PARISH CHURCH
NEWTONMORE
NEWSLETTER
LENT 2013
From the Minister’s Desk……………….
Lent begins this year on February 13th, so by our March communion, we will be well into our season of reflection. It had been my hope to hold a weekly evening Bible Study in Lent, as we did in Advent. but between the two churches of the linkage, and various Presbytery events at which I must be present, as Presbytery Clerk, there simply is not a consistent evening available. However, there is already a small group meeting in St. Bride's at 12.30 p.m. on a Monday, to pray for those who are ill. During Lent that time will be lengthened slightly to include a short time of meditation on Biblical texts. People from Laggan and Dalwhinnie will be most welcome - as they always are! There will also be a Lent devotional booklet available at church for you to take home and use with your personal prayers every day between Ash Wednesday (13th February) and Easter Saturday (March 31st).
With Easter being early again this year, it may be that we will see few signs of Spring much before the big day. Maybe that is not inappropriate. If winter seems to be going on a for a long time, even if it is getting you down a bit, why not take that as a pointer, to reflect on what life would be like without Easter. How much hope would we have, had Christ not returned from death, bringing God's promise of life for all who will follow him? Without Easter, how could we cope with the trials and troubles of life, had we not hope of God's love and power and presence with us? Without Easter, how could we properly savour the joys of life, knowing that they are part of God's good gift to us, and just a foretaste of what is to come?
Without the resurrection, Jesus' life would have been unmemorable and without purpose. But that is also true of our lives. So when Easter comes around again - soon - let us resolve to rejoice and celebrate with a good will!
Your Minister,
Catherine.
COMMUNION
The sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at our morning service, 11.15 a.m., on Sunday 3rd March. All followers of Christ are welcome to join us around the Lord's Table. There will be a retiring offering for the Red Cross
LOOKING AHEAD
Sunday February 24th Stated Annual General Meeting of St. Brides
Sunday February 24th Worship 11.15 a.m. Messy Church 4 p.m.
Friday March 1st World Day of Prayer, Kingussie church 2 p.m.
Sunday March 3rd Communion service
Sunday March 10th Minister away, Dr. Peter Buchan to lead worship
Wednesday March 13th Kosmos Ensemble give a concert in St. Bride's
Thursday March 14th Badenoch & Strathspey Music Festival in St. Bride's, adult evening, solos, choirs, instrumentalists
Saturday March 16th St. Bride's Coffee Morning/ Stewardship Day: 10.30 a.m.
Sunday March 24th Palm Sunday
Thursday March 28th Maundy Thursday Service - St. Bride's 7.30 p.m.
Friday March 29th Good Friday Service - Laggan 7.30 p.m.
Sunday March 31st Easter Day. Worship 11.15 a.m. Messy Church 4 p.m.
COFFEE MORNING/STEWARDSHIP DAY
We did not hold a church sale last summer, but instead are planning a coffee morning in the church on March 16th. There will be tea and coffee; baked goods; displays, static and moving; and a chance to talk with the treasurer about stewardship. Giving to the church is only part of what is meant by the stewardship of our resources, but it is an important part. So come along and bring your friends for a pleasant morning - 10.30-noon.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday March 1st is the World Day of Prayer. Praying together is an important part of being church, and this year we have agreed to meet with our friends in Kingussie. The service, prepared for us by Christian women of France, will be held at 2 p.m. in Kingussie parish church.
KOSMOS ENSEMBLE
The acclaimed Kosmos Ensemble take their name from the variety of world-wide music they play, are giving a concert at St. Bride's church on Wednesday 13th March at 7.30 p.m. This event is not part of the Badenoch & Strathspey Music Festival, but coincides with it nicely! It is not an evening to miss.
