abbotsford.org.uk

The future is bright...

A decision has been reached.

Following seperate votes, after worship yesterday morning, the congregations of Abbotsford Clydebank & Dalmuir Barclay have now agreed on the Draft Terms of Linkage drawn up between the two churches. By an almost identical number of votes the two congregations sealed their future as individual churches under one minister.

It has not been easy, these things never are. However, at the end of the day both churches now have a future that, with everyone's enthusiasm, committment and understanding can take us to explore new horizons with one common aim - Keeping Christ's word alive in our communities and beyond. If we all show grace to each other, no matter how we voted, and pull together with that aim in mind then we can, and will, make it work.

Thanks to one and all who have helped to bring us 'one more step along the road'.

He has risen, just as He said...

The high point has been reached. 

The stone has rolled.

The grave cloths have been folded.

So now simply remember what He has told you...

All authority in Heaven and on earth is His.

As we approach a milestone in our wee church here in Clydebank, let us keep faith in Him.

Good Friday - Luke 23:34

Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do

 

 

Maundy Thursday

Once again a night full of thought provoking moments...

The Gathering

The Meal

The Procession

The Service

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

And it was that last act that really made it for me. Everyone was invited to come forward to the chancel to receive communion.

Young and not so young alike.

But it wasn't the actual receiving of bread and wine that did it,
although that obviously was the central part.

It was seeing the people, gathered from different churches in the area, help each other on the three steps in the chancel. 

Love one another as I have loved you.

 

"Wonderful", "Truly meaningful", "A triumph", "Joyous", "Uplifting".
Just some of the comments following our all-age Palm Sunday service, getting Holy Week off to a flying start.  It certainly was a truly uplifting service co-ordinated by our hard working Worship Group, and involving members of the congregation who usually prefer to stay out of the limelight.  Well done one and all.

Focusing on "change" and "the difference a week makes", our service challenged us to wonder if Jesus was taken in by all the palm waving and cloak throwing, did he know he would be offered a cross in place of a crown, why did he get on that donkey ?  The worship space developed throughout the service with green palms being covered with the positive words of Palm Sunday and the introduction of purple leaves with darker meaning as we remembered what Palm Sunday led to;

We are, of course, going through a period of change at Abbotsford and each week makes a difference to who we are and what we are; we have grown as a congregation and will continue to grow :  a true place of eternity.

Holy Week services will be held throughout Clydebank this week;  our own service is on Maundy Thursday to which all are truly welcome.

See Palm Sunday Photo Album, below right.