It's about time we were all knocked into shape - yes, we are off to the Barracks!
Ruthven is an infantry barracks erected in 1719 following the Jacobite rising of 1715, with two ranges of quarters and a stable block (added in 1734).
The barracks are located 1 mile from Kingussie. They are signposted from the A9 and the A86 in the centre of Kingussie. For those travelling by train, it is a 15 minute walk from the railway station past Kingussie High School.
In the Gospel today, Jesus tells us, 'You are the light of the world.'
Awake! Awake! Fling off the night, for God has sent a glorious light, and we who live in Christ's new day must works of darkness put away.
Awake and sing, with praises strong, in psalm and hymn and spirit-song. Let love our words and works renew with all that's good and right and true.
Let in the light; all sin expose to Christ, whose life no darkness knows. Before the cross expectant kneel, that Christ may judge, and judging, heal.
Then rise as children of the light. Be neither proud, nor hide from sight. Be careful how you live, and wise to sift the truth from cunning lies.
Through Christ give thanks to God, and say to other sleepers on the way: "Awake, and rise up from the dead that Christ may shine on you instead!"
J.R. Peacey (1896-1971)
Today is the 59th Anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and so we pray:
Almighty God, we pray you to bless our sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth, the parliaments in the Commonwealth, and all in authority; that they may order all things in wisdom, righteousness and peace to the honour of your name and the good of your Church and people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
This lovely photo of Her Majesty was taken in King's Lynn last Wednesday. She will be attending Divine Service this morning at Sandringham Parish Church.
It gives me great pleasure to sing the praises of this College. On a recent visit, I was given such a warm welcome. The staff treated me with kindness and generosity. It made me proud to be a Christian!
Mission Statement
Highland Theological College UHI exists to provide opportunities for men and women to study the Christian faith, on a full-time, part-time or open learning basis, from an evangelical and Reformed perspective, in the context of a worshipping community.
The College is committed to high academic standards of teaching and learning in its Access, undergraduate and postgraduate level courses. Through its staff and students, the College seeks to make a contribution to biblical and theological scholarship.
The College also seeks to serve the churches of the Highlands and Islands by responding to requests for training and education.
Above all, our intention is to glorify the one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit and who has chosen to make himself known to us.
Statement of Faith
The Basis of Faith of the Company [Highland Theological College Ltd.] and of the members is as follows:
Believing that there is but one only, the living and true God, and that there are three persons in the godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory and with solemn awareness of accountability to him in all that we feel, think, say and do, we engage in and subscribe to this declaration:
All Scripture is self-attesting and being truth requires the human mind wholeheartedly to subject itself in all its activities to the authority of Scripture complete as the Word of God standing written in the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible, all therein being verbally inspired by Almighty God and therefore without error;
Reformed Theology set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms is the system of doctrine taught in Scripture and, therefore, is to be learned, taught and proclaimed for the edification and government of Christian people, for the propagation of the faith and for the evangelization of the world by the power of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Members of the College (both staff and students) really do try and live out the gospel - they have much to teach me!
Firmly I believe and truly God is Three, and God is One; And I next acknowledge duly Manhood taken by the Son.
And I trust and hope most fully In that Manhood crucified; And each thought and deed unruly Do to death, as He has died.
Simply to His grace and wholly Light and life and strength belong, And I love supremely, solely, Him the holy, Him the strong.
Adoration aye be given, With and through the angelic host, To the God of earth and Heaven, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
UHI has full powers to award its own graduate and post-graduate degrees, and courses range from science to hospitality management. We are all very thrilled!
When I last taught the First Year BA students here on Monday morning it was a Higher Education College - today it is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. I am sure the students and staff are all thrilled about the new status - which takes effect immediately!
I know how much effort was put into the application for university status (some people endured much stress, particularly when the initial application was turned down); so the following hymn seems rather appropriate! The University has a very high proportion of practicing Christians on its staff and student body - in fact 100% at the Highland Theological College at Dingwall.
Rejoice today with one accord, sing out with exultation; rejoice and praise our mighty Lord, whose arm hath wrought salvation; his works of love proclaim the greatness of his Name; for he is God alone who hath his mercy shown; let all his saints adore him!
When in distress to him we cried, he heard our sad complaining; O trust in him, whate'er betide, his love is all-sustaining; triumphant songs of praise to him our hearts shall raise; now every voice shall say, "O praise our God alway;" let all his saints adore him!
Words: Henry Williams Baker, 1861 Music: Ein' feste Burg (Martin Luther)
The following video may have the wrong words - but it sure has the right tune. No grumbles about the weedy tuba this time!
I suggest that the first thing the new University should do is to appoint Diane Bish as University Organist. The second is to give me the title of Professor!
Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognised Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy.
Here we a lovely settting of the Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) by Stanford.
A pity they don't have a decent tuba on the organ, but otherwise - very good.
This classic Highland malt, Dalwhinnie ages slowly to develop a remarkable character. Fifteen years of gentle aging make it a smooth and subtle malt. Take your time to discover creamy vanilla, heather honey and just a hint of Highland smoke.
Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition 18 Years Old
This elegant whisky is exceptional smooth and full of flavour. Finished in rich Oloroso cask wood uncover traces of dried fruit, cinamon, cloves and a warming peat glow.
