In 2016 Susan Reed, a longstanding member of St Finnbarr’s congregation reached the end of her long and varied life.  In her will, Susan left a sum of money to St Finnbarr’s to be used to enhance the worship of the church.  As a result we now have copies of both the Melody and Full Music editions of our hymn book (which are put to good use each Sunday) and the screen, which protects the organist from the full blast of the winter wind whenever the door is opened, has been refurbished.  The screen (pictured) has been recovered in an ‘Arts and Crafts’ style fabric and the woodwork restored to its former glory.

Thank you Susan – may you rest in peace, and rise in glory.

Yesterday over 130 people gathered in Dornoch Cathedral on a beautiful clear evening.  The main focus of this service of Evensong was the licensing of Rev. Simon Scott, who has moved to Sutherland from Halifax to become Head Teacher at Golspie and Rogart Primary Schools.

This was an historic occasion, with the congregations of St Finnbarr’s (Episcopal) and Dornoch Cathedral (Church of Scotland) joining forces in a wonderful show of Christian togetherness.  In his address Bishop Mark emphasised that Simon was not just being licenced as “another Episcopalian priest in the heather” to serve the congregations in East Sutherland and Tain but for the whole community in this area, bringing the message of Christ’s love for all. He said that the service being held in Dornoch Cathedral was particularly relevant, as it emphasised the importance of our churches working together to demonstrate that Christ’s love in all that we do.

Two churches coming together, thereby bringing Christians for churches across Sutherland and Ross-shire but also there were two choirs – one composed of singers gathered together by Jamie Campbell, under whose guidance the liturgy came alive with their singing (which included an arrangement of the Nunc Dimittis composed by Jamie himself). The other choir were the Golspie Choral Society, led by Roddy Maclean (who also played the organ). They sang two pieces – the anthem “You raised me up” by Rolf Løvland and “An Irish Blessing” by Joanna Forbes. Bishop Mark said it was like being surrounded by a heavenly choir!!

After the service we adjourned to Dornoch Social Club, where delicious refreshments were served and we had an opportunity to catch up with old friends as well as meeting new people.

It was lovely to welcome two new members to the Christian Family through the baptisms of Liliana and Salvador (in Tain and Dornoch respectively) over the last two weeks.

Yesterday in Tain, as we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension (transferred from Thursday) we heard:

‘While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”‘

Whilst in Dornoch last Sunday we heard:

‘Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”  So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.‘

Fitting sentiments for these occasions when both the Church Family and the families of Liliana and Salvador have cause for rejoicing.

On Good Friday morning, there was a lovely large gathering of Christian people of all ages in the Rose Garden in Tain, for the traditional ‘Hot Cross Bun‘ event (as it is described).  That description really doesn’t do it justice.  It was a moving service of prayer, praise, dancing, testimony and teaching, to mark Christ’s sacrifice for our Salvation.  These people came together to worship, share fellowship and take refreshment together.  It was so uplifting to see so many children as part of the gathering and also taking part in the service.

On Thursday over 40 children and many adult helpers gather in Lairg Community Centre for the “Lost Sheep” holiday club.

We prayed:

listened stories from scripture, acted out by our own Good Shepherd:

made crafts:

played games:

all the while trying not to get caught by the big (by maybe not so bad) wolf:

And then we had a picnic:

Suffice to say an uplifting, spirit-filled, educational and enjoyable time was had by all.

A wonderful gathering of Christian Witness in Lairg this morning from across the Christian Community.

Not entirely dry, but not enough rain to dampen the spirits of the crowd that gathered to mark the road to Calvary.

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?“