HARVEST 2018 AT PILRIG St PAUL’S
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SEE INSIDE FOR THIS MONTH’S LONG-LIFE PREFERENCES
Cover picture by Catriona Blackwood
INFORMATION re PILRIG St PAUL’S MAGAZINE We welcome articles and thank you letters from members and friends. These are published in both the printed magazine and on-line, unless otherwise arranged with the editor. (eg where personal information is concerned, including the names in the prayer corner, it would normally be omitted from the on-line version.) All contributors must provide their name, please, which is normally attached to the article. We reserve the right to edit articles. Changes other than spelling or grammar will, where possible, be discussed with the contributor. Some copies of the printed magazine are available to the public in the open doorway. The views expressed are those of individual contributors and not necessarily those of Pilrig St. Paul’s Church or the Church of Scotland.
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PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH OCTOBER 2018 Sunday 7th October 11am LEITH FORUM JOINT HARVEST SERVICE IN PILRIG St PAUL’S see page 8 Tuesday 9th October Guild Afternoon Tea see page 4 Wednesday 10th October Leith Churches Together Ecumenical Service 1pm, St James Church Leith 7.30 pm Start of Christianity Explored course see page 10 Sunday 14th October Morning Worship 11am Thursday 18th October Knitting Bee 2pm see page 7 Sunday 21st October Morning Worship 11am 1pm Community Cinema AGM in the Session House. All those who are members are eligible to attend this meeting. 2.30pm Community Cinema; La La Land. See page 16 Tuesday 23rd October 2pm Guild Linda Gill: Eden project Sunday 28th October Holy Communion 11am see page 11 PROVIDING FLOWERS IN OCTOBER 2018 7th October Margaret and David Fraser 14th Jean Ramage 21st Scott Gillies 28th Moira Loman
Please speak to Aileen Fraser about providing Church flowers.
THE FOODBANK DONATIONS BASKET IS IN THE VESTIBULE Particularly requested for October: sugar, long life milk and long life fruit juice, thank you. See also page 8 We are collecting………Plastic milk bottle tops. Blue or green with a 2 or 3 on them, please give to Maureen Eunson who will pass them on to raise funds for Borders General Hospital. Other colours and sizes of plastic bottle tops are good for craft making at the Beavers, please give them to Evelyn Torrance, who also has other ides of things to collect. Flower bags, particularly large size. Please hand them to the person sorting out the flowers after the service. Stamps: see page 17 for details 4
CHURCH ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION
SUNDAY - 11am WORSHIP in the Sanctuary, followed by tea or coffee, and a chat, in the Session Room. There is a creche for younger children, while those of school age join the congregation, including taking an active part in the all age 'Time to Talk’.
ACTIVITIES Alternate Tuesdays - The Guild 2.00pm Every Tuesday and Thursday 10.30-12.30 come to the open doorway for coffee, a chat, and quiet time in the sanctuary Wednesdays - Lunch club 11.30 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts 5 3/4 - 14 years The 5th Leith Scouts Edinburgh North East (Evelyn Torrance 552 1657) For Rainbows, Brownies and Guides please send all enquiries to www.girlguiding.org.uk . We have two groups associated with Pilrig St Paul’s THERE ARE MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES HELD ON OUR PREMISES, PLEASE SEE THE NOTICE BOARD IN PILRIG STREET (MIDDLE ENTRANCE) TO RENT OUR PREMISES, PLEASE CONTACT psp.halluse@gmail.com
OUR WHEELCHAIR ENTRANCES ARE IN PILRIG STREET 5
From the manse … Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 4: 10 - 11 Dear All, We are now in the third year of our three-year Stewardship cycle and members are being asked to think about their talents and skills. The New Testament is full of verses (similar to the ones above) that remind us that everyone has their own particular Godgiven skills or talents. How many of us put them to use in a Church context? For some reason we tend to think that our work life and skills; our home life and pastimes; and our church life and involvement, all belong in separate boxes that are brought out and put away - each for use in their own setting. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Our faith calls us to put all of our gifts, skills, and talents to use in every aspect of our life. Just as our beliefs help to inform our daily living, our everyday life skills should be put to use in the context of our faith. In every congregation there will be a wide variety of skills and experience that people bring from their work and home life. Yet if they don’t fit into any of the traditional leadership roles within the church (e.g. Treasurer, Fabric Convenor, Clerk to the Board or Session) we tend to think that these skills are not needed. This is also not true! 6
So, what are your skills? What are the things that you are good at? What are the things that energize you? The chances are we can use your skills and energy in a number of different ways – and some of them in perhaps entirely new ways. Perhaps you have a pastime that you could be sharing with others – just like those in our Knitting Bee. Perhaps you have skills from work that would help us better publicise, organise, or run some of the events and activities that take place in the church. Perhaps you have a skill or talent that could be used in creative ways to help enhance our worship. Please take time to think about your own particular gifts, skills, and interests – and then come and speak to the Session Clerk, or Treasurer, or Clerk to the Board, or Magazine Editor, or Minister, who will listen and help you put your skills and gifts to use. Shalom Mark
THE GUILD The new session of the Guild begins on Tuesday 9th October at 2pm in the Session Room with Afternoon Tea. We shall be delighted to welcome new members (that includes men). This year new members get I year’s free subscription, so do come along. Jeanette Sime Convener 7
Helping Hands We would like to thank everyone who supports us in our pastoral care of those in our congregation and the wider local community. We often hear about phone calls made, cards posted or visits made to those who are ill or in need of some support. The delivery of flowers from our service each Sunday is also much appreciated by those in receipt as you will probably have seen from the lovely thank you messages we receive on a regular basis. Please remember to let us know if you would like a visit or phone call from us or would like to arrange this for a member of our congregation you feel would appreciate this type of support. All you need to do is complete a Helping Hands form and pop it into the box in the Open Doorway of the Church or speak to any of our team. Church Outing – Botanical Gardens Cottage Thank you to Christine Edington and Catriona Blackwood who helped with the catering for our outing in September. The team at the Botanical Cottage hosted our visit really well and a good time was had by all who came along. (See also page 9) Pastoral Care Team Mark Foster - Minister Catriona Blackwood – Elder, Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Magazine Editor Christine Edington – CrossReach Co-ordinator Linda Gill – Elder and Pastoral Care Team Leader Michelle Muhammad – Congregational Board Member Cathy Purdie – Contact for Special Needs Fiona Rankin – Elder Jeanette Sime – Elder and Roll Keeper Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team Leader 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk 8
Dementia Friendly Congregation We are currently exploring how we might be able to be approved as a Dementia Friendly congregation. Dementia affects approximately 90,000 people across Scotland and by 2020 it is estimated that there will be over 1 million people living with the illness in the UK. We are following in the footsteps of many congregations across Scotland. One of these is St Margaret’s Parish Church in Glenrothes which has been honoured with the ‘Dementia Friendly Glenrothes’ award from Alzheimer Scotland, which was presented at their monthly All Age Celebration Service on Sunday 2 September. The accolade was bestowed on them for their work to improve accessibility in their church for those with dementia. The lead on this award, Mrs Miller and her whole church team have worked very hard on making the building and its services accessible to congregational members with dementia. Physically, the church, the halls and group spaces needed some changes to become dementia-friendly. This involved lots of new signage both inside and outside. The minister and her team also invested an hour of their time to be trained as Dementia Friends. Mrs Miller said: “We are a church that is called to serve people of all ages in our parish, which covers Woodside and Pitteuchar. “This is reflected in the groups that take place in the church every week: such as Toddler groups, Monday club, Rainbows/Brownies/Guides, the Guild and the Good Companions (a friendship group for older people).
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“It seemed obvious that a busy church should make the small but targeted changes necessary to allow those living with dementia to find their way into and around the building with confidence. “As the changes relate mostly to signage they were inexpensive and easy to do and, in fact, the new signage helps not only those with dementia but visitors to the church who are unfamiliar with the surroundings.” If you would like to be involved in this project please let us know. Linda Gill
The church is looking for a sturdy, four-drawer, lockable filing cabinet (with key!) for the office; if you know of one which is no longer needed at work, please let us know.
Knitting Bee Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 18 th October at 2pm in the Open Doorway. We will be finalising our Christmas Project that is taking the form of ‘random gifts of kindness’ gifted to people attending our services over Christmas as well as Foodbank and Open Door visitors. If you would like to help with this please come along and join us for the afternoon. We are looking for donations of small wrapped chocolates to include with our Christmas gift, if you would like to help with this please see Linda. Thank you to everyone for your continued donations of wool and materials – they will all be put to good use over the coming weeks and months. 10
HARVEST THANKSGIVING: This years’ service will take place on Sunday 7 October in Pilrig St. Paul’s Church. It will be a joint service with the other Church of Scotland congregations in Leith as we celebrate our new working covenant. Our guest preacher will be the Rev Marjory McPherson, Presbytery Clerk of Edinburgh. Please bring along donations of tinned and long-life foods for the Foodbank. FOOD BANK NEWS Tesco Collections Volunteers are required for the following dates: Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December, times as yet to be advised. If you can help, please give your name to Maria. Training Day An introduction to support and supervision for volunteers will take place in South Leith Church on Thursday 8 th November, at 7.30pm. Please contact Roy Eprile.
The Magazine Thank you for all the items I have received this time. Please see the information on the inside front cover re articles for publication in the magazine. Please may I have items for the October edition by Sunday 21st October? Thank you Catriona Blackwood
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BOTANICAL GARDEN EXCURSION On Saturday 1st September, 8 people from the Church made their way to 'the cottage', at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Botanic Cottage originally stood at the entrance to a long lost incarnation of the Botanics, across the city on Leith Walk and It was moved stone by stone across Edinburgh, and rebuilt in the Demonstration Garden, with all of the stones and timbers going back in the correct places, and finished so that it looks as good as it did 250 years ago. The Botanic Cottage now hosts a wide variety of education and community sessions, as well as public events. This was to be our base for three hours as we were given a very informative talk by Callum, our BG volunteer for the day; followed by a brief video presentation. We then were taken to exhibitions about the Edinburgh Coastline; and The 'Lost Words', celebrating the relationship between language and the living world, and of nature’s power to spark the imagination. On the return to the cottage we had afternoon tea with loads of home-made goodies and endless chatter stimulated by our surroundings and the exhibitions. The consensus of opinion is that we return to visit the cottage again in the not too distant future and hopefully you will join us. Bill Wright
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THANK YOU Moira and Jim Fergie would like to thank everyone at Pilrig St. Paul's Church for their good wishes after Jim's operation. He is on the road to recovery now. Thanks to Alex and Nancy Fleming for providing the beautiful flowers and also to Linda Gill for handing them over also the card. Much appreciated. A huge thank you to the people who work in the creche every Sunday, and a special thanks to those who are now giving this work up after many years of service. This is an important part of our work and we are recruiting. For full details please see Marjory McMahon. Thank you once again for the lovely flowers (brought to me by Linda) which I received after my recent short stay in Hospital. They were much appreciated as were all the telephone calls, texts and cards – it is so nice to be supported in this way. Margaret Cameron. CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED Our 7 week Course will be held on a Wednesday, commencing 10th October between 7.30pm- 9.00pm in the Open Doorway Based on the Gospel of Mark, ‘the Greatest Story Ever Told’, the course will study the 16 chapters of the Gospel accompanied by videos. Participants will be provided with a New Testament and a CE Handbook. It should be stressed that it is the intention of the team to make these evenings both fun and stimulating. It’s been 15 years since Ronnie Gilfillan and Alex Edington ran a similar course and we hope members of our congregation will be interested in attending this course. If you would like to find out more please speak with John Innes, Dorothy Melville or Bill Wright. 13
The Minister and Kirk Session of Pilrig St Paul’s Church Invite you to The Sacrament of Holy Communion on SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 2018 AT 11
am
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. As well as wine the serving trays have individual cups of plain water for those who prefer this. Scottish Churches Disabilities Group
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As many of you are aware Pilrig St Paul’s hosted the AGM of the Scottish Churches Disabilities Group on the 22nd September 2018. I have been instructed by the President, Chairman, committee members and attendees to thank the "guid people" of Pilrig St Pauls for their warm welcome and the hospitality they received during and throughout the course of their meeting - very, very warmly appreciated. Not the only remarks, especially as some members travel from all the "airts and places" across Scotland, but the building, location, facilities for disabled people, willingness to host events and a "beautiful church" - all were commented upon. From a personal point of view can I thank Linda Gill and her team who sorted out the tea, coffees etc and Mark Wexelstein who provided the support for me to "master" (and I use the word very guardedly) the audio and visual technicalities that were much appreciated, and again commented on, on the day. Finally - can I also take the "opporchancity" to thank the Minister and Session for allowing Pilrig St Paul’s to host our meeting. Scott Gillies Secretary Scottish Churches Disabilities Group
Doing on-line shopping?
See the notice board outside the Session Room
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CrossReach at Work in Edinburgh As we all know, CrossReach is the Social Care Arm of the Church of Scotland and carries out its work throughout the length and breadth of our land. It might be interesting, however, to be aware of the work which CrossReach is doing here in Edinburgh, right on our doorstep. Homes for the Elderly – CrossReach runs three homes in Edinburgh:Queen’s Bay Lodge in Milton Road East, Morlich House in Churchill (this home was recently a finalist for the accolade of Scottish Care Home of the Year) and The Elms in Whitehouse Loan which specialises in the care of those affected by dementia. This home also hosts Dementia Clinics where those caring for a loved one with dementia can receive help and advice. Heart for Art is a club for people with dementia where they can enjoy expressing themselves through art. It meets in the Charteris Centre in the Pleasance. There is also a club in Musselburgh in North Esk Parish Church. Threshold Edinburgh in Craiglockhart Avenue provides support at home for those with learning disabilities. They also have day care opportunities offering support with learning, work, holidays, socialising etc. Eskmills offers supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities in Musselburgh and Portobello. CrossReach Counselling from its base in Wallace House, Boswall Road, provides a range of counselling services to individuals, families, children and young people e.g. workplace counselling, family therapy/wellbeing, one to one counselling etc. 16
Bluebell Perinatal Depression Services are located in Boswall Road, Palmerston Place and the Gate Lodge of Charis House, Milton Road East They offer help to mothers (and fathers) affected by pre and post natal depression. Individual and couples counselling is also offered as well as family therapy and baby massage classes. A creche is also provided for older children so that parents feel more relaxed. The Sunflower Garden Project meets in Simpson House in Queen Street. It supports children who have been affected by parental drug or alcohol abuse. It is a place where children can enjoy themselves in a safe and welcoming environment and receive help to manage their worries, fears and feelings. The Rankeillor Initiative in the Cowgate offers help and advice to those who, for any reason, are at risk of losing their home. Cunningham House, also in the Cowgate, provides safe and supported hostel accommodation for homeless people. There are 23 rooms with en suite facilities and shared kitchen and living rooms. Help with drug, alcohol and mental health problems is available and residents can stay for up to two years. The aim is to assist people to secure long term accommodation. As you will see, the work which CrossReach does covers a wide range of needs. Please pray for all those involved with this work as they seek, in a practical way, to bring the light of God’s love into the lives of others. Christine Edington (CrossReach Contact|) The latest issue of CrossReach News is available on the stand outside the Session House. If you would like to know about CrossReach Christmas cards and calendars, please speak to Christine Edington. 17
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? When the old Dalmeny Street Choir pews were removed from the front of our Sanctuary we contacted various charitable organisations to see if they could use the wood. Unfortunately it was not suitable for any of the present projects. Our own Ron Eunson has been busy, however, and all of the items below were made from the wood. You can see the pictures in full colour on the noticeboard outside the session room.
These are great, Ron! Leith Community Cinema 18
In September we held triple screening weekend with the film Dunkirk on Friday 7th September and on the Saturday we held two screenings of the acclaimed children’s animation Coco. It was great to be hosting another autism friendly screening in collaboration with Tailor Ed in the Session House that was a sell out and also to welcome lots of new families to our main screening upstairs. We were also able to make use of our new equipment for these screenings and they were all well received by our audiences. There are now more children’s beanbags, adult beanbags, oilcloths for both screening rooms, a thermos coffee machine and our amazing popcorn maker! Thanks goes to Ron Eunson who has helped us to make sure our equipment store cupboard is lock fast. We are very much looking forward to our Annual Planning Conference on Saturday 20th October at 10.30am in the Session House. You can book your place via the sign up sheets or on Eventbrite. Please think about coming along to show your support for the cinema and add your input to our planning for 2019. Our AGM is being held on Sunday 21 st October at 1pm in the Session House. All those who are members are eligible to attend this meeting. We then round off the weekend with our screening of La La Land. This will be fully accessible as we are holding two screenings one in the Session House and the other in the main hall. Linda Gill linda@leithcommunitycinema.com
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What people say about the cinema: General comments It was good especially children have their space to move and express themselves Excellent, great to have quiet space, sensory toys and about to run around, all staff understanding and helpful Everything was fine, Very happy with event, The kids were so well behaved. And friendly staff! Really enjoyable, friendly welcome, Was all really good, I love it so much, it was amazing Ideas for future screenings. Bring friends along approach with the marketing to get a bigger audience Blanket on the floor for a baby might be useful. Another autism friendly screening soon!
World Mission 2018 Stamp Appeal. The proceeds of this year's appeal are going to The Reformed Church in Ukraine, where they will be used to help support day care centres for young children with disabilities. Used postage stamps should be cut out (leaving a 1 cm margin) and handed to Maureen Eunson. Thank you. 20
Using text to make your offering You can make your offering by texting PSPC10 £5 to 70070 (You can change the £ amount as preferred). To receive our news (Intimations) by email every week please visit: http://eepurl.com/bXxvVn Prayer Corner Please remember in your prayers members and friends of the congregation who are ill or infirm at this time. A full list is available in the printed version of the magazine. Please let Roy Eprile know if you would like someone included in the prayer corner and also make sure Roy knows about any changes, thank you.
CONTACT DETAILS PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH 1b Pilrig Street Edinburgh EH6 5AH www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk
Church Office 0131 553 1876
Scottish Charity no. SCO07277
www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk
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