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| This month/year began with snow, so much so that some people were stuck at home and couldn’t get out. It makes you more aware of the challenges of living on an Island like Orkney. The ferries stopped, the planes were cancelled, and the roads were impassible in places. This did allow some opportunities, though. Those of us who live in town were able to walk out and call on some elderly and vulnerable residents to check that they were okay, that their heating was working, and whether they needed any supplies from the shop. |
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| We were unable to hold our regular Sunday service on the first Sunday of January in the Community Centre due to its position up a steep hill in Stromness which was very snowy and icy, and with some of our members unable to make the journey we made the decision to go ahead in the church building and stream live on YouTube even though we didn’t have the usual equipment. It was great to be open. The other churches had all closed and we had a few people come along. We have started a new term of Ragged. This unit is Pastoral Care 101, looking specifically at the subject of addiction. It’s definitely an interesting topic with lots of discussion already. We have a real mix of people in the group, from lifelong Christian’s to new believers, some who have been lost in addiction, some who have seen family and friends stuck in addiction, and some who have little experience in this area. Having a doctor on the team brings another perspective, too! The group meets on Saturday mornings and would appreciate your prayers, and they go through the course. This month, we were blessed to welcome two more members to the church. Tim and Sarah moved to Stromness in September last year and have made Grace Church Orkney their home. Tim was baptised in the church building last month. We are excited to have them as members and look forward to seeing them serve alongside us as we seek to serve them for the glory of God. |
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A new ministry for us this month has been the start of The Drop In. This takes place on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s and is a time when the church is opened up for anyone to come in, have a tea or coffee and a bacon roll for a small donation and sit and chat. The first week we have had 8 people each time, mostly different people each day. These people are all from Stromness, some we had previously met in the community and some are brand new to us, who saw adverts on social media or leaflets through their door. Everyone seemed to enjoy having a place to go to have some food and a chat, and we are praying this helps us build trust and friendships and breaks down barriers people have to coming to church. |
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In our Sunday services we are continuing to preach through Mark’s Gospel. Mez has been away to Edinburgh working, so the sermons have been shared between Mez, Matt, and Andrew. We have been challenged to consider whether we recognise Jesus for who he truly is and whether we are really taking up our cross and following Jesus daily. |
Thank you for your prayers and support for the work of 20schemes and Grace Church Orkney. Your partnership is invaluable. If you’d like to take a next step in supporting the ministry: PRAY | Join us in praying the Lord blesses the work here and enables us to spread the Gospel in Stromness, Orkney, and that souls are saved for His glory. GIVE | Financially support this work so the least last and lost will hear the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. You can use the “Give” button below. To give from the U.K., please click here COME | Visit us in the UK to see firsthand the work God is doing on the ground serving Christ in Scotland’s schemes and rural places. |