Previous letters
Dear all,
Dear all,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
It is apparently 400 years since the pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower and landed in what is now the USA. And it was 400 years that the Hebrews spent in captivity in Egypt, it surely must have got to the stage for them that they just accepted that that was the way things were, and always would be.
It is apparently 400 years since the pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower and landed in what is now the USA. And it was 400 years that the Hebrews spent in captivity in Egypt, it surely must have got to the stage for them that they just accepted that that was the way things were, and always would be.
And it would be so easy, in our own lives to think that the way we are just now is the way that it is always going to be, that it is impossible to make change in the way we are, we become used to the habits and routines that make us the way we. Sometimes we think that change is too difficult a mountain to scale.
And it would be so easy, in our own lives to think that the way we are just now is the way that it is always going to be, that it is impossible to make change in the way we are, we become used to the habits and routines that make us the way we. Sometimes we think that change is too difficult a mountain to scale.
In a measure we see that in these times too. Over the past weeks of lockdown we have become used to it, we have got into a routine, and in some respects it is easy to think this is the way it is always going to be. Not so. We can climb over this mountain, we can escape from the captivity that presently enslaves us, with patience and endurance that we have in us, we can make it out the other side.
In a measure we see that in these times too. Over the past weeks of lockdown we have become used to it, we have got into a routine, and in some respects it is easy to think this is the way it is always going to be. Not so. We can climb over this mountain, we can escape from the captivity that presently enslaves us, with patience and endurance that we have in us, we can make it out the other side.
In Exodus 12: 9 – 11 we have the Passover meal discussed – the food they are to eat, the way they are to dress, and be ready to go, to escape from the slavery to the promised land. The pilgrims on the Mayflower too, were setting off on a long, long journey to a place that they saw as having for them a whole new start.
In Exodus 12: 9 – 11 we have the Passover meal discussed – the food they are to eat, the way they are to dress, and be ready to go, to escape from the slavery to the promised land. The pilgrims on the Mayflower too, were setting off on a long, long journey to a place that they saw as having for them a whole new start.
And Jesus offers us that whole new start, from wherever we are, he wants us, in the words of the hymn – “Will you come and follow me”.
And Jesus offers us that whole new start, from wherever we are, he wants us, in the words of the hymn – “Will you come and follow me”.
Are we ready to follow him, are we dressed and ready to go, when we eventually get out of this situation that we find ourselves in at the moment.
Are we ready to follow him, are we dressed and ready to go, when we eventually get out of this situation that we find ourselves in at the moment.
Every blessing to you all
Every blessing to you all
Bill Skene
Bill Skene
17th May 2020
17th May 2020
Dear all,
Dear all,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
This week would of course have been, in normal circumstance, the time when our church would have had its General Assembly in Edinburgh, but of course unable to happen this year, with the installation of the new Moderator being conducted in a “virtual” ceremony.
This week would of course have been, in normal circumstance, the time when our church would have had its General Assembly in Edinburgh, but of course unable to happen this year, with the installation of the new Moderator being conducted in a “virtual” ceremony.
It points us to the times of change which are coming to us, and indeed we are seeing that during these days, when we are seeing different ways of doing ‘church’ even if we are not in the building that we would know as ‘church’, and some of these different ways are in the list at the bottom of the page, where you can tune in, and still worship. One of these links takes you to the service provided by Richard Baxter, and of course we have the home worship materials which have been delivered to you; both different ways of worshipping that are a bit of change from what we are used to.
It points us to the times of change which are coming to us, and indeed we are seeing that during these days, when we are seeing different ways of doing ‘church’ even if we are not in the building that we would know as ‘church’, and some of these different ways are in the list at the bottom of the page, where you can tune in, and still worship. One of these links takes you to the service provided by Richard Baxter, and of course we have the home worship materials which have been delivered to you; both different ways of worshipping that are a bit of change from what we are used to.
We were so used to walking up the street and meeting someone we know, and asking them how “how are you getting on?” Just now we are having to do that over the phone or online, and we exchange our news of what is happening in our lives, the changes that are taking place. There is a Facebook that is very popular just now called Fort William Memories, with lots of photographs of the town and the surrounding area from years past, with many comments about the people that are in the pictures. But in the street scenes we can see just how the area has changed over the years. Amazing is the transformation in the town.
We were so used to walking up the street and meeting someone we know, and asking them how “how are you getting on?” Just now we are having to do that over the phone or online, and we exchange our news of what is happening in our lives, the changes that are taking place. There is a Facebook that is very popular just now called Fort William Memories, with lots of photographs of the town and the surrounding area from years past, with many comments about the people that are in the pictures. But in the street scenes we can see just how the area has changed over the years. Amazing is the transformation in the town.
In Ephesians 4: 22 – 24, it speaks of the change that Jesus can bring into our lives.
In Ephesians 4: 22 – 24, it speaks of the change that Jesus can bring into our lives.
Of course, we need not be afraid of change if the change that he brings to us is for the better, or are we comfortable with where we are right now? Are we comfortable with how we are responding to his influence in our life? Or maybe we should ask him what changes he want to make in us.
Of course, we need not be afraid of change if the change that he brings to us is for the better, or are we comfortable with where we are right now? Are we comfortable with how we are responding to his influence in our life? Or maybe we should ask him what changes he want to make in us.
Every blessing to you all
Every blessing to you all
Bill Skene
Bill Skene
8th May 2020
8th May 2020
Dear all,
Dear all,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
These past few days I have been reading a bit of Matthew’s gospel. You know, that Matthew who was the tax collector, but who became a disciple of Jesus.
These past few days I have been reading a bit of Matthew’s gospel. You know, that Matthew who was the tax collector, but who became a disciple of Jesus.
Here was this man who had spent his working life taking hard-earned money from people. Nobody liked the tax collectors for mercilessly extorting money from folk, their own neighbours and communities, and there was a big penalty, a surcharge added if they couldn’t pay at the required time. But now here is this guy, and everything has changed, opening his heart to Jesus. Meeting Jesus has transformed the man.
Here was this man who had spent his working life taking hard-earned money from people. Nobody liked the tax collectors for mercilessly extorting money from folk, their own neighbours and communities, and there was a big penalty, a surcharge added if they couldn’t pay at the required time. But now here is this guy, and everything has changed, opening his heart to Jesus. Meeting Jesus has transformed the man.
Here is a man, probably liked by nobody in the community, whom God can use, regardless of the past, showing us that he can and will use the gifts and talents that were in us from way before we met Jesus, the gifts and talents that we might consider are absolutely no use to our Lord. He knows what he is going to be calling us to do, He can use those skills we have in some other way.
Here is a man, probably liked by nobody in the community, whom God can use, regardless of the past, showing us that he can and will use the gifts and talents that were in us from way before we met Jesus, the gifts and talents that we might consider are absolutely no use to our Lord. He knows what he is going to be calling us to do, He can use those skills we have in some other way.
Now, what is the talent that he has given to you, that is just right there waiting to be allowed out of the box? Yes, we are pretty constrained in what we can be doing just now, but even in a limited way, even now, we can still be using those skills and talents for Him.
Now, what is the talent that he has given to you, that is just right there waiting to be allowed out of the box? Yes, we are pretty constrained in what we can be doing just now, but even in a limited way, even now, we can still be using those skills and talents for Him.
Every blessing to you all
Every blessing to you all
Bill Skene
Bill Skene
1st May 2020
1st May 2020
Dear all,
Dear all,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
I was reading something else entirely when it referenced Ezekiel and the valley of the dry bones, you know the one – where the bones start rattling and come back to life.
I was reading something else entirely when it referenced Ezekiel and the valley of the dry bones, you know the one – where the bones start rattling and come back to life.
We find Ezekiel – knowing that, conscious that “the hand of the Lord was upon me”
We find Ezekiel – knowing that, conscious that “the hand of the Lord was upon me”
Ezekiel told to prophesy in amongst the valley full of dry bones, which he did, and the bones came to life.
Ezekiel told to prophesy in amongst the valley full of dry bones, which he did, and the bones came to life.
And the Lord’s hand can be on us too, and we can be conscious of it.
And the Lord’s hand can be on us too, and we can be conscious of it.
And we think of this time that we are all going through, time when we are confined pretty much to home, having contact with one another on the phone or on Facetime, or some other means of speaking with folk, but all our activities that we were so involved with are shut down for the moment. A seeming lack of life beyond our walls.
And we think of this time that we are all going through, time when we are confined pretty much to home, having contact with one another on the phone or on Facetime, or some other means of speaking with folk, but all our activities that we were so involved with are shut down for the moment. A seeming lack of life beyond our walls.
But it won’t always be so, and life will be breathed back into our community, in the fullness of time, we will be able to enjoy the fellowship with one another once more, the seeming dry bones of our existence at the moment will be replaced with the community life that we knew until a few weeks ago.
But it won’t always be so, and life will be breathed back into our community, in the fullness of time, we will be able to enjoy the fellowship with one another once more, the seeming dry bones of our existence at the moment will be replaced with the community life that we knew until a few weeks ago.
And same in our own lives, where, added on to the issues of the pandemic there are people around us who are going through difficult times, and sometimes we might wonder how that is all going to work out. We must trust in our Lord, as Ezekiel trusted in Him, trust in him for the new sense of life that we all hope for in every difficult situation. Our hope is not gone, we wait for our Lord.
And same in our own lives, where, added on to the issues of the pandemic there are people around us who are going through difficult times, and sometimes we might wonder how that is all going to work out. We must trust in our Lord, as Ezekiel trusted in Him, trust in him for the new sense of life that we all hope for in every difficult situation. Our hope is not gone, we wait for our Lord.
Every blessing to you all
Every blessing to you all
Bill Skene
Bill Skene
19th April 2020
19th April 2020
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
As we continue with Lockdown, confined to our own homes except for essential visits to shops or a bit of exercise, we find ourselves in this spell of lovely weather (at the time or writing), and how beautiful it is to see the Ben in all its splendour, no cloud on the top and still the remnants of snow clinging to it. We have clear blue skies and, for a couple of days at least not a cloud to be seen. The birds are singing, making themselves known, and even some seagulls visiting inland looking for a food parcel because the supply of chips in Mallaig has gone!
As we continue with Lockdown, confined to our own homes except for essential visits to shops or a bit of exercise, we find ourselves in this spell of lovely weather (at the time or writing), and how beautiful it is to see the Ben in all its splendour, no cloud on the top and still the remnants of snow clinging to it. We have clear blue skies and, for a couple of days at least not a cloud to be seen. The birds are singing, making themselves known, and even some seagulls visiting inland looking for a food parcel because the supply of chips in Mallaig has gone!
Of course it will be frustrating not being able to go about our normal business at this time, yet the car has never been cleaner, the house never been tidier, and the lockdown is likely to be in place for another three weeks at least, so a lot of patience will be needed. Are we good at exercising patience?
Of course it will be frustrating not being able to go about our normal business at this time, yet the car has never been cleaner, the house never been tidier, and the lockdown is likely to be in place for another three weeks at least, so a lot of patience will be needed. Are we good at exercising patience?
My mind turned to those in the bible who had to show a lot of patience, thinking of the likes of Abraham and Sarah, who longed for a child but had to wait years for it to happen. Think of the Israelites, released from captivity in Egypt and led by Moses to the promised land, and who had to wander around for forty years because of their disobedience before they got there.
My mind turned to those in the bible who had to show a lot of patience, thinking of the likes of Abraham and Sarah, who longed for a child but had to wait years for it to happen. Think of the Israelites, released from captivity in Egypt and led by Moses to the promised land, and who had to wander around for forty years because of their disobedience before they got there.
Or all the years that people had waited for the promised Messiah to be born.
Or all the years that people had waited for the promised Messiah to be born.
Lots of examples, so if these different people can exercise that kind of patience then, with His strength, and His example, with Christ beside us in our homes, then we can see the other end of this pandemic. He is our hope, and we can endure, we can succeed, praise be to Him.
Lots of examples, so if these different people can exercise that kind of patience then, with His strength, and His example, with Christ beside us in our homes, then we can see the other end of this pandemic. He is our hope, and we can endure, we can succeed, praise be to Him.
Every blessing to you all
Every blessing to you all
Bill Skene
Bill Skene
ps
ps
Just to remind you –
Just to remind you –
Tom Gordon does a daily Thought for the Day, and these can be found at:
Tom Gordon does a daily Thought for the Day, and these can be found at:
https://swallowsnestnet.wordpress.com/
https://swallowsnestnet.wordpress.com/
Worship services can be found at
Worship services can be found at
https://youtu.be/ZfA1dvyEY0E - this is Richard Baxter’s weekly service from Duncansburgh MacIntosh
https://youtu.be/ZfA1dvyEY0E - this is Richard Baxter’s weekly service from Duncansburgh MacIntosh
Church of Scotland - https://churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship-video
Church of Scotland - https://churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship-video
and the BBC Scotland have a programme on Sunday morning called
and the BBC Scotland have a programme on Sunday morning called
Reflections From The Quay
Reflections From The Quay
10th April
10th April
Dear all,
Dear all,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
And so we find ourselves at Easter, and surely the weirdest Easter that any of us have so far encountered, and no doubt for some of us this will be a very difficult Easter, even beyond the annoyances and frustrations of Lockdown.
And so we find ourselves at Easter, and surely the weirdest Easter that any of us have so far encountered, and no doubt for some of us this will be a very difficult Easter, even beyond the annoyances and frustrations of Lockdown.
Normally, of course, we would have been following the Easter story through from Palm Sunday to Good Friday, and thinking of the death of Christ, then on Sunday to be able to rejoice at the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection, rejoice too at the wonderful prospect that this brings for us.
Normally, of course, we would have been following the Easter story through from Palm Sunday to Good Friday, and thinking of the death of Christ, then on Sunday to be able to rejoice at the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection, rejoice too at the wonderful prospect that this brings for us.
Well, having been able to get out to the garden recently because of Lockdown, I have encountered a few caterpillars around the place. The life cycle of the caterpillar-butterfly is commonly used as a metaphor for the resurrection.
Well, having been able to get out to the garden recently because of Lockdown, I have encountered a few caterpillars around the place. The life cycle of the caterpillar-butterfly is commonly used as a metaphor for the resurrection.
It speaks of the transformation from life on earth (as a caterpillar), death (the chrysalis – not really dead, of course, but it looks like it is), and rising to a new and unfettered life (the butterfly) – just as Jesus lived on earth, died on the cross and became alive again, but in a new and different way.
It speaks of the transformation from life on earth (as a caterpillar), death (the chrysalis – not really dead, of course, but it looks like it is), and rising to a new and unfettered life (the butterfly) – just as Jesus lived on earth, died on the cross and became alive again, but in a new and different way.
The story is told of someone who, seeing the great struggle that a butterfly had to get itself free of the chrysalis, helped it along, removing some of the parts that held it captive. But when it finally emerged the butterfly had difficulty in flying – it wasn’t strong enough. The struggle was a necessary part of its transformation; it helped it build strength into its wings.
The story is told of someone who, seeing the great struggle that a butterfly had to get itself free of the chrysalis, helped it along, removing some of the parts that held it captive. But when it finally emerged the butterfly had difficulty in flying – it wasn’t strong enough. The struggle was a necessary part of its transformation; it helped it build strength into its wings.
Perhaps there is a lesson here, that not all pain and struggle is to be avoided. – it is sometimes necessary. Is there a message here for us in this time that we are going through?
Perhaps there is a lesson here, that not all pain and struggle is to be avoided. – it is sometimes necessary. Is there a message here for us in this time that we are going through?
Jesus overcame pain and suffering, and death itself, in order that we might be set free to a new way of living.
Jesus overcame pain and suffering, and death itself, in order that we might be set free to a new way of living.
Because of the resurrection, because Jesus came back to them – and because they received his Spirit – those first disciples were released from grief and pain and sorrow, and learned to live a transformed life.
Because of the resurrection, because Jesus came back to them – and because they received his Spirit – those first disciples were released from grief and pain and sorrow, and learned to live a transformed life.
So transformed that, very soon, they couldn’t stop telling people about it.
So transformed that, very soon, they couldn’t stop telling people about it.
Because of the resurrection, because, by his Spirit, Jesus is here with us now, we too can be transformed. We can have the new life that Jesus offers. It is a life of forgiveness, and the healing of hurts. It is a life of freedom to become the people that God intends us to be. It is a life of joy and peace. It is the life of resurrection people.
Because of the resurrection, because, by his Spirit, Jesus is here with us now, we too can be transformed. We can have the new life that Jesus offers. It is a life of forgiveness, and the healing of hurts. It is a life of freedom to become the people that God intends us to be. It is a life of joy and peace. It is the life of resurrection people.
May the peace of God rest on you now and always.
May the peace of God rest on you now and always.
Bill Skene
Bill Skene
ps
ps
Just to remind you –
Just to remind you –
Tom Gordon does a daily Thought for the Day, and these can be found at:
Tom Gordon does a daily Thought for the Day, and these can be found at:
https://swallowsnestnet.wordpress.com/
https://swallowsnestnet.wordpress.com/
Worship services can be found at
Worship services can be found at
Duncansburgh MacIntosh’s Facebook page;
Duncansburgh MacIntosh’s Facebook page;
Church of Scotland - https://churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship-video
Church of Scotland - https://churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship-video
and the BBC Scotland have a programme on Sunday morning called
and the BBC Scotland have a programme on Sunday morning called
Reflections From The Quay
Reflections From The Quay
April 1st 2020
April 1st 2020
Dear all,
Dear all,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord, our Saviour.
The world over the virus seems to be taking a grip, and daily we hear reports of the devastating effects of it in various ways.
The world over the virus seems to be taking a grip, and daily we hear reports of the devastating effects of it in various ways.
In Isaiah 64: 1 it says, “Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down!” Clearly there was an air of desperation and despair in the prophet’s words, apparently because of religious decline and military defeat, and in the situation that the world faces just now we could easily get into a mood of despair about it all, just as we might despair about the decline in faith that we see in the world. We see many falling away, their faith becoming feeble, but then we remember that the God we worship is not only great, mighty and merciful but also unchangeable, as we find in Hebrews 13:8 where it says that in Christ, he is “the same, yesterday, today and forever”. As he got the people of those days, the days of Isaiah’s despair, through the travails of their time so He will get us through these days too. And that is tremendous news.
In Isaiah 64: 1 it says, “Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down!” Clearly there was an air of desperation and despair in the prophet’s words, apparently because of religious decline and military defeat, and in the situation that the world faces just now we could easily get into a mood of despair about it all, just as we might despair about the decline in faith that we see in the world. We see many falling away, their faith becoming feeble, but then we remember that the God we worship is not only great, mighty and merciful but also unchangeable, as we find in Hebrews 13:8 where it says that in Christ, he is “the same, yesterday, today and forever”. As he got the people of those days, the days of Isaiah’s despair, through the travails of their time so He will get us through these days too. And that is tremendous news.
We give thanks to God, that he will lead us if we trust in Him, He will renew and restore us, yes he will build us up once more, he has not abandoned us. The day will come when we can get out and about again, freely visiting our friends and relatives, when the shops will have plenty stock in them, when all the activities we enjoyed will be open to us again. Trust in Him, he will see us through.
We give thanks to God, that he will lead us if we trust in Him, He will renew and restore us, yes he will build us up once more, he has not abandoned us. The day will come when we can get out and about again, freely visiting our friends and relatives, when the shops will have plenty stock in them, when all the activities we enjoyed will be open to us again. Trust in Him, he will see us through.
Online Sunday services from Richard Baxter of FW Duncansburgh MacIntosh – you can get into that by going to https://youtu.be/1P__i1SRQTM
Online Sunday services from Richard Baxter of FW Duncansburgh MacIntosh – you can get into that by going to https://youtu.be/1P__i1SRQTM
Or you could go to - www.lochaber.presbytery.org.uk/digital-church
Or you could go to - www.lochaber.presbytery.org.uk/digital-church
There are various churches listed there and you could tune in to them.
There are various churches listed there and you could tune in to them.
Or, from the Church of Scotland’s site there’s a whole list of churches the length and breadth of Scotland – www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/services-online
Or, from the Church of Scotland’s site there’s a whole list of churches the length and breadth of Scotland – www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/services-online
And BBC Scotland have a “Reflections From The Quay” service going out on a Sunday morning.
And BBC Scotland have a “Reflections From The Quay” service going out on a Sunday morning.
And here, also, is a Thought for the Day from the Rev Tom Gordon, and we thank him for allowing us to use it.
And here, also, is a Thought for the Day from the Rev Tom Gordon, and we thank him for allowing us to use it.
Words
Words
“I like good strong words that mean something …”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
It’s hard to explain to someone who doesn’t like crosswords where a lasting passion for cryptic crossword puzzles comes from - the frisson of excitement when faced with a blank grid; the sudden shout of “Yes!” when a devilish clue’s been solved; sitting with an unfinished crossword for an entire morning; elaborating on how anagrams are constructed; describing the tortuous techniques of a compiler. If that makes you suspect I’m a cryptic crossword fanatic, you would be absolutely right. In these times of ‘lock-down’, I’m trying to have a routine for my day: breakfast and catching up with the News; a morning in my study, writing, preparing a Thought for the Day and the like; and the afternoon with the cryptic crossword from the Guardian website – God bless them! – only interrupted by a walk with the dog or a gentle run. Each day is filled with words – written; in emails; spoken; listened to; read; thought about; and, best of all, cryptic words from the twisted brains of the Guardian’s Pasquale, Vulcan, Imogen, Paul, Brummie and many others. What words will matter to you today? Sorry? Thank you? Hello? I love you? You don’t need a cryptic compiler for these, or to explain them, or justify them, or describe them, or twist them into shape. But you can still be excited by them. After all, for the blank page of the day that lies ahead, who needs cryptic clues to fill in the words that really matter?
It’s hard to explain to someone who doesn’t like crosswords where a lasting passion for cryptic crossword puzzles comes from - the frisson of excitement when faced with a blank grid; the sudden shout of “Yes!” when a devilish clue’s been solved; sitting with an unfinished crossword for an entire morning; elaborating on how anagrams are constructed; describing the tortuous techniques of a compiler. If that makes you suspect I’m a cryptic crossword fanatic, you would be absolutely right. In these times of ‘lock-down’, I’m trying to have a routine for my day: breakfast and catching up with the News; a morning in my study, writing, preparing a Thought for the Day and the like; and the afternoon with the cryptic crossword from the Guardian website – God bless them! – only interrupted by a walk with the dog or a gentle run. Each day is filled with words – written; in emails; spoken; listened to; read; thought about; and, best of all, cryptic words from the twisted brains of the Guardian’s Pasquale, Vulcan, Imogen, Paul, Brummie and many others. What words will matter to you today? Sorry? Thank you? Hello? I love you? You don’t need a cryptic compiler for these, or to explain them, or justify them, or describe them, or twist them into shape. But you can still be excited by them. After all, for the blank page of the day that lies ahead, who needs cryptic clues to fill in the words that really matter?
A prayer for today
A prayer for today
God of the living Word, help me to listen to what you would say to me today; when I hear you, help me put my words into the page of my life correctly; when I don’t hear you, let me ponder what you might be saying; and when I’m stuck with a clue, let me wait with patience till your inspiration comes. Amen.
God of the living Word, help me to listen to what you would say to me today; when I hear you, help me put my words into the page of my life correctly; when I don’t hear you, let me ponder what you might be saying; and when I’m stuck with a clue, let me wait with patience till your inspiration comes. Amen.
An original reflection ©Tom Gordon 2020
An original reflection ©Tom Gordon 2020
Every blessing to you,
Every blessing to you,
Bill Skene,
Bill Skene,
Interim Moderator.
Interim Moderator.
March 25th 2020
March 25th 2020
Dear all,
Dear all,
We have had our first Sunday of the church not being open for worship, and no doubt you felt, like me, that it was a most peculiar feeling to have that gap in the weekly routine.
We have had our first Sunday of the church not being open for worship, and no doubt you felt, like me, that it was a most peculiar feeling to have that gap in the weekly routine.
With the situation changing daily, we now find ourselves very much more constrained in our freedom of movement, with going out restricted to absolute necessity. So, I hope that you are managing to keep in touch with family and friends, and neighbours too by other means, please make sure that you keep in touch with somebody.
With the situation changing daily, we now find ourselves very much more constrained in our freedom of movement, with going out restricted to absolute necessity. So, I hope that you are managing to keep in touch with family and friends, and neighbours too by other means, please make sure that you keep in touch with somebody.
We have also been told that when it comes to funerals that we will no longer be allowed to have them in the church building, and that any gathering will be for a small group of immediate family, such is the risk from the virus.
We have also been told that when it comes to funerals that we will no longer be allowed to have them in the church building, and that any gathering will be for a small group of immediate family, such is the risk from the virus.
As previously mentioned, the service of Union to create Fort William Kilmallie has meantime been delayed, and I am expecting that there will be phone or online discussions across Presbytery, but nothing major is going to happen until we see light at the end of the tunnel we are in at present.
As previously mentioned, the service of Union to create Fort William Kilmallie has meantime been delayed, and I am expecting that there will be phone or online discussions across Presbytery, but nothing major is going to happen until we see light at the end of the tunnel we are in at present.
As you know, the main concern just now is for the health and well-being of all those who have a connection with the congregation in whatever way, and if you see a way in which we can take the initiative in showing the love and care which our faith encourages, then please share it. I am presently looking for other means of us taking part in worship, one of these being through the Facebook page of Fort William Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church where Richard Baxter put on a very helpful service, and on Youtube, Donald McCorkindale from the Ardgour, Kingairloch, Strontian and Morvern churches (AKSM) had a live service at 10am on Sunday – you may wish to tune into that.
As you know, the main concern just now is for the health and well-being of all those who have a connection with the congregation in whatever way, and if you see a way in which we can take the initiative in showing the love and care which our faith encourages, then please share it. I am presently looking for other means of us taking part in worship, one of these being through the Facebook page of Fort William Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church where Richard Baxter put on a very helpful service, and on Youtube, Donald McCorkindale from the Ardgour, Kingairloch, Strontian and Morvern churches (AKSM) had a live service at 10am on Sunday – you may wish to tune into that.
For the moment tho, I found the words of one of the verses of the hymn ‘Breathe on me, breath of God, where it says:
For the moment tho, I found the words of one of the verses of the hymn ‘Breathe on me, breath of God, where it says:
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my heart is pure,
until with you I will one will,
until with you I will one will,
to do and to endure.
to do and to endure.
It struck me that, in these days when we are so wary of the risk of infection from the coughs and sneezes of others that the breath of God would never do us any harm, our loving God would never do anything that would be bad for us. He is our loving God, loving us without end, loving us in every moment of every day. And we should love Him without question, even in these difficult times, loving Him, and following His ways, and enduring, as we must endure these peculiar times, doing his will and we will endure, and as we walk in faith with him we will come out of it all stronger in faith.
It struck me that, in these days when we are so wary of the risk of infection from the coughs and sneezes of others that the breath of God would never do us any harm, our loving God would never do anything that would be bad for us. He is our loving God, loving us without end, loving us in every moment of every day. And we should love Him without question, even in these difficult times, loving Him, and following His ways, and enduring, as we must endure these peculiar times, doing his will and we will endure, and as we walk in faith with him we will come out of it all stronger in faith.
Please take care of yourselves and one another.
Please take care of yourselves and one another.
Every blessing to you,
Every blessing to you,
Bill Skene,
Bill Skene,
Interim Moderator.
Interim Moderator.
Phone: 077 1718 3773
Phone: 077 1718 3773
e-mail: bill.skene@lochaber.presbytery.org.uk
e-mail: bill.skene@lochaber.presbytery.org.uk
March 19th 2020
March 19th 2020
Dear all,
As you will be aware, the Church of Scotland has now instructed all congregations to suspend Sunday morning services. We cannot tell how long this will last, but realistically it may be for an extended period, and we will inevitably miss the opportunity to gather together for worship over the coming weeks, and will notice the loss of fellowship that we enjoy in our times of worship.
We will be able to continue with funeral services, but probably with significantly reduced numbers of people attending.
Thinking about the Union to create Fort William Kilmallie Church, it is probably to our advantage that the first round of advertising for the post of Team Minister didn’t produce any applications, because it would be very hard to introduce a team member in a setting where there are no services, no activities and no option of visiting; we will re-advertise when the time is right. Presbytery, and General Assembly, are also suspended, so the Union and Linkage Service will also be delayed to a later date.
Some information and worship resources will be distributed to members and adherents so we each have something to use for worship in own situation meantime.
The key concerns are of course for the health and well-being of our congregation and community and for those who will find their livelihoods severely affected. We will aim to be alert to opportunities to help and serve wherever we can. It is also the case that in the absence of weekly offerings our own resources will be significantly stretched, and those people who choose to give by standing order will be of great importance to us just now.
I am conscious that on several occasions over the past few weeks, as part of the 2nd Talk, it has been mentioned that the Christian life is not one of ease and luxury, but that we continue to face problems. Well, here we are, in these days, facing what will be one of the biggest challenges that we, as individuals and as a church, will face, and yet we need not fear, for we remember that our Lord is with us through this time. We can continue our walk with him, confident of His presence every moment of every day.
Please keep well, take care of yourselves, stay in touch with one another by phone and email, and highlight any opportunities you spot for us to help and serve our community.
Best wishes to you all,
Bill Skene,
Interim Moderator
Phone: 077 1718 3773
e-mail: bill.skene@lochaber.presbytery.org.uk