May 2026
MAY 2026 NEWSLETTER.
FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK.
As we move into the month of May, we are reminded of a powerful truth found in Scripture: “God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all…” (Romans 8:32).
This verse invites us to pause and reflect on the depth of God’s love. It is easy to speak of love in general terms, but here we see love defined by sacrifice. God did not give us something small or convenient—He gave what was most precious to Him. In Jesus, we see not only God’s compassion, but His willingness to enter into our brokenness and bear its weight.
For us today, this truth brings both comfort and challenge. It reassures us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. If He has already given His Son for us, then we can trust Him with every concern, every uncertainty, and every fear we carry. Nothing we face is beyond His care.
At the same time, this kind of love calls us to respond. We are invited to live lives shaped by gratitude and generosity—reflecting, in our own way, the self-giving love we have received. Whether through acts of kindness, forgiveness, or simply being present for one another, we become witnesses to that same love in the world around us.
As we journey through this month, may we hold firmly to this truth: we are deeply loved, at great cost. And may that assurance inspire us to live with faith, hope, and love in all that we do.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Cleopas Takavada (Minister-in-charge) 07778220452
FORGIVEN…BUT CAN I FORGIVE ME- A CAFÉ’ CHURCH CONVERSATION ON SEL-FORGIVENESS.
A Café Church gathering was held on Sunday, 26/04/2026, with the central theme focusing on forgiveness, particularly self-forgiveness. The discussion was lively, centred around the empowering nature of forgiveness and the challenges faced when forgiving oneself. Many participants noted that forgiving oneself can be harder than forgiving others, as lingering guilt can impede personal peace and freedom from resentment. It was discussed that failing to forgive oneself often leads to repeatedly seeking God and His forgiveness and that feelings of secret shame can strain our relationship with God, creating a sense of separation.
Some attendees expressed that self-forgiveness is sometimes made difficult by those whom we have wronged yet remembering that God loves and forgives us is crucial. The concept of being saved by grace was highlighted as something that can make self-forgiveness easier. The group encouraged making amends where necessary, suggesting that forgiving oneself can lead to improved relationships with others and greater empathy, especially through prayer.
Christian testimonies regarding self-forgiveness were shared, with some participants feeling that it is easier to forgive others than oneself, even though accepting forgiveness from God might come more readily. There was discussion about secret shame and the fear that God’s forgiveness might have limits, but recognising the need for self-forgiveness was seen as valuable. Jesus was presented as the ultimate model of self-forgiveness, having broken social and religious barriers to administer mercy and grace throughout his life.
The group concluded that forgiveness should be a lifelong practice, offering more grace both to others and to oneself. They believed that asking God for forgiveness is essential, acknowledging human flaws. Secret shame was identified as a barrier to knowing God intimately, highlighting the challenge of self-forgiveness. The participants agreed that if one cannot forgive oneself, it becomes difficult to extend forgiveness to others. The church family was acknowledged as a supportive environment, continually pointing to the cross and Jesus as the model for self-forgiveness and a way to face reality with grace and mercy. (By Emely MacLean)
BREAKING FREE FROM ADDICTION (By Martin MacDonald)
Hello friends. We can search God’s word from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation, and we won’t find the word addiction. It’s a modern culture word. From a Biblical perspective addiction is a progressive spiritual issue where a repeated sinful behaviour gains control over a person’s life.
I can think of at least five people in the bible that had addiction issues.
Samson had the addiction of lust.
King Saul had the addiction of envy.
Noah had an addiction to alcohol.
And Judas Iscariot had the addiction of greed.
And lastly the prodigal son who had the addiction of reckless living.
So, it’s safe to say that this repeated sinful behaviour has been around for a very long time. But it’s also safe to say that the answer has been around even longer. And his name is Jesus.
Luke chapter 4 verses 18 and 19.
The spirit of the Lord is on me. Because he has anointed me.
To preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.
And recovery of sight for the blind.
To release the oppressed.
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.
Jesus can and will set anyone free from the bondage of sin. But we must cry out to him and be willing to help ourselves. In bible times the same things that oppressed God’s creation then are still with us today.
Although much more prominent now as mankind gets further away from the Almighty and the one true God. Promiscuity is rife and alcohol is much stronger than it was in our Lord’s time on earth. It’s more fit for NASA now than human consumption.
In our own town and county our country and further afield addiction is at pandemic levels. People are struggling with addiction or repeated sin in their lives because the God of this world Satan has got a stronghold on their lives that can only be broken by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us pray to our heavenly Father continuously for the bondage of addiction to be broken and for him to set the prisoners free. Amen.
DONATING TO YOUR 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.