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BLAIRGOWRIE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
Worship was held in person and online on Sunday.
The guest speaker was William Frizelle of Grace Baptist Church in Edinburgh.
For details regarding future services, see the website www.bechurch.co.uk.
BLAIRGOWRIE PARISH CHURCH
Morning worship at Blairgowrie Parish Church on Sunday was conducted by David Howat, a member of the Kirk Session and a Church of Scotland reader.
His call to worship came from Psalm 95, ‘Come let us praise the Lord.’
The opening hymn was ‘Father Eternal, Ruler of Creation’ followed by prayers of confession and adoration and the Lord’s Prayer.
The scripture reading by Rev Brian Dingwall was from Ephesians ch 4, vv 1-16, ‘The Unity of the Body’, followed by the hymn, ‘The Church’s One Foundation Is Jesus Christ Our Lord’.
The title of Mr Howat’s sermon was ‘The Unity of the Body’ and he opened by saying that some people might think that Paul was a bad man who spent much time in jail.
He went on to explain: “It seemed that everywhere he went Paul stirred up trouble. Not because he set out to cause trouble but, when the truth is spoken, there are always some who think the truth is unacceptable.
“Many people had an interest in the status quo: the Jews in the local synagogue, who knew that this new movement, the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, could attract their members. Gentiles whose livelihoods were at risk also rose against Paul.
“Sometimes he lived peacefully, sometimes he had to leave under cover of darkness.
“Even in Jerusalem he was arrested as some people thought he had brought gentiles into the temple.
“Paul was a Jew and proud of it. He was highly educated, able to speak Greek as well as Hebrew, and knew which language to use and when.
“Paul admitted he persecuted to death followers of Jesus and put others in prison. He was on his way to arrest people in Damascus when he experienced his conversion to the ways of Christ. He was then imprisoned as a follower of Jesus, having seen the error of his ways.
“But as a disciple he travelled widely preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
Mr Howat continued: “Today we have ‘influencers’ whose followers hang on to every word they say and follow every claim they suggest. They defend the indefensible because they do not ask the simple question: Why is this person saying what is being said?
“We know why Paul was saying what he was saying: he had met Jesus. He had been blinded on the road to Damascus so he really knew what it meant to be to have Jesus as his saviour. Paul now saw holiness as a virtue.
“Too often people take a small piece of a speech out of context and respond in a knee-jerk manner. Paul talks about tolerance to one another, not just friends but everyone.
“Church should be the most inclusive place. Jesus was the most inclusive person. We come to church because there is a need in our lives. Because there is something missing in our lives. It does not matter who we are or what we want He will be there to help us. Maybe not quite as we might think but in a way that is best for us.
“This is the unity the Spirit gives us as we are all working towards the same goal. Selfish personal aims are no more because of the peace that binds us together. That is why Paul said there is ‘One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.’ Just as there is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God, and Father of all people.
“Every Christian has the work of the ministry to build up the Church. We all have a different talent to bring in service.
“Our job is always to speak the truth not to spread untruths about others, and this can only be done by love.”
Prayers of thanksgiving and supplication were followed by the closing hymn, ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’ and the benediction.
Musical contributions by organist Lex Dunlop included ‘Sicilenne’ by Malcolm Archer and ‘Festival March’ by Norman Warren.
A family service is to be held on July 25. For more information and to book places, contact Susan Whiteford at messychurchblair@outlook.com.
To book a place in advance at Sunday services, call 01250 874715, 07716 510605 or send an email to pamela@thehowats. net.
Alternatively, see the website www.ticketsource.co.uk/ blairgowrieparishchurch.
Anyone attending a service can bring their own cushion, Bible and hymn book but they must take them home with them.
RIVERSIDE METHODISTS
Sunday’s message was delivered by Rev Nik Wooller.
Rev Wooller asked: “When was the last time you had meaningful time alone?
“No meetings, no appointments, no phone buzzing, no music in your earbuds, no distractions – just stillness.
“My guess is for many of us the answer is it has been a while.
“Ever notice that Jesus prepared for 30 years and taught for three? That’s a 10 to one ratio of preparation to execution. We do the opposite.
“Even when Jesus was teaching, He would just disappear to pray or to be alone.
“I think Jesus modelled the truth that solitude is essential for impact.
“Many of us see downtime as unproductive time and struggle to sit still for more than 10 minutes.
“The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told Him all that they had done and taught.
“He said to them: ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile.’
“For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat – which is seen in Mark ch 6, vv 30-31.
“I believe that Jesus’ words are of equal importance to us and that we all need to seek some solitude.
“Solitude will reveal how you’re really doing. The quiet outside will reveals the quiet or disquiet within you.
“Solitude will help you discover what is most meaningful and important. Socrates said the unexamined life is not worth living.
“Solitude will give you insight into your character. Silence and prayer have a way of revealing the truth about who you are. And that’s critically important because ultimately, character, not competency, determines your capacity.
“Solitude will give you energy. Like exercise, practicing the discipline of solitude gives you energy.
“Solitude will let you actually hear from God. You can only really hear from God when you’ve slowed down enough to listen. For me, when I do my slowest readings of scripture, I hear from God the most clearly.
“Solitude will restore your soul. If you’ve lost your soul, solitude will help you find it. If it’s out of balance, solitude can help you restore it.
“While the pattern of solitude might look slightly different for each of us here are some things we could try:
“Get up earlier. Even if it’s just 15 minutes earlier than you get up now, starting your day earlier allows you stillness that will otherwise elude you for the rest of the day. Not a morning person? Then maybe stay up later to find solitude.
“Find a hobby you do alone. For me, it’s sewing. No-one interrupts me, not even the cat! Some of my best ideas have come when I’m sewing. Other people I know choose photography, running, kayaking, hiking or other hobbies. Even if you start with an hour a week, it will clear your mind.
“Take a mid-day break. Turn the music off, turn off your phone and go sit somewhere. Even for 10 minutes. Find a park bench. Sit by yourself in a coffee shop. Sit in the shade in your car. When you are still, you will know that God is God.”
For information and updates from the Riverside Methodist Church, see online at www.riverside-methodist-church.co.uk.
SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
Services are taking place as usual on Sundays under the current coronavirus lockdown rules in all the local Scottish Episcopal churches each Sunday at the following times:
St Catharine’s in Blairgowrie (9.30am), St Ninian’s in Alyth (11.15am) and St Anne’s in Coupar Angus (11.15am).
It is essential that worshippers reserve a place at services in advance.
For St Catharine’s telephone 01738 710440 or email sarah@thegammells. com.
For St Ninian’s call 01828 640591 and for St Anne’s call 01828 650732.