Notices - Sunday 20th March
Creche: 11.00am in upper hall for children up to age 2.
Volunteers today: Fiona, Catherine, Ruby.
Volunteers 27th March: Annette, Kathleen, Anne Mackenzie.
Tweenies: 11.00 in the main hall for children aged 3-5.
Volunteers today: Elizabeth, Donna, Lily, Christina.
Volunteers 27th March: Chrissanne, Karen, Joanne.
Sunday School: 11.00 in main hall for children in P1-S2.
Tuesday 22nd March 7.30pm – WfM Meeting on Zoom
Speakers are Kathleen MacSween and Catriona Lamont from a new group called 'Sparkle Sisters'. Their mission is to provide a safe space in Edinburgh, where women affected in any way by homelessness or adverse social circumstances will feel valued and bring dignity back to those affected. Anyone who would like to attend this meeting please contact Donna Maciver for the zoom details at [email protected] or phone 07810386774.
Wednesday 23rd March 7.30pm – Congregational Meeting in the
Seminary and on Zoom led by Rev James Maciver. (See details on next page).
Thursday 24th March 7.30pm
Gaelic Prayer Meeting in the Seminary led by Rev James Maciver.
Friday 25th March 1.00pm – Ladies Bible study on Zoom.
For more information contact Sandra Kennedy: 07825 178629.
Saturday 26th March 12.00pm - 2.00pm – Spring Bake & Craft Stall
WfM are hosting this sale in the M. A. Hall. The format will be the same as the previous two sales. We ask that any donations of baking be pre-boxed or wrapped and no items with fresh cream. The hall will be open from 9.00am to accept donations. All money raised will be distributed between “Safe Families Scotland”, Lakhnadon Christian Hospital India and “Community House Damaris” in Greece.
Saturday 26th March 7.30pm – English Prayer Meeting in the Seminary.
Services next Sunday – 27th March
11.00am English Service (Church): Mr Scott Macleod
11.00am Gaelic Service (Seminary): Rev James Maciver
6.30pm English Service (Church): Rev James Maciver
Congregational Meeting – Wednesday 23rd March
The congregational meeting last Wednesday evening could not be completed because the number of people wanting to join the Zoom meeting exceeded the limit of 100. For an additional fee this limit has been increased to 500 over the next month. The rearranged congregational meeting will now take place in the Seminary on Wednesday 23rd March at 7.30pm, with a Zoom facility for those not able to attend. The Zoom login will be as for previous Wednesdays.
The purpose of the meeting will be to elect an Assistant Minister for the congregation to replace Rev K. I. Macleod who retired last year.
As a number of people were asking what will happen at the meeting, the following details should be helpful.
The minister will lead the meeting and after a short time of worship he will explain the procedure involved in electing a new assistant minister and at the end of the meeting he will explain what happens next. A member of the Kirk Session will propose the name of a minister deemed by the Session to be suitable for the post of assistant minister and another member of Session will second this proposal. An opportunity for other names to be submitted will be given.
In accordance with the practice of the Free Church only communicant members can submit names or vote in the election of ministers or assistant ministers, but the practice also specifies that regular attenders who are not communicants are given the opportunity to concur, or not concur, with the election.
All are welcome to attend the meeting. In order to maximise the efficiency with which the business of the meeting is dealt with, you are encouraged to attend in person if at all possible.
Sunday School News
Today we have been learning about the trial of Jesus. Jesus did not deserve to die but he died to save us from our sins because he loves us. I like coming to Sunday School because I get to read the Bible. I like Sunday School because I like to make new friends from other schools. I like learning lots about the Bible
in Sunday School.
By James, Chloe, and Grace in Pr.4
Wearing of face coverings
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the requirement for everyone, unless they are exempt, to wear a face covering in certain indoor public places, including places of worship, will continue for a further short period. This is in light of the current high levels of infection throughout Scotland. The requirement will be reviewed in two weeks and the current expectation is that the requirement for wearing face coverings will convert to guidance in early April.
Hope Church, Coatbridge – Request for Financial Assistance
The Free Church congregation in Coatbridge (Hope Church) has been encouraged in recent years with an increase in its membership and attendance at church services. To accommodate the increase, and to provide better facilities for their outreach ministries, they plan to extend their building and increase the seating capacity by 25%. The estimated cost of the project is £475,000 of which they need to raise £170,000.
Anyone who interested in contributing to the project can place their contribution in an envelope clearly marked ‘Hope Church’ and leave it in the collection plate at the church or the Seminary. If paying by cheque, please make it payable to ‘Stornoway Free Church’.
Blythswood Care - Ukraine Emergency Appeal
Congregations and individuals throughout the Free Church are encouraged to contribute towards the Ukraine Emergency Appeal through Blythswood Care.
Donations to the Blythswood Ukraine Crisis Appeal can be made by calling 01349 830777 or at any time online at:
www.blythswood.org/donate-to-ukraine-appeal
Alternatively, you can put your contribution in an envelope clearly marked ‘Ukraine Appeal’ and place it in the collection plates at the church or the Seminary. If paying by cheque please make it payable to ‘Stornoway Free Church’.
