Golspie - Free Church of Scotland: May 2006

Jennifer Port

Published Tuesday, May 30 by gfc.

While looking for Golspie web sites I came across this web page from Jennifer Port. She is well known for her clarsach playing (Scottish Harp). A visit to her web site would be well worth it.
<sample the music>
<link to site>

Baptism

Published Monday, May 29 by gfc.

..."as for me and my house we will serve the Lord"

It was a delight to have a baptism in the church on Sunday morning. It reminded us that God has a great interest in his people and that he makes provision for them at every stage.

The sermon spoke of what christian baptism isn't and then of what it is.

It is not a naming ceremony. (childs name is already registered with the authorities)

It is not a supersticious rite. (that if I don't do it 'bad luck' will come my way.)

It is not a backdoor into heaven. (There is only one door and that is through Jesus Christ and faith in him.)

It is for those for whom Jesus Christ is special. (This ties in particulary with his being crucified for our sin.)

It is for those who have transferred the title deeds of their lives over to him. (under new management and thankful for it)

Lord MacKay and the Presiding Officer
of the Scottish Parliament

Published Sunday, May 28 by gfc.

The following has been extracted from a report describing the visit of Lord Mackay and Mr George Reid (MSP) to the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland 2006)

"Lord Mackay then visited the Assembly and gave us a short address reminding us of the importance of the spiritual.

At the beginning of the afternoon session the Assembly was addressed by the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Mr George Reid (MSP). He spoke on the role of faith in Scottish society. (This was erudite, learned, stimulating and a great credit to Mr Reid – if he is representative of the SNP then I am voting nationalist next time!)."
click here

General Assembly Free church of Scotland 2006

Published Monday, May 22 by gfc.

This week sees the beginning of the 2006 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland. The Assembly is held in Edinburgh. Representative ministers and elders meet to hear reports from the church's committees and make any necessary decisions arising from them.

Monday Evening

Rev Alex MacDonald preaches the opening sermon. The theme of the sermon was two fold: 'bearing each others burdens' and 'bearing our own burdens' (Galations)' He went on to develop these themes in a theological and practical way.

Following the sermon the Rev Donnie Smith (Peru) was appointed Moderator of the General Assembly 2006.

Decision: Chruch committee to seek the view of presbyteries re greater representation of the church at General Assembly's. This would entail the usual appointments (1/3) and then the opportunity for others to attend and take part if they so wished.

<click here for more info on the 2006 Assembly.>

The Person We Often Forget!

Published Tuesday, May 16 by gfc.

One person who we often forget is God the Holy Spirt. It's not that we set out to do that. It's often just the way it is. No doubt there may be reasons put forward trying to explain our forgetfulness, however, I don't think any of them hold any water.

One person who the christian needs most - in this present age of God's timetable - is the Holy Spirit. This is not to say that Christ Jesus is not important. He is, for without him there is no salvation, no forgiveness of sins, and no hope of glory! But for the person who is believing in Jesus Christ there is also the added help of God the Holy Spirit in the here and now.

One person who is eminently qualified to help us.
- the author of spiritual life and understanding.
- the one who brings conviction of guilt. (what's good about that I here you say!)
- the one who speaks to us through what the bible says
- the one who helps us come to a place where we believe the bibles teaching: that Jesus Christ has died for our sins and that we can be forgiven through him. (amazing)
- the one who gives assurance in the heart that we belong to God's family and that we can call him Father.
the one who changes our old nature with a new one.
- the one who empowers the believer to be a witness ie power for living a new life and power to be able to speak to others what Jesus Christ has done for them.
- the one who is with us,in us, and who will never leave us.

Mairi Nakahashi

Published Wednesday, May 10 by gfc.

...a most
enjoyable, entertaining,
informative
evening with Mairi Nakahashi

A good crowd from East Sutherland congregations gathered in Golspie Free Church on 10th May to hear Mairi Nakahashi from Dingwall speak on life in Japan as the wife of a pastor in Kinomoto. Mairi gave a very positive account of the witness of the church, against a background of many difficulties. Although Japanese society is secular, the underlying ethos is overwhelmingly Buddhist/Shinto, and traditional practices continue "because things have always been done this way". The culture of hard work and duty affects the church - as an example, the minister is allowed only one free weekend per year. Mairi finds fulfilment in her family of six and in teaching English to adults and to children. In these classes it is possible, although not easy, to introduce the Bible by way of language study. She finds the value of prayer support incalculable.

Mairi Nakahashi - 7pm May 10th

Published Monday, May 1 by gfc.

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We look for ward to having Mairi Nakahashi speaking at our midweek meeting on Wednesday 10th May, 2006. Mairi will speak about the work she and her husband Osamu are involved in in Kumano, Japan. The meeting begins at 7pm in the church hall and all are welcome.

Golspie Free Church