District News
\Alyth \Bendochy \Blackwater
Church A special service of thanksgiving for the community spirit of the Alyth people was held to mark the first anniversary of the flooding in Alyth on Sunday, conducted by Rev Mike Erskine. On Sunday this week, morning worship begins at the usual time of 11am. During term time, the Sunday School for children over age three meets in the front pews of the church each Sunday morning. All welcome. A crèche for under threes is available during every Sunday morning service. The Prayer Group meets on Thursdays in Burnside Court Lounge at 10.30am. Choir rehearsal is every Friday at 6.45pm. New members welcome. The church website, www.alythparishchurch.org. uk, is updated weekly. All events and services are open to everyone. Family History Project The project is open in Alyth Parish Church from 2-4pm every Sunday until Remembrance. New photos always welcome, which are copied and returned. The archive contains thousands of records for baptisms, weddings, burials plus maps, newspapers etc. Admission is free. Enquiries always welcome at fhp@alythparishchurch. org.uk or via Facebook. Pipe Band Alyth Pipe Band is on the lookout for new members, either beginners or those with previous piping or drumming experience. Practice sessions take place on Tuesdays from 6pm at Alyth Town Hall. Contact Elaine Sturrock on 01828 640312. Church See the Coupar Angus section for details of Sunday’s sermon, given by Rev Tom Tait. Barbecue Blackwater Hall Committee will hold its annual barbecue and roasts evening at the hall on Saturday, July 30, from 7.30pm until late. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. Also included in the price will be strawberries and cream. There will be a licensed bar and raffle. All welcome. Contact Morag 01250 882241 or Pam on 01250 882352.
\Burrelton
Church ‘Laughter, God’s work and the world’s work’ made up the theme of morning worship led by Rev Stevie Thomson. Jean MacDiarmid read from Genesis ch 18 v 1-10a and from Luke ch 10 v 38-42. Office-bearers on duty were John Baxter, Donna Lamont and Russell Martin. The organist was Jane Millar. Market on the Green The market will be held from 2-5pm on August 13. Would-be stallholders can contact organisers by email at villagehall@ burrelton.com or call 01828 670292. It is £15 for a pitch. A limited number of covered pitches and tables are available at extra cost but must be reserved. The event includes craft stalls, hot food, pony rides, local produce, games and face-painting.
\Coupar Angus
Church Sunday’s service was led by Rev Tom Tait and based on the theme that, if Jesus asks people to perform miracles, then they should. Organist Austin Wilkie was on holiday. Jenny Whyte volunteered her talents. In the Children’s Address, Bobby learned that the legend of the four-letter word rain and St Swithin’s Day, July 15, could not be relied upon and Jesus was not a legend but can be relied upon always. The first reading, by Jacqui Duncan from Genesis ch 21, v 1-7, reminded those gathered that God told Abraham he would have his first child at the age of 100, and he did. In the second reading, from Mathew ch 9 v 35 and ch 10 v 8, Jesus told his disciples three times in the space of 10 verses to go out and cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out demons, and they did. Mr Tait said: “Who are you to think you can’t work miracles if Jesus tells you to. If you put your trust in Jesus, miracles can happen”. This brings to mind the committed Christian Magnus Macfarlane-Barrow who began, and runs, Mary’s Meals. This Christian organisation now feeds more than one million African children their daily meal at a school at lunch time and is transforming their lives through nourishment and education. People are also disciples and, by attending Church, they are continuously learning. Miracles can happen. Jesus sends people out, and they have to trust he knows what he is doing and who he is dealing with. If he thinks people can do it, they can. It is upon people to go out and do what Jesus told them without hesitation. Music, played by Jenny Whyte, included ‘A Tender Spirit’ by Stanley Vann and William Goodwin’s 18th Century Trumpet Voluntary. The recent church charity shop raised the much needed sum of more than £4400. Thanks were expressed to all who contributed to the success of the shop – particularly Sheila and Allan Legge. Pipe Band Coupar Angus Pipe Band practice on Mondays and Tuesdays in the primary school. Monday sessions run from 7-9pm and Tuesdays run from 7-8.30pm. Contact Pipe Major Kevin Douglas on 07518 801839.
\Kinclaven
Church Sunday’s service was conducted by Rev Peggy Ewart-Roberts and the organist was Janet Coyle. Readings from Psalms 15 and Luke ch 10, v 38-42 were by Ian Rae. The service on Sunday this week starts at the usual time of 9.45am. Visitors welcome.
\Kirkmichael
Sheepdog Trials The trials take place from noon on Saturday, July 30, on Glenfernate Estate, near Enochdhu. Highland Gathering The annual Strathardle Highland Gathering takes place on August 27 on Bannerfield in Kirkmichael.
\Meigle
Country Market Ardler, Kettins and Meigle Parish Church is holding its annual Country Market at the Kinloch Memorial Hall, Meigle, on Saturday, July 30. There will be a host of different stalls selling local produce including strawberries, raspberries and vegetables as well as home baking. Other stalls will include gifts, plants, raffle, and tombola. The market will be open from 10am-12noon. Teas and coffee with home baking will also be available. Donations for any of the stalls will be gratefully received at the hall on Friday, July 29, between 6.30-8pm.
\Newtyle
Silent Auction A silent auction will take place from 7.30pm in the Legion Hall, Belmont Street, on Friday this week. Organisers have promised lots of items to bid for. Entry is £5 per person, which includes refreshments. Proceeds in aid of church funds.