October 2011

Who, me?
God of life, you call us and envision us. We give ourselves today to each other and to you, trusting that as you call us so you covenant to share this journey with us, to nurture and sustain our life together and to guide our paths.
Prayer from the Induction Covenant

PEEBLES BAPTIST CHURCH

Magazine

You might be forgiven for thinking that Who, me? on the front page is a reference to, well, me! Ian, your new pastor. Given that my ordination and induction service is on the first day of this month, you might well assume that this article (as well as that day) is all about what God has called me to. Youd be wrong. Aha! I hear you cry. This is the pastor trying to get us to acknowledge our part in the ongoing ministry of the church, isnt it?. Well, theres some truth in that. Actually theres lots of truth in that. We believe in the priesthood of all believers and the ministry of all members (although it might take a while or two to unpack what that really means). But youd still be wrong. Because Who, me? is a trick question, really. The answer is No. Its not about me. Its about us. During Saturdays service, the active members and friends of Peebles Baptist Church (myself included) will be invited to make a covenant together. The words of that covenant promise are rich in meaning and significance, and I would encourage all of us to read them through in advance to consider what were actually committing to. Youll find the words on the next couple of pages of the magazine. But even here, if you think Im talking about me and you, youd still be missing the point. Because the most exciting thing about this covenant is that it isnt two-way, but three-way. Its a covenant that God gets involved in. As that beautiful prayer on the front cover says, God chooses to covenant to share this journey with us, to nurture and sustain our life together and to guide our paths. I dont know where this journey is going to take us, but Im really looking forward to our travelling it together!

Induction Covenant
The following words will form part of the Induction service on Saturday October 1st:

(Leader) I now invite Ian to lead you in words of promise and covenant. I invite the active members and friends of Peebles Baptist Church to stand with him and say the words of response in bold print. Today we stand with each other recognising Christ, the Lord, in our midst, affirming our faith in the God who loves us with a love that transforms us, and who calls us to work for a transformed world Today we stand with each other, recognising Christ in each other, affirming the calling of the Spirit who has brought us together this day. Today I bring myself and the gifts I have, and I covenant to serve and encourage this church and community; to respect and care for you, to journey with you, to take responsibility among you, to seek God with you, to listen to God in you, and to work with you to be Christ in this world.

Today we bring ourselves and the gifts we have, and we covenant to serve and encourage this church and community: to respect and care for each other, to take responsibility for the people we are and the people we hope to be in Christ, and to encourage you as our minister as we make this journey together. What kind of people does Christ call us to be? We are called to be a prophetic people, working for justice, resisting violence and challenging the abuse of power. We are called to be an inclusive people, pulling down the walls of prejudice and welcoming the stranger. We are called to be a sacrificial people, risking uncertainty, becoming vulnerable and reflecting the generosity of God. We are called to be a missionary people. demonstrating in word and action the redeeming love of God in the world. We are called to be worshipping people, seeking and celebrating the God who journeys with us, and open to the Spirit in the whole of life.

God of life, you call us and envision us. We give ourselves today to each other and to you, trusting that as you call us so you covenant to share this journey with us, to nurture and sustain our life together and to guide our paths. Amen

(Leader) I now invite all of us to stand. For those who have just stood: As friends and representatives of the wider church and community, we have heard this church and Ian affirm their faith and make a covenant with each other and with God. If you recognise and support this new relationship, then say with me: Today, we stand with you, recognising the commitment you have made, offering our encouragement for the challenges that lie ahead of you, and sharing in your hope for a new day.

This years Baptist Assembly in Scotland will be held in the Vine Church in Dunfermline, from October 27-29th. The theme is the Outrageous Generosity of God and what it means for us to live a generous life. Starting with an overview of the Generosity of God we will consider what it means to have generous relationships, how we can be generous towards society, have a generous lifestyle and be generous within the family of God. The theme will culminate in focusing on the outrageous generosity of the cross as we take Communion together. Assembly is a significant event in the year for the Baptist Union and BMS World Mission. It gives an opportunity during the weekend to unite for praise and be inspired in plenary sessions. Assembly is a time for meeting friends, worship, sharing news, debate and decision-making and for endorsing callings to Baptist ministry and mission. PBC will be sending delegates to Assembly, and they would appreciate your prayers during that time. However, the evening sessions of Assembly are open to all for free! If you would like more information, please ask Ian. Not quite on the same scale as Assembly, Peebles Baptist Churchs own Annual General Meeting on October 19th is nevertheless an important event in our calendar. Please make sure that you have this in your diaries, and pray in particular about the selection of deacons to serve the church.

Another October Induction!

Joel Woodier (who feels like an adopted memberof the PBC family, having lead several services for us during the vacancy, including Christmas 2010 and Easter 2011) has recently moved from being a pastoral apprentice at Carrubbers Christian Centre in Edinburgh, to Sunderland, to join Bethany City Church in Sunderland as an Assistant Pastor. Joels Induction will take place at 3.30pm on Saturday 8 October, in the Quayside Exchange, Sunderland. Anyone from PBC whos able to get there would be warmly welcomed! He sends his best wishes for our new pastorate, and well keep him in our prayers as he embarks on this new phase of life and ministry. The Bethany City Church website is worth a look http://www.bethanycitychurch.org/ - heres an extract from their Who are We? page: We are neither traditional nor wacky; we seek to live and pass on our Christian faith in a way that is relevant to life today...We are

building a community whose aim is to live and love like Jesus and to get the people of Sunderland into heaven.

Pray and spread the pieces!

The church prayer meeting that normally takes place on the first Saturday of each month, will on 1st October be combined with sandwich-making for the buffet tea to follow the Ordination and Induction of our new pastor! Please come along and join in one effort or both, in the Leckie Memorial Church Hall at 9am.

Prayer Points for October

Let us thank and praise God for who He is. Continue to thank Him for our new Pastor Ian Gray and his family, and keep in prayer the Ordination and Induction Service on 1 October, that God receives the glory and the honour. Give thanks and pray also for Joel Woodier, who will be inducted as assistant Pastor of Bethany City Church, Sunderland, on 8 October Pray for carers in this community and beyond, supporting people in their own homes, nursing homes, residential homes, hospitals and hospices, that God will bless them and strengthen them to continue their work. Lets pray for the children in our community and worldwide who do not know that, regardless of their circumstances, Jesus loves them. Keep also in your prayers the 30 million secret children orphaned, separated, rejected and persecuted for their faith, that they will be comforted and strengthened.

Revelation 1:8: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end says the Lord who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Please pass prayer requests to Wilma Wintour, 723023

Two men from PBC attended The Commission , a Christian event for men, held in the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, on 3 September. There, they heard Jeff Lucas (who is one of the organisers of Spring Harvest, a Teaching Pastor at Timberline Church, Colorado, and a prolific author) speak on Samson, or, as he called it, Why, why, why, Delilah?! Jeff used passages from Judges to show his audience of around 500 how historys first suicide bomber was hijacked in his spirituality by his sexuality, and to argue that there are no strong people - only people with strengths. Jeffs use of humour and his willingness to share amusing and sometimes embarrassing experiences from his own life all helped to bring his message home to his listeners. The frequent outbursts of laughter from his audience should guarantee a full house when he appears in a double act with Adrian Plass in Findlay Memorial Church, 56 Maryhill Road, Glasgow on 2 December. The talks on Samson were interspersed with features from other people on the work of Street Pastors and Compassion, and a session on Church Growth and Outreach through the use of technology. Rev. Albert Boyle, a Parish Church Minister in Boness, and his technical assistant, Neil McLennan, have set up a not for profit company called Sanctus Media to improve communication through technology. Live web-streaming of services can benefit not only the elderly housebound but others such as parents who cant get out to Church because a child is sick. One of Alberts online congregation is an 84 year old man in Bournemouth, whose wife in an old folks home was able to watch the service when a visitor brought in an iPad.

Boyle and McLennan introduced on-line chat, and have found some people are more talkative that way than face to face. Text messages can also be used by the Pastor, to send the congregation the main points of the service, follow-up material, daily readings, prayers or challenges during Lent (e.g. no TV for a day, read 4 chapters, etc.). Prayer requests, or questions about the sermon content, can also be sent in to the Pastor, and can appear on screen during services! Music was provided at various intervals throughout the day, and at an evening concert afterwards, by the Stuart Townend Band. A mixed audience of around 800 greatly enjoyed the evening concert, including the wives who had spent the day seeing the sights and shops of Glasgow. Stuart Townends latest CD has been playing prior to PBC Services ever since the event. Next years Commission Mens Conference will be held on 1 September 2012, when the main speaker will be Paul Scanlon of the Abundant Life Church, Bradford.

Letter writing, and prayer for persecuted Christians, at Willie and Wilmas home, on Tuesday 11 October at 10am.

Discussion on THE SECOND COMING led by Gordon Dickie, from Hawick 6.30pm on Sunday 25 September
at 7 Drovers Way (Jacquelines House)

There are more than 10 million people in the UK with some form of hearing loss, or one in six of the population. More than 70% of over 70 year-olds and 40% of over 50 year-olds have some form of hearing loss. Its in EVERYONES interest to attend the session on DEAF AWARENESS that Michael Davis will present in the Tweedbridge Court Lounge, on Tuesday 4 October at 7.30pm.

Leaders of the pack?

On 11 September, 13 leather-clad members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association paid a memorable first visit to lead the service at Peebles Baptist Church, telling us about how they share their faith and also allowing us to admire their bikes! Above are just two of the photos from that morning. We hope to post more on the website very soon!

The next Vickys Tearoom will be on Sunday 9 October.

Its that time again!

.when Margaret Cowan urges us to fill shoeboxes with gifts and goodies that will be sent to disadvantaged children and elderly people. For more information, speak to Margaret , or go to operationchristmaschild.org.uk Deadline for getting boxes to Margaret is Sunday 6 November.

Even if youre not involved as a helper, please do pray for the Tearoom and for our guests.
Going to church no more makes you a Christian than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Garrison Keillor

in Brazil with Wycliffe Bible Translators

13/9 Dear all,

Nilsa's second cataract surgery went well and so now she is thrilled that she can see clearly out of both eyes. She has since returned to the village. Yesterday I was able to finally pick up Doval's new shotgun after all the police clearance finally came through. Now he has a legal licence to own the gun. I now have a beautiful new computer thanks to a gift from a Scottish church. It is so wonderful to not have my computer crashing all the time in the middle of some document. For those of you who connect with me by Skype, my Skype name is now a bit different because of my new computer. It's now cathieaberdour1 with just the addition of the number 1. So if you get a request for to be linked with me again, this is the reason. We'll be having a twoweek Bible school here in Manaus beginning on the 26th. We hope that 10 Apurina will be coming from the village to attend this. As far as we can see just now, Judy and I will be retiring from the Apurina work in April next year. The Lord has been giving indications of this for a while. So much as we would love to continue, our physical strength is no longer up to the rigours of village life. We would value your prayers as we wind down this work and as we get ready to come home. Do pray that someone would be willing to continue on helping the Apurina. Our retired pastor friend Robert Galbraith told us the other day that he is willing to make trips to the Apurina every month after we're gone. That was encouraging. Thanks so much for all your support that you give us in every way,

In Him, Cathie UPDATE 17/9

Judy has been having tests done because of tiredness and uncontrolled blood pressure. She was at her cardiologist last night and the news is not too good. She has an advanced blockage in an artery and she needs to have an immediate catheterization and then maybe a stent will have to be put in. She has to stay here for a further week to get her blood pressure stabilized and then she'll be going to the States on the 24th to have this done. We praise the Lord that this has been discovered just now and before we were planning to have up to 10 Apurina coming here for a Bible school. So we've cancelled that meanwhile. It's good that we can now communicate with the village by phone. Do pray for Judy during this week that she will be able to rest sufficiently to safely make the trip to the States. She will be able to have wheelchairs to get her to and from planes and a friend will be meeting the plane in the States to take her to hospital. Do value your prayers for Judy! Cathie

Did you know some very skilled bowlers are associated with Peebles Baptist Church? Stan Henderson (above) this year won the Open Pairs championship at Tipperlinn Bowling Club, Morningside, Edinburgh. Bruce Rawding (left),who comes to the Mens Group, has been president of Walkerburn Bowling Club this year, and won the British Legion National Championship.

Margaret Cowan recently travelled to Shetland, to be the guest of Jean and John (above), who are very weel kent faces at Peebles Baptist Church since for a number of years theyve spent extended periods during the summer in their caravan at Rosetta. Margarets trip was timed to coincide with the opening of the new Lerwick Baptist Church Building, which she describes as absolutely wonderfulthe event itself, the building (lots of glass, so its really bright), the lovely kitchen, and excellent home baking! On the Saturday, the building was open from 10am till 4pm to let folk from the community round about have a good look inside. Approximately 700 people passed through the doors during that one day, and there were lots of really positive comments (surprisingly, part of the building that generated particularly admiring comments was the gents toilets!) The latest edition of Connect, the online Newsletter of the Baptist Union of Scotland http://www.scottishbaptist.org.uk/sites/default/files/files/ConnectOctober11.pdf carries a feature on the opening of the new Lerwick church on its front page, and points out that The completion of this major project follows more than a decade of planning and development and gives the church a fresh opportunity to reach out to the growing community which surrounds it. The church has been designed as a useful resource for the whole area which can be used any day of the week. After school clubs are up and running and a number of enquiries have already been made by local groups and organisations keen to use the building.

Services, October 2011

Sunday 2 October
Service led by Rev. John Greenshields Communion servers: Linda Bell, Jacqueline Wilson Stewards: Linda Bell, Jacqueline Wilson Flowers: Margaret McLennan Teas: Douglas McCall Transport: Fergus Brown, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan

Secretary, Christine Drummond, tel 722062,,, Treasurer, Liz Keiro, tel 730217 Secretary, Christine Drummond, tel 722062 Treasurer, Liz Keiro, tel 730217 Secretary, Christine Drummond, tel 722062, Treasurer, Liz Keiro, tel 730217 Secretary, Christine Drummond, tel 722062 Treasurer, Liz Keiro, tel 730217

Sunday 9 October
Service led by Rev. Ian Gray Stewards: Liz Keiro, Margaret Cowan

Services in Victoria Park Centre, unless otherwise indicated Services in Victoria Park Centre, unless otherwise indicated Services in Victoria Park Centre, unless otherwise indicated Services in Victoria Park Centre, unless otherwise indicated

Website: http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org/ http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org/ http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org/ http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org/

Flowers: Margaret Johnstone

Teas: Janlyn Townley

Pastor Rev.Ian Gray, tel 07881 518854 Pastor Rev.Ian Gray, tel 07881 518854 Pastor Rev.Ian Gray, tel 07881 518854 Pastor Rev.Ian Gray, tel 07881 518854

Transport: Tom Wight, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan

Sunday 16 October
Service led by Rev. Ian Gray Communion servers: Christine Drummond, Wilma Wintour Stewards: Pat Hamilton, Wilma Wintour Flowers: Hazel Hoggan Teas: Pat Hamilton Transport: Fergus Brown, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan

Sunday 23 October
Harvest Thanksgiving Service, led by Christian Workers Certificate students Stewards: Vi Brown, Carlyn McCall Flowers: Wilma Wintour Teas: Helen Henderson Transport: Tom Wight, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan

Sunday 30 October
Service led by Rev. Ian Gray Stewards: Hazel Hoggan, Jacqueline Wilson Flowers: Christine Drummond Teas: Hazel Hoggan Transport: Fergus Brown, Stan Henderson, Margaret Cowan COMMUNION TABLE SETTING IN OCTOBERMargaret Cowan