Notices - Sunday 30th January
Easing of Covid Restrictions
As some of the Covid related restrictions have been eased in recent weeks, it’s been decided that from today (30th January) we will revert to using the main doors, in addition to the other exits, for exiting the church and the Seminary. To avoid bottle-neck situations occurring at the doors, everyone is encouraged to remain in their seat at the end of the service and to leave pew by pew.
The wearing of masks (except for those with a valid exemption) continues to be mandatory. While retaining social distancing between pews is left to the discretion of congregations, the feedback received clearly indicates that using alternate pews is appreciated by many, particularly those with underlying health conditions. This measure will remain in place for a while longer but it will be kept under regular review.
Creche: 11.00am in upper hall for children up to age 2.
Volunteers today: Annette, Kathleen, Anne Mackenzie.
Volunteers 6th February: Christine Smith, Elaine, Kate.
Tweenies: 11.00 in the main hall for children aged 3-5.
Volunteers today: ChrissAnne, Kay, Aileen, Kirsty.
Volunteers 6th February: Elizabeth, Anna, Lily, Christina.
Sunday School: 11.00 in main hall for children in P1-S2.
Congregational Fellowship tonight at 8.15pm via Zoom.
Cala Mackenzie (elder) will be the speaker, and everyone is warmly invited.
The Zoom link is the same as previous fellowship meetings. Please get in touch with Mairianne for the link - [email protected]
Please note the earlier time. This is to allow time at the start for us to hear about how we can support the work of Free Church Youth Camps. Mairianne Campbell and Donald Macleod (Camps Supervisor) will give a short presentation about the summer camps at the beginning of the fellowship.
Tuesday 1st February 11.00am – Prayer link with Muriel via Zoom.
Wednesday 2nd February 7.30pm
English Prayer Meeting in the Seminary and on Zoom led by Rev Donald A. Macdonald.
Thursday 3rd February 7.30pm
Gaelic Prayer Meeting in the Seminary led by Rev James Maciver.
Friday 4th February 1.00pm
Ladies Bible Study on Zoom.
For details contact Sandra Kennedy on 07825 178629.
Saturday 5th February 11.00am – Ladies Walking Group.
Meet at Castle Museum car park.
Saturday 5th February 7.30pm
English Prayer Meeting in the Seminary.
Services next Sunday – 6th February
11.00am English Service (Church): Rev James Maciver
11.00am Gaelic Service (Seminary): Mr Murdo Martin
6.30pm English Service (Church): Rev D. A. Macdonald
Special Collection for Bethesda.
A special collection for Bethesda will be taken at the close of all services today. Collection points will be available at all exits. Contributions can also be made by cheque which should be made payable to Stornoway Free Church and placed in an envelope clearly marked Bethesda.
LDOS Annual Prayer Meeting – 9.00pm tonight in APC Church
A non-denominational prayer meeting, under the auspices of the local LDOS branch will be held tonight . The meeting will be led by the outgoing Chairman Rev S McCollum. We would warmly encourage you to join us. How much we need prayer and the blessing of the Lord both upon the church and wider society.
Death
Marilyn Macritchie. We were deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs Marilyn Macritchie, widow of the late Rev Murdo Macritchie former minister of the congregation. Mrs Macritchie passed away on 21st January 2022.
We extend our condolences to her family, son Alex, his wife Ruth, and their daughter Debby; daughter Kate, her children Jonny and Abby and Abby’s fiancé D.I; daughter Mary, her husband Neil, their children Amy and Neil, Amy’s husband Scott and their daughter Isla; Marilyn’s brother Bob in the USA, and his three daughters, Jeri, Janet and Caroline; her sister-in-law Annie in Detroit, her children Norman, Christine and Sandra and their families.
We pray that God will provide abundant consolation for them all.
The Way Forward Reading Group
A 10 week reading group on discipleship for men will begin on Tuesday 1st February 2022.
The group will meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from 8pm – 9pm on Zoom. Each week the group will read and discuss a chapter from The Way Forward, by Joe Barnard. The group is open to men of any age, experience or location and all are welcome.
To sign up, or for more information, please contact:
Andy Cumming: [email protected] or
Thomas Davis: [email protected]
Free Church Youth Camps
The closing date for applications is 31st January 2022. Further information can be obtained from Mairi Beaton at [email protected].
Binding Brokenness
'Binding Brokenness' is the local expression of a Bible-based trauma healing ministry using a small group resource produced by the Trauma Healing Institute and the Scottish Bible Society.
The material combines the best practice mental health principles with Bible-based discussion and activities to allow participants to explore how to begin to heal from trauma. The group is confidential, and participants only share what they are comfortable sharing of their own experience.
The course begins with an introductory welcome lesson on Thursday 3rd February and runs weekly each Thursday evening until 17th March, God willing.
If you have experienced suffering and loss, you may find this group helpful. Please get in touch if you are at all interested.
To book or find out more, please contact the group facilitators:
Joanna George, [email protected], 07771534048
Mairianne Campbell, [email protected], 07876202073
