FEB/MAR 16

Ive been thinking about Time, recently. Time passes, and we usually take that fact for granted after all, thats all weve ever known. Time just happens. Time is the fundamental framework in which our lives exist. In fact many of the words Ive used in those last three sentences only even make sense in the context of time: recently, passes, usually, ever, happens, lives. You could be forgiven for assuming that my thoughts have turned to that subject because Im a Science-Fiction geek. A huge amount of that genre of writing relies on being able either to travel through time, or to travel through space faster than light (which effectively amounts to the same thing). Actually, though, its been theological fact rather than science fiction which has led me to this subject. We live in a universe bounded by time, because thats the way God designed it. He didnt have to but the fact that he did suggests that he did so for a reason. People sometimes point out that Gods timing is always perfect but in fact there is a purpose not just behind his timing, but behind his creation of time itself. Without time, we would have no way of starting again. Without time, we would have no way to celebrate what has happened in the past, or to hope for what is in the future. Time is a great gift from God! Were now in the lead up to Easter, which is all about moving around in time. We look back to the past at what God did for his people at Passover. For Israel (although they didnt know it at the time) Passover was pointing forward to the future, a picture of what Jesus would do at the cross. Now for us, the cross and the resurrection is in the past (as an historical event); its a present reality (it defines our relationships with God and with one another right now); and it points once again to the future, when the risen Jesus will return once again. We recently discovered that this Easter also happens to be the 25th anniversary of the purchase of our land! It was last Easter on Good Friday, the day hope died that we were told that we had to move out of the Victoria Park Centre. One year on, and God brings a fresh sign of new-born hope for what he is planning for his Church. Time to get excited!

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The BIG spring craft challenge for women (and MEN) of all ages. Newsflash! The Building Group would like to invite crafty women (and men) in the church to get going with making crafts and items to sell for the building fund.

We are going to have a summer fundraising afternoon tea and craft sale on Saturday 4thJune 2016 to raise money for our new church project. What? Making crafts and items to sell at a summer afternoon tea/craft fair (in June) Why? To raise money for the building fund, and to have fun and fellowship with each other How? host an afternoon, a morning or an evening making session in your home, plan some items that would sell at a summer craft sale, and get making! Who? invite your friends from church, people from your street, other people you know, or would like to get to know

Add in some coffee and cake, or soup and bread to make it even better! Pray about it, and ask God to bless your work, your friendships and our building plans. Please consider getting involved in this, and if you do plan a session, please let Lindsey or Chris know so we can coordinate what is happening. Thanks in advance, The Building Group

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BUS PRAYER DIARY. . .

JANUARY 31ST Carol Campbell (Healthcare Lead Chaplain,Clyde Area) Bathgate Baptist Church Bearsden Baptist Church Bellshill Baptist Church

FEBRUARY 7TH John Craib (Chaplain, HMP Low Moss) Bo'ness Bourtreehill Baptist Church Brae Baptist Church

FEBRUARY 14TH Philip Craven (Chaplain, Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock) Bridge of Don Baptist Church Bristo Baptist Church Broughty Ferry Baptist Church

FEBRUARY 21ST Broxburn Baptist Church Buckhaven Baptist Church Buckie Baptist Church

FEBRUARY 28TH Leslie Edge (Chaplain, Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice) Burra Isle Baptist Church Calderwood Baptist Church Cambuslang Baptist Church

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MARCH 6TH Ron Flett (City Centre Chaplain, Aberdeen) Campbeltown Community Church Canonmills Baptist Church Carbrain Baptist Church

MARCH 13TH George Hunter (P/T Chaplain, Auchlochan) Carluke Baptist Church Carnoustie Baptist Church Castlehill Baptist Church

MARCH 20TH Cliff Jackson (Lead Chaplain, Auchlochan) Castlemilk Community Church Cathcart Baptist Church Central, Edinburgh

MARCH 27TH John Jamieson (Army Chaplain) Gordon Jones (Chaplain, Royal Alexandria Hospital) City Gates, Edinburgh Cleland Baptist Church Coastline Community Church Coatbridge Baptist Church

Please check the Baptist Union of Scotland website for further details: www.scottishbaptist.com.

The Bible in One Year App

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The Building Group Visit to the Carrick Centre, Maybole On Saturday 16th January, a group of folk from PBC set out to visit the Carrick Centre at Maybole, Ayrshire. We had a great time finding out about how this exciting project came about, as well as the way in which it now operates. The Centre has been open for 4 years and started life around 10 years before that when both Church of Scotland

churches in the town came together to build a new church building and community centre. The stated vision is a 'project at the heart of the community, for all citizens.'

We received a very warm welcome, had a good look around the facilities that they have, and a chat about the different stages of their project. They have a beautiful church sanctuary that seats 200 people. Doors at the back open out onto a cafe area - which is open to the public 6 days a week, and also a great space for church. The Centre has several other rooms that can be subdivided and two large halls, one with a small kitchen - all of which are a great resource for the church and the community. There are over 100 groups that use the Centre in addition to church groups, with around 70 people involved - many of them in voluntary roles.

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Prayer requests from the Building Group:

The building group met with a representative from the Baptist Union property group on Thursday 21st January. It was a very informative and useful meeting.

We would value your prayers as we plan an information gathering exercise in the local community.

We would ask for your continued prayers for the group that we would remain focused and not be overwhelmed with what we are undertaking.

As a fellowship that we would remember this is the Lord's work and for us all to listen and be open to his leading.

Thanks

The Building Group

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ALL AGE services and THIRSTY Sundays By the time this magazine is out, we will have had an All Age Service on the 31st January.

At our church away day last year, many of you indicated that All Age services were a good idea, and that you would like to see more of them. In response to this, our calendar will now include an All Age Service on the LAST SUNDAY of each month. We will also have our Thirsty collection on the last Sunday too.

Why do we have these All Age Services? Well, we want our church to grow, and for many people who dont currently attend church, worshipping God at church is an unknown or perhaps a scary idea! Having an informal, fun and inclusive service once a month will allow you to invite friends or families to join us and for us all to learn about Jesus in a welcoming way.

What can you expect to happen at an All Age Service?

A shorter service made up of lots of short and fun activities based around a different theme each month

Action songs (and hymns too) Creative prayers in different styles Everyone joining in A BIG BIBLE challenge A shorter talk (10-15 minutes) Children and babies stay in for most of the service Childrens craft activity during the talk Thirsty collection and mission update Perhaps a bit noisier and chaotic than usual God to speak through the chaos and the noise

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It would be great if the church can get behind these services in prayer, and also consider inviting people to come along. Please also look out for people who are new, and have a chat to them during the service, or at coffee. Why not be BOLD in your faith and invite people to come along?

Dates coming up:

Feb 28th (NOT at the Drill Hall due to another booking)

March 27th (All Age Easter Sunday service)

Do value prayer for Jason, Andrea and their daughter Lucy as they will be making a visit to the Apurina in January. In a previous visit Jason was able to baptize three of the women, including Ana Lucia who leads the women's work. Judy and I are really encouraged that further work is being carried on with the Apurina at Monkey River. Brad and Melissa who also make visits to the Apurina are still on furlough in the States planning to return to Brazil in May.

Judy will be arriving here in Scotland on the 29th Dec. God willing and aiming to stay for a month. I'm really looking forward to that. Judy has had a hard time recently with a dislocated shoulder and then just over a week ago her sister Mary went to be with the Lord. Judy will be spending Christmas with her sister Carol who is not a believer as yet. Do value prayer for her. I wish you all a very blessed Christmas as we remember our Saviour's birth and all God's richest blessings in the New Year,

In Him,

Cathie (Dec 2015)

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Monday 1 February 2016 Every year BMS staff in the UK and mission personnel around the world dedicate the first Monday of February to prayer - in all its forms.

Weve been really encouraged in previous years by the number of churches and individuals who have joined with us in praying. We hope that many of you will be able to share with us in this special time of prayer again this February, whether on the day itself or with your congregation on the nearest Sunday.

Year round prayer resources

Visit www.bmsworldmission.org/dayofprayer to download a copy of our current Prayer Guide, Join our prayer initiative for North Korea, Project Cyrus, download the latest news from mission personnel via prayer letters and blogs, subscribe to our weekly email update and get the latest stories from BMS delivered directly to your inbox.

Here are a few points to pray about right now:

Thank God for this beautiful, bountiful, good planet.

Pray for the Worth Saving initiative that people would sign up, be engaged and get involved in Gods heart for the planet.

Pray for leaders and citizens in the wake of the COP 21 conference in Paris that they would have the wisdom and courage to uphold the agreement that was signed, putting the needs of the whole planet before those of self-interest, profit and politics.

Pray for those working for creation care around the world the countless men and women including BMS workers who daily campaign, work, write and act for a sustainable environment.

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A prayer based on Psalms 102: 25 (NIV) In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

Loving God, thank you for the gift of creation. As we experience each day, as we take every step on our lifes pilgrimage, may we take time to wonder and give you thanks. From each sunrise to every sunset, in all the seasons and with every breath, may we celebrate our home in creation, and the gift of life. As our climate is changing, give us the compassion to care deeply that people are suffering now, from spoiled harvest and violent storms, from drought and flood. Give us the imagination to see that future generations are in peril and may not know the beauty we see. May our actions reflect a love for your world our prayers be shaped by a longing for justice for all, and our imaginations inspired to hope for a world free from poverty. Amen.

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REGULAR EVENTS

Sundays Prayer Meeting 10.30 AM Morning Service 11.00 AM Vickys Tearoom 34 PM (second Sunday of the month)

Mondays Lunch n Chat 12 .00 PM (every five weeks)

Tuesdays Afternoon House Group 1.00 PM, Glensax Road Evening House Group 7.30 PM, Kingsmeadows Gardens

Wednesdays Dovecot Court Service 3.00 PM, (PBC every two months watch

calendar for details) Singing Together 3.00 PM, Dovecot Court (Wed 3 June & 8 July) Wednesday Evening House Group 7.30 PM, Margaret Cowans Prayer meetings 7.30 pm, VPC (third Wednesday of the month)

Thursdays West Linton House Group 7.30, 8 Lyne Park (fortnightly)

Fridays Kings Meadow Work Parties 24 PM (see Bill for dates)

Saturdays Prayer meetings variable (watch out for details)

Updates and last minute changes are shown on the weekly Supplement please keep your eyes peeled!

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SUNDAY 31 JANUARY: ALL AGE SERVICE KAOS: Bubbles: Christine, Janlyn Splash: Chris Teens: R.A.B. Childrens talk: Bill

Stewards: Moira, Bill Music: Fiona Prayer: Janet

Flowers: Hazel Teas: Kenny, Wilma Setup: David, Ronnie

SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY KAOS: Bubbles: Pat, Elaine Splash: Moira Teens: Stay in/KAOS Childrens talk: R.A.B.

Stewards: Frank, Vi Music: Ian Prayer: Jackie Commn Servers: Lorna, Jacqueline (Lindsey laying)

Flowers: Pat Teas: Helen, Pat Setup: Bill, Jacqueline

SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY KAOS: Bubbles: Jennie, Carlyn Splash: Bill Teens: Jackie Childrens talk: Jacqueline

Stewards: Carolyn, Wilma & Willie Music Ralph & Lorna Prayer: R.A.B.

Flowers: Vi Teas: Janlyn, Ronnie Setup: David, Ronnie

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SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY KAOS: Bubbles: Christine, Janlyn Splash: Jan Teens: Stay in/KAOS Childrens talk: Linda

Stewards: Jacqueline, Carlyn Music: Fiona Prayer: John Commn Servers: Wilma, Christine (Lindsey laying)

Flowers: Sheila Teas: Vi, Moira Setup: Bill, Jacqueline

SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY: ALL AGE SERVICE VENUE TBC (NOT DRILL HALL) Stewards: Liz, Christine Music: Ian Childrens talk: Christine Prayer: Lorna

Flowers: Christine Teas: Wilma, Carolyn Setup: David, Ronnie

SUNDAY 6 MARCH KAOS: Bubbles: Jennie, Carlyn Splash: Bill Teens: Stay in/KAOS Childrens talk: Lorna

Stewards: Janet, Richard Music: Ralph & Lorna Prayer: Moira Commn Servers: Liz, Richard (Vi laying)

Flowers: Chris Teas: Pat, Douglas Setup: Bill, Jacqueline

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SUNDAY 13 MARCH VENUE TBC (NOT DRILL HALL) KAOS: Bubbles: Christine, Janlyn Splash: Moira Teens: R.A.B. Childrens talk: Bill

Stewards: Bill, Chris Music: Fiona Prayer: Chris

Flowers: Margaret C Teas: Ronnie, Frank Setup: David, Ronnie

SUNDAY 20 MARCH KAOS: Bubbles: Pat, Elaine Splash: Jan Teens: Stay in/KAOS Childrens talk: R.A.B.

Stewards: Vi, Moira Music: Ian Prayer: Wilma Commn Servers: Linda, R.A.B. (Vi laying)

Flowers: Moira Teas: Moira, Kenny Setup: Bill, Jacqueline

FRIDAY 25 MARCH GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNION (TIME AND VENUE TBC)

SUNDAY 27 MARCH ALL-AGE EASTER SERVICE Stewards: Frank, Willie & Wilma Music: Fiona Childrens talk: Jacqueline Prayer: Lindsey

Flowers: Linda Teas: Carolyn, Helen H Setup: David, Ronnie

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Contacts Page

Pastor: Ian K Gray 07881 518854 (day off: Monday) pastor@peeblesbaptistchurch.org

Secretary: John Dalrymple secretary@peeblesbaptistchurch.org

Treasurer: David Tidder treasurer@peeblesbaptistchurch.org

Magazine Editor: Morag Bramhall magazine@peeblesbaptistchurch.org

Church website: http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org

Practical Help Leave a

message: 01721

788592

Prayer

Contact Fergus & Vi:

01721 720931

Visiting

Contact John & Moira:

01899 229343

Pastor

You can still call Ian: 07881

518854

x Leave a message via email (help@peeblessbaptistchurch.org) or answering machine (01721 788592)

x To request or offer jobs and skills, driving, equipment loan etc

x Contact Fergus & Vi Brown with all prayer requests (01721 720931)

x Confidential requests to PULSE prayer group

x "Public" requests to church members via text message

x Contact John & Moira Dalrymple (01899 229343) with requests for visits from the pastoral team

x PULSE pastoral visiting group will complement "normal" visiting

x Alternatively, or in an emergency, you can always call Ian Gray on 07881 518854