The quarterly magazine of Leith Churches Forum
March 2016 Vol. 58/16
Letter from the Chair Rev. Mark Foster I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 Dear All, Throughout the history of our faith God has called men and women, both young and old to step out on journeys into the unknown, to experience new things, and to open their hearts and minds to new life changing experiences. Often in the most difficult of circumstances ordinary people were asked to trust in God and embrace new ways of being, new ways of thinking, and new ways of expressing their faith. For God, Jeremiah was not too young to become a prophet; Sarah, not too old to become a mother; David, not too flawed to lead his people; Mary, not too lowly to be chosen as the mother of Jesus; Zacchaeus, not too short to see new horizons; and Saul, not too callous to change his heart. And by trusting in God each one of them went on to enrich their understanding of both God and themselves in new and exciting ways that transformed their lives and the lives of others. This process involves change, which is something that we as human beings are not very good at dealing with. The American author and consultant on human development, William Bridges, has spent years advising individuals and organisations on the process of change. Bridges says that in important life transitions we don't ever go instantly from the old to the new thing (however much we might wish to). There's always an in-between time, an upset-apple-cart period, when things don't quite make sense. A time of disorientation, confusion, often sadness, sometimes elation; but in every case a period of adjustment to the positive and negative changes that have occurred. Bridges emphasizes the importance of keeping our grounding as human beings so that we don't rush ourselves into a new beginning prematurely. Even if circumstances require that the change starts immediately, we still need to work through the transition process to internally cope better with the change, giving up the old and embracing the new in a healthy manner. > -----------See our sponsor Garry's advert on the back page and support him if you can. 2
As the four Church of Scotland congregations in Leith, we are about to embark on a series of changes (details of which appear elsewhere in this newsletter), which we believe will strengthen and enrich our understanding of God and our call to be Christ’s Church to the people of Leith and beyond. This will involve times of uncertainty, confusion, and doubt – times when it will be tempting to turn around and go back to the security of our old familiar ways, even when we know that those ways no longer work. We need to remember that these feelings are normal (even if they are not helpful) and that the journey’s end will be reached if we are willing to trust in God’s guiding and grounding presence in our lives. As we set out on this journey together I do not know what the future holds for the congregations in Leith, but I do know that it will continue to depend on the faith of ordinary people who follow God’s call and seek to embrace new things, new ideas, and new challenges. The history of our faith also tells us that God’s people have travelled the path of change many, many times before and have always survived and flourished because of it. I believe that the Church, both nationally and locally, will grow and flourish again, wherever and whenever people embrace God’s call to be disciples of faith, hope, and love in the world. May God bless us, and our shared ministry, as we continue to work together for the future of our Church. Shalom Mark -----------If only! Ian Bethune When last year's Rugby World Cup was televised the programmes started with a catchy song entitled World In Union. What a wonderful image this conjures up. Unfortunately with wars and terrorism it is just a pipe dream just now. Even in this country there is division on the political scene which goes on and on. At least Leith Churches Together and Leith Forum can work in harmony. World In Union?? ....,If Only. ------------
A minister who was encouraging his congregation to face religious issues head on said, “We must be sharp and to the point. We must be blunt.”
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Future of the Leith Churches Mark Wexelstein Background In 2014, a strategy group was formed to look at the future of the churches in the Leith Forum. The group consisted of the clergy and representatives from all four congregations. The purpose was to look into the future shape and direction of the Church of Scotland in Leith. A number of meetings were held, some with an external facilitator, to discuss our current situation in terms of church membership, finances, buildings use, worship, Congregational life and mission and community demographics. We also held a joint Session meeting that looked at some of the areas mentioned. The strategy group have produced a report for the Forum Co-ordinating Team. The feedback from the joint session meeting has also been collated and passed to the Co-ordinating Team. Findings from the Strategy Group This is the summary provided in the report from the strategy group. It was very clear from our discussions that we need to change and adapt to the changing circumstances in Leith. Towards this, the following aims were proposed: Create the circumstances where we can plan for a ‘one parish for Leith’. This would facilitate the consolidation of a number of the practical aspects of church life, administration, hall lettings and support functions for property, worship coordination, communication, organising church and community events. The ‘one parish’ will have a number of worship places, using church sanctuaries and other church buildings. There is also a need to determine the best use of our buildings in a ‘one parish’ situation. What did the Co-ordinating Team do? At our meeting in November we picked two areas to look at in more detail based on the report from the strategy group and the feedback from the joint session meeting. Two sub groups were appointed and one looked at pastoral care and the other at worship. The Co-ordinating Team met on Thursday 7 th January to look at the proposals from both groups and agree the next steps. How we care for ourselves and others is at the heart of our faith and all four congregations are already providing good pastoral care. It is important to remember that this involves us all and not just ministers and District Elders in each congregation. Flower and magazine deliverers, Pastoral Care groups, The Guild, and friendships between neighbours in the pews all have an important role to play in pastoral care. As we share more time together in worship and fellowship we hope that these relationships of care will continue to grow and strengthen. In order to help this happen the Ministry Team and Pastoral Care teams will continue to work together to share good practice and organise training to resource and equip others to join them in this work. The worship group realised that both the report and feedback from the joint session meeting showed that in the future we don’t expect all 4 buildings to 4
be used for worship on a Sunday at 11am. We wanted to come up with an idea that would let all of us see what it would be like to worship in Leith when there are not 4 buildings being used on a Sunday at 11am. To do this we have agreed that in February and May we will only use 2 buildings for worship on a Sunday at 11am. If the building you normally worship in is not open then you can decide what building you go to during that month. In February worship will be held at Pilrig St. Paul’s and South Leith and in May it will be held in North Leith and Leith St. Andrew’s. This proposal needs the agreement of the sessions but as the joint session meeting acknowledged this would happen in the future we trust they will agree. We realise there will be challenges to overcome such as the open plate offerings, flowers, intimations, readers and the arrangements for tea and coffee and no doubt others we have not mentioned. However, we are sure these can all be overcome as we work together. We will also hold a joint lent study group and a fun day for the community on Easter Saturday. If you are interested in helping with the fun day either on the day or with the organising, then please let Rev Iain May know. Next Steps This is only the beginning of the work we need to do to work towards one parish in Leith. The Co-ordinating Team are going to have a meeting on Saturday 16th April to look at the challenge around resources and review how the worship in February went. If any lessons are learned in February we can make sure these are looked at for May. The strategy group advised a plan should be in place that could be shared and agreed and then presented to Presbytery by the end of June. The Co-ordinating Team are working towards this and at present expect to have a plan that can be shared with the congregations by this date. Conclusion These are exciting times as we plan to revitalise the Church of Scotland in Leith. We want to be able to give our vision for Leith to Presbytery and not wait until they tell us what will be happening. If you have any questions or ideas that you want the Co-ordinating Team to look at then please speak to one of the representatives on the Co-ordinating Team. If you are not sure who that is see the list of members of the Co-ordinating Team on the back page, or your minister will be able to let you know as all 4 ministers are on the Team. We hope everyone will take part in worship during February and May so we can get the required feedback to help us formulate the correct vision for our congregations in the future. Progress Update: Since announcing the shared worship proposals at the joint Leith Churches Forum Service in January, sadly the plans have had to be put on hold for the time being. We very much hope that they will be taken forward in the not too distant future and we will keep you informed of any progress made. 5
Some services & events in the Forum congregations to which you are invited to attend. Easter Day (27th March) services will be held in all churches at 11am. Joint Holy Week services Monday 21st March @ Leith St Andrew's at 7:30pm Tuesday 22nd March @ Pilrig St Paul's at 7:30pm Wednesday 23rd March @ South Leith at 7.30pm Thursday 24th March @ North Leith at 7.30pm Good Friday 25th March : @ South Leith Parish Church 12noon - 3pm Service of reflection of the last three hours of Christ on the cross; @ St Mary Star of the Sea - joint service - Stations of the Cross @ 7.30pm. Easter Saturday @ South Leith - Family Day for Easter in the church grounds. Easter Day @ South Leith - Morning Service in the 'Secret Garden' (in church yard) - 8:30am Leith St. Andrew's Messy Church meets from 5-7pm on the last Thursday of each month. A fun, noisy, messy time for families: 31st March, 28th April & 26th May. 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. Young at Heart An activities group for 60s and over. We meet on the first and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 2pm – 3.30pm in the Easter Road hall. All are welcome. This year's Lenten Group, “Christ and the Chocolaterie”, will be open to members and adherents from all the Leith Churches. It will take place on Thursdays during Lent, 7.30pm, from Thurs 11 February until 17 March, led by Rob Mackenzie, minister of Leith St Andrew's, perhaps with guest leaders at times. The venue will probably be the LSA Manse at 30 Lochend Road but that could change depending on numbers, so please check with Rob. It's based around the movie, “Chocolat,” starring Juliette Binoche, but you don't need to have seen the movie to take part. Course materials cost £5.99. If you want to take part please let Rob know as soon as possible on robmcknz1@gmail.com or (0131) 553 2122. Lent @ North Leith: During the period of Lent we will be hosting services each Sunday evening (14th, 21st, 28th of February; and 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th March) at 6:30pm in the Session House where we will be exploring how Christ was understood by Saint 6
Paul. Each week we will spend time in worship, with reflections on different aspects of Paul's thought. As ever, there will be light refreshments afterwards. 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.
South Leith Halls Open from 9.30am - 2.30pm Monday to Thursday, 9.30am – 1pm Friday. Hot meals & light snacks. Carry out facilities available.
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The power of reflection and connection Margaret Wright A number of years ago now I was asked to work with a church group at a location in Perthshire on 1st December. The morning of the 1st December was extremely cold with both frost and fog. As I drew up in the car park at the country location, it was hard to see the nature of my surroundings. It was destined to become a very dear place to me , providing insight, rest and comfort. Making my way through the mist to reception, I was greeted warmly and shown the room in which the event would take place. I wanted to explore the location and buildings but that would have to wait as I had work to do first. I recall being introduced to one of the two people who ran the centre and that they took a keen interest in what I would be doing. The session went well and at the end , people drifted off to various locations all over Scotland. Tiredness suddenly came over me and I was aware that I now had to drive to Glasgow. In a conversation with the second person involved in running the centre, it was suggested I stay for the short reflection period held on a daily basis at 5pm. I hesitated as I was anxious to be on my way. They pointed out that if I left now I would be in the busy rush hour traffic. How quickly I had forgotten the outside world in that peaceful location where there was warmth, light and a welcome on a cold, dark December night. I discovered that the service that night was designed to prepare us for Christmas - advent. There was a beautiful centrepiece made of natural material, art work and twinkling lights. At the end, I felt much calmer, more settled and ready to embark on my journey, a journey which passed very smoothly with no delays or mishaps. The feeling of being cared for and about, and of being introduced to a different way of thinking about the month of December stayed with me. Each year since, I have wondered how I might reconnect with that experience. In 2015 , the four Church of Scotland Churches in Leith came together to offer 4 short services on a Sunday evening to reflect on advent and the meaning of Christmas. Whether a believer or not I can heartily recommend that practice. Taking time out on 1st December, in a quiet place, with supportive people to think about the month ahead is beneficial. We can focus on what we enjoy about the season and also what nourishes us. I believe you are more likely to savour the season, looking after yourself and others in a way that chimes with Christmas. The 4 gatherings in Leith In 2015 also provided an opportunity to meet people from other congregations, hear and meet the other Ministers. There are many different ways to slow down the busyness of Christmas - a box of cards, one for each day of December, offering an action and thought for the season was produced a number of years ago by a group called Alternativity. These can be used individually or collectively. There are any number of ways that we can keep our thinking and worship fresh. Mixing with others and having different conversations encourages creativity at Christmas and any time of the year. 8
Port Chaplain’s Report Tim Bell Thanks to a well-oiled operation and a good team of volunteers, we were able to distribute 550 Christmas bags like this one to seafarers in Leith, Rosyth, Grangemouth and Hound Point. Clockwise from top right: a woolly hat; a card designed by a Leith Academy pupil and signed by someone in Ocean Terminal; a nice Scottish pen; many of our bags contained a bag separately wrapped in Southampton, with a hat and a card; a notebook; toothpaste and a toothbrush; and a sewing kit. Some bags contained something bigger and more special: a tea cosy; a piggy bank; a Scottish calendar; some gloves, all kindly donated. One day, with a volunteer visitor, I was calling at a ship on which I had given bags the day before. The Russian Chief Officer came down the gangway specially to convey the sincere thanks of himself and his men. And I had a very appreciative email from the Master of a tanker at Hound Point. I always say the kindness comes from Leith, not me, and it’s a privilege to pass back to you, the donors and workers, the gratitude of the men who are far from home at Christmas. Deep in the engine room of one of the ships that are tied up, out of sight, is a Philippine motor-man who I have been friendly with for some time. For the duration of his three-month contract he is on night shift, so at this time of year in Leith he doesn’t ever see the light of day! Don’t get this out of perspective: three months isn’t a long contract; he is well paid; and he is working hard to pay for a steel frame for his house, which is in the line of lots of tropical storms. He’s doing well for his family. But that doesn’t stop him being lonely. This giving of gifts isn’t all one way. Look at these fine shorts he gave me! I don’t know how to tell him there’s no chance of me getting into them! The Leith cruise ship visitors are getting ready for the summer season, and it’s very good that we are meeting occasionally with our colleagues in Rosyth. It’s always good to know there are others with whom we can share experiences. There is a similar operation also in Invergordon, where they probably have more cruise ships than Leith and Rosyth combined. We would like to make Scotland one of the favourite countries on their circuits.
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Ocean Terminal Margaret Ann Fraser As usual, there was a lull in the retail outlets in January,particularly as most of the "January" sales started before Christmas. Although this is concerning for some, it does give a chance to catch breath and prepare for the coming year. As previously stated, Management at Ocean Terminal are very supportive of innovative projects. Scottish Design Exchange which started in September is now growing like topsy! It is wonderful to meet many of the young artists and designers. Do call in and see their wonderful creations. Great for gift ideas, or treat yourself! I have had many different conversations with Lynzi who came up with the idea, and is overall manager. She was so enthusiastic but was driving herself really hard. As she said, she was on a tight budget, but I was concerned about her health. She started to wonder if she was trying to accommodate too many designers. Christmas was quite stressful as they were really busy and understaffed. Now it is great to see her and the staff full of confidence. They are all so supportive of each other, which is essential through testing times. Judy Hamilton-Wright is head of Fine Art. She studied at Edinburgh College of Art and has been working with Lynzi since the opening. Her company is "Judy Art." She works in mixed media, specialising predominantly in charcoal and acrylics. She also frames pictures, so come in and see her! Sean is head of Graphics, Photography & Furniture. Although he does not have any of his work as an Illustrator on show yet, he works hard in the Centre and always eager to show me new displays. As does Jodie, head of product design. At the time of writing Piotr, Head of Fashion, was preparing for the new display upstairs. Lynzi is also planning a new music dept and has other innovative ideas. Watch this space! Living Memory is on the move again. This can be quite a challenge, as Joyce and Donald told me that they rely on volunteers being available at short notice for this task. They are now open seven days a week, and also play host to many different groups. Their "Memory Boxes" which they lend out are very popular with Alzheimer and elderly groups. A new " Migrant Stories" photographic is now in display. They are hosting a new project with Citadel Arts. The Citadel youth group and pupils from Trinity Academy are planning a workshop in the centre, play reading on whaling. I really consider it a privilege to work as chaplain here. If anyone is Interested, you are welcome to join me on a visit to check out if you would like to join Workplace Chaplaincy in Edinburgh.Contact me on margaretann.fraser@wpcscotland.co.uk. 10
Pilrig St Paul’s Church Pastoral Care Team Linda Gill As we look to a new year we would like to wish everyone across the Forum churches all the very best for 2016. During 2015 we have delivered flowers, sent cards, sent e-mails, made visits and made phone calls to many of our congregation and its wider family and have received some lovely feedback from our members and their families for this support. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in this mission. In the last quarter of 2015 our Knitting Team delivered over 40 Arran Cardigan Tea Cosies and ensured that we raised £160 for our work in 2016. Thank you to Marjory McMahon, Maureen Eunson, Jeanette SIme, Catriona Blackwood and Cath Kristie. We are already developing plans for this year and it involves knitting again. If you would like to get involved with us please let me or someone in your Pastoral Care Team know. Leith Community Cinema is now well established with two more successful screenings in December under our belt and plans for January, February and March to explore new types of films things are looking great for 2016. For more info please visit our website on http://www.leithcommunitycinema.com If you would like to help or be involved in any way with the Community Cinema and Café please let me know, as we are keen to create a team to work with us on the on-going development of the cinema. 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. ------------
Spring Quiz at North Leith A Quiz will take place in North Leith Parish Church at 7.30pm on Saturday 18th March. Join with us for an evening of fun and brain teasing with questions for everyone. If you can, bring a team or if you are on your own, come along and join a team. £2 per person preferably in teams of 4. Refreshments and prizes provided.
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Information about Leith Churches Forum can be found at our web site at htt://leithchurchesforum.org.uk/
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