24/12/2010 by Dave.

But no need to need to dream. Awoke this morning to lots of fresh snow with more forecast tonight, before the big thaw at the start of next week. But a little too late fro Christmas so we’re in home for the duration!

The school socials indeed were casualties of the weather but school did open for the final week and Roddie, John Murdo and I gave our annual performance yesterday at the High School Christmas service. This year I was shepherd, Roddie a Magus and John Murdo played Jospeh, as we reflected on the journey of Jesus to earth. Seemed to go down well but it’s always a terrifying experience (for us, that is!) A second meeting of our S5 / 6 introduction to Christianity went really well with four coming along, and Mr O’Neil as well and we pray that this will become a regular feature next term. There’s still more who would really benefit and enjoy the group if they could overcome their initial reservations. Mince pies at the 60 Second Club were enjoyed by almost 20 kids, and for the last time in 2010 we prayed in two groups.

So, thanks to the school for a fabulous Christmas dinner, and to Rab for his ‘departmental’ Christmas visit to the local establishment, which he kindly allowed me to gate crash. 2010 did indeed seem to deliver on some of the expectation that we had 12 months ago and the new warmth and openness  amongst new section sof the school is tangible.

Sadly our last event of the year, Friday Nights @ Dave & Ruth’s Christmas party and reflections by candlelight, has fallen victim to this morning’s fresh snow and my leading the Christmas service tomorrow is unlikely. Oh well, I’m sure those hours preparing in the office this week will pay off at some point. Next up is the proposed annual Bible Overview Teaching with SU in January. We’ll see…

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18/12/2010 by Dave.

So the best laid plans… but the weather had other ideas. It’s been continued disruption since my last entry thanks to temperatures around -9ºC on and off, a brief return to the same above freezing last weekend, and now another few inches of snow. So schools have been open about 4 of the last 10 days, meaning disruption to exams and, for me, assembly cancellations and postponement of the S6 discussion group. Nevertheless, we had one meeting on Monday; just three of us but really good and hopefully enough to encourag tohers to come whenever we return to some normality, which may well not be until January now. Did manage to get along to Glenelg youth club last Saturday, SoundWaves on Tuesday (despite are team Bible study the week before being conducted over Skype)and the 60 Second Prayer time on Wednesday. But lots of office time and it’s beginnning to get tiresome, though have managed to crack on with various bits of prep and wrap up lots of video work that;s been sat on the computer for longer than I care to admit too!

And now the Christmas season is well under way, with possibly a Sunday service, Community Carol Service, High School service, Christmas Day service, two school socials (me being the photographer) and maybe even a couple more youth groups… if the snow allows me out on the roads with a fair dgree of safety.

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04/12/2010 by Dave.

With Staff Conference being cancelled due to heavy snow throughout the south of Scotland (not too bad here, just cold) it’s been a week to get a few admin things done in the office and also catch up on a bit of reading. I’m reading an ‘intriguing but disturbing’ book which, nevertheless, has some interesting insights that may prove to help work through some of the issues COOL is facing with our future direction. Only half way through so I’ll reserve judgment.

A typical Friday today with Kyleakin Primary assembly, Dave’s Club and Friday Nights @ Dave & Ruth’s. A brief meeting in between to discuss our objectives for the coming year (which are perhaps more numerous than I had considered, although finding the fincance is obviously a key one for other things to happen). At lunch time we started to look at some of the follow up material from the Check It Out week, but the key tie for me is on Monday. I’ve set up a short course on Monday lunchtimes, predominantly aimed at S5 & 6, to explore the faith more deeply and ask the difficult questions. We’re praying that those that responded durng the week in some way will take this opportunity to take a closer look.

I took the theme of advent for our group this evening. Around 12 youth turned up including three for the first time, which was really encouraging. I feel we’ve worked quite hard this term so I had planned an evenig of reflection based around Isaiah 9. They’re not a group that find reflection and meditation easy, but as the evening went on people seemd to be getting something out of it. Ended with lots of hilarity with a big game of Password. We’ll see who comes along on Monday.

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27/11/2010 by Dave.

…and so, the trip to Glenelg youth club falls by the wayside. Well, it was the booking or risking me and my car falling over a cliff! I would struggle to get out of Braeintra after more snow over night. We have about 8inches now and although we have had one visit from the plough, no traffic means the roads don’t clear. I don’t think the car would move from its present position without some serious spade work, and now the temperatures have plummeted so it’s going to be icy tomorrow!

Which leaves space to comment on the meeting I eventually made it to (25 minutes late thanks to the road conditions, although the snow chains were useful). It’s been a long time since I’ve looked seriously at the job vacancies in Youthwork magazines, but it’s been with more than a passing glance over the last few weeks. Although the local Christian commnuity give around £24 000 a year, we’re running under budget and COOL can not operate a full time youthworker after July 2011 unless income increases by £10 000. So we need to be prepared. Of course I’ve investigated going back to teaching amongst one or two other options, but we can’t leave the house for five years yet, so a more local option seems necessary.

The bottom line is, all the Trustees, the COOL committee, and Ruth and I too, still feel the way forward is to find the money and continue under the blessing God has given, not least in the past 12 months as more young people have grown in their faith or been touched by the gospel. So what to do? I’m told the deficit equates to 75 extra £10 gifts per month. And I believe God will provide the shortfall, if that is His plan, from within the Christian community. But we are have limited numbers and relatively low incomes in this part of Scotland. Perhaps you know of a church which has a heart to partner this Highland outreach?

In the meantime, whilst COOL, and professionally I too, have to focus our efforts (which will be seen tangibly come January) I also have to consider my career future and family income. Still, God already knows the future so we wait with excitement as to where He will take us…

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26/11/2010 by Dave.

So, earlier than usual, but the first casualties of the winter today. The primaries are all open but the High School is closed, and Braeintra, as usual in the snow, is also almost closed. A friendly passer-by in a Nissan Patrol thankfully towed me up the drive. I had to iss my assembly first thing but hopefully I can get out to my meeting this afternoon, assuming my snow chains will get me safely as far as Achmore. The week has been pretty full so in some ways it’s good to get a day back; no prepr for Dave’s Club or Friday Nights, which I cancelled having looked at the forecast ahead. Parents don’t like bringing their kids out here when we’re under snow.

Monday saw me back in Glenelg for an assembly (don’t think the school was expecting me for some reason) and then gatecrashed an S5/6 Sex Ed. presentation from CARE. Good info, but could have been done better. Sigh. Committee meeting in the evening which ran in until 10.30, unusually. Interesting days; more on that later. Elgol Tuesday (they weren’t expecting me either — what’s with my diary this week?!) and lot;s of report writin. Don’t like writing reports, but it has to be done. The head had asked me to write ana rticle for the local paper, but it it didn’t make it in this week’s copy; maybe next week…

A typical day on Wednesday but still not feeling great. My cold seems to have lingered for over 3 weeks now, and energy levels are low. Another great paryer meeting with the guys at school, but then  a day in the office. Couldn’t face going out again and lots to do with SU Staff Conference coming up next week. Spent the morning with local ministers which was really good as we planned a whole series for the new year of tackling difficult questions and preparing Christian people to know how to respond.Plockton Primary n the afternoon and finally youth café i Kyle in the evening. Phew.

Funny how as soon as you think you have a bit more time on your hands, 15 things that had been pushed down the priority list seem to comne flooding back.

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19/11/2010 by Dave.

A little later start this morning was good for the team, as we had no lesson first period. Check It Out continued there round of music, RME and PSE lessons whilst Colin and I delivered a second Business Studies lesson on Fair Trade and the coffee supply chain. Once again, the S2 responded well and got really involved; we could have given them much more and filled the time easily.

The buzz of last night continued through to today and some were still wanting to talk through things and seem to still be keen on following a Check It Out course. Andy ‘apologised’ for giving me more work, and that will certainly be the case if kids remain interested, but this is the work we want to be doing. Having had the privilege of taking Christians on a leaps this week in telling their story, it would be the icing to get alongside those seeking and leading them through the full significance of Jesus Christ to their lives.

 A quick pack up and back for a quick tea which Ruth had prepared for us, so the team could get down the road. Away before 6pm to Blackford, before heading on to Essex tomorrow. Meanwhile a weekend off for me, before tackling all the positive inroads that have been made for the gospel throughout the week.

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19/11/2010 by Dave.

One day to go with the Check It Out team after a non stop, but highly successful week. The guys had a full program of music, RE and PSE lessons as well as a short lunchtime gig. The first class took a bit of warming up, but the guys were soon on board and enjoying the music, videos and drama. Check It Out (three in the band, Taste, and two in the drama team, Diversion) teach curriculum relevant material whilst offering performance and an explanation of what motivates them as Christians.

The evening was the last of the YF meetings, this time in Glenelg. About a dozen young people gathered to listen to Joy and Keel’s stories of how they met God and what difference it has made. They then split into groups of twos and threes to share their story of their experience of God so far. A great evening and the band seemed genuinely bowled over to be a part of that process, listening to the kids share their stories.

We had two school asssemblies on Wednesday morning, first for S1-3 followed by the S4-6s. It had been an early start for the team as half the equipment had had to be packedup for the bowling club on Tuesday night (and the same on Wednesday) but everything came together in time. More lessons before heading off to the joint churches Prayer for Youth meeting in Kyle. It was great to be able to share some of the excitement of the week with the supporting churches and hear from Andy and Joy on the work of Viz-a-Viz. I had put together a short video montage on what they’d been up to and then we split into groups to pray for the week and the wider work.

Big day today as we looked forward to the evening concert. More of the lessons elicited some really good conversations with kids and a lot came back at lunchtime to chat more with the team. Chips for tea! All seemed sorted with the band for the 7pm start and by the time we were rollling, over 70 kids had come along. A great turn out which made for a fantastic atmoshpere! Everyone was up for dancing and joining in with the activities and singing along when invited. And when Andy came to give his presentation on the need for Jesus in our lives, everyone was quiet and seemed to be listening. He concluded with a prayer of forgiveness and asked for people to let on if they had said it with him in their head. Around six hands went up and 22 signed up for a Check It Out discovery course. A great evening and God continues to move amongst the young folk of the West Highlands. Above and beyond those that came out tonight, the week has given me some really good conversations with others in the school and insights into where folk are at.

The work goes on, but we’re so thankful for the boost this week has given us. One day to go; looking forward to a rest now

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15/11/2010 by Dave.

Months of planning and prayer culminate this week as we welcome the Check It Out team from Viz-a-Viz Ministries to the district and especially Plockton High. So Andy, Joy, Andy, Laura, Andrew and Jonny arrived yesterdat afternoon in time for a meal before the service at Kyle Free Church followed by the youth fellowship. Really useful sermon from Roddie on ‘being evangelists’ and a good YF with about 30 young people. We considered together ‘our stories’ of what God has done in our lives, hearing testimonies from the band. It was great to hear a couple of our young people share their stories too.

Kicked off this morning withan assembly for Glenelg Primary. The kids loved the music and teaching from the band and it was a good introduction to our Highland schools. Across to Erbusaig for lunch and prayer with church leaders before arriving at the High School to set up for the rest of the week. The kit takes around 2 hours to set up, so it has been a  busy day of shifting equipment in two venues, but we finally got across to Lochcarron for dinner and their YF. A smaller gathering allowed us to split into groups to share something of our storiesand conclude with prayer around the circle.

A great start as we look forward to leading music, RME, PSE and Business Studies lessons from tomorrow. It’s a lot of travelling between venues for the team, but hey, that’s how we live up here!

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07/11/2010 by Dave.

The annual hand out of Gideon’s Bible to S1 students kicked the day off in Plockton, with Gideon’s rep Alistair Fraser and also Roddie Rankin. A quieter group but another building block in our ministry. Across to Skye for my first assembly of the term in Kyleakin, before heading back to Plockton for Dave’s Club at lunch time. Good to catch up with the guys and encourage them as we look forward to a week Monday when the Viz a Viz Check it Out band and theatre company arrive for the week. Arrived at ‘miracles’ at the end of Acts 2 today, as we pray for new disciples. Lunch time cut short to allow me time to get across to take the Lochcarron Primary assembly (another first for the term) before returning home to prepare for Fridy Nights @ Dave & Ruth’s.

Back to Plockton for the last visit of the day to see the fireworks and back in time for our Bible engagement group, again prep for the Check it Out week. The guys discussed together what our ‘hope’ is in Jesus, and how we give a reason for it, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3. Left them asking themselves ‘what is my story’ which I hope we can pick up on again next week. Another non stop but beneficial day.

Saturday.

Ok, I didn’t do much today to be fair, but  good to see the restart of Kyleakin youth club, having not met since before the summer 2009. A return to Saturday evening youth clubs every week.

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04/11/2010 by Dave.

Finally managed to get back towards some sort of routine. After a week in Rome (post on that later), a couple of weeks family holiday in Canada and straight back into this year’s S6 conference amidst an internet strike (surprising how much we rely on email) and then a Rome feedback assembly for which a bit of video editing was required.

OK, so Roddie Rankin, our local friendly Free Church minister (not that he’s the only friendly one!), kindly put a lot of the thinking and planning into the S6 conference in my abscence, and on my return two days before the event I made it look pretty! Great day with really positive feedback as we consider together our self worth as human beings.

Restarted Friday Night @ Dave & Ruth’s with a look at mission, then geared myself up for the great video editing project. Sometimes creativity is curse! Got the titles done on Sunday evening. 8.30 start on Monday morning in the office followed by an asembly in Glenelg, lunchtime prayer meeting at the High School and a quick meeting with Rab, the RME teacher, then got down to some serious editing! Only disrupted by having to plan a Bible study and a bit of prep for next week’s SoundWaves kids club, leading the study in Kyleakin for the evening and heading back home. Finally finished at 3am. Phew! 18 staright hours but got to the assembly in Plockton on time and all was a great success, with the video and amusing reports from a few of the pupils who were in Rome with us! Now I can breathe again.

Pretty routine week since then with school and hostel visits, primary assembly in Applecross (having to go round the coast as the Bealach na Ba is closed for roadworks) and some useful time praying with our aformentioned friendly minister and then this morning with Malcolm, the Trust chairman. (He’s quite friendly too!)

The next big event on the horizon is a week long event in the school with a band a theatrs company from Viz a Viz ministry in Essex. Lots of planning to do but think I managed to just about get on top of it by the end of work today. Can kind of relax back into a normal Friday now…

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