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- Worship Together March 2015 March 8, 2015admin
Churches Together in the Victoria Hall, 8th March 2015
On Sunday 8th March, over 150 folk from all the churches in Selkirk, Ashkirk and the valleys, met in the Victoria Hall to worship together. Following on from the World Day of Prayer earlier in the week, the service focussed on praying for the world.
The service began with a responsive call to worship led by some younger folk, then the musicians led the gathered congregation in “All creatures of our God and King”, a rousing start to the service. A reading from Luke reminded us that we should never give up praying.
the interdenominational music group in action The theme was developed in four parts. Firstly, we though about our world – the beauty and wonder of it – and its fragility and the damage we have done. All were invited to write down one aspect of our world which brings us joy, and one aspect which brings sadness; these were passed to neighbours and prayers were offered.
Next we thought about war and the plight of refugees – and recognised our part in it, praying for peace and wisdom for leaders in troubled places. The congregation were invited to respond “Hear our prayers” after each section of prayer, then to share “the peace” with neighbours in the hall, and to carry that peace out into the world at the end of the service.
The third aspect was healing and wholeness. We heard contrasting stories of Sierra Leone, devastated by Ebola, and Rwanda, where reconciliation after the genocide of 1994 had led to the establishment of a universal health care system – a good news story. We heard the story of Jesus healing a leper, and prayed that we would follow in his footsteps, bringing healing in his Name.
Between each section, the lively music group, drawn for several churches, led us in two more hymns: “Come people of the risen King” and “We cannot measure how you heal”.
The final input was from Amy Ward, who told us of the ministry of El Barrio 4 Christ in Guatemala, where she had been working for the last 2 years – a story of green shoots of hope in a context of poverty, violence and corruption. An offering was taken, amounting to £579, which will go to support the ongoing work of Christian Aid and El Barrio 4 Christ.
coffee and chat after the service Following the final hymn, the congregation remained to chat and have coffee, taking the time to meet members of other congregations.
All this was possible thanks to the hard work of the coordinating group, the musicians, the technical team, the stewards, Jacqui Lee for organising children’s activities at the back of the hall, the kitchen team and the hall keeper.
- Fairtrade Pasta Party – 7th Feb 2015 February 20, 2015admin
Fairtrade Pasta Party
50 folk were well fed and entertained at the Pasta Party on Saturday 7th February as a result of which a cheque for £317.52 is going to Traidcraft. This amount will be doubled by the UK government.
If you’d like to order real Easter Eggs this year from Traidcraft then please see Myra, Pauline or Linda or see information/order sheet in the hall.
- Amy’s return February 16, 2015admin
Amy’s return
Selkirk Parish Church held a special service on the afternoon of Sunday 8th February to welcome Amy Ward back from Guatemala. Amy had been working there for Latin Link for the past two years.
The hymns were chosen by Amy and she spoke to the congregation of her time there. She had been placed in a prison for young women and worked with them, teaching them English and music, while she also taught them about Jesus and the love of God. Many of these women and girls were members of gangs. Sadly, these are commonplace in Guatemala. Amy learned of the violence and corruption at first hand and of how dangerous life there could be.
However, Amy’s message was one of hope and of her conviction that God is present with us, something she tried to convey to the girls and women there.
After the service ended the congregation moved to the Hall where an afternoon tea had been set out and where there was an opportunity for folk to speak to Amy and to hear more of her time there. Amy was wearing a tunic and belt made for her as a gift from her friends in Guatemala and other brightly coloured goods were displayed on tables around the Hall. It was a special afternoon, welcoming back a very special person.
- Possible World February 3, 2015admin
Possible World
ReachOut is a group run by women for women.
This year, we are meeting weekly for 7 weeks either Sunday evenings or Tuesday afternoons to follow The Possible World course (CMS). So far, 22 ladies have signed up. It is not too late to join in. Contact Anne or Myra for more information.
The Tuesday afternoon Possible World group, in the meeting room 
ReachOut is for anybody who wants to come along – so please do, we’d be delighted to see you
- Men’s Curry Night January 11, 2015admin
The first Men’s Curry Night was a success! Food was good from Taste of Spice. 11 men (of various ages!) attended and enjoyed themselves. Good chat. Hoping to have another one soon, and maybe some other events over the year ahead.
Want to know more? Ask any man you can find in SPC!
