16th June 2023, Weekly Update

1. Sunday 18 June

Services in the building at 9.30 am and 10.30 am (also live-streamed). The passage is 1 Peter 2:18-25 and the theme, Faith at Work.

2)   Gift Day – Skatepark

The annual Gift Day is next Sunday 25 June. This year five projects are being supported. Details of all the projects can be found in a printed leaflet available in the church building or online at https://www.standrewblackadder.org.uk/gift-day-2023/

Every year at least one local project is chosen. It is a very concrete way for the congregation to express God’s concern for the wellbeing of the local community. This year, the congregation will pay for floodlighting at the Skatepark which is being rebuilt opposite Aldi.

The news these days is full of tales of young people spending too much time on screens, not being active enough, not interacting with others and failing to develop important social skills. The Skatepark addresses all of these. It invites young people to go out, take exercise, and develop a skill. The unsupervised nature of it requires them to work out how to give and take, to share space with others, to negotiate and deal with conflict. The location of the Skatepark in a large area of recreation space, which is also visible to passers by makes it an ideal location for this.

The intention is to raise £6,000. This will cover the cost of the floodlighting.  Please consider what you can give to support this and the other projects.

4)   Christian Aid Coffee Morning – Saturday 17 June

The annual Coffee Morning will be on 17 June, in the Church hall, 10. -12. noon.

5)   Young Adults Barbecue 21 June

There will be a BBQ at the Lawrie’s house on Wed 21 June at 6.30 pm. Everyone are aged between 18 and 30 is invited.  If you could let Gordon or Lexi know you are coming it will help with catering.

6)   ParentSpace 23 June

ParentSpace will run for its second time on 23 June at 9.30 am. The first ParentSpace went very well and confirmed there is a real need for a group like this. One woman, who has lived in various places and has three children said, ‘This is the first time I’ve come across a group where the focus is on the parent and not the child.’ The team are grateful for the support and prayers of many. Please continue.

7)   Scripture Union Prayer Meeting June 24

Derek Harley (who spoke at the Church Weekend) organises a regular prayer meeting for the work of Scripture Union. This moves around East Lothian. On Saturday 24 June it is coming to St Andrew Blackadder. It begins at 10.30 am.  Please come and add you voice to others in prayer.

8)   Prayer Gathering

Each Wednesday on Zoom between for 30 minutes starting at 7 pm.

Please contact the office for log on details.

 

Neil

Rev Dr Neil Dougall