Hello everyone,
Its been a few weeks since you’ve heard from me; thanks to Peter for so ably holding down the fort and writing the comms.
I want today to tell you a story that happened a long time ago when I was around 10. My father had a Morris Traveller, the wooden car. Perhaps not the wisest choice in Lewis where it rained a lot. He used to have to varnish it every year. Every Saturday we would go and see Granny who lived in the village of Garrynahine. It was only 20 miles away but to a youngster it was an adventure. This day we crested a hill on the single track road between Loch Vatandip and Loch an Ois when my father put his arm out the window and pointed. There in the sky was the most majestic golden eagle we had ever seen. Massive wingspan, gloriously coloured, soaring and gliding on the wind. It flew towards us, right over the car, which is when we noticed it had a rabbit in its claws. As it swooped over the car it dropped the rabbit from about 10 feet up which landed in the soft heather and scampered off, very thankful to be alive. The last we saw of the Eagle was it flying off into the distance.
All we could talk about was the eagle and how majestic it was. We were simply in awe of what we had seen. Being present and seeing such a sight created a lasting memory that will never be forgotten. Situations of awe surround us every day. Looking into the eyes of a new born child or the eyes of an octogenarian both generate awe. Looking out at the sea or turning round to the hills are both awe inducing sights. We are surrounded by awe
When you read scripture how much are you caught by the awe of God? Imagine being surrounded by a cloud of witnesses so great you cannot number them? What about being in the presence of God himself? That is about the most awe inspiring thing imaginable. This week as you go about your business remember to pause a moment and soak in the awe that is all around.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1
This Thursday evening at 7pm Presbytery meets for a service of linking between the congregations of Earlston, Greenlaw, Gordon and Legerwood. The service will take place in Earlston parish church. There is not a lot of parking around the church or on the main street so if you are able to car share that would be good. Hope to see you there!
Presbytery itself meets on Saturday 6th September at 10am for conference and 12.30pm for business in Dalkeith St Johns and Kings Park building. Again hope to see you there. Initial papers will be going out tomorrow with follow on papers next Monday.
Prayer calendar for this week is: August 31st Fifth Sunday > Young People
We pray this week at the start of a new term for young people in our local schools & clubs but especially for those in our churches.
Pray for youth ministers & all those working with young people; for the new Growing Young cohort, the Presbytery Youth Leaders Network & those engaged with Internships.
There are a few items attached for your interest. Presbytery Council and Mission committees agendas. An advert about an evening with Roy Crowne on the Quiet revival, which is amazing. Summer newsletter from Broken Rites and an advert from Musselburgh floral art club.
God Bless and take care.
Norman
