Dalserf Church Update (Additional articles), September 2020
Many of the Newsletter readers are old enough to have some experience of the second world war and more probably its aftermath.
However I doubt if many can recall such times as this nation has experienced since mid March, when the Coronavirus struck with such intensity that church services up and down the country were cancelled and churches closed.
Each of you will have fought this new war in your own personal way. I hope you will be able to look back and be satisfied , when others were giving of their best, indeed their very lives, that you played a full part in waging war against the unseen enemy, and were able to go that extra mile, and extend a helping hand to others less fortunate than yourselves.
History has demonstrated, time and time again, that at times of crisis, whether, international, national, or merely in your own back yard, someone steps forward to lead and inspire others.
There is a well known cliché that says” Cometh the hour, cometh the man”. A phrase largely attributed to John’s Gospel Chapt 4. verse 23.
This congregation has witnessed such a man. A man who stood in the Dalserf pulpit and declared that come what may the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ would be proclaimed within the wall of that historic building.
Despite experiencing the ravages of the infection himself, and surviving, John, our locum, on his recovery, has fulfilled that pledge to the full. This congregation owes a sincere debt of gratitude to John for preparing a service each week of such quality and depth of inspiration. I am sure we all have been deeply blessed by those broadcasts, and at times of depression and self pity, were lifted up to face the lockdown, and do what we could to relieve the pain of others.
To John, on behalf of the congregation may I humbly express our thanks and appreciation for what you have done.
We are also greatly appreciative of all those who helped so unstintingly in the production of the broadcasts, and those who weekly have contributed to its content.
Bruce Archibald
When I remember the positives of Covid 19 ,the negatives melt into insignificance.
Never will I forget the magnificent spring which made all the restrictions easier to bear. The beautiful weather encouraged an outdoor life and travelling restrictions allowed us to further explore walks in neighbourhood.
We talked more to neighbours and strangers from a distance and it was exciting to follow routes some would recommend such as visiting the alpacas which turned out to be close neighbours What superior looking “smug” creatures they are!!
We noticed leaves open out fresh and green after their winter sleep and flowers bud. We were thrilled to see new born lambs wabbling as they took their first steps and watched intrigued as farmers tilled the soil and sowed crops.
The scent of banks of bluebells could be detected from a distance and later in the year those same banks were a mass of majestic foxgloves . Myriads of multicoloured wild flowers carpeted our local countryside whose seeds we have now collected for our own wild flower patch. The summer rains arrived and we watched the crops growing and their seed heads swelling. Burns and rivers filled again as the now succulent grass satisfied livestock. Too soon we realised that lambs were now as big as ‘mum’ and the cereal crops stood tall and golden swaying in the breeze.
God’s creation is full of wonder, organised and all under His control. Every season is different so that our eyes never become bored He’s thought of everything, it’s for everyone to enjoy ,it comes free and with His love.
THEN SINGS MY SOUL TO THEE HOW GREAT THOU ART
Sheena Archibald.
The MAD Ministry
I am pleased to report that the MAD Ministry has started their regular assembly Bible lessons for Netherburn and Dalserf primary Schools.
Like our locum, Brian Lowrie and his two assistants, Jenny and Danielle, have embraced the digital world and are now in the position to stream their programmes direct to the schools.
This has the benefit of the schools being able to see the programmes in small individual classes, without a general assembly for all the pupils. This greatly helps the staff maintain social distancing, and the programmes can be watched at times most suitable for the schools.
It also has the added advantage that ALL the children see the programmes, not just those who used to stay behind for the Kids Klub. The Christian message is thus reaching a far wider audience than formarly.
The first broadcast took place at the beginning of September and the general feedback is very positive.
Please continue to support the MAD Ministry financially. If any one wishes donation envelopes please contact myself. A couple of pounds a week would make a big difference.
Bruce Archibald
Dalserf Church Guild News, September 2020
Dear friends,
It is six months since we last met and enjoyed fellowship together.
It was our AGM. Sadly the Closing Social had to be cancelled and our Annual Outing never took place. I certainly, as I am sure so did you, miss our day out. We were looking forward to our morning coffee, sail on Loch Lomond and a lovely high tea.
Where has the summer gone? In Lockdown and the evolving restriction brought on by Covid 19 we have watched spring and summer come and go. Two garden seasons and now the leaves are turning again and the gardens are enjoying the last of the summer blooms. The nights have stretched out and now they are closing in.
No Saturday Teas. We may not have had to spend time baking but oh how the fellowship has been missed. I have received several phone calls asking if we would manage any teas this year. Sadly not. It is doubtful if we will manage our Christmas Fayre.
BUT even though the church building may be closed the church is very much alive. As our minister said in his June News Letter “God is still on the throne and He will remember His own”.
I hope we can still be a Guild and though we cannot physically meet be here for each other – a phone call, an e mail, in prayer. Those who have the technology can unite in worship in the online services our Minister John Stevenson and his son in law are making available to us. This can be found on U Tube or at www.woship at Dalserf or alternatively on the Church Web Site at www.dalserf.org. The Service can also be accessed by Googling “Daslerf Church”
Those who have been able to watch will have seen John Re Dedicate the Guild on September 13th Service. It was good to hear the encouragement we received from John for the continued work of the Guild
There is also a News sheet going on the web site for September and hopefully a full online Newsletter in October.
MEMBERSHIP
All members have agreed to renew their membership. This will be £12.00. Lily will send the Capitation to National Guild in December. If you have savings with her from last session she will take you £12.00 from that. If not you can contact myself or Lily regarding payment
TELEPHONE GROUPS
After several calls to Guild members we have been able to set up small “phone groups”. Hopefully this will keep us in touch. The calls from some may overlap but this is not an issue and may be looked on as a bonus. It may not be the real thing but on a long day it is good to make and receive a phone call.
HARVEST THANKSGIVING
Sadly we cannot meet up in Dalserf for Harvest thanksgiving but the work of the Food bank still goes on and at present is even more important than before.
God still charges us to help others even in our own time of need. We would have celebrated Harvest Thanksgiving in Dalserf Church on Sunday 4th October. However thanks will still be given to God for the Harvest and in light of this Joan Pollok and I will be in Dalserf Car Park on Friday 2nd October from 12noon till 2.00pm to receive non-perishable items for the Nethan Valley Foodbank. I have been in touch with the food bank and they will be delighted to receive our gifts. They are especially looking for winter warmers such as packet soup, packet past etc. If bringing items to the Church car park is a problem please contact me and I will try to make alternative arrangements.
Please put your harvest gifts in a bag and place them in the boot of our car. In recognition of both you and our safety if possible can you also wear a face covering. Joan and I will arrange to take the gifts to the foodbank immediately afterwards.
SHOE BOXES
I have been in touch with Blytheswood Care and they will be going ahead with the Shoe Box Appeal. If you are concerned about the risk of passing on the virus the boxes will be put into quarantine for 72 hours. I will put the instructions and suggestions from Blytheswood at the end of this News Letter. We do not have a date for pick up yet but will let you know the final arrangements when this is available.
Nancy Rundell has a selection f hats and scarves she has knot during Covid restrictions. Anyone wishing a set can get it from Nancy. She also has a selectin of toiletries she can distribute for inclusion in shoe boxes.
NATIONAL GUILD
The National Guild Annual Gathering took place by video on Saturday 5th September.
It was available on the Church of Scotland Web Site. During the presentation the retiring National Convenor gave her report as did other members of the National Executive. The Rev Martin Fare, Moderator of the General Assembly, spoke and the new Convenor was invested.
Our new Convenor, Mabel Wallace, announced her Convenor Challenge for 2020-21.
She is looking for a photograph of a tree or trees or a rainbow or better still tree and a rainbow. Why not have a go. Should you wish more details I will find these for you.
This made me think perhaps we could have a challenge of our own. A photograph taken during the Pandemic of a humorous moment or a loving moment. I’m sure we have all got them and it would be good to share.
ADVENT JARS
During my phone calls I told you about Janet’s Advent Jars and all were interested. Please let me know how many you would like and we will organise collection and delivery from Janet. I don’t have a costing yet but the money raised will go to the Church.
FUTURE NEWS SHEETS
I would like to produce a News sheet each month till Christmas but this can only happen if I have something to write about. So why not send me a bit of Good News for our Good News Box, share a recipe, a thought for the day, a favourite text or poem. An idea to fill the time, a good book to read.
We hope to think about a quiz and other challenges while we cannot meet.
2020-21 THEME
THE EXTRA MILE
Matthew Chapter 5:41 says “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
It goes on to say “give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
The Extra Mile, sharing with others the good gifts we are privileged to have been given …
- Befriend someone
- Help the homeless
- Feed the hungry
- Speak out where you see injustice
These are examples given in the National Them Pack. You will probably have your own ideas of “the extra mile” As the Pack says “Jesus wants us to be giving, loving, forgiving gentle, going the extra mile.
Jesus says “whatever you do for the least of these you do for me”
I have not read through the pack yet but as I do I hope to share more of it with you.
PRAYERS
Please pray for Linda’s husband David who is in hospital.
In closing this epistle I hope we can make a success of this new venture- A Monthly News Letter. I can only produce something if you help me.
Meantime please find at the end a word search based on the Reading John used prior to rededicating the Guild last Sunday
1 John 4:19-20 We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
Whose we are and whom we serve
As we would usually finish before enjoying a we cuppa and one of Anne’s pancakes can we say the grace together
May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
The Love of God and
The fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with us all
Amen
Matthew 5:38-48
Retaliation
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,[a] let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Love Your Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[b] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
