Sun 24 May - Pentecost

HAPPY PENTECOST!

Today we mark the promised coming of the Holy Spirit to the followers of Jesus - and, in a sense, we celebrate the beginning, the ‘birth’ day of the church.

It’s one of the Sundays in the church calendar when we’re reminded of the power and mystery of God, of God who is both Creator of the universe and all things, as well as the God who knows each of our names.

We’re also reminded that we are all a part of something that is so much bigger than us: while we’re the church visible in this small 

corner of the earth, we’re also a part of the church that reaches all around the world; we are both a gathered, and a scattered people. As well as this, we belong to the church ‘invisible’ – 

all those who have walked in the footsteps of Jesus, down through the centuries who learnt about Jesus and passed the stories about him along to others. 

In all of that, so there’s the sense that to celebrate the day of Pentecost comes with more than a little bit of awesomeness – in the true meaning of the word: God mysterious and yet known, God unseen and yet seen in each one of us who are created in God’s image.

A prayer for Pentecost
Holy Spirit,

we pause in your presence,

aware that you do not arrive quietly or on our terms.

You move like wind:

unseen, uncontained, disturbing what has settled too easily.

You burn like fire:

not to destroy, but to refine,

to bring light where we have grown used to shadows.

Meet us here, in all our difference and expectation;

in our longing for clarity, and in our fear of what change might demand.

Slow us down enough to notice where you are already at work,

often ahead of our plans and beyond our control.

Loosen what has grown rigid.

Open what we have closed for safety’s sake.

Give us ears to hear your voice in unfamiliar accents and unsettling truths.

As we listen in this moment,

kindle in us a fire that does not rush to certainty but stays awake to compassion.

Let it shape our words, and our lives.

    ...   ...   ...

Renew us, remake and reshape us;

may we be braver in love,

wider in welcome,

and ready to follow wherever your Spirit leads.

Come, Holy Spirit.

Stay with us.

Move among us.

Make us alive.

Amen.       

On the 'birthday' theme for Pentecost, the fabulous Tabitha made us a Pentecost cake to share at morning tea. It went down well!! 

Thanks, Tabitha!   

Sun 10 May Christian Aid Week 'Good news'

It's Christian Aid Week and this was reflected in our time of worship. 

Our readings were:

Isaiah 61:1-8; Acts 17:16-31; and John 14:15-21 and we were thinking about the words 'good news'.

The Isaiah reading is a bit of a nod to our service last week, in which we went back to the beginnings of Jesus' ministry when he travelled to his home town of Nazareth. It's the first record of Jesus preaching and the text he chose to speak on was today's passage from the Book of Isaiah. The text itself is a manifesto of good news to the oppressed, the captives, the broken-hearted, prisoners, those who mourn - essentially, all who are struggling, whether because of systemic injustice or personal circumstance.
And the good news is that God is with them, God hears their cry; their struggles will end. Out of ruins will come restoration; peace will come; injustices will be righted.
Good news.
God will send one who is anointed, chosen, to not only bring the good news in word, but also through action.
In him, unjust structures will be overcome, as seen in v.8 ‘I the Lord, love justice and hate robbery and wrongdoing.’

To the devastated people of Israel, many of whom were living in captivity in Babylon, and having experienced the loss of home and most of what they had, Isaiah’s message is one of hope.

Of good news.

Jesus chooses this text to read out to those in the synagogue - it is his manifesto:

Isaiah is describing what Jesus is here to do.
But it goes beyond doing:

Jesus is the living embodiment of God's justice, love, and mercy.

He is the good news.

Which leads us to today's gospel passage, in which Jesus instructs them to love:

‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.'

This is a love that endures - for God is faithful.

Those who put their trust in God, those who follow Jesus' instruction to love, will never be orphaned.

As God loves, so too, God's people - the love is to be shared.

Which is something that Paul takes on in such a way, that he ends up travelling the best part of the then known world to share good news -

the good news of God’s love, found in the person of Jesus…

encouraging those who take in this message of love to heart to go and do likewise -

sharing love in both word and in action, and through doing this, transform the world around us.

Good news.

Sharing good news, sharing God’s love, is very much at the heart of what drives the work of Christian Aid. Imagination, sanctified by God's love, saw a very real problem in urban, overcrowded Nairobi and found a creative, life-giving way to share that love through the Beacon of Hope project. One person who has been helped is Fridah. Her story is here in the clip below:

Through this project, Fridah has learnt new skills that not only provides food for her family, but also a steady stream of income from selling what she grows - which helps to pay for schooling and other necessary living costs.

Good news.

What might we do in our own small corner of the world, as we put love into action?

After all, love can change the world, and in a world that's crying out for good news, so it is ours to share God's love - for God's love is the good news for the world.

Let's pray:

Gracious God, 

when we stand on the plains of uncertainty, 

with no path before us, we look to you. 

We remember what you have done before 

and our anxious hearts are comforted.  

Showing mercy, you delivered us then; 

in your love and faithfulness, you will do it again. 

Give us the strength to step forward in hope.  

Give us faith that changes us, 

hope that feeds us,  

love that moves us.  

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to donate to the work of Christian Aid, you can find their site HERE

'The Shepherd' worship reflections and church notices

Hi folks, today in various places around the world, the Church celebrates what has come to be known as 'Good Shepherd' Sunday. It's an opportunity to reflect on Jesus, our Good Shepherd, to pause and consider the words from John 10:1-10, and Psalm 23. And, given our very rural context and that we're in the midst of lambing season, it's very apposite.

On site, we are also learning a new - to us - song from the group New Scottish Hymns Band called 'You're the Shepherd'.
So, in our time here, let's begin with that.

CALL TO WORSHIP 
Come as you are – known and loved.
Come with joy, come with hope.
Come with your burdens, come with your doubts.
Come with your dreams, come with your fears.
For God calls you by name and rejoices....

PRAYER 
God of new life,
planting grassy meadows for picnics,
pooling clear waters for floating,
making starry skies for gazing:
you shaped us in your image so we might not ever want;
you sent women and men of faith to us,
sharing their experience of you,
encouraging us to look up to listen, to follow you.
Loving us, You sent Jesus to us,
that we might hear his voice and believe his plain spoken words:
and so we give you our praise and worship.

Loving God, when we are quiet in your presence,
when we try to pray and when we reflect on your word...
when we are surrounded by noise and bustle,
when people compete for our attention and we have too much to do:
help us to hear your voice.

When we are happy and secure in the love of friends and family
and at peace with ourselves...
when we are overwhelmed by regrets for the past,
disappointment in the present, 
and fears for the future...
when we are confident in our decisions and sure of our plans:
help us to hear your voice.

When we are bewildered by many choices
and confused about the right way to go,
in the day and at night, at home and at work,
in company and alone, teach us to listen...
help us to hear your voice. 

Lord, where the waters of our life have been troubled,
you still our hearts and minds.
Where we have walked in strange and difficult ways,
you guide us in the right paths.
Where we have walked even through the valley of death,
you have been beside us.

…In your mercy, restore our souls.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

REFLECTION: 
It was one of those stunningly gorgeous days – hardly a breeze; the sun, beaming down on the hills and along the glen, and I’d taken myself off down to the end of the garden with a cuppa, to sit on my wee stool and just watch the world go by for a bit. The river was all diamond-sparkly and everything felt right with the world. Looking across the river, I saw a shepherd, with his dogs, guiding some sheep down the slope towards it. I admired the relationship between man and dog, as they worked together to lead the sheep down and  then under the bridge to get to the field just along.
A good shepherd, thought I.
But it was time to head back inside and crack on with some work.
So, a little reluctantly, I did.

A couple of days later, I met up with someone who knew that particular shepherd very well, and I mentioned how much I admired his skill.

This was met with a huge grin.

Apparently, if I’d stayed watching, I’d have seen five minutes later, that same shepherd, in the river, wading across to the other side in pursuit of a small group of rogue sheep who’d decided that they weren’t going to pay any notice to his instructions. 

I guess they thought that the grass really was greener on the other side..

So… a good shepherd, yes…

but not THE Good Shepherd that our bible passages refer to –

the one who says to his assorted group of listeners:

‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’

In a busy, busy, rush, rush world where too often the voice that is listened to is telling us all that our value is found only in what we can produce, and which calls us to be continually, relentlessly doing in order just to survive…

in an unquiet, fractured, and fearful world, where too often fear is weaponised and it seems that the only voices we hear are those that divide and create discontent and where difference is seen as suspect…

in a world that too often feels as if everyone and everything is broken or breaking, as we listen to the voices of doom in an endless cycle of news…

perhaps it’s time to press the pause button and spend a little time thinking about Jesus our shepherd, to listen to his voice,  and to think about life beyond mere survival –

about life that is…abundant.

So, what is it to have abundant life and how do we find it?
Some of the answer to both questions are seen within the words of the Psalmist.

Who's voice are we listening to?
In the early part of the psalm, the Psalmist talks of God as the shepherd in whom we have all we need.

God is our abundance, our provider – the One who is more than enough.
If we listen to his voice, and follow where he leads, our needs will be met.
I wonder: what are the voices we might listen to that can prevent us from following the Shepherd?
And, what might we do - what small changes could we make - to help us better hear our Shepherd's voice?

And another question for reflection: 

take some time now to think about where God is leading you;

where he has led you in the past;

where he’s led you to now.

Pray about where he may be leading you in the future…

 

Work / life balance is not a new concept: it's in the Bible.
The Psalmist also reminds us that the Shepherd leads his flock to places of refreshing, places of stillness, quiet, where we can find rest. It's the very antidote to our hyper-consumerist society where, too often people are valued only by 'what they can contribute' - 

what they can produce... where they are seen as just expendable cogs in the machine of industry.
The 'shepherds' of industry are often too ready to fleece their sheep, rather than to tend them.
The Good Shepherd knows the wisdom to be found in giving his flock space to be, and to breathe, and to enjoy life. Which is also a better strategy for both a contented flock, and a way of ensuring that they are at their best... 

In the end, rather than rest, creative space, times of stillness, reducing productivity, it enhances it.
God, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, instituted the concept of rest right at the beginning of Creation:

after the sixth day, God rested. 

And later, God codified it: Sabbath rest. 

If resting is good enough for God, then... let's take the hint and rest.

Dark valleys.

It’s often been said that you don’t find many atheists in foxholes –

basically, when dark times come, in moments of crisis, that’s often when we turn to God for help and comfort. But even when we might not be quite with God, God our shepherd is always faithful and always with us:

there for us in our deepest point of need,

there when all other hope is gone.

He is the one who walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death, and out the other side of it.

If we pause, if we’re still, if we call…

we find that God is near.

Again, an opportunity for some reflection: 

stop and think about those times in your own life when things seemed darkest, and when you felt God’s presence close to you.

And, if in the present, there are difficult times that you’re navigating, why not use this time to offer your particular situation up to the One who listens and who knows your name…

We come full circle and ask again:

What is it to have abundant life and how do we find it?

Well, we do the work of listening to the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus –

who will show us the right way to go –

who will lead us to the paths of peace, of refreshing,

of quiet space apart from the noise and busyness that so often fills our lives –

a space in which we remember again whose we are and who we are:

called to be his.

As we follow, so his goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.

And, knowing ourselves loved, knowing God’s goodness and mercy, we go ahead:

widening the path so that goodness and mercy will not just bless us, but others -

knowing that as we do:

we need not fear, 

we shall not want -

for there is more than enough:

overflowing cups of goodness and mercy and God’s abundance all the days of our lives.

And also knowing that the one who calls us

guards us and guides us, leads us and loves us

and never, ever lets us go.  Amen.

A blessing for this week:

BLESSING

We belong here with God’s family, 

but we also belong in his world. 

Called by God, he sends you to turn belief into action –

to be his hands, his feet, his loving heart, in the world.

As God’s own, 

as you go about your lives this week,,

God, our shepherd, goes with you, guarding and guiding you.

May the blessing of God, 

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 

be with you all, evermore... Amen.

NOTICES

Sun 3 May: Kirk Session meeting - 

after worship and morning tea this coming Sunday, Session will be meeting over a 'bring and share' lunch. This is an open meeting, and those who are not on the Session are most welcome to stay. The main business will be exploring our future within the cluster, now that we are officially in a deferred union with the newly united cluster parishes of Cairngryffe and Douglas Valley - now Clydesdale Trinity. It's an opportunity for looking, and planning, ahead. 

Added to this, Presbytery have asked that all parishes prepare a mission plan to be ready for attestation 2027. Having asked Presbytery on Saturday, we are able to do this particular exercise jointly with the Clydesdale Trinity Session - given it ultimately affects all of us, and saves us all doing this twice!

Sun 10 May, 10:30am : Christian Aid service -

It's coming up to that time of year again, an opportunity to remember the excellent work of Christian Aid, and, as we can, to support them. Along with our regular offering, there will be a bowl as you leave the church should you wish to make any donations to Christian Aid.

Looking further ahead:

Sun 24 May, 10:30am: Pentecost -

The day we celebrate the 'birthday' of the Church. The traditional colour of Pentecost is red, so, if you're coming to our on-site service, why not wear something red! 

Update for 6-22 April

 The minister is currently on annual leave from Mon 6 - Wed 22 April inclusive.

During this time...
for general parish matters, please contact -
Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com 

And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. George Shand, who can be reached on 07765987163 or via email: georgeshand@live.co.uk 

26 April. 3pm - Service of Union: just to note that the service of union, joining Cairngryffe Parish and Douglas Valley parish will take place. As part of the cluster group, and, if you're able, you are warmly welcome to attend this service. This will be held in the church building at Douglas (Upper Clyde is in deferred union with these parishes).

'On the first day of the week...'

Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Matthew 28:1-10
The Resurrection of Jesus 
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ² And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ ⁸ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

'On the first day of the week' - a sermon for Easter Sunday

It is the first day of the week.
Light is breaking through the darkness as dawn comes.
In the garden, by a tomb, the guards keep watch –
for what?
It’s not as if the one inside is going anywhere, right?
Perhaps they ponder their lot,
wonder when they will be released from their task to get breakfast,
wonder what they’ll have for breakfast,
and look forward to getting some much-needed sleep.
Warring is only a part of what they do:
more often, theirs is the job of watching, waiting.
And so, on this particular early morning, they wait.
All is quiet –
‘quiet as the grave’, thinks one.
He watches as two women make their way to the tomb, nods to his comrade –
‘pretty harmless,’ he muses,
‘they’re just women, after all…’
still, it breaks the boredom…

But nothing – none of the years of training –
prepares him for what happens next.
Suddenly, and with no warning, the ground beneath him shakes:
heaves and moves with an almighty disturbance –
an earthquake?
The great stone that covers the entrance to the tomb rolls back…
No time to think.
He watches with his comrade –
both now utterly wide awake.
There is a light – blinding – 
and a being dressed in brilliant white sits on the now-fallen stone.
The guards –
hard men, toughened by the nature of their occupation –
find themselves shaking:
such fear is upon them that they fall to the ground as if dead.

Do the women cling to each other in confusion and wonder?
But, then they hear the words:
words so often uttered in stories long gone:
‘do not be afraid…’
even so, this angelic messenger is so … ‘other’
More words:
‘He is not here…he has been raised.’

How can this be?
They had watched as Jesus had carried the cross,
winced at every lashing and harsh word,
waited with him:
witnessing his last hours,
hearing his last words,
the cry of desolation,
…the acceptance:
‘it is finished’.
They had seen him die,
walked with the others to the tomb,
watched as the great stone rolled across its dark
and death-filled mouth.
…Wept.
They had certainly clung to each other then
just as they held each other now –
not quite taking this in:
even as this shining messenger from God continued to speak.
‘He is not here…’
‘Risen’
‘Going to Galilee.’

Beyond the fallen stone and the bright being, the women see an empty tomb.
They are not entirely sure what this all means –
but for the first time in a couple of days, the inner darkness of sorrow
has been replaced with
hope…
wonder…
…a strange… joy…
this, even while they are still, quite understandably, terrified:
for, it is an awesome and fearful thing to behold God’s messenger.

As instructed, they hurry away from the emptiness of the open tomb,
find the others – the friends of Jesus.
And, even as the news is told:
he is here… among them.
Unlike the guards who had fallen to the ground as if dead,
his disciples fall at his feet, astonished, a little fearful,
yet even so, somehow energised by life itself.
In wonder, they worship.
And prepare for a journey north:
time to go home, to Galilee to share the good news:
‘Alleluia! Christ is risen!’
‘He is risen indeed, Alleluia!’

Over these last weeks, we’ve walked through the wilderness of Lent:
and, in this last week, have journeyed with Jesus through Holy Week,
through the palms and the cheers,
to Gethsemane and betrayal in the garden;
to arrest, and trial, and jeers, and crucifixion.
…And in the darkness of that death,
held our breath as time stood still,
and watched
and waited.
And, we have dared to hope -
for unlike the two Marys before the dawning of the light on that first Easter morning,
we know how this story ends:
that there shall be no more tears,
that darkness is overcome,
that death is defeated,
that the light of the world can never be put out.

If you’ve ever had your heart broken by loss and laid someone or something you loved in the tomb:
this story is for you.
If you’ve ever needed some earthshaking good news,
if you’ve ever needed hope,
if you’ve ever lived as if death had the final word:
this story is for you.
If you’ve ever needed light and warmth to return to your life,
if you’ve ever needed a second chance and the possibilities a new day offers:
then, this story is for you.
Indeed, this is a story for the world:
for all the broken people and broken places;
for all weighed down by the relentlessness of bad news stories
that whirl around on an endless spin cycle of doom;
for all who have lost hope and see no future;
for all who feel the chill of poverty, homelessness,
the horror of war and brutality and injustice; …
for all who so desperately need a second, a third, and more chances because the start they had in life means they have never been on an equal footing;
this story is for all of them,
for all of us –
for it is the good news story of God’s love –
from life, to death,
to hell and back…

Here, with an empty cross,
grave clothes folded,
and with resurrected alleluias,
we stand with the Marys…
we stand with the friends of Jesus:
we stand, astonished, at this strange, yet familiar story:
of death defeated;
learning that there is more to life than what we know or comprehend,
and that, in Jesus –
through his life, his death, his resurrection –
in the mystery that is God’s –
somehow, we are brought into his marvellous light,
we have cause to hope,
we have life.
Love wins.

And, as the two Marys were called,
as his friends were called,
so too, we are called:
to share the Good News –
and in these times in which we live,
the sharing of Good news is both a radical act, and so very much needed.
We share God’s love and encourage others to love,
and watch the darkness lift and see the light pour in –
see the power of love at work in the world.
We witness to the staggering truth -
that Jesus is not dead.
He lives still...

This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is Easter:
and we are his witnesses:

‘Alleluia! Christ is risen!’
‘He is risen indeed, Alleluia!’
Amen.

Easter prayer

Amazing, life-giving, and eternal God:

On this day, of all days, we raise the cry with such glad hearts:

‘Alleluia! Christ is risen!’

‘He is risen indeed, Alleluia!’

We give thanks for the gift of Easter

that runs beyond our expectations,

beyond our categories of reason,

and which fills our hearts with the hope that keeps us going.

We offer our prayers to you Lord God reminded on this day of all days:

that this is not the end,

this is just the beginning -

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Over these next 50 days of the Easter season, may you know the joy of the risen Christ.
Easter blessings to you all,

Nikki

'From palms to the passion' - thoughts for Palm Sunday and Holy Week

It's Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, and the beginning of the end to Jesus' walk to the Cross and beyond. In our service of worship, as has become our usual practice over the years, we begin with palms and end with the sealing of the tomb; from cheers to jeers as the crowd turns against Jesus. 

Our readings for today reflect that journey:
1st reading – Luke 19:28-40 The entry into Jerusalem;
2nd reading – Luke 22:1-6 The plot against Jesus;
3rd reading – Luke 22:39-46 Jesus prays;
4th reading  Luke 22:47-53 The arrest of Jesus;
5th READING Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-12 Jesus on trial; 

6th READING Luke 23:13-25 Jesus sentenced to death; 

7th READING Luke 23:26-43 Jesus is crucified; 

8th READING Mark 15:33-47 The death of Jesus 

On the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, the crowds lined the streets, threw cloaks down upon the dusty road, waved palm branches, shouted 'Hosanna!' - save us. 

The palms tell their own story...

The palms tell a story

of a God who loved creation,

and a creation

who fell out of love with God.

Of a God who showed the way

through prophets who were silenced 

by the people who turned their backs.

Of a God who chose to become human,

and live this life in this world.

 

The palms tell a story

of a Saviour who was the word of life

but the people did not listen.

The Saviour spoke of justice for the poor

and food for the hungry

but the people did not listen.

The Saviour spoke of freedom

to all those oppressed,

but still the people did not believe.

The palms tell a story

of the man who rode into Jerusalem,

and the crowd cheered

of David and his progeny,

of the king of the Jews,

the king on a donkey

riding into the city of David

and the people recognised him:

‘Hosanna in the highest!’

The palms tell a story

for this is the journey to a table

of bread and wine

and friends gathered:

bread broken,

wine poured, for all.

 And he said:

‘re-member me,

re-member me,

re-member me.’

The palms tell a story

of the one taken from the table

to the garden.

 And from the garden

to the council.

And from the council

to the soldiers.

And from the soldiers

to the way of the cross.

The palms tell a story

of a saviour whose time

does not finish here.

As we move into this week and walk the last steps to the Cross with Jesus, a prayer and blessing:

May we whisper our hosannas throughout this week.

In every moment when the world goes silent on the cause of God

may we continue to cry out the beat –

the hosanna beat –

that marks the rhythm of this week;

In the sound of breaking bread may we hear the broken hosanna

and still believe in love’s way;

in the sound of coins being counted may we hear the betrayed hosanna

yet still trust in love’s choice;

in the twisting of the crown of thorns may we hear the tortured hosanna

and still believe in love’s way;

in the sound of the lashes, all thirty-nine, may we hear the scourged hosanna

yet still trust in love’s choice;

in the sound of nails being hammered may we hear the crucified hosanna

and still believe in love’s way

in the sound of silence may we hear the empty hosanna

yet still trust in love’s choice.

May we remain with Jesus

by whispering our hosannas throughout this week:

in every moment may we remain with you, O Jesus -

still believing

still following

still your companions...

And as we travel with you:

may God’s blessing be upon us all:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Amen.

Update for period Mon 2nd - Wed 18th Feb.

The minister is currently on annual leave from Mon 2nd - Wed 18th Feb inclusive.

During this time...
for general parish matters, please contact -
Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com 

And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. George Shand, who can be reached on 07765987163 or via email: georgeshand@live.co.uk 

'Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits'

Michael Leunig cartoon on the theme of rest/ recharging

Hello - just a wee catch up. Given we're cutting back a wee bit from weekly online worship, I'll try to pop in here on a regular basis just to touch base and give you a flavour of what we've been doing in worship onsite in the church building at Abington.... 

Our theme for worship this week centred around Sabbath and rest.
We explored the tradition and history of Sabbath and then reflected on
some stories found within Luke's Gospel:
Luke 6:1-11 and Luke 13:10-17

While there are a number of ways to enter into these texts, such as the power and authority of Jesus; healing; Jesus' run-in's with the religious authorities, the overriding theme that links both is found within the concept of Sabbath and Sabbath rest. Often the Pharisees are cast in a very bad light as 'killjoys', overburdening people with rigorous rules and regulations. This would be to dismiss them too easily. It could be argued [and has been] that the Pharisees were the progressives of the day, trying to find better ways to connect heart and soul to God. Their instrument to do this was through the Law: a useful code of conduct and practice that, if adhered to, would help to ensure a person was in a good relationship with God.

Within the contexts of our readings today, however, Jesus is not challenging the concept of Sabbath, and trying to destroy it, rather, he's trying to better restore it to its original purpose as that which is life-giving, joy-giving, a re-creation, and way to wholeness. Sabbath is not the master of humanity, it is the servant, enabling people to find their joy, their meaning, to have space to recharge. If even God rested, having made all of creation, then, that is a model for us to do likewise. And Sabbath is also about liberation. When Moses receives the Ten Commandments, the 4th Commandment requires God's people to remember the Sabbath and provides further reasoning: Sabbath is done to remember their freedom, having been delivered from slavery out of Egypt. Under the rule of Pharoah, conditions become increasingly harsh, and more and more bricks were required to be made - taking time off was not possible. Under the rule of God, time off is part of what it is to be one of God's people. Slaves don't get time off; free people do. 
By the time of Jesus, and the Roman Empire, Sabbath was embedded into the culture; it was a practice that marked Jewish people out from other nations. While some Romans may have seen the benefits of a day off to recharge, mostly, the idea of Sabbath was ridiculed, and thought of as laziness.

Within our modern society, busyness and being constantly on the go, has become widespread. Sometimes the pace of life can feel truly relentless and to take a break is seen as a sign of weakness. This was epitomised in the film 'Wall Street' through the character of Gordon Gecko, who summed up the attitude in his oft-quoted 'Lunch is for wimps'.
To rest, then, is to be subversive, counter-cultural, an act of resistance in a world where too often, human beings are viewed as merely cogs in the machine. Whether a Saturday or Sunday, or whatever day of the week, as God's people, let's challenge the prevailing culture and choose rest; rest that reminds us that we are God's people, that we live within God's creation [take time to smell the roses, and in so doing, appreciate the one who created them], a practice which restores and recharges us and helps us to be whole.

May you find breathing spaces and places of rest this week,

Blessings
Nikki

'A wee minding' - Worship Sun 28 Dec

WELCOME to worship on this last Sunday of the year, and the Sunday immediately following Christmas. Our usual custom on this Sunday is to hold a service of Lessons and Carols. As that's a bit too complex to organise via our limited tech, online, we've a wee minding: a shorter time of worship with a couple of carols, a reading, some candles, a prayer, and a blessing - to keep you going through the week.

Just a note about online worship as we go forward:

We're scaling back a little, so at the moment, the plan looks like this -
we return online for the season of Lent, through to Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Thereafter, we'll have an online service roughly once a month, with Pentecost, some summer sessions, Harvest, and Remembrance, before beginning once again at the start of the church year with Advent once more. This may well be rejigged, so please do feel free to give some input, we'd be happy to hear your thoughts!

Meanwhile, for this week, the WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

Enjoy the rest of Christmastide, a happy Hogmanay to you, and God's blessing upon you for the new year.

Nikki

'God's Surprise' - worship Sun 21 Dec: 4 advent

WELCOME to worship. Today, we hear the old, oft-told story of a young couple, making an arduous journey and, upon arriving at their destination, finding the only space to stay is within a stable; it’s the story of a birth, of angels and shepherds, and good news for all. It’s the story of Christmas.

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE
and should be available from around 6pm onwards subject to how fast the internet connection is running today!

CHURCH NOTICES:
Sun 28 Dec. 10:30am: Traditional lessons and carols service both onsite and online. So if you don’t get to sing your favourite carol today, there’s still time!

Clydesdale food bank: Thanks to everyone who donated in various ways to the work of the food bank this month; it's hugely appreciated.

Christmas newsletter: hard copy of the newsletter is now available and will be mailed out to those on the member's list. An online version is available here on our blog, which you can access by clicking on the tab marked 'Christmas newsletter' above this page.

A very merry and blessed Christmas to you all!!

'What's in a name?' - worship Sun 14 Dec: Advent 3

WELCOME to this third Sunday in the season of Advent. Last week, we heard Mary's great song of praise, known as the 'Magnificat.' This week, we continue our journey in the Gospel of Luke, hearing another song; this time from Zechariah upon confirming the name of his son: 'John'. 
We'll be thinking about names, and, with John, preparing the way for the coming King.

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES:
'Memory Tree': Yesterday, we held our annual ‘Tidings of comfort and joy’ service – a service in which we took time to remember loss of various kinds, including remembering those who, for whatever reason, won’t be with us for Christmas this year. As part of that, we put up our wee memory tree, and this will stay in the church now until after the service on the 3rd of January. And thanks to Dee, Rowan, and Ursula, who in their various ways, helped to organise the larger memory tree by the lytch gate – where there are ribbons that can be used to tie to the tree - again, as a way of remembering someone.

Clydesdale Food Bank: a reminder that the food bank box is in the vestibule and available for donations of food and other helpful items for the food bank. Our contact, Ben, noted some of the items they’re low on at the moment are:
sugar, tea bags, tinned veg and fruit, soups.
And if it was possible, it would be lovely if folk could spare some mince pies, or maybe even mini Christmas puddings, if possible, perhaps chocolate for wee ones.
For those of you unable to come to the church, you can donate online via THIS LINK.
Thanks everyone.

Worship Sun 21 Dec.: Given our tradition here in the parish is not to have a service on Christmas Day unless it’s a Sunday, next Sunday will be pretty Christmas oriented, so, If you’re willing, and able to come along, why not take the opportunity to give your favourite Christmas jumper an outing, or wear a little something with a nod to Christmas? There’ll be some carols as well…

Crawford and Wiston 'Christmas elves': on the theme of Christmas, we had a team of wee Christmas elves in the church on Thursday morning, who were delighted to decorate the tree for us, with a little help from Dee. So big thanks to the students of Wiston and Crawford Primary schools for doing that – and we also had some good chat and exploration around the building. Outwith the tree, I think the favourite activity was having a go of ringing our bell – although we did have to hang on to a couple of the wee-er ones to prevent them from taking off!!

Christmas newsletter: our Christmas newsletter is [finally!] at the printers, so hopefully hard copy should be available just before Christmas or around about then. In the meantime, you can access a copy online at the tab above this page... or, simply click on the wee diagonal arrow in the top right hand corner of the picture below and it will pop out for you to view. 

As you journey further into this Advent season, may you know God's joy.

God bless,
Nikki

'Mixing it up' - worship for Sun 7 Dec: Advent 2

WELCOME to worship on this 2nd Sunday of Advent.
Last week we were thinking about angelic conversations: the angel, Gabriel visiting Zechariah, and later, Mary, with unexpected news. This week, another conversation, between two soon to be mothers: Elizabeth and Mary. And we hear Mary’s song of praise to God, as she ponders the nature of the child she will bear. 
Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Notices follow below...

CHURCH NOTICES:
Sat 13 Dec. 2pm: 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' - a short, reflective service in which we make space in the busyness of the season to  remember those not with us this Christmas season.

Sat 13 Dec - Sun 4 Jan: 'Memory Tree': in conjunction with the above service, over the following weeks, we’ll have both our wee memory tree in the church, and the larger tree down at the foot of the pathway – and you’re invited to use these as visual prayers and ways of remembering…

Christmas coffee morning - an update: what an excellent wee event. All went well and huge creditand thanks to Sara and Tabitha for their wonderful baking - a real treat! We had a great turnout of folk and I'm delighted to say that we were able to raise a total of £260 to give to Clydesdale Food Bank. Thanks to everyone who spread the word, who came along, who donated so generously.

Food Bank box: just a reminder that over these next Sundays, the food bank box will be in the vestibule for food and other items, if you’re able to drop something in. Ben our food bank contact was in touch yesterday saying that they’re particularly short of:
tea bags, sugar, tinned fruit and veg, tinned soups, and as we’re coming up to Christmas, if it was possible, perhaps some Christmas related items, or wee treats, like: mini xmas puds, mince pies, chocolate. Any items would be hugely appreciated.   

'Inconceivable' - worship Sun 30 Nov. - 1 Advent

WELCOME!
We hear from the first chapter of Luke's Gospel - of an angel, one very gobsmacked man, and two women who find themselves expecting the unexpected. We reflect on hope, and ponder the angel, Gabriel's, words: 'nothing is impossible for God.'
Welcome once again to worship online.
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Copied below are the parish notices, for reference, but these can also be found in the online service, as usual - this time, in written, rather than spoken, form to hopefully make it easier to jot down any information as needed.

Today, a time for new beginnings and fresh starts as we enter into the season of Advent.

CHURCH NOTICES: 
Thanks -
just to say thanks, as ever, to those of you for keeping things going while I was away…again! And particular thanks to Dee and Heather, for being our contact people.

Sat. 6 Dec., 10.30am - 12pm - Christmas coffee morning: 
This coming Saturday, we have our Christmas coffee morning from 10.30-12pm – please come along, bring friends, spread the word. Along with refreshments, there’ll be prize draws to add to the atmosphere. Entry free, but it’d be great if a wee donation could be made in aid of Clydesdale Food Bank. 

Sun. 7 Dec., 10.30am - Communion:
Next Sunday morning, we’ll be holding our quarterly communion – as ever, please do let folk know – all are welcome to the table!

Sat. 13 Dec., 2pm - 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' 
Our annual service ‘Tidings of comfort and joy’ will be held in the church. A shorter, more reflective space particularly for those who find this time of year difficult, as well as an opportunity to remember those who won't be with us over Christmas.  up to and including Sun. 4 Jan. 

from Sat 13 Dec - Sun 4 Jan - Christmas 'memory' trees:
There will be a small 'memory' tree inside the church on which to place a wee blue bauble as a way of remembering loved ones at this time of year - especially those who, for whatever reason, may not be with us over the Christmas period. And, as we did last year, we’ll be putting up a Christmas ‘memory' tree by the lytch gate at the pathway to the church, along with a box of ribbons – with an invite for people to tie a ribbon to it - again, as a way of remembering.

Update on 'cluster' conversations and presbytery plan: 
please click HERE for the latest update as at Monday 17 November.

Update: news, info, events up to 26th Nov.

 CHURCH NOTICES FOR 10-26 NOVEMBER:

Minister on annual leave:
Nikki is currently feeling a little like a part-timer at the  moment due to needing to take a backlog of unused annual leave!! So, she'll be unavailable as of Mon 10th through to, and including, Wed 26th November. Apologies for this, folks, but due to circumstances beyond her control re. hospital/ illness mid-year, her leave has all been budged up in this latter quarter of the year. Hopefully all will be back on track properly for 2026!
During this time:
For general parish matters, please contact - Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com
And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk 
Worship for Sun 12 and 19 October will be covered by the Rev. George Shand. 

Update on online worship:
Just a note that we're hoping to recommence online worship at the beginning of Advent, Sun 30th Nov., all things being well. 

Leadhills Memorial, 2025

Remembrance Sunday services: 
Our three services this year went well. A slight change of 'routine' with two, however, with a swapping of times for Crawford at 12.30 and Leadhills at 1.30. This was to allow time for the Depute Lord Lieutenant, Bill Tennant, to come to the service at Leadhills - his third of the day, at that point. Mr Tennant read 'In Flander's Fields' and led off the laying of wreaths. There is another tucked around the corner of the memorial from the Council, with Councillor Ralph Barker representing. The third wreath was placed by Mr Steve Johnson, representing the Village Council. The other items that were placed at the Memorial were from the pupils of Leadhills Primary School, and these were placed at a separate service on Friday, at 11am.

A date for your diary:
Sat 6 Dec., 10.30-12pm: Christmas coffee morning

Church notices for 5-22 October

CHURCH NOTICES FOR 5-22 OCTOBER:

Minister on annual leave:
Nikki will be using up annual leave as of Mon 6th through to, and including, Wed 22nd October. During this time:
For general parish matters, please contact - Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com
And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk 
Worship for Sun 12 and 19 October will be covered by the Rev. George Shand. 

Update on online worship:
We're aiming to recommence online worship at the beginning of Advent, Sun 30th Nov., all things being well. 

Harvest Thanksgiving service:
This morning, we held our annual Harvest service and copied below are a few pictures... more to follow in the Christmas newsletter... We managed to gather together a good amount of food, both fresh and packaged, which was later dropped off to our Clydesdale Food Bank contact, Ben. Thanks to all who gave...
Also, huge thanks to everyone who helped decorate the church, and then dismantle all the decorations after our service. Special note of thanks, to Sara Weardon who kindly baked us a cake and scones for morning tea!

Harvest banners from:
Wiston, Leadhills, and Lamington Primary Schools

 

News re. Minister's sick leave

 

Minister on sickness leave up to and including 29 August

Due to circumstances beyond my control, apologies for not posting this sooner...

Unfortunately, on Fri 18th of July, I had a wee trip up to Wishaw General, where I stayed for two weeks - not quite what I had on my bingo card! I'm now signed off up to and including the 29th of August, when I hope to make a return to my duties. Once I'm back, I'll try my best to return to preparing worship online, but it might not be immediately - just need to see how I go in the first few weeks, so do please bear with me and thanks for your patience!!

During this time:
for general parish matters, please contact - Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com

And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk 

And for those of you who had heard the news, thanks for the very kind messages - much appreciated!! Am now back at the manse and happy to put the kettle on should you be passing.

God bless

Nikki

'Lament' - worship for Sunday 13 July

WELCOME to worship this week. We're continuing our series on the Psalms, this week, exploring Ps 22 - a lament of David. Our 'take-away' question is 'Where are you, God?'

As we listen to David, and hear a little of Job's story, we find that rather than a sign of doubt, to ask questions of God is much more a demonstration of faith...

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and is now available to access.

CHURCH NOTICES/
Hymn nominations: planning a little ahead, for our Songs of Praise celebration service in 10 August, it's time to get nomination your favourite hymns for possible inclusion. Either message me via the 'contact us' facility on the right hand side of the page, or simply leave a comment under today's blog post.

These are all the notices, so until next week, may you know God's presence with you throughout this coming week.

Nikki 

'Thanks' - worship Sun 6 July

WELCOME to worship this week. 
We continue delving into the Book of Psalms. This week, Ps 111, accompanied by David's great hymn of praise in 1 Chronicles 16:8ff. Our theme today: gratitude and giving thanks.

You can find the WORSHIP LINK HERE

CHURCH NOTICES/
Favourite hymns needed! In preparation for our upcoming Songs of Praise service on 10th August, do please nominate your favourite hymns in advance, so that when I come back from annual leave, I can go through your choices and hopefully include them in the service. We have 8 hymn slots to fill. You can nominated more than one hymn choice. Either leave a comment on this page with your nomination, or over on YouTube under the worship video. I look forward to seeing how the playlist shapes up!!

In the meantime, have a good week, 

God bless
Nikki 

'Faithful' - worship Sun 29 June

WELCOME to worship this week as we continue our travels through the Psalms. This week, we explore Ps 145 and reflect on God's faithfulness.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE.

CHURCH NOTICES/ 
Clydesdale Food Bank: just to say a very appreciative thank you for the donations given to the Food Bank this month.

Clydesdale Trinity Cluster: Douglas Valley 'Souper Sundays' - our friends from Douglas Valley asked if we would flag up their upcoming Souper Sundays after their time of worship to which representatives from the wider cluster are very welcome to attend.
The dates are:
6th July 2025; 17th August 2025; 28th September 2025; 26th October 2025; 16th November.
They’re also planning a Big Summer Breakfast Event for 27th July.

Meanwhile, may you know the blessing of the One who is faithful, over the course of this week.

Take care
Nikki 

'Forever' - worship Sun 22 June

WELCOME to worship this week. We continue our wee daunder through Psalms, this week, reflecting on Ps 118 - and our key word is 'forever'.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES
Cluster and potential union update: just to note that I'll be updating our dedicated page soon to keep you all in the loop on where we're currently at in the process.
Otherwise:
Clydesdale Food Bank: just a reminder that this is a food bank month, so all donations gratefully received. To go directly to the Clydesdale Food Bank donations page CLICK HERE.

As you go into this week, may you know God's steadfast love, which endures forever.

God bless
Nikki

'We choose joy' - worship Sun 15 June

WELCOME to worship this week, where, over these next weeks, we'll be taking a wee daunder through several of the psalms, each exploring a different theme. Today, we consider joy.
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES
Support your local foodbank: just a reminder that over the Sundays of June we are flagging up the great work that Clydesdale food bank does in our wider area, helping those most vulnerable within our communities. If you're able to help, please click on the LINK HERE which will take you across to their website, where you can make an online donation.

And this week in our prayers, let's remember our children and young people as they approach the last week of the school year - particularly for all the P7's moving from Primary to Biggar High School, and, for our young people at Biggar High who are finishing this year and moving on to known and as yet, unknown adventures.

Have a joy filled week

God Bless,

Nikki

'Under construction' - worship for Pentecost Sunday 8 June

WELCOME to worship this week, where we remember the day of Pentecost, and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within and among us...

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 
and is now available...

CHURCH NOTICES/

Clydesdale food bank month: as this is a month in which communion falls, we support the ongoing work of Clydesdale Food Bank by collecting items/ donations. These will be uplifted at the end of the month and taken for distribution. If you prefer to make an online donation click on THIS  LINK which will take you to the food bank webpage.

Wed. 11 June, 7pm - unscheduled Session meeting: just a reminder to members of the Session that we have a meeting this week, with Karen Gillon, our presbytery link person from the Implementation Group. Sorry for the short notice of this meeting.

Not many notices this week! So, as you go into this week, know that God goes with you.

God bless
Nikki

'The imitation game' - worship 1 June, 2025

WELCOME to worship, where we find ourselves in the third and last week reflecting on the words of the prophet Micah, on what the Lord requires of us: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

Just a quick recap – in week one, we examined the Micah passage through the lens of 1st Corinthians, which reminded us that we do what the Lord requires as a community – each bringing our different skills and talents to the mix.
Last week, we thought about the appropriate industrial work kit for the task, as we looked at Micah through the lens of Colossians where we were encouraged – to ‘clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,’ and a little further on: ‘above all, clothe yourselves with love – which binds everything together in perfect harmony.’

This week, the lens we’ll explore Micah’s words with come from Ephesians which urges us to ‘be imitators of God’…

So, if you like, in a nutshell -
Week 1 – community
Week 2 – clothes
Week 3 – copying

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and the service will be available sometime after 8pm Sunday evening.

CHURCH NOTICES:
Only the one, which is that as this is a month in which communion falls, we're once again flagging up the work of Clydesdale Food Bank. There'll be a box in the vestibule for items of food and other goods over the Sundays of June. To help online just CLINK THIS LINK which will take you to their website, where you'll be able to make a donation.

May you know God walking with you through this week, and until next time, 

God bless,
Nikki

'New clothes' - worship for 25 May

WELCOME to worship, where we continue on in our wee series reflecting on what the Lord requires of us, and how we try and go about trying to do that… 

Today we’re going to have a wee wander into the world of fashion and explore some very particular items of clothing that might be helpful…

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 
and is now 'live'...
Church notices follow below.

CHURCH NOTICES:
Stated annual meeting: after our service, through in the hall over a cuppa, we’ll be having our Stated Annual Meeting – where we have a brief look back over last year – some of the things we did, and an update on our finances. 

Sun 1 June - Communion: just a reminder that next Sunday morning will be our quarterly communion – so do please let folk know - and remember, that all are welcome to the table, for Jesus is our host, and invites us to come and to share.

As you move out into the week, may you know God's presence alongside you.

God bless,
Nikki 

'With what?' Worship for Sunday 18 May

WELCOME to worship this week where, over these next three weeks, we’re going to be hearing a particular passage from Micah each week, along with an accompanying scriptural text.

So, spanning these three weeks, we’ll be hearing from Micah 6, verses 6-8 – reminding us just what the Lord requires of us… and these three actions:
to do justice
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with our God…
Our question for the day: ‘With what shall I come before the Lord?’

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE (and finally available - apologies for the delay due to tech issues!)

CHURCH NOTICES -
Apology: my  apologies for being away slightly longer than anticipated, and not delivering worship online. Just prior to returning from annual leave I received news of the deaths of my mother and stepfather, so took an extra week off. Huge thanks for folks filling in while I’ve been away. Also, thanks for the kind words during this unexpected double bereavement; I’ve felt very much supported, and it’s much appreciated. 

Parish newsletter: due to the above, our newsletter is now a wee bit behind schedule, as I'd hoped to get the last of it done and dusted before I came back from leave... There's just a couple of items that I'll need to rejig, but soon, friends, soon.

General Assembly of the Church of Scotland: it's that time of year again, and this year, I'm a commissioner. This means that, even though I'm back from both holiday and compassionate leave, my time this week will be fully given over to Assembly matters.
I'll be more fully present in the parish from Friday!
If you do need to get in contact with me, either email, or use my mobile number - I might not be able to answer immediately, but do leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can: 07985919509

Sun 25 May - Stated Annual Meeting: it's also this time of year... according to my diary, our SAM is this coming Sunday and will be held on site immediately after worship. All are welcome to attend and share a cuppa as we look back over the last year.

Evening worship: a reminder that our evening services are on hold for the moment, so there'll be no worship this evening in Leadhills.

Sun 1 June - quarterly Communion: looking further ahead, don’t forget that our quarterly service of communion is on the horizon, and will be held on Sunday the first of June… 

God bless as enter into a new week,
Nikki