HARVEST at
PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH OCTOBER 2014
WELCOME TO PILRIG St PAUL’S OCTOBER 2014 Sunday, October 5th 11:00am Harvest Festival Sunday Worship Tuesday October 14th Guild Afternoon Tea 2pm Thursday, October 9 Over 65’s Conference 1.30pm - 4pm 7:30pm Kirk Session Meeting Sunday, October 12 11:00am Sunday Worship Sunday, October 19 11:00am Sunday Worship Sunday, October 26 11:00am Holy Communion This is the Lord’s Table. ANYONE who loves God and responds to Christ’s invitation to join together in this feast is welcome to join us in the celebration. Tuesday October 28th Guild Project Out of Africa On Tuesdays and Thursdays visit the “OPEN DOORWAY” for Tea, coffee and a chat or for a short time of quietness in the sanctuary Mondays - Rainbows and Brownies (Christine Buchanan 554 2941) Tuesdays - The Guild 2.00pm (Irene Wexelstein 476 1385) The 5th Leith Scouts Pilrig (5th Leith) Edinburgh North East Broughton Primary gym hall contact Evelyn Torrance 552 1657 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts 5 3/4 - 14 years Wednesdays - Lunch club 12 noon (Marjory McArthur 553 2323) Thursdays - Rainbows and Brownies (Ann Urquhart 554 8387) Guides (Karen Wood 554 5493)
THE DONATIONS BASKET IS IN THE VESTIBULE. SEE P11
Dear All, The Scottish Referendum is over. It was a fairly close run thing with only a 5% margin from a 50:50 split, but the people of Scotland have voted in record numbers and it is now time for those who voted both Yes and No to reflect on our future together. The debate was passionate and generally respectful. It enabled thousands of ordinary people to share their hopes and fears and to articulate the values they wish to see shape both their local communities and our country. It has been said by some commentators that the Referendum has been an example of putting politics back into people’s hands. There are claims that Scottish, perhaps even British, politics has been changed forever, and I would like to think that this is the case. Whatever the outcome, the campaign has re-energised politics and political debate in Scotland and has inspired wider debates on poverty, inequality, power and democratic structures within the United Kingdom as a whole. We have been made more aware than ever of the needs and aspirations of our neighbours. We have been alerted to the levels of injustice and poverty that sit on our doorstep. 2
And we have been reminded of our call to work alongside and to serve the poor, the vulnerable, and marginalised in our own communities. As a Christian community, our values and concerns transcend borders, and boundaries, and political allegiances. Our passion for social justice, peacemaking and the protection of the environment is both local and global. We know that these matters are ultimately in God’s hands and not ours; but we also know that we are called to lend our hands, our hearts, and our minds to God’s work here on earth. I believe that the Church in Scotland can and will work alongside all the people of Scotland to try and address these important issues. I also hope that the community of faith at Pilrig St. Paul’s will be at the heart of this work, helping to shape God’s ongoing plan for our world. May God hold you in the hollow of his hands. Mark (and Joanne) Foster HOST is looking for friendly, hospitable people who like the idea of welcoming an international student at a UK university to their home, for a day, a weekend or Christmas. Students will gladly travel for the privilege of meeting you, learning about real life in this country, and sharing their own culture. HOST is a voluntary activity which makes ambassadors for international goodwill of us all. Please see www.hostk.org or call regional organiser AnneMarie Nicol on 01738 621633. The Magazine Please accept my apologies for the muddle with last month’s magazine, which gave extra work for John Innes and for Margaret Cameron and the team putting it together. Please may I have articles for November by October 16th? Thank you, Catriona Blackwood
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PILRIG PARLOUR The Pilrig Parlour raised the sum of £2192.00 this year. (That included £185.00 for knitwear, £275.00 of donations and £393 from the café that Michael Head ran at night.) Thanks to Marjorie McMahon and Maureen Eunson who knitted and donated the knitwear. First of all I would like to say we missed Jean, as she is always willing to help and advise on anything. I would like to say thank you to Alex and Mark for keeping us supplied with toasties every day, and to the people who came and made the soup and those who supplied the crumble. I would like to say a special thanks to Ronnie and Margaret Cameron who did most of the shopping for the parlour every day, and not forgetting Maria who collected the rolls and milk for us. Thanks go to Mark and Katie who finished off and photo-copied the rotas, highlighted all the names for me, and put the letter out. Once again we were disappointed at the support we got from the congregation, but thanks to everyone who did support the parlour. Irene Wexelstein Thank you to Irene who does so much work to keep the parlour going. Ed 4
THANK YOU Thank you very much for the flowers I received from the Church. Jessie Todd Thank you so much for the lovely Bouquet of Flowers I received from Linda at Church last Sunday. They are beautiful and much appreciated. Marjorie McArthur Thank you for the lovely roses that Alex and Nancy Fleming brought me from the Church. It was a lovely surprise and very much appreciated. Marlene Leithead Thank you so much for the lovely flowers delivered by Lisa on 24th August. They really brightened up my day as I had been confined to the house with neck problems. I am now feeling much better. Jeanette Sime Murdo and Joy MacLeod would like to thank you for the beautiful flowers received last Sunday. Also Joy thanks you for the lovely birthday card received in June. To all our friends at Pilrig St Paul’s: Again a big thank You to you all for our beautiful flowers we received. They are very much appreciated. Willie is now home from hospital and recovering well. Martha and Willie Cruikshank BACKCARE – LOTHIAN BRANCH Please come along on Saturday, 25th October between 10.30am and 12.30pm. to our Annual Coffee Morning. On sale will be some wonderful baking, books, CDs and DVDs. Try your luck on the tombola Stall. Tickets £1, include Coffee/Tea/ and Biscuits, and will be available from Fiona Rankin from Sunday, 12th October. (Accompanied 5
children free). Put your name and contact number on the back, hand it in and you could win a prize in the “Lucky Draw�. Not able to attend? Enter the Prize Lucky ticket by buying a ticket. Bring your friends for morning coffee!!! On a more personal note, a big thank you for the flowers I received recently when I needed time out with my back pain. It was a lovely surprise and very much appreciated. Fiona Rankin PRAYER CORNER Ina Grierson Janice Campbell Isabel Hannay Matthew Green Jimmy Rennie Evelyn Turner Lorna Burke Murdo and Joy MacLeod Phil Howe Jack McArthur Ann Taylor Jimmy and Jean Tait
Marion Murray Barbara Graham Helen Grieg Frances Chambers Harriett Sceales Isabel Fyfe June Welsh Charlie and Joyce Forman Isabel Pert Helena Aide Agnes MacAuley
Contact Roy Eprile with any names you would like included in this section, please.
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Pastoral Care - Helping Hands Over 65s Conference – Thursday 9th October 1.30pm-4pm in Pilrig St Paul’s Church. Most of our time effort and energy over the last few months has been focused around the planning and organising of our Over 65s Conference. The event is aimed at those over the age of 65 and will provide information on all types of activities and services available to this community. We are delighted to have the support from a large number of organisations at our conference. Age Scotland The Bethany Trust Care 4 Carers ChangeWorks Community Alarm Telecare Services Edinburgh Community Food Fire Scotland Leith Library Life Care Money Advice Team, Edinburgh City Council NHS Lothian Breast Screening Pilmeny Development Project Police Scotland The Red Cross Tesco VOCAL The event is open to everyone living in the Leith area so please mark the date in your diary for a worthwhile afternoon and remember to let friends, family and neighbours know about it.
Thank you to Cathie Purdie for her article last month that gave an interesting insight into ageing and very relevant to the current work of the Pastoral Care Team. This month Christine Edington has provided the update from the team. “What exactly is meant by pastoral care?” I wondered, when Linda invited me to join the Pastoral Care Team (PCT). After some research, I found the following definition: A term applied where people offer help and caring to others in their Church or wider community by listening, supporting, encouraging and befriending. In view of this definition, I felt that I might not be the right person for this work, as it would inevitably involve visiting those whom I might not know well. However, some months later, I feel that I must thank all those I have been asked to visit or phone for their kindly reception of a rather apprehensive caller. I sometimes feel that they have benefited me rather than the other way round! The remit of the PCT is, however, not confined to visiting, and under Linda’s leadership a smart shopping workshop, an energy saving workshop and, of course, the Over 65s Conference which is to be held on 9th October have been arranged. The object of all these events is to reach out and help those in our Church, parish and beyond with the practicalities of daily living. Another aspect of pastoral care has been to try and source literature which might be of help to those who cross our threshold looking for something more than just a cup of tea and a friendly word. The “Bible Helps” booklet published by the Gideon Society guides the reader to passages in the Bible which will be of comfort and encouragement when feeling, for example, anxious, afraid, lonely etc. This little booklet is helpful not only to those who are finding their way round the Bible for the first time, but also to those who, like me, sometimes forget exactly where to find that well-loved helpful passage in the Good Book (old age doesn’t come alone!). If anyone would like a copy please just let me know. Happily, in our congregation, caring is not the sole prerogative of the PCT, and I am well aware that many members look after and support one another in a variety of ways. 8
In Matthew’s Gospel we read that Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” He replied “Love God with all your heart and soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself”. May God bless us all as we try to obey these commands in our daily living and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the Servant King.
Once the conference is over we will get going with the setting up of our book group. Please let any of the team know if you are interested in taking part. We will have the support of the team in Leith Library and we will be able to arrange transport to the library, books to be delivered to you if you are housebound and will also use an audio conference to run the group so you can take part from the comfort of your home. There will be more details about the launch of the group in next month’s magazine. We are passionate about the work we do and are pleased to be supporting the work of the Church in our Parish.
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Prayer for Friendship Vienna Cobb Anderson You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank you for such a blessing: for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebration, who bear our pain, who need us as we need them, who weep as we weep, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Bless our friends with health, wholeness, life, and love. Amen. Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team Leader 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk 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 10
URGENTLY REQUIRED FOODS UHT MILK, TINS OF MEAT AND FISH, RICE, JAM, CUSTARD AND TINS OF FRUIT AND VEG. THANK YOU! FROM THIS AUTUMN THERE WILL BE A CHARGE FOR ALL PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS IN SCOTLAND. PLEASE DONATE ANY YOU CAN TO THE FOODBANK, OR ASK SHOPKEEPERS ETC IF THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP OUT. Please contact Roy Eprile for further information
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Do you know someone who would appreciate being remembered in our prayers each Sunday, a visit, a phone call, a card in the post or perhaps some flowers from us? Please provide the details below and put this card into the box in the Open Doorway or contact: Linda Gill on 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk Postal address: Linda Gill, Pastoral Care Team Leader, Pilrig St Paul’s Church, 1B Pilrig Street, Edinburgh EH6 5AH Member's Details Name .................................................................................................................... Address ............................................................................................................... Phone number................................................................................................. Please choose from the following, which you think would be most appropriate. You can tick more than one option Remembered in our prayers each week ……. Visit to their home ……. Flowers from the Service ……. Phone call........ Card posted to their home……. Would you like to help with this? Yes / No (If you select yes please also provide your contact details) ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. Pilrig St. Paul's Church SC007277 12
Scottish Charity no. SCO07277 www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk
Cover design by Catriona Blackwood
MINISTER Rev Mark Foster minister.psp@gmail.com (332 5736) SESSION CLERK John Innes - 33 Monktonhall Place, Musselburgh (07563 248722) pilrig@btinternet.com THE CONGREGATIONAL BOARD CLERK Aileen Fraser (07936 716 765) ASSISTANT CLERK Maria Croall (07747 071 545) CORRESPONDENCE to: pspcongragationalboard@gmail.com The Clerk to the Congregational Board Pilrig St Paul’s Church, 1B Pilrig Street, Edinburgh EH6 5AH TREASURER Mark Wexelstein (665 6881) mark.wexelstein@googlemail.com ROLL KEEPER Mrs Jeanette E. Sime - 1 South Trinity Road (552 9652) PASTORAL CONVENER Mrs Linda Gill (669 7409) PASTORAL LINK ELDER and SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOR Mrs Catriona E.W. Blackwood - 4 Cambridge Gardens (554 6183) cewblackwood@tesco.net PROPERTY CONVENER Eric Fisher (552 8982) 104 Crewe Crescent HALL LET GROUP psp.halluse@gmail.com ORGANIST and CHOIRMASTER Colin Grey (07901 556 217) SUNDAY CLUB LEADER Mark Wexelstein (665 6881) mark.wexelstein@googlemail.com CHRISTIAN GIVINGS CONVENERS Mrs Ella Gilfillan - 8 Paisley Terrace (661 2281) Mrs Irene Wexelstein - 15 Upper Hermitage (476 1385) MAGAZINE Editor - Mrs Catriona E.W. Blackwood - see above Distribution - Mrs Margaret Cameron - 35 Lorne Street (554 2139)