District News
\Alyth
Church On the third Sunday in Advent, morning worship was conducted by Rev Mike Erskine. On Sunday, December 18, morning worship begins at the usual time of 11am. In the afternoon, there will be a bereavement service at 2.30pm. During term time, the Sunday school welcomes children to 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 open to everyone. Family History Project Alyth Family History Project is closed for the winter. It will reopen on Easter Sunday next year. The archive contains thousands of records for baptisms, weddings, burials plus maps, newspapers etc. Admission free. During the winter, enquiries are always welcome via fhp@alythparishchurch.org.uk or social media website Facebook.
\Bendochy
Church For intimations, see the Coupar Angus section.
\Burrelton
Church The ladies of the flower rota had used their talents to decorate the chancel for Christmas. ‘Shine as a light, never cast a shadow’ was the message given by Rev Stevie Thomson at morning worship. The Advent Candle of Joy was lit by Elizabeth and James McLean. Jim Mackay read from James ch 5, v 7-10 and from the Gospel of Matthew ch 11, v 2-11. Officebearers on duty were Gail Mackenzie, David Martin and Sheena McNaughton. Sunday Club was led by Jean MacDiarmid and tea and coffee was served by Donna Lamont. Details for Christmas services: December 18, Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Collace from 7pm; December 23. Bereavement Service at Cargill/ Burrelton from 6.30pm; Christmas Eve, Family Service at Cargill/Burrelton from 6pm; Watchnight Service at Cargill/Burrelton at 11.30pm; Christmas Day Service at Collace at 10am. These are all joint services and all are welcome. There will be no morning worship at Cargill/Burrelton Church on December 25. The Christmas Box will be in the church on Sunday, as well as December 18. Bring gifts wrapped and labelled with the appropriate gender and age, these will be delivered to the Salvation Army in Perth.
\Bridge of Cally
Carol concert A carol concert featuring pupils from Kirkmichael Primary School will take place in Bridge of
Cally Hall from 7pm on December 14. Entry is by a collection at the door. Mulled wine and mince pies. All welcome.
\Coupar Angus
Church Sunday’s service, led by Rev Andrew Graham, began with a lovely rendition of ‘Walking in the Air’ by the Abbey Choir, accompanied on the piano organ by the choir master Austin Wilkie. Mr Graham described it as “a wonderful way to begin worship, Peace and Joy”, and asked God to move among the congregation so members were closer to him. Before the third candle of Advent, representing Joy, was lit, Mr Graham informed those gathered that the new practice he introduced last week - that of standing up at the beginning of the service when the Bible is brought into the main body of the church - goes back to the time of the Reformation. At that time, the word
God became the focus of worship. This was the time ‘The Word of God’ was made available to the worshipers. The service continued with the theme reported last week when John told of the ‘one’ who would come. Ann Richards read Psalm 146, which tells of what God can do which no human can. Then she read form Matthew ch 11, v 1-11. Mr Graham expanded on this. John the Baptist was there to do a job, to inform of the ‘one’ who would save mankind, but while in jail he had doubts. Jesus told John’s messengers to go back to him and report what they had seen, “the wonderful works Jesus was performing”. John had told of what happens to the dead chaff. Jesus told of the Joy in God’s mercy. People were challenged. Although people know God is always there for them, His healing power to help us, do they acknowledge this when they wake, do they give thanks for the help they have had
that day when they go to bed? Jesus sent the messengers back to John. People, too, are the messengers. Do they report of what they see and hear to others? Share their belief with others? Mr Graham stated: “There is clear evidence every day that God is here sharing in everything we do”. The service closed with singing ‘Tell out my soul, the Greatness of the Lord’, followed by more beautiful organ music by Austin Wilkie, ‘Advent Chorale Prelude by JS Bach and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The Abbey Church Children’s Ministry will perform the Nativity in the Abbey Church on Thursday, December 15, from 7pm. Admission is £2 per adult and 50p for children who are not yet in the groups. Pride of Place PoP will again be offering a Christmas card postal service from December 4-18. Collection boxes will be in the Abbey Church and CW West, with a suggested donaof
\Kinclaven
Church Sunday’s service was conducted by Rev Peggy Ewart-Roberts and the organist was Janet Coyle. Readings from Isaiah ch 35, v 1-10, and Matthew ch 11, v 2-11 were by Ian Rae. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place from 9.45am on Sunday, December 18, in Collace Church. The Watchnight Service is at Kinclaven Church from 11.30pm, preceeded by carols from 11.15pm. There will be no service at Kinclaven on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
\Meigle
Cricket club Meigle Cricket Club is hosting a ‘Meiglemanay’ Hogmanay event open to all in the local community on December 31 in Kinloch Memorial Hall. The musical entertainment will be a mix of the traditional and contemporary and will ensure fun for all the family. Ticket price for this BYOB event includes stovies and can be bought online at www. eventbrite.co.uk. Adult tickets are £10 each. It’s £5 for U18s, with U12s free. Tickets can be bought online or from Iain Stewart or Peter J Drummond on 07764 236789.