Kinlochleven Church - the next service is on Sunday 21 June at 10.00 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear.
Duror Church - the next service is on Sunday 28 June at 10.30 am. led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear.
Nether Lochaber Church - the next service is on Sunday 14 June at 11.30 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear.
South Lochaber Parish :
Bible Study - on Tuesday 23 June at 10.45 in Jeremy's home, led Hilary Malpas - looking at the apostle Andrew.
Bible Study - Kinlochleven on Friday 26 June at 11.00 am.
Sunday 14 June 2026 - available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/tKFcSFLAPrc
Hymn
I look to thee in every need,
And never look in vain
I feel thy strong and tender love,
And all is well again:
The thought of thee is mightier far
Than sin, and pain, and sorrow are.
Prayer Father of mercy, may I seek earnestly, know surely, understand you fully, and trust you unreservedly, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bible Reading Matthew 10:1-4 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.
Also, Simon the Patriot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Message During the American Wars of Independence, many Lowland Scots emigrants fought for the ‘Patriot Cause’. The Patriots supported and helped launch the American Revolution and opposed the British rule and control of the American colonies. But most Highland Scottish emigrants supported the British and opposed the Patriots. One of these was Donald MacDonald. Born in 1742, his father was the Laird of Glenalladale, in Moidart, near Arisaig. He set sail for Canada in 1772 along with others from Arisaig, Eigg, and South Uist. These included Beatons, MacKenzies, MacEacherns and Campbells. He was appointed captain in the 77th Regiment of Foot, knows as Montgomery’s Highlanders, which was made of many Scots Highlanders. He recruited many Highlanders to the British cause, opposing the Patriots.
Amongst the twelve disciples Jesus chose for himself was Simon the Patriot. The Patriots were men who were willing to fight for Jewish independence. They were the most nationalist of all the nationalists. They were a group of Jews, also called Zealots. They were fiercely dedicated to God and to the campaign for freedom. They would take risks and face any danger for the cause.
Jesus chose a diverse group of men to be his close followers. They included the hot-headed Peter, the fierce and fiery John and James, the cool, calculating Judas. Jesus takes people as they are. He knows that with his help and with God in our lives, he can refine us and shape us. Jesus sees us not just in what we are now, but in what we can be. So it was then, with these men.
Jesus wanted the disciples to continue the work he began, telling of God’s love, and healing the sick. The church can only ever function when its members work together as a team. We are firstly called to be with Jesus, as those first disciples were to spend time with him and learning from him. Christian work can only happen when we spend time with Jesus, in prayer, and go forth with the power of God and showing forth the beauty of the Saviour. The very word for disciple means someone who learns and understands. The Christian must try to learn, try to know what Jesus did and taught. That is important. The Christian message is to be proclaimed, and with confidence. We are ‘heralds’, we bear an important message from a king, King Jesus.
Jesus called twelve ordinary men, because he knew they would be fully committed. The church needs people who will stand up and be counted. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things because God is at work in us. We follow Jesus; and Jesus said that if a person would be his disciple, he must be willing to take up his cross and follow. That means we do not step back from costly acts of service. We are to be willing to accept suffering for the cause of right and truth.
The first disciples displayed bravery and commitment. They were willing to go and tell, risk being laughed at or criticized. It is right that they are remembered. Jesus chose twelve, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Theirs was initially a targeted mission to Jews only. They will always be remembered. Their names are said to be inscribed on the twelve foundation stones of the new heavenly Jerusalem.
Prayer Jesus, Master, when you call, may I hear, help me follow. Amen.