Banchory West Church hosted a very special ‘Zero’ Birthday Party on Sunday March 29th. The aim was to raise funds for the Nansato Nursery Trust in Malawi which the church supports. The Trust was set up exactly 20 years ago…
A penny dropping
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Acts 2:36 We often speak about lightbulb moments. Suddenly, something which was confusing or hazy, becomes clear. Our understanding moves…
Holy Week
“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Mark 2:17 This is from the passage which appeared in Spill the Beans a couple of weeks ago. And in my preparation for preaching on it I…
Pilgrimage
One of the programmes I look forward to at this time of year is Pilgrimage. This year, the celebrities are making their way from Whitby Abbey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, celebrating the Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert. Each person,…
Compassion
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 Last night, MSPs voted against the Assisted Dying Bill which had been brought by Liam McArthur. It follows months of scrutiny…
‘One Body, Many Parts’
‘One Body, Many Parts’: Independence or Interdependence? Disability Awareness Sunday 2026 ‘One Body, Many Parts’ (1 Corinthians 12) is the theme of this year’s Disability Awareness Sunday on 27th September 2026. Young autistic Christian author, Triona Brading, is encouraging all…
Nurturing
As spring gradually emerges, the gardeners amongst us are busy getting beds cleared, seeds purchased and plans made for the coming year. When you drive through the Presbytery, the same thing is happening on a much bigger scale in the…
Calming storms
Psalm 107 is a wonderful catalogue of the loving actions of a good and gracious God. From rescuing people in the desert, to breaking them out of captivity. From helping those who are suffering to providing for those in need.…
Principal Clerk Update
This week I thought it would be helpful to share some exciting news about the role of Principal Clerk. Here is the press release issued earlier this week. Please pray for Alistair, his family and his congregation. Rev Stella New…
The Cathedral Body – Artwork by Carla Angus
St Machar’s Cathedral will be displaying artwork “The Cathedral Body” by Banff artist Carla Angus from February 23 till March 20, opening times: Monday to Saturday 10.00-16.00 Sunday 14.00-17.00 The Launch Event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, at 6…