Light a Candle on Sundays

Scottish Christians* are encouraged to light a candle and place it in their window at 7pm** each Sunday in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

We are urged to “join in prayerful solidarity with this witness”, describing the candle as “a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, the source of hope in this life.

The following prayer can be used when lighting the candle:

For all that is good in life, thank you,
For the love of family and friends, thank you,
For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you.

May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, experience support,
May those who are sick, know healing,
May those who are anxious or bereaved, sense comfort.

Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom,
Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being,
Bless and guide each one of us, as we adapt to a new way of living.

And may the light shining from our windows,
across road and wynd, glen and ben, kyle and isle,
be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

* These include the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Scotland, the United Free Church, the United Reformed Church, the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Methodist Church, the Society of Friends (Quakers), Congregational Federation in Scotland, the Salvation Army, the Church of the Nazarene, and Redeemed Christian Church of God.

** Please take all necessary fire precautions when using a lit candle. Ensure you remain with the lit candle at all times, and do not leave it to burn if you leave the room. Ensure there are no fabrics or materials such as curtains near the candle.

National Day of Prayer – Sunday 22nd March 2020

Churches in Scotland* have joined together to Call for a National Day of Prayer in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Taking place on Sunday 22 March, people of faith are being encouraged to light a candle and place it in their window at 7pm.**

We are urged to “join in prayerful solidarity with this witness”, describing the candle as “a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, the source of hope in this life.

The following prayer can be used when lighting the candle:

For all that is good in life, thank you,
For the love of family and friends, thank you,
For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you.

May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, experience support,
May those who are sick, know healing,
May those who are anxious or bereaved, sense comfort.

Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom,
Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being,
Bless and guide each one of us, as we adapt to a new way of living.

And may the light shining from our windows,
across road and wynd, glen and ben, kyle and isle,
be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

* These include the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Scotland, the United Free Church, the United Reformed Church, the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Methodist Church, the Society of Friends (Quakers), Congregational Federation in Scotland, the Salvation Army, the Church of the Nazarene, and Redeemed Christian Church of God.

** Please take all necessary fire precautions when using a lit candle. Ensure you remain with the lit candle at all times, and do not leave it to burn if you leave the room. Ensure there are no fabrics or materials such as curtains near the candle.

Gender and Liturgy in Conversation – 29th-30th May 2020

Responding to the Sacred:

Gender & Liturgy in Conversation

A two day conference bringing together liturgists and theologians, activists and academics to discuss directions for liturgical revision.

Speakers include:

  • Dr Bridget Nichols,
  • Professor Lisa Isherwood,
  • Dr Bill Paterson and
  • Dr Armand Léon Van Ommen.

12pm Friday 29th – 4pm Saturday 30th May

Iris Murdoch Suite University of Stirling

For more information there is a facebook page:  Gender and Liturgy Conference

To purchase tickets visit:  eventbrite.co.uk

If you wish to know more about what is envisaged, consult the current draft programme (subject to revision) or speak to James.

Reclaiming the Light

 

Lairg Christians Together held a Light Party yesterday evening in Lairg Community Centre, at which between 20 and 30 children (difficult to count them all in the dark:-), plus helpers and parents, enjoyed a splendid time.  It really was fun for everyone!!

Light Parties have been held by churches with the help of Scripture Union teaching materials. They’re focused on offering an alternative message around the time of what many people associate as Halloween.  The idea is that as a church we share the good news of Jesus with the young folk at Halloween.  It’s all about ‘Jesus the Light of the World‘.

Our Light Party was called “The Lost Sun” with bible teaching, games, crafts and, like any good party, lots of party food. A wonderful celebration of Jesus being the light in the darkness and about us being called to follow him. A really encouraging message in place of all the ghouls and monster type stuff that’s on offer in the shops at the moment.  However there were scary moments, such as when James was ‘dressed up’ as a Sun by a group of very enthusiastic young folk.

 

Beauty and The Beak – a Black Isle Odyssey

Monday 11th November

Rev. Sandy Sutherland

will be giving a presentation (slides and talk) at “Umbrella” titled

‘Beauty and The Beak–A Black Isle Odyssey’

Sandy is a retired Free Church minister and an excellent bird photographer.

“Umbrella” is a non-denominational Christian social group who meet each Monday, 10.30 – 12 O’clock at The Stag’s Head Hotel on Main Street in Golspie.

This talk is a good opportunity for anyone who has not tried “Umbrella” to come along and give it a try. They would be assured of a warm welcome.

Tain Youth Cafe Light Party 1st Nov

A light Party

No Halloween costumes allowed!!!!!

Friday 1st November 7-8.30 pm

Entry £2

This will be a Onzie Disco and feature Games, Disc, Art and Craft like Badge making etc.

It is being run by jointly by the Tain Youth Cafe YMCA and the Tain New Wine Church.

Tain Youth Cafe AGM 4th Nov at 7:30pm

Tain Youth Cafe AGM

will take place on

Monday 4th November at 7.30 pm

and will incorporate the official opening of the

Elizabeth Hood Training suite

and a presentation by those who went to London for the

YMCA 175th Anniversary event.

 

All are Welcome!!

Little Red Riding Hood Piped in to Tea

This afternoon was the annual tea for the volunteers and supporters of the St Finnbarr’s Charities Shop.  40 people gathered in the Dornoch Social Club and were treated to a splendid afternoon tea prepared by a local Patisserie and Cafe.

The gathering was entertained by not one but two “well kent faces”, one who talked about the Northumbrian Small Pipes and played us a few lovely tunes:

The other demonstrated to us how familiar children’s stories have changed since we were all at school:

Needless to say a good time was had by all.  Thanks to everyone who made it such a lovely afternoon.

During proceedings, a presentation was made to Tom and Monica who have clocked up a large number of years between them ob St Finnbarr’s Vestry and who now will perhaps have more time for other activities:-)  We are all very grateful for what you have done over the years.

Choral Evensong – 6th October – Inverness Cathedral

Sunday 6th Ocober at 5:30pm

Choral Evensong at Inverness Cathedral

This will an be occasion to mark the retirement of our Diocesan Registrar,
George MacWilliam.

All are welcome at the service and to show their gratitude
for the many years of service George has given to our diocese.

There will be refreshments served after the service.

The Cathedral can be contacted at

invernesscathedraloffice@gmail.com
01463 225553
9-11 Kenneth Street | Inverness | IV3 5NR

St Columba’s Brora – Rededication 28th September

St Columba’s Episcopal

Church Brora

Service of Rededication

3.00pm on Saturday 28th September

Everyone is most welcome to join us to celebrate the start of this new chapter in the story of St Columba’s which began almost exactly 110 years ago.

The service will be followed by refreshments and marks the reopening of the church for regular worship, after refurbishment following the fire which temporarily closed it in December 2016.