Here are some news stories from 2006. Click here for the latest news stories. Older news stories may be found here: 2005, 2004, 2003.
| You've heard of Charlie's Angels, well this year's
nativity introduced us to "God's Angels", telling the nativity story
from the angels' perspective.
As well as providing some comedy, this unusual take on the christmas story reminded us just how extraordinary these events, which we tend to take for granted, actually were. The angels had some tricky assignments: telling Mary that she, a virgin, would give birth to the Son of God, and explaining the unprecedented situation to a very confused, and no doubt angry, Joseph. Hardly run of the mill assignments — even for an angel! |
 "God" and his angels |
 The Shepherds |
They also got to break the good news to the shepherds. |
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You can read the Christmas story in Matthew's gospel and
Luke's gospel.
Thanks to everyone who took part and made it a wonderful success. |
 Nativity scene: Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, angels a plenty, shepherds (and their sheep), wise men (and their camels). |
Two of our young people were delegates at the Church of Scotland National Youth Assembly this year. Here's what Rachael Crockett had to say about it:
"What can I say apart from that I loved every moment of it! This was my first time, but defiantly not my last; the form's away for next year already! It was an experience I will never forget. I met so many new people from all different backgrounds, churches and towns. The debates opened my eyes to how different people have different opinions. With debates on topics such as sexuality and sex education in schools I learned to respect other peoples points of view, however different they may be to my own.
There wasn't much free time with all the debates, human library, seminars and worship time, though most people were up to about 4am each night! You can imagine how tired we all were when Monday came along. There was a ceilidh on Saturday night which was enjoyed by everyone. However, the evening was not just about having fun. It was also a chance to raise money for work in Jerusalem. We donated at least the cost of our meal that evening, raising about £4000 in total. I think it was well worth it!
Overall the weekend was so much fun and I don't think that both myself and anyone else I have spoken with since the weekend has ever felt closer to God. I seriously recommend the weekend to anyone and would like to thank everyone who made it possible."
 Gregor Stewart
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We are delighted to welcome Gregor Stewart as our new BB Captain.
Originally from East Kilbride, he brings plenty of BB experience —
his father took him on his first BB camp when he was just four!
He grew up through the different BB sections, eventually gaining
his Queen's Badge and progressing to become an officer and Acting
Captain in his Company.
He has lived in the village for about two years now, having moved from zooming around the world changing jet engines in aeroplanes to flying around Aberdeen selling BMW motorbikes. He and his wife Susan and their toddler, Emma, join us from Stonehaven Baptist church. Gregor is enthusiastic about building on the excellent work done by Bill Shanks and Ken Cruikshank in the Company. With Malcolm McArthur and Shawn Burns, who are continuing as officers, Gregor looks forward to continuing to develop the Company and helping the boys to grow in Christian maturity. To find out more about the Boys' Brigade, contact Gregor Stewart. |
| The Bible Study groups have started up again after the summer
break. The exciting news is that there are now three different groups
to choose from, meeting on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening.
All the groups would welcome new members. Small groups are a really enjoyable way to learn more about the Bible and to grow in faith and fellowship — all in a friendly atmosphere. To find out more contact Pauline Platt. |
 Bible study is for everyone (this picture was not
posed, the Teddy really was found like this!). |
| Pyramid Rock This year's holiday club had a distinctly Egyptian theme as we delved into the life of Joseph (of multi-coloured coat fame). Over fifty children filled the church every day for an action packed morning of activities with an Egyptian twist, such as the "wrap the leader in toilet paper" mummy race! |
 Teddy Joseph |
 Pyramid Rock Holiday Club |
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 Lisa News |
Ever wondered what a holiday club is like?
Have you ever thought about coming to the holiday club, but didn't know if it would be fun or not? Maybe you've wondered about helping with the club, but didn't know what it would be like? Here's something that may help you to decide before next year! Each day the children heard the holiday club news from the Nile News Corporation, read by Lisa News. View the slides for the Nile News broadcast at the saturday BBQ, which give an overview of the week. |
Want to know more?
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| Fifteen of us (yes, Dave is hiding behind the camera!) went to Banchory West Church for our Christianity Explored away day. During the day we looked at four topics relating to the Christian life: the Church, the Holy Spirit, Prayer and the Bible. Elizabeth provided us with an excellent light lunch, and we all met up at the Old Mill Inn for tea at the end. It was a long day, but thoroughly enjoyed by everyone (as the photograph shows). |
You can't beat a good game of rounders. Actually, I
think Archie has the right idea.
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| After the Sunday Fun Club prize-giving this year the children, leaders and parents headed for Hazelhead park in Aberdeen. The weather stayed fine all afternoon, allowing us to run the annual rounders competition (although some people ran further than others). |
The annual Sunday Fun Club prize-giving service marks the end of the SFC year. This year the children and young people based the service on six parables Jesus told.
The Trailblazers (P3-P6) cast Matthew as the rich man who saw a huge pearl that he wanted more than anything else in the world. Erin demanded everything he had, including (eventually) his favourite pet lamb, for the pearl. You can read the original parable in Matthew 13:45-46. Knowing Jesus is the most precious thing in the world—we should be prepared to go to any length to follow him.
The Sparklers (P1-P3) had two men building houses: the first on a nice sunny beach in Bermuda made of Sticklebricks, the second on the (slightly less) sunny cliffs of Stonehaven, from Lego bricks. When the bad weather came along (you might think it's bad in Stonehaven, but at least we don't get many hurricanes) the Sticklebrick house collapsed, but the Lego house stood firm. The message was clear: those who build their lives on Jesus and his teaching are truly wise, building on an unshakable foundation that will weather the storms of life. The original parable, without plastic building bricks, is in Matthew 7:24-27.
The Lasers (P7+) tackled three parables on the theme of losing things recorded in Luke 15: The lost coin, lost sheep and lost son (aka the prodigal son). Equal opportunities (and a shortage of male actors) gave us the parable of Katie, the prodigal daughter. She lived on a farm in Netherley, with her father and sister, Morag. Katie basically wanted to have her cake and eat it. She wanted to live life her way, without any thought for anyone else; dad was just a meal ticket. Dad reluctantly let her have her own way. Things looked good at first. Katie did what she wanted—life was just one long party (showing a very dubious taste in music though!). Things rapidly went from bad to worse; she ended up jobless, homeless and penniless in less than a page. Realising that even the hired hands on her dad's farm had a better life than her, she returned to ask her dad if she could work for him. Everyone knew what dad would say, "You took your money without any thought for us. You've had your chance, now hop it!". Except he didn't. He took Katie back with open arms. Why? Because he loved her. In the same way we all try and live our lives without God. But he is waiting with arms open wide for us to come to him. He loved us so much that he gave his only son that we might be forgiven and return to him.
Well done to everyone who took part and made the service such a success.
Ken, deciding he stood no chance playing
the boys at chess, suggests bowling instead.
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Congratulations to our Boys' Brigade chess team who have won the National
Boys' Brigade chess championship.
The championship was held in Dublin this year. |
The boys receiving their well earned trophies.
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The Brigaders had great fun playing with and creating a movement using the parachute. The mushroom then crawled out of the hall! | |
| Our Juniors have been looking at the emergency services, enjoying
tours of Stonehaven Police Station and Altens Fire Station. Here they are telling the parents what they have learned—in verse! |
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The Explorers had great fun learning the movement for the divisional competition. Note the concentration on their faces! | |
Congratulations to our Boys' Brigade chess team who have won the Scottish Boys' Brigade chess championship for the fourth time in five years! The team now go on to the UK final in Dublin.
Well done to the Girls' Brigade who won several prizes at the recent regional competitions.