June 2010

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends,                                                                                                                                        

We have not been successful, so far, in attracting a new minister to lead our congregation.

Our permission to call ended at the May Presbytery meeting as 18 months had elapsed since we were declared vacant, and therefore several options were put to your office bearers on April 19 as the way ahead :

(a) Presbytery could take over and choose a minister for us,

(b) we could look again at a possible union or linkage with another church, or

(c) continue our vacancy with a new committee elected.

We chose the third alternative. This was supported at Presbytery level and our new election took place after morning worship, led by our Interim Moderator Rev John Davidson on Sunday 23^rdMay.

The outgoing committee members were warmly thanked for all their work in preparing and revising our church profile, advertising in print and on the website, looking at our manse as an attraction to a new minister, and preparing a vision statement and interview questions for that candidate. A great deal of prayerful searching, letter writing and deliberation have gone into the ten meetings arranged during the last year and a half, and Rev John and I are both very grateful for that effort and commitment. I hope you are too, and I hope you join with me in congratulating the new Nomination Committee and encouraging them in their important task.

They are:

Alf Birse, Bill Duthie, Irene Duthie, Sheena Benvie, Alastair Gordon, Bob Kidd, Aileen McKenzie, Jacqui Millar, Douglas Nicol, Jim Nicoll, Margaret Scrimgeour, Ian Stewart, and James Stewart. Janet Milne has agreed to continue as clerk.

They will need all your prayers and support in their work.

Your friend and Session Clerk.

Bob Kidd 

 

Services are at 11 a.m. each Sunday morning unless otherwise indicated
Locum Minister:   Rev. Bob Duncan	Session Clerk:  Robert Kidd

 

SUMMER SERVICES DURING JULY AND AUGUST 2010

 

			At East & Old	At St Margarets
Sunday	4	July	11.00 a.m.	9.30 a.m.
Sunday	11	July	11.00 a.m.	9.30 a.m.
Sunday	18	July	11.00 a.m.	9.30 a.m.
Sunday	25	July	11.00 a.m.	9.30 a.m.
Sunday	1	August	9.30 a.m.	11.00 a.m.
Sunday	8	August	9.30 a.m.	11.00 a.m.
Sunday	15	August	9.30 a.m.	11.00 a.m.
Sunday	22	August	9.30 a.m.	11.00 a.m.
Sunday	29	August	Joint service at St Margarets at 11.00 p.m.

Spring saw another flurry of activity for the Friends.   If you attended morning Communion on April 25 you would be aware Jean Brymer presented a cheque for £4,000 on behalf of the Friends to church treasurer Mabel Martin.  This will be used for church projects.

That same day the Friends joined with the Guild to run a “Souper Sunday” in the hall.
There was a mouth-watering selection of soups on offer that were served up piping hot to those who popped down to the hall after the Communion service.   Thanks to everyone who helped and who took the time and effort to raise £400 for Angus Presbytery’s HIV/AIDS projects.

At the time of writing the Friends have £2,000 in an investment account and a further £2,436 in the bank account.

The sum of £353 was raised at the hugely popular Ladies Pamper evening held in the hall on Thursday, April 29.   Our thanks go to Pamela Duthie who organised and ran the event. She gave a very informative display of hairdressing products and techniques, whilst the ladies were treated to make-up tips from Babs Bertram and complementary therapy advice from Lesley Dakers.
The “champagne” corks were popping in the hall when refreshments were served.
Everyone who attended agreed this was a most enjoyable evening - and one which we hope to repeat.
 

We are also thinking up ways to “pamper” the gents of the congregation - with a suggestion for a Friends Indoor Bowling competition - watch this space!

Over the last 18 months we have worked hard to organise a series of events, which we hope you have managed to be part of - and there’s more in the pipeline.

Next up is the walk round Balgavies Loch on Saturday, August 7. Details for this are now on the church notice board and we would ask those wishing to take part to put their names forward as soon as possible.   The B.B. minibus is available for those needing transport, leaving the East Greens car park at 1.30 pm. Parking is limited at Balgavies so those with their own transport are asked to meet at Kookaburras car park from where we will run a shuttle bus from 2 pm.   Tables for high tea have been booked at Kookaburras for 4 pm. This is limited to 30 people. Those not able to take part in the two-mile walk round the loch are more than welcome to join us for the meal.   Please put your name and contact telephone number on the list on the church notice board, or contact Janet Thomson on 464049.

Looking ahead to the autumn there’s a Concert in the church hall on Thursday, October 14 at 7.30 pm. Music will be provided by the Ferryatrics, starring our very own Bruce Simpson! They have put together a new programme of musical items which range from songs from the musicals, including “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables, Edelweiss and “All I ask of You” to Scottish songs, a Lennon and McCartney medley and a Judy Garland selection, plus much, much more.

Tickets are £5 and will include refreshments.   This evening will also be the membership renewal night. Again it’s £10 per person for one year, or £150 for a life membership. If you are not already a member, then why not consider joining the Friends? All the money raised is used for improvements to the church.

Looking still further ahead, we are holding a Coffee Morning in the church hall on Saturday, November 13. This will include the usual stalls. Tickets will be £1.50 which will include tea/coffee and a pancake.

We’ve also been busy looking through Jim Nicol’s wonderful selection of photographs and have come up with five images which we are to reproduce as this year’s cards. They will be blank for your own personal messages. We hope to have these available by August.

Back by popular demand next January is a Burns Supper and already we have an impressive line up of speakers. This event was a roaring success last year and we have no doubt next year’s supper will be every bit as entertaining.

A family quiz will be held next March to round off our latest events.

If you are willing to help out at any of the above, or if there’s something you think would make a good social event for the church, then please get in touch.

The contacts are:  Sheena Benvie (462209), Elizabeth McLeod (818214), Jean Brymer (462075), Janet Thomson (464049) or Susan Forbes (465200).

HOUSEGROUPS

The House groups will be drawing to a close for the summer. There have been  many interesting discussions and great fellowship. There is a notice on the board and more information in the box at the table at the Session House door if you would like to join us at the start of our next session.

THE GUILD

The Coffee Morning in March realised £419, many thanks to all who helped to make this such a success.

The AGM on 17 March saw changes to the committee with Mrs Myra Baikie, Mrs Margaret Anderson and Mrs Betty Davidson retiring, and our thanks go to them for their contributions over the year.  Mrs Lorraine Grant, Mrs Isobel Archibald and Mrs Esther Kidd have agreed to join the committee.  The evening concluded with a quiz compiled by Mrs Baikie, which had our grey cells working.

This past session we have enjoyed a varied programme, and our thanks to all who made this possible. We now look forward to meeting with members old and new for the new session. The committee are busy at present, organising the programme for 2010/2011, which I’m sure, will have something to please everyone.
 
Remember our Summer Outing on the 17 June to Scone Palace followed by High Tea at the George Hotel in Perth.

PARTNER NEWS from Liz Nicoll

As you know, Norma Forbes was not well last year, after an unsuccessful operation for pain relief in January, she went to Goa for a relaxing holiday and help from the hot weather.   While there, she had her 70^thBirthday and she divided birthday donations between a hospice and an orphanage in Goa where she had helped before.   She came back at the end of March and our cold weather still causes her a lot of pain.   She returned to hospital on 24 May for another operation.   She got home the next day so we hope and pray that this is a sign of success.

The Samuel Chorus had two concerts in May in Montrose and Dundee.   I went to Dundee and thoroughly enjoyed the performance in the West church.   Lynda and Raj return to India in July for seven weeks, partly for holiday with family and friends.   Lynda is also helping with an Education Module for Christian teacher training which they hope will help to install Christian values which can be passed on to their pupils.  Lynda’s Mum has recently had some problems leading to lack of energy but is to have some treatment to help this. 

Please remember them all in your prayers.

2010 WORLD  MISSION STAMP APPEAL

The Girl’s Hostel at St Columba’s in Sialkot accommodates up to 400 girls while they study.   As well as accommodation, girls receive supervised study, Christian education and access to a computer lab.  The girls come from poor Christian communities in rural Punjab where there are limited opportunities for education.   Recently, food and utility costs have increased, putting additional strain on the hostel’s budget.

You can help our partner church in Pakistan to provide safe accommodation for girls while they study simply by collecting your used stamps which are sold on to raise money.  Send your stamps to: World Mission Stamp Appeal, PO Box 9191, Wishaw, Lanarkshire, ML2 0YB.

PRAYER/BIBLE STUDY

We met on Monday 31 May to study the material entitled “Outrageous Claims” from Luke 4: 14 - 5: 16. There is always good discussion and fellowship and a time for prayer for our church community and the world. We meet in the Choir Room at 7.30 and the dates are in the intimations in good time. Study notes are available at the Session House door for you to take home. Please come along.

May we encourage you to uplift a copy of the monthly Angus Prayer Diary, which will be on the table at the Session House door. Your prayers are needed and the diary gives an insight into the needs and hopes of the Angus churches.

Members of the group have also enjoyed attending the Creative Prayer Journey at venues throughout the area. We were at Hillside, Montrose on 14th April where the theme was Seeking Prayer Patiently and the evening opened and closed with lovely worship and the church was filled with displays on the theme, all designed to encourage and strengthen us on our faith journey. Carnoustie Panbride was the venue for Praying With Humility and there was a presentation on Rev. Matthew Bicket’s journey to Bangladesh and many displays for meditation.

These journeys have been very well attended and much appreciated. The Prayer and Praise evening is on Friday 18th June in Arbroath St Andrew’s. Do try and come along - you will not be disappointed.

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah’s Ark…..

ONE: Don’t miss the boat

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!

THREE: Plan ahead.  It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark

FOUR: Stay fit.  When you are 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something big.

FIVE: Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn’t always an advantage.  The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

NINE: When you’re stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was build by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals.

THE GOOD NEWS CREW

The children have been learning about the Holy trinity through music, games and drama. We have also started learning a new song about Peter, James and John, which we hope to enact on our parachute at the picnic with the Lowson Church at Crombie Park.

If you would like to join us at the picnic come along to the hall in Chapel Street on Saturday 26th June at 1.45 p.m. for 2 p.m. and bring a picnic box.   We will return at 5 p.m.

The next day we will have our end of term service, which will include a mini songs of praise. 

2^ndForfar boys brigade company

As summer approaches, the Company Staff and Boys are looking forward to their summer break.

Our Parents Evening and Presentation of Awards took place on Friday 28 May in the Church Hall.   Our inspecting Officer this year was David Fyfe.    David grew up here in Forfar and spent his B.B. days in our Company.   He gained his Queens Badge in 1969.

Main awards for the past year are:-

Anchor Section          Sports Trophies    1^styear            Cean-Michael Stewart

                                                                        2^ndYear           Jayden Meldrum

                                                                        3^rdYear            Thomas Coyle

Nairn trophy for best  3^rdYear Boy     Thomas Coyle

 

Junior Section                        Perfect Attendance           Haydn Dear

                                                                                                Gregor Hill

                                                                                                Ross Millar

                                    David Anderson Trophy for Achievement for 3^rd Year boy – Barry Cooper

 

Company Section    Scripture Knowledge                                                  Innes Black

                                    Colin Anderson Trophy for First Aid                          Innes Black

                                    Dick Dundas Trophy for Best Recruit                      Kieran Dear

    David Anderson Trophy for Leadership                  Sean Baird

   John Ritchie Trophy for Endeavour                          Jordon Lovegrove.

   Queens Badge                                                             Scott Duthie   

 

Well done to all the Boys!

For their final outing, the Anchor Boys will have a fun day at Noah’s Ark in Perth while the Junior Section will head for Glen Doll for a weekend for Boys and Dads at Scott Lodge.   Six Company Section Boys are joining up with Boys from 1^stMonifieth Company for a week camp at Carrbridge.

Wishing everyone a happy summer.

Margaret and Ian Robertson are giving up leadership of our Good News Crew this session. They have given devoted service for many years to hundreds of children in our congregation and we are hoping you will attend a presentation for them in church on Prize giving Sunday June 27th.

IN THE SEVENTH YEAR THE LAND SHALL HAVE SABBATH OF REST…

I suppose that following Leviticus (Chapter 25), in the seventh year I should let One Step Up lie fallow! On the other hand, I think it is interesting to look back to see what has happened over the years.

Away back in 2003, when the Christian stewardship campaign was held, there were over 800 people giving either through Gift Aid (252) or through FWO (590). Average weekly givings were 92p for WFO and £2.90 for Gift Aid. By last year the total numbers had changed considerably although givings remained, on average the same. FWO had dropped to some 283, giving just over £1 a week, while giving through Gift Aid remained fairly steady dropping to 236, giving on average some £3.60 per week, not counting the tax reclaim.

Apart from the clear drop in WFO numbers, the figures don’t show what may have happened in terms of how many people have transferred from WFO to Gift Aid or even transferred from Gift Aid to WFO.  What we do know is that for every £1 paid through Gift Aid, an extra 28p can be claimed back and last year that amounted to almost £13,000.

What is also certain is this is the last year in which there will be a concession of an additional 3p on Gift Aid from the Taxman. The concession, which ends in March next year, was introduced as a temporary measure when the basic rate of tax reduced from 22p to 20p in the £1. Gift Aid reclaims should have been adjusted to 25p per £1 of tax, compared with the previous level of 28p, but after protests by charities a temporary concession was granted.

Now with a wholesale rethinking on the national finances it is highly unlikely that the concession will continue. Whether the basic rate of tax at 20p continues - well that’s another matter, but we have another 42 years before we are in a year of Jubilee!

ACHIEVING YOUR DREAM 

Often your tasks will be many

And more than you think you can do

Often the road will be rugged

And the hills insurmountable too.

But always remember, the hills that you climb

Are never as steep as they seem

And with faith in your heart, start upwards and climb

And soon you will reach your dream

 

For nothing in life that is worthy

Is ever too hard to achieve

If you have the courage to try it

And you have the faith to believe.

For faith is a force that is greater

Than knowledge or power or skill

And many defeats turn to triumphs

If you trust in God’s wishes and will.

 

For faith is a mover of mountains

There is nothing that God cannot do

So start out today with faith in your heart

And climb till your dream comes true.