 2013 increased by £120,000 on the previous year. The Board of Trustees is thankful to God for this encouragement, and thanks all who give so generously to the work of the Church given the challenging economic climate.
Royal visit to Assembly
On Thursday 22 May, Prince Edward will visit the Free Church General Assembly. The Earl of Wessex, who is this year’s Lord High Commissioner, is expected to address the Assembly at 12 noon.
WfM annual meeting
The annual meeting of Women for Mission takes place on Thursday 22 May at 2pm in Presbytery Hall.
Assistant minister petitions
Greyfriars in Inverness, Kilmallie near Fort William and St Columba’s in Edinburgh have applications to call assistant ministers. Smithton in Inverness ask for permission to renew their assistant arrangement at Nairn.
Diary
Services today:
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 12:20-36 – The Hour Has Come
6:00pm @ Sleat – Monthly Joint Service with Church of Scotland
Mid-week meetings & events:
Tuesday, 12-1:30pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Mustard Seed Cafe
Wednesday, 7:00pm @ Sleat – Weekly Bible Study
Next Lord’s Day
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 12:37-50 – Just what does it mean to believe?
5:00pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Evening Service – 2 Samuel 11 – David’s Slide into Sin
Rotas
| Date | Door | Tea |
| 4th May | J.N. & Kate | Shonnie & Mairi L. |
| 11th May | Gordon & Alasdair | Kate & Rosie |
| 18th May | J.N. & Mairir L. | Shonnie & Lyn-Anne |
Notices
Monthly Joint Service
This evening we will host the regular joint service with the Church of Scotland. This will be in Sleat, and will be followed by the usual time for fellowship.
Dates for Holiday Club Fund Raiser
We hope to run a fund raising coffee morning / soup & sandwich lunch to raise funds for the summer Holiday Club. The Ardvassar Hall is available a number of Saturdays after Easter. Please speak to Shonnie Miller if there are any dates you would prefer.
Discipleship Explored
DE is an 8-week study course designed ideally for people who have come to faith recently, or anyone who is interested in learning more about personal Bible Study and walking with the God. We are hoping to start a group going through this course a week on Thursday (8th May), meeting ideally in the evening at the manse. If you are interested, please talk to Gordon after the service, or phone. We can be more flexible with the day/time to suit people, but that really depends on who wants to take part.
Denominational News
Govan church plant sources office accommodation
A pioneering church plant in one of the most deprived parts of Glasgow has been able to source premises in the heart of the area. The G51 church group, led by Free Church minister Rev Norman Mackay in his hometown of Govan, will be based at the Pearce Institute. The office space that the group is renting will accommodate small groups for Bible study, but there are bigger halls within the building if required.
WFM annual meeting in Edinburgh – Thursday 22 May
The annual meeting of Women for Mission (WFM) takes place in Edinburgh on Thursday 22 May, beginning at 2pm. There will be the usual mission speakers, a final update on the Viva South America project and the launch of a new supported project. A crèche will also be provided. It is hoped to run a bus again from the north, please contact Mairi Macleod on 01463 792 045 or mairileod@aol.com by 1 May to confirm your place.
Special presentation – the naval policy of the Free Church of Scotland
The National Archives near London are next week hosting a special presentation on ‘the naval policy of the Free Church of Scotland’. The novel talk will be given by Alex Ritchie on Thursday 1 May at 2pm. Mr Ritchie will look at the floating church of Loch Sunart, the floating manse described by Hugh Miller in his publication ‘The Cruise of the Betsey’, as well as the Free Church yacht ‘Breadalbane’ – which ferried ministers to remote locations. It is hoped a podcast will be available on the Free Church website afterwards.
Free Church Youth Camps training days
With the summer fast approaching, the Free Church Youth Camps team have organised a number of training days to help equip leaders. These are: Saturday 3 May at Stornoway Free Church led by Andy Cumming, on the same day at Glasgow City Free Church led by Rev Derek Lamont, and on Saturday 10 May at Greyfriars Free Church in Inverness led by Rev Colin Macleod. All sessions begin at 9.30am and should conclude by 3.30pm.
Encouraging response to Wester Ross holiday club
We are pleased to report that 40 children attended the recent Easter holiday club organised by the Gairloch and Kinlochewe congregations and Skye and Wester Ross youth worker Susan Maclean. Glasgow City’s Rev Dr Colin Dow spoke at a friends and family dinner on the Friday night, and the week culminated with the Free North’s Rev Colin Macleod leading the Sunday services. Neighbouring churches also attended the evening service.
Diary
Services today:
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 10:22-42 – All that John said about this man
5:00pm @ Broadford – 2 Samuel 5-6 – Jerusalem
Mid-week meetings & events:
Tuesday, 12:00-2:00pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Mustard Seed Cafe
Wednesday, 7:00pm @ Sleat – Monthly Prayer Meeting
Next Lord’s Day
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 11 – Lazarus and the Tears of God
6:30pm @ Broadford – Faith Mission Convention – Gospel Meeting
Rotas
| Date | Door | Tea |
| 30th March | J.N. & Mairi L. | Kate & Dolina |
| 6th April | Gordon & Carol | Communion |
| 23rd March | Alasdair & Kate | Mairi M & Isobel |
Notices
Skye Convention – Faith Mission
This weekend sees the annual Skye Convention, organised by the Faith Mission. Meetings are:
Our service next Sunday evening will close for this this.
Communion Service
The next communion service in the congregation will be held Sunday 6th April. Anyone wishing to profess faith in Jesus Christ for the first time, or join the congregation from another church, is invited to contact Gordon in advance, to arrange to meet with the Kirk Session.
Denominational News
Wanted: new name for Free Church children’s magazine
The search is well and truly on for a new name for the Free Church of Scotland’s children’s magazine. There have been many changes to The Instructor since 1906, and now it has been decided to find a more appropriate title. A competition has been launched in the March edition of the magazine, with a top prize on offer for the winner. It is hoped the new name will first appear on the 2014 October edition. Please send your entries to the editor: Mrs Irene Howat, 57 Garvine Road, Coylton, Ayr, KA6 6NZ.
Special offer for new book by Professor Donald Macleod
The Free Church bookshop in Edinburgh will continue its special offer on Professor Donald Macleod’s new book until the end of March. The hotly anticipated ‘Christ Crucified: Understanding the atonement’ is available for purchase from 21 March. Retailing at £16.99, the bookshop is offering a special deal of just £10.50 per copy. To place your order email bookshop manager Charlie Douglas at bookshop@freechurchofscotland.org.uk
New e-book on Thomas Guthrie out now
A new e-book about the role of the family from a leading Free Church minister at the time of the Disruption has been made available on Amazon. ‘God’s Institution of the Family’, based on a famous General Assembly address by Rev Dr Thomas Guthrie in 1862, is a challenging short paper on the Biblical responsibilities of Christian parents and their covenanted children. The e-book has been carefully pieced together by Guthrie enthusiast and blogger Mr Andrew Murray. Download from Amazon for 77p.
Former London City minister nominated for top US church role
A former Free Church minister in London is expected to be called as senior minister of one of the biggest Presbyterian congregations in America. Rev David Strain, who studied at the Free Church College in Edinburgh and pastored the London City congregation for five years, has been unanimously recommended to the post at the 2,100-member First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Mississippi by its Kirk Session. Mr Strain is expected to follow in the footsteps of Ligon Duncan.
New edition of Free out now
The April/May edition of Free magazine is now available. This issue has an interview with a Christian vet, and also a feature on the pitfalls of superstition.
Trotternish spring mission
We give thanks for the attendance at the Trotternish Spring Mission event on Sunday. Around 100 people came along to the special praise evening.
Thanks from FCYC kitchen
A huge thank you to the volunteers who got in touch after last week’s appeal for kitchen helpers at the youth conference. We are pleased that three extra people can help the team. Please remember to pray for those involved with the conference, which runs from 21-23 March.
Sexual temptation – Proverbs 7
Coatbridge minister Rev Ivor MacDonald has written a helpful guide for those struggling with sexual temptation. Based on a sermon on Proverbs 7, it can be read on the Free Church website.
Diary
Services today:
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 8:1-11 – A Woman’s Tale
5:00pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Evening Worship – 1 Samuel 25 – Another Woman’s Tale
Mid-week meetings & events:
Tuesday, 12:oo-1:30pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Mustard Seed Cafe
Wednesday, 7:00pm @ Sleat – Weekly Bible Study
Next Lord’s Day
11:00am @ Sleat – Morning Worship – John 8:12-30 – “I am the light of the world”
3:30pm @ Kyleakin Free Church – Monthly Service
5:00pm @ Broadford Village Hall – Evening worship – 1 Samuel 27-31 – National Calamity
Notices
Duty rotas
Please collect a copy of the Sunday morning duty rotas as you leave.
Mustard Seed Cafe
The Mustard Seed Cafe resumes this Tuesday lunchtime. The Cafe tea are always on the lookout for people who might be willing to help, so please contact Carol (822 419) for a space on the roster.
Christianity Explored
It has been a while since we’ve had a CE group running, but there is now a concerted effort to begin a new group towards the end of January. If you are interested in coming yourself, or know someone who is, please speak to Gordon.
Finance Committee
The Finance committee will meet a week on Wednesday (22nd January), at 8:00pm, after the midweek meeting.
Gift Aid & Envelopes
New envelopes are available from Donald John (833 207). If you would like to Gift Aid your givings, please ask for a form to do so. This enables us to claim about 20% more from your donations if you are a tax payer.
Discipleship Explored
DE is a follow up course to Christianity Explored, designed with people who want to go on in the faith after CE in mind. It introduces many key Biblical teachings about the benefits Christians have because of their faith and connection with Christ.
This course would really benefit people who have recently been converted, whether in membership or not. Please think about this – again, we hope to have this ready to run towards the end of January, or into February.
Denominational News
Rev David Randall accepts Falkirk call
On Tuesday night (7 January) Rev David Randall accepted a call to be the next minister of Falkirk Free Church. The 42-year-old arrives with his wife Linnea and four children from Newmilns in Ayrshire. Mr Randall had been a Church of Scotland minister, but left due to the denomination’s continued departure from the Bible on various issues. Falkirk has been without a minister since May, when Rev Norman Mackay left to establish a new church group in Govan, Glasgow. An induction date will be announced soon.
Tain manse family to feature on TV documentary
A former BBC producer is to feature in a fly-on-the-wall documentary looking at the role of the minister’s wife in Scottish churches. Mairi MacAulay, who is married to Tain and Fearn Free Church minister Rev Alasdair MacAulay, is one of three wives featuring on the special series on BBC Alba. For the past 18 months a camera crew have been following the MacAulays from Alasdair’s completion of his studies for the ministry to the nitty gritty of parish life in Easter Ross. The first episode is on Friday (10 January) at 8.30pm, and will be available afterwards to watch on BBC iPlayer for seven days.
Prayer request for work of Home Missions Board
The chairman of the Home Missions Board (HMB) Rev Derek Lamont is taking a one-month sabbatical from the St Columba’s congregation in Edinburgh to focus on the work of the wider Free Church. The HMB’s remit encompasses ministry matters like redevelopment and church extension charges, finance and youth work. Please pray for wisdom as the HMB works with Presbyteries to produce plans for the way ahead given the spiritual needs of the nation and the financial limitations the Free Church faces as it matches expenditure to income.
Royalty expected at Free Church General Assembly
Prince Edward will be Her Majesty The Queen’s representative at the 2014 General Assembly, it has been announced. Although the Earl of Wessex will primarily be involved with the Church of Scotland’s Assembly across the road at New College, it is expected that he will make a short address to the Free Church General Assembly which meets in St Columba’s Free Church at the top of the Royal Mile on Johnston Terrace. It is the first time that Prince Edward has been the Lord High Commissioner – last year it was Baron Selkirk of Douglas. The General Assembly runs from 19-23 May.
