East Caithness Church of Scotland

* * * *Newsletter for August 2025 * * * *

Dear Friends,

When I was young I used to hear the grown-ups talk about ‘time going faster’ as they got older – as I child, time was endless and Christmas was never coming!! But I think I know what they mean now that I am older; where did the month of July go? Maybe I lost it in one of the many glorious mirages caused by the dazzling sun over many days, or more likely it was SO good to be outside so much that the days passed in a flash. I’ve been doing a bit more hill walking hoping that I might be fit enough to tackle Schiehallion just one more time, when I am on holiday with my family on the shores of Loch Tay. Schiehallion is a popular Perthshire Munro and is just over 3500 feet and classed as one of the easier Munros to climb, described as a ‘pleasant walk on a sunny afternoon’ . .. mmm! We’ll see!! I last climbed this particular Munro with my father some 40 years ago, shortly after he had had a hip replacement and he wanted to see if his new ‘plastic’ hip would make it to the top! It did but only just!! Sometimes we set ourselves challenges which are within our capabilities and sometimes we need to recognise that we are just not up to the task. But the important thing is to be ready to tackle a seemingly difficult task and do it with our best effort, knowing that ‘God, through Jesus, will supply all our needs when we trust Him.’ (Philippians 4 v 19) I’ll tell you next month if I make it to the top!

I also attended, with a good few others from our congregation, much of the ORCAS conference in Thurso last month. It was SO good, with excellent teaching, great worship and prayer times and over the three days we read through the whole of John’s gospel together which was a really delightful experience and made the words come more alive than I have experienced for some time.

But now here in Caithness it’s nearly time to advertise and we really are almost ready. The Parish Profile is all set to go and we are just waiting for the new ECCoS website to be ‘live’ so that potential new ministers can learn about everything that’s going on in Caithness . . . and for sure, there is a lot happening when you look for it. So it’s time to really pray for God’s way forward; come join us every Wednesday morning from now on in Argyle Square for just half an hour between 9.45-10.15am as we focus on the future. In the meantime summer blessings to you all

Linda Broadley (Interim Moderator for ECCOS & Locum in Argyle Square)07867 795792 –

SOLAS Conference – Saturday 22nd November

A team from the Solas Centre for Public Christianity will be running a half-day ‘Confident Christianity Conference’ in Wick Baptist Church on Saturday 22nd November. Solas (the Gaelic word for “light”) is a Christian charity based in Scotland but working across the whole of the UK. The Solas vision is to share the good news of Jesus persuasively and equip Christians for evangelism practically.

The conference will take place on Saturday morning and will include 4 sessions with the opportunity for questions and answers after each session.. The Confident Christianity training is encouraging and grace-centred rather than based on guilt and pressure. The goal is to help believers share their faith from a place of love and assurance in Christ, rather than fear or obligation. SO . . . .

In August our little sales table will support SOLAS to help to cover the cost of the speakers. Be generous!! And of course come to the conference!!

Donating to your Church

You can, any time, give money for the ongoing work of our Church

Account Name – East Caithness Church of Scotland

Bank details: Bank of Scotland, Wick

Sort Code – 80-09-96A/C number 00704587

Or we have Gift Aid envelopes if you are a tax payer. The work of the Church goes everywhere; we have missionaries overseas, homes and projects in Scotland; every penny counts, so ‘thanks’

Street Pastors – Caithness

There is a great need for more Street Pastors in Caithness, particularly ladies. Street Pastors are out helping in Thurso on Friday nights and Wick on Saturday nights. If you are at all interested, gentlemen and ladies , training is available, as is the chance to experience first hand how they work; to just go out on the streets with them one evening Could this be for you? Is God calling you? Contact Peter Sinclair on 07395 082421 or meet him in the Baptist Church.

A note from Kevin . . . . . .

I wanted to share a quick update on how things are going with my studies and placement journey as I work towards my dream of becoming a Chaplain in His Majesty’s forces. After studying part- time for a number of years, I’ve now made the leap to full-time studies as I work towards completing my degree in Theology. This year’s modules are very interesting; I’ll study homiletics ( preaching), counselling, Christian spirituality and a fascinating module exploring the mind, neurones and the brain – looking at the connection between faith and mental wellbeing. I’m also very excited about my work placement module; in September I’m going to spend two weeks with the Army as a ‘chaplain-in training’, hopefully learning from experienced chaplains how spiritual care is delivered within military life. As well as all this, I’m now part of the Church of Scotland’s discernment process, with time to consider some wider aspects of ministry as I seek God’s leading for my future. As always I appreciate your prayers!Kevin Stewart

Growing Together

We have finished our study series about Jesus’ Parables – best stories ever told! We shall start again on the last Wednesday in August – 27th at 7pm in upstairs lounge. By request we are looking at the book of Revelation and the study book promises to ‘make Revelation really clear’ as we work thro the chapters! Let’s pray so!! Do come and join us any evening you can. Good fellowship and always excellent conversation and questions.

Lybster Church Fete

What a beautiful sunny day in Lybster for the Church’s annual fete, but as it was SO windy events had to be held almost completely in the church itself. Teas and delicious cakes were served in the vestry after guests had been round the stalls in the aisles; plenty of home bakes, bric-a-brac, raffle, hook a bag, soft toys, splat the rat, tombolas for all ages and even lucky dip; SO much to see and do and there were many donations from folk who couldn’t be there. Despite the windy day, there were many who came to support and a great time was had by all. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way; over £1130 was raised

Lorraine Sinclair

Thoughts from the Annual Stated Meeting

On the last Sunday of July, we held the Annual Stated meeting of the congregation. As I planned what to say, two things struck me. Firstly the income of our congregation comes almost exclusively from those who worship each week; without this regular stream of income your Church would not survive. It is the generosity and sacrifice of those sitting in the ‘pews’ that supports the work of the Church in our parish of East Caithness Church of Scotland.

Secondly, clearly the bulk of our spending is on maintenance of ministry in our parish, which means a fair chunk of our money goes to the central church offices, however, much ‘returns’ in the shape of minister and locum payments. Your generosity enables the witness to Jesus’ love to continue to be shared in ECCoS and beyond. Let me suggests ways in which we can continue to give effectively for this vital ministry and mission work in Caithness!

1 Regular bank payments – details always here in the newsletter

2 Free Will Offering Envelopes – if you still like to give actual money let me know if you would like to be included in the next round of envelopes, due to start in September

3 Gift Aid – always ensures that the Church can claim back any tax you have paid. I can supply the necessary form if you contact me.

So look out for our new website where you will fund more details of these options for supporting your Church. Thanks for all that you give for the work and mission of ECCoS!Iain Maclean

*East Caithness Church of Scotland (ECCOS)*

Lybster and Dunbeath weekly activities – August 2025

Sunday 3rd August – Service in Lybster11am

led by worship group

Sunday 10th August – service in Dunbeath 11am

Sunday 17th August – Service in Lybster11am

Sunday 24th August – 11am – service in Dunbeath

Sunday 31st August – 11am – united service in Lybster with our neighbours form Argyle Square, Wick

Lybster Church is available for baptisms, weddings and funerals

**Please ask**

In Lybster Church Hall during August the following continues

– All are welcome to join where they wish

Monday – 7pm JABOS begins but not sure WHICH date. Church announcements will let you know

All are welcome to come and sing

Tuesday 1-3pm Biscuits and Blether in Church hall

Sit and chat over a cuppa

Wednesday 2-4pmKnit and natter in church hall

Enjoy company as you knit and sew – refreshments too

* * Note that children’s activities will resume in September * *

Wednesday 6th August — 6pm in Argyle Square hall – Special Purpose meeting of ECCoS Kirk Session to discuss future of Dunbeath Church

* * * *Holiday Club for ALL ECCoS primary age children in Argyle Square Church, Wick from Monday 11th – Saturday 16th August from 10am – 12.15

Sunday 17th August – Celebration Holiday Club Service in Argyle Square at 6.30pmALL welcome to join our kids * * * *

*ECCOS – Argyle Square Church, Wick*

Calendar of Activities for August 2025

Sunday worship at 11.30am – tea/coffee beforehand from 10.45

Prayer before worship from 11-11.15am – just pop in!

Sunday evening worship – 3rd August at 6.30pm – tea after

( on alternate Sundays worship is in Baptist Church at 6.30pm)

NEW Last Sunday 6.30pm – 31st August – Cafe Church discussion over coffee on relevant topics for today. Drop in and join us in the old hall.

Each week day:-

Tuesday – 7-9pm in upstairs lounge – ** begins again in September

Wednesday 10am-12noon – coffee club in church café

Wednesday 7-9pm – ‘Growing Together’ bible study and prayer in upstairs lounge. ** Begins again on 27th August We shall be looking at the book of Revelation – challenging but VERY interesting. Come and join us. No question is too obscure!!

Thursday 3.30-5pm – Super Club for primary age children – **begins again when school starts

Friday 2-4pm – Knit and Natter in upstairs lounge – **begins again in September

This Month:-

Wednesday 6th August — 6pm in Argyle Square hall – Special Purpose meeting of ECCoS Kirk Session to discuss future of Dunbeath Church

Minister on holiday from 7th – 19th August

Sunday 10th August – worship led by Martin Macdonald

Sunday 17th August – worship led by Iain Maclean

Kirk Session of ECCoS meets at 7pm in Argyle Square on Thursday 21st August

Nominating Team meets in Argyle Square on Tuesday 26th August at 7pm

Sunday 31st August – short service in Watten Hall at 3pm

all welcome to join us