News & Updates

Notices - Sunday 15th April

Sunday 15th April
The Congregational Fellowship will meet in the hall after the evening service and all are welcome. Angus Mackay (Corran Media) will share his testimony and his experience of being a Christian working in the media.

Tuesday 17th April
Basic Christianity discussion group will meet from 7:30-9pm in the Upper Hall. All welcome.

Friday 20th April
The 55+ Fellowship will meet in the M.A. Hall from 2.30-4.00pm. The speaker is Rev Calum Iain Macleod, Lochs & precentor is Mr Calum Martin (Tong).
Saturday 21st April There will be a Fundraising Lunch from 12-2pm in the hall in aid of Alzheimer’s Scotland. All welcome.

The Record
The April edition is now available.

Election of Office-Bearers
Thanks to all those who voted in the recent election of office-bearers. The Kirk Session has appointed the ordination and admission of the new elders and deacons to take place on Sunday 29th April at the morning service, and to allow the congregation to be together there will be no Gaelic service that morning. A formal Edict is required ahead of ordinations and this will be read from the pulpit at all the services today and on 22nd April.

Keswick 2019
In July 2017, a coach was arranged for travel to week one of the Keswick convention. It proved to be a great success, with many expressions of interest in doing the same for future conventions. Our intention is, therefore, to establish levels of interest in attending the first week of the 2019 convention - Saturday 13th July to Saturday 20th July. This will allow us to ascertain whether hiring a coach would be a viable option. The price for a return coach hire is approximately £2500, and the fare charged per head will be dependent upon the total number of places booked.Based on the 2017 itinerary, departure would be on the first ferry on Saturday 13th, and the coach would be expected to arrive in Keswick at approximately 7pm. Individuals are responsible for booking their own ferry tickets, and for arranging accommodation in Keswick (some sites are already taking bookings for 2019).
At this stage, you are only being asked to register your interest - there is no commitment. Once we establish whether there is sufficient interest, you will be informed of the individual fare cost and deposit requirement.

If you are interested in finding out more, please add your details to the sheet provided at the door. The sooner you can do this, the sooner we can establish numbers, and secure a coach. We would hope to get back to you with some figures by the end of the month.
If you require any further information, please feel free to contact David Morrison (High Free) on 07753 957336.

Day One/LDOS – Lewis and Harris Branch
There has been much evidence on social media, and more recently it would seem via the Stornoway Trust election result, that there is strong support for preserving the 'traditional Lewis & Harris Sunday'. With this in mind, and specifically in relation to the recent trial Sunday opening of An Lanntair, the local branch of DayOne/LDOS met recently and agreed a "Community Statement" that we hope folk will feel at liberty to sign. Until now, there hasn't been a formal means by which the community can make collective representation against future Sunday openings of An Lanntair and it would be our intention to formally present the Community Statement and accompanying signatures to the Board of An Lanntair in due course.  
We would be grateful if individuals would sign the petition either online at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/community-statement-1   or  http://www.hebrideanoutpost.com/ or sign the petition which is available at all the exits of the church and Seminary. Please only sign either the hard copy or the email version – not both. There are extra copies available should anyone wish to gather signatures themselves. Wednesday 18th April is the deadline for all signatures.

Steadfast Global
Please pray as a matter of urgency for Pastor Andrew Brunson who was formally charged on 13th March with being a member of the terrorist group connected with Fetullah Güllen. The indictment issued by the prosecutor in Izmir Province is demanding a life sentence for Andrew if convicted. The trial begins on Monday. Andrew has been in custody since October 2016.

 

Midweek Meetings: All at 7.30pm in the Seminary
Wednesday – English – Rev James Maciver
Thursday – Gaelic – Rev Kenneth I Macleod
Saturday – English

Children and youth groups
Parent & Toddler meets on Tuesday (1.00–3.00pm) and Thursday (9.45-11.45am)

Campaigners:
C Club
(6-7pm) and Crosstrax (7-8.30pm) on Monday in the hall
Kidz Zone meets at 6.15-7.30pm on Thursday in the hall

Note
Parent & Toddlers and Campaigners groups are cancelled for week commencing Monday 23rd April to Friday 27th April whilst work affecting hall access is carried out.


ADVANCE NOTICES

Tuesday 24th April
-Youth Club meets at the Bridge Centre from 8:15-9:45pm for S2-S6
-WFM meets at 7:30pm in the Session Room, Kenneth Street
-Basic Christianity discussion group meets from 7:30-9pm in the Seminary

Saturday 28th April
There will be a Fundraising Lunch from 12-2pm in the hall in aid of Eastern Europe for Christ. All welcome.

Sunday 29th April
The Big YF meets in the hall from 8.30-9.45pm. Professor Bob Ackroyd (ETS) will speak about ‘Our Identity in Christ’. All young people welcome.