Church News
Abbey Church/Bendochy Church
Minister Rev Andy Graham is uploading a daily ‘Reflection’ on the churches’ joint website.
For more information, see www.bandcachurch.org.uk.
Contact Mr Graham on 01828 627864.
Blairgowrie Parish Church
Rev Benjamin Abeledo, minister of Blairgowrie Parish Church, conducted the online morning worship recorded service on Sunday.
The sermon was the fourth in the series about the Beatitudes: ‘Blessed Are Those Who Mourn’.
The opening hymn was ‘All My Hope on God is Founded’, followed by scripture readings by Clifford Cooke from Psalm 34 and Matthew ch 5, vv 1-12.
Prayers of approach and confession were followed by Mr Abeledo’s sermon which he commenced by referring to Matthew ch 5, v 4, where Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn”.
Mr Abeledo said there comes a time in people’s lives when good natured and wellmeant encouragement fails to lift people out of the doldrums, the shadows and the miseries of life.
Because people’s needs are deeper than psychological, such suggestions only seem to make feelings of helplessness stronger.
In Psalm 55, vv 5-6, David resides to the depth of pain in the disappointments and sorrows of life.
In vv 6-8 he cries out as many have done at one time or another and wishes he could fly far away.
It is a cry for freedom. Mr Abeledo said anyone who has felt like this knows what it is like to yearn for comfort.
The apparent contradiction of verse 4, in which Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”, seems to say happy are the sad.
Most of life today seems to be about avoiding pain. It is not surprising that this beatitude follows on from the previous one: “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Spiritual impoverishment should always lead to spiritual brokenness.
The first question people should ask themselves is what kind of mourning did Jesus have in mind?
How can people be happy when they are in the throws of mourning?
Mr Abeledo said two areas of significance should be considered.
The first to look at is Godly sorrow. God collects every tear that we shed. The mourning Jesus speaks about goes beyond the natural mourning of life events and personal losses.
He speaks of the mourning of people’s sinfulness.
People should be sorrowful about sin, the things they do to hurt God and make a mockery of the death of Christ on the cross.
People must weep over what they have done before God.
People must acknowledge sin before God and seek his forgiveness, admitting that they are not good enough and change direction from sin to Holy living.
Jesus said those who repent will be comforted and are blessed.
When Peter denied Jesus three times he wept bitterly because he acknowledged he was a sinner.
What Jesus is really saying is blessed is the one who mourns over his sin like one mourns for the dead.
Do people have deep sorrow for sin and acknowledge it? If they don’t grieve over guilt then they won’t understand grace and fully appreciate the forgiveness that Jesus offers.
The other area of significance is Godly comfort, which is a blessing.
It means that the sins people are mourning are totally forgiven.
What people must remember is that God draws near to those who cry and uses suffering and sorrow to draw them nearer to himself.
He comforts people in their troubles so that they can comfort others.
The concluding hymn was ‘In Heavenly Love Abiding’.
All sermons can be accessed via the website at www.blairgowrieparishchurch.org.uk/ sermons
Riverside Methodist Church
Sunday’s message from Rev Nik Wooller was as follows:
“There are just some people that you cannot please.
“My thoughts this week are based on Matthew ch 11.
“In vv 18-19 Jesus contrasts His approach with that of John.
“‘For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say he has a demon; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’
“Last week Bournemouth beach was filled with people seeking to enjoy the sunshine while parents are reluctant to send their children to school.
“Safety is contrasted with normality; economics seem to be in conflict with health. “Jesus offers wisdom in verses 25-30. “He begins by thanking God and that could be the way in which we begin by reflecting on our own context and what there is to thank God for.
“Jesus then recognises our vulnerability by inviting those who are weary to come to him and promising them rest.
“Weariness can have a multitude of causes and can manifest itself in a variety of ways.
“The impact of Covid-19 and lockdown has been mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.
“Its toll should be recognised and, in that context, Jesus’ offer taken seriously.
“He said: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”
Rev Wooller went on to offer the following prayer:
Loving Lord, you invite us and welcome us, whether we are singing joyfully or weeping mournfully.
To you we bring ourselves, our community and our world.
For those who rejoice and are filled with energy, give ways to express their joy wisely and compassionately.
For those who are worried and apprehensive, grant wisdom and peace.
For those who are eager to be out and about, to be with others, to be sociable, grant sensitivity and patience.
For those who are exhausted in body or in spirit, let the lightness of being yoked to you bring comfort and encouragement.
Enable us and all decision makers to see the wider picture, and to respond with your wisdom.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
For more information, see the website www.riverside-methodist-church.co.uk
Scottish Episcopal Churches
Local churches include St Catharine’s Blairgowrie, St Anne’s in Coupar Angus, St Lunan’s in Alyth and St Michael’s in Ballintuim.
Links to resources can be found on the website at www.abcsaints.co.uk or by calling Rector, Rev James Bryson, on 01250 875426.