Upcoming Church Events and News
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This week has been a reminder of how quickly life can change. News of a loved one being rushed to hospital tuned an ordinary day upside down in an instant. There have been moments of deep concern, earnest prayer, waiting, and then those precious glimmers of good news that bring such relief. We have found ourselves praying hard when the news was frightening, and then giving thanks and praise for every sign of blessing and hope. It took me back to Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Perhaps that’s a pattern you recognise too! Life can feel like a roller-coaster, with unexpected highs and lows, and, as someone said to me this week, “There’s always something!” Yet Scripture gives us something steady to hold onto when things keep changing: rejoice, pray, and give thanks. These words do not mean that we have to pretend everything is good, or that difficult things do not hurt. Instead, they remind us that whatever is happening around us, God remains faithful and we can keep turning our hearts towards Him. In the good moments, we give thanks; in the frightening moments, we pray; and through it all, we can choose to rejoice in who God is. May we discover that this is not simply advice for the easy days, but a way of walking with God every day, just one day at a time.
Update for Week Beginning Sunday, 23rd August, 2026
… we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. ”1 Thessalonians 2:4
This Sunday. 23rdAugust – 10:30 a.m. This Sunday Ernie brings us the last in our summer mini-series, Are you receiving me? with “Please, please me (not the crowd)!” Join us if you can from 10:15 for prayer in the church room.
August Sundays at 7 p.m. Throughout August there will be the usual Sunday evening services at Kirkandrews Old Kirk near Borgue.
Tuesday 25th August –We are all invited to a couple of special meetings to be held in Dumfries, one from 12 noon until around 1.30pm and the other from 7.30pm to around 9.00pm. The venue is Glen Aros Church in Steele Avenue, Dumfries, DG2 0AB. If you’re very keen you can even go to both! For about two years, a group from different churches, mainly in Dumfries, have gathered together once a month for one hour to pray exclusively for revival in Scotland. At their meeting on Tuesday 25th August they will be joined by historian and author, Tom Lennie. Tom is a native of Orkney and lives and works there. He has a passionate interest in the history of Christian Revivals and his books include ‘Glory in the Glen’ and ‘Land of many Revivals’ which explores Scotland’s Extraordinary Legacy of Christian Revivals over the Centuries. Tom will be encouraging us all to seek the Lord and passionately pursue revival in Scotland and particularly here in the South. There will be time made at both meetings to pray together for revival.
Men’s and Ladies’ Prayer Times on Friday mornings: Men on Zoom at 8 a.m. Ladies by arrangement at 10 a.m. (except the day before a prayer breakfast)
Next Sunday. 30thAugust – 10:30 a.m. We return to our monthly “When Heaven Breaks Through” series when we’ve been looking at some of Jesus’ miracles. This month it’s The Feeding of the Five Thousand.
1:30 p.m. As well as our usual service in the Community Centre at 10:30 a.m. we will be having a Baptism Service at 1:30 p.m. at Chapel Bay, Cardoness. Is there anyone else who would like to join Sydney in going through the waters of baptism that day? We hope you can join us and, if you’re able to stay on afterwards, why not bring a picnic and your beach things and enjoy an extended time of celebration and fellowship.
Looking Ahead
Wednesday 2nd September 7 p.m. Ferrytown Fellowship resumes with an open evening at Creetown Bowling Club
Saturday 5th September 8:45 for 9 a.m. Prayer Breakfast at Chris and Alison’s
Thursday 10th September 7 p.m. Life Group resumes at Chris and Alison’s. We will be taking a look at some of the teaching from this year’s AOG Conference
20th September: 10:30 a.m. Pastor Chris Greenhalgh from Life Church, Paisley will join us and will be sharing about the work of Open Doors. Chris will be accompanied by his wife, Ruth and we are hoping to have a fellowship meal following the service.
24th September (Thursday evening) 7:30 p.m. Alec and Jenny Cook will be visiting to tell us about their connections with the Kitega Community Centre in Uganda
21st October (Wednesday evening) 6 p.m. Sasha and Sara Vitakic will be visiting again from Serbia