July 2011
Grace abounding?
I can think of far more entertaining ways to spend my Sunday mornings if I already have it together. I go to church as an expression of my need for God and Gods family I yearn for a graceabounding church that rewards rather than punishes honesty, and in Jesus words, exists for sinners and not the righteous, the sick and not the healthy
Philip Yancey, in What Good is God? (AVAILABLE TO BORROW FROM THE BOOKCASE)
PEEBLES BAPTIST CHURCH
Magazine
The chapter in which the comments overleaf appear is entitled Why I Wish I Was an Alcoholic. Much of the chapters content is taken directly from a talk given by Yancey to a gathering of Christian Twelve Step groups in Chicago. Careful to avoid making light of the struggles faced by his audience, he observes that recovering addicts must daily affirm spiritual truths that the rest of us either neglect or encounter as stumbling blocks. He goes on to compare the support and accountability systems offered by churches in general, with what many addicts seem to find in AA groups. Wondering What have we done that we communicate church as a place for well people, rather than a place to get well?, Yancey suggests that if the watching world saw the Church as a place that welcomes broken people for healing, it might have a greater impact than all our sophisticated outreach programmes put together. The whole book is based on talks given by Yancey in trouble-spots across the globe over the last decade. Sometimes hed have the luxury of time to research the history and background of the situations he was invited to addressat other times, his response had to be at very short notice, as when, newly home from hospital after a lifethreatening road accident, he was asked to speak to students whod seen their classmates gunned down at Virginia Tech; or when he had to speak to a gathering of Christians in Mumbai, whilst the city was still in lockdown because of horrific terrorist attacks on the main railway station, hotels and other sites. Inevitably, a book like this doesnt offer balanced, in-depth analysis of the topics it addresses. Yancey certainly makes some very hardhitting points; I dont think its his best book, but it will certainly make you think! Ed.
PS Not everyone will agree, but I think Yanceys best is The Bible Jesus Read. Would the person who last borrowed it from me please return it?!!!
Prayer Points for July
Continue to pray for David Edmondson, that he will be aware of the God of all comfort, and for his wife Barbara and the family. Please pray for Linda Bells mum, that the challenges currently ongoing will be alleviated, through Gods intervention. Pray for Janet Smith, that God will guide her as she seeks to know what the future holds for her. Janet has an interview on 29June about finances. Pray for the successful letting of the Manse. Pray for Anne and David McFarlane, our BMS Link Missionaries in Italy, and for our friends Cathie Aberdour in Brazil and Jackie Cowan working with young people in Scotland.for their personal Christian walk, for the people amongst whom they live and work, and for the day to day challenges of living in another culture. Please pray for the persecuted church, that our brothers and sisters would stand firm in their faith and have the courage to continue preaching Christ. Pray for North Belfast, that by the power of the Holy Spirit hearts and minds will be changed, so that conflict will cease.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
Please pass prayer requests to Wilma Wintour, 723023
Dear all, Heres a beautiful picture of sunset on the River Purus (a tributary of the Amazon) taken by Judy. I've just come back from a week at Anapolis near Brasilia, where we had our missionary conference. It was great to meet fellow missionaries and hear how they are doing and how the Scripture translation is coming along in various indigenous groups here in Brazil. Our speaker for the week was a retired pastor from the States - Lee Hotchkiss. He was excellent. The food was great, and as we had the conference in a hotel it was nice to not have to do any cooking or washing dishes for a few days! Judy was not able to attend, and managed to get an attack of malaria while I was gone. She's still not quite recovered from it after I returned to Manaus.
We have an Apurina in Manaus just now - Francisca. She's here with her 11 month baby boy waiting for cleft palate surgery for him. The surgery has been delayed because he still has a heavy cold. In July two girls from Deeside Christian Fellowship will be going to the village with us for a week. PRAISE * Great conference * A time of relaxation PRAYER * Judy's complete recovery from malaria. * Sheila & Rebecca's visit from Deeside. * That Francisca's baby will soon have successful surgery In Him,
Cathie
...@ Willie and Wilmas, 10 am, Tuesday 12 July. All welcome
2011
Thankoffering
The total is being donated as follows: 331 to Edinburgh City Mission 200 to Borders Deaf Group. Its time to bookif youd like to attend this inspirational event in Edinburgh on 4&5 November, please speak to Christine Drummond ASAP.
What is the Rapture?
The word "Rapture" does not appear in our English language Bibles. However, it may be helpful to provide an explanation for the origin of the usage of this particular word and its translation into latter day Christian teaching. Almost all the words in our English Bibles are translations of the Greek or Hebrew language. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 reads, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. The words to focus on in this verse are caught up. When writing his epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul would have written in Greek. In place of the words caught up, he would have used "Harpazo". The most literal English meaning of this word is "snatch up". The Latin translators of the scriptures would have used the word "rapturo"or "raptus". The English word "rapture", which means "to be caught up", is therefore an apt translation for the word Harpazo. The purpose of the Rapture is to enable believers to receive their new resurrection bodies, fit for eternity. The earthly body is mortal and corruptible and must be raised immortal and incorruptible. The believer in Christ does not need to taste death to be caught up to Heaven. Both Paul and John were transported to Heaven, in "the spirit" to receive spiritual revelations. 1 Corinthians 15:51, "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed". There is much conjecture as to when the Rapture will occur; will it be a pre, mid, or post Tribulation event? The dogma of such a belief is worthy of careful and intelligent discussion. Thessalonians 5:21 instructs us to "Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good". Regardless of when the Rapture will occur, eternity beckons, bringing with it reward for righteousness, or damnation. Is your name written in the "Book of Life"? Revelation 20:15.
(contributed)
Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large, and the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on! (Anon)
CHURCH PRAYER MEETING
SATURDAY 2 JUNE 10am
AT MARGARET COWANS HOME
TONIGHT 26 June, 6.30pm
Notices
discussion on:
Id like to believe, but..
facilitated by Ian Gray, Tillicoultry Baptist Church @ Liz and Lindas All welcome The next Vickys Tearoom will be on Sunday 10 July.
Peebles Churches Together
Joint evening services at 6pm throughout July and August
(usually in St Peters church, but in Manor Kirk on 31 July, and Eddleston Church on 28 August.) Even if youre not involved as a helper, please do pray for the Tearoom and for our guests.
John 17:21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me .
Mens Group
Ist July:
Speedway visit
Courtesy of Maurice Gordon
Details from Frank Drummond
Services, July 2011
Sunday 3 July
Service led by Stanley Bonthron, Dalkeith Communion servers: Jacqueline Wilson, Vi Brown Stewards: Jacqueline Wilson, Vi Brown Flowers: Liz Keiro Teas: Stan Henderson
Transport: Tom Wight, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan
Sunday 10 July
Service led by Gordon Dickey, Hawick
Services in Victoria Park Centre, unless otherwise indicated
Stewards: Hazel Hoggan, Liz Keiro Flowers: Margaret Cowan Teas: Kenny Hamilton
Website: http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org/
Secretary, Christine Drummond, tel 722062
Transport: Fergus Brown, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan
Treasurer, Liz Keiro, tel 730217
Sunday 17 July
Service led by Nimal Wijeshinge, Airdrie Communion servers: Margaret Cowan, Christine Drummond Stewards: Margaret Cowan, Pat Hamilton Flowers: Pat Hamilton Teas: Helen Henderson
Transport: Tom Wight, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan
Sunday 24July
Preacher to be confirmed Stewards: Linda Bell, Carlyn McCall Flowers: Carlyn McCall Teas: Hazel Hoggan
Transport: Fergus Brown, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan
Sunday 31July
Preacher to be confirmed Stewards: Jacqueline Wilson, Liz Keiro Flowers: Hazel Hoggan Teas: Margaret Johnstone
Transport: Tom Wight, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan
COMMUNION TABLE SETTING IN JULY Liz Keiro
