Revival Brora 1922

I was carrying out some research for an Historian yesterday in Brora
Here is some interesting stuff from the local paper of 1922.

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

Lettie update 2

Lettie

Abhain Leataidh
58.02 degrees N
4.23degrees W
NC 680058

Pity there is no Earl of Lettie. But the Lethandy, Perthshire is a possibility, any connection??

Music

For all those getting bored with the Scottish scene ( Notice no tartan on this site try Scottish family history for tartan.) here is a photo to get you smiling.

Will the angels play Fender guitars in heaven when the harps are laid up?




Curtesy of Calvarychapel.com

Music praise...

Psalm 150 says.

Praise God in the sanctuary...
with sounding of the trumpet...
with harp with tambourine and dancing...
the strings and the flute...
clash of cymbals...resounding cymbals...praise the lord



The Free Church of Scotland is know for its Psalm only singing, in Scottish churches.

John Macdonald ( The Apostle of the North) 1779-1849 Ferrintosh, was a Gaelic spiritual verse writer and Free Church minister. Interesting to have an hymn writer in a Psalm singing denomination.

Opposition to Hymns and instruments is not restricted to this arm of the Presbyterian Church. But James Begg was a promoter of the use of Psalms and no instruments.

In 1866 the Free Church voted 3 to 2 for the use of hymns. In 1869 Begg was unsuccessful in Curtailing hymns. In 1872 the Church accepted the New Hymn book 213 votes to 61. In 1877 Prof Bruce wished to have their Own Free Hymn Book with Begg supporting a defence of no change in the position.
Then in 1892 the assembly withdrew permission to use instruments for worship and uninspired Hymns in public worship- the current position- as far as I know!

Here are some dates of interest.
There are 350 currently used Hymnals in the UK

Moravian Hymns (8) 1501
Hymns and Spiritual Songs Sinclair- Caithness 1750
Glassite collection of songs 1749
Scotch Baptist Psalms and Spiritual Songs 1786
Psalms and Hymns 1866
Baptist Hymnal 1900
Scottish Psalter 1923
Methodist Hymnal 1933
Youth Praise 1966
Sing to God (S.U.) 1971
Mission Praise 1 1981
Songs of Fellowship 1991
Source 1 1999
Church of Scotland CH4 2005

There is a long heritage of Hymns and spiritual songs in Scotland. Unfortunately some denominations have put their heads and legal books in the sand. Scripture shows us and instructs us to sing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs and to use various instruments.

Make a joyful noise!

Many years ago their was a compliant in a church about new types of instruments being used in worship. It was not felt right and proper to use instruments that synthesised the sound of proper musical Instraments. When was this 1980? 1990? 1966? No the 12 Century when the pipe organ was introduced!

Lettie update 1

"Rogart" (Rogh ard) is the Gaelic for the very high land. (hi-land)

Lettie seems to be confusing?

Spelling I have come across recently

Leataidh -Sheep Club
Lettie -river
Lettaidh
Lettaid -As in deeds

A comment recently to my wife suggests that the grave at LETTIE is in fact an old joke. But I am not deterred yet.

Lettie's grave

Post to the grave

Not much but what lies behind the story?

Seasons in the sun...

The Sutherland broom is fully yellow as we near the end of May. I think it flowered a few weeks later than the last few years. It has been a wet spring and this may have delayed the flowering.

Marking the lambs
Our Saturday walk took us to parts never before viewed. Most crofters here have marked their lambs ready for the hill again. I helped some one last week to mark his flock. The separating and counting, the "branding" and other unmentionable aspects! Marking lambs is a diary marker of the year on the croft. Its the recognition of spring new life the lengthening of the day and a shaking off of the winter and its darkness. Where you live does have an effect on you. Living in the city the winter is just colder. The central heating keeps things constant. In the Highlands? The wet is wetter and for longer. The wind seems sharper the darkness deeper. But the spring time does come.

I have often felt that Lairg as a place shows off the extremes of the Scottish weather. When its cloudy and grey Lairg seems desolate depressed dying on its feet a miserable place. But in the sun it rises like the butterfly from its crusty skin in to beauty and life. When the sun shines on the water at Lairg and the granite of the dam sparkles its the place to admire.

Yet conversations in the last week or so excite me regarding the life of the Church here in Sutherland.

Yes there are historic trenches, misunderstandings but, there are meeting of various church brands there are people praying and equipping themselves for something. There is an expectation of something good. Its like the spring is turning the broom yellow after it lay dormant for so long.

"The fig tree is budding the vine beareth fruit..." will soon come to pass.

As we walked up the hill we came across the signpost clearly marked as Lettie's Grave. Its indicated on the map but I do not know anything about him. I saw him because there is reference to Earl of lettie.
Have you ever got that fascination to find out about something. The curiosity gets the better of me and I commit to find out who he was and what he did in Sutherland. This will be at the same time as I search out for mission work of the 17, 18 and 19 Century in Sutherland. There is a lost heritage in the Highlands, of those reaching the people of the North for the gospel. I dont suppose Lettie was a missionary but he may of spoken to a mission worker many years ago.

Scottish Baptists were working in the Highlands before the Free churches existed! and that will surprise a few in the Highlands and further a field.

Anyway Dornoch library Northern Times I am coming your way.

Was this Letties house or just a sheep fank (pen, stell). Map indicates a sheep fold but the stone work and door posts and lintels suggest otherwise.

I will get to the music bit ...read on.

Near Lettie's grave. Who was he Earl of lettie?

Church leaders pray for revival. Inverness

I was encouraged by the meeting in Inverness on Thursday where church leaders from across the Church met to pray and engage. I am thankful for those people who are visionary and for those from Perth who instigated these meetings. I am even more convinced we will see a great happening soon...

Too busy...Still

Can you see the loch?

Just like it can be difficult to see, it can be difficult to hear.

I often heard people saying they were waiting for the Lord. It struck me that perhaps they had gone ahead or that they were just hanging around till God caught up!


I can see no place where Jesus was late. He may have not been where certain people wanted him to be at a certain time but he was never late. Yet even at the close of the day or early in the morning after a long previous day he had time to wait, to listen, to ponder, to meditate.

visionbyprayer is worth a look

Ann Lee ..who she? Shake, rattle, and roll...

Ann Lee

Ann Lee is one of interest to us in this quest, despite having no direct connection to Scotland or its Church.
Born 29 February 1736 in Toad Lane Manchester, to the blacksmith father John lee she lived with him until she embarked for America.
At the age of 23 she joined a group lead by James and Jane Wardley known as “"Shakers" ”an off shoot of the Quakers order.




Shakers... more than just kitchens and checked aprons.



This group was known for its moral discipline strictness blameless deportment and "“swiftness of their testimony against sin"”. From an early age she received visions and divine revelations.
In 1774 she moved to New York but before hand in 1770 she had been imprisoned with some of her followers for blasphemy, a charge that was far from the truth. Yes she had danced yes he had spoken in a strange tongue. She had confounded church scholars examining her, by speaking in 72 separate tongues.
One of her visions was of a burning tree , her call to a new church, and to take the church to America.
Her church growth was slow until 1789 when "“Charismatic"” new light Baptists appeared.
She was beaten several times and in 1784 as a result of beatings died.
There survives to this day groups of Shaker dissenters from the Quakers.
As a mother of spiritual things mother Ann was often testifying with a delivery of mighty power. Her conversation would quicken the hearers. She had suffered from those who were ignorant and one of the many stoning in which she was caught.
"“ While they throwing the stones I felt myself surrounded by the presence of god, and my soul was filled with love. I knew they would not kill me for my work was not done..."

The reason I make mention of her is that at the time society could not comprehend her or the Shakers and as a result turned to violence.

Today it would seem we are more tolerant and accept that her "“style"” was different, but of God.


Now think of this coming soon

Would your Church allow David to play the Harp!?

Busy Church...Quakers

Following on to a previous comment...

Quakers
The Quaker movement in Scotland can trace its roots back further than 1696. In 1650 there were Quakers in Leith, Edinburgh meeting for worship. In 1696 the biggest Quaker meeting was in Kinmuck, North West of Aberdeen near Blackburn. Meetings were held in Scotland from 1653 with George Fox paying visits to Glasgow Edinburgh Perth Fife and the Highlands in 1657. Robert Barclay(1648-1690) is one unsung original theologian who is recognised more abroad than his home country of Scotland. Born Aberdeen he became a Quaker at the age of 18 after a visit to his father in Edinburgh. With his connections in London he became governor of the colony of East Jersey in the USA, yet never went there and through his mothers side- a Stewart he had access to the future King James VIII ( James, Edward or III if you like!). It would have been interesting discussions. James, Catholic - Barclay, Quaker. Barclay was the first and only systematic exposition of Quaker theology,“ "Apology for the true Christian Divinity"”

Are church services too busy?

Busy?
You have had a hard week at work, you have had a busy schedule of evening activity. You have rushed to Church because you slept in after watching the late film- just to chill out.

And it would be so good to have a quiet time in a corporate meeting. But...

There is that "Sandwich service" where it looks like those leading are afraid to have silence in case the congregation think they have lost the place!


Contemplative-
Quakers, brethren, Baptists, Assemblies of God, Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches have over the years recognised the depth of fellowship in having a time of silence together in the "Worship time" at Church. To take time to reflect is so important especially when life seems to be busier and busier.

Just like the public reading of the Bible has a different impact on our lives, so too, could a time of silence in the public worship.

There is a time for joyous worship, and loud! And there is a time form silence.

Thanks for the variety in praise in the Christian Church.

Dornoch flowers on a summers day in May.

A thriving community of gardeners was seen in Dornoch on the Tenth of May with temperatures reaching 20.


Enterprise update

Good to hear that the Scottish Executive is going to package up the enterprise company shortfalls.


Churches that are Non- Presbyterian( and Evangelical)

An other interesting conversation at the weekend centred around the setting up and encouraging of Non-Presbyterian churches not in oppostion to the existing various Presbyterian but as an alternative expression of worship and praise in the community for those who:

• are relatively new to the area and have had the benefit of other expressions of worship

• for those in the Highlands who would prefer a contemporary church practice

• For those who are looking for an independent/or congregationalism authority in the church meeting

Before you get on your hobby horse there are many in the Highlands who would have a preference to non Presbyterian style of Church. It is easily forgotten that some of these Non-Presbyterian Churches existed in the Highlands before the now established and several Free Churches.


I am sure there is a need for a variety of expressions of Church praise in the Highlands. I am also encouraged with the recent signs of these expressions being promoted.

Adders in the Highlands

On Saturday I came across my first sighting of an adder the poisonous viper found in the Highlands more so when Spring turns to Summer.

Here you see it against the size of a foot so it was probably a fairly young one. In these parts they have been spotted as long as three feet.

This one was sun bathing at Ferrycroft, Lairg and our walking partner ushered me away from accidentally standing on it.

There was excitement in the group as none of us had seen an adder before. The weather has certainly changed. For how long?

The Mound...The Mound

The Mound at "the Mound" not Edinburgh.-Taken today!

Renovare May 2006 letter

I see the Renovare May 2006 letter by Richard Foster is available from the Renovare website. Left hand column front page. One could download the PDF if interested.

Highland Theological College

It's pleasing for the Highlands to note that the Church of Scotland General Assembly will be asked to confirm the Highland Theological College as an approved academic provider alongside Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews. This will be the first for 70 plus years. The distance learning facility will be made use of moreso if this approval is given at Assembly later this month.

I am looking for a list of Non-Presbyterian Evangelical Churches in the Highlands.

Does anyone have such a list or if started, would anyone be interested in submitting their Church to such a list?

Property for sale...What can the enterprise company do?

There are still many vacant properties in the Highlands, but there are less than in previous years.

Ross-shire was always a place of "self-builds" and that continues. The searching by incomers to buy up houses or crofts for the "Good life" living, second home, holiday home or to start a base for quiet living is stronger.















Is there a need for the enterprise company?
From an economic view generating the multiplier effect in a community does require a focal point or key business to hang on to services and the like. The enterprise companies have been helpful in many ways in assisting this growth. Despite the varying opinions of their worth and the re-evaluating of the Scottish Enterprise network, (all organisations need a review) there is still a need for localised channelling of resources to generate work income and wealth. How best this is carried out will be the ongoing debate.


Church enterprise company?
In a Church context how do we best channel our resources when there are so many Churches with a dozen or so worshipping together on Sundays, in different buildings in the same towns?

For so many I wonder if they know why they are part of a certain denomination, do they know why their Church believes what they do or why they take a certain stand on particular practice.



















If we had a fresh plot to build a house how would we set out the plan, what might we want within the boundaries and in the house itself? Utility room, decking, en-suites, breakfast bar?

Likewise for a Church to work be it an old one or a new one what key things are required?
I am thankful that the discussions I have had lately indicate that many are reviewing through necessity- their plans or more accurately their operations! This can only be a good sign.

With no vision the people perish.

It would be difficult just to pull resources. This method encourages doubts, concerns and mistrust.
If a clear presentation of a worthwhile work is promoted the people might grasp the vision and say let's support this work.

If I ask for £100,000 for a work I will do in the future would you support it? No.

If I explain a need to you which can be met in part and needs £100,000 you would be more likely to say I will support this work.

What then is the vision for the Church in the village, the town, in Inverness, nay in the Highlands????

Tell me of your Churches' vision!
or if you have not got one!

(By vision I don't mean a paper that was written two years ago and no one works towards. I mean everyone knows what the Church is trying to do and to this end most people are working towards that aim).

Labyrinth.......Take your shoes off.!

Prayer Labyrinth-Denver




I had never undertook a prayer labyrinth before.
It originates from Chartres Cathedral, North France coming from the Middle Ages. It consists as you would think of a maze of paths - ours was printed on heavy duty clothes, the originals were of stone, there is one in Ely Cathedral at the front door. After leaving all my belongings I had to take my shoes off!

Winding in towards God and rewinding out/forgiveness, the walk weaved in and out sometimes alone, sometimes passing others. Sometimes stopping to pray and reflect. A time to "Shut out the world". It was a reflective time providing peace.

For a blog on prayer view

visionbyprayer.blogspot.com

I am reminded of the news last year that those who pray have in general terms a longer lifespan.

Two observations from last year.

How do we engage the community?

My two observations of the last 12 months.

Bible Society - (England and Wales)

Sees a need to transform the culture as a way into people and the masses.
Ps.137 v 4 - How do we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Centres of influence - Arts, Media, Politics and Education to be challenged.

What would a society that takes the Bible seriously look like?

Imagination is a decisive influence on how people see reality.

What do you think people in this area see as real?

A. What is real when it comes to the way we live and behave?
B. What is real when it comes to ideas like God, Spirit and purpose?

What recent changes from the outskirts of culture have moved to centre stage?
A. Possibilities that all can have a voice or say!
B. Education for all people
C. Same sex marriages
D. Knowledge open to all via the internet
E ?

How can we impact the community where it is at a deep “heart and soul“ level? (We used to talk in terms of pre-evangelism?)

Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free S.John 8.32
- Booklet "Make Poverty History" is valid but what about the Bible poverty- Need to be back in focus? or so we fed them and then they died?

"Love Esther" is a rock tour of the UK. Starting in Bristol last year it is based on the story of Esther communicating the Word to the young of today.

Renovare.

In Denver, last June, at the Renovare conference of 5,000 delegates, I discovered the work of Renovare (Latin: renewal) who work across the denominations. This organisation has a lot to offer the Church.

A divine lunch - I had a great time over lunch with Rodger Fredrikson, American Pastor and William Vaswig "call me Bill" - Evangelical Lutherian Church of America. They had studied divinity in Edinburgh many years ago.
Well past retirement they were fully 100% on fire for the work of the Kingdom.

How is my Latin?....as good as my Greek

From the Conference last year.

Read and reflect?

Use of the Bible:

Discipline of Lectio Divina
Reading becomes part of the prayer. Tuning in.
Lectio
Taking up Scripture.
Meditatio
Engaging with the passage - What do I notice?
Oratio
The deep self touched, Thank you for this passage, remembering it during the day.
Contemplatio
Rest and silence and read again.



Similar to “Free Church Worship at home”? a Psalm, a reading, a prayer.

The purpose of reading is to get closer to God- “Zoe Life" not to gain further academic knowledge. How does this fit into my life where I am?

Spiritual Formation. A new discipleship Bible reading study together.
“Tell me what that says to you for me.”

Sunday walk

The best thoughts always come from a walk.

Yesterday while in the Sutherland hills we talked about how, especially in the smaller communities, if the Churches of the various denominations worked together what a tremendous work could be done. Yes many would have to leave their personal tastes at home but the work would surely move on!

Now if the locals agreed to work together...... would the denomination headquarters allow the future to grow and take shape as a unified organisation for Christ in the locality?

British Churchman....goes to the bathroom

“As for the British Churchman he goes to Church as he goes to the bathroom, with minimal fuss and with no explanation if he can help it” Ronald Blyth.

(The silent Conspiracy...!)

Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland are to work together in a Covenant.

“There is one religion, though there are 100 versions of it” George Bernard Shaw.

I am encouraged by the news of both the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland are to work together in a Covenant. Rather than argue over technicalities the notion of actually working together has taken precedence. Well done, both organisations.

Now then, who will be next to join forces for a specific work? Whether one is Presbyterian or Independent/Congregationalist in terms of Local Church Government, and there are pluses and minuses on both sides, it would be encouraging for grass roots church-goers to see work carried out by several Churches at local and national level. I would be interested in hearing of such work.

I see men as trees walking!

I was reminded of the story of the blind man healed by Jesus, he said " I see men as trees walking".

I see trees like men walking -!

Scottish Kirk 9 th century

Scottish Kirk 9th century
Margaret, Queen of Malcolm the Second, a saintly young lady, took on a personal challenge to change Scotland to a similar English practice of religion creating a regular diocesan episcopacy.

The story...Part Five

continued...


Christianity came to Scotland early with "Bishop" Ninian returning from Rome around 397 to Strathclyde to establish a monastery. From the "Candida Casa" monastery he moved northward through the great glens reaching Caithness and Sutherland, some say even reaching Orkney, he and Kentigern (Mungo) creating pockets of followers. It was Colmba of Iona who united the scattered clans into a Church and nation. By 563 Colmba had moved from Ireland and set up a base on Iona for the spreading of the Christian word to the peoples of the mainland, thus creating Monastic lines for 200 years.

Wild goats, we are all like wild goats!

Can you imagine there are still wild goats in the Highlands of Scotlands?

There are and you daren't go near them. They can be dangerous.

Can you pin point where this photography was taken?

We can give thanks for a diversity of animals in our country.

The wild goat seldom seen, has a interesting nature. We can be wild as well, not wanting to be tethered to a spot or under the jurisdiction of someone else, be it partner, spouse or God.

Message on the Church door - not by John Knox

It was an interesting notice that I saw on the front door of a Church yesterday.
I was curious as I looked peering from the distance. What would it say? Was it to do with the new covenant between the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland?




As we walked closer it was obviously a short message concerning the church ... closed ?... moved?.... cancelled?.... Christ return ...





And as I got closer and read it I thought, it was probably a temporary notice!

"We've aye dun it this way!"

Kildonan

During the year of 1818, a nugget of gold weighing around ten pennyweights was discovered in the river Helmsdale, North East Scotland.
Robert Gilchrist 1869 came from Australia to look for gold. He never found any - and we have never heard of him.

What matters the most?

The story

On the departure of the Romans from Scotland and the North of England, the remnant- Picts, Scots, Britons and Angles claimed a Christian faith. But for early missionaries it was a hard task to correct deep seated traditions and pagan practices. It was hard times for those missionaries -no doubt they heard the phrase "we've aye dun it this way!" The human behaviour is difficult to change and right or wrong practices are so difficult to change.

Two Churches open doors in Inverness on Easter Sunday

Inverness is a fast growing city. On Easter Sunday two churches had their first services in their new church Building, namely Holm Evangelical (Culduthel Christian Centre) pictured below and Inverness Pentecostal Church of God.


To view the article in the paper, please click on the following link
article

To see what has been happening at Holm Evangelical Church click on the following link
Holm Evangelical

Highland Theological College Teaching Weekend God and the Nations

Highland Theological College are having their annual teaching this weekend April 21st -23rd at the Inshes Church of Scotland, Inverness (next to Inshes Retail park). The main theme is "Is God and the nations and if you have an interest in mission then this is a theme you will want to explore". The Themes, Times & speakers are:

cch
7:30-9pm God and the Nations from the Beginning - Hector Morrison

Saturday 22nd
10am-11:15am Psalms 96: The Nations Call to Praise - Jamie Grant
11:45-1pm Christ Crucified for the Nations - Nick Needham
2:30pm-4pm Salvation: Individual or Corporate? - Andrew McGowan
7:30pm-9pm Jesus and The Nations - Mike Bird

Sunday 23rd
2pm-3:30pm The Nations in the City - Hector Morrison

All the speakers are lecturers at the Highland Theological College and can view their profile on the following link:
HTC Staff

To engage!

What we are about!

To engage and mobilise the Christians -

Where they are in the Highlands.

Increase Highland Christian worship and praise.

To be a catalyst for Churches to move on and develop towards maturity.

Some solutions .....

Hyperspace presence

Varied entry
Restricted secure level
User friendly
Constantly updated forum
Platform for encouragement


Physical presence

Church services
Presentations
Church reviews
Mini concerts
1/2 week road shows


Church

Report
Formation groups
Fresh plans

Challenges

Challenges


CARD!

C- culture
A - age differential
R -resources
D -distance

Solutions?

Hi-land P-raise ...about

Vision

A Highland community engaged in worship and praise and the Church developing into maturity.

Mission

To act as a revival catalyst to the Church in developing worship and praise in an appropriate way relative to the Highlands.
January 2006

In the valley

Ullapool, Ross shire, North Scotland

Yesterday we took a trip to Ullapool for the day. We had good weather between the showers. The magnificent views and mountains are awesome.

The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday always has that sense of hanging around. We are neither in the grip of the terror of the Friday nor celebrating the resurrection. The time 2000 years ago was spent by God in an alien area of separation. Would that this community would celebrate more fully the Easter Sunday not on the diary date but all the year.

The story .... Part Four

Furthermore, omissions have had to be made to allow this blog to be of a certain size and because your interested bit, is missing, or small, does not relate to the impact it had to the Church in Scotland. This blog is not meant to be a specific academic history book of the Church in Scotland but a walk through the life of the Church to aid a future conclusion. Please forgive the fact that the contents do not completely run chronologically but where possible I have tried to be aware of the time line. Deviations are to link subjects or to try and reduce complications.

Results & lessons
Down through the centuries we see calls for reform in community and church life. In Church history these calls have resulted from:

• Change resulting in malpractice
• Wrong emphasis
• Domineering individuals
• Control freaks!
• Loss of Godly practice
  

From whatever walk of life you come from ask yourself these questions as you read.
Did the Scottish people learn from this situation?

Would they (The Scottish Church) do it differently if the opportunity came around again?

What are the real conditions for a growing Church?

How will it be manifested in these days?

What can the Church do in its situation to speed the process of a lively community in my area that groans for the full revelation of God and His coming?

Finally, at the moment, I suppose the question then comes round- what can I do to move things forward? To the researcher dig deeper. To the Christian with a heart for revival and a maturing Church I hope you find this of help and are inspired to follow those who dared to reach out with religion. If you do take the next step - then do something!

As I pen this in the Highlands of Scotland and remember Katherine Stewart penning “The Croft in the Hill” all those years ago, it would be wonderful if the Church in Scotland was revitalised starting here!

New book: The Conspiracy of Silence

New book:- The Conspiracy of Silence...

Here is the possible cover for my next book on the Church in Scotland. If you are interested in a copy, please be in touch. The publishing date is somewhere out in the future. In the meantime let us debate the situation of the Church life in the Scottish community.

Bird flu, wood cuttings, and news of today .....

Bird Flu and Wood cutting

Nothing like an hour or so cutting wood to get the right perspective in life. There is something about the petrol exhausts and the constant burr of noise to dull the senses. I am reminded of a rock concert. There is wood cut for another few weeks. The shavings for the chickens. We are outwith the inclusion zone of Fife by a long way.

It's warmer today. We have had a lot of rain these last 10 days.

Sunday travel by ferry-Leverburgh news

So its back again to haunt the newspapers and media.

I hope that the Christian witness is higher on the agenda than a Christian Standard.

The story....Part three

The requirements for a developing church will be seen as you read on but in the meantime let me tell you what to expect from the pages before you go deeper. A look at the Church and its parts that have had an impact in Scotland. One thing is true the Church will only grow if God blesses it. A whistle stop tour of some denominations to ascertain a little understanding of why they were the way they were and are what they are and what might happen. A glimpse of what might be? And a note of certain conditions that might speed the work of the Church in Scotland in an age where the relevance seems to have been kicked out of touch!

If I prompt you to read further, debate, and If I inspire you to do something more concrete then, great. However these snapshots of histories and comments are to help you affirm your understanding and if you are new to Church life, provide a document that might serve to cover some of the questions about where the church is and where it is or might go in the future. I cannot take any responsibility for errors, and any offence that one individual or corporate group might have from reading this book, is not my intention.

Changing seasons

Thought you might like to see the weather of a few weeks ago.

The story....Part two

What to expect
I have seen many Independent constitutions over the years and one thing that sticks out is the wording in these constitutions tells us of the fears of the founders and how they would write into the founding documents a safeguard for the organisation or more strongly a case for allowing or more specifically not allowing certain things to take place with in the constituted organisation.
One thing about history is clear, soon after any research one can discover that many people were fervent for a cause! Something that is not so clear in human nature these days is that drive for the cause. We are keen to defend the rights of ailing animals, so they will not suffer yet we have other more pressing needs that seem to be deflected or ignored. The Church in the nation and its catalytic place in turning the nation to worship.

I would urge you to look at the Church, and in particular the Church in Scotland and to conclude your findings in the light of my thoughts.

Sir John Sinclair Statistical Account
Don't expect a summary as concise or detailed as Sir John's account from the late 18 century. This record has greatly been of benefit to historians giving a detailed local snapshot of the area and including the church. It would be an enormous task too try and emulate the information collecting and documenting in these days even if the locals were to cooperate with the answers and provide the information.
One thing is true the Church will only grow if God blesses the work, and the people respond to the calling to integrate with the nation's people. The lessons of being set apart from the world is a spiritual walk not a call for us all to become monks.

Renovare

During June 2005 I attended the Renovare International Conference. Their website is:

http://www.renovare.org/ And in the UK http://www.renovare.info/index.html

I will try and get these on the links.

The story....Part one

The Church in Scotland

If you are like me you have come to history not for history's sake and memorising dates and events, but rather digging deep to find out what was the reason for certain events. What was the driver to move people or organisations to move in a certain direction in relation to the Church or indeed their Church? Then a book will help you. Would you like the story concerning Scotland ?

Ben Bhraggie

Monument to the Duke of Sutherland.

A business man in Sheepfarming or possibly a nonfriendly landlord?

Church in the nation

The nation's mission - “we have seen more co-operation between rival football fans!”.
Is the Churches' point lost, out of touch, or left in the dressing room of the nation.
Is the nation needing more a hop, step, and jump.
The playing field is ready, the crowd awaits ...... but we can't see a team in the dugout.
The time is now, and it is right, it is ripe, it is redress, it is revival.
It is time to be perfecting, it is time to be precise, it is time to be peacemaking of heart and soul of the Church in this nation, it is time to be passionate.
Making poverty history is a just cause! - losing a nation is as worthy.
The Scottish Church collective is a mixed bag of ineffectual rubble from “fallout” over many centuries. In this post-modernist era what happens now?
Is this Grand Canyon of gulf too big? Has the history of the Church in Scotland anything to teach us?

Will revival of the spiritual nation come from the North?
Historians can tell us what happened technically or conceptually, they may tell us about key characters who were influential down through the years but can they provide a key that will unlock the spiritual revival of Scotland and the UK.
There has been a silence for too long regarding the Church and its message! Of its witness there has been a silence for various reasons, there has been a silence regarding the hope to be secured. Now is the time to bury the hatchet, now is the time for factions to come together for a real cause, now is the time to facilitate prayerful revival.
Why has there been such a silence;
The message - of its repair and hope by so many?
The Church – collective, to bring the news of goodness to the country?
The individual – to gossip a story of their life - spiritual?
Intentionally or unintentionally there is surely "a conspiracy of silence" requiring redress. A silence stronger than the alleged Presbyterian coyness.
A silence stronger than the stubbornness of folded arms while the spiritual poverty worsens.

Golspie shoreline

The coast of Golspie Sutherland, A cloudless sky in February 2006.

Dornoch cathedral

Dornoch Cathedral why is it only famous as the site of Madonna's wedding of a few years ago. Is there nothing left of the Church in Scotland?