Shutting down windows...

Shutting Down Windows 10 Doesn't Actually Shut Down Windows 10

Glas and going backwards

I seem to be going around in circles and or backwards. I mention Glas and then i need to explain who he was and his impact in Scottish Churches...

John Glas (1696-1773) of Auchtermucty was a person who sought the scriptures and at the time concluded that Christ's kingdom is one that is completely spiritual, and therefore as such should be independent of both state control or support. He was a minister from the age of 24 and was the fifth son of the manse. Although he did not want to leave the Church of Scotland he took up a new cause from the parish at Tealing near Dundee and started anew Church known as the Glasite Church. Churches sprung up in Dundee, Perth and with the textile industry flourishing at the time further Churches were set up in Paisley and Dunkeld. They as a Church were never large in number but their influence was great both national and international by the strong promoter John Glas's son in law Robert Sandeman. 

The Church was known for its "foot washing" and "holy kissing" and for its love feasts or Communion celebrations that resembled banquets. The local name for the Church was the "Kail Kirk". This Communion was only administered by elders. As a Church they preferred "unlearned preachers".

Sandemanianism

The basis of the Sandemanian Church lies with John Glas the minister of the Church of Scotland devoted to the Church but because of differing opinions at the time forced to leave and set up a Church based on his new found principles. These services would take no account of the Christian calender.

Robert Sandeman(1718-1771) who's family business based in Perth was bleachers of fabrics, took up the leadership of the movement in the 1750s. He had business contacts in London which gave him the opportunities to write and speak in England. He married John Glas Daughter Catherine.

The result was the son in law of Glas became the strongest and most wide spread promoter of Glas theology. The most famous Glasite from the past is Michael Faraday. The Sandemanian Church through its elders demanded total obedience to their decisions from any or all of their congregation. This in the long term caused several splits and was also the downfall of the “Scotch” Baptist Church who followed some of the principles.

The Sandemanian service was one of love and hope with singing of Hymns, yet unaccompanied, at each meeting. A roll call was taken and as well as the prayers and study of the word the preaching was taken by the elders. These services would take no account of the Christian calender in respect to Lent, Easter and Christmas.

Balchristies and links to Glas and others continued

Old Scots Independents John Smith, Newburn and Robert Ferrier, Largo having read the papers of Sandeman meet at Balchristie mid point to their parishes to discuss the content. “Like the Secession and Relief Churches this denomination had its origin in Fife. The founders James Smith of Newburn and Robert Ferrier of Largo, were neighbouring ministers of the Church of Scotland, who, on adopting views very similar to those of Glas, resigned from their membership of the National Church in 1768. They organised a congregation at Balchristie, in Newburn Parish, on Independent lines, they themselves being appointed the joint pastors, and deacons being appointed for the administrative work. 

Laurie says:- "It has been often remarked, that Newburn, for many years past, has been a nursery of Seceders; and remarked with surprise, that a small arm of the sea should be the boundary between moderation and fanaticism. Cameronians, Independents, persons belonging to the Burgher Congregation, and also to what is called the Relief Congregation, are to be found here. The number of Independents is about 20. They are the only sect who have a place of meeting for public worship in the parish." In spite of their dissenting propensities the parishioners were sober, regular, industrious, and humane, and their diversity of sentiments did not prevent social intercourse nor mutual good offices. The Seceders had not increased of late, and one of the Relief elders had returned to the Established Church; and so, to Mr Laurie, "rational religion" seemed to be gaining ground, and he fondly hoped that "the small remainder of enthusiasm" would most probably die with those who cherished it. His hopes were so far realised, in 1836, that the Independent Congregation had removed their place of meeting to Earlsferry, their Church at Balchristie being turned into a granary, and there were only three. dissenting families in the whole parish.

In 1768 at about the same time a small group in Glasgow withdrew from the Church of Scotland because of interference by the magistrates and town council in the Congregational choice of a minister, and built for themselves a chapel, long known as "the Candle Kirk." Mr. Ferrier came to Glasgow to be joint pastor with the celebrated Robert Dale, a Glasgow merchant; while a Largo weaver became a colleague at Balchristie of Mr. Smith. Dale was the first layman to officiate as a minister in Glasgow, and some indignation was stirred up in the city against him and their cause. But both survived, and new societies were formed in Montrose, Marykirk, Perth, Methven, Kirkaldy, Hamilton, Paisley, Dundee, Newburgh, Sauchieburn, Edinburgh, Galashields, Airdrie and Earlsferry.” They never became a large body. There was the same divisive tendency as amongst the Glasites. Moreover two other bodies were growing up side by side with them, which drew away many of their members, namely, the Scotch Baptists and the New Independents or Haldaneites. David Dale and set up a Chapel of ease¹which in 1769 became an independent Church with Dale as one of the elders. Both Dale and the Balchristies historically known as Old Scots Independents- small, and sharing Glasite ideas of Church life and practice.

1Chapels of ease were set up and funded by the Church of Scotland and the local Christians. In 1827 there were 55 set apart ministers of Chapels of ease in the Highland Presbyteries.(36 missionaries at the same time) They were set up for the poor and needy and were used for accommodation as well as worship.

Bee problem in Perth

Bee problem in Perth

North East coast revival 1921 Scotland

There is a link to an old post and conversation about Baptists in Caithness here.

Kessock last month

The North East coast revival in 1921 shows the spread and catalytic effect from a work. it started in Norfolk in 1921 and spread to Caithness Scotland the the travelling movement of the fishermen.

The following extracts from the Northern Times shows the spread down the coast as far as Ross-shire in a matter of weeks. 
 

	Northern Times
26/1/1922	30 converts from Helmsdale visited Brora and conducted service at the Fountain and the United Free Church
02/02/22	Revival spread to Golspie. Positive article of Gods Goodness and YMCA helping young converts.
23/02/22	Revival in Wick “The revival in Wick is still progressing John Troupe's presence was an additional attraction, He is now almost well after his illness, but still to refrain from much exertion....one of the converts a young man died recently after a short illness, the Hymns and prayers also bearing pathetic terms. A solo sung by Miss Lara Rosie was much appreciated.”
9/3/1922	Reference to Hymn singing conflict.
23/3/1922	Letter to editor of enquiry as to use of Pitgower Hall for meetings Revivalist meetings (with hymn singing) got use of hall but not the Free Presbyterian s
30/3/1922	Page 5 Canadian writer to paper recalls a “time of refreshing” in Rogart 50 years earlier 1870's when there were 70 converts.
6/4/1922	3 weeks mission closes by Mr Dowie in Brora- moving to Golspie
20/4/1922	Page 4 col 3 Evangelistic meetings Golspie YMCA - Mr Dowie Aberdeen. “Presentation to Mr Dowie at fisherman's Hall Brora presented with a roll of treasury notes from the public of Brora. In reply and thanks “requested the revival meetings continue under Rev Thomson.”
13/7/1922	Mr Mackenzie in Embo People from Helmsdale going to take revival meetings in Balintore.
3/8/1922	Brora news: Rev Thomson Ill Messrs Fraser Stewart and Robertson close two weeks mission in the Fishermen's Mission.

Several leading revivalists took part in this work.

Jock Troupe, Mackenzie and Dowie.

Thomson: Rev Donald, United Free Church settled previous year Feb 1921.

In a few months revival has come right down the coast.¹

 ^{Helmsdale harbour}

Brora News.

Presentation to Mr Dowie, Evangelist – at the usual Evangelistic Meeting held in the Fisherman's Hall, Lower Brora on Saturday evening. Mr Dowie of Aberdeen who is now leaving the District was presented with a roll of treasury notes from the public of Brora, as a token of esteem for the helpful addresses he delivered at the recent revival meetings in their midst. The Rev D Thomson in making the presentation on behalf of the subscribers thanked Mr Dowie for his valuable services both at the Open Air Meetings and elsewhere. Mr Dowie in reply said that this came unexpected but he hoped they had derived some lasting benefits through the Meetings held in the past and that they would continue to hold them under the guidance of the Rev Mr Thomson and helpers in the future.

Special Easter Communion – As the result of the revival meetings held in their midst, a scene unparalleled in the history of the Parish, if not in the Highlands, was witnessed in the Clyne United Free Church Brora at the morning service on Sunday last. A special Easter Communion was held at which the Rev Mr Thomson, Minister officiated. There were 195 persons partook of communion, the average communicants number about 100, but on Sunday there were 80 new members belonging to the United Free Church– 30 belonging to the Free Church who partook of it for the first time. As the revival only started after the New Year it speaks volumes for the good work done for the Master that so many young people belonging to different denominations should sit down together for the first time. The scene was a most inspiring and impressive one and will long live in the memory of all who witnessed it.

Here again we have a record that most locals of Brora would not be aware of, and, only a generation from the events. This revival started in Norfolk and moved to Aberdeen then Wick. It is encouraging to see many denominations including The Assemblies and Salvation Army involved. 

There were other times of revival to touch Caithness in the Church’s history. Perhaps most notably was that of the 1920s when the ministry in singing and preaching of Jock Troupe, of the Salvation Army, saw Churches, including Wick Baptist Church, and places like the Braehead and Market Square in Wick, packed out. It cannot be denied that the Church as a whole in this country has declined in numbers since those days but many believe there are signs of change.(52)

1Northern Times, 20 April, 1922 – p8. Col 2.

Balchristies... were mentioned who are they?

I recently mentioned the Balchristies in a post and wanted to start a search on the roots and attributes of them as a church/group. They seem to have a link to the Culdees an Irish group from many years ago,- long before the reformation, who have their roots in Druidism. It would seem that at some point the Catholic Church tried to influence them and make them more mainstream. Culdees had a site in, or near Colinsburgh at Newburn their Chapel is a ruin all underground or indeed flattened. The Culdees had a estate called balchristies and I am assuming that a group was formed in the area and took their name from the estate. " something like those who worship at Balchristie....which becomes Balchristies for short.


So now doing a search on my machine I discover this little bit from a document in 2006.

"

Balchristie, which is close to the eastern side of the parish, and only a mile to the south-west of Colinsburgh, cannot be called a village now. Malcolm Canmore and St Margaret gave the village of Balchristie to the Culdees of Loch-Leven eight hundred years ago. Last century the proprietor "dug up the foundation-stones of an old edifice near the western wall of his garden, and in the very place where, according to the best accounts, the church of the Culdees stood." Mr Laurie was told that "this was the first Christian church in Scotland," and he appears to have thought that the tradition was not baseless; but the more matter-of-fact people of the present day will soon set aside its claims to such antiquity. Ecclesiastical associations of a more recent date are also connected with this place. James Smith—"a well-favoured person, of good manners, unquestionable piety, and good report; of a tender holy walk, and sweet natural temper; zealous and prudent, with a good stock of learning "—having adopted Independent views of church-government, resigned his charge of the parish, after thirty-three years’ faithful service, and, with Robert Ferrier of Largo, started a meeting-house at Balchristie. In 1795, Laurie says:- "It has been often remarked, that Newburn, for many years past, has been a nursery of Seceders; and remarked with surprise, that a small arm of the sea should be the boundary between moderation and fanaticism. Cameronians, Independents, persons belonging to the Burgher Congregation, and also to what is called the Relief Congregation, are to be found here. The number of Independents is about 20. They are the only sect who have a place of meeting for public worship in the parish." In spite of their dissenting propensities the parishioners were sober, regular, industrious, and humane, and their diversity of sentiments did not prevent social intercourse nor mutual good offices. The Seceders had not increased of late, and one of the Relief elders had returned to the Established Church; and so, to Mr Laurie, "rational religion" seemed to be gaining ground, and he fondly hoped that "the small remainder of enthusiasm" would most probably die with those who cherished it. His hopes were so far realised, in 1836, that the Independent Congregation had removed their place of meeting to Earlsferry, their church at Balchristie being turned into a granary, and there were only three dissenting families in the whole parish."

So now what is the connection to Perth and a group in the town. Now it all comes back to me ....Perth Baptist Church The History the People and or  an extract from a possible new book yet to be published about the Scottish Church..

Perth Baptist Church fire, The old Opera House Tay Street.July 1984

Brian Robertson says,

"David Dale set up a Chapel of ease^* which in 1769 became an independent Church with Dale as one of the elders. Both Dale and the Balchristies historically known as Old Scots Independents- small, and sharing Glasite ideas of Church life and practise....  Berean Church- John Barclay 1734 1798 John Barclay of  Muthill was from the Church of Scotland and leader of a small connection, Congregational in principle in 1772. It was not great in the national context but, it is worthy to mention that in Perth the gathering, Berean Church based on Acts 17 -  "Mortgaged their meeting place to supply the want of the poor". Churches were also present in Crieff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Arbroath, Montrose and Brechin."

Further research required!

*Chapels of Ease were set up and funded by the Church of Scotland and the local Christians. In 1827 there were 55 set apart ministers of Chapels of ease in the Highland Presbyteries.(36 missionaries at the same time) They were set up for the poor and needy and were used for accommodation as well as worship.

Who are the Culdees (wiki) general background

Culdees Castle , Methill Perthshire, a "Listed" castle and house for sale on Galbraiths Summer 2018.

Culdees Eco village   Group near Aberfeldy roots unknown but using the name.

Southton Small holding Plant sale Saturday 5 May 2018

Looking forward to the plant sale on Saturday 5 May at Southton the Bield Perth.

The Money charity people have no savings!!!!

The latest money stats are available from the Money Charity. sign up for their e mail pdf with the details.

Bringing back Acolytes?

This post is from some years ago.

Bring them back?

Missing Roadkill and Dirt Everyday

U- tubers are missing "Roadkill" and "Dirt Everyday" Motor videos from the Motor channel which has set up its own channel Motor trend. There are old u tube videos but i miss the monthly programme and what the hosts had been up to. If i want to see more i will need to subscribe to the channel.

Less than half go to church in 1835!

Just to let you know that we have not always been as church going as we think. Here is some details from a census in 1835. 

NON-ESTABLISHED CHURCHES "SITTING"

FOR WORSHIP -PERTH 1835

Craigend United Seccession	413
North United Secession	1479
South United Secession	932
Old Light Burghers	730
Old Light Anti Burghers	602
1 Relievers	902
2 Relievers	574
Independents	735
General Baptists	450
Baptists	300
Methodists	800
Episcopalians	301
Roman Catholics	444
Glassites	165
TOTAL	8827

In 1831 the population of Perth was marginally over 20,000

ECCLESIASTICAL STATISTICS FOR

PERTH PARLIAMENTARY BURGH

	Places of Worship during 1851
5	Established Church
6	Free Church
7	United Presbyterian Church
1	Original Secession Church
3	Independents
2	Old Scot's Independents
3	Baptist Church
2	Wesleyan Methodists
1	Glassite Church
2	Episcopalian Church
2	Roman Catholic Church
1	Isolated Congregation

Harry Gow takeaway

Was in Inverness a week ago or so and found the newish Harry Gow takeaway at North Kessock on the west side going North after you have crossed the Kessock bridge.
Great site for a bakery takeaway catching workers and holiday makers alike... 

Perth Churches then...and now Please add to list thanks

Easy to get side tracked about Buchanites! I was starting to carry out research on Perth Churches.

 



Work in progress....










Quakers In The Mid 1750's there were 2 or 3 Quakers.By 1836 there was still no meeting house.
Bareans Old wifes listened to Mrs Buchan!
Cameronians ( Sometimes known as Mountaineers) They would fence the table for communion.
Jacobites meeting in Wrights hall Doing a work on Muirton extinct since 1790's

Mission station in South St 1857
Relief Church Canal Street
Relief Church South Street
Free Church St Stephens -Gaelic  Canal street then Paradise place
TCF Paradise Place
Roman Catholic Melville Street
Evangelical Union  High Street - Now Perth Theatre
Gospel Hall South Street now on western edge
East Church
West Church
Middle Church
North Church
St Pauls
St Leonards Free Victoria Street
ST Andrews  Parish Church
St Stephens Parish
St Marks Church -Letham
St Mary Magdalene RC
St Ninians- Cathedral
UPC
New Lights (Aikman)
Old lights ( W Taylor) Small Chapel Kinoull Street
Wilsons Chuch  Associated Presbterian High Street
North Church
Glassite High Street
Congregational ( Mill Street Independent Church)
Free West Church moved to Tay Street (St Matthews)
Baptist 1 now Perth Baptist Church -Western edge
Baptist 2 West Church joined Baptist 1
Knox Free Church
Elim Penticostal Priness Street
Wesleyan
United Free Church
Free Presbyterian Church near Bus station
St Lukes - came from the original Secession
Episcapalian Church St Johns
St Johns Kirk
Society of Balchristies
Salvation Army
Perth Riverside Church
Gateway Community Church
Oasis Church- Station Hotel
Church of the Nazarene- Trinity Church
Grace Baptist Church  Glover Street
Bible Baptist Church  Kinnoull Street
Pre reformation Orders Dominican, Carmelites ( Whitefriars) Carthusian, Franciscan ( Greyfriars)

Please add the missing ones in the comments...Past or present.

If you are interested here is a past post about ...
Burgher /Antiburgher

Build your Kingdom here Rend collection (experiment)

Hounded out of town...

Despite a little help form the local Burgh Fiscal who was an adherent Buchan found it difficult to continue her ways in the town. There were many times when violence was seen at the meetings as locals tried to capture the "witch wife." One time they drummed her out the town. It was not long until She again had to flee to Glasgow.

In 1783 Andrew Innes from Muthill met Buchan at a communion in Glasgow. Later after a meal and a walk on Glasgow Green, Innes was completely taken in by Buchan chats over scripture. Despite his family he decided to join the group in Irvine which was now about 40 in number.

Innes had persuaded the local s of Muthill that it would be worth hearing Buchan. So off the group went with Innes as body guard walking to Muthil from Irvine.  Rev Scott had taken special meeting in Muthill and denounced orthodox faith...claiming Buchan was to be the new incarnation of the Holy Ghost!

mean while the group in Irvine was growing and so was local hostility. By May 1784 the local magistrates were asked to proceed with action against the blasphemers.
The first night of the expulsion ws spent in a cart shed near Dundonald.
The group were now settling in Closeburn  south of Thornhill. General house keeping and some sort of established community was set up including care and finances.
In due time they were re housed in Buchan Ha at new Cample. The group now numbering 60.

Once again locals in December 1784 were agitated to try and deal with this un-orthodox group.


Elspeth died in 1791 of natural causes.
(My Thanks to Richard Hopkins for some of the details of the last few days.)

Buchanites

Buchanites

Rev Hugh White. Duped or follower or even like minded

Elspeth having ran away from Banff shire to Glasgow avoiding potential murder by Captain Cook husband of Buchans convert Mrs Cook made a real connection with Rev White. He had recently returned from America and had seen first hand the "Shakers". White had been flattered by Buchans letters he allowed her to speak at his congregation in Irvine. Her doctrine was extreme with white trying to tone things down. Some of the congregation began to suspect the soundness of her faith and indeed whites.

She was given three weeks to leave town!
Before leaving she had made known her views on some of her theology like she good free people from the bondage of law.  This meant she advocated no marriage and a sharing of all assets and wifes.
White and Buchan were charged with heresy , White being ejected from his church (relief church) and both White and Buchan setting up a  meeting in a house in Seagate. Their meetings became so popular that  the had to erect a tent in the garden to accommodate the group.

A Society with Buchan at the head as "Friend Mother of the Lord" was set up and local hostility was not long in coming...  

Hard times brings spiritual wakening...

I am continuing the discovery of Mrs Buchan

The potters business did not perform and Robert went back to Glasgow presumably to get work leaving Elspeth and children at home in Banff shire to make ends meet.
She Elspeth raised living expenses from educational work by opening a school teaching basics including the ability to read.  However she got bored with the standard Scottish theology and returned to her young years visions and revelations which stimulated her into passing on her interpretation of the Bible. She started with fairly orthodox views which then grew into more unorthodox views.

As  an eager interested follower she mixed with a local fellowship meeting and on the face of it showed great Piety and value to the group. She was able to influence many that she had almost a direct access to the truth  and that she was a prophetess. Now it would seem she had found her mission in life .

The family and school suffered as she developed her mission with opposition coming from all parts including her children.

Gone was the sewing and teaching and then the money dried up. So off to Glasgow back to the husband in 1781 where she seems to have done very little apart from spending her husbands money so she could promote her thoughts.

Letters to the Rev Hugh White a relief church minister in Irvine had resulted in meetings together and for him to come under her "spell" believing together that she was the women in Revelation 12.

   Coming next group of followers ...heresies ...Muthill ...the Buchanites.

Mrs Buchan not Simpson

Mrs Buchan Elspeth Simpson daughter of John and Margaret Simpson was born in Banff-shire in 1739 in the parish of Fordyce. Her mother died when she was about three years old. Elspeth was brought up in hard situations. She was a herdswomen but did not like the work. As a girl she was allowed to run wild and spoke of seeing visions. A local relative tried to take her under her wing and taught her home skills like sewing and reading. The plan was to go to America with her cent husband and Elspeth to work in the plantations of Jamaica. Having spent some time in Greenock waiting for the appropriate ship the bored girl found the new life of the docks and city interesting and fun. She found her self in Ayr and fell in love with and ”married” Robert Buchan a potter. After having several children the couple moved to Glasgow allowing Robert to work at the Delftfield potteries. Elspeth managed to gain employment with the wife of one of the business partners of the pottery. Robert was ashamed of Elspeth's loose ways and thought that moving to Elspeth roots might help them regain some stability as a couple. They moved to Banff and set up their own pottery business. …..to be continued.


 Ann Lee (1736-1784) “Shakers”

Its a Grand Tour...of Sutherland

Spotted in various places in Sutherland last week were the three from  The Grand Tour, Clarkson May and whats his name. ( Hammond.)

Churches in Perth leads to Buchan!

I was researching to see if I could list all the major churches past and present associated with Perth, Scotland. I was reading George Pennys “Traditions of Perth”, did you know you can read it on Google playbooks and save a visit to the library. So I'm reading and note that there was a group of Bareans in Perth, of which I knew about from previous research when I come across this comment about some of the group being influenced by Mrs Buchan. Then as can happen one wanders...and wonders who was she this Mrs Buchan and what was she about? My first inclination was the wife of perhaps a Dyer or fabric maker, or local farmers wife maybe even a local important person of Perth. Well with in minutes I had the answer. Come back tomorrow to find out about Mrs Buchan (... not from Perth). Bareans

Alpacas Nearer to farming them?

For some time I have thought of farming alpacas. I have read a few books I have access to a couple of pet "boys" but the opportunity to move out on my own with these animals seems a challenge. firstly there is land to have them then the shelter and both need to be near where I live. I visited an alpaca frmn a few years ago in /near Bristol. It was an interesting time. Those at Valley farm were a great help

.

 I just discovered today that they are dispersing the flock.

verification

Worship as in Music

Interestingly I am coming across a lot of people who are not in to the Contemporary worship style in Churches today. Is it the repetition the chanting less melody or is it

the "second rate" musically quality?

Weather

Weather is a topic that the British fall into. I wonder what causes this conversation. Is it because they dont want to talk about more pressing things, or items that are more important on a relational matter. Or is it just the concern of rejection if its a topic that others may have a differing opinion?

Roadkill my machine ...please

SCIO vehicle for Scottish Charities

Scottish Charities can set up as a  SCIO s which are limited incorporated bodies just right for Churches or missions. These organisations are regulated by OSCR based in Dundee. Its worth noting that you cannot transfer to another entity once youare an SCIO.

There is a lot of information about setting up charities on the OSCR website.

Four main vehicles are

Entity
Limited company( need to register it separately)
SCIO once stop registration

No legal entity
Association
Trust
There is also Industrial and Provident Society which may quailfy for tax relief by way of Gift aid.

Greece

Two year rescue plan?

Greece

BBC says 

"The Greek government has requested a new bailout deal from the eurozone, just hours before its bailout expires and it must repay €1.6bn (£1.1bn) to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Greece is reportedly asking for a new two-year aid deal from a bailout mechanism for eurozone countries.
Eurozone finance ministers will discuss the Greek offer in a teleconference on Tuesday evening.
If it fails to repay the IMF loan, Greece risks leaving the euro.
The European Commission, which is one of Greece's creditors, wants Athens to raise taxes and cut welfare spending.
Amid fears of a Greek default on its huge public debt of €323bn - and a possible exit from the euro - long queues of people are continuing to snake from many cash machines in Greece, where withdrawals are capped at just €60 a day."

Greece what now?

I wonder how this situation is going to work out. The Stock Market has reacted in Europe and UK but not in the USA.

A last second request today to have some recovery package does seem late in the day.

What now?

Charles Kennedy 1 June 2015

Rip Charles Kennedy at 55 a loss to Scotland and UK.

Holy Spirit ...shy

I am currently reading this book. In It the suggestion is that the Holy Spirit is Shy!

Church of Scotland

Church of Scotland votes in favour of allowing ministers in same sex civil partnerships

May 16, 2015

Thje Church of Scotland has voted in favour of allowing people in same sex civil partnerships to be called as ministers and deacons.

The historic decision was made by the General Assembly on the Mound in Edinburgh today, where the motion was passed by 309 votes in favour and 182 against.
The outcome is the culmination of years of deliberation within the Church. The motion has faced a series of debates and votes before the final decision was arrived at this afternoon. This included 31 of the Church’s presbyteries endorsing the move to 14 who opposed it.
This means the Church has adopted a position which maintains a traditional view of marriage between a man and woman, but allows individual congregations to ‘opt out’ if they wish to appoint a minister or a deacon in a same sex civil partnership."

I am not making comment on the theology but taking note similar to the Free Church of Scotland with regard to Worship when it comes to a difficult answer the local congregations are given the authority to choose!

Is this not a good Baptist principle ?  the local church decides and not some authority out with the locality.

Back

Well its been a long time, but now we are back have a look at Amazons new products

TEDDINGTON

Tearfund staff, some Tearfund staff are working on a week where you eat on £1.00 a day.

It seems so hard when you think about it to live on that basis yet some are doing this everyday

One idea was to pull together resources but it's still a challenge.

Could you do it £1.00 a day?

Improving weather

it is encouraging to see improving weather in mid Scotland.

Dallas Willard 1935 to 2013

it was with regret to hear today of the passing of Dallas Willard a man of God with a fresh understanding of spiritual life. 

new worship

I think there are possibilities for fresh worship opportunities.
I am looking forward to the possibilities. News to follow.

Colorado Springs fire map

You can see the area covered by the fire which started at Waldo Canyon here .

Colorado Springs map of fire area

Colorado Fires

The last few days have been terrifying for the residents in West Colorado Springs. Massive fires  from dry weather and exasibated by driving winds to the east have moved from the country at Waldo right to the outskirts of South and West Colorado Springs were many have lost their homes.


Denver post map of one of the fire areas near Boulder

Why is it? ...again

 

I wrote this back in 2006 it still holds good.

 

Why is it?

  I have noticed some things over the years.
One is that people look for the easy route!
The path of least resistance is the one that many knowingly or without noticing take.
Now before you go off looking at the Bible and stories about the blessing of the smooth road and how God has blessed many with a trouble free journey, before you look at all the references quoted for prosperity theology- a doubtful theology until the late eighties- are we not to take our lot as it happens?
Has strict Calvinism got it right ?
Why is it?
Stay with it.

Are some, to find that their road is tougher than others.
So in our subconscious are we looking for the blessing sign be looking for the path of least resistance? It is easy to do this.When I read Michael Faraday's biography its not like that. Bruce and the spider story is not about that either! (No its not in the Bible).
Why is it?
Esther's road was not plain sailing and she spent a whole year preparing for one day with the King! Is it a wrong way to travel the broad road looking for the easy bit and collate that, as the narrow way fit for King servants?
The narrow way may be less broad by definition but it is more than likely a more troublesome way than the “broad way”.

Why is it then?
Because we are lazy be human nature?
Because we want all “nice” things to come our way!
Perhaps we need to redefine “Good things that come our way”-
As the things that God purposely puts our way to improve our relation with Him- Be it a new car or a broken leg!

The culture of today is about success measured by accumulation of wealth seen in goods and the ability to buy goods at any cost, modern or post modern.
Yet the real success is the ability to be in a strong relation with the Father and the ability to worship him...at what costs? Preparing for the oneday to be with the King.
Seeking the Kingdom first is becoming more obscure to the society we live in.
The behaviour of “pleasing” the neighbour at the expense of one self's destiny/Zoe life/walk/seeking God's will, is as strong as before.

So how are you going to be determined to walk the talk of the glorious journey set out before you ( and maybe made before you!) The choice is there in a strict Calvinistic way!
If nothing is going to separate you from God then that is a struggle worth winning.
So seek the narrow way whatever that means and be aware that it may mean struggle rather than the stream that seeks the easy path through the hard ground to the river, to the sea.

Worship music

Plans have started for the worship work later this year.

We are excited about the possibilities and the use of electronic music prompts via I pad.!

Ministry

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B