Blairgowrie Parish Church
Members of 2nd Blairgowrie Boys’ Brigade Company led prayers and read scripture lessons in Blairgowrie Parish Church on Sunday when family and friends attended their annual enrolment service conducted by Rev Harry Mowbray.
The introit by the choir was Underneath the Banner of the Boys’ Brigade.
Mr Mowbray extended a warm welcome to all and said how delighted he was to see the boys in church. There was also a special welcome for Barry Anderson, vice-president Perth and District BB Battalion.
During the hymn, Sing to the Lord a Joyful Song, the company colours were carried in by Sgt Callum Stewart, standard bearer, with Cpl Matthew Mitchell and L/Cpl Allan Stewart as escorts.
Prayers of approach and confession were led by Lucas Graham, and a scripture reading from 1 Corinthians ch 9 v 23-27 was read by Graeme Stewart.
In his First Thought Mr Mowbray said that people were always learning as they progress through life.
The congregation congratulated Luke Cunningham, Callum Dow, Matthew Mitchell and Fraser Morrison on attaining the President’s Badge, the second highest award in the Boys’ Brigade.
These boys had progressed from Anchor Boys through Junior Section to Company Section, learning as they went.
Mr Mowbray used a game involving keeping balloons, beach balls and footballs in the air to show that, in people’s lives, they learn to do more difficult things as they progress.
The boys learn different skills in the Boys’ Brigade as they learn the teaching of Jesus as to how to care for each other and to care for our world.
The hymn, March on My Soul, With Strength, was followed by a scripture reading by Fraser Stewart from Psalm 8.
In his Second Thought, the minister referred to the different ways people praise – from applause at a concert to cheers at a football match.
Psalm 8 speaks of praising God. People praise God in their worship but also in their lives as they try to live lives following the example of Jesus. Jesus came to show people how they can have life in all the fullness God wants for us.
The hymn, This Little Light of Mine, was followed by the re-dedication of the officers and boys, at the start of which the objects and motto of the Boys’ Brigade were read by Allan Stewart.
The re-dedication was followed by the hymn, Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life, and the uplifting of the offering by members of the BB Company - Daniel Dow, Lucas Graham, Lachlan Scott, Fraser Stewart, Graeme Stewart, and Samuel Michalak, who were also ushers who welcomed members of the congregation before the start of the service.
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession were led by Martin Mackay, warrant officer, and the service closed with the hymn, Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord, and the benediction.
Company captain Bruce Dow thanked members of all sections for attending before dismissing them.
Musical offerings by organist Lex Dunlop included Prelude by Samuel Wesley; Minuet by Handel; and Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke.
The re-dedication of the Guild will be held this Sunday during morning worship.
The Guild’s new session begins the following Monday evening.
Meetings will be held fortnightly on alternate Monday afternoons at 2pm and evenings at 7.30pm in the church hall.
The Crossreach Christmas catalogue is available in the lower hall. The first order will be sent by this Sunday.
Craft group meetings have resumed on Monday afternoons from 2-4pm. New members are welcome to join in the fellowship and crafting. More information is available from Mary Dow on 01250 873807.
The church social club has restarted with badminton on Tuesdays from 1-3pm and on Wednesdays from 7-10pm. On Fridays there is carpet bowls from 10am-noon. All are welcome and more information about a warm welcome is available from Elaine Dow, secretary, on 01250 876635.
The next Jump for Joy will be in the church hall on Sunday from 2.304pm. There will be a praise service on Sunday evening at 7pm. The next early service will be on Sunday, October 23, at 9.30am.
The next Messy Church will be in Rattray Hall, Balmoral Road, on Sunday, October 23, from 9.30am.
Ushers this Sunday: Margaret Nicoll beadle, Marjorie Ferguson, Wilma Gibb, Archie McLauchlan, Nancy Richardson, and Lawrence Hill.
Crèche: Susan Edwards and Janette Crighton. Tea rota: Martha Easton, Wilma Gibb, Corrin Mackenzie.