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Pastoral Letter
Dear friends,
 The "Pilgrimage" on Palm Sunday was attended by over three hundred people. It received good publicity in "The Herald" and "The Hamilton Advertiser" and also "The Sun" - although I did not see the article in the latter. The value of this event was in the publicising of our unity, not the beginning of it. The Larkhall churches were having joint services when I came to Dalserf in June 1982. This however happens relatively quietly without the community necessarily being particularly aware of it despite occasional posters intimating the joint services.
Some may be concerned that in having joint events with the Roman Catholic Church we are in danger of denying the Reformation and its insights. That may well be a danger in some ecumenical initiatives and inasmuch as that danger exists it must be recognised and guarded against. There are major theological stumbling blocks to unity which it is hard to envisage being removed without at the same time obliterating the distinctive elements of Protestantism on the one hand or Roman Catholicism on the other. Nevertheless if you ask me "can a Roman Catholic be a true Christian?" My answer would be a firm "yes" because salvation is not a question of membership of a particular religious grouping but faith in Jesus Christ. Was the thief on the cross beside Jesus to whom he said "today you will be with me in paradise" a Protestant or a Catholic. I realise the question is in one sense meaningless because the distinction did not exist then but even now with the existence of the Church in its many and varied outward forms salvation is surely still through faith in Christ and not in the Church far less a particular expression of it. Could you imagine Jesus having said to the thief on the cross "unfortunately there’s no hope for you because there is no time to have you baptised and admitted into membership of (whatever) church" It is surely still true that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" ( Rom. 10:13 ). The Church may be invaluable in leading us to Jesus Christ and enabling us to develop and properly exercise our faith but is not the source of our faith. We trust in Christ alone and not in the Church.
In the eyes of the World at large we are simply Christians. We cannot expect the World to be understanding with regard to our theological distinctives but one thing they will pick up on and understand only too clearly is our behaviour. Our public show of unity serves to counteract for both sides the damning accusation of bigotry and hatred which is the opposite of what Jesus said will inform the world that we are his followers. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35)
Yours sincerely,
D. Cameron McPherson
Sunday Service Switch(May 17th)
On 17th May both the time and the venue of the service will be changed. The service on that day will be in Rorison Church and the time will be 3 o’clock. This will be the end of Session service for the BB and GB. MAD Ministries will be involved in the service. There will be no Dalserf Service that Sunday.
Open Days
Dalserf Church
Saturday 9th May, 12-4.00pm
Stalls, teas, music
Sunday 10th May, 2.00-4.00pm
Teas, music
Any contributions will be greatfully received
Baking for the Teas:
Kay Blair, Tel. 882499
Cake & Candy:
Cathy Yuille, Tel. 889885
Plants:
Louise Lawrie, Tel. 887378
Soft/Fancy Goods:
Jean McFarlane, Tel. 373486.
Margaret Letham, Tel. 791559
Second-Hand Books:
Rhona Campbell, Tel. 884035
Souvenirs:
Helen Knox, Tel. 883770
White Elephant:
Lilias Eathorne, Tel. 882862
Crafts:
Rae Hunter, Tel. 888435
Christian Books:
Rita Fairley, Tel. 881160
Youth/Family Service(End of Session for BB/GB)
Rorison Church
Sunday 17th May, 3.00pm
(No service in Dalserf)
TABLE TOP SALE
Rorison ChurchSaturday 2nd May, 12 - 4
Your chance to pick up a bargain or sell unwanted goods. To reserve a table call Margaret now, on 01698 887177. Spaces will be let on a first come first served basis at £7.00. (Table Hire £1.00 extra). You do what you wish with the proceeds from the sale of your own goods.
Tea ticket & entry £2.00 Church proceeds donated to the Machan Trust.
In AppreciationA sincere thank you to everyone for the many kindnesses shown to us during Nan’s stay in hospital and since returning home. We really appreciate it, ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed.’
Margaret and Nan Letham
A Big Thank YouThank you so much for all the beautiful cards, flowers and presents given to me on my 70th Birthday. I was overwhelmed by the love and kindness shown to me. You truly made it a wonderful and memorable occasion.
With sincere and grateful thanks.
Moira Kerr
Weddings
April9th Heather Peters to David McLeish
25th Elizabeth Walker to Matthew King
Baptisms
April12th Alexander James Thomson son of Ian and Ciara Thomson
Deaths
March27th Mary Todd
27th May Cuthill
Elders Rota
May03 R Fairley, A. Carson, A. Brown, M. Letham, E. Budgell
10 I. Kennedy, R. Clarkson, W. Callan, l. Eathorne, H. Brady, G. Stewart
17 D. Manson, J. Grove, J. Macfarlane, B. Archibald, K. Blair, J. Pollok
24 D. Manson, J. Grove, J. Macfarlane, B. Archibald, K. Blair, J. Pollok
31 R Fairley, A. Carson, A. Brown, M. Letham, E. Budgell
Creche Rota
May03 Miss Hoey & Miss Hume
10 Family Service
17 No service
24 Mrs. Budgell & Mrs. Blair
31 Mrs. Manson & Mrs. McCallum
June07 The Humes
Coffee Rota
May03 Mrs. Blair & Mrs. Budgell
10 Mrs. McPherson & Mrs. Jones
17 No service
24 Mrs. Clarkson & Mrs. Watt
31 Mr. & Mrs. McPhee
June07 Mr. & Mrs. Harvey
Flower Rota
May03 Mrs. Baillie, Over Dalserf
10 Open Day
17 Mrs. Scott, Larkhall
24 Mrs. Newlands, Dalserf
31 Mrs. Lawrie, Manse Brae
June07 Mrs. McPherson, The Manse
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