EASTER FRENZY

EASTER FRIDAY

Easter Friday was a special day in the church. In the afternoon Fiona Butler married Scott. For the last two years, Fiona has been the co-ordinator for Youth Inclusive, a dynamic outreach project for young people in the Hilton area. The band from the local Pentecostal Church played for the service, and one of their pastors Sheila MacLauglin did the address to the newly married couple. It was a truly joyful occasion with many of the young people who Fiona has worked with sharing in the Service. Fiona has now moved on from her post as co-ordinator of the Youth Inclusive Project, and we wish her well in her new life together with Scott. Our very own Brian Irvine, is the new co-ordinator, and we will write more about this in a future post.

It was back to the Church at 7.30pm for our Good Friday Service. During our Service we thought together about the way that Jesus confronted the suffering of the Cross with silence. In the words of John Swinton,

“The silence of Jesus is a statement that God not only empathises with suffering 'from a distance', but also experiences it in all of its horror.”

The Service finished with communion. It is good to spend this evening each year, focussing on the reality of Jesus experiencing the darkness of the Cross, and sharing in our dark and difficult times.

"Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me." Psalm 23.

EASTER SUNDAY

Easter Sunday wasn't a day for a long lie at Hilton Church. Some folk were up cooking bacon by 7am. Others were on the road to Loch Ness by 7.30am to prepare a camp fire. At 8.30am, there was a gathering of 100 on the beach at Dores to celebrate the resurection of Jesus Christ.

"Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ will come again!"

What a beautiful setting for an Easter Celebration. It was cold, but unlike last year, there were no hailstones! We even had a few sunny spells.

The time of worship was led by one of our homegroups. With the waves crashing onto the shore behind us, it was sometimes hard to hear those leading the Service. Next year, perhaps we'll take a megaphone as well!After some prayers, some rousing singing and a short meditation, we all enjoyed hot drinks,bacon rolls, hot cross buns and even some easter eggs. We prepared for 100 and all the food was eaten. We started this service 6 years ago, and each year the number coming grows.

By 9.45am, it was time to head back to Hilton Church, so as to be there in good time for an all age worship service at 10.30am. I was struck this morning by how much our audio visual equipment has become an integral part of our worship services. We were able to show images of the early morning gathering at Dores as people were arriving at church, and during the service we had 2 presentations linked to the themes of resurrection and new life.

This afternoon some of us have been to Burnside Home in our Parish to lead an Easter Service, and at 6.30pm , there will be an Evening Service in the Church.

At a time when there often appears to be so much despondency in the churches across Scotland, it is a blessing to share in a vibrant fellowship with so many people who have a hunger to serve the Risen Christ in their life. Hallelujah! DMacP