More than in previous generations there is a general tendency to assume that if we don’t like something we shouldn’t under any circumstances put up with it. Certainly there is no inherent virtue in suffering something we find undesirable but where we are involved with others our individual preferences must be considered in the light of those of others. As soon as two or more people have to live or work together compromise is necessary. God has made us unique individuals which is a beautiful thing to celebrate. However when we allow our individuality to be the foremost consideration that is not so wonderful; in fact it is ugly and simply self-centredness - the essence of sin.This is true of marriage, of family life, of community life, of employment and notably of church life. Doing our own thing putting our own prejudices, preferences and desires before the good of the whole church is detrimental both to it and to ourselves.
On the positive side there is great potential for support and blessing in our membership of the church - The Body of Christ. Paul speaking of the Church said to the Ephesians "From(Christ} the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work". (Eph. 4:16). We grow spiritually, worship and work most effectively as Christians as we participate together.
I trust that we will all examine our own lives and in particular our church life to identify the extent to which our preferences and prejudices are causing us in some respects to neglect and therefore adversely affect the congregation recognising that in doing so we in turn are diminishing our own lives and missing out on blessing we would otherwise have enjoyed.
On Monday 20 October after more than three and a quarter years as Interim Moderator of Wishaw Craigneuk and Belhaven linked with Wishaw Old I was relieved of that responsibilty when Robert (Rab) Craig was inducted to that charge. Robert Craig had been a soldier then a construction manager. Ironically having left the army (lattery as a bomb disposal expert) unscathed he suffered a 40 foot fall from a roof he was working on. His chances of ever walking again were slim, indeed it seemed likely that he would require to have a leg amputated which mercifully did not happen. Robert turned to God at this time with a promise that he would serve him if fit enough to do so. From then he aimed at the Church of Scotland ministry underwent the necessary years of study and felt a very strong call to the Wishaw charge. Robert has a wife Anne and a young family of 3 girls.
Yours faithfully,
D. Cameron McPherson
COMMUNION
"Do this in remembrance of me"Sunday 4 November
Dalserf Church 12 noon, Rorison Church 3.30pm
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 9 November
Acts of Remembrance will take place as follows:
War Memorial Netherburn 11am.
War Memorial Rorison Church 11.20 am
Dalserf Church 12 noon.
CHURCH CALENDAR
Sat.1 WeddingSun. 9 Remembrance Sunday (see "Notice Board")
Thurs.13 Focus 1.45 Jim Murphy Bellshill
Thurs. 27 Focus 1.45
DEATH
10 Sept. John MasonWEDDING
Sat. 20 Lesley McGregor to Richard Gibb19 October Agnes Gold