Notices - Sunday 3rd November
Creche: 11.00am in the upper hall for children up to age 3.
Volunteers Today: Annette, Kathleen, Ann Mackenzie and Tina.
Volunteers 10th November: Elaine, Chris, Annmarie and Helena.
Tweenies in the main hall for children aged 3-5.
Volunteers today: ChrissAnne, Kay and Anne.
Volunteers 10th November: Elizabeth, Anna and Lydia.
Tweenies, Sunday School and Bible Class arrive in church at 11.00 with family, then leave through the side door nearest the hall after children’s address.
Everyone is welcome to the M. A. Hall after the morning service for a time of fellowship. Tea and coffee will be served by Doonie and Liz.
Youth Fellowship meets tonight after the evening service in the M.A. Hall. ‘Ali Moley’ will give a presentation on the Reformation.
Monday 4th November from 1.00pm to 3.00pm – Toddler group meets in the M A Hall.
Monday 4th November at 7.30pm – Monthly Prayer Meeting on Zoom.
Tuesday 5th November – Please note that to avoid coinciding with the funeral of the late Anne Macdonald (Branahuie) the Prayer Meeting for Muriel will now be on Tuesday 12th November.
Wednesday 6th November at 7.30pm – Bible Study in the M.A. Hall led by Rev Calum M Smith. This is the first on a series of six studies on the Reformation. There are study books available at the doors of the church and hall.
Thursday 7th November at 7.30pm – Gaelic Prayer Meeting in the Seminary led by Rev James Maciver.
Thursday 7th November - Explorers meet in M.A. Hall:
P1 – P3 6.00pm - 7.00pm P4 – P7 7.00pm - 8.15pm
Thursday 7th November from 7.15pm to 8.15pm – Exploring Life’s Big Questions at the M A Hall.
This is an opportunity to discuss questions in a relaxed and informal setting.
Friday 8th November from 2.30pm to 4.00pm – 55+ Fellowship.
The speaker will be Charlie Nicolson, and the singing will be led by Ian Macrae. If you need transport to or from the event, please do not hesitate to call Duncan Norman on one of the following numbers: 860 418 or 07787 973802.
Friday 8th November at 6.30pm – Christmas Club Volunteers Meeting
Thank you to all who have volunteered to help with Christmas Club so far. If you haven’t done so, but would like to support our endeavours in any way, there is still time😊. Please get in touch with Johan (07887 483992) and she will give you more information.
Our meeting will start with a ‘Pasta & Pudding supper’ (£5/person). If you are unable to make that, discussions regarding the CC itself will begin at 7.15pm.
A WhatsApp group called ‘Advent 24’ has been set-up. Please let us know if you would like to be involved and added to this group chat.
We covet the prayerful support of the congregation as we seek to tell our young people about Jesus’ saving power.
Saturday 9th November at 7.30pm – English Prayer Meeting in the Seminary.
Lord’s Day 10th November at 9.00am – Ladies Prayer Meeting on Zoom.
Services next Lord’s Day – 10th November
11.00am – Gaelic Service (Seminary) conducted by Rev James Macdonald.
11.00am – English Service (Church) conducted by Rev Calum M Smith.
6.30pm – English Service (Church) conducted by Rev Gordon Matheson.
There will be one minute of silence at the start of both morning services in respect of Remembrance Sunday.
Sunday School Memory Verse
Please keep practising with us at home.
Sing Psalms 23:5
In the sight of my enemies a table you spread.
The oil of rejoicing you pour on my head;
My cup overflows and I’m graciously fed.
Thank you from WfM
The Stornoway committee sincerely wish to thank all those who helped and contributed to the fundraising lunch last Saturday. The sum of £1010.00 was raised for this year’s projects: The Blythswood Trust in India, The Kerusso Trust in Malawi, The Reanos in Columbia and The Tumaini Fund in Scotland.
Vacancy Committee Update
Following our initial meeting on 8th October and in response to representations made to the committee, those ministers with significant support were invited to preach to the congregation. To date the following ministers have declined the invitation to preach:
Rev Calum Iain Macleod (Ferintosh)
Rev Alasdair Macleod (Smithton)
Rev Mark Macleod (South Harris)
Rev David Macleod (North Harris)
Rev Ewen Matheson (Cross)
Those who have accepted the invitation will appear on the preaching schedule from December onwards. Please remember we are still in the initial phase of inviting preachers to be heard. In due course, and in conjunction with feedback from the congregation, we hope to move to invite ministers to preach with a 'view to a call' in the New Year.
Please continue to pray that the Holy Spirit would lead the congregation as we seek to fill the role of senior pastor. The vacancy committee will meet again on Tuesday 19th November at 7.30pm in the upper M.A. Hall.
Kirk Session update re Tesco Sunday opening
At its most recent meeting, the Kirk Session considered how best to respond to the decision being considered by Tesco to open on the Lord’s Day. At this stage, it was agreed to write to them, in the strongest possible terms, opposing this decision and urging them to reconsider. Further consideration will be given to how to go forward should the decision not be overturned.
Lord’s Day Observance Society Special Prayer Meeting
Following the recent sad announcement of Tesco Stornoway's plans to open on the Lord's Day, the Lewis branch of the LDOS have organised a special prayer meeting to take place tonight, 3rd November, at 9.00pm in the APC Church. At such a time it is imperative that the Lord's people unite in prayer to seek His help and intervention. A good attendance is encouraged.
LDOS Public Meeting – Friday 8th November in Stornoway Town Hall
The LDOS is facilitating a public meeting to facilitate discussion around the above issue and to give the public the opportunity to express their views, which many may feel has not yet been afforded them.
Various community leaders and public officials have been invited, as well as representatives from the management of Tesco.
We would encourage as many as possible to attend if they can.
Interdenominational Gaelic Service – Friday 8th November
Everyone is invited to an interdenominational Gaelic Service being held on Friday 8th November at 7.30pm in the Clan MacQuarrie Community Centre, Borve. The service will be conducted by Rev James Maciver.
Tea/Coffee will be served after the service.
All donations will go towards Bethesda.
Providence Christian School - Soup and Pudding Lunch
There will be a soup and pudding lunch and baking/craft stall at the M A Macleod Memorial Hall in Stornoway on Saturday 9th November from 12-2pm in aid of Providence Christian School. All are welcome and encouraged to come along.
Presbytery Youth Camp 2024!
If you are in S3-S6, come and join us at Scaladale from 22nd to 25th November, for fun, with some activities thrown in. Cost is £50.00 per person.
To find out more and book a place, follow the link to complete the booking form.
https://forms.office.com/r/H4Ex8HB7VV
Schedule of Communion Services – 1st to 3rd November 2024
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South Uist and Benbecula Free Church |
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Saturday 2nd November |
7.00pm |
English |
An Caladh |
Rev David Macleod North Harris |
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Lord’s Day 3rd November |
10.00am |
Lochboisdale |
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5.00pm |
An Caladh |
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St Columba’s Church, Stornoway Anniversary
To celebrate 230 years of St Columba's Church in Stornoway, we are inviting The Faith Mission to hold some meetings at St Columba’s Church, Lewis Street, Stornoway from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th November. You are invited to come along to any or all of the meetings.
- Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th at 7.30pm - Each meeting will include a real-life story and a short message from the Bible, followed by tea and coffee.
- Friday 8th at 8.45pm - A special event for teens & twenties with praise, a real-life story, fellowship and food. Upstairs Lounge.
- Saturday 9th at 10.30am - Join us for free tea, coffee, and cakes & Bookstall & short talk on the history of St Columba's Church by Mr Malcolm Macdonald.
