The magazine of Leith Churches Forum
2014 Vol. 49/14
March
From the Chair Rev Rob Mckenzie It hardly seems any time after Christmas and New Year are over before Lent and Easter come calling. This year, there’s more time than usual with Easter Sunday falling as late as 20 April, but there’s plenty of reflection to pack into January and February. We’ve celebrated Jesus’ birth on the notional date of 25 December. When Lent arrives this year on 5 March, we’re already turning our eyes towards his death. We’re taking a life of 33 years, of which we only know the final 3 years in any detail, and cramming it into a few months. Time plays tricks on us. We worship a God for whom one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day, according to the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, also quoted at 2 Peter 3:8. We can’t explain the relationship between God and time, only that it’s different to our limited perspective. It’s true that, for us, time can seem to speed up or slow down depending on how we’re feeling. It’s also true that the years can seem to go past slowly when we’re living them but, when we look back, we don’t feel as though we have been around for very long at all. God, on the other hand, appears to peruse the entire history of the universe the way we might take in Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat on a clear day. God has perspective on the whole thing. We’re left only with a fighting mix of wisdom and illusion. We are asked to make the most of our time on earth and that’s not easy. We all have limited energy. We all know the feeling of a day going past and asking ourselves whether we actually achieved anything in it. Time gone can’t be reclaimed or clawed back. But perhaps that’s why God sent Jesus to this world for a short time. Just 33 years! By our standards, Jesus was a young man in the prime of life when he met his terrible death. And his ministry was only a small part of that life. He prepared himself for it, of course. By the age of 12, he was amazing the teachers in the synagogue. In three years, he made an indelible mark on human history and his early followers show us how a small amount of time can be used to spread a message of hope that continues to offer hope thousands of years later. Our lives may be small, our time may be short, our perspective may be limited, but God has shown us that similarly small lives can have great impact. It’s been good to see the congregations in Leith Churches Forum thinking and working together, just as the early Christians corresponded and worked together. Who knows what impact our efforts might have in the years to come? We don’t, and can’t, but God can and does. …............ See our sponsor Garry's advert on the back page and support him if you can. 2
Mark Foster Thank you to all those from LCF who were present to welcome me at my Service of Induction to Pilrig St. Paul’s on 24 October 2013. I look forward to working cooperatively with the other partner churches in LCF as we build upon new initiatives such as the Food Bank and seek out new opportunities for ministry and outreach in the communities we serve together. My experiences as a Director of Fresh Start, the Edinburgh Churches Homelessness Charity, over the past 14 years has shown me the positive results of what local congregations can achieve, when they work together in search of wider goals and bigger dreams than their own self interests. At Pilrig St. Paul’s we are continuing to build on the work of our Pastoral Care Team (Helping Hands) and the Open Doorway/Pilrig Parlour initiatives as we seek new ways to care for and serve those within our local community and beyond. We hope that working together with our partner churches in Leith will help to encourage and enable more people to become involved in the work of the Church. In the sixth chapter of Luke’s gospel, and in particular verses 27 – 38, Jesus reminds us that our calling as his followers is a call to respect others and to share our wealth, time, and talents in serving others – just as Jesus himself did. May we do so joyfully, faithfully, and in the knowledge that the Risen Christ is walking with us every step of the way.
…........... I said 'God it hurts' And God said 'I Know' I said 'God I cry a lot' And God said 'That's why I gave you tears' I said 'God I get so depressed' And God said 'That why I gave you sunshine' I said 'God I feel Alone' And God said 'That's why I gave you loved ones' I said 'God my loved one is dead' And God said 'I watched mine nailed to the cross' I said God 'Where are they? ' And God said 'Mine is on my right and yours is in the light.' I said 'God it hurts' And God said 'I know'. Amy Louise Kerswell 3
Pastoral Care in Pilrig St Paul’s The Pastoral Care Team are pleased with their progress in 2013 having achieved all the key aims we set out for the year. We have worked well together with everyone playing their part in putting our new processes into place. We have had positive feedback from the congregation as well, which is very encouraging. The following sets out what we now have in place. • Helping Hands launched as the overarching brand for Pastoral Care activity. This is to encourage all to feel comfortable to become involved at any level they are able rather than it being a closed group. • Helping Hands pew cards in place, used also in the Open Doorway and at the Foodbank. Posting box located in the Open Doorway for people to place completed cards. • Weekly reference to the Helping Hands pew cards in the Order of Service to remind people to make use of the card. • Helping Hands box with supplies of gospels, daily strength booklets to be given out where appropriate at Sunday worship, the Open Doorway or the Foodbank. • Car pool for transport to Sunday worship is in place. • Regular article in the monthly Parish Magazine, letting members know what is being done and encouraging them to support and provide information about members who may need pastoral care. • Cards are sent to members on behalf of the congregation to mark important occasions such as birthdays and also in support people in times of need. • We link in with the Prayer Corner to mention those in need of support through prayer, which is detailed in the Parish Magazine. • We keep a record of all pastoral activity and ensure that we are aware of any member needing our support or help. We are very much looking forward to progressing Pastoral Care in Pilrig St Paul’s throughout 2014. Our planning is at an early stage as I write this article, however we are likely to be progressing the following initiatives during the year. • Contacting members who currently do not have an Elder allocated to them by sending a card to let them know how to contact us if they are in need of help or support. • Pro-actively contacting members who are living in Care Homes to offer transport to Sunday worship or other events in the Church. • Introducing bereavement support for members and relatives of those from our Parish requiring this type of support. • Provision of training and development of pastoral visiting for our team 4
and the wider community of visitors from our Church– those delivering the flowers, magazines and of course our elders. • We will also be continuing our research to understand what pastoral activity is in place in other churches that could be introduced to our church. • We see our role very clearly as supporting the work of the Church in our Parish and look forward with strength to a busy and successful year. I look forward to updating you in future issues of this magazine. Pastoral Care Team Mark Foster - Minister Catriona Blackwood – Elder and magazine editor Christine Edington Ella Gilfillan Linda Gill – Pastoral Care Team Leader Cathy Purdie Fiona Rankin – Elder Jeanette Sime – Elder and Roll Keeper Jennifer Stark - Leader Leith Churches Outreach Project Someone’s Watching Someone sees and someone cares, Someone listens, someone shares Someone knows the pain you feel And sends His love to soothe and heal. Someone sees the path you tread Someone smooths the way ahead Someone always understands And holds you gently in His hands. No matter what you say or do Someone’s watching over you. Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team Leader 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk …...........
A minister who had a rather loud voice was preaching in another church one Sunday. After the service one person said to another, “What did you think of that oratory?” The reply was “Man, that was not an oratory – that was roaratory!” 5
Hello, my name is church I'm sure that you've heard a lot about me. I have no shortage of critics. Perhaps you've heard that I am boring, shallow, cheap, a waste of time. That I am full of hypocrites, clowns, greedy people, the self-righteous. Maybe you have visited me before and discovered horrible music, passionless singing, dry preaching, rude people. Maybe you needed me and found that I was distant, demanding, dull, preoccupied. Maybe you needed me and I was too busy, too “righteous”, too broke, too blind. Maybe you joined me and found I was distant, demanding, dull, preoccupied. Maybe you tried to serve in me but were caught off guard by business meetings, committees, teams, bureaucracy. Maybe you left and were surprised that nobody cared, noticed, invited you back. Perhaps your experience has driven you to speak negatively of me, swear never to come back to me, proclaim that no one needs me and believe you're better off without me. If this is true, I have something to say to you – I'm sorry, I was wrong, I blew it, I made a huge mistake. But remember, I never said my name was perfect, flawless, complete and arrived. My name is church. I welcome the hypocrite, dry, self-righteous, shallow. I welcome the sincere, passionate, forgiving, selfless. I cannot shut my doors to the people who make you angry, uncomfortable, impatient, self -conscious. But I would remind you that we couldn't always worship in the same room. In the Old Testament there was a division between the gentile, Jew, man, woman. In order for us to all worship in the same room Christ was shamed, beaten, killed, resurrected. So why not come back to church and let all of these messed up people challenge you, sharpen you, strengthen you, humble you. I can't promise you that the people will be great. This is church. It's not Heaven, Paradise, Beulah Land, The Celestial City. Come back. God wants you here, the body needs you here. The world needs your witness here. You belong here. Hello my name is church. I miss you, I love you, I'm sorry, can't wait to see you. (The Huffington Post) 6
Easter Services: Easter Day – 20th April. At the time of writing, ministers and Kirk Sessions are still deciding on what they want to do over Easter, but we will keep you informed as best as we can over the next while. Check our web sites for fuller information nearer the time. Leith St. Andrew's www.leithstandrews.org North Leith www.btconnect.com/NLPC Pilrig |St. Paul's We will publish details of our Holy Week and Easter services on our website and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pilrigstpauls http://pilrigstpauls.org.uk South Leith www.slpc.co.uk
Easter Morning As morning comes something is different. The women hurry to their leader's grave anxious to care for the body placed out of bounds till now by Sabbath law. But as they approach something is different, and at the grave there is shock: unimaginable, physical, convulsive. The grave is empty. Empty of all but light. And that light as complete as the darkness which had reigned till now. Yesterday's insane contradiction was the dead body of the Lord of Life. Today's miraculous sanity rises in their mind at the summons of the risen body of the risen Lord. (from God Thoughts by Dick Wiliams)
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Some services & events in the Forum congregations that you are invited to attend. Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving - will take place on 11th May at 2:30 pm in Pilrig St. Paul's Parish Church. This service is especially for those who have recently dealt with the death of a loved one. It will be followed by refreshments. Leith St. Andrew's Messy Church meets from 5-7pm on the last Thursday of each month. A fun, noisy, messy time for families. Oasis of Peace at Leith St Andrew's: Our quiet reflective prayer services Wednesday at 10.15am. A time of peace, worshipping, sharing and praying followed by a cuppa and chat. We meet in the Church. All are welcome. Young at heart. An activities group for 60's and overs. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tues of the month from 2pm- 3.30pm in the Easter Road hall. All welcome - we look forward to seeing you. St Andy's Teeny Tots currently meets every alternate Wednesday afternoon in the Easter Road Hall at Leith St Andrew's from 2pm – 3.30pm for fun for babies and toddlers and their parents/carers. Cost is £1 per session which includes tea/coffee for parents and a healthy snack for the children. We now have a waiting list so if you want to join the list or to check dates please email us at standysteenytots@gmail.com South Leith Worship at One at South Leith church every Thursday at 1pm – prayers for the community and the world. Lenten Group – ‘Finding your Voice’ Using the Bible and innovative materials from Hilary Brand, and sections from the movie The King’s Speech, we will explore ways of strengthening our own faith, hope and love to meet the challenges of today. This will take place over five Monday evenings during Lent in Leith St Andrew’s Church, beginning on Monday 10th March at 7.30pm. Anyone from any church is welcome, but please let Rob Mackenzie know on 553 2122, so he can order you the materials (there is a cost of around £5 for those). You don’t need to have seen the movie before as we will organise a private screening for members of the group.
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Pilrig St. Paul's Open Doorway Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 1pm. Serving tea / coffee and biscuits. All welcome to pop in. Funeral teas at South Leith We would like to extend our services to all of the people within the Leith Community and beyond. South Leith Parish Church Halls can be booked for funeral teas. The halls can accommodate from small numbers to around 120 people. Whether it is scones and a cup of tea or a full meal, we can cater for your individual needs and requirements. If you would like to discuss this, please contact the halls on 0131 554 2578.
South Leith Halls Open from 9.30am - 2.30pm Monday – Friday. Hot meals served until 2pm Carry out facilities available. Lunch Club available for any senior citizen from 11.30 Monday - Friday.
On meeting a minister who she had only previously heard on the radio an elderly lady said, “I'm glad to meet you. It's funny, but from the voice on the radio you imagine what the speaker is like. But now that I see you, you're not at all what I imagined. On the radio you have such a young voice.”
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Edinburgh Passion 2014 Princes Street Gardens West at 2.00pm on Saturday 19 April This is the Easter story set in a modern context. A referendum will take place soon, and Jesus upsets the desire to maintain the political status quo with his radical teaching and lifestyle. His corrupt enemies believe they must get rid of him as quickly as possible – by any means they can. Stand by for a few surprises! Free and non-ticketed performance The performance will last about 90 minutes. There will be no seating, apart from available provision for elderly or disabled. It starts at Ross Bandstand. Also please note, the performance is a modern production, and due to the subject matter, will contain moderate scenes of violence. Please take note that all of the play is performed outdoors and is not under cover. We suggest that you wrap up warm and bring waterproofs just in case it rains. The Edinburgh Passion has been specially written for 2014 by Rob Drummond, a leading Scottish playwright. For more information and ways you can support this event see www.easterplay.org. …........... Doubtful comments? Woman to her minister, “If I had known that you were going to be good today, I would have brought a friend.” “You always find something to fill up the time.” 10
Heart and Soul 2014 — Princes Street Gardens West A celebration for the whole Church on Sunday 18th May :2.00-6pm.
About Heart and Soul 2014 Heart and Soul 2014 takes as its theme, “Hands Across The World” which aims to celebrate the life of the church through the lens of its international heritage, relationships and partners. The 2014 event comprises three distinct areas: a varied event and performance programme, a rich seam of congregations showcasing their life, work and witness, and lastly a lively avenue of exhibitors with information and resources focussed on helping congregations in their local and international situations. There’s a special focus on activities for children and young people and a team from the popular “Spill the Beans” resource material for Sunday School and Junior Churches will be on hand to provide their own Scottish brand of exciting interaction with children. A dedicated marquee for young people will provide a great range of things to do, or just ‘a place to be’. A highlight of the event in recent years has been the massed closing worship service with over 2,000 folks joining together in the early evening sun to worship and praise God in the open air, in the centre of the capital. The Wild Goose Resource Group will feature their unique music-making during the massed worship and the moderator designate will close the service with some reflections on the international theme.
(for more information see www.heartandsoul2014.org.uk)
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Leith Churches Together Jennifer Stark I’m sure that word will have gone back to congregations from others about the wonderful service we enjoyed together on Sunday 19 January, at the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The service was ably coordinated and led by Rev. Alex McAspurren and hosted by North Leith Parish Church in their hall. The theme was ‘Christ Divided’? We had the pleasure of music – Taize chants, psalm and more - from Anthony Kramers, Caitlin and Siobhan from St Mary’s Star of the Sea, and many good conversations over tea and coffee afterwards. One thing that struck several of us was how much we have been drawn together over the past years in our musical repertoire – much or all of the music was familiar to everyone whatever their background. Ocean Terminal. Our Leith Churches Together Christmas Carols @ Ocean Terminal were most enjoyable, enhanced this year by the music of the Leith St Andrews saxophone quartet (which turned out to be a sextet on the day…..!) and also by violin and guitar accompaniment from Marguerite and Anthony Kramers. This year, we donated the collection to the Edinburgh North-East Food Bank, and although the sum raised is not generally large £88 on this occasion – it is a prime spot for publicity. Many leaflets were given out and the banners would have been seen by hundreds of people doing their Christmas shopping as they wandered down the mall or stopped to listen. ‘Quiet Space’ @ Ocean Terminal. This year I was able to take advantage of the newly-available Community Space at Ocean Terminal to open the room as a ‘quiet space’ in the afternoons before Christmas. Many thanks to June Allen of South Leith, who helped me set up the room, with Christmas lights, crib and candles, and a ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ along one side of the room for children (and adults) to add their figures, stars and buildings. A particular gift of the Spirit was that some of the too-bright lights weren’t working, giving a much more restful and relaxed atmosphere! We didn’t have a large number of visitors, but those who came in clearly enjoyed it and appreciated the restful atmosphere. Thanks to Rev. Steve Butler of St James’ Episcopal Church who offered some suggestions, and to Tim, Sam, Aileen, and Jenny who came to help. As always, the Christmas Prayer Tree, now a regular feature of the space below the ‘Gap’ sign, was well used. Lent 2014: We are discussing the possibility of offering one or more joint Lent groups again this year. Watch out for details in the church service sheets or via your noticeboards. 12
Hairy Haggis Relay Marathon Linda Mckee, North Leith Be careful around enthusiastic people with "good ideas". Otherwise you never know what you'll be saying yes to. Last May a member of North Leith, after taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon 10K, came up with the idea that it would be good for North Leith to enter a team for the Hairy Haggis Relay Marathon in May 2014. A few interested parties were drawn into this idea and after some discussion it was decided to run in aid of the Food Bank. But as with all good ideas they start to grow arms and legs and we thought it would be a fabulous idea if we had teams entering this race representing the Leith Churches Forum. What a good way to encourage community spirit and to raise funds for a good cause at the same time. Information was subsequently sent out to the various churches in the hope that our vision of a united Church community would materialise. Unfortunately, to date we still only have the one team from North Leith entering: namely Linda Mckee, Stewart Lowe, Ewan Bruce and Angela Drummond - however there is still time to enter a team. Please go to http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com and sign up. If you wish to enter a team The Relay is taking place on Sunday 25th May, 2014. Please contact Linda Mckee on linda.mckee1@btinternet.com for the sponsor form and details of your team. Sadly, one of our team members, Peter Marshall passed away last July and we thought it would be fitting to run the race in his memory under the team name of Peter’s Friends. Should you wish your team to be part of this please type the Team name in the appropriate box when applying for the race. If running is not for you but you still wish to support us then this can be done through prayer, sponsorship and being an encouraging friend. …........... Greed! A young man once asked God how long a million years was to god. God replied, “A million years to me is like a second to you.” The young man asked god what a million pounds was to Him. God replied, “a million pounds to me is like a penny to you.” The young man got up his courage and asked, “God could I have one of your pennies?” God replied. “certainly – just wait a second.”
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PORT CHAPLAIN’S REPORT Tim Bell You may have noticed that Leith has been full over much of December and January with off-shore vessels that are tied up for several weeks. It’s a strange situation for the men on board - the usual work rhythms are disrupted, but of course they have no more money to spend and a lot more opportunity to spend it! There must be upwards of two hundred men in Leith docks, all working twelve hour shifts, and not inclined to go out into town in this cold weather. On the off-shore vessels they are generally on much better terms and conditions than on the cargo ships, but still they can get bored and lonely. One of the vessels arranged with me to take some of the men to the Wallace Monument on a Sunday afternoon, and of course they loved it. There is a re-enactment of Wallace’s trial in London in 1305 - they followed it closely, and by the end there was no doubt which way they would be voting in September’s referendum if they had the chance! On all the ships they expressed great appreciation for the Christmas parcels I distributed in December. On a cargo ship that was only in for a day or so, just before Christmas, the Russian captain said that this is a very nice tradition we have in UK ports. It’s a privilege to pass this on to the good people of Leith and beyond who worked to make up the parcels and get the cards signed. Of course, life goes on: one young Philippine lad was (understandably) a bit slow to report that he suddenly couldn’t see through his right eye. The company could have sent him home straight away, but they were good to him. He was taken to the Eye Pavilion, where of course he had a proper diagnosis (it was a complicated and unusual problem), and eventually he was prescribed some glasses. This would be paid for by the ship’s insurance. So he was grateful for all that. But it leaves him a very worried young man. If he can’t work at sea, what will his wife and family and elderly mother do? That’s a serious and urgent question for him. It remains to be seen how his condition will develop. We can’t expect the company to have men who are anything less than fully fit and strong. We had a very useful meeting at the end of January, organised by Leith Churches Together, in which we recruited several more volunteer visitors for the cruise ships in Leith, so we should be well covered this season. There were also present a good number of interested people from the north side of the Firth of Forth, so it looks as though ships calling at Rosyth, Kirkcaldy and Burntisland will be having a friendly visitor. …........... Lot's wife The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, 'My Mum looked back once while she was driving,' he announced triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!' 14
The Real Easter Egg Out of the 80 million chocolate Easter eggs sold each year in the UK, The Real Easter Egg is the first and only Fairtrade chocolate Easter egg to explain the Christian understanding of Easter. We also give a sizeable donation from profits and Fairtrade Premium fees, to our farmers allowing them to invest in their community buying everything from school books and solar panels to providing fresh water. The Real Easter Egg is now in its fourth year of production with more than 400,000 sold so far. For questions about delivery or placing orders please email irene@meaningfulchocolate.co.uk The Range Original Real Easter Egg 2014 design Inside is a 24 page Easter story book, a Belgian milk chocolate egg and pack of Swiss Chocolate organic Chunky Buttons. A charity donation is made from each sale. There are three crosses on the front and under the lid there is a quote from the Bible - the resurrection text from Mark chapter 6. £3.99 each delivered in boxes of 6. Special Edition Premium Real Easter Egg (280g) A special edition Real Easter Egg. Inside is an olive wood holding cross from Bethlehem, an Easter message an extra thick Belgian Chocolate gold foiled egg (180g) and Meaningful milk Chocolate bar with a hint of natural orange (100g). The box has gold foil highlights and Celtic crosses. £9.99 each delivered in single boxes. Sharing Box Real Easter Egg (400g) Inside are 20 Midi eggs and 20 copies of the Easter story 8 page booklet. Midi-egg foil reads 'The Real Easter Egg. Christ is Risen.' Ideal for church services, assemblies or events where you have a budget of £1 per person. £19.99 each delivered in single boxes. 15
Your Representatives
Feedback or articles and information for the June Focus should be given to your representative by 26th April for the editor. Alternatively e- mail to the editor at stuart@duffus.org.
Information about Leith Churches Forum can be found at our web site at www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk
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