First Presbyterian

PICTOU – Jane and Munroe Fraser greeted the congregation; Peter MacKay lit the Worship and Memorial Candles. During Storytime, Rev. Gary Tonks spoke that the acronym KISS (Keep it simple somehow) often works in solving problems. Like Naaman, who was told to go to the River Jordan and dip into it seven times to become cured of leprosy, we, too, look for the harder, or more expensive way to resolve an issue. Oft times the simplest way works – if we have faith to trust the authority of God or His messenger for us. The Senior Choir, accompanied by guest organist/director, Stewart Munro, sang Throw Out the Lifeline. Offering was gathered by Vi Arbuckle and Munroe Fraser. Readings were: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 506, 8-10; Psalm 19; I Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4: 14-21. Rev. Tonks said the readings have a common theme of the gift of love. We all have expectations, sometimes unrealistic, with outcomes we have not considered. Jesus expected people to receive Him with love, because He first loved them. We must have the eyes and ears of faith to respond to God’s gift of love. Then hope becomes assurance. Christ has told us, “You are loved”; our response must come from the heart – all the other gifts of God are built upon love. Love must be received to happen in our lives. Submitted by Carol MacKay wine. Jesus creates new joy and new beginnings out of our disappointments. Kim’s sermon was based on the wedding in Cana. When told the wine had run out, Jesus first distanced himself. But the big celebration the people needed at the wedding and the crisis that happened were important to God, giving Jesus the task of blessing and expanding the joy and celebration of being human. The Bible shows us that we will see the risen Lord fully face to face with greatest joy in a banquet at God’s eternal kingdom, like the wonderful party at Cana. Like the servants carried the best wine from the water jars to the guests, joy, healing and hope are being carried to us from God’s promised future so that we have a foretaste of the gifts where we are here and now. Refreshments followed in the Fellowship Hall hosted by Teddy and Ed Fairhurst, Judy and Wally Sutherland. Submitted by Jean Brinn