Kinlochleven Church - the next service is on Sunday, 26 May at 10.00 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear Including voting for Kinlochleven Church to become part of South Lochaber Church.
Duror Church - the next service is on Sunday 26 May at 10.30 am led by the Rev. Marion Kinnear.
Nether Lochaber Church - the next service is on Sunday 2 June at 11.30 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear including Voting for a new "Union" with Kinlochleven Church.
St. Munda's Church - the next service is on Sunday 2 June at 10.30 am in the Shinty Pavilion led by the Rev. Marion Kinnear.
South Lochaber Parish : Bible Study - Tuesday 28 May at 10.45 am in Jeremy's home - led by Tony.
Kinlochleven : Bible Study - Tuesday 21 May at 7.00 pm, led by Rev. Malcolm Kinnear on the theme of "Pentecost."
Sunday 19 May 2024 Kinlochleven & South Lochaber Churches available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/uvtXieZ7kvA
Opening Verse ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22)
Hymn
All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
"Alleluia! Alleluia!"
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav'n along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
ye lights of ev'ning, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Prayer O God send your Spirit, ignite in us holy fire; strengthen us with the gift of faith, and revive your Church again, in Jesus name, Amen.
Bible Reading Acts 2:1-12 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? How is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs, we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” They asked “What does this all mean?”
Message Sudden gusts of wind can strike across our lochs. In 1877 the famous Nether Lochaber recalled one such event at South Corran. The large ferry boat used for carrying cattle, horses and carriages which belonged to Mr Thomas Maclean was suddenly raised up from the water and whirled round in the air, until it fell down again.
The coming of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost involved a sound that was like a whirlwind, and tongues of fire. This was a miraculous event that was a sign that God had come in power, to fulfil a promise. The Spirit came and it was the start of the church. The disciples were enabled to declare the Christian message in other languages.
This teaches us about the glory of languages. The confusion of tongues from the tower of Babel incident in the book of Genesis was a negative thing. Pentecost shows that the languages of the world can be used for the glory of God. Many people enjoy learning a language.
It is also about internationalism. The church’s mission and our faith are enriched when we are involved with the world church. Soon our mission partners from Zambia will be spending time with us. When the world is so divided, including Israel and the Arab nations, the day of Pentecost allows us to glimpse and hope for something better.
Pentecost is about unity. The Spirit came when the disciples were together and had been worshipping and praising God. God blesses his church when we worship and remain together, as one.
Pentecostal fire is cleansing and refining. We need cleansing and refining for our souls. We need this for the Church too and for society, to purge us from decline into decadence and unchristian ways.
Pentecost is being open to divine inspiration. Worshippers are inspired, motivated, equipped, strengthened by the Spirit. This is about being wrought upon and drawn into Christ and the Church. We can pray to be led, filled, strengthened by the Spirit. This may involve the gift of tongues, one of the Spirit’s gifts. I firmly believe that God wants to give this gift to people as a way of helping us offer powerful prayer and praise. It is one aspect of how God revives and renews his church.
Prayer Loving God you sent the Holy Spirit opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal. Open our lips by your Spirit, that every tongue may tell of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.