ALL ARE WELCOME PILRIG ST. PAULS CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2014
WELCOME TO PILRIG St PAUL’S SEPTEMBER 2014 Sunday, September 7 11:00am Sunday Worship Tuesday, 9 September 2 pm Guild Summer meeting Sunday, September 14 11:00am Sunday Worship Sunday, September 21 11:00am Sunday Worship Sunday, September 28 11:00am Sunday Worship On Tuesdays and Thursdays visit the “OPEN DOORWAY” for Tea, coffee and a chat or for a short time of quietness in the sanctuary PILRIG St PAUL’S ORGANISATIONS ARE STARTING UP AGAIN (please contact leaders for time and place) 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. URGENTLY REQUIRED FOODS UHT MILK, TINS OF MEAT AND FISH, RICE, JAM, CUSTARD AND TINS OF FRUIT AND VEG. THANK YOU!
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2: 46-47a Dear All, In chapter 2 of Acts, we find a description of how the Church, in its very earliest days, ordered its life. And there in the list, next to sharing their resources, is saying grace. I believe that saying grace before meals is a dying art, a practice that more and more of us see as something that previous generations had foisted upon them by their parents, and which nobody else need bother with. Too many of us eat quickly, using our utensils like shovels, as if we are in a race to finish eating. We refuse to pause as if the food will somehow evaporate from our plates before we start. But I'll tell you something: saying grace actually works. Saying words of thanks actually makes me feel more thankful. Pausing before digging in helps me enjoy the meal more. If nerves have been frayed or tempers raised before dinner, then pausing and giving thanks to God helps calm the soul. If we haven't given God a thought all day - much less spent the day together in the Temple – then saying grace gives us a moment to re-connect with God and give thanks for the simple blessings in our lives. Grace doesn’t need to be long-winded or prize-winning prose, but perhaps a little more than “Rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the grub”! It need not be words that we use. It can be as simple as a moment’s silence and an unspoken thought of thanks. It can be the act of setting the table with a family belonging or the lighting of a candle. And it can be done with guests, with family, or on your own. 2
In a world where so many go hungry, it is a precious gift that we have the means to eat. Surely this blessing deserves a pause and a prayer? Another way for us to give thanks for the food that we have, is to share something of our resources with others (Also mentioned in Acts chapter 2). Please continue your generous support for the Foodbank at a time when more and more people are in need of help in order to feed themselves and their families. And remember the hungry in your prayers, along with the volunteers from the congregation who give so generously of their time and energy in order to keep the Foodbank going. Some hae meat and canna eat, And some wad eat that want it, But we hae meat and we can eat, And sae the Lord be thankit. Mark COMMONWEALTH GAMES The Commonwealth Games were a huge success. A multi-sport event managed to bring people together and let them share in the joy of being part of something special. There was no crowd segregation and no booing of National Anthems, purely a celebration of sport at its best. 2 Bolts from the blue added to the spectacle towards the end. Hopefully the feelgood factor will go with the Queen's Baton to The Gold Coast. It is a privilege to be able to say I was there at Glasgow 2014. Ian Bethune
Our very own Eric Fisher with the Queen’s Baton in Edinburgh. 3
OFFERINGS Thank you for continuing to support the church through your on-going offerings using the open plate, free will offering scheme or monthly standing order directly from your bank. Your offerings, whatever the amount, are invaluable in helping us continue the work of the Church in our parish through our Open Doorway, pastoral care activity as well as the practical needs of maintaining our church building. The wider work of the Church of Scotland across the world is also supported through our parish contribution. Giving through the freewill offering scheme allows us to claim additional money through gift aid therefore, with no additional cost to you, we are able to claim an extra 20% from HMRC which helps our financial position even further each year. Over the years many people have moved to using standing orders, sending the money directly to the Church bank account making it easier and more practical than looking for cash each week for their offering. This way of making your offerings makes the various administration processes easier to undertake and reduces the time taken each week by the teams to count and bank the offerings. As it is a standing order you have complete control over the amount paid and when it is paid. You can amend or cancel the payment at any time and the Church cannot take any money from your account and will not be provided with any of your bank details. For those using standing order as a way of giving we have introduced small cards that you can pick up on your way into the service and place in the offering plate as a symbol of your giving. There are no details on the cards so they will be placed back at the Open Doorway for the following Sunday. If you are interested in changing to standing order you can pick a form up in the Open Doorway. If you would like to discuss this then please speak to Mark Wexelstein or Linda Gill on a Sunday morning or contact us by phone or email. Mark’s contact details – Phone 665 6881 email mark.wexelstein@gmail.com Linda’s contact details – Phone 669 7409, email mailto:helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk Mark Wexelstein Treasurer
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A helping hand with gas and electricity bills… Help and advice from Changeworks Householders throughout the UK are getting cash back on their electricity bills, thanks to the Government’s Warm Home Discount scheme. The Warm Home Discount is a £140 rebate, paid to electricity accounts of households struggling with heating costs during winter. All suppliers have their own criteria so it depends who your energy supplier is; if you are on a low income, or in receipt of benefits, elderly or have health issues you may be eligible for this free annual payment. Contact your electricity supplier to see if you are eligible, or for further assistance contact the Heat Heroes project at Changeworks. Heat Heroes, funded by the NHS and run by local charity Changeworks, is available to anyone aged over 65 living in Edinburgh, and offers: Free home visits Advice on getting the best use from your heating system and general energy efficiency around the home An energy tariff switching service: no pressure, hassle-free advice on who is offering the cheapest energy tariff and how to switch properly Signposting to grants and assistance available from the Scottish Government and energy companies Advisors from the service offer personalised support and advice for older people in Edinburgh. For more information or to book a home visit, contact Drew Murphy at Changeworks on 0131 468 8669 or email warmth@changeworks.org.uk. 5
THANKS Please send my thanks to all for the lovely flowers that were delivered to me on Sunday afternoon. They were an uplifting tonic to my day and since. My thanks also the Irene Eprile for delivering them. Many thanks again. Kathleen Christie Jean and John Tait enjoyed the lovely flowers they received recently. My sincere thanks to all of you thinking of me and sending cards at the passing of my beloved son and thanks for the Church flowers received on the 10th August. Antje Armstrong Dear Friends of Pilrig St Paul’s. Thank you for the nice roses for our Wedding Anniversary in June. It was a nice surprise. Eileen and Donald Fraser A huge thank you for the beautiful flowers given to me after the service on Sunday 22nd July. It was such a lovely surprise and much appreciated. Sadie Duffy I would like to say Thank You for all my visits from my friends at Church. It was nice to have someone each day, and thank you for the lovely flowers from the church, delivered by Catriona Blackwood. Thank you again, Helen Greig Ann Gowans sends thanks to her friends in the congregation for the flowers received on her special birthday. Thank you so much for the flowers Jeanette gave me on Sunday 3 August for my birthday. What a beautiful surprise and made my day . Thank you to John Brown who provided the flowers in the church, they were really beautiful. Michelle Muhammed A wee note to say thank you very much for the flowers on Sunday 1 st June, what a lovely surprise. Maria Thank you to everyone for all the cards, presents and good wishes we received following the birth of our third grand daughter, Emma. Marlyn, John and the Tait family 6
This is just to say a big thank you to Irene Eprile for handing us the flowers a couple of weeks ago. They were much appreciated and brightened up the lounge. Jim and Moira Fergie
Race for life 2014 Michelle, Abbi and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Pilrig St Paul's who sponsored us. It was a great day despite the rain and made all the more poignant as it was Father's Day and we were doing it in memory of my Step dad and Abbi's Grandad, Stuart Sime and Michelle's Dad John Duffy. We raised a total of £743 for cancer research. Lisa Innes
Jean Ramage says thank you for all the cards, telephone calls, visits and warm wishes after her recent accident and stay in hospital. She really appreciated the Church flowers and the concern shown for her by the community at PSP. Breaking both wrists has been really incapacitating, but her support network, including many from the Church, has rallied round and Jean hopes she will be back at Church soon. (She’s beaten us to it – it was great to see Jean in Church last Sunday!)
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The Gospel of Matthew In our worship this year we have been following the Gospel of Matthew. Here are a few important points that we need to keep in mind whenever we read from the Gospel of Matthew: 1 – Authorship of Matthew’s Gospel was attributed to Matthew, the tax collector and one of Jesus’ disciples, some time in the late 1st Century or early 2nd Century AD by the early Church. The gospel itself contains no direct clues to its authorship, but its content suggests that it was written by a highly educated Jew, who was intimately familiar with the technical aspects of Jewish law. 2 – Most scholars believe that Matthew’s Gospel was written some time between the years 70 and 90 AD, possibly in Antioch (Syria). It contains almost all of the Gospel of Mark, along with some material shared with the Gospel of Luke (known as the Q source), and some material unique to Matthew. 3 – Scholars also believe that Matthew’s Gospel was primarily written for a Jewish audience. This is because it contains more Jewish terms and Old Testament prophetic references than the other synoptic gospels (Mark and Luke). 4 – Matthew’s Gospel differs significantly from the other synoptic gospels in that it is written in a thematic order and not chronologically. In other words, the author has grouped together different parts of Jesus’ life and Ministry into sections rather than place then in the exact order they took place. Matthew’s Gospel can be split into 3 main sections: an introduction [Matt 1:1 – 4:17], the main body, and a conclusion [Matt 16: 21 – 28:20]. The main body can be further split into five distinct sections each one ending with the phrase “When Jesus had finished …” [Matt 7: 28, Matt 11: 1, Matt 13: 53, Matt 19: 1, Matt 26: 1].
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The first section deals with Jesus’ baptism and his teachings (The Sermon on the Mount). The second section covers the themes of Discipleship and Mission, including Jesus’ Commissioning of the twelve disciples. The third section covers parables about the “Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew avoids using the term ‘Kingdom of God’, reflecting Jewish tradition.) In the fourth section Jesus prepares his disciples for his death and departure, and the newly named Peter (Petros) is chosen as the rock on which the Church will be built. The fifth section contains what scholars call ‘The Olivet Discourse’, where Jesus warns his followers that they will suffer tribulation and persecution before the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of Heaven. There is so much more that can be said about the Gospel of Matthew, but I hope the above gives you some food for thought. Mark
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. 9
PSP Kids need YOU! A small group recently met at the manse to discuss the future provision of Christian Education for Children at Pilrig St. Paul’s. The group affirmed that every church (regardless of size and resources) is called to teach, and that every congregation has the capacity to do so in its own appropriate way. As followers of Christ we are all called to share the good news of our faith with others, especially with children and those who are growing into the faith. And so, we have sought to develop a system of Christian Education that takes into account the resources that we have and draws upon the gifts/talents of the congregation in a way that reflects our shared responsibility to help the children at Pilrig St. Paul’s grow in their faith and in their understanding of the Church. It has been agreed that this will be done through a series of projects throughout the year, based on themes such as Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, Easter, etc. Some project sessions will last slightly longer or shorter than others depending on the topic, School holidays, and other events in the church calendar, but most should last about 4/5 Sundays in total. Children will still be included in worship throughout the year, and the Minister will work closely with those involved in each of the project sessions to achieve a healthy balance between worship and project time. Aileen Fraser and Maria Croall have kindly agreed to co-ordinate the first three project sessions covering Harvest, Remembrance, and Advent/Christmas. This will take us up to the end of December 2014. We are looking for members of the congregation who would be willing to share their skills in Arts & Crafts, Music, Dance/Drama, Local History, Storytelling, etc. for a couple of Sundays. Perhaps you would be able to share stories about the war for the session on Remembrance, or help with some craftwork for Christmas? 10
We are also looking for volunteers who would be interested, with some help and support, to co-ordinate a future project session for 2015 – topics could cover Mothering Sunday, Easter, or perhaps you would like to cover a particular part of the Bible or area of our faith? Please do not assume that someone else will do this – it is something in which we all need to play our part. If you wish to lend a hand or find out some more details then please speak to Aileen Fraser, Maria Croall, Mark Wexelstein, or the Minister. YOUTHFUL AGEING What does ageing mean to you? After a pal (at the very youthful age of 68) had a birthday we got into an interesting conversation. Her conclusion along with quite a few folk is "youth is wasted on the young". Due to our diverse lifestyles, distant living, many families have become disconnected. Children don't always see their parents growing old on a gradual day to day basis. It's from afar, and suddenly their old infirm parent is unrecognisable from the guardian of their youth. Press coverage doesn't help with air brushed Images, the stars (A - Z list) of their youthful remembrance are permanently young. Is it true that at the grand old age of 26 you become invisible? So said a work colleague, "I’m over the hill". We seem to disappear, our opinion no longer of any importance or indeed relevance. By ignoring the aged, we can ignore our oncoming old age. Yet age we shall, some more gracefully than others. Relishing the new confidence to open up and express the distaste of certain subjects. My dad refers to himself as "recycled not old". Much more fun, and entertaining. Do you look in the mirror and wonder - who is that stranger? "I don't feel my age, but the body just won't allow me to do what I used to". The travesty is we can no longer run 5 miles, do the messages, work all day and still return home fresh to make the family tea. Suddenly you're losing friends of your own age or indeed younger. The freedom of choice is lost, you can possibly feel a prisoner of your frailties. Where can you turn to for strength? 11
We have older members within our Church, who gave their youthful years in the dedicated Christian goals of the congregation. Now is their time to reap what they so early on sowed. That is where we, as a caring Church can excel. Do you recognise any of the following sayings, or indeed agree with any of them:Never regret growing old, it's a privilege denied to many Old age doesn't come on its own Act your age, not your shoe size. There are some amazing helplines out there, via the internet, if you're a silver surfer. Particular of those has been highlighted for praise is:The Silverline Freephone no 0800 4708090 "no problem too small" They provide friendly advice and offer a regular befriending call. Most especially if you present concern is a private one and would wish it to remain so. I wish you health in your longevity Cath Purdie Pastoral care team BACKCARE Yes, it’s that time of the year again. On Saturday, 25th October we will be holding our annual coffee morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Session room. Last year’s final total was £475.66. At the end of our financial year we gave £300 to our National Helpline and £300 sponsorship to 3 nominated runners in the London Marathon. Fiona Rankin 12
THE MAGAZINE It is good to be back for the autumn editions of the magazine. We’re off to an excellent start with lots of interesting things going on – read about them here! To those who have given me articles to be used when needed – thanks. I’ve used some and will try to put more in soon. For the October edition, please let me have articles by September 21st. Thank you. Catriona Blackwood Some time ago a Church in Edinburgh had a visiting Minister taking the service. When the intimations were being read the congregation were told that he would be preaching in Gaelic!! All was well, however, when the date came to mind..........Sunday 1st. April. Ian Bethune Pastoral Care - Helping Hands Our work continues in the Pastoral Care Team and we thought you might like an update on what we have been up to this year so far.
Helping Hands Cards continue to be used to identify people in need of pastoral care. Cards, phone calls, visits and flowers have all been used to reach out to our members and their families with all requested contact made. We are now working on reaching out to those who have not been active with us for some time. Regular notices continue to feature in the weekly intimations and monthly Parish Magazine to encourage people to let us know about members who would appreciate pastoral contact. We are finding that those delivering the parish magazine provide some of the best update information about our members. Feedback also shows how much our members appreciate the visit when the magazine is being delivered. Smarter Shopping Workshop. The workshop aimed to help with pricing, labeling, on-line shopping and some recipe ideas for nutritional meals. Edinburgh Community Food and Tesco 13
both supported the event and there was positive feedback from the attendees. The observant amongst you may have noticed in my last article my reference to Shopping Buddies – I omitted to include the name of the organization which runs this service, so for those who were curious to know it is a service offered by LifeCare Edinburgh. Energy Workshop. This workshop aimed to help people reduce energy costs and was supported and run by ChangeWorks charity. Information packs and radiator shields were provided to those who attended. There was also positive feedback from this event.
Future Plans Building on the success of the workshops held earlier in the year we are going to be holding a conference event in October. This is aimed at those over the age of 65 and will provide information on all types of activities and services available to this community. The event is open to everyone living in the Leith area so please mark the date in your diary for a worthwhile afternoon and let friends, family and neighbours know about the event. Places will be limited to make sure you book your place soon. Over 65s Conference – Thursday 9th October 1.30pm-4pm in Pilrig St Paul’s Church. (more details on page 20 and the front inside cover) The conference will provide information about the following areas and will be supported by many associations and organisations. Shopping & Eating Well Reducing Energy Costs Keeping in Touch with family and friends Budgeting and Accessing entitlements Keeping active Health and well being Social activities in the Leith area Getting on-line with Silver Surfers helping you to use technology and access the internet Planning for the future 14
Book your place now through your pastoral care team or directly with me either by e-mail or by phone. I look forward to hearing from you. We are also looking at ways to support our housebound members. One way we are considering is setting up a book group with support from Edinburgh Libraries and an audio link. I look forward to updating you with how this goes in future issues. Thanks go to Jennifer Stark for her article in the last issue. I am pleased that Cathie Purdie has given Catriona her insight into pastoral care this month, as well as writing a full article which can be found on page 11. Cathie is very much enjoying being a member of the Pastoral Committee and was happy with to assist with the preparation of the Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance in May. After the service she kept spare copies of the Order of Service to pass on to others. She was delighted to find people outwith the church being comforted by this, and was able to offer some support as well. We are passionate about the work we do and are pleased to be supporting the work of the Church in our Parish. A PRAYER FOR YOU God bless you every moment And keep you in His care God send you gifts of hope and joy And happiness to share. God walk with you each morning And send His guiding light And may His everlasting peace Give restful sleep at night God take your hand in trouble, In turmoil and in strife And may the comfort of His love Forever fill your life. Amen 15
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 Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team Leader 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk
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 17
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CAN YOU VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH ANY OF OUR ORGANISATIONS OR THE PASTORAL GROUP AT PILRIG St PAUL’S? IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING WITH ANY OF THESE, PLEASE CONTACT THE LEADER WHO WILL BE HAPPY TO TELL YOU ABOUT IT. These voluntary posts usually involve being on our safeguarding register. Catriona Blackwood, the safeguarding co-ordinator, is happy to advise you about this and set up all the necessary details, if required.
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OVER 65’S CONFERENCE
PILRIG ST PAUL’S CHURCH
9th October 1.30pm-4pm in Pilrig St Paul’s. Shopping Well Tesco Community Champion & Customer Service Manager from Tesco Leith Pricing, labeling, offers/deals and easy ways to shop online Eating Well Edinburgh Community Food Table stall with fresh and dried produce and support material on nutrition and recipes Keeping Warm ChangeWorks Support material on energy saving tips and home appointments offered Keeping Safe Community Alarm Telecare Service, Edinburgh District Council Information about emergency home support available Care and Repair Edinburgh Handyman services provided to keep you safe and warm Police Scotland and Fire Scotland Financial Security Edinburgh District Council
Support with budgeting and accessing your benefits and entitlements 20
Keeping Healthy Lothian Breast Screening Guidance on best actions to maintain health Diabetes UK Keeping in touch Pilmeny Development Project Information about the various groups and services available Age Scotland & Silverline Information about services available from both organisations Silver Surfers Support with getting on-line and using email/skype/facetime Staying Independent Life Care Edinburgh Services available to help you remain living independently Red Cross Lothian Provision of transport to and from hospital and other support services Planning for the Future Chaplain to St Columba’s Hospice Support for those looking to get their affairs in order and make funeral plans Mental Agility Edinburgh Leisure – Leith Library Services available to access books, music and films Caring for Carers VOCAL Support for those caring for others 21
Scottish Charity no. SCO07277 www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk
OUR WHEELCHAIR ENTRANCES ARE IN PILRIG STREET
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 Gray (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)