PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH
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FEBRUARY 2020
Cover photo 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 FEBRUARY 2020 Sunday 2nd February, 11am Morning Worship Wednesday 5th February, 2pm Knitting Bee see page 11 Sunday 9th February 11am Morning Worship Tuesday 11th February 2pm The Guild - Crabbit Heads and Barley Bannock Maureen Kelly Wednesday 12th 1pm Leith St Andrews Church see page 14 LCT short service followed by a light lunch Sunday 16th February 11am Morning Worship Tuesday 25th February 2pm The Guild - Sailor’s Society Chaplain Pauline Robertson Sunday 23rd February 11am Morning Worship PROVIDING FLOWERS IN FEBRUARY 2020 2nd February Sanctuary - Kay and Millie Carroll, in memory of their mother 9th February Sanctuary - Hilda Winton 16th February Sanctuary - Evelyn Torrance 23rd February Sanctuary - Maria Croall Open Doorway, Evelyn Torrance Unless otherwise stated, the open doorway flowers are provided by the flower fund.
The Foodbank is urgently seeking the following items: tinned meat, tinned fish, tinned fruit, tinned vegetables, tea/coffee and UHT milk. If you are able to donate any of these items, it will help reduce our weekly spending costs. Thank you. The donations basket is in the vestibule,
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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’. OPEN DOORWAY EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 10.30-12.30 come to the open doorway for coffee, a chat, and quiet time in the sanctuary.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays - The Guild Marjory McMahon (669 7972) The 5th Leith Scouts Pilrig (5th Leith) Edinburgh North East (Evelyn Torrance 552 1657) Beavers, Cubs and Scouts 5 3/4 - 14 years Guides Rainbows and Brownies 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
There is on-street parking in Pilrig Street and Leith Walk (no restrictions on a Sunday). We have a step free entrance to the church via our side door, or the Hall entrances. The welcome team, standing at the steps and in the Open doorway, will be happy to assist. The church is fitted with fixed pews, there is an area suitable for a wheelchair at the front left hand side.
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From the Manse “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” – Isaiah 60: 1 - 6 Dear All, We now find ourselves in the season of Epiphany - that period of time in the church year from 6 January to Shrove Tuesday. The length of the Epiphany season varies according to the date of Easter. It can be as short as four weeks or as long as nine weeks. Regardless of its length, Epiphany always starts with the story of the Magi paying homage to the Christ Child and finishes with the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. The word epiphany has its roots in both Greek “epiphainein” and Latin “epiphania” where it means “reveal”. So the season of Epiphany points us to new understandings about the nature and being of God as revealed through the life of Jesus. The visit of the magi; Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan; the miracle at Cana in Galilee; the calling of the Disciples; and Jesus’ early ministry and teachings are all part of the season of Epiphany. All of these events in Jesus’ life reveal something about God and God’s kingdom, culminating in the story of the Transfiguration where Jesus’ divinity is fully revealed. As we travel through this season we are invited ask ourselves, “Where is something of God’s nature being revealed to me today?” We find the answers in our own lives; through our shared baptism with fellow Christians, our calling as disciples, and in our shared ministry with others. Whenever we seek to follow in Jesus’ footsteps something of God’s nature is revealed in and through our lives. So let us arise and shine as we seek to reveal something of God’s glory in our world today. Blessings Mark 5
PASTORAL CARE
As ever, thanks to the magazine visitors, members and friends who keep us up to date so that we can send flowers, a card or visit members who are unable to come to Church, are recovering from illness or housebound. Some members prefer a text, or email. If that applies to you, please let us know. Please also tell us about celebrations, unless the person wants to keep it quiet! Pastoral Care Team Catriona Blackwood Team Member
The Magazine Thank you for all the contributions this month. May I have emailed articles for March by 16 th February, please? Apart from thank you cards and notes it is helpful if these can be emailed, please. magazine@pilrigstpauls.org.uk Catriona Blackwood The Lunch Club are making future plans. Details will be given in the order of Service and this magazine when finalised.
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USEFUL INFORMATION We are collecting……… Plastic milk bottle tops: blue or green with a 2 or 3 on them, please give to Maureen Eunson. Other colours and sizes please give them to Evelyn Torrance. Please see Evelyn about other items she can use for Beavers meetings. Flower bags: please hand them in at the end of the service. Stamps: used postage stamps should be cut out (leaving a 1 cm margin) and handed to Maureen Eunson. To receive our news (Intimations) by email every week please visit: http://eepurl.com/bXxvVn Cards for sale: Evelyn Torrance has handmade cards for sale at £2 each. Please contact her if you would like to buy them. Crossreach provides Social Care Services in the Church of Scotland. Copies of their magazine are available outside the Session Room.
YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING CAN HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR PILRIG ST PAUL’S
Please see the notice board outside the Session Room to help raise funds on-line for Pilrig St Paul’s. 7
Leith Community Cinema
We are very much looking forward to an exciting 2020 for the cinema. Our funding is secured for all that we want to include in our programme over the year. There are plans to bring a new trustee on board to join the team, new collaborations with Lorne Primary School, audio description screenings as well as continuing our autism and dementia friendly screenings. January has always been a month where we take stock and focus on reviewing our processes, sourcing new people to become members or join the screening team and on a practical note this month we are also having our equipment checked as required on an annual basis to ensure it is safe to use. A full outline of our programme will be included in next month’s article as booking dates are still being finalised. If you would like to be involved and help out in any way with the cinema please let us know. Linda Gill Leader, Leith Community Cinema linda@leithcommunitycinema.com
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Jean Ramage, 02.09.33 – 01.01.20 Jean’s connection with Pilrig St Paul’s started very early in her life, through Sunday School, Guides and Rangers. She was married to Ian on 26th September 1954 in Pilrig and Dalmeny St Church. Jean was initially a member of the Young Woman’s Group and then spent over 44 years as a member of the Guild, during which time she served as Secretary and President. She was a ‘lady visitor’ and member of the Congregational Board, before being ordained as an elder in 1982. As well as supporting the spiritual work of the Church Jean was often found behind the scenes - always willing to lend a hand, particularly in the kitchen. Supported by her late husband Ian, Jean was instrumental in setting up and running the Pilrig Parlour for over 25 years. In the early days this was a significant task, providing soup, hot filled rolls, sandwiches and home baking for the three weeks during the Edinburgh Festival. This raised much needed funds, but Jean never lost sight of the importance of this as a way of engaging with local residents and visitors alike, as an ‘outreach activity’ – long before outreach was on the mainstream agenda. Until her recent ill heath prevented it, Jean remained very active in the Church, such as volunteering on the open door, and at the foodbank, compiling the magazine, putting on communion cloths, sorting the tea rota and ensuring there were plenty biscuits available. Although Jean preferred to be in the background, her empathy, gentle and open approach meant she was always welcoming, non-judgmental and caring with those she encountered in the Church – whether her many long terms friends or visitors. Jean always had a smile, a kind word or a sympathetic ear and will be missed by many. Shelagh Collier-Green, 9
Jean Ramage was a wonderful lady who could turn her hand to running many things and helping with many more. Jean's wise advice was more expert than she realised, but she would give it only if asked, she never intruded. She made great soup in her trusty pressure cooker! From a bus, I once spotted somebody who could only be Jean, delivering bowls gracefully in her flowing white skirt. We will miss her quiet and well balanced ways. Catriona Blackwood Alex Allan When we met to celebrate Alex Allan’s life, there was laughter mixed with the sadness. Alex brought so much fun and joy to the people he met in various walks of life. A painter and decorator to trade, he later became a postman. For many, the memories will be centred on his leadership in the Junior Section of the Boys Brigade, in all aspects of the meetings and the annual displays. Others will think of his stage performances, for many years at St Paul’s Church, and then as Pantomime Dame at Pilrig St Paul’s. He always put over the sense of the script, but sometimes his adlibbing made things interesting for the other performers! The audience just thought he was great. However, his wit and sense of fun was only one aspect of his character. Alex was a member of the Congregational Board and could be relied on to make sensible and sometimes brilliant suggestions. It was always worthwhile to ask his advice if there was something to be sorted out. Recently he has led the Lunch Club and steered them through a time of transition. When Alex went abroad on holiday in recent years, he came back with shrewd observations about the country as well as the outings and entertainment.
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He took excellent care of his mother in her later years. When she was unable to be on her own, he brought her to pantomime rehearsals and we all helped to see that she was safe, happy and smiling. Alex also talked a great deal about his brother and his family and enjoyed visiting those who lived in Switzerland. He was a faithful member of the team who do tea and coffee after the service, even when he used a walking aid. For all of us, there will be a fond memory of Alex and we will miss him. Catriona Blackwood
THANK YOU We have received thanks from many members for prayers, flowers, cards, visits, phone calls, texts, Christmas gifts and support received following celebrations, bereavements and accidents.
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Leith Community Knitting Bee
Sadly I am writing this next article with news of one of our long standing members, Ellen. We heard late last year from Martin, the manager at Jameson Place Sheltered Housing, that after a time in hospital, Ellen had passed away. Ellen was a great supporter of all our Knitting Bee Projects, she was a regular at our meetings and was famous for arriving with her large bag of knitted items each month. She personally raised money from her knitting when we were held the event to mark another member, Norah. Norah and Ellen were great friends who arrived at the Knitting Bee each month arm in arm, ready to share their news and stories with us all. They are both missed greatly by us all. Work is under way with our projects for this year. There are already a number of pencil cases knitted and we would like to thank those who kindly donated items to be put in the pencil cases. The pencil cases will be gifted to refugee and asylum seeker children in Leith. Trauma Teddies are our other project. The teddies are made and donated free of charge to children who need a smile due to trauma, illness or difficult circumstances. They are gifted by emergency services and other organisations in the course of their work. If you would like to get involved by knitting a Trauma Teddy please let us know and we can provide the pattern and wool to you. As ever, all are welcome to join in and come along to our regular meetings too – even if only for a cuppa and chat. Here are our 12
meeting dates for the remainder of this year and next. We meet in the open doorway from 2pm-4pm. 5th February, 4th March, 8th April, 13th May Over the course of the last two years we have lost several of our members and so we find ourselves in 2020 with very low numbers in our group. If you would like to join us either by coming along to our monthly meetings or by knitting for our projects please let me know. Also, if you know of anyone who might want to get involved please give them the details of the meetings, ask them to contact me or they can access the details via our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Leith-Community-Knitting-Bee2452664664756135/ We are keen to keep the work of the Knitting Bee going however also feel that we will need more people to take part to ensure it is viable to keep going. Even a few new faces at our meetings or people involved in our project work would make a huge difference. Linda Gill knitting@pilrigstpaul’s.org.uk
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One Winter’s afternoon It’s wet and windy outside, but inside – what’s this? Tables dressed in Festive red, sparkly crackers, glasses, Christmas napkins, wee sparkly trees! Oh, and here comes a menu for a lunch; lots of choice here, and really nice puddings. Better leave some room. Is that Santa’s sack I see over there? It looks pretty full. Well, the food is as good as it looks. Funny how it has all gone quiet. Now, there’s lots of laughter and people rummaging through their handbags. Quick, better pass that parcel in case I’m “out”. I see that Santa’s sack is being toted round the tables and we’re all being invited to choose a parcel. Mine is a beautiful bag which looks like a watercolour painting of an old bridge and silver birch trees. Haven’t opened it yet, though. Some lovely Christmas carols next – I requested my favourite one and everybody sang it beautifully. Can’t believe it’s that time already; it is certainly getting darker outside. The fun may be over, but there’s still time for lots of “Good-byes” and “Good wishes.” Wondering what this is all about? Why, it’s the Guild Christmas party of course. Dot The Guild held their Christmas party in the Session House on 10 th December, catered for by Scot of “Dine Time Takeaway” in Brunswick Street. Everyone had a good time and thoroughly enjoyed the food. We would highly recommend him. Marjory McMahon 14
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 the minister or me know of someone to include in this section. Catriona Blackwood
CONTACT DETAILS PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH 1b Pilrig Street Edinburgh EH6 5AH www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk
Church Office 0131 553 1876
TO RENT OUR PREMISES, PLEASE CONTACT psp.halluse@gmail.com
Scottish Charity no. SCO07277
www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk
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Potential applicants are encouraged to check further details (including eligibility) on our website: www.ecas.scot or contact the office on 0131 4742344 THE COMPLETE POSTER IS ON THE NOTICEBOARD OUTSIDE THE SESSION ROOM 17