RECORDERS and GIVING

We had a very memorable morning service yesterday. The congregation enjoyed a performance by 6 pupils of Drummond School who played their recorders as part of a fund raiser for a Special Olympics event later this summer. The boys played brilliantly. We wish them every success in their sporting endeavours.

In the evening we had a very thought provoking service led by Ken Walker based on Paul's encouragement to give generously in 2 Corinthians 8. At the end of the service, there was the opportunity to get into groups (entirely optional!) over coffee to discuss the following question (which I'm paraphrasing from memory!):

The government's economic rescue plan may fail. In all likelihood the UK will at some point cease to be one of the richest countries in the world. In what ways might this affect our giving as a Church?

Unfortunately I had to leave before the discussion, because of another commitment. Hopefully Ken may post some of the responses here when he has time. The basic idea of having an impromptu group time at the end of a service is a good one. It gives a time for discussion and response when the issues are still fresh in our minds. It's something we should do again.

BITS& PIECES

The BBC webite always has something about faith and today there are 2 articles. One of significance for our culture and times and another which probably only makes sense in the US!

On a completely different level, I listened to the Bristish Lions rugby match on the radio yesterday. By all accounts the referee had an absolute shocker of a match, making several mistakes which were very costly for the Lions. I'm struck by the report on the BBC, in which none of the defeated team members make any reference to the failings of the referee. Why is it that so often in football all the criticism centres around the referee, while in rugby, decisions are accepted and not brought up after the match?

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

I'm sitting here doing some preparation for the services in the morning. I'm not the only one making such preparations. Some will be preparing for Sunday Club, while others will be working on music and prayers. I wanted to highlight the theme of preparation this morning, and express gratitude for all that so many do to make our experiences on a Sunday postives ones. I also wanted to highlight the preparation of one very special lady in Hilton Church who has been preparing every Saturday for decades. At the age of 87, she still goes to Simpsons in the Market to pick up flowers every Saturday morning. She then spends a considerable time in the afternoon arranging them, ready for Sunday. But not content with that level of preparation, Norma is then in the church kitchen by 8.30am every Sunday morning to set out the various drinks, so that we can all enjoy hospitality after the Services. She then repeats the same exercise at night! I honour Norma's unique service through this post and hope that she will have many more years of good health which will enable her to continue sharing in these vital aspects of our weekly worship.

CONGO MISSION

A team from Hilton Church visited N. Carolina in 2006. Many firm friendships have flowed from that trip, not least with my wonderful hosts, Randy & Barbara Walker. One of the truly impressive aspects of our visit to North America were the insights we got regarding the mission budgets of the churches we visited there. The budgets of many churches for developing world projects often run to seven figure sums anually. This Monday, Barbara is going on a team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church to the Congo. You can follow the trip blog here.

OPENING PHOTOS

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I'm afraid I listen more to Radio 5 Live (Bloke FM!) rather than to Radio Scotland, so I don't often hear Thought for the Day. The following one which I found here is worth pondering on.

MORE CONGRATULATIONS

Last month, we congratulated Scott MacRoberts on being accepted for ordained ministry. This month, we are delighted to note that Michael Robertson has also been accepted as a candidate for the Church of Scotland ministry. Both Scott and Michael plan to do their training at HTC. It is great that those training for the ministry nolonger have to leave the Highlands when they embark on their training. While Scott and Michael are beginning, Rob Barlow is nearing the end of his training. He will hopefully graduate from HTC in the autumn, as well as completing his probationary 15 months in Beauly.

LIGHT HOUSE OFFICAL OPENING

The Light house is being offically opened tomorrow (Saturday). The Cafe will be offering free hospitality from 2-5pm, together with face painting, bouncy castles and various other attractions. David Sutherland CBE, will be unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening around 3.30pm.

GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!

We have an unusually high proportion of boys in our Sunday Club at Hilton Church. We are therefore delighted to note that the balance has been dramatically redressed in recent days with the addition of 3 baby girls. Juliette to Stuart & Fiona Blackhall, Rebekah to Rod & Jane MacLean, and now a baby girl, as yet unnamed, to Stuart & Emily MacQuarrie.

Ben Mhanach

My holiday began so well - a 25km walk on the first day to Ben Mhanach. Unfortunately, I didn't manage another day on the hill. I went down with a severe throat infection which resulted in a perforated ear drum. Today, I'm not fit enough to walk 1 km! These times, as well as slowing you down, help you to appreciate your health when you have it. I had hoped to try and complete my remaining Munros this year, but it may well have to wait until 2010 now.

CHRIS MOYLES on CHURCH

In March, we all saw Chris Moyles on Kilimanjaro! I have just listened to Chris Moyles on Church! It is one of the most heart warming, funny and informative pieces of radio I have heard in a long time.