051312 – Stewardship towards the Poor     PPt

051312 – Stewardship towards the Poor     PDF

Good morning everyone, and a warm welcome to Priestfield Church.

Baptism of Cora Clark Hilliard

Today we are delighted to have with us the family and friends of Cora Hilliard, who is being brought to baptism. We pray for a blessing upon all who have responsibility for Cora, and upon the congregation as together we celebrate the sacrament.

Stewardship Season and Christian Aid Week

Our May Stewardship Season continues as we reflect upon the responsibility we have been given from God to care for the poor of the world. This coincides with Christian Aid week and we want to thank all those who have volunteered to be door-to-door collectors for this very worthy charity. You may come across some who may misunderstand the significance of the name Christian Aid. It’s not aid for Christians. Rather it is aid from or raised by Christians to help the poor across the world, of all faiths and none. In fulfilling this stewardship we are following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Change Now!

This week will see the inauguration of a new President of France, François Hollande, who was elected on the promise of ‘Le Changement c’est maintenant.’ He promises change, and change now. It got me to thinking about change and how we respond to the need for it.

There is no doubt that, throughout the ‘Western World,’ there is a need for change. We have an economic system and ethical values that have gone awry. But when we shout for change (now!) we often think, let’s change the President, or the Government, or the Church Minister, or the system. If we make these changes then all will be well. Then we discover that the new person or process in which we put our trust is just as flawed as the last.

The changes we seek need to begin in ourselves, not others. It is our desires, hopes, ambitions and behaviours that need to be changed – but that will require help from beyond us. It is only through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit at work in us that we can change. Yet when we are changed we can help to transform what is around us. May God help us to see our own need for change, give us the power to do so, and then bring that transforming power to bear on a needy world.

Have a good week!

Jared.

Questions for thinking about last week’s message:

To Steward like God…

How do we need to change as households?

How do we need to change as a congregation?

How do we need to change as a community?

Good morning everyone, and a warm welcome to Priestfield Church. It’s great to have you with us today.

Short Break and Conference

Well, last week it rained less in Kenmore than we were given to expect, and we had a lovely, if short, stay in the area. One of the highlights was a visit to a place called ‘The spirit of wood,’ a business that is part of a farm near Aberfeldy. We fully expected to have a nice time looking at the beauty of the various woods that entice you to touch them. The furniture had been skilfully made, and quite unexpectedly we came away with three smallish tables, a wooden plate and a few little odds and ends!

One of the tables, made of acacia wood like the Ark of the Covenant, is presently being used for the prayer tree to see how they look together, and the plate is just ideal for the bread for home communions. I look forward to using it.

This week I headed to Gartmore, just west of Stirling, to a three-day training conference for those who are supervisors of candidates for ministry. Who should be at that conference but the minister of Kenmore – and several old friends whom I have known for years. It was both an educational and fun time, refreshing the mind and the spirit.

Stewardship Season

May was designated our ‘Stewardship Season’ and we have already held one of our meetings to share information and find inspiration for the pathway ahead of us. I must confess that, despite the apparent financial challenges that face us, I was really excited by the things that are happening among us and the way we are seeing God at work. I believe there is a lot yet to happen at Priestfield and it is an enterprise for God’s Kingdom that is worth investing ourselves and our resources in.

During May we will be reflecting on our Stewardship of the world, of our relationships (especially with the poor), of our wealth (money and time) and of our talents. While of course this is intended to be encouraging and challenging, I also feel that it is so exciting that God has given us so much to steward on his behalf. We have been given a great privilege and responsibility.

Prayers for our students

It’s great for us to share together in worship with a variety of people, including our student friends. Regardless of whatever year of their degree this is, most of them will be facing end of year exams, or finals. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, particularly those of you who are coming to the end of this stage of your life. May the future be open with opportunities to put your learning into practice in a way that enriches the life of the world and advances the Kingdom of God.

Have a good week!

Jared.

050612 – Stewardship of creation     PPt

050612 – Stewardship of creation     PDF

Baptism of Caitlin Symington

I’ve often thought that baptisms are a bit like buses – you wait ages and then two come along at once! I came to Priestfield in June of 2009 and I’ve had to wait a long time for the first baptism. But today we celebrate the baptism of Caitlin Symington, sister to Callum and Cara whom we know well. We rejoice with Val and Brian and all their family at this special time and our prayers go with them as the children grow in life and faith.

We have arranged for another baptism in May, more details later.

Heart and Soul – 20^th May

In May the General Assembly will meet in Edinburgh and on the Sunday afternoon (20^th May) there will be a special event in Princes Street Gardens celebrating the life of the Church and the story of its mission in the world. Stewards are still needed for this event and if a couple of people from Priestfield might be available to help then the organisers would really appreciate it. More details and an application form can be found through a link on the Home Page of the Priestfield website.

There will be a training evening offered nearer the time of the event (one of 14^th and 17^th May) and there will be appropriate information made available to people so that they know what’s expected of them on the day.

In addition, we hope to arrange for a group to attend the event, what by all accounts should be an inspiring occasion.

Stewardship Season

If you haven’t yet signed up for the one of the dates of the Stewardship Season presentations then it would be good to do so as soon as possible. To keep the group numbers viable we have deleted 2 May from the list of dates.

What are we going to do at these events? Yes, there will be more details of our financial position, but the main thing will be presenting a vision for our future as a congregation so that we can understand a bit more of why our time, talents and money are needed. Our Sunday themes in May will range over the whole of our stewardship responsibilities as we live for God in the world.

Have a good week!

Jared.

Questions for thinking about last week’s message:

Have our eyes been opened to the story of hope?

Do we live our lives in the hope of the Kingship of the suffering and Risen Christ?

As a congregation do we allow the hope of Christ’s victory over death to shape our vision and actions?

042212 – Luke – He opened their minds     PPt

042212 – Luke – He opened their minds     PDF

041512 – Luke 24 – Reframing the story     PPt

041512 – Luke 24 – Reframing the story     PDF