Week beginning: Sunday 7th June 2020

 

                                TRINITY SUNDAY

                                                    

                                  NEWSLETTER

 

Hello again!

 

Another lockdown week has passed and we still don’t really know how many more online services and newsletters we will be producing.  We are so thankful for the internet and the ways that it helps us to stay connected with one another and gives us the ability to be able to explore other churches, online prayer meetings and housegroups.

 

But what about those whom we know who are not able to have this connection?  Lockdown itself is isolating and lonely on so many levels but being unable to join with other Christians on a Sunday for worship and fellowship is such a big miss for many, particularly the older members of our congregation.

 

One thing that has been encouraging is the number of different Christian worship services that are being screened on television.  It was particularly interesting to note that as well as the usual Songs of Praise type service and Reflections from the Quay, which has different speakers each week, last Sunday there was a service broadcast from Manchester dedicated to the celebration of Pentecost.  It is exciting to think of the numbers of people that one programme could reach, people who are unfamiliar with different expressions of worship and indeed may never have heard of Pentecost.

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The Church of Scotland, as well as many other denominations, encourages all Christians to join together in prayer at 7pm on a Sunday evening.  There is a set prayer printed on the Church of Scotland website each week (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/join-us-in-prayer-this-sunday-at-7pm) which is helpful as sometimes we find it hard to find the words when praying about Covid 19 but we would ask that you also continue to remember our church family in your prayers, particularly those living alone and those without internet access.

 

There have been many articles in the press recently about people having difficulty with their sleep patterns and a high number of people reporting that they are having more vivid dreams.

 

We hold on to the word from the prophet Joel that Peter quoted at Pentecost:

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams”

 

We were learning on the lead up to Pentecost, the importance of dreams and how essential it is not to simply dismiss them. God can speak to us through dreams in ways that encourage us and may bring encouragement to others.

If you have had any dreams in this season that you think may have a spiritual significance Douglas would love to hear from you.  We truly believe that we have entered a new era and God wants to pour out his blessing on all of his followers, not just the pastors and preachers!

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It may seem difficult to believe this at times, in the middle of a pandemic and especially as we watched with horror the death of George Floyd caused by a police officer and the ensuing riots all over the United States but we know that God is sovereign and He will make a way where there seems to be no way.  We pray that justice will be done in this situation, that the voices of those engaging in peaceful protests will be heard and that those who are committing crimes and causing division amongst the protestors will cease.

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

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Congratulations to Douglas Nicol who celebrated his 65th birthday on Friday, 5th June. Many Happy Returns, Douglas!

 

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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