From the Manse

Easter Magazine 2009

 It seems like no time since we were thinking about Christmas, now we are being challenged to think about Lent and Easter. The seasons of the Christian year are always a good time to think about our faith, perhaps re-affirm it, think about such questions as, ‘is it time for a faith check?’

 I ask this because I was intrigued by an article whose author was making comment on his feelings regarding other peoples memories of when they first came to faith. His main grouse was that they ‘ought to have something more recent to communicate about their Christian faith:’

“Your holy hearsay is not evidence;

Give me the good news in the present tense.

The living truth is what I long to see.

I cannot lean upon what used to be.

Show me how the Christ you talk about

Is living now.’

He has a point surely the Good News is for the present as well as having an historical foundation and a bright future. It is true that how we have been blessed in the past must never be forgotten. It is equally true that faith should be a growing, living thing.

If it is, then the good news becomes once more the story that shows that Christ is alive, relevant and changes and enriches lives today. Consequently our faith becomes ever more relevant to the here and now, both for ourselves and those who hover on the fringes.

Of course the greatest news is that God loves all without measure and the ‘only relevance in our lives is the love we show, reflecting the love of God in Jesus Christ.

It is that which people recognise, however dimly, and it is that alone which authenticates both our claims and our living. More, it is that love which Christ will recognise in us.’

“…and love himself shall come and bend over, and catch his likeness in you.” ‘Not a fading old photograph’s reminder of a reality long gone, but the immediacy of a reflection in deep water, a likeness which lasts as long as He is with us. It’s the way we live today that counts-and that sometimes is what scares me! I can remember yesterdays I lived usefully and well: I can make promises for tomorrow: but what about the “good news in the present tense?” ‘

It is all too easy for us to become complacent, to live in the past, to feel even that we have little in the present to offer. However, to think like that, I would suggest, means that we have gotten a little bit out of step. We have either left our Lord behind or rushed on ahead, if we have done that then we must re-visit the question, what has happened to the NOW? I hope we can explore this question together, and as we do find a rich seam of faith for the here and now that will make us relevant to others and honour our Lord.

God bless and keep you all-

Pauline & Jim Thomson

 From the September 2008 Magazine

A WORD FROM THE MANSE….

We seek through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and obedience to his commands to promote the worship, life and pastoral care of the parish, and to dispense the sacraments: to be open to His Spirit so that we may discern God’s will for the community of Peterhead and for the changing world and be empowered through prayer to carry it out.

Dear all,

I am sure you all recognise the above as our mission statement. I wonder, do you, like myself, periodically look around the church to see whether we carry the words to the point of action?

I am sure you will be pleased to note that indeed in many senses we follow the premises contained in these words with much diligence.

Many more come along to worship in the Muckle Kirk each week, some having only recently joined us. The life of the church as a whole can only be seen as very active and engaged with God’s work. The pastoral care of the people of the parish has become a greater focus in terms of funeral ministry and hospital visitation. We have welcomed some back to communion and have been delighted and blessed by the gift of the greater number of children being brought to the church for baptism. We are also greatly blessed with many gifted and hard working people. So many ministries take place on a daily or weekly basis: Flower ministries, visiting, writing, administration, baking, teas, planning, finance, welcoming, fabric, cleaning, music, smiling…the list is almost endless!

We are trying to be open to the Spirit so that we may discern God’s will for the community, I now have greater involvement in schools and in providing services for the elderly in our community, but I do ask myself are we empowered by prayer to carry out our many tasks?  This is a tricky question for Jesus suggested that we find a quiet place to pray, he told us not to make a production of it and so we don’t. Can I take the liberty of asking each of you who read this magazine to make the following prayer YOUR particular ministry for the work of the church?

Lord, implant your word of truth in our lives,

your love within our hearts and the message of Christ upon our lips.

We commit ourselves to be open to your will,

and to live and speak to your praise and glory,

and for the building up of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Much good work is being undertaken, a great deal has been achieved in our church and within our parish, but we can always do more. There is no greater calling, nor more effective an activity than prayer, let us make sure then that we wrap everything in it.  Then God’s will be done.

God bless and keep you all

Pauline & Jim Thomson

From June 2008 Magazine

A word from the manse…Dear all,

Most of us will be thinking about holidays by the time this magazine is published, I know we are! There is always that sense of dread though, the washing has to be up to date, the ironing done, the cases packed, nothing forgotten, not to mention the million and one tasks that have to be up to date before we go. Our reward is that wonderful sense of anticipation and relief when all is done. Then the travelling begins and we reach that point at which we say, ‘there is no turning back now, it’s all done and dusted!’ There is also that deep sense of justification given all the trouble we have taken, ‘because after all we work hard.’

One young boy was reported as praying, ‘dear God we know you work really hard but who does the job when you are on holiday?’ That would be a bit of a shocker if you think about it and would perhaps make us wake up on the odd occasion with a feeling of dread because this was the day we really needed his help and wanted to talk to him!

Sadly, there are days when we might be tempted to take a wee holiday that excludes God altogether. After all, holidays are meant for experiencing something different and we cram so much in that we have little time for prayer, bible study or just to sit and listen for that ‘still small voice.’ Yet I often wonder how that can be when so much of what we see around us and experience speaks of his glory and grace. There is nothing surer to stir my sense of God than the elegance of a swan gliding on a river, or the way the sun rises to cast a glow of pink, then copper, then gold across the hills. At these times I am very aware of how small I am in God’s scheme of things and I remember that God is still on the journey with me.

Thank heavens God does not take a holiday. As for me and mine, we will make sure that as we cast away from the busyness of everyday life we will take time to drink all that speaks of His presence around us and remember the words of the psalmist:

O Lord, our Lord,

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise…

When I consider your heavens,

The work of your fingers,

The moon and the stars

Which you have set in place,

What is man that you are mindful of him,

The son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

And crowned him with Glory and honour.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands,

You put everything under his feet;

All flocks and herds…

O lord, our Lord,

How majestic is your name in all the earth!  (Psalm 8)

Where ever you go, God be with you and may you be very aware of his presence as he continues to bless you.

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Contact Information

Peterhead Old Parish Church, Kirk Square, Peterhead AB42 1RQ

Our Minister  is Rev Pauline Thomson MA BD, The Manse, 1 Hawthorn Road, Peterhead AB42 2DW Tel: 01779 472618

Our Session Clerk is Mrs Hazel Ross 22 Linksfield Terrace, Peterhead, 01779 471383

Electronic mail can be sent via the message page or to john@mucklekirk.co.uk
 

                                                                                                       Last modified: 16-11-08                                                                                                    Scottish Charity Number SCO11147