Weekly Notices

Notices 6th May 2012

'I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me'

As we look forward to the sacrament to be celebrated next Sunday I share with you, not for the first time, helpful encouragement to be found in the Larger Catechism. The language is antiquated and so a little difficult to follow but the truth contained combines both gospel warmth and gospel challenge.

Q. 172. May one who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord's Supper?

A. One who doubteth of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord's supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof; and in God's account hath it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it, and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ, and to depart from iniquity: in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians) he is to bewail his unbelief, and labor to have his doubts resolved; and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord's supper, that he may be further strengthened.

There may also be those who do not doubt the genuineness of their trust in Christ and yet who have held back from making public profession of faith. To such there is also the challenge to make that profession and join the Lord's people at the His Table.

Do you hear the knock at the door?

Tea and Coffee: Tea, coffee and biscuits are served downstairs in the hall after the morning and evening services. Everyone is very welcome to come downstairs and join us for this.

Thank you – Last week I mentioned an invalid at home suffering from gastroenteritis, it was Joseph and the poor soul was actually suffering from appendicitis and – we presume subsequently – a burst appendix. The operation was on Tuesday and he is making a slow recovery. On behalf of Joseph and the whole family we are most appreciative of the many expressions of prayerful concern and support.

Youth Fellowship: This evenings YF is after the evening service in the church hall. The talk is on the Preservation of the Saints, the last talk in our topic of the Five Points of Calvinism. The speaker is Dougie Simpson.

Communion – The communion next weekend provides an opportunity for folks to become members of the congregation be that by profession of faith or by transfer from another congregation. If you would like to do so or have any questions please speak to David or send him an e-mail ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

In addition to the Sunday services there will also be preparatory services on Friday and Saturday (both at 7:30pm). At all the services our preacher will be the Rev. John Ross.

Women across the Highlands: This conference will be held on Saturday 12th May in Inverness. The speaker is Ann Allen. Leaflets are available at the church door

Parenting Course – This begins in Bon Accord on Friday the 18th of May. The course will run for six Fridays through to the 22nd of June. For more information or to indicate your intention to participate please speak to Rachel Stewart and / or David/Martha MacPherson

Free Church College - The 2011/12 session of the College will close on Friday, 18th May at 7.30 pm. The Principal will give a closing address and all are warmly welcome.

Congregational Lunch: There will be a congregational lunch on Sunday 20th May. This will be an opportunity to say goodbye to Jonathan, Lyndsey and the girls who will be leaving Aberdeen in the summer.

Congregational Walk at Glentaner: There will be a Congregational walk at Glentaner on Saturday the 26th May. We will meet at the main car park at 1pm. A signing up sheet is at the front door of the church and downstairs at the tea hatch. If you require a lift and would like to come for food in the church hall following the walk please indicate this on the sheets.

Everyone welcome!!

Bethany Charity Shop – Bethany will shortly be opening a charity shop on George Street and are currently advertising for a retail manager. More info at www.bethanychristiantrust.com/?p=4786

Bookstall - New books for April and May: The bookstall has a new selection of books for April and May. You can browse a selection of them online or at the bookstall following the Sunday morning services.

Sunday School: The memory verse for this week is "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers, in speech, in life in love, in faith and in purity" 1 Timothy 4 v 12

Live Sermons: The Bon Accord Sunday morning and evening services are also available live via the internet for those people who cannot come to church. You can find out more by visiting www.bafreechurch.org.uk and clicking on "Online Sermons" then "Live sermons" from the menu.

Ordering sermons: You can obtain a copy of a church sermon by doing any of the following:-

• Order a CD from the Bon Accord website by following on-line instructions

• Order a CD from the Bookstall

• Speak to Norman Buchanan or any office bearer at the door

• E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a request

• Download a sermon in MP3 format from the Bon Accord website for free