March 2026

MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER.

A MONTH LATTER WITH A NEW MINISTER

It is hard to believe that a full month has passed since my induction as your minister here at East Caithness Church. I give thanks to God for the warmth of your welcome, your encouragement, and your shared desire to see Christ glorified in our fellowship and community.

A STRONG START IN WORSHIP

I am delighted to report that our Sunday services are going on well in both Lybster (10:30–11:30am) and Wick (12 noon–1pm). There is a growing sense of expectancy and attentiveness as we gather week by week. Thank you to everyone who serves faithfully behind the scenes, welcomers, readers, musicians, those who prepare the buildings, and all who contribute in ways seen and unseen.

Our preaching series in 1 Corinthians continues under the general theme:

FOCUS ON CHRIST

In a letter written to a divided and distracted church, the Apostle Paul repeatedly calls God’s people back to the centre that is Jesus Christ crucified and risen. As we work through 1 Corinthians together, our prayer is that we too will be re-centred on Christ in our thinking, our relationships, our worship, and our witness.

When Christ is our focus, everything else finds its proper place.

SHAPING OUR SPIRITUAL POSTURE

Over this first month, we have begun intentionally nurturing what I would call a renewed spiritual posture, a posture marked by:

Joy and celebration in the salvation we have in Christ
Repentance and humility as we confess our need
Unity and participation as one body in Christ

To support this vision, we have established a praise team, affectionately code-named the “Ubuntu Praise Team.” The word Ubuntu carries the beautiful idea: “I am because we are.” It reflects our desire that worship would not be a performance by a few, but the shared expression of the whole congregation.

Our prayer is simple yet profound: That we would become a congregation that truly sings together.

Please continue to pray for the Ubuntu Praise Team as they serve, and for all of us, that we would engage in worship not as spectators, but as participants before the living God.

PASTORAL CARE AND VISITING

Over this first month, with the help of Rob our outreach worker and accompanying those who distribute our newsletter, I have also had the privilege of visiting several members and friends of the congregation. These times of fellowship, prayer, and conversation have been deeply encouraging to me. If you would appreciate a visit, please do not hesitate to let me know.

LOOKING AHEAD

We are only at the beginning of this new chapter together. Yet already, there are signs of God’s gracious hand among us:

Faithful gathering around Word and worship
Growing intentionality about our spiritual atmosphere
Emerging unity across our congregations
Meaningful pastoral connections

Let us continue to pray that East Caithness Church will be a Christ-centred, Spirit-shaped, and mission-hearted people.

May we keep our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus.

With gratitude and hope,

Cleopas Takavada (Minister-in-charge)

ROOTED IN CHRIST, REACHING OUR COMMUNITY

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This month we give thanks for the clear and growing work of God among us.

Serving alongside Cleopas continues to be a deep encouragement as we step into schools and the community together. In our assemblies there is a noticeable attentiveness and openness; the stories of Jesus are landing with fresh impact, and we continue to witness signs of faith taking root in young hearts. These moments are precious, please keep praying for them.

Super Club is flourishing. The children are not only full of joy and energy but are now praying with confidence! They also ask thoughtful questions and show a real desire to know God for themselves. It is a privilege to witness faith moving from something they hear about to something they are experiencing.

The Forge continues to be a place of real discipleship. There is honesty, brotherhood, and a shared commitment to follow Christ more intentionally. Men are being strengthened, encouraged, and equipped to lead with humility and courage in every area of life.

All of this is the fruit of a church that prays, serves, and gives faithfully. Thank you for standing with us in this mission. Please continue to pray that every seed sown — in classrooms, in Super Club, in The Forge, and in the community would grow into lives deeply rooted in Jesus.

God is at work, and we are grateful to be part of it together.

God’s grace and peace to each of you,

ROB (OUTREACH WORKER)

DONATING TO YOU CHURCH

You can, at any time give money for the ongoing work of our church.

Account Name-East Caithness Church of Scotland

Bank of Scotland, Wick

Sort Code: 80-09-96 Account Number 00704587

Or we have Gift Aid envelops if you are a taxpayer. The work of the church goes everywhere; we have missionaries overseas, homes and projects in Scotland; every penny counts, so thanks.