Week beginning: Sunday 21st June 2020

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                              FATHER’S DAY

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                              NEWSLETTER

 

Dear friends,

 

We are starting to see some easing of the lockdown rules.  As well as hosting friends and families in our gardens, people who have been living alone are now being allowed to become part of “extended household groups” and folk who have been shielding are now allowed outdoors for exercise. 

 

These are welcome changes and will no doubt have resulted in some precious reunions.

 

Unfortunately, a reunion of our church family does not seem to be on the immediate horizon.  There is talk of churches being allowed to open for individuals to use the sanctuaries for a private, reflective prayer time however, the government guidelines are clear that worship services are not yet allowed.

 

Restrictions are still in place for those aged over 70 and for those who are shielding but we await with anticipation more changes that would see us worshipping together again.  Leaders of the Church of Scotland along with other religious groups are liaising with the Government and will be informing the local churches if/when we have the go-ahead to gather together.

 

The Kirk Session will be meeting next week via Zoom and no doubt this topic will be discussed in full!

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In the meantime during lockdown many of us have been catching up on repeats of favourite television programmes, classic films and box sets of various series we have had recommended to us.

 

One series we would strongly recommend is called The Chosen.  It is available for free on Youtube.

 

The Chosen is a 2017 television drama based on the life of Jesus.  The series' creators stated that they had hoped to distinguish the new series from previous portrayals of Jesus by crafting a multi-season, episode-based story.  The series portrays Jesus "through the eyes of those who met him" and allows something of a back story into the lives of Jesus disciples before they had encountered him.  Each episode (there are 8 in total) is around 45 minute long with an introduction and after show chat from the director. 

It is a fascinating insight into the lives of what were ordinary people living in extraordinary times.  We would be interested to know what you think of this series and if perhaps it has given you a different perspective on the life and times of Jesus.

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Please do get in touch with Douglas, Naomi or Kirsteen to share anything new that is going on with you, whether it is new ways that you feel God is leading you, encouraging dreams that you are having or new ways that you have found to enter into God’s presence and know his peace in these chaotic times.

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Of course, many are strugling in a number of ways and as ever, please remember that the ministry team are available for a chat, always in the strictest confidence.  You may be feeling lonely but know that you are not alone.  Simply being able to listen, comfort and pray with you if desired would be a privilege.

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Again, we want to mark the times of celebration in the lives of our church family members.

Congratulations to Kirsty McIntosh who celebrated her 35th birthday on Saturday, 20th June. Many happy returns, Kirsty!

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