Today, the good folks of Killermont heard:-

"A joyous acclamation", by Lani Smith. Followed by "Gabriel's oboe" (from The Mission), by Ennio Morricone. And "I'll walk with God", from The Student Prince, by Nicholas Brodszky.

During the offering: Domine Deus, from Vivaldi's Gloria. After all, it can't be good for you to have a diet solely of film tunes!

After the service - well, I understand that certain boys in the Sunday School get quite excited when they see I'm using my "Film themes" book. (Maybe it's the picture of Batman on the front cover?)

They didn't recognise the Chariots of Fire theme, by Vangelis. But my son did.

(picture obtained from the University of Innsbruck Engineering Dept website!)

The theme was intentionally chosen, because Eric Liddell stood up for his faith despite other people's comments. And standing up for what we believe in seemed to be a predominant theme today.

Today being 31st October, many of us will have been asking ourselves what we think about guising and related matters. Doing a Google search on "Christian attitude to Halloween" is an interesting way of exploring the subject.

Tomorrow, Sunday 31st October, worshippers at Killermont Parish Church Bearsden will require - the CH3 Hymnbook, Junior Praise & Common Ground. (Bring a trolley - or alternatively, you can sing off The Big Screen. Then you won't need to bring any books at all!)

Advance notice - the Choir would warmly welcome new singers of either sex. Join us for Christmas at least! We have a great programme of music lined up - so, the more the merrier.
Yes, we know Christmas is a busy time. But, as the old saying goes, Jesus is the reason for the season. Put Him right at the heart of your celebrations as you come to sing about the glory of His advent.

Choir practice is on Thursday nights from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. If you can't make it bang on time, we won't hold it against you - and we make a great cup of tea at 8 pm. Do join us!

• Today you heard:
  
  Amazing Grace, in an organ arrangement by Lynn L. Peterson
  Petites Litanies de Jesus, by Gabriel Grovlez
  Voi che sapete, from Marriage of Figaro (Mozart)
  Procession, by Herbert Sumsion
  
  You also heard the Choir sing The Lord is my shepherd, in the arrangement by Goodall - the theme tune for The Vicar of Dibley. By special request for Roy Weston!
  
  Roy was talking about key moments in his life as a Christian. Such as :-
• The Scottish Schoolboys' Club

• The births of his daughters
  
• "Footsteps in the sand"
• Roy's dog lying quietly whilst Roy read the Bible

What would come to mind if you were recalling your own Significant Moments?

Today, you heard me play:-

Jesu, joy of man's desiring (J S Bach)
Fanfare for 2 organs (Soler)
Scherzo for a white rabbit (Nigel Ogden)
Toccata and fugue in D minor (J S Bach again)



Since Fergus MacDonald was our preacher today, you might be interested in visiting the website of the Scottish Bible Society

For Sunday 17th October, you will just need to bring your hymnbook.

Choir contributions:-

Introit - The Lord reigns (and this one will certainly wake you up!)
Anthem - Babylon's fall ; by Beaumont (back to the early 19th century)


(Image of Babylon's destruction from truthnet.org; image of millstone from bibleexplained.com)

Recessional - We are marching in the light of God

ADVANCE CALL - We need cellists on Sunday 7th November for the All-Age service. The more the merrier. Please help! (If we have any double bassists in the congregation - you'd be even MORE warmly welcomed.)

Music today at Killermont, Glasgow:-
Before the service : Air for Holsworthy Church Bells, by S. S. Wesley
(This picture of Holsworthy Church Tower comes from the BBC web-page, Discovering Devon.)

During the offering : Gymnopedie no.1, by Erik Satie
Outgoing voluntary : Trumpet tune, by Charpentier

I just thought I'd post this picture as a reminder of a brilliant children's address - which attracted 100% attention from everyone present. You are the salt of the world - and you must shed light on the world - that was the message. With the proviso that nothing works without batteries. So - read your Bible if you want to stay charged up!

(Due acknowledgement to AlarmRemotes.co.uk for the image!)

You only need to bring the Common Ground hymnbook to Killermont tomorrow (10th October) - the rest of the hymns will be printed in the order of service.

The Choir will be singing:-
Introit - I was glad
Anthem - Sing, O daughter of Sion (by the wonderfully-named Mr Button)
Recessional - I come to you for shelter, Lord.

You will smile as you recognise the tune of "Ye banks and braes" - a guid Scots tune. Actually, the "Ye banks and braes" tune originates from an English melody, only slightly modified. Oh, horror! What a discovery! And the fact has been known by the select few for the past 150 years.

BB Enrolment - what a crowd!
The boys were there, the band was there - wasn't it great to have a "full house" for morning worship?

Trying to have an "upbeat" kind of atmosphere, I tried to make my organ contributions triumphal in mood.

Before the service, you heard "Judex", by Gounod. That was followed by "Bourree" (Praetorius), and then a couple of trumpet pieces - Trumpet Tune (Purcell) and Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke).

Once the Choir, Saxophones and percussion had performed the Recessional - O when the Saints (thanks, everyone!) - I played the same thing as an organ voluntary. To calm things down after that, you heard "Jupiter", by Gustav Holst. I love that piece!

We're not finished for today - don't forget the Band is playing at tonight's evening worship. I heard them practising some interesting songs, after the service this morning.

We were all reminded today, of just how lucky we are, with our computers and mobile phones and computer games. And Alan mentioned child poverty, and some startling statistics from Tear Fund, just before the end of the service. So I thought you might like to find out some more about Tear Fund.

Advance call!! The morning of November 7th is another Killermont All Age Service. I need cellists! If I know about you, I'll contact you. If you play cello or double bass, and think I might not know, please get in touch. Email Karenmca@april87.fsnet.co.uk Many thanks!

By popular request - advance warning! Tomorrow you'll just need CH3 for the last 2 hymns. You won't need to bring any other hymn books. The first two items are choruses, words to be provided. (Not forgetting The Big Screen, too!)

The Choir will commence with "Clap your hands".
Anthem (during the offering) "Walk with me".
Recessional, "O when the Saints". Sit back, clap if you wish - and listen to the Choir and instrumentalists giving it laldy. (Non-Scots will have to email me for a translation. Alternatively, visit Eejit's Glasgow Patter website, which gives all sorts of definitions!)

We shall be welcoming boys from the Anchor Boys, Junior Boys' Brigade and Company Section to this service, so it will be lively, without doubt. Watch out for marches, banners, and clean, smart, smiling boys! (Just how every parent likes to see them.)