Special Activities During Lockdown

OTHER NEWS

HIGHLAND FOODBANK

The Foodbank is feeding an average of 30 people a day in the Inverness & Nairn areas alone. On the day they e-mailed us they had helped a mum and child who had to flee their home due to domestic violence. With normal drop off points in communities not being available, people not wishing to visit the supermarket too frequently to purchase donations, and the scarcity of some products, Blythswood are suggesting if folks would like to continue donating, it’s best to send donations in cash (no matter how small the amount) by bank transfer (phone 01463 717630 for account number and sort code); or by cheques (made payable to Blythswood Care, with a covering note to say that it is for the Highland Foodbank, and posted to Blythswood Care, 1 Glebe Street, Inverness IV1 1RF).

SOME NEWS FROM THE INVERNESS PRESBYTERY CHURCH SUPPORT GROUP

(set up to help local congregations in the present crisis)

Pillowcases for care home staff

There is a local initiative, started in churches, to turn pillowcases into wash bags. These can then be used by healthcare workers in care homes to put laundry in, and go straight into the washing to minimise personal risk.
The Tomatin Community Shop has kindly agreed that any pillowcases donated to the project can be dropped off there, and Gill Watson has kindly agreed to take these to Inverness on Wednesday mornings. (If you’re self-isolating or can’t get to the Shop for any other reason, Gill will pick up your pillowcases if you phone her on 01808 511247). Cathie Simpson has also been in touch with the project and she and some other ladies are helping with the sewing. Our thanks to Gill, Cathie, Sheila, Betty and anyone else involved with this worthwhile project.

Out of the Box Bible Exploring for Families

Out of the Box Productions was set up to provide Christian outreach using puppetry, song and other forms of creative arts across the North of Scotland. They work with schools and churches and they are presently broadcasting a five week family series exploring the Bible with fun challenges, survival skills, puppets and lots more. You can watch these sessions live at 9.30am on Sundays or later on following the links below. Included with each episode in this series will be material to help discussion at home along with an age appropriate activity sheet. Definitely worth taking a look at:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/outoftheboxscotland/318491512463891/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ootbproductions

MESSY CHURCH AT HOME

No Messy Church just now, but Messy Church nationally is providing a weekly Messy Church at home session until at least the end of June. Anyone interested, (whether or not you go to Messy Church) please text Vivian on 07887 704 915 – or e-mail vroden@btinternet.com with your e-mail address to get the e-mail containing the download with all the instructions yo
u need to make the crafts (materials are everyday things you should have around the house) as well as the Bible Story, and other links including one to ‘Messy Church Does Science’ about how to make a Mentos Geyser, and a song!

DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME DURING LOCKDOWN WHEN THE DUMP IS CLOSED AND YOU’VE NOWHERE TO PUT YOUR STUFF?

Turn some of it into funding for Street Pastors at no cost to yourself!

Thanks to Virgin Money Giving’s new partnership with trade-in site Ziffit, anyone can now donate unwanted books, games, CDs, DVDs and Blu Rays from the safety and comfort of their home. Just follow this link to enter the barcodes of your unwanted stuff and donate its trade-in value to the Inverness Street Pastors charity, a.k.a. Love Inverness:

https://www.ziffit.com/en-gb/basket?charityResourceId=fae114a4-671e-4324-899b-66323c9b9088

You値l be told the trade-in value of your stuff and if you choose to go ahead then it will be collected for free right from your door (minimum weight 5KG which is actually not very much). We値l then receive the money within 7 days. It couldn稚 be simpler! Well actually, it can! If you don稚 want to type barcodes on the website then you can download the app and your smartphone痴 camera will do that for you:

https://www.ziffit.com/en-gb/ziffit-app

A WORD FOR THIS MONTH

Psalm 139: 1-5

1 O Lord you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts, even when I’m far away.

3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.

4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.

5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Sometimes we don’t let people get to know us completely because we are afraid they will discover something about us that they won’t like. But God already knows everything about us, even down to the numbers of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30) and still he accepts and loves us. God is with us in every situation, in every trial – protecting, loving, guiding. He knows and loves us completely.

The great collection of songs and prayers the Psalms contain let us glimpse the heart and soul of humanity. Expression is given to the whole range of human experience as David and the other writers honestly pour out their true feelings, allowing us to see the dynamic, powerful and life changing friendship with God as they confess their sins; express their doubts and fears; ask God for help in times of trouble; and praise and worship Him. The honesty of the psalms can help guide us into a deep and genuine relationship with God.

Bible References and Notes from The Life Application Study Bible, Second Edition, New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers Inc, 2004

A PRAYER FOR THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness.

At your command, the sick were made well, come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick, with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.

Heal us from our fears, which prevents nations from working together, and neighbours from helping one another.

Heal us from our pride which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Be with those who have died from the virus.

May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died.

As they worry and grieve defend them from illness and despair.

May they know your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers, and all medical professionals

who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process.

Be with the leaders of all nations.

Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve.

Give them the wisdom to invest in long term solutions that will help prepare for, or prevent, future outbreaks.

May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few,

Lord Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare.

In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Lord Jesus Christ heal us.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour

Amen

THE UK BLESSING

Was sent this tonight:

YouTube, The UK Blessing – Churches Sing ‘The Blessing’ over the UK, 3 May 2020

It’s had over a million and a half ‘views’ in three days – buy hey – don’t we all need a blessing, especially just now?

Why not have a listen and see what you think?

Some Music, Readings and Prayers to Reflect upon during the Coronavirus Epidemic…

Some of us have found it really special in our present circumstances to read Psalm 121 and say The Lord’s Prayer at 11am every morning. At a time when we can’t join together for worship and our usual church activities, doing this has helped give us a sense of connectedness with each other, and reassurance that we are not on our own….

In addition to the Bible Reading and Prayer, some further prayers and music have been added below. These are offered on the basis that you can continue to read the Psalm and say The Lord’s Prayer as at present; or combine these with as many, or few, of the additional ‘extras’ – whatever works best for you….

You may wish to Light a Candle

in memory of:

all who have died,

those who are unwell,

and for all who grieve.

Lord, we ask that you let your light shine into the hearts of all,

help us all to feel your Holy presence,

as we pray:

Lord God, in a world that is full of pain and shock, hold us all close to you. So many lives have been cut short, so many fighting to breathe, so many mourn, and know the heartbreak of loss…. through your Holy Spirit, bring comfort and a deep peace upon Your world. A comfort with your love, wrap those who suffer in your strong embrace sheltering them from the storm – O Lord envelop us all in your tender loving care.

Amen

Psalm 121 (from the New International Version of the Bible)

I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip –

he who watches over you will not slumber:

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you –

the Lord is your shade at your right hand,

the sun will nor harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm –

he will watch over your life,

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and for evermore.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven

Hallowed by Thy Name,

Thy Kingdom come,

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.

For ever.

Amen

HYMN 691

The Church of Scotland Hymnary – Music adapted from the symphonic poem Finlandia by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)

Katharina Analia Dorothea von Schlegel (b. 1697)

translated Jane Laurie Borthwick (1813-1897)

YouTube –

Fields of Plenty/Be Still my Soul

Amy Grant,

17 June 2009

(finishing with a short poem based on Psalm 37:4)

‘Be Still My Soul’

Be still my soul: the Lord is on your side;

bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

leave to your God to order and provide;

in every change, he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly Friend

through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake

to guide the future as he has the past.

Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake,

all now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still my soul: the waves and winds still know

his voice, who ruled them while he lived below.

Be still my soul: when dearest friends depart

and all is darkened in the vale of tears,

who comes to soothe your sorrows, calm your fears.

then you shall better know his love, his heart,

Be still, my soul: for Jesus can repay

from his own fullness all he takes away.

Be still my soul: the hour is hastening on

when we shall be for ever with the Lord,

when disappointments, grief and fear are gone,

sorrow forgotten, love’s pure joy restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,

all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

A Coronavirus Prayer

(previously included in one of Rev Robert’s Services)

Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well, come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus that we may experience your healing love. Heal those who are sick, with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.

Heal us from our fears, which prevents nations from working together, and neighbours from helping one another. Heal us from our pride which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers, and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long term solutions that will help prepare for, or prevent, future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Lord Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Lord Jesus Christ heal us…

Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour

Amen

Prayer for our Church

(Prayers are particularly appreciated at this time, as with Daviot & Dunlichity we seek to discern the way forward for our Churches, according to God’s will, in preparation for a return to the Appeal Process, once the present lockdown ends…)

Gracious Lord, We thank you for all that is good in our situation:

• For the fellowship

• And the caring for each other

• And our love for you.

• For the privilege of reaching out to others in this place with the Good News of the Gospel.

• For all the help and support given by our Interim Moderator

• Helped by all the guest preachers who came each week to help us achieve this.

• Not forgetting the organists.

Lord, we thank you for each and every one of them, and we thank you, too, for all the people in our congregation.

Help us to be good stewards of the resources we have, even if these are less than they were. Help us to do our bit in keeping the Church going by continuing to love and serve you, and by keeping alive the faith.

Lord, at this time our future as a congregation seems very uncertain, but remembering that we are a people of hope, who need to declare and model good news in difficult times – we pray that you will:- Keep us faithful and focussed; give us the strength and the ability to continue to work and serve you in this place; and keep us from becoming discouraged.

Help us to hear your voice over all the doubts and worry, and to seek your will for our situation with humility.

• Help us to listen

• To genuinely seek to discern your will for us and our situation.

• To be faithful, and obedient.

And help all involved to genuinely work out, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, what it is we need to do, in this place, and throughout the Presbytery, to keep the Gospel alive to your glory.

Please bless, guard, guide, lead, direct and protect us all during this process.

May we feel your healing presence close beside us until we arrive at the point of
agreement you wish to see our congregations, and the Presbytery reach together. And when we get to this point, please give us the grace to accept your healing reconciliation, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Amen

.

HYMN 796

in the Church of Scotland Hymnary

from Numbers 6: 24

You Tube,

The Lord Bless You and Keep You – Philippine Madrigal Singers [HQ]

20 July 2011

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face to shine upon you

and be gracious unto you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you

and give you peace.

Some More Music, Readings and Prayers

to Reflect upon while we can’t meet in Church

as we usually do….

You may wish to Light a Candle

and as you light it, say,

Lord, we ask that you let your light shine into the hearts of all,

help us all to feel your Holy presence,

as we pray this day.

Down to the River to Pray

If you can, you may wish to watch and listen to this on YouTube –

Alison Krauss – Down To The River to Pray (with lyrics)

8 September 2011

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way.

O sisters, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way.

O brothers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
Come on, brothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way.

O fathers, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O fathers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way

And who shall wear the robe and crown

Good Lord, show me the way.

O mothers, let’s go down

Let’s go down, come on down

O mothers, let’s go down

Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray

Studying about that good old way

And who shall wear the robe and crown

Good Lord, show me the way.

O sinners, let’s go down

Let’s go down, come on down

O sinners, let’s go down

Down in the river to pray.

Psalm 46: 1-7 (from the New International Version of the Bible)

God is our refuge and our strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth gives way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place, where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

HYMN 755

(in The Church of Scotland Hymnary – based on Psalm 46 verse 10)

If you are able to, watch or listen on You Tube –

Be still and know that I am God

May Iglesias Gaza – 26 January 2012

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord who saves and heals.

I am the Lord who saves and heals.

I am the Lord who saves and heals.

In you, Lord God, I put my trust.

In you, Lord God, I put my trust.

In you, Lord God, I put my trust.

Time to b
ring anyone, or anything concerning us

before God in prayer, in the confidence that He loves us,

is ‘familiar with all (our) ways’ and

‘Before a word is on (our) tongue,

(He) knows it completely.’

From Psalm 139: 3-4)

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy Name,

Thy Kingdom come,

Thy will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts

as we forgive our debtors,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

For ever.

Amen.

HYMN 789

(in the Church of Scotland Hymnary)

You can also watch or listen to this on YouTube –

Now go in peace, now go in love –

Peter Thompson 9 October 2015

Now go in peace, now go in love,

from the Father above.

Jesus Christ the Son,

stay with you till the day is done.

Holy Spirit encircle you in all you think and do.

Once again, God’s blessing be with us.

Amen

.