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Last North Knapdale worship

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In our service today we are contemplating an end and a beginning, turning a page to a new chapter in our church’s history. Next week we move from North Knapdale Church to become Dalriada, Mid Argyll church, so today we will give some time to thinking of this change.

Call to Worship Ps 23 vs 1 – 3

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His names sake.

Prayer together for Dalriada Mid Argyll Church and area.*

Lord, this Parish of Dalriada, Mid Argyll, this land of forest and loch, of hill and field, of town and village,
of homes and work, of rest and holidays,
Make this be a place of Your peace.

Here be the peace of those who do Thy will,
Here be the peace of people serving others,
Here be the peace of holy people obeying,
Here be the peace of praise by dark and day,

Be this land Thy holy place.
We, thy servants make this prayer.
May it be it in thy care

Amen.

Readings – Is 55 vs 1 – 3 and 8 – 9
John 4 vs 7 – 14
John 7 vs 37 – 39.

This move into a united congregation will bring challenges, and it will bring blessings, we look forward to that, but we also look back and have our own memories of our worship and life as North Knapdale, in Tayvallich, in Bellanoch and in Inverlussa, some too might remember services at the hut at Kilmory. But as this hymn encourages us – Be thou my vision – not our thoughts but God’s, not our ways but His.
I would like us all to take a few minutes in quiet reflection together – yes to remember the good from the past, but also to look for a God-given vision for our church into the future.
How will we work with God to bring a river of living water to our thirsty communities?
I’ve asked Catherine to play quietly as we sit and ponder these things – to pray or to contemplate our memories and our visions.

Time of quiet

Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father, who is in heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your Kingdom come
Your will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For yours is the Kingdom
The power and the Glory
Forever

Blessing:

May this day bring Sabbath rest to our hearts and homes
May we know the grace to embrace our own finite smallness,
in the arms of God’s infinite greatness
May God’s word feed us and his Spirit lead us,
Into the week and life to come.
And may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with us now and always;
Amen.

*amended from a poem attributed to St Aiden for the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, from Celtic Daily Prayer, The Northumbria Community Trust.

Sermons

2/1/22 sermon

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1 Thessalonians ch 2

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.

We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, not did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: you suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has  come upon them at last.

But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul did, again and again – but satan blocked our way. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy.

Rev. Robert MacLeod’s message slightly adapted for the website….

We who form the church in the 21st century church are living in some of its most significant years.  The church is not what it was – it therefore is in many respects in rural communities fighting for its survival. 

That said, we need to remind ourselves of why we exist, what ought to characterise us and what remains our great mandate.  

The struggles we face can lull us into apathy, cynicism and even despair.

From the reading in Thessalonians – what marked such churches – congregations that made them ‘turn the world upside down’?  What can we learn this morning that we might seek to apply to our ministry here in our parish in the coming year?

1 Biblical in content (v1 tell you…his gospel)

We said here last Sunday that because God is from everlasting to everlasting, the implications are that He does not change, His word, His promises, His objective for our lives. The Faith or the way of salvation is through Christ alone. 

We should embrace the word of God as the power of God. Don’t be afraid of opposition. We must tell His gospel. Remind ourselves of the good news by reading the Bible.

The message that Paul preached was full, free and final. 

This is our community’s great need.  The Bible will still address our greatest needs.

2 Proclaim the message with authority or conviction. 

The faith remains the same but we must in the same manner as of old through different media and means communicate a message.  The bible says how will they hear unless someone tells – Thus that telling must be unashamed, unapologetic, with unction and passion.  Paul speaks as one approved by God.

Paul would say to Timothy – Preach the word….  

Billy Graham – repeated phrase ‘the bible says’… 

3 Authentic in nature (verse 5)

Verses 5-6 emphasises the character of the messenger. Their reputation went before them.

The genuine nature of the man shines through!  No flattery, Look at me, abuse of privileged position, exploit rights.  This is remarkable as we consider who he was in the context – red carpet visitor.

Authenticity occurs when real people say real things about real issues with real feelings.  There are no hidden agendas. Don’t go around quoting Bible verses but be real. Be gentle.

Authenticity is lived and when lived it impacts.  Speak the truth, share truth, admit failure, show vulnerability when appropriate and it will connect.  

When we are like this we shall have no problem convincing people that the church has a place within the community.  That it is important for the community’s spiritual wellbeing – not some institution existing for the proverbial “Hatching Matchings and Dispatching.”

But when Paul was talking to the Thessalonians he was talking to a body of people, not an institution. They met in houses, not a grand building.

That is our wonderful challenge. How can we BE the church, not just be attenders at a service in a church?

4 Gracious in attitude

Vs. 7-11

Three metaphors…

Be like…..

“Children” – essence: simple, uncluttered, vulnerable…

“Mother” essence: always there, loving, embrace, pick us up…

“Father” essence: lead, discipline, guide…

We need to embrace this reality.  Church is not about power, nor superiority but about people.  

It’s a family – no family is perfect and so it’s a process of living, learning and sharing.    

No family is perfect.  How do we deal with these – with people.  Grace will always be gracious – after all our Lord’s concern is ultimately to wipe away every tear.  

The church needs to rediscover these attitudes in its ranks – that’s you and me!

The church as an institution is rejected for “knowing all the answers”

How many prodigals are outside because of the unlovely characters of those who profess to be on the inside? 

5 Relevant in approach

Vs 12-13 – relevance in action – they connected and the people responded by becoming imitators of them.

Read this recently:

Faith inspires.

Far more than our cool lights, awesome bands and fantastic children’s ministry, people want to see if we believe.

In the ’80s you could fill a church with great preaching, in the ’90s you could do the same with amazing worship. Today, in a world that is confused, people are searching for what matters and want to find someone who cares. When genuine faith is backed by love, it provides hope. That inspires people, it helps them believe. They want to be part of that.

Deep down they know they don’t have the answers, but will no longer settle for a polished theological treatise covered in biblical brilliance. They want to know if we believe what we say enough to truly live it. They want to see faith in action. 

That is our wonderful challenge going into 2022.

Accepting changing times I

Accepting need for review and at times renewal of ways we approach ministry

Accepting of the challenge to finds means of communicating an unchanging message to a changed time!

And this is for all of us, not just those at the front!

Sermons

Journeys 8 March

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 Genesis Chapter 12 vs 1 – 4

John Chapter 3 vs  1 – 17

It is singularly obvious truth that the longest journey begins with a single step – any journey, whether long or short, to the kitchen or to Australia begins with a single step – the first step which you take in order to get towards where you want to go.  To make a cup of tea, or to visit distant relatives, the first step indicates that you are changing your position, doing something new, making something happen, indicating that you plan to make your life different – either by creating a hot cup of tea, or by hugging your Australian cousins.

Our lives are a series or a tapestry of interwoven journeys taking us on to new experiences and new environments.   

Our first reading was about Abram.   He had been taken by his father from their home town of Ur, near the Persian Gulf, way north to Haran, in Syria near to the border with present day Turkey.  

But Abram wasn’t settled, his journeying was not complete, he heard a leading, he sensed a call to do more, to go on, to develop his life further.   He understood this as the call of God to move on to take another step, and he trusted that call, he responded to that call, and he understood that in this journey he would find a greater purpose and a blessing in his life. 

Abram chose to step out – trusting in the call God had shown him.  And God told him that from his descendents a great nation would be formed 

Now, one of these descendents was Nicodemus – a true blooded Hebrew, a leader of the Jews, a Pharisee, an outstanding example as a descendent of Abraham.   One of God’s chosen nation, one of Abraham’s blessings.   A lot of history has passed by,  possibly 20 centuries, and in this reading we hear of Nicodemus’ journey – not so far this time, Nicodemus sets out on a journey at night, from his home, through the dark streets, to a meeting with Jesus.   It is not clear what prompted this journey, why he chose to go to talk with Jesus, but he was prompted by something – was it curiosity about this new preacher who worked miracles, and claimed to be God,  – did he want to challenge Jesus about his blasphemous talk about being God, or did he want to trust Him and so be drawn closer to God?

Whatever drew him on his journey, Jesus knew the question really on Nicodemus heart. – “How can I enter the Kingdom of God?”   

As a Jew, he would have assumed that his Hebrew lineage, his status as a Pharisee, his following of the Jewish traditions, the feasts and fasts of the Hebrew calendar, would have assured him of his place in God’s Kingdom.  But he must have been unsettled, unsure, shaken by Jesus teaching and actions.   

Jesus strikes right at the heart of the question – to enter the Kingdom you must be born again.  Be born again, start again – All your life before, all your lineage, your following the rules, your sacred practices, your upright behaviour, your attendance each Sabbath, counts for nothing, forget it, all irrelevant – you need to start again in a new way.

Jesus says – Be born of water and spirit. – Water and spirit – now a good Pharisee like Nicodemus would immediately recognise that reference – EZ 36 vs 25 – 27, where God says:

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean, I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you, I will take the heart of stone out of you and give you a heart of flesh.

I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you will keep my judgements and do them”

Jesus is saying – to be a part of my Kingdom – you must allow God to cleanse you – to get rid of sin, get rid of all the false gods in your life, you must choose to allow God to wash you, and you have to choose to reject the idols in your life which you put in place of God. 

Then – you will be transformed – the heart of stone – frozen and immobile, will become a heart of flesh – of life, of compassion for others in need, of concern for justice,  in essence –  of love for God, others and yourself.

And, you will receive the Holy Spirit, to give you the will to follow God’s way of life.   

That is some promise:  your sins forgiven, your life transformed, and you will want to follow God’s way of living.

Now stand in Nicodemus shoes for a moment he must have been absolutely shocked 

Jesus words must have been like having a bucket of cold water thrown over them – a cold and sudden shock.

He was being told that his religious life, his legal obedience, his rules and regulations, his weekly worship  – none of that brought him into the Kingdom of God.   None of it.  He needed to make a new start, a new life, a new way of living – a new journey to begin.   He needed to choose a new life – 

 Jesus sets it all out simply before him:

“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but will have everlasting life.”

Listen –  God, the living God who you are trying to serve, the God of Abraham and Moses, has given His Son to live here with you, to teach and to demonstrate and to proclaim His Kingdom, and if you believe in Him – if you accept Him as God’s Son, if you listen to His teaching and follow his ways, if you choose to believe in Him – then you enter the Kingdom – you are given this gift of eternal life, starting now.

This phrase “believe in Him” is a bit empty I think as a translation – it sounds a bit glib – “Yes, I believe in Jesus”.

But behind this word “believe” in verse 16 – is a more challenging meaning – believe and listen to, trust in, hold on tightly to, depend on, lean on.    

What Jesus is saying in this verse is:

Your life following laws, of attending weekly worship, of reading scriptures and living respectfully is past – it counts for nothing – that’s your old journey, to enter the Kingdom, to have eternal life with God, you need to set out on a new journey and the first step is to choose to follow God’s Son – and Jesus is the Son.

Nicodemus was face with a choice, 

Trust in his history, his religious practices, his rules and activities as the way to enter God’s kingdom – 

OR – believe this man Jesus – believe in Him.  Choose to discard the religiosity, the rule keeping, the status, 

and trust Jesus, listen to him, depend on him, hold on to Him follow Him – believe in Him

We don’t know which way Nicodemus chose – but we each one of us are also faced with that choice – we have to decide,  – to trust in our selves, in our past behaviour, in our Sunday worship, in our being good citizens in the hope of entering   God’s kingdom

Or choose to trust what Jesus says – believe in me – listen to me, follow me.

That is what he is saying to us now:  Choose to believe in me and you will have eternal life:

Don’t depend on religious practices, on your nationality, or your moral lifestyle – that is past – you need to choose to start a new life to enter God’s kingdom – a life trusting in what Jesus says – a life accepting God’s gift of forgiveness, a life where the Holy Spirit gives us the will and the desire to follow Him.

Choose to believe in Him, trust, depend, cling to, listen to Him.  

We have to tell Jesus that we choose to follow Him.   That is our first step into our new life with Him.

Amen.


Sermons, Services

Talks 1st March

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Talk 1

 “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” 

When we pray these words we are asking God to protect us and keep us on his safe path when the devil comes and tempts us.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to be the first and only person on earth. It’s one thing for us to be lonely it was another for Adam who had never known another human being. How much he must have missed no childhood, no parents no friends.

He was the first person made in the image of God and the first human to have a personal relationship with God. Fortunately, God didn’t let him wait too long before he presented him with an ideal companion Eve

As Adams descendants we all reflect to some degree the image of God as our life and worth comes from Gods Spirit.

 In reality our worth comes not from our achievements but from the God of the universe who chooses to give us the mysterious and miraculous gift of life. Value it as he does.

In the garden there were two tree the Tree of Life which represents immortality, eternal youthfulness and the Tree of knowledge which represents mortality and the knowledge of good and evil – a tree of conscience

God gave Adam the responsibility for the garden and told him not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

Why would God place a tree in the garden and then forbid Adam to eat from it?

Rather than physically preventing him from eating from it he gave Adam the freedom to choose and thus the possibility of choosing wrongly.

God gives us choices and we too can choose wrongly. These wrong choices may cause pain, but they can help us learn and grow. Living with the consequences of our choices teaches us to think and chose more carefully

Obviously, Adam explained the rules of the garden to Eve when she joined him and how the Tree of Knowledge was off limits.

Disguised as a shrewd serpent Satan came to tempt Eve by making her think that sin is good, pleasant and desirable. However, she decided it looked so delicious and as the serpent persuaded her by saying that the minute, she ate it she too would be like God knowing good from evil. She looked, she took, and she ate. The battle is often lost with the first look as temptation often begins by seeing something you want. To make herself feel less guilty she involved Adam in her wrongdoing. Sadly, Adam didn’t think of the consequences and in one small act of rebellion he went ahead and ate it.

In that moment something large, beautiful and free was shattered and sin was brought into the world.

The Biblical meaning of Temptation is a ‘trial’ in which man has a free choice of being faithful or unfaithful to God.

Temptation is not a sin as we have not sinned until we give into temptation.

Temptation is Satan’s invitation to give into his kind of life and give up on gods kind of life.

In Mathew 4 verses 1-11 it tells us how he even tempted Jesus who did not sin. 

The Biblical definition of sin becomes important because the scriptures define the boundaries and standards which God has set for us.

However, the definition of sin in the Bible is not a test of arbitrary do’s and don’ts. Instead they show us the way God lives. They show the spiritual principles by which he lives, the same standard of conduct he expects his human creations to live by.

SIN CAN BE WHAT WE DON’T DO

Christ’s teaching helps us to understand why it is sin not to do what we know we should do. It boils down to who’s will is more important in our lives. Is it our will to do what we want to do or is it Gods will doing what he thinks is most important which shapes our actions?

It is through action-through works, through doing good that we know we ought to be doing that God builds his nature and character within us. If we want to get rid of our sinful nature, we have to replace it with something else. We don’t magically get rid of it we have to replace it with God’s nature, his thoughts his ways.

True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts as faith without godly works Is useless, worthless. Such faith is of no lasting value as it doesn’t change the person, nor does it help others to hear the words “Be warm and filled” when they’re cold and hungry.

God of mercy guide us through this season minister to us in the wilderness of our temptation that we who have been set free from sin by Christ May serve you well into life everlasting.

talk 2

Today is the first Sunday in Lent.

Lent is the six week period leading up to Easter. It’s one of the most important times of year for many Christians around the world, particularly those within the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Lent is seen as a time of solemn observance and preparation for the remembrance of the death and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. From its start on Ash Wednesday until its conclusion on Easter Sunday, Lent has been a traditional time for fasting or giving something up or abstinence. Fasting reminds us of the 40 day fast Jesus had before he started his ministry. Catherine mentioned this in her talk. Jesus fasted in the desert in preparation for his life’s work and the devil came and tested him.

 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is always held 46 days (40 fasting days and 6 Sundays) before Easter Sunday.

Ash Wednesday is the day after Shrove Tuesday, which in the UK is more commonly known as Pancake Day, that was last week. Did you have pancakes?

These days, Christians around the world observe Lent in different ways. Many from more orthodox and traditional denominations will still observe the fast strictly, beginning with the wearing of ashes on Ash Wednesday and abstinence of meat, fish, eggs and fats until Easter Sunday.

Others will choose to give up just one item for Lent, more commonly a ‘luxury’ such as chocolate, meat, alcohol or cake. It is also becoming increasingly common for people to give up other things such as watching TV or using social media. The time gained from missing out on these activities is spent in meditation, Bible study, prayer or doing something practical to help others. There are many devotional resources available such as Lent Bible studies – there is a practical booklet in this months life and work produced by Christian aid which gives topics for prayer and practical things to do to help alleviate the climate crisis in Kenya.

One thing we could focus on in our lent practices is forgiveness, asking God to forgive us the things we do wrong, the things we don’t do that we should, and also forgiving those who have hurt us. We need to forgive others in order for God to forgive us. We could spend our lent time thinking of the ways others have hurt us and letting go of the hurts and forgiving them. Spending time in god’s presence, meditating on his word will help us to do this. Meditation will also help god speak into our hearts and heal the hurts, and also show us where we have done wrong. We must ask god for his forgiveness and sometimes we have to ask others too.

Psalm 32 is all about forgiveness and the blessings of being forgiven.

When we know we’re in the wrong and try to hide it or blame another, not even admitting it to ourselves that is when we feel our bones wasting away, God’s hand heavy on us, or just our conscience pricking us. We know we need to ask God for forgiveness but we sometimes don’t want to admit we are wrong. The thing is, once we admit it and ask for forgiveness, we can feel overjoyed at his response. He always forgives us when we come to him with a sorrowful heart, and a determination to be a true follower. Not only does he forgive us but he miraculously forgets. 

At the beginning of Lent as a season of preparation and self-examination, what do we need to confess individually and corporately in order to receive the blessings that our sins are forgiven, our debt is covered, and no record of wrongs is kept?

Mission, Sermons, Services

Talk 23 Feb 2020

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Today, as we get ready to begin the period of Lent, our approach to the wonder and drama of Easter, we are directed towards looking into this mysterious event in the life of Jesus and His disciples – what we know as the “Transfiguration” of Jesus on the mountain side.

Like so many events in the gospel, this is loaded with meaning, with symbol, and with instruction – pointing us to the truth, the amazing significance, of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and gives us such a jolt towards the conclusion – “surely this man was the Son of God”.

Readings: Exodus 24v12 to 25v9:
The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”
Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. He said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.”
When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.

Matthew 17v1-8:
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus.

We have heard two stories here, thousands of years apart, in Exodus, at the beginning of the formation of the Hebrew nation as the people of the living God.   Refugees moving towards their promised land, and then later, in Galilee, in the midst of the life of the Messiah, Jesus, taking His disciples to a new understanding of His place as Son of God.  Two very different events, in very different cultures.

Moses is called by God up the mountain to speak with God, Jehovah, and receive instructions for His people.  There are some similarities with Jesus story – Moses waited six days before God called him to his presence, Moses met God in a cloud, but there the similarities dissolve.

Jesus waited six days in Galilee before going up the mountain, and yes he did seem to go into a cloud to meet God, no, to meet Elijah and Moses.   

Moses was meeting God for 40 days – Jesus was in His meeting for a few hours possibly.

Moses is given lengthy instructions on what God wants his people to do:   we often only think that this is when Moses was given the ten commandments – yes, but these were already given to him on a previous meeting with God.   This time God first gives extremely detailed instructions as to how to build “The Tabernacle” – a tent like building in which God could visit and instruct His people – or at least the chief priest of his people.

There are 7 chapters following Moses meeting with God in which Moses recites the instructions of God as to how to build the tabernacle, how to furnish it, how to prepare the priests, how to dress the priests and then finally who to use to build it all.    Then God writes the ten commandments on to stone tablets – and gives them to Moses.

God is saying, I have given you rules to live by, and made promises to you to be your God, but I need to keep communication open with you always – and to do that you need to make this very precious, and very holy and complex building, with special furniture, and specially prepared people in symbolic clothing into which I can come to meet you and you need to get the details absolutely right – its got to be perfect   

God is saying to Moses, we are so far apart, so different, we need to have extraordinary preparations before we can come near each other.

Let’s go back to Peter, James, and John, up the mountain with Jesus.

Jesus does not go into a cloud, but he himself is changed – transfigured, transformed in some mysterious way – He shines like the sun, his clothes become dazzling white – and he is joined by two others – Moses and Elijah – the two outstanding prophets and leaders of the Hebrew nation, the chosen people.  Two people who have been recorded in the scriptures as knowing God.

It is as if Jesus is entering another dimension, he has stepped out of the material present in Galilee and is with others from another life time – or to put it another way, he has drawn the others from their eternal life place, into His presence in Galilee.   This is sounding like “science fiction”, isn’t it – I would rather call it “Spiritual reality” – it is beyond our normal human experience – but really – Jesus is showing the disciples that he is more than a man, He is giving them a glimpse of His divinity.   

Peter, as you can imagine is deeply affected by this – he recalls this later in his letter – 

“We didn’t follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses to His majesty.  Eye witnesses – we saw His majesty – , God revealed in Jesus.”

Moses was given 7 chapters of detail as to how to prepare a place where God could talk to his people.

God gives us 16 words of instruction on the mountain with Jesus as to how God can talk to His people:

“This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased, listen to Him”

If you want to hear what I am saying to you – listen to Jesus.

If you want to know how I would like you to live – listen to Jesus.

If you want to know my will for you – listen to Jesus.

I do not need special buildings any more, I do not look for special clothes, I do not need you to appoint special people.   

Here is Jesus – This is my Son, He represents everything of me, listen to Him.

This is not complicated, it is not easy, it asks for commitment, it asks for faith, it asks for trust – but it is not a complicated message.

This is my Son, Listen to Him.

You know, in talking to people, in reading stories of Christian lives, in hearing people speaking of their Faith in Jesus, I have heard many people say that they came to follow Jesus after reading one of the Gospels, reading of Jesus life and words, His teaching and His actions.

I have never come across anyone who came to faith in him after reading Genesis, or Exodus, or even the Psalms.

People come to know God through the life of Jesus. 

It was not an empty phrase that God gave to Peter, James and John as they watched with awe as Jesus talked with Moses and Elijah.   These words are the very essence of life for all.

Here is Jesus – transformed before you, here is Jesus moving beyond your material existence into the realm of eternity, into the place of continuing life – into timeless reality

Here is Jesus – my Son, Living God of creation and all that is

Listen to Him.

How simple, how uncomplicated, how welcoming, 

As we read the Gospels again and again – as we refresh our memories of the words, actions, promises of Jesus.

So we hear again and again His words.   We hear His words, are we listening.

And so as we live our lives:   Are we listening?.   What has he said to us in the past, how has he led us up to now?  and – 

What is He saying, to you, to me, to us, for our lives, for our actions, for our Faith in Him. – for our comfort, and our challenge –  

What is He saying – Are we listening – today

Amen.

Sermons, Services

Talk and prayer 2 feb 2020

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OUR LIFE IS THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT WHICH WE WILL EVER RECEIVE AND IS GIVEN TO US BY GOD. LET US LIVE WISELY.

AS A COMMUNITY OF BELEIVERS WHICH BEGINS BY FAITH IN THE RISEN CHRIST AND IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHICH ENABLES US TO WITNESS, TO LOVE AND TO SERVE.

WE ARE GODS PEOPLE CHOSEN TO BE PART OF HIS PLAN TO REACH THE WORLD IN LOVE AND BY FAITH WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

IN MATHEW CHAPTER 28 V16-20 JESUS CAME AND TOLD HIS DISCIPLES GOD HAS GIVEN  ME ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH THEREFORE GO  AND MAKE DISCIPLES Of ALL THE NATIONS. – BABTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. TEACH THE NEW DISCIPLES TO OBEY ALL THE COMMANDMENTS THAT I HAVE GIVEN YOU AND BE SURE OF THIS I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS EVEN TO THE END OF AGE.

WE BELONG TOGETHER, WE SHOULD REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE AND WEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEP.

WE SHOULD LOOK FOR WAYS TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER UNITED WE CAN THEN FACE WHATEVER THE YEAR BRINGS.

LET US BECOME MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH WHO NOT ONLY SEES WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BUT OFFERS TO HELP BEFORE BEING ASKED – MAKE TIME TO TALK.

HOW DO WE WE REACH OUT TO PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM HEARTBREAK, DISCOMFORT AND ISOLATION. HOWEVER, MUCH THEY ARE LOVED BY OTHERS THEY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO LOVE THEMSELVES.

LET US WITH GODS HELP, HELP THEM FIND THE PEACE TO ACCEPT THE THINGS THEY CANNOT CHANGE AND THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS THEY CAN.

THE YOUTH OF TODAY ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF CREATIVE CAMPAIGNING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE. THEY ARE REALISING THAT THE WORLD ISNT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE AND THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

WE SHOULD APPROACH THEM AS GOD IS THE CREATOR OF BOTH HEAVEN AND EARTH. HE MADE THE THINGS WE CAN SEE AND THE THINGS WE CAN’T SEE AND HE HOLDS ALL CREATION TOGETHER.

COULD THIS NOT BE A COMMON GROUND AS THEY WON’T COME TO US WE MUST GO TO THEM.

LET US BE PART OF THE JUSTICE MOVEMENT THAT OUR PLANET AND SHARED HUMANITY DESERVES.

IF WE COULD ALL REACH ONE OTHER WITH ONE CONVERSATION THE WORLD WOULD BE A MUCH EASIER PLACE. UNFORTUNATLEY THAT’S NOT OFTEN HOW THINGS WORK.

REACHING OUT TO OTHER PEOPLE IS THE MOST HEALING THING THAT WE CAN DO FOR OURSELVES AND ANYONE ELSE. JUST SHOWING UP IN EACH OTHERS LIFE GOES FAR.

WE NEED TO PRAY TO GOD AS PRAYER IS THE CONNECTION OF OURSELVES WITH GOD AND THE WORLD AND BEING THE LIGHT OF LOVE IN WHATEVER PLACE WE FIND OURSELVES.

PRAYER IS ONE PLACE WHERE GOD CAN GET TO US, SPEAK TO US, MINISTER TO US AND GUIDE US.

DO WE NEED A QUIET TIME? WOULD PEOPLE COME INTO THE CHURCH OUTWITH A SUNDAY SERVICE – FOR A TIME OF REFLECTION, OR SILENT PRAYER. PERHAPS THIS COULD BE THE START OF THEIR JOURNEY.

LET US ALL THINK ON HOW WE CAN ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO COME TO CHURCH, WELCOME THEM, LET THEM EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH, WELCOME AND COMPASSION WHICH IS FELT

THROUGH EVERYONES LOVE OF GOD

LOUISE AND DAVID BOTH WORK REALLY HARD TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE THROUGH ALPHA TO FIND GOD AND BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY. THAT IS HOW MY JOURNEY BEGAN.

CATHERINE IS GOING TO LEAD SOME OF  US IN PASTORAL CARE WHICH WILL ENCOURAGE US TO CONNECT AND INSPIRE AND WE WILL BE MADE AWARE OF THE RESOURCES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE. 

I HAD WRITTEN THE WORDS BELOW BEFORE GOD PROMPTED ME TO INCLUDE PASTORAL CARE AS THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF OUR JOURNEY.

I DECIDED TO LEAVE THE LAST SENTENCE IN AS IT IS SO TRUE.

WHEN YOU ASK GOD, WHAT CAN I DO HE SAYS FOLLOW ME I AM ALREADY DOING IT. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO OPEN YOUR EYES DIRECT THEM AWAY FROM YOUR LIFE AND WAIT AS SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE OUR PRAYER IS ANSWERED.

AS WE BOW OUR HEAD IN PRAYER LET US FOR A MOMENT IN SILENCE FEEL THE STILLNESS THAT IS FILLED WITH GOD AND COMPLETED WITH THE LOVE AND MERCY OF JESUS CHRIST

NO ONE CAN HURT YOU; YOU ARE SIMPLY YOURSELF JUST AS GOD MADE YOU.

YOU ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE GENUINE INTACT IMAGE OF GOD IN YOU.

IN THE SILENCE TAKE A MOMENT OR TWO TO REACH OUT TO GOD WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL PRAYER.

THANK YOU, LORD FOR THE BEAUTY WHICH YOU HAVE CREATED

AND THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US THE GIFT OF HOPE AND JOY TO APPRECIATE THE AWSOME WONDER OF YOUR CREATION.

AS THE DARKNESS OF WINTER GIVES WAY TO THE HOPE AND RENEWAL OF SPRING. 

TO ALL THESE CHANGES WE ASK THE GIFT OF YOUR PERSPECTIVE BECKONING US TO EXPECTATION, HOPE AND REBIRTH.

MAY THE SUNLIGHT AND THE RAIN BE REMINDERS THAT YOU ARE AT WORK RENEWING THE EARTH 

AS A GOD OF RENEWAL YOU ARE EVER AT WORK IN OUR LIVES TOO.

FOR FLOWERS THAT BLOOM ABOUT OUR FEET
FOR TENDER GRASS SO FRESH AND SWEET
FOR SONG OF BIRD AND HUM OF BEE
FOR ALL THINGS FAIR WE HEAR OR SEE
FATHER IN HEAVEN WE THANK YOU
ralph waldo emerson

LORD GOD YOU HAVE DONE SO MUCH FOR US

MORE THAN WE DESERVE 

FORGIVE US WHEN WE FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE HOW BLESSED WE ARE

LORD WE PRAY FOR STRENGTH AND FORGIVENESS TO AVOID THE TEMPTATIONS WHICH ARE PUT BEFORE US AS WE WANDER FROM THE PATH THAT LEADS TO PEACE IN PATHS OF OUR OWN PLEASING

WE ARE NEVER ALONE YOU ARE ALWAYS BY OUR SIDE GUIDING US, COMFORTING US IN TIMES OF SORROW AND SUFFERING AND WE KNOW THAT 

WHEREVER WE ARE WE CAN PRAY AND YOU WILL LISTEN AND FILL US WITH PEACE.

LET US ACKNOWLEDGE THE FATHER OF ALL. HIS PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES, OUR WORLD OUR HEARTS BY JOINING TOGETHER IN THE LORDS PRAYER

Sermons, Services

David’s talk 2 June 2019

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Last chapter of Deuteronomy:

Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”
And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.
Joshua
Joshua Installed as Leader
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them —to the Israelites.

The king is dead, long live the king. – that is the cry from the royal court when  a monarch dies and the heir to the throne takes over his or her mantle.   It is a cry which speaks of continuity, of stability, of “no change” here – life will go on as it is – no upset, no crisis.    To give assurance to the people that they will not be disturbed by this change.

But…That is not what is being presented in this reading here.     We are going to look at how the death of Moses heralds a tumultuous sea change for the people of Israel.   It marks a profound alteration in their lifestyle, in their working, in their worship and in their relationship with God.    

 The church here and across Scotland is being urged, encouraged, coaxed and cajoled into assessing how to change, how to recapture our Mission – how to demonstrate the Kingdom of God, to make disciples of Jesus Christ, to seek out what is the Church of Christ in 2021, and how does it connect with our society and community.  

As in the time of Moses death – this is not a time for continuity, for stability, for “no change” here.  

So how does this transition from Moses to Joshua guide us at this time we are in now?

Moses is the hero of the Jews, he led them out of slavery and through the desert.   They were rebellious, they wanted to go back to the “comfort” and security of slavery, they complained about food, about water, about travelling, about God’s guidance, about God’s laws.    They sloped off to find other gods, they were frightened, confused, and they moaned a lot – and Moses held them together as they circled around the Desert     

But Moses was the right man to keep them going – and God looked after them  – he really spoilt them in the desert.   He led them clearly where to go and when to stop.   Cloud and fire went before them.  Moses could go and talk to Him –   They didn’t have any doubts about the direction they were going.   He fed them with Manna- every day, he gave them a treat like the flock of Quaill when they moaned about the Manna.      They were looked after, they knew what was expected of them, they were in a routine which did not challenge them to change – merely to keep going as they were.  Moses’ task was to keep them moving along with God until he had a people who were ready and able to change – to actually go into their promised land.

Moses took them to the start of a new stage in the life of their community – to the edge of a new adventure, a new way of living.     Moses looked after them in the continuity of the desert – but Joshua would take them into uncertainty, conflict, danger and yet ultimately into triumph.   Joshua led them into battles, into strife and discomfort, but ultimately into the land promised by God.   

The pillar of fire and cloud were gone – they had to look to find what God wanted, they had to plan and think, they had to trust that God was with them – that was no longer obvious.    The manna was gone, they had to hunt and forage and barter and steal food from the countryside – they had to work at living as God’s people.

They had to learn to listen to God, to be alert to His guidance.    And when they did  – they had tremendous successes and blessings – think of the walls of Jericho, of the amazing victories against much bigger armies – but when they tried to do things without God, they had disasters and defeats, setbacks and confusions.  

 God was teaching them a new type of dependence on Him.    God was still with them but He wanted them to listen out for His guidance,  to be trusting that He was there, even when they couldn’t see Him,  and he wanted them to live and move forward in His way – not in their in own strength, but in His power, not with their own agendas, but with His.

The Israelites were learning a new, stronger relationship with God, built on trust and understanding, on seeking and action, not on the cloud and fire presence of God in the desert, showing them exactly what to do, and where to go, but on living out plans and actions  – seeking out and then trusting in His will.

I think that the church in Scotland, in Mid Argyll, is being moved by God into a new phase  – a new way of trusting God.   As the Israelites were taken out of the comfort and routine  of the desert into the uncertainty and challenges of a campaign of invasion, so our churches are being moved by God out of the routine and tradition of Sunday worship for the few, out of the certainty of regular meetings, out of depending on a parish minister to look after all our spiritual needs,  out of waiting for people to choose to come and join us – into a new way of being church – a way which has uncertainty at its core, a way that requires us to seek and to search out God’s guidance,  – a way that drives us to trust Him as he asks us to take on novel or uncomfortable projects, or coaxes us to welcome new and unexpected neighbours.   

The people under Joshua grew into a new relationship with God – a relationship based on Trust during uncertainty, based on assurance during adversity, and based on seeking His guidance when they were at a loss what to do.     All this drew them closer to God as they sought out the promised land.  

The church in Scotland has the same challenge and the same opportunity  – to grow into a new relationship with God, as we seek to trust Him as we try to plan for the future of the Gospel in our communities,  as we get to know the assurance of His presence when we struggle for ways of introducing Jesus to the next generations, as we pray and ask for guidance as to how to connect into our communities, to share the Gospel with people who have no idea what the church is about.   The time in the desert is passed – we are being led into new territories, a new landscape and we need to be going into this unknown landscape seeking out God’s plans and seeking the ways forward for His Kingdom.

Sermons, Services, Special events

Maundy Thursday talk

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Having loved his own – John 13:1
His love was particular – loved his own – those the father had given him
First notice whom we loves: “Having loved his own… he loved them to
the end.”

“He calls his own sheep by name and they follow him.” “The good
shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:3, 15, 27).

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends” (John 15:13).

“I do not pray for these only but for all who will believe on me
through their word” (John 17:1).

“His own.” “His sheep.” “His friends.” “Believers.”

Here is something very precious and powerful and life-changing.

The love of Jesus for his own, for his sheep, for his friends, for
believers is more than the love held out to the world—the compassion
that fed the hungry and healed the sick and preached good news to the
poor.

And in this verse, John wants those of us who are “His own,” his
sheep, his friends to hear something uniquely for us.

It is not by accident that Jesus’ love for the church is compared to
the love of a husband for his wife in Ephesians 5.

There is a kind of love I can have for all women and men, but when I
have vowed in solemn covenant to forsake all others and cleave to Jean
alone and to love her and cherish her for richer for poorer, for better
for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part, our love
becomes a slight reflection of what it means for Jesus to love his own,
his sheep, his friends, his bride.

Think of the love that takes captive and cleaves and unites and
cherishes and defends.

His love was protective – in the world

The world of the flesh, tempation, trial and testing.

Having willingly set aside the glory that was rightfully His, and in
spite of the disciples’ appalling selfishness, Jesus’ main concern
that night was to demonstrate His personal love to the twelve so that
they might be secure in it.

John 13:1 says, “having loved His own who were in the world, He
loved them to the end.”  “To the end” in the Greek text is eis
telos, meaning, literally, that He loved them to perfection. He loved
them to the uttermost. He loved them with total fullness of love.

His love was permanent – to the end – no end.

He loved us in life and he loved us in death. Having loved us in the
easiest times he loved us in the hardest times. Having loved us with
words and bread and touch he loved us with blood and pain and death.
Having loved us extensively over years he loved us intensively to the
depths. Eternally – lead them, surely goodness and mercy follow us –
glory of perfection.

We are moved to believe that someone loves us when two things
appear—they stick with us over time, and they stick with us when it is
costly.

And the word tells us, “having loved his own who were in the world, he
loved them to the end.” It went long and it went deep.

O, may God give us the power to comprehend with all the saints what is
the height and depth and length and breadth and to know the love of
Christ which passes knowledge that we might be filled with all the
fullness of God.”Having loved his own.” Those four words are a brief but
complete summary of the Savior’s conduct towards his disciples.

Sermons, Services

Talks from 5 May 2019

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Today’s service was brought to you by our new Local Worship Leaders!

Mark 5 v 22 – 43

 GIFT OF TOUCH

Dr Fritz Talbot conducted a scientific study in the 1940’s regarding the effects of touch in babies and established a conclusive connection between touch and infants ability to thrive.

The importance of eye contact and a  loving touch with babies has a special significance in early attachment and plays an important part in the process of a baby feeling secure and a sense of connection.

From when we are born we are wrapped up to make us feel secure move on to teddies, touch toys, the comforting feel of some types of material all of which make us feel loved and secure which lots of people take into adulthood and evokes memories of the love and security they felt as children.

This is the feeling when you have faith in God and feel the connection. It is sad that there are lots of people who don’t ever get to feel this connection and we should pray to God for guidance.

Importance of touch Jesus touched everyone to heal he  didn’t just stand at the edge of the crowd and say you are all healed  

Jesus gift of touch provides healing connection and can warm even the coldest heart

In what way can you be the hands of Jesus and show the gift of touch to someone who may need love and compassion.

Gods hands will constantly guide you if you seek him and welcome his involvement in your life

Gods hands of intervention and comfort is available to those who seek a close relationship with him.

Gods physical touch is one of the first things you may feel when he begins to draw you towards him and you feel the connection. It is one of the most comforting things you can ever experience. It is life changing.

My story is i  had been to an Alpha meeting and after it had finished had gone for a walk to think about God and religion. I sat on a bench beside a loch and for no reason tears were running down my cheeks they were not sad tears as I felt at peace and I realised that was Gods way of connecting with me. We must be willing to reach out and touch him and if we do we will recognise that here stands the one who will reach out and touch our lives with that touch brings wholeness

The word of God always encounters us and challenges us and asks what about you? 

WHAT IS YOUR STORY

Connection is something every human being longs for, was designed for and needs. There are so many lonely people who don’t have the opportunity perhaps through illness, shyness or no family near them to have the daily contact of touch. 

There are also people who perhaps in their childhood through circumstances don’t feel touch or hugs in a kind way which we all have to be aware off. 

In today’s world we now have to be aware of the power of touch and how it may offend people which is sad as all through the scripture we read about Jesus healing people by laying his hands on the sick who had faith in him and were healed.  The security we reach for as infants, on in to adulthood to me is  the same as the security we feel in Gods love and the ability to grow.

Jesus said that children and young people are not the church of the future but the church of today. The kingdom of God belongs to them.

Children tend to be receptive, open, humbling and forgiving.

You become childlike when you share your honest feelings. Acknowledge how vulnerable you are and how much you need God and other people.

Respond instinctively like a child to feel and express our love and joy, rush in explore, probe and discover things for yourself.

Sense the presence of God know his security and protection.

The lord goes before you and he will be with you. He will never leave you. 

The church is an important part of the community as worship brings people together. Louise and I were standing talking with our coffee after church and all the congregation were sitting with their tea/coffee chatting to each other and laughing and it was lovely to see. What a difference it would make to more people if they could experience the warmth, welcome and compassion which is felt through everyone’s love of God who promises to give you grace, blessing and honour.

Proverbs 2 v 1 – 11. Ephesians 4 v 1 – 16

Mission

David has already mentioned the interesting meeting we had in Ardrishaig on Thursday. There were elders from the five Mid Argyll churches – Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, South Knapdale, Glassary, Kilmartin and Ford and of course North Knapdale. David Mitchell, who has four churches in Cowal is the Convener of the Presbytery Planning Committee and outlined the case for improvement very well. 

Not only are there not enough ministers to go round the current number of posts, but also there is not enough money in the coffers in Edinburgh to pay their wages if we had all the posts filled.

This leaves us with a little bit of a dilemma if we wish to continue our traditional church in the traditional manner on the traditional Sunday morning with a traditional minister.

Reading between the lines it would seem that there is only enough money available to pay for 2 salaried ministers for our area. 

But, and it’s a big but! This brings a very exciting opportunity for every one of us to be involved in shaping the future of our denomination for the next 10 to 20 years. And I am quoting here from David Mitchell’s own words “it’s not about bums on seats on a Sunday morning!”.

Our reading from Proverbs is all about wisdom

My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding —
indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

God is not going to leave us to flounder in ignorance, we must search for wisdom from him in this situation that we find ourselves in. How are we going to do this? Thinking of what Catherine has shared with us, do we need to be open to feeling the touch of God? Of letting his spirit dwell in us and guide our footsteps?

Some of us will want to have some quiet reflection alone with our Heavenly Father, maybe reading some passages of scripture, searching for some continuity in the outward expression of our faith. Others will want to talk and discuss and argue their points. Others may dream dreams. I know some people who will walk and pray and listen to God. Whatever our preferred method we must share our thoughts with each other in love and gentleness, listening first to understand their point of view before giving our own. Our future is so important that we should be talking about it at coffee time as well as when we meet each other in the co-op or at the lunch club. 

Deuteronomy 6 is talking about God’s laws here “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” I’m not saying this discussion is as important as God’s laws, but it’s a good principle to talk about what you find important and try to share it with others.

What sort of wisdom are we looking for?

David Mitchell impressed upon us that we must set aside all our buildings in our minds, then come up with a mission plan. And we must do this together with the other four parishes, not separately, you in your small corner, and I in mine, but all of us together creating a mission plan for the whole of Mid Argyll. How easy is that going to be? 

Have you heard the term Blue Sky Thinking? It’s a lovely expression. Anything goes. Wonderful, amazing, outrageous, no budget constraints, considerate discussions, with God’s guidance, we will be able to do this. And once we have a mission plan, then we can see if our current buildings can play a part in that plan. And if not, then more blue sky thinking, what if we sell everything and build new purposebuilt whatevers? Some areas have achieved this. What if we already have a purposebuilt premisis? Great! we’re ahead of the game. What we shouldn’t do is build our mission plan around the only buildings we own.

Now I hear some of you thinking, mission plan, mission plan, mission is the minister’s job, surely. 

Let us look again at the passage in Ephesians. If you’ve got a bible beside you, have a look. Chapter 4 v 1 on page          .

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called ; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 

No arguing with the other parishes, no us and them, take unity seriously. Be humble and gentle!

Reading from verse 7

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”

Then at verse 11…

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

So Jesus has instigated the offices of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher and his Holy Spirit will have given the people the gifts necessary to carry out these offices. The next part of the sentence is crucial v 12 to equip his people for works of service. Are we his people? Do we feel equipped for works of service? Look at the end of verse 8. He gives gifts to his people. So he has given us gifts in order to carry out our calling, our works of service. The apostles prophets evangelist pastors and teachers are there to equip us to use our gifts, to carry out our works of service. 

Just an aside …. and not being personal… many of us have seen ministers come and go in this parish. Some have inspired us, some have made us think outside the box. Our expectations may or may not have been met, but did you feel as if you were being trained and equipped for works of service? Did you even think that you should be? 

Times are changing, minister numbers are declining, we can no longer afford to be the recipients only, of pastoral care and biblical teaching. It’s time for each one of us to stand up and be counted. To be prepared, to be discipled or apprenticed if you like, in order to take the Good News of Jesus into our communities. Many of us have already started on this exciting journey. Can we as the body of Christ in this place do our part for our neighbours?

There is hope for us all in this upheaval, quoting again from the passage in proverbs

He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

Such comforting words for the days and discussions ahead. Remember, our God holds us in the palm of his hand.

Amen.

The next step in the process is for all five congregations to meet together with David Mitchell so that he can explain the project we must undertake and answer any questions. There is a deadline. The Presbytery would like to be able to sign off on our plan in their September meeting. In order to achieve this we need everyone to be involved. We’ll let you know as soon as we receive it, the time and place of the meeting.