The quarterly magazine of Leith Churches Forum
June 2015 Vol. 55/15
Letter from the Chair Rev. Alex McAspurren Reclaiming the Good News As I write I have begun to think about the General Assembly and the contents of the Blue Book of reports. Actually I have now received three copies of the reports so one is read while I struggle to give the others away (why does nobody want one, I ask?). As ever the Assembly will debate over how best to make the Church of Scotland work in our ever changing nation, and also how best to serve the Kingdom of God in this self same place. As discussion moves to and fro there will be the inevitable cliques and factions appear; groups allied by politics or theology will try to get their way. The problem for me is that one of the oft mentioned groups has, along the way, high-jacked one of the most important and valuable of theological terms; that term is “evangelical”! “Evangelical” has come to be synonymous with a particular group of theological understandings, but that is not where the word belongs; it is the possession of all of the Church of Christ. It is a word that means “good news”, surely something we are all engaged in whether it is in our words or our actions, and irrespective of our theological position. When we love our neighbour through our drop-ins or social groups we are being evangelical; when we show mercy to our neighbour through feeding the hungry we are being evangelical; when we listen to our neighbour and their struggles we are being evangelical. In all these things, and so many more, we are sharing something of the love, grace, and mercy of God; surely that is Good News. If it is Good News then it is evangelical. So let us, as the whole church, reclaim what belongs to the whole church. Let us rest it from narrowness and exclusiveness. Let us restore it to its rightful and wholesome place – at the heart of the love of God mediated through His people. ------------
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Dream a little dream with me! Rev. Alex McAspurren All around us we hear of change, especially just now, as I write, as we run up to the General Election; we hear also of change in society, in world and local economy. We hear, too, of change in the church, our church. Change is, literally, all around us. Some have argued, though, that what is happening is not so much an ‘age of change’ but a ‘change of age’. However we look, and whatever we do, this will affect us in our faith communities, our congregations. One of the challenges of change is that it often brings out the Pte. Frazer, or Rev. I. M. Jolly in many folk, that is “we’re all doomed”, and every cloud has a black lining! But that’s not the way it necessarily is or has to be, and I believe that we, the folk of Leith can show that. Let me explain – I want you to dream a little dream with me. Imagine that Leith is not an old port and burgh, rather it is a new development, a new town if you like. As yet there is no obvious Christian presence – no meetings in the newly built schools or community rooms, and no places of worship. Now God has called you to plant a church in this place, called you to be a visible sign of His kingdom in this place. Picture it. What would you do? What would the community of faithful look like? Where would it gather? What would it say and do? What about resources – the people? Buildings? Staff? Picture this blank canvas on to which we could paint the church …..! Okay, so that was a dream. But what if …… Over the last six months or so, representatives from each of our four congregations have gathered to share some of our thoughts, fears and dreams for the Kirk in Leith. We’ve considered some of the threats and challenges; we’ve looked at how others have done it from within the Kirk and from one of our sister traditions. We’ve heard their stories and told our own. Yet we have also dreamed. The Kirk does need to change – we don’t live in quite the same world of 20, 40, 60 or 500+ years ago when the Kirks were established here, and so we need to change how we do things so that we can continue the great tradition of witness and service that has been laid down here. Some change may be simply administrative. Some may only affect how the ministry team work. Other possible changes may see how some of worship expands to different times and places alongside our usual ones. One certainty is that we will be doing much more together, both quietly and publicly. But what do we need to do? What must we do? 3
This is where you come in. We want to hear your dreams, and your fears. We want to hear your thoughts, your questions. That’s why we had a conference on 12th May, that we might share and learn, and perhaps begin to sketch what this new church in this new Leith may be. In the meantime, though, go and dream, go and imagine. Shut out, if you can, the Pte. Frazer and Rev IM Jolly voices. Keep to the forefront the wonder of Christ’s mercy and God’s kingdom. Join in the conversation. Come, and dream a little dream with me. -----------A Session Clerk's Tale Dawn Birkenshaw The 24th April 2011 was quite a significant day for me. I’ve checked online to see if anything memorable happened in the world that day but can’t find anything, and why it’s memorable for me wouldn’t really factor on a world setting. 24th April 2011 was Easter Sunday – a cause for great celebration – but that’s not what I’m thinking of. It was also the day that South Leith Parish Church said “Goodbye” to it's Minister of some time, Ian Gilmour – but that’s not what I’m thinking about either. The reason why 24 th April 2011 is memorable for me is that this was the day that I became Session Clerk for South Leith Parish Church! When I moved to Edinburgh in 1999 to start a new job I wasn’t even a member of the Church of Scotland, so the idea of becoming involved in this way never entered my head. After trying out a couple of churches in Leith I settled in at South Leith and after a few years was asked if I would consider becoming an Elder, and I said yes. Still the thought that I might be asked to consider becoming Session Clerk never crossed my mind, and then out of the blue I was asked that very question. After some considerable thought, prayer and chats with the current Session Clerk and the Minister I agreed to take up the post – should the Kirk Session approve. The rest, as they say, is history. On the 24th April 2011 I was beginning to wonder just what I’d taken on as I was not only having to learn exactly what being the Session Clerk was all about , I was having to do it from the very moment that the church went into a period of vacancy!
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Over that past 4 years I’ve learnt a great deal, I’ve had some rocky moments when I’ve wondered what on earth I was going to do, but more than anything I’ve really rather enjoyed being Session Clerk. I’ve not always got everything right, and I’ve certainly been outside my comfort zone on a number of occasions, but I’ve managed to get through with help from all sorts of people. In particular I’ve had support from a number of people who I hadn’t really known that well before becoming Session Clerk, and I would now consider them to be some of my closest friends. I’ve also had one or two interesting conversations with God – asking him why on earth I was doing this and how was I going to sort out a particular situation! I’ve never been let down by either God or my friends. I came to realise more than ever that you’re never alone in all of this and that there is always someone you can turn to for help and advice – and that it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. I had thought that I’d experienced being out of my cosy comfort zone when I moved to Edinburgh in 1999 not knowing the city or anyone in it. Over time I realised that it was the right move for me and the fact that I’m still here shows that I must quite like it! I thought also that I was stretching myself when I agreed to become an Elder and to a certain extent I did – learning to look after a district and get to know people I’d never met before, being a trustee of the church etc. Once again just as I settled into my new role, God had another learning curve lined up for me – why not take on the role of Session Clerk in a time of vacancy? What is the one overriding thing that I’ve learnt from my time as Session Clerk? Trust God and yourself and give something a go, even if you’re a little bit scared of doing it. I’m not saying that everyone should have a go at being Session Clerk, but I’m sure that we all have things that we wonder about getting involved with but that might mean wandering out of our comfort zone. After thinking about it and perhaps talking to trusted family and friends if you’re still wondering, I would say go for it, just like I did. I would like to end this piece by saying a big “Thank You” to everyone in South Leith who has helped make my time as Session Clerk a positive experience. Your support and advice has been invaluable and very much appreciated. I would ask just one thing of you all – give the same amount of support to our new Session Clerk, Alastair Chalmers, as you have done to me. There will be times when he will be extremely grateful for it as he comes to terms with occasionally being outside his comfort zone.
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Water of Leith Credit Union update Rev Iain May Chair, Water of Leith Credit Union There has been a great deal of work undertaken to open a credit union here in Leith. The Board of the Water of Leith Credit Union has brought together and joined with two smaller Edinburgh based credit unions, Castle Credit Union and North Edinburgh Credit Union, to form a new credit union that will trade under the name of ‘Castle Community Bank.’ We adopted this trading name as many folk in our communities have no idea what a credit union is or what it can offer. Whereas using the name ‘community bank’ helps express what we will be doing and where we are from and to whom we wish to serve. Our principle aims are to offer accessible, applicable and affordable products and services to all in our community. We plan to offer affordable savings and loan products that meet the needs of all. We aim to offer these products to all who live within the EH postcodes by having a physical presence in North West Edinburgh, Leith, Craigmillar and SE Edinburgh. We will also offer 24/7 access via the internet and mobile applications. In addition, we are planning to have a mobile unit that will visit many of the communities in our area and also attend community events i.e. Leith Festival, Mela, Gala Days, etc.
Our aim is to have the credit union up and running by the end of June 2015. We will keep all the Churches updated and once operational, we will welcome all in our communities to join and benefit from a wide range of financial products and services from a local based and funded credit union.
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Port Chaplain’s Report Tim Bell The port of Leith has been very quiet since the off-shore vessels left for their summer work. But there are always a few vessels in, every week. Here are three braw Russian lads who were pleased and interested to be in Leith. Mikhail, Sergei and Slava were all keen to improve their English, so it was a pleasure to sit down with them and go through some of their lessons. The thumbs-up is their way of saying thank you to the kind people who knitted the hats. And here is John, from Ghana. Several years ago I sailed for a week to Grimsby on his ship, and it was a privilege to see such an accomplished man at work. He has a reputation as one of the best engineers in his class of ship. I took a photograph of him on board, which later appeared on the back of the Sailors’ Society magazine. He was thrilled. I was able to send a good few copies to his sister in London, and then, as a lovely surprise, he came to Leith again, on a different ship. So we met up and his shipmates took this photo of both of us, with the original. As they said, he has to look after his public! He called from Greece recently to say his ship is due in Grangemouth, with a cargo of pipes, at the end of May. I don’t normally have dealings with RN vessels, so it was a nice surprise that the Commander, the Chaplain, and a Leading Hand from HMS Somerset came to the Forum Communion Service at South Leith in April. They had lots of conversations with various people – a nice occasion. This was a very few days after she had helped MCA arrest a vessel off Aberdeen which, it seems, was carrying a huge amount of illegal drugs. It was a timely reminder of the need to be vigilant and effective at sea; and a reminder of just how many reasons there are for going to sea. By the end of May we will have begun visiting the cruise ships in Leith. There are over thirty days with a ship in port; some of them are old friends and others are strangers. We are looking forward to giving them all a right Leith welcome! 7
Some services & events in the Forum congregations to which you are invited to attend. Joint LCF Leith Festival on 14th June in Pilrig St. Paul's at 11am. This year all the churches involved in Leith Churches Together have been invited to come along as well so it is truly a Leith Service for all in Leith. Leith St. Andrew's Messy Church meets from 5-7pm on the last Thursday of each month. A fun, noisy, messy time for families: 25th June and 27th August (none in July). Oasis of Peace at Leith St Andrew's: Our quiet reflective prayer services on Wednesday at 10.15am for about half an hour. A time of peace, worshipping, sharing and praying followed by a cuppa and chat. We meet in the Church. All are welcome. Check our website (www.leithstandrews.org) for dates over the summer. South Leith Worship at One at South Leith church every Thursday at 1pm – prayers for the community and the world. -----------Pilrig St. Paul's Open Doorway It is open 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.
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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.
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Altogether Charity Shop are holding their annual clearance sale in South Leith Parish Church Halls on Friday 10th July from 10.00 - 16.00 and also Saturday 11th July from 9.30 – 12.00. Please come along and support this worthwhile charity and who knows, you may pick up a bargain as well. -----------Leitheatre, who used to be Kirkgate Drama Group, are putting on a production of Whisky Galore during the Edinburgh Festival. The production will run 13 - 22 August with matinees being held on the 15 and 22 August. Further details to follow, but please put these dates in your diary. -----------Leith Churches Holiday Club 2015
Polar Explorers- Fun, games, crafts, creative prayer, stories and challenges Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th July 10am – 2pm South Leith Parish Church Halls For children in Primary 1- 7. Registration through YMCA Edinburgh - opening June 2015 contact Hayley Gillies hayley@ ymcaedinburgh.com 0131 553 7877 / 07799 747427 9
Food Bank Update Rev Iain May Since the NE Edinburgh foodbank opened in November 2013 we have served over 4,366 people with three days of food equating to 26,196 meals. This is an amazing yet disturbing statistic! We have also received over 44 tonnes of food all donated from the community. Local churches, organisations, commercial companies, football clubs and concerned individuals have all contributed to this huge amount of donations. Of this food we have in the last eighteen months given our over 33 tonnes. In a recent report a number of charities including Oxfam, and the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), discovered many of the reasons why people are turning to food banks Key findings from the research showed: Food banks were predominantly a last-resort, short-term measure, prompted by an ‘acute income crisis’ – something which had happened to completely stop or dramatically reduce their income. Income crisis could be caused by sudden loss of earnings, change in family circumstances or housing problems. However, for between half and two thirds of the users from whom additional data was collected, the immediate trigger for food bank use was linked to problems with benefits (including waiting for benefits to be paid, sanctions, problems with ESA) or missing tax credits Many food bank users were also not made aware of the various crisis payments available in different circumstances, and even fewer were receiving them. 19-28% of users for whom additional data was collected had recently had household benefits stopped or reduced because of a sanction and 28-34% were waiting for a benefit claim which had not been decided. Many food bank users faced multiple challenges, including ill-health, relationship breakdown, mental health problems or substantial caring responsibilities. Many were unable to work or had recently lost their job. The frequency of bereavement among food bank users was also a striking feature of this research The food bank in Leith works closely with the Trussell Trust. The Trussell Trust is a charity that helps local communities, like ourselves, open and operate a food bank. The Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, David McAuley said in response to the research and report: “This new evidence brings into sharp focus the uncomfortable reality of what happens when a ‘life shock’ or benefit problem hits those on low incomes: parents go hungry, stress and anxiety increase, and the issue can all too quickly escalate into crippling debt, housing problems and illness. The Trussell Trust has consistently said that too many people are falling through gaps in the social security system. The voices of food bank users heard in this report have informed the united call from four respected anti-poverty 10
bodies to implement simple fixes to the welfare system. We welcome the opportunity to engage positively with politicians of all parties in order to work together to enable solutions for the poorest in the UK.” Thank you to all in Leith who have helped serve those in need in our community. To our project and management team, the volunteers from each Church of Scotland who week by week manage their local food bank outlet and serve others, not just with food but with a listening and caring ear and to all those who have supported this initiative by giving food, money and their time. Blessings to you all Rev Iain May Minister, South Leith Parish Church Chair, NE Edinburgh Foodbank For further information go to www.edinburghne.foodbank.org.uk Or see us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghNorthEastFoodbank -----------
Leith Gala Day Saturday 13th June on Leith Links – Leith Churches forum will be running the Tea Tent, so please come and enjoy the tea / coffee and food . Also hoping to have a stall to promote LCF and what the churches are doing in & for the community. -----------A Highland farmer who had attended the General Assembly for the first time was asked on his return home for his impressions. After giving the matter some thought, he replied “Ministers are rather like dung. They are all right when spread thinly over the land, but get them in a heap and they are a bit nauseous.” On his way to a funeral in a hired car, the minister leaned forward and tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question. When the driver visibly jumped, the minister apologised for startling him. He replied “That's all right sir, its just that I usually drive the hearse.”
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Leith Churches Together/Ocean Terminal Jennifer Stark, Leith Churches Outreach Project outreach@leithchurchestogether.org.uk You’d sometimes think that computers had a mind of their own…. Mine went phut the day my Leith job finished and so this is being written in Leith library, with thanks to Stuart for his patience in awaiting this article! Over my last few months in Ocean Terminal, I’ve been accompanied on some of my rounds by Margaret Ann Fraser, my successor as chaplain, as she ‘shadowed’ me to get to know some of the staff. Margaret Ann is from St Andrew’s and St George’s West, and we were delighted when she expressed interest, as she has already done most of the Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland training. She will be covering the post for an initial 6 months and we hope that during that time, someone will come forward from within the Leith churches to do the training, and either take over from Margaret Ann or work alongside her in the future. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Steve Butler, Chair of LCT, or Rev. Tony Bryer, Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland (contact details on the respective websites, or ask your LCT reps). It was very enjoyable having Margaret Ann’s company and I know the staff will be in very good hands. On 27 April, we had a ‘mini-launch’ in the OT mall, with WPCS, OT and LCT representatives (see below). Please keep Margaret Ann in your prayers as she starts her new ministry. Our February Craft Corner went well, and as hoped, we had the People’s Map of Leith (see last FF article) on display. Ian Dyson (Inspiring Leith/Bethany Trust) also joined the team. The People’s Map has now found a home in the Living Memory Association unit on the ground floor in the Rotunda area. Our Easter Workshop was held after Easter, due to the school holiday arrangements, which felt a bit odd for us, but seemed not to bother the children! We welcomed another new member to the team, Joan Corbett from Leith St Andrews. There were slightly fewer children than usual, probably due to the timing and the good weather, but all enjoyed it. Special thanks to our carpenter, Bill Blackwood, for the wooden cross.... The Food Banks donation box is still in place near the Customer Service desk. Due to work going on in the mall, it is less visible than before, so donations have been down a bit recently, but I have every hope it will remain there, as staff are very supportive. I’m hoping that volunteers from the two foodbanks can continue the weekly ‘emptying’. We didn’t have enough people to run a daytime Lent group this year, but I attended the evening one run by Rob Mackenzie (this time using the film ‘Casablanca’ as the basis for the material), and we all enjoyed revisiting the film as well as sharing in the insights offered by the material. 12
One of my most moving and exciting experiences in Leith came right at the end of my time here. I’d attended a workshop on ‘Prayer Spaces in Schools’, and we were able to offer this to some classes in Lorne Primary School. With members of the OT Craft Corner team as the core group, we set up a ‘Reflective Space’ in the gym on 23 April. It consisted of simple reflective/prayer activities (eg. ‘Fizzy Forgiveness’, ‘Sorry Strings’, Pray for the World’, a ‘Be Still’ gazebo, ‘Big Questions’ table) . Children came in to spend 45 minutes or so on the activities and the feedback, both from them and the school, was excellent. What came through in the children’s comments was how much they appreciated the chance to simply be still, and reflect, in a safe space. I really liked the peaceful tent because it gave me peace and gave me time to think! I liked writing in the sand and the post-it notes on the map and the Be Still tent. I liked fizzy forgiveness, the sorry cards and Big Questions and boxes. I liked it all. I would definitely come back. Really enjoyed having some peace and quiet and speaking to my nana and forgiving all the bad things I have done. I liked the Friendship Flower the best! I enjoyed the map of the world even though I got a bit sad. Still love thinking about you (bro) hope to see you soon! I really liked the cardboard boxes you realise what homeless people go through. Something important for me is forgiving people and saying sorry and I’m sorry for the homeless people in the street. We hope it may be possible for the team to offer this again, and some of them have already been asked to speak to another church in Edinburgh about the experience. After the excitement of this, it was packing-up time in the office – lots of paper to the recycling bag – and a short break before starting my new post in Glenrothes. It’s described as ‘Children and Families Worker/Parish Assistant,’ and I am part of a team of 3 Ministry Development Staff working in various permutations across 5 Church of Scotland congregations (I am working with 2 of them). 5 days in, and despite the daily commute, I am enjoying it very much. I hope to see some of you at the Leith Churches Together AGM on 3 June, my last ‘engagement’ in Leith, but also that you will keep in touch whenever possible. I can’t quite believe that it is 5 years since I came to Leith and so much has happened since then – in Scotland as well as locally. I have learned a great deal from many of you and would like to thank all of you reading this who have supported the work I was charged with in 13
Leith. God bless you. Mini-launch event at OT (from Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland) We are delighted to have been invited to provide chaplaincy services, in partnership with Leith Churches Together, at Ocean Terminal Edinburgh’s waterfront shopping centre. Situated on Leith’s former industrial docklands, the complex overlooks the River Forth with ships, including the former Royal Yacht Britannia, docked close by. Since 2002, Ocean Terminal has been a focal point for outreach work organised through Leith Churches and for the past five years Jennifer Stark, leader of the Leith Churches Outreach Project, has been workplace chaplain there. At the end of April, however, the centre bade farewell to Jennifer who is moving to a new post in Glenrothes and welcomed a new chaplain, WPCS volunteer, Margaret Ann Fraser, who has completed her training under the charity’s Edinburgh Team Leader, Revd Tony Bryer. In addition to the support of friends and colleagues at WPCS, Margaret Ann can also draw on the continued support of Leith Churches Together and the nearby Port Chaplain Tim Bell, who is also supported by Leith Churches Together and by members of the ecumenical Ship Visitors Team. During the morning, Revd Ian Gilmour, of St Andrews and St George’s West and formerly minister of South Leith Parish Church, joined Revd Stephen Butler, Rector of St James, Leith and chair of Leith Churches Together, and others involved with the project, to meet the chaplains at the Britannia Propeller. Margaret Ann said , “I am really looking forward to carrying on the work which Jennifer has done here at Ocean Terminal and already I have met so many great people. It was good to meet with John Tucker, the Security Manager today too.” On behalf of Leith Churches Together, Stephen said: “Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland (WPCS) currently provides a completely confidential pastoral and spiritual support service to all levels of staff, regardless of race, faith, gender, age or sexual orientation, independent of management, in 1500 workplaces across the country. As an incorporated Christian charity, it draws together Scotland’s churches, business communities and statutory authorities to the acknowledged benefit of individuals and society. “ Back row Tony Bryer, Edinburgh City Centre chaplain, John Tucker, Ocean Terminal, Anne Lamont, NLPC, Tim Bell, port chaplain, Rev. Steve Butler, chair of Leith Churches Together. Front row, Margaret Ann Fraser and Jennifer Stark.
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Pilrig St Paul’s Pastoral Care Team Linda Gill Young at Heart We were delighted with the feedback from our sell out Young at Heart event in March. The Fashion Show with our carefully selected models was a huge success and many of those who attended have indicated that they plan to take up a new hobby or interest as a result of taking part in one of the many taster sessions that took place on the day. Since the event I have met up with a number of the organisations that took part to discuss how we might work together in the future. One of these meetings was with Karen Watts, the Dance Director with Dance Ihayami. People really enjoyed the taster session held by Dance Ihayami at our event. They are an Indian Dance group who use storytelling through hand gestures and dance. We are looking to set up a monthly dance group and would like to hear from those who would be interested in joining this group. There would be a nominal charge of circa £2 and potentially we are looking for it to be followed by a lunch for everyone. If you would like to take part please let me know. We plan for the group to start in September this year. Bereavement Support We pass on our thanks to Dr Jim Jenkinson from Morningside Parish Church who met with the team and some others from the congregation to share his approach to supporting the bereaved in his parish of Morningside Church. We had a good discussion about the topic and all feel re-charged in our role as a team. Jennifer Stark. We thank Jennifer for her support and work as a member of our team and send our best wishes for the new role in Glenrothes. Pastoral Care Team Mark Foster: Minister, Catriona Blackwood: Elder and magazine editor, Christine Edington, Ella Gilfillan, Linda Gill: Elder and Pastoral Care Team Leader, Cathy Purdie,Fiona Rankin: Elder, Jeanette Sime: Elder and Roll Keeper. Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team Leader 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk
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