30  Newburgh
The majority of our congregation live in Newburgh which is a small tightknit community of around 9,000 people, there is also a disproportionate level of people who come within the elderly age group for Covid-19. Like other communities many have been helping others with shopping and deliveries from the Chemist; many have ‘knocked’ windows and waved to those isolated. Like all, the community look forward to the easing of lockdown. Again like many, some of our members have become well used to Zoom; skype; facetime etc and are grateful for the technology which has meant being able to keep in contact with family and friends. Within the Church we now share a Pastorate monthly newsletter which keeps us up to date and for those with no internet we share a written monthly service so all have an opportunity to take part in worship together, although many have enjoyed the ‘Worship from the Quays’ on BBC with the ‘Scottish’ flavour to it. We have put our refurbishment on hold during this time and we will once again be considering the impact this will have on our plans – what will be feasible will depend on social distancing rules going forward. The Pastorate has shared in a daily reflection, through e-mail and  face book, from our minister since Churches closed and many have been using this as a time for our own reflection on events around us and where we see and feel Christ amongst us.
 
Prayer
Caring God, we give thanks for all the good that has been shown in our community and communities across this country, from simple acts of a wave or a smile to the help with shopping the good of this and many communities have come to the fore. We all reflect on what we have lost and yet know that we have gained in other ways, this is your gift to us in such difficult times. As we move forward, carefully, through easing of lockdown we pray for restraint and sensible approaches to life. We pray that the revived community spirit continues in all the good ways and we do not immediately return to things the way they were. Within our community we give thanks for those who had the foresight to set up a foodbank serving the town and for all who donate to this. Give hope to those who require to call on its services. We think on the other Churches in our Pastorate and Synod, remembering we are just one of a larger Church; guide and protect each one of us as we move through phase 2 and into phase 3 of this stage of lock down. There words we pray through your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

September

6   Oakshaw Trinity

13  Synod Autumn Meeting 19th Sept
Holy One
in a time when so much is changing, 
both the expected and the unexpected, 
we give thanks for the constancy 
of your presence.  
 
We pray for our Synod Meeting, 
for the discussions that will take place 
and for the decisions that will be made.  
We pray for our Moderator and Synod Clerk 
and others 
as they lead and facilitate our meeting.  
 
We ask for your strength 
and for the gift of courage 
as we face the time ahead.  
So much unclear and unknown, 
so many questions, 
so much wondering.  
 
Guide each of our churches 
as we all make decisions about our future, 
show us what we must keep 
and what we should change 
as we strive to stay faithful 
to the Good News brought by your Son.  
In his name, 
strengthened by the Holy Spirit.  
Amen.  

20  Peedie Kirk
We began renovation work at the end of February on the toilets and kitchen. Unfortunately the workmen had to ‘abandon ship’ at the start of ‘lock down’. We are very glad that work has resumed and is coming on well much to our relief.. Much clearing up and sorting to do!
Friends in Synod may like this blessing at this time.
An Orkney Blessing
May the song of the birds
rise up like Christ,
and fill your hearts with love .
May the vigorous Orkney winds blow away fear
and sorrow, and energise your soul.
May the outpourings of God’s love in your life
be as boundless as the tumbling waves upon the shore.
May the glorious Orkney sunsets bring you deep peace
and the rainbow’s promise
strengthen you with faith and hope in the risen Christ.
Today and always.   Amen.

27  Port Glasgow

In Port Glasgow we are beginning to work slowly at re-opening our building.  For the past few weeks, we have opened the building for an hour and a half, once a week, for private prayer.  It was hoped that this would allow the congregation to see and have a feel for the building before beginning back for Sunday worship, which we hope will be before the end of August.
While the building has been closed we have continued worshipping online.  Our services are on YouTube, and resource sharing with our Cluster Churches the service is also on Facebook.  Our minister also has evening prayers live on Facebook on a Sunday evening.
 
Prayer
Loving God, we give thanks to you for your unfailing love for us.  We have been patient and careful over the last few months as our lives changed dramatically, but we are held strong by the knowledge of your unchanging grace for us.  As lockdown continues to ease all us to remain vigilant to the needs and safety of others around  us.  Grant us more patience as we slowly begin to open our Church building once more.  Give us the courage to be creative in our approach to worship over the coming months. 
We bring you our prayers through your Son, Jesus’ name.  Amen.