Magazine
Message From The Manse
Dear Friends,
During the early stages of the Second World War there was that time when for the British people disaster seemed imminent. Churchill called a meeting of his leaders. He told them the facts of the situation; that the nation stood alone and that there were few reserves other than spirit and courage. It was clear that, at that moment, some at least of those leaders would have been prepared to give in. There was a moment's silence and then Churchill, looking each of those men clearly in the eye, declared positively and confidently "Gentlemen, I find it all rather inspiring".
That is the spirit and that is the attitude that we must capture afresh in our Church at this time of crisis and danger. As the enemies of Christ and His gospel circle the Church with their new theologies and insipid messages let us listen again to the glorious and unshakable truth of the psalmist "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Here for us all is the message that inspires confidence at this very point in time.
1) God is a present help: In the midst of our everyday lives we can have confidence knowing that God is present. He LIVES, He REIGNS, He RULES and He TRIUMPHS in the world. His purposes cannot be defeated. He is the active God who can work mighty things in your heart and mine and in the hearts of all men. How do we know this? Because He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who turned the darkness of Calvary and the cross into the glorious victory of the resurrection.
2) God is a personal help: God is OUR refuge and strength. He is not some far distant, remote and unobtainable God. He comes to us each day in His son Jesus Christ. He knows our needs and He meets them in Christ. "We do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are" (Hebs 4v15). No matter what the cross we have to bear, no matter how sorely your soul is tried God in Christ understands and will help. Accept His help and commit your way unto Him.
3) God is a powerful help: God is our STRENGTH. We are not left to face the battle of life alone or to face evil in its many forms with only our own resources. God is a present and a personal help and He is also a powerful help. God bestows upon His power through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. Today as never before the forces of evil and unbelief are alive and moving bitterly in our midst. Can our frail strength defeat them? Impossible you say and you are right. But our frail strength with the power of the living God is a totally different matter.
The Lord is King! Who then shall dare, Resist His will, distrust His care.
Or murmur at His wise decrees, or doubt His royal promises?
Here is a truth to inspire and sustain and send us forth to win the victory for Christ and His Kingdom. As Christ`s men and women that is our task in these testing times. Let us see that we do not fall short.
With warmest Christian wishes,
Yours ever,
Brian McDowell
A Community Service
Most of us appreciate that we are extremely fortunate in our three villages to live in such a beautiful part of Scotland. We are also greatly blessed in having many wonderful people who give of their time and talents to serve the communities here. It is appropriate therefore that as a Christian church we should give thanks to God for them and for the work that they do.
Our Morning Worship Services on Sunday 27th September in
Elie at 10:00 am and Colinsburgh at 11:30 am.
These are being arranged to provide us with an opportunity to thank God and the people themselves for all that they do. These services will provide us all with a wonderful occasion on which to express our gratitude to those whose labours help us and enrich our communities. They will also provide an ideal opportunity for us to invite to church those of our neighbours and friends who do not usually attend church but who might appreciate being brought by you to this special "community" service.
Forthcoming Events
Bridge / Mahjong
Friday 9th October at 2.00pm Elie Church Hall
(DOORS OPEN 1:15pm)
Afternoon Teas / Raffle
In Aid of Church Funds
Harvest Supper
Early October
Details will be announced soon.
Christian Aid
Elie, Kilconquhar and Colinsburgh Churches
Quiz Night
Prizes / Refreshments / Raffle
Teams of 2, 3 or 4
£5 per person
Come along and have some fun
Saturday 3rd October
Elie Parish Church Hall
Why should we go to Church?
The main reason of course is because God commands it. "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" Hebrews 10v25. But one of the finest "ordinary" explanations is given by James Smethan, a nineteenth century Scottish painter and essayist. He won neither fame nor fortune for his literary or artistic endeavours. When asked why he went to church on Sundays Smethan answered "To get a blessing." "And what is a blessing?" his friend asked.
Whereupon Smethan replied "Removal of the temptation to rage and scorn and be indignant; a sweetness, a satisfaction with my lot, a contentment with God`s dealings with me. I went to church today, fretting with plenty of dark vexing suggestions. I came away calm, sweet, fresh, all my cares gone, rejoicing in the God of my salvation, and I think no-one is more happy than I. That is a blessing, and yet I know no more than I did this morning as to who is going to buy my pictures, my poems, my essays."
There are several things in Smethan's definition which are worth emphasizing and reflecting upon. On being at ease with oneself, happy in one`s role, aware of and delighting in personal salvation, and acceptance of the Divine Will, are some aspects of God`s blessing upon His people, not only on Sunday but on any and every day. May you know God`s blessing as you attend worship in His church.
