We have a new service available whereby you can listen over the phone to the weekly bible reading and message, along with a reflection when available on that theme. This is ideal for those who cannot access the online service over the internet.

The phone number to use is 01224 002502. This local number means costs will be minimal or free for those calling. This allows access both to the current week's reading and sermon, and to the previous week's by pressing "1" when asked.

Please do pass this information on to family, friends or neighbours who you think might appreciate listening to these parts of the Sunday service. Note that it is available at any time with the audio updated each weekend.

Together with our friends at South Holburn we are running a short six session evening series that is based around the theme of being "Grateful". It is based around the book of the same title by Diana Butler Bass. You do not need to have read the book to participate in these discussions, but you may find it an additional aid: it is a great book.

Each session has a video in which Diana Butler Bass will introduce an aspect of why gratitude is missing as a modern spiritual practice, offer practical suggestions for reclaiming it, and illuminate how the shared practice of gratitude can lead to greater connection with God, our world, and our own souls.

We will be meeting online using Zoom and welcome you to join us on this shared journey of exploration as we listen to and learn from each other in the company of God. 

Sunday 27 September to 1 November 2020.
7 p.m.
Zoom direct link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85939788247?pwd=VDRLSXVJV0FmdWlTamtyclpnajhldz09 
Meeting ID: 859 3978 8247 
Passcode: 804328

FOR THE FRESHNESS OF THIS NEW DAY
FOR THE FRESHNESS OF THIS NEW DAY
THANKS BE TO YOU, O GOD.
FOR MORNING’S GIFT OF CLARITY
ITS LIGHT LIKE THE FIRST DAY’S DAWN
THANKS BE TO YOU.
IN THIS NEWBORN LIGHT
LET US SEE AFRESH.
IN THIS GATEWAY ONTO WHAT HAS NEVER BEEN BEFORE
LET OUR SOUL BREATHE HOPE
FOR THE EARTH
FOR THE CREATURES
FOR THE HUMAN FAMILY.
LET OUR SOUL BREATHE HOPE.

(John Phillip Newell)

If you are interested in getting a copy of the book "Grateful", it is available online at
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0062659480/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4VjyFbYQWPBJ0 
https://www.eden.co.uk/shop/grateful-the-transformative-power-of-giving-thanks-4684011.html

You would also be able to order it from a local bookseller.

As the Scottish Government moves us through the different phases of response to the pandemic, churches have the opportunity to reopen sanctuaries for public worship. We are working though the processes required in terms of risk assessments to reopen the sanctuary and now we are seeking some feedback from you on how we can best bring worship to you over the next months.
There are many things to consider as we put into effect physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning, and safety requirements as part of an ongoing Covid-19 Risk Assessment checklist. All of this means that public worship services at Ferryhill Church, when we do go ahead, will look and feel very different to what we’re all used to.
Over the next few months we intend to continue our online worship with a livestreamed 11 a.m. service each Sunday. However we are also considering opening the church, and are seeking some input from you on the form of the worship that we offer.
Clicking on this link will take you to a survey which asks a few questions about your thoughts and preferences for worship at the current time. This will help with our planning for the next few months.

*UPDATE* - the survey has now closed, thank you for your participation.

We share a prayer from the Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly, following the train derailment outside Stonehaven yesterday. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives, and with those who were injured as a result of this tragedy. We also thank the emergency services who responded in such challenging circumstances.

https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/a-prayer-for-the-stonehaven-train-disaster

Thanks to everyone who participated in our latest virtual choir and orchestra anthem.

The anthem is John Rutter's "As the bridegroom to his chosen", words by Johannes Tauler, arrangement by Kevin Haggart.

Our yarnbombing community art project will come to a close for knitted submissions at the end of July. We would like to thank all those folks who have contributed – your creativity has been tremendous, with many noting to us their enjoyment of the variety of colours and designs. We hope that the project lifted people’s spirits in this very difficult time while providing people in the community with an avenue to be creative and keep busy at home even during the lockdown.

We acknowledge the patience of those who did not approve of the project but would like to assure everyone that the knitting, when removed, will be washed and fashioned into blankets and other items that will be a remembrance of this challenging time, giving it a long and useful second life.

An update from Peter on what we are planning over the next couple of months.

Fresh from the editing computer is our latest musical endeavour for your enjoyment and uplift. It is a wonderful upbeat song with a real summer vibe from Fischy Music, arranged by our own Kevin Haggart, with a very important message about the One we believe in. This song was written as part of the collaboration between Spill the Beans and Fischy Music and is featured in the current issue of Spill the Beans.

Thanks to all the musicians and singers (some joining us for the first time from Blantyre and Canada) for their contributions.

If you want to use the song in your own online worship, then please feel free to do so either using the YouTube video itself or you can download a HD copy here (file size 377MB, download from Dropbox service).

You are welcome to join us online for morning worship (or catch up later). 

See you online!