The Minister Writes
It has been a busy few months at Dalreoch. We have welcomed a new member into the congregation, welcomed several visitors to morning worship, and seen one of our members commissioned as a fully qualified Approved Local Preacher. There have also been the usual round of Church Socials and fundraising events, which have been well attended and very much enjoyed by those who came. I wish to extend my thanks to all those who work so hard to organise the special events. But also, those who help week after week in providing for Tea and Coffee Fellowship, and the various activities that take place throughout the year. Every little bit of help that is given to keep the building in order, the grounds neat and tidy, and things going smoothly, is much appreciated by myself and others.
By the time this edition of Gleanings is available, the first garden work party of the year will have taken place. If well attended, our early efficiency might be rewarded by not needing another major tidy up this summer. But as always, ‘many hands make light work’ if another session is required. There are also plans in the next few weeks to arrange a thorough clean out, and organisation of storage space in the church building. Unbelievably, it is nearly seven years since I took up my role at Dalreoch; first as the Ministry Assistant, then as the Minister. We did a grand tidy of the building not long after I arrived, but since then we have accumulated more clutter and there have been several changes in the use of the building, so some re-organisation is required. I hope that many of you might be able to give some assistance when the date is arranged. In the Law of Moses, God decreed that in the seventh year the fields should be left fallow so that the land could rest and recover. Perhaps it is appropriate for us to re-interpret that sensible plan, and consider that in the seventh year we should clear out the debris and prepare the building, and ourselves, to face the next seven years of growth and work as a congregation.
When preparing this piece for Gleanings, the Scripture verses that came to mind were from Acts chapter 2, commenting on how the Early Church began to organise themselves.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts2: 42,46-47)
In recent months there has been a steady increase in the numbers attending not only morning worship, but several other groups held within the church building. But there is always room for more to come along. We have a Prayer Group before Sunday Service, a Bible Study Group on Wednesday evenings and fellowship after service on Sunday. All of which are the very things that were part of the life of the Early Church, and through which the Lord blessed them with a steady increase in numbers. All are welcome to attend these gatherings as well as the other activities which are held during the week. Though the Wednesday Ladies Group is gender specific, and enjoying a healthy turn out, an opportunity to learn new skills; whilst having a great deal of fun and laughter along the way.
The Early Church also devoted themselves to the ‘breaking of bread’ sharing in the Lord’s Supper together. The next Communion Service at Dalreoch will be held on Sunday 18th May to which you are all warmly invited.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24,25)
