The Guild WORSHIP JANUARY 2008 Conveners’ Group Ann Bowie opened the meeting with the following reflection, using props as indicated (given out in individual bags for each one present): “Recently a friend said to me 'I don't know how you survive those early morning train journeys to Edinburgh' This brought to mind a children's address about a Survival Kit for Everyday Life.” Survival Kit for Everyday Life 1.......Toothpick:- This is to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others and not be judgmental. 2.......Rubber Band:- A reminder to be flexible. Things might not always go the way we want them to, but we are reminded in Romans 8v28 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose' 3.......Sticking Plaster:- How often are we hurt by a word spoken in anger so this plaster is to help us remember that we should always try to heal hurt feelings, either our own or someone else’s. 4.......Pencil:- In Ephesians 1 v 3 we read 'Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ' So use this to list your blessings every day. 5.......Rubber:- We all make mistakes in life but we can be assured that God will forgive us and wipe them away. 6.......Chewing Gum:- This is a reminder to stick with it as it says in Philippians 4 v 13'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength' 7.......Mints:- To remind you of your worth to the Heavenly Father as told in John 3 v 16 -17 8.......Teabag:- A reminder which we all need, some more than others, to relax daily and go over that list of blessings which you wrote earlier. 9.......Cotton Wool:- We are all softies at heart,but like babies we all need some comforting everyday. 10......The Bible:- The survival kit for everyone, the best 66 books anyone could ever read. Prayer Let us pray:- Loving God, thank you for this day and all the opportunities it brings. Thank you for being with us throughout life, always there to guide our footsteps and lead us forward. Thank you for the assurance of your continuing guidance - the knowledge that whatever the future may bring, whatever challenges we face or trials we may endure you will be there to see us thro' giving us the strength and resources we need. Teach us to use each moment wisely and not to se time as a threat, but as your gift, and may we live life to the full as you desire. Be with us now in our discussions and help us remember that all we do is for you our loving heavenly Father. Amen Closing Prayer God of Grace, together we turn to you in prayer, for it is you who unites us. You are the one God Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in whom we believe, you alone empower us for good, you send us out across the earth in mission and service in the name of Christ. Be with us now as we share food and fellowship together. Amen Marketing and Publicity Committee Mary Notman, convener, opened the meeting with the following worship Reading Creation out of nothing – a reading based on Genesis 1:1 to 3 from The Electric Bible Prayer O God bless us throughout this year, giving us time for the task, peace for the pathway, wisdom for the work, friends for the journey and love to the last. And may the blessing of the Christ child of Bethlehem be with us now and forever more, Amen. Projects and Topics Committee Ann Smith, convener, cpened the meeting with the following worship: Reflection I was looking through various books for inspiration for today's devotions when I read the list of Bible Readings for last Sunday - the 2nd Sunday in Epiphany, and saw a reading from Samuel about God calling to him. Later that afternoon I caught part of "Songs of Praise" which was from Orkney and what did I hear but, "here I am Lord" being sung. I immediately saw a link between God's communication with Samuel and the words of this Hymn: "Here I am Lord Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night I will go, Lord If you lead me." Reading 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 Prayer Lord God, we are conscious that we have to listen for you just like Samuel did all those years ago. We ask you to open, not only our ears, but our hearts to you, making us ready to give ourselves in your service. How good you are: Bringing us together in love and friendship We look forward to what this new year will bring We all have our own hopes and dreams. Please take care of all who carry out your work through the Guild - Ann, our National Convener, Esme, our Vice Convener, Alison and Fiona, giving them the passion, strength and courage to do your will in all their dealings and in their reaching out to others. Be with those of us unable to be with us today. Grant them your peace. We ask you to be with us in all our discussions here today. In Jesus' name Amen. Closing Prayer From "Pray Now 2008" Listen for the rejoicing of heaven, each time a word of love is spoken. Listen for the encouragement of heaven, each time a throat is cleared. Listen for the blessing of heaven, each time the kingdom is made known. May you know love holds you, And may you hear love speak your name Amen