Our Blog at Hilton Church
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Seven Words…..
In this morning’s video service, Martin Fair asked ‘What is the work we are called to and that the Spirit of God will equip and enable us for?’ Some people had been requested to summarise in just seven words. Here are the phrases we saw in the video. They are all...
When God breathes for us
A prayer from Shetland and a wee thought from John: I loved the encouraging service this morning, hosted by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, celebrating God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, and the challenge to respond to the Spirit’s call in these unprecedented...
This morning’s Church-wide service, hosted by Moderator Martin Fair
Our Mother Tongue is Love: a sonnet for Pentecost by Malcolm Guite
Today we feel the wind beneath our wings, Today the hidden fountain flows and plays, Today the church draws breath at last and sings, As every flame becomes a tongue of praise. This is the feast of Fire, Air, and Water Poured out and breathed and kindled into...
More news from Joe and Hannah at Anchor Food Support
Another Friday, another three course menu offering out to over 70 recipients. A well air conditoned kitchen isn't the worst place to spend such a hot, sunny day 😎. We've now had the project up and running for a month and couldn't have done it without the generosity...
Hilton takes part in Thy Kingdom Come
Here's Hilton Church's contribution to Thy Kingdom Come, which went live this morning - it's a family prayer event led by Phil. Don't miss it!
It’s Rhymes Recollected on Monday!
Hi everyone, It's Rhymes Recollected on Monday 1st June: Audrey and John will be reading poems chosen by you in a Livestream on the Church Facebook page! We still have some poems to read which there wasn't time for last time. Monday's theme is SUMMER - so if you have...
Thy Kingdom Come app
This week is international prayer event Thy Kingdom Come is taking place. 14 Inverness Churches are taking part locally in this event - full details are here. The Thy Kingdom Come App is available from Apple's App Store and from Google Play.
Hilton to host Thy Kingdom Come Prayer event online
This Saturday (30th May), Hilton church is hosting a Thy Kingdom Come prayer event. This will be suitable for all the family to join in with. This event is part of Thy Kingdom Come - Inverness It starts at 10:30 – follow this link https://youtu.be/jNdTmYj5aRs To make...
Protection and pear-shaped days: John reflects on this morning’s wee talk from Duncan
Wee thought from John on Duncan's sermon this morning: This morning’s Duncan was speaking about Jesus’ prayer in John 17, and he began with some context. The night before he died This prayer took place at the end of the evening Jesus spent with his disciples the night...
Church Family Quiz on Zoom: Wednesday 27th May at 7.30pm
Announcing another exciting Hilton Church Quiz on Zoom at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th May hosted by Eilidh MachPherson Family friendly! All ages welcome! Teams welcome – as long as you are already self isolating together! You need a pen and paper and have Zoom...
Livestream Service: 24th May
Here's a link to this morning's Livestream Services (in case the link below doesn't work in your browser.) Beloa there's a link to another version of one of the songs Pete sang this morning - All my ways are known to You. Also below are links to the two books on...
Giving to Hilton Church: an update from Jane
If you would like to give towards the work of Hilton Parish Church, here are a few ways in which you can do it. (1) The most beneficial way of giving would be through a monthly standing order which would enable the congregation to have a regular and predictable...
Book Group News from Shona
It was nice to have a Zoom meet lon Thursday night. Ten of us were able to join in which was great. We discussed the two books from last month. Three of us had read North Child by Edith Pattou and we all enjoyed it. It is a children’s story based on a Norwegian fable....
More lovely work from the Craft Group
More lovely work from the Craft Group. I particularly love Alison's cute 'Dinocorns' Tilly is the grey one!
Do you need practical help?
Need some practical help? If you need some practical help, Hilton Church continues to offer help and support as required. Please phone 01463 233310 It’s great to see that so many community groups have formed both locally and nationally to offer support. At Hilton...
Sunday Livestream service: 24th May
Live stream worship @ Hilton Church We are gathering at 10am on Sunday morning for a live stream service led by The Macs. The Facebook live link will be open from around 9.50am. This is the 7th Sunday of Easter and our text will be John 17 v 1-11. The painting is by...
Baby Shawls for Syria
A photo of some baby shawls/blankets made with love for Syrian refugees. The member of the congregation who made them modestly wishes to remain anonymous.
Rhymes Recollected online – Monday 18th May
Here's a link to the fourth 'Rhymes Recollected on-line' which took place on the 18th led by Audrey and John. And below you can revisit the poems we read! Jabberwocky By Lewis Carroll ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All...
Livestream service, 17th May
The Livestream of this morning's service is here if it doesn't open from the link below. The image above is of the book Duncan recommended during the service.
Ian Whyte’s ‘Portraits for NHS heroes’
At the service this morning, Duncan mentioned that Ian Whyte is one of 500 artists across the country taking part in 'Portraits for NHS heroes' (#portraitsfornhsheroes) painting portraits of NHS staff as a means of encouraging them, and saying 'Thank you.' Here are...
Anchor Food Support Project at the Light House – news from Hannah and Joe
Hello all. Sorry for the lack of updates. We finally got the food project up and running with the help of lots of volunteers and over the last two Fridays have supplied a three course menu for over 100 recipients. Many, many thanks to everyone who has helped out in...
Tomorrow’s Livestream Service – 17th May at 10am
TOWARDS SUNDAY 17th May WORSHIP @ HILTON PARISH CHURCH On Sunday 17th May we'll be live on-line at the church Facebook page at 10am. The text for the service is John 14 v15-21. The portraits above were painted by Ian Whyte as part of the #portraitsforNHSheroes and we...
Heart and Soul: something to watch on Sunday afternoon!
A special celebration of the life of the Church of Scotland in all its richness and fullness will be streamed online this Sunday, 17 May from 2pm until just after 4pm. The digital version of Heart and Soul promises to be a “beacon of light and hope” during the dark...
Phil Gunn’s story
Here's a piece about Phil's story which was published on the blog last August. Yesterday we heard about Phil's successful conclusion of his preparation for the ministry. Congratulations Phil, and our love to you all. “What made you want to become a minister?’ Phil...
Congratulations, Phil!
Great news from Phil Gunn (posted yesterday on his Facebook page and copied with his permission.) Congratulations, virtual hugs, and our prayers for the future! So today, sees me taking the next steps of a long journey. Back in 2014, I began to explore my sense of...
Lots of lovely photos this week from the Craft and Repair Group
Lots of lovely photos this week from the Craft and Repair Group
Thy Kingdom Come – May 21st-31st: a call to prayer and witness
THY KINGDOM COME This year, Thy Kingdom Come will be different, but we’re all invited to get involved! See below a list of Inverness Churches which are participating. And visit the Thy Kingdom Come Inverness Facebook page Thy Kingdom Come is an interdenominational...
Prayer at the time of COVID-19: Iain Macritchie talks to John Dempster
When I was interviewing Dr Iain Macritchie about his role at the NHS Louisa Jordan field hospital, I also asked him his views on prayer, and how we should be praying at such a time as this. Was it legitimate to pray for God’s protection, or should we rather see God...
Chaplaincy at the time of COVID-19: an interview with Dr Iain Macritchie
(See here for an interview with Iain about his role prior to deployment, as Programme Director for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care with NHS SCotland.) Iain Macritchie’s role in the time of COVID 19 at NHS Louisa Jordan When I heard that our friend Dr Iain Macritchie had...
Dr Iain Macritchie: Programme Director for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care
(I am re-publishing this article which appeared on the old church website in January 2019. It will accompany a new article reporting on a conversation with Iain about his current, deployed, role at NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow) Our friend Dr Iain Macritchie, formerly...
Help us choose some Odes, Oddities and Nonsense
It's Rhymes Recollected on-line again next Monday (18th) on the Hilton Church Facebook page at 2pm. The theme is 'Odes, Oddities and Nonsense.' Please let us know the favourite poems you'd like to hear read. Please contact John or Audrey, or email...
Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places
Here's the book by Eugene Peterson which Duncan recommended this morning. The title comes from Gerard Manley Hopkins' wonderful poem As Kingfishers Catch Fire As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame; As tumbled over rim in roundy wells Stones ring;...
Church Family Quiz on Zoom: Wednesday 13th May at 7.30pm
Announcing another exciting Hilton Church Quiz on Zoom at 7.30pm on Wednesday13th May hosted by Eilidh MachPherson Family friendly! All ages welcome! Teams welcome – as long as you are already self isolating together! You need a pen and paper and have Zoom...
This morning’s livestream service (May 10th 2020)
Click on the link below to view this morning's service. If the link fails on your browser, try here.
My favourite from this week’s craft group photos
Alison's bunny, made up 'using bits and pieces.'
Christian Aid needs your help more than ever
The annual Christian Aid week runs from 10th-16th May. You can find out here about all the work Christian Aid undertakes in 37 countries. The local Christian Aid Committee normally runs lots of fund-raising events, such as coffee mornings and door-to-door collections...
Rhymes Recollected – 4th May 2020 – with Audrey Whyte
We had a great on-line Rhymes Recollected session this afternoon, when the poems you chose were read by Audrey Whyte. To listen, follow the link above or, it it desn't work in your browser, click here. Here are all the poems Audrey read, including some new work from...
Hilton Family Support during the Lockdown
Hilton Family Support during the Coronavirus Lockdown Most of us are familiar with Simeon Ewing’s pre-coronavirus work at Hilton Family Support: running a Toddler Group and Parent Support Group, managing the Mentoring project which gives support to vulnerable children...
Sunday on-line service: 3rd May
Please note that this Sunday there will not be a Livestream on Facebook. That will return next Sunday with Duncan. On-line Service Instead, there will be a pre-recorded service on YouTube: Phil will be sharing a message, and Chris and Elaine Watt will be leading...
More photos from the Craft group
Here are this week's lovely pictures from Shona's Craft/Repair Group:
Choose a poem for Monday’s Rhymes Recollected
A call out for poems! Hi folks! Time for another Rhymes Recollected on Monday, 4th May, when the theme is (rather ironically at present!) Travel/Journeys - which of course includes inner journeys, and spiritual journeys. Please choose a poem or two on this theme - or...
Professor Jason Leitch: man of faith
Professor Jason Leitch: man of faith On 23rd March, the day the current lockdown was announced, Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director recorded a short video message for the Church of Scotland, advising churches on how they should...
Today’s Livestream, 20th April 2020
Here's the most recent livestream - from Sunday 20th April. (Use this link if the Facebook box below doesn't open in your browser)
Krish Kandia’s ‘God is stranger’ – the book recommended by Duncan
Duncan mentioned Krish Kandia’s book God is Stranger in this morning’s service. You can find details here. Krish Kandiah’s website is here, and he Tweets here.
Church Quiz Night: Wednesday 29th April at 7pm on Zoom
Announcing a Hilton Church Quiz on Zoom at 7pm on Wednesday 29th April hosted by Eilidh MachPherson Family friendly! All ages welcome! Teams welcome - as long as you are already self isolating together! You need a pen and paper and have Zoom downloaded. Please...
Spring’s challenge: thoughts from David Budge
David wrote this while reflecting in his garden: Sitting in the garden uplifted by the sound of birds’ song. The trees are green and speak of summer, of life renewed: this is nature in all its glory. The sun shines through leaves and there is a peace, a calmness, a...
Still more from the craft group……
More photos from the craft group featuring different expressions of creativity!
4th week in Lockdown: a poem by Margaret Johnston
Here's a new poem by Margaret Johnston, which she wrote for yesterday's Rhymes Recollected: I'm glad the lock-down's not affecting me,my life's going on as my life has beenI'm dusting the floors and hoovering the walland answering the door every telephone call.I'm so...
Phil’s weekly creative challenge…..
Last week we introduced the idea of a weekly challenge to get creative with the Scripture passage for Sunday. We would like challenge you again this week to have a good at being creative and using your gifts to express the passage. You could think about what it means...
Rhymes Recollected Online – 20th April Spring and Gardens
If the video above does not play, you can view it here. Here are the poems we read yesterday! (We also read a poem by Margaret Johnston and a spring reflection from Grace Naulls which have been separately published on this blog) Spring has sprung (Chosen by Carol...
The Promise is not Vain
This morning in the Livestream Peter sang 'Oh love that will not let me go' One or two of the comments referred to these words from the hymn: 'The promise is not vain.' I remembered an earlier occasion when we sang that hymn at Hilton, back in 2013. Here's what I...
Giving to Hilton Church
Over the last 4 weeks we have been unable to worship within the Church building on a Sunday. One of the implications of that change is that we have lost 40% of our monthly giving, which normally comes through the Offering Plate. It’s clear that as a congregation we...
The Gunns get creative……
Phil writes: Earlier this week sent out a challenge for us all to get creative with the Gospel reading for Sunday morning which was John 20:19-31. Above is the Gunn families effort of being creative with it. Please feel free to have a go yourself and share your...
Books of the Bible Quiz
Phil shares this, from the Bridge of Allan Church Facebook page: How many names of books of the Bible can you find hidden in this text? Please comment as many as you can, and make a note of them as we will be posting the solution in the comments in a few days time....
Livestream tomorrow at 10am
WORSHIP @ HILTON PARISH CHURCH We invite you to join us for a time of worship on Sunday morning at 10am through the FaceTime link on Hilton Parish Church’s facebook page. The text for Sunday morning is John 20 v19-31.
Life and Work May issue – free to download
Message from the Church of Scotland's Life and Work team: During this challenging period, Life and Work is committed to helping keep our Christian community connected and so we have made the May 2020 issue available on our website. This can be accessed by clicking...
Pray for the Yemen: humanitarian crisis
Phil writes: Please pray for Yemen. The first case of coronavirus has sadly been reported there. The country is also facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis – 24 million people are struggling to survive as the country is on the brink of famine. Many do not have...
More creativity
Shona and the members of her Craft Group have been keeping busy! Here are some of the photos they've shared over the last few days! John says: 'And here was me thinking tie-dying was a way of giving a new lease of life to your neck-wear!'
Grace Naulls shares spring gratitude…..
Grace Naulls shares this lovely, lovely piece of her writing for me to read at Monday's Rhymes Recollected on-line. Just wanted to give you a wee preview here: Standing inside, looking out-my soul stirs at the signs of new life- Since autumn the garden has appeared...
Great story in the Courier about Hilton Family Support
There's a great story in the Courier about Hilton Family Support! Charity founded to support young families in Hilton area of Inverness is extending its work to the wider community in the wake of coronavirus Hilton Family Support is working to provide as much support...
They shall be called children of God
In response to Easter and what’s happening around the world, Julie and Jeremy Keen have put together the following video, using the Beatitude series of paintings by Hyatt Moore. Enjoy.
Holy Week Family Challenge: Easter Sunday
Thank you to all who sent in a picture of their interpretation of the Gospel account for the Holy Week Lego Challenge. Here are some pictures we received showing the good news of Easter Day. Early in the morning they went to the tomb! Why are you crying? Mary!
A call for poems for next Monday’s Rhymes Recollected online!
RHYMES RECOLLECTED John writes: We were to have met next Monday, 20th April, but of course we are unable to because of the lockdown. The theme for next Mnday is 'Spring and/or Gardens. John is planning to read some poems live on the Hilton Church Facebook page at 2pm...
Thomas
In his earlier post, Phil asked us to think creatively about next Sunday's Bble passage, John 20:19-31 and t:o make something using our particular talents to extress our thoughts. Here's a very penetrating poem published online yesterday by Kaitlin Shetler. It's...
Be inspired by next Sunday’s Bible passage!
Phil writes: As we continue through this time of lockdown, we want to encourage you all all to get creative with a weekly challenge. You could do this as a whole family or own your own. The idea is that we read the Scripture passage for the upcoming Sunday or...
Seeing Jesus through our tears: an Easter Sunday reflection from John
Listening to the service this morning. Triumphal songs of the resurrection of Jesus. Messages scrolling up the screen- ‘He is risen!’; ‘Hallelujah!’; ‘He is risen indeed.’ I thought of some of the folk who might be listening whose faith was wavering, who were not able...
An Easter Reflection from the Moderator
Happy Easter Sunday! He is Risen!
Two images shared by Margaret Johnston and Phil Gunn
The Four Candles
Shona shares this video, saying 'I hope the Love and Hope of Eastertime helps you through this difficult time.'
Make an Easter Garden with Philip and Ros
Philip also shares this video showing Ros making an Easter Garden:
Easter Butterflies with Philip Noble
Philip Noble writes: Easter symbols in the early church often included butterflies for obvious reasons - life in a new dimension breaking out of the cocoon. I'm suggesting that folk might make butterflies and put them in the window. Any kind, drawn and coloured it,...
Holy Week Readings: Easter Saturday
Here are the Holy Week Bible Readings for today: Job 14:1-14 Or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 Psalm 31:1-4,15-16 1 Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 Or John 19:38-42
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 5
Here are some pictures from today's Family Challenge, based on John 18:1-19:42 Phil has also posted a video as a comment on his post on the Hilton Church Facebook page.
A Good Friday reflection from the Moderator, Colin Sinclair
Message from Lorna at Highland Foodbank
We have received the following letter from Lorna Dempster at Highland Foodbank....... Dear Churches supporting Highland Foodbank We are living in very uncertain times just now, and for some members and friends of your church it must be difficult not being able to...
Points for prayer at Easter from Tearfund
Phil writes: As we approach Easter, let us remember we have a God who is bigger, stronger and more powerful than the situation we find ourselves in right now. Let us continue to turn to him in prayer. These prayer points from Tearfund may help get you started. PRAYER...
Easter Sunday On-line Service
EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP @ HILTON PARISH CHURCH We invite you to join us for a time of worship on Sunday morning at 10am through the FaceTime link on Hilton Parish Church’s facebook page. The text for Sunday morning is John 20 v1-18. The songs for Sunday are: Come people...
Maundy Thursday on-line prayer service
Rory writes We have just had a really lovely time of prayer and reflection for Maunday Thursday led by Phil Gunn together with David & Jo Whillis. It was so lovely to see so many familiar faces over the Zoom link. This was followed by our Clap for the NHS. We...
Holy Week Readings Good Friday
Here are the Holy Week Bible readings for Good Friday: Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16-25 Or Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42
Gethsemane by Mary Oliver
“Gethsemane” by Mary Oliver (Ros Noble shares this poem, which her daughter Dorcas brought to her attention) The grass never sleeps. Or the...
Celebrating Easter on-line with the Church of Scotland
Here are just some of the ways you can stay connected over the Easter weekend: Online Many local churches will be streaming their Easter Sunday worship services online, and a televised service will also be shown on BBC One Scotland on Easter Sunday. The Moderator of...
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 4
Phil writes 'Another fantastic effort for us today revealing the theme of the Gospel passage John 13:1-17 & 31b-35' There's also a short video with sound which Phil has added to his post on the Hilton Church Facebook page.
Still crafting……..
The folk in Shona's Craft and Repair Cafe have been continuing to be wonderfully creative this week in various ways. I think this creativity is a lovely statement of hope, joy and defiance in the face of uncertainty and fear. Keep making beautiful things - creativity...
Holy Week Readings: Thursday
Today’s Holy Week Readings: Exodus 12: 1-4, 11-14 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 3
Day 3 of the Lego challenge was to look at John 13:21-32 and our youngsters have been extremely creative with this passage.
Holy Week Bible Readings: Wednesday
Here are the Holy Week Bible Readings for today Isaiah 40:4-9a Psalm 70 Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32
A meditation for Holy Week
Duncan shares this prayer, received from Faith Nurture. We offer a reflection on this time, which can be shared and used, and pray for God’s peace to be with you – a peace that passes all understanding. Things Are Different Now ...
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 2
On day two of the challenge, the children of Sunday Club were asked to re-imagine the scene described in John 12:20-36 - quite a difficult one, as the focus is on Jesus words rather than on any actions.
Holy Week on-line: suggestions from Duncan
Dear Friends, This is a Holy Week experience like no other we have experienced in our life. I hope you are finding whatever resources you are drawing on helpful and encouraging. I have been using the lectionary bible readings which I posted on Sunday, together with...
Maundy Thursday on-line prayer service (this Thursday at 7.30pm)
On Maundy Thursday (9th April) , there will be a moment of reflection and time to pause, as we journey through Holy Week towards Easter. Please join Phil as he leads this time via Zoom at 7:30pm. Follow the link below, and key in the meeting ID and password when these...
Holy Week Family Challenge: the first photos!
The Sunday Club children were invited to recreate the scene in today's Gospel reading from John 1-11. It's the story of Jesus having a meal at his friends' house in Bethany. A woman called Mary washed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume..... Remember that in the...
Ten prayers for our NHS
Phil shares these '10 Prayers for our NHS.'
Family Holy Week Challenge
From Phil and Carolyn at the Sunday Club: Family Holy Week Challenge Dear friends, As we continue in this time of lockdown and isolation, we thought it might be good to encourage one another and so we have come up with a family challenge that we hope you will do all...
Holy Week Readings for Monday with a reflection from John
Holy Week Bible Readings: Monday Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 36:5-11 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11 The lovely thing about the Bible is that as we read it reflectively, open to God, we will find things in it which inspire, nourish and challenge us. We will each find different...
John O’Donohue ‘On Beauty.
Here's the interview with John O'Donohue 'On beauty' which Duncan mentioned this morning.
Online Rhymes Recollected
Hi everyone, Had Rhymes Recollected been able to meet, we would have been sharing ‘My favourites’ this week. Whether or not you normally come to Rhymes Recollected why not send me a favourite poem – or perhaps a poem which you are finding particularly encouraging just...
Holy Week Lectionary Readings
Announcing SUTV – with a familiar face!
With SU Holidays being cancelled this year there is something else on offer... ?2 DAYS to go until SUTV is on our screens!!? And there's a familiar face appearing on SUTV some days! Pop-up YouTube shows featuring God’s words and crazy fun for youth everywhere. Made in...
Message from Philip and Matthew Todd
Philip and Matthew Todd are well-know to us at Hilton Church. Both have been involved in Out of the Box’s Acting, Music and Puppetry events at the church, including the making of excellent videos showcasing the work of each AMP event. Matthew works as part of the Out...
Seven Words…..
In this morning’s video service, Martin Fair asked ‘What is the work we are called to and that the Spirit of God will equip and enable us for?’ Some people had been requested to summarise in just seven words. Here are the phrases we saw in the video. They are all...
When God breathes for us
A prayer from Shetland and a wee thought from John: I loved the encouraging service this morning, hosted by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, celebrating God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, and the challenge to respond to the Spirit’s call in these unprecedented...
This morning’s Church-wide service, hosted by Moderator Martin Fair
Our Mother Tongue is Love: a sonnet for Pentecost by Malcolm Guite
Today we feel the wind beneath our wings, Today the hidden fountain flows and plays, Today the church draws breath at last and sings, As every flame becomes a tongue of praise. This is the feast of Fire, Air, and Water Poured out and breathed and kindled into...
More news from Joe and Hannah at Anchor Food Support
Another Friday, another three course menu offering out to over 70 recipients. A well air conditoned kitchen isn't the worst place to spend such a hot, sunny day 😎. We've now had the project up and running for a month and couldn't have done it without the generosity...
Hilton takes part in Thy Kingdom Come
Here's Hilton Church's contribution to Thy Kingdom Come, which went live this morning - it's a family prayer event led by Phil. Don't miss it!
It’s Rhymes Recollected on Monday!
Hi everyone, It's Rhymes Recollected on Monday 1st June: Audrey and John will be reading poems chosen by you in a Livestream on the Church Facebook page! We still have some poems to read which there wasn't time for last time. Monday's theme is SUMMER - so if you have...
Thy Kingdom Come app
This week is international prayer event Thy Kingdom Come is taking place. 14 Inverness Churches are taking part locally in this event - full details are here. The Thy Kingdom Come App is available from Apple's App Store and from Google Play.
Hilton to host Thy Kingdom Come Prayer event online
This Saturday (30th May), Hilton church is hosting a Thy Kingdom Come prayer event. This will be suitable for all the family to join in with. This event is part of Thy Kingdom Come - Inverness It starts at 10:30 – follow this link https://youtu.be/jNdTmYj5aRs To make...
Protection and pear-shaped days: John reflects on this morning’s wee talk from Duncan
Wee thought from John on Duncan's sermon this morning: This morning’s Duncan was speaking about Jesus’ prayer in John 17, and he began with some context. The night before he died This prayer took place at the end of the evening Jesus spent with his disciples the night...
Church Family Quiz on Zoom: Wednesday 27th May at 7.30pm
Announcing another exciting Hilton Church Quiz on Zoom at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th May hosted by Eilidh MachPherson Family friendly! All ages welcome! Teams welcome – as long as you are already self isolating together! You need a pen and paper and have Zoom...
Livestream Service: 24th May
Here's a link to this morning's Livestream Services (in case the link below doesn't work in your browser.) Beloa there's a link to another version of one of the songs Pete sang this morning - All my ways are known to You. Also below are links to the two books on...
Giving to Hilton Church: an update from Jane
If you would like to give towards the work of Hilton Parish Church, here are a few ways in which you can do it. (1) The most beneficial way of giving would be through a monthly standing order which would enable the congregation to have a regular and predictable...
Book Group News from Shona
It was nice to have a Zoom meet lon Thursday night. Ten of us were able to join in which was great. We discussed the two books from last month. Three of us had read North Child by Edith Pattou and we all enjoyed it. It is a children’s story based on a Norwegian fable....
More lovely work from the Craft Group
More lovely work from the Craft Group. I particularly love Alison's cute 'Dinocorns' Tilly is the grey one!
Do you need practical help?
Need some practical help? If you need some practical help, Hilton Church continues to offer help and support as required. Please phone 01463 233310 It’s great to see that so many community groups have formed both locally and nationally to offer support. At Hilton...
Sunday Livestream service: 24th May
Live stream worship @ Hilton Church We are gathering at 10am on Sunday morning for a live stream service led by The Macs. The Facebook live link will be open from around 9.50am. This is the 7th Sunday of Easter and our text will be John 17 v 1-11. The painting is by...
Baby Shawls for Syria
A photo of some baby shawls/blankets made with love for Syrian refugees. The member of the congregation who made them modestly wishes to remain anonymous.
Rhymes Recollected online – Monday 18th May
Here's a link to the fourth 'Rhymes Recollected on-line' which took place on the 18th led by Audrey and John. And below you can revisit the poems we read! Jabberwocky By Lewis Carroll ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All...
Livestream service, 17th May
The Livestream of this morning's service is here if it doesn't open from the link below. The image above is of the book Duncan recommended during the service.
Ian Whyte’s ‘Portraits for NHS heroes’
At the service this morning, Duncan mentioned that Ian Whyte is one of 500 artists across the country taking part in 'Portraits for NHS heroes' (#portraitsfornhsheroes) painting portraits of NHS staff as a means of encouraging them, and saying 'Thank you.' Here are...
Anchor Food Support Project at the Light House – news from Hannah and Joe
Hello all. Sorry for the lack of updates. We finally got the food project up and running with the help of lots of volunteers and over the last two Fridays have supplied a three course menu for over 100 recipients. Many, many thanks to everyone who has helped out in...
Tomorrow’s Livestream Service – 17th May at 10am
TOWARDS SUNDAY 17th May WORSHIP @ HILTON PARISH CHURCH On Sunday 17th May we'll be live on-line at the church Facebook page at 10am. The text for the service is John 14 v15-21. The portraits above were painted by Ian Whyte as part of the #portraitsforNHSheroes and we...
Heart and Soul: something to watch on Sunday afternoon!
A special celebration of the life of the Church of Scotland in all its richness and fullness will be streamed online this Sunday, 17 May from 2pm until just after 4pm. The digital version of Heart and Soul promises to be a “beacon of light and hope” during the dark...
Phil Gunn’s story
Here's a piece about Phil's story which was published on the blog last August. Yesterday we heard about Phil's successful conclusion of his preparation for the ministry. Congratulations Phil, and our love to you all. “What made you want to become a minister?’ Phil...
Congratulations, Phil!
Great news from Phil Gunn (posted yesterday on his Facebook page and copied with his permission.) Congratulations, virtual hugs, and our prayers for the future! So today, sees me taking the next steps of a long journey. Back in 2014, I began to explore my sense of...
Lots of lovely photos this week from the Craft and Repair Group
Lots of lovely photos this week from the Craft and Repair Group
Thy Kingdom Come – May 21st-31st: a call to prayer and witness
THY KINGDOM COME This year, Thy Kingdom Come will be different, but we’re all invited to get involved! See below a list of Inverness Churches which are participating. And visit the Thy Kingdom Come Inverness Facebook page Thy Kingdom Come is an interdenominational...
Prayer at the time of COVID-19: Iain Macritchie talks to John Dempster
When I was interviewing Dr Iain Macritchie about his role at the NHS Louisa Jordan field hospital, I also asked him his views on prayer, and how we should be praying at such a time as this. Was it legitimate to pray for God’s protection, or should we rather see God...
Chaplaincy at the time of COVID-19: an interview with Dr Iain Macritchie
(See here for an interview with Iain about his role prior to deployment, as Programme Director for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care with NHS SCotland.) Iain Macritchie’s role in the time of COVID 19 at NHS Louisa Jordan When I heard that our friend Dr Iain Macritchie had...
Dr Iain Macritchie: Programme Director for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care
(I am re-publishing this article which appeared on the old church website in January 2019. It will accompany a new article reporting on a conversation with Iain about his current, deployed, role at NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow) Our friend Dr Iain Macritchie, formerly...
Help us choose some Odes, Oddities and Nonsense
It's Rhymes Recollected on-line again next Monday (18th) on the Hilton Church Facebook page at 2pm. The theme is 'Odes, Oddities and Nonsense.' Please let us know the favourite poems you'd like to hear read. Please contact John or Audrey, or email...
Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places
Here's the book by Eugene Peterson which Duncan recommended this morning. The title comes from Gerard Manley Hopkins' wonderful poem As Kingfishers Catch Fire As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame; As tumbled over rim in roundy wells Stones ring;...
Church Family Quiz on Zoom: Wednesday 13th May at 7.30pm
Announcing another exciting Hilton Church Quiz on Zoom at 7.30pm on Wednesday13th May hosted by Eilidh MachPherson Family friendly! All ages welcome! Teams welcome – as long as you are already self isolating together! You need a pen and paper and have Zoom...
This morning’s livestream service (May 10th 2020)
Click on the link below to view this morning's service. If the link fails on your browser, try here.
My favourite from this week’s craft group photos
Alison's bunny, made up 'using bits and pieces.'
Christian Aid needs your help more than ever
The annual Christian Aid week runs from 10th-16th May. You can find out here about all the work Christian Aid undertakes in 37 countries. The local Christian Aid Committee normally runs lots of fund-raising events, such as coffee mornings and door-to-door collections...
Rhymes Recollected – 4th May 2020 – with Audrey Whyte
We had a great on-line Rhymes Recollected session this afternoon, when the poems you chose were read by Audrey Whyte. To listen, follow the link above or, it it desn't work in your browser, click here. Here are all the poems Audrey read, including some new work from...
Hilton Family Support during the Lockdown
Hilton Family Support during the Coronavirus Lockdown Most of us are familiar with Simeon Ewing’s pre-coronavirus work at Hilton Family Support: running a Toddler Group and Parent Support Group, managing the Mentoring project which gives support to vulnerable children...
Sunday on-line service: 3rd May
Please note that this Sunday there will not be a Livestream on Facebook. That will return next Sunday with Duncan. On-line Service Instead, there will be a pre-recorded service on YouTube: Phil will be sharing a message, and Chris and Elaine Watt will be leading...
More photos from the Craft group
Here are this week's lovely pictures from Shona's Craft/Repair Group:
Choose a poem for Monday’s Rhymes Recollected
A call out for poems! Hi folks! Time for another Rhymes Recollected on Monday, 4th May, when the theme is (rather ironically at present!) Travel/Journeys - which of course includes inner journeys, and spiritual journeys. Please choose a poem or two on this theme - or...
Professor Jason Leitch: man of faith
Professor Jason Leitch: man of faith On 23rd March, the day the current lockdown was announced, Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director recorded a short video message for the Church of Scotland, advising churches on how they should...
Today’s Livestream, 20th April 2020
Here's the most recent livestream - from Sunday 20th April. (Use this link if the Facebook box below doesn't open in your browser)
Krish Kandia’s ‘God is stranger’ – the book recommended by Duncan
Duncan mentioned Krish Kandia’s book God is Stranger in this morning’s service. You can find details here. Krish Kandiah’s website is here, and he Tweets here.
Church Quiz Night: Wednesday 29th April at 7pm on Zoom
Announcing a Hilton Church Quiz on Zoom at 7pm on Wednesday 29th April hosted by Eilidh MachPherson Family friendly! All ages welcome! Teams welcome - as long as you are already self isolating together! You need a pen and paper and have Zoom downloaded. Please...
Spring’s challenge: thoughts from David Budge
David wrote this while reflecting in his garden: Sitting in the garden uplifted by the sound of birds’ song. The trees are green and speak of summer, of life renewed: this is nature in all its glory. The sun shines through leaves and there is a peace, a calmness, a...
Still more from the craft group……
More photos from the craft group featuring different expressions of creativity!
4th week in Lockdown: a poem by Margaret Johnston
Here's a new poem by Margaret Johnston, which she wrote for yesterday's Rhymes Recollected: I'm glad the lock-down's not affecting me,my life's going on as my life has beenI'm dusting the floors and hoovering the walland answering the door every telephone call.I'm so...
Phil’s weekly creative challenge…..
Last week we introduced the idea of a weekly challenge to get creative with the Scripture passage for Sunday. We would like challenge you again this week to have a good at being creative and using your gifts to express the passage. You could think about what it means...
Rhymes Recollected Online – 20th April Spring and Gardens
If the video above does not play, you can view it here. Here are the poems we read yesterday! (We also read a poem by Margaret Johnston and a spring reflection from Grace Naulls which have been separately published on this blog) Spring has sprung (Chosen by Carol...
The Promise is not Vain
This morning in the Livestream Peter sang 'Oh love that will not let me go' One or two of the comments referred to these words from the hymn: 'The promise is not vain.' I remembered an earlier occasion when we sang that hymn at Hilton, back in 2013. Here's what I...
Giving to Hilton Church
Over the last 4 weeks we have been unable to worship within the Church building on a Sunday. One of the implications of that change is that we have lost 40% of our monthly giving, which normally comes through the Offering Plate. It’s clear that as a congregation we...
The Gunns get creative……
Phil writes: Earlier this week sent out a challenge for us all to get creative with the Gospel reading for Sunday morning which was John 20:19-31. Above is the Gunn families effort of being creative with it. Please feel free to have a go yourself and share your...
Books of the Bible Quiz
Phil shares this, from the Bridge of Allan Church Facebook page: How many names of books of the Bible can you find hidden in this text? Please comment as many as you can, and make a note of them as we will be posting the solution in the comments in a few days time....
Livestream tomorrow at 10am
WORSHIP @ HILTON PARISH CHURCH We invite you to join us for a time of worship on Sunday morning at 10am through the FaceTime link on Hilton Parish Church’s facebook page. The text for Sunday morning is John 20 v19-31.
Life and Work May issue – free to download
Message from the Church of Scotland's Life and Work team: During this challenging period, Life and Work is committed to helping keep our Christian community connected and so we have made the May 2020 issue available on our website. This can be accessed by clicking...
Pray for the Yemen: humanitarian crisis
Phil writes: Please pray for Yemen. The first case of coronavirus has sadly been reported there. The country is also facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis – 24 million people are struggling to survive as the country is on the brink of famine. Many do not have...
More creativity
Shona and the members of her Craft Group have been keeping busy! Here are some of the photos they've shared over the last few days! John says: 'And here was me thinking tie-dying was a way of giving a new lease of life to your neck-wear!'
Grace Naulls shares spring gratitude…..
Grace Naulls shares this lovely, lovely piece of her writing for me to read at Monday's Rhymes Recollected on-line. Just wanted to give you a wee preview here: Standing inside, looking out-my soul stirs at the signs of new life- Since autumn the garden has appeared...
Great story in the Courier about Hilton Family Support
There's a great story in the Courier about Hilton Family Support! Charity founded to support young families in Hilton area of Inverness is extending its work to the wider community in the wake of coronavirus Hilton Family Support is working to provide as much support...
They shall be called children of God
In response to Easter and what’s happening around the world, Julie and Jeremy Keen have put together the following video, using the Beatitude series of paintings by Hyatt Moore. Enjoy.
Holy Week Family Challenge: Easter Sunday
Thank you to all who sent in a picture of their interpretation of the Gospel account for the Holy Week Lego Challenge. Here are some pictures we received showing the good news of Easter Day. Early in the morning they went to the tomb! Why are you crying? Mary!
A call for poems for next Monday’s Rhymes Recollected online!
RHYMES RECOLLECTED John writes: We were to have met next Monday, 20th April, but of course we are unable to because of the lockdown. The theme for next Mnday is 'Spring and/or Gardens. John is planning to read some poems live on the Hilton Church Facebook page at 2pm...
Thomas
In his earlier post, Phil asked us to think creatively about next Sunday's Bble passage, John 20:19-31 and t:o make something using our particular talents to extress our thoughts. Here's a very penetrating poem published online yesterday by Kaitlin Shetler. It's...
Be inspired by next Sunday’s Bible passage!
Phil writes: As we continue through this time of lockdown, we want to encourage you all all to get creative with a weekly challenge. You could do this as a whole family or own your own. The idea is that we read the Scripture passage for the upcoming Sunday or...
Seeing Jesus through our tears: an Easter Sunday reflection from John
Listening to the service this morning. Triumphal songs of the resurrection of Jesus. Messages scrolling up the screen- ‘He is risen!’; ‘Hallelujah!’; ‘He is risen indeed.’ I thought of some of the folk who might be listening whose faith was wavering, who were not able...
An Easter Reflection from the Moderator
Happy Easter Sunday! He is Risen!
Two images shared by Margaret Johnston and Phil Gunn
The Four Candles
Shona shares this video, saying 'I hope the Love and Hope of Eastertime helps you through this difficult time.'
Make an Easter Garden with Philip and Ros
Philip also shares this video showing Ros making an Easter Garden:
Easter Butterflies with Philip Noble
Philip Noble writes: Easter symbols in the early church often included butterflies for obvious reasons - life in a new dimension breaking out of the cocoon. I'm suggesting that folk might make butterflies and put them in the window. Any kind, drawn and coloured it,...
Holy Week Readings: Easter Saturday
Here are the Holy Week Bible Readings for today: Job 14:1-14 Or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 Psalm 31:1-4,15-16 1 Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 Or John 19:38-42
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 5
Here are some pictures from today's Family Challenge, based on John 18:1-19:42 Phil has also posted a video as a comment on his post on the Hilton Church Facebook page.
A Good Friday reflection from the Moderator, Colin Sinclair
Message from Lorna at Highland Foodbank
We have received the following letter from Lorna Dempster at Highland Foodbank....... Dear Churches supporting Highland Foodbank We are living in very uncertain times just now, and for some members and friends of your church it must be difficult not being able to...
Points for prayer at Easter from Tearfund
Phil writes: As we approach Easter, let us remember we have a God who is bigger, stronger and more powerful than the situation we find ourselves in right now. Let us continue to turn to him in prayer. These prayer points from Tearfund may help get you started. PRAYER...
Easter Sunday On-line Service
EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP @ HILTON PARISH CHURCH We invite you to join us for a time of worship on Sunday morning at 10am through the FaceTime link on Hilton Parish Church’s facebook page. The text for Sunday morning is John 20 v1-18. The songs for Sunday are: Come people...
Maundy Thursday on-line prayer service
Rory writes We have just had a really lovely time of prayer and reflection for Maunday Thursday led by Phil Gunn together with David & Jo Whillis. It was so lovely to see so many familiar faces over the Zoom link. This was followed by our Clap for the NHS. We...
Holy Week Readings Good Friday
Here are the Holy Week Bible readings for Good Friday: Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16-25 Or Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42
Gethsemane by Mary Oliver
“Gethsemane” by Mary Oliver (Ros Noble shares this poem, which her daughter Dorcas brought to her attention) The grass never sleeps. Or the...
Celebrating Easter on-line with the Church of Scotland
Here are just some of the ways you can stay connected over the Easter weekend: Online Many local churches will be streaming their Easter Sunday worship services online, and a televised service will also be shown on BBC One Scotland on Easter Sunday. The Moderator of...
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 4
Phil writes 'Another fantastic effort for us today revealing the theme of the Gospel passage John 13:1-17 & 31b-35' There's also a short video with sound which Phil has added to his post on the Hilton Church Facebook page.
Still crafting……..
The folk in Shona's Craft and Repair Cafe have been continuing to be wonderfully creative this week in various ways. I think this creativity is a lovely statement of hope, joy and defiance in the face of uncertainty and fear. Keep making beautiful things - creativity...
Holy Week Readings: Thursday
Today’s Holy Week Readings: Exodus 12: 1-4, 11-14 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 3
Day 3 of the Lego challenge was to look at John 13:21-32 and our youngsters have been extremely creative with this passage.
Holy Week Bible Readings: Wednesday
Here are the Holy Week Bible Readings for today Isaiah 40:4-9a Psalm 70 Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32
A meditation for Holy Week
Duncan shares this prayer, received from Faith Nurture. We offer a reflection on this time, which can be shared and used, and pray for God’s peace to be with you – a peace that passes all understanding. Things Are Different Now ...
Holy Week Family Challenge: Day 2
On day two of the challenge, the children of Sunday Club were asked to re-imagine the scene described in John 12:20-36 - quite a difficult one, as the focus is on Jesus words rather than on any actions.
Holy Week on-line: suggestions from Duncan
Dear Friends, This is a Holy Week experience like no other we have experienced in our life. I hope you are finding whatever resources you are drawing on helpful and encouraging. I have been using the lectionary bible readings which I posted on Sunday, together with...
Maundy Thursday on-line prayer service (this Thursday at 7.30pm)
On Maundy Thursday (9th April) , there will be a moment of reflection and time to pause, as we journey through Holy Week towards Easter. Please join Phil as he leads this time via Zoom at 7:30pm. Follow the link below, and key in the meeting ID and password when these...
Holy Week Family Challenge: the first photos!
The Sunday Club children were invited to recreate the scene in today's Gospel reading from John 1-11. It's the story of Jesus having a meal at his friends' house in Bethany. A woman called Mary washed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume..... Remember that in the...
Ten prayers for our NHS
Phil shares these '10 Prayers for our NHS.'
Family Holy Week Challenge
From Phil and Carolyn at the Sunday Club: Family Holy Week Challenge Dear friends, As we continue in this time of lockdown and isolation, we thought it might be good to encourage one another and so we have come up with a family challenge that we hope you will do all...
Holy Week Readings for Monday with a reflection from John
Holy Week Bible Readings: Monday Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 36:5-11 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11 The lovely thing about the Bible is that as we read it reflectively, open to God, we will find things in it which inspire, nourish and challenge us. We will each find different...
John O’Donohue ‘On Beauty.
Here's the interview with John O'Donohue 'On beauty' which Duncan mentioned this morning.
Online Rhymes Recollected
Hi everyone, Had Rhymes Recollected been able to meet, we would have been sharing ‘My favourites’ this week. Whether or not you normally come to Rhymes Recollected why not send me a favourite poem – or perhaps a poem which you are finding particularly encouraging just...
Holy Week Lectionary Readings
Announcing SUTV – with a familiar face!
With SU Holidays being cancelled this year there is something else on offer... ?2 DAYS to go until SUTV is on our screens!!? And there's a familiar face appearing on SUTV some days! Pop-up YouTube shows featuring God’s words and crazy fun for youth everywhere. Made in...
Message from Philip and Matthew Todd
Philip and Matthew Todd are well-know to us at Hilton Church. Both have been involved in Out of the Box’s Acting, Music and Puppetry events at the church, including the making of excellent videos showcasing the work of each AMP event. Matthew works as part of the Out...
More work from the craft group
More lovely pictures from the Craft Group One piece of work finished (above), another just begun (below), and some lovely cards.
‘Love one another’ – an extract from Phil’s sermon this morning
As we reflect on moving back into the building, Phil asked us to consider the months of lockdown, and ask ourselves four questions as we reflect on Jesus encouragement in Matthew 18:15-20 to love one another and listen to one another. What have you missed most about...
Phil Gunn called to Roskeen Parish Church
You’ll remember that Phil Gunn preached as sole nominee at Roskeen Parish Church last Sunday. We’re delighted to announce that the result of the ballot is through, and Phil has been appointed as Roskeen’s new minister! Here’s Rosleen Parish Church’s announcement:...
On-line service, Sunday 6th September
You can listen to Sunday morning’s service on the Church Facebook page here (or follow link below) With thanks to Getty Music for permission to use Holy Spirit living breath of God. All rights reserved. Used by permission. All music covered by: CCLI 173761 and...
More from the Craft Group
The members of Shona's craft group have been busy recently. Here are some examples of their work!
Rhymes Recollected – Monday 7th September
It’s Rhymes Recollected on Monday (7th September) – on the Church Facebook page, live at 2pm. The event will be led as usual by Audrey and John, and the theme is ‘The lighter side of life.’ Please let us know the poems on this theme which you'd like us to read!
All the latest news from Hilton Family Support
Follow this link to read about the outstanding work being done by Hilton Family Support during the lockdown. It begins: When we last wrote, our normal groups and activities had been put on “pause” due to Coronavirus. Amazingly that was 5 months ago, and full...
Returning to the building – your views sought!
The Kirk Session decided at its most recent meeting to continue Sunday services on line and to review the issue of returning to the building on Tuesday 15th September. In seeking to make the best decisions possible, the Kirk session would like to gauge your views, as...
Phil preaches as ‘sole nominee’ at Roskeen Parish Church
This morning Phil preached at an-online service as 'sole nominee' at Roskeen Parish Church in Alness. You can watch the service here or follow link below.
Men’s Group news
Currently the Men’s Group is meeting fortnightly on Zoom for a catch-up and a closing prayer. The next meeting is on Friday 11th September at 8pm. We’d love to see you there – if you’d like to join us, please contact Graham Neville, and he will send you the link....