It was good to see so many of you on Sunday in the ‘upper room’ at the garioch sports centre. That was the last time we will be meeting there so from now on we will be in the community room at the sports centre for each @central and using the ‘upper room’ for Sunday school. For any who were away, we started with worship then Andrew took us through Acts 7 and especially looked at the qualities of Stephen. He asked if those qualities were recognisable in us too! What a challenge! We then had coffee and went into groups of 3-7 people for a time of discussion. Northern group Wednesday meeting – Although small in number we felt that God met with us in a special way that evening. We shared our awareness of how structures and policies can be very man made and as gariochchurch is Gods, He is to build it, not us. We talked of loving God so much that all we do is because of that love. We were reminded to see people as God sees them and that forming and building relationships is something that takes time. Also not to be preoccupied ‘doing’ churchie stuff, but seeing our everyday lives as what we do for the Lord. We heard the passage about Elijah and the still small voice after the thunder etc and were challenged to hear that voice. Often the loud thunder can stop us hearing the whisper of God. Enjoy all you do on Sunday and I trust you will meet with the Lord our God in a special way as we gather together in homes to eat together and be together. Reminder about Carols in the Barn on Wednesday 19th December, and Christmas Day at Letheny, 10.30am for coffee, mince pies, carols …oh and of course, present showing!!
Archive for the 'Weekly update' Category
I am feeling that each week seems to go round faster than the previous one at the moment! I trust you are all well and easing into the Christmas season. I constantly have to remind myself that Christmas is about celebrating a historical event, the birth of Jesus. It is written and recorded in history. No matter what others may add onto the celebration, it happens all because of what happened 2000 years ago! We must remember the origins of our celebrations! We are gathering at the Sports Centre this Sunday, in the upper room. Please pray for the preparation that goes into these meetings and that we would all meet with the Lord our God together at that time. Do look out for and welcome new people coming for the first (or second!) time. They are probably feeling nervous and unsure so a welcoming smile and greeting can make all the difference! Last Wednesday the northern group met in Rothienorman. Duncan read a thought provoking story set at the time of the birth of Jesus and then talked of love in many senses of the word. If we love Jesus then all that we do will stem from that love. Reaching out into the lives of others will be an outward expression of our inward love. The southern group write: David is very passionate about sharing his faith and we all had a great time listening and sharing how we do it and how we could use his techniques our way and how we could study the Bible effectively and well together. We have made a commitment to one another to learn and be accountable to one another. It was very exciting!
Below are breif notes of our last leaders meeting. Please comment. We began our time together with the three families sharing a meal. With the needs of our respective family lives, we have taken to discussing many gariochchurch issues over a coffee after a family meal! The gariochchurch banner – It has been a great way of advertising the church. The Sports Centre staff removed all banners from the front of the building, including our own. We need to think about where to put it next. Could someone take on ownership of the banner and place it around the Garioch area in strategic places? Prayer chain – suggestion was made for one, and decided that the individual group leaders could take that forward as they feel appropriate for their group. Crèche – mulled over the need for a crèche. Could parents get together and chat about the needs for their children? This discussion then needs to include all of those who have an interest in this area. Any thoughts please get back to us. Giving – We want to give to Kul Bal, the DeNeui’s, a Christmas gift and card to Sports Centre staff and to share expenses for Carols in Barn. We are actively looking for causes to donate to.
