PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH
JUNE 2014
PILRIG St PAUL’S ORGANISATIONS (some of these groups take a summer break, contact leaders for details) Mondays - Rainbows and Brownies (Christine Buchanan) Tuesdays - The Guild 2.00pm (Irene Wexelstein 476 1385) For details of summer meetings, see page 3 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) Guides (Karen Wood)
WELCOME TO PILRIG St PAUL’S SUMMER 2014 All Sundays except June 15th 11:00 Sunday Worship in the sanctuary SUNDAY 15th June Joint Forum Service at 11am in South Leith Church. There will be no Service in Pilrig St Paul’s that day. Sunday 29th June 11:00 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. 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 Parlour Monday 4th August – Saturday 23rd August 11.30am - 2pm (does not open on Sundays) Guild Summer meetings – see page 3 Minutes of Stated Annual meeting – see page 15
URGENTLY REQUIRED FOODS JUNE 2014 See also p6 UHT MILK, TINS OF MEAT AND FISH, RICE, JAM, CUSTARD AND TINS OF FRUIT AND VEG. THANK YOU! 1
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Dear All, A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. But the people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, “You have seen Hell.” They then went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew, which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don’t understand." "It is simple,” said the Lord, "In this place the people have learned to feed one another." 2
Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ (Luke 17: 20 – 21)As a Community of Faith, let us remember that the heart of what it is to be the Church is to feed one another – to nourish one another’s souls with love, patience, understanding, affirmation, and forgiveness. And when we do, we will discover that the Kingdom of God is among us. Mark THE MAGAZINE Thank you for all the contributions to the magazine this month – a bumper edition! We now have a gap of two months and articles for September 2014 should be with me by 24 th August, please. Thank you very much to everyone who contributes to the magazine in any way, particularly to Mark Foster for his Pastoral letters, John Innes who both contributes articles and who also prints it every month, Linda Gill for Pastoral Care letters, Mark Wexelstein and all who wrote articles during the vacancy, Margaret Cameron and her teams who assemble and distribute it, and my long-suffering husband who proof-reads it. Catriona Blackwood THE GUILD SUMMER MEETINGS 17th June lunch 12.30 for 1pm 15th July 2pm (in aid of Marie Curie) 9th September 2 pm
3
PILRIG PARLOUR MONDAY – SATURDAY 4th – 23rd AUGUST 11.30am - 2pm IT WOULD BE GOOD TO SEE
YOU FOR TEA, COFFEE OR A LIGHT LUNCH DURING THIS TIME. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? ASSISTING IN THE KITCHEN OR SERVING ON 1-18 DAYS!!!
4
Would you like to get involved with the production and display of the hymns and Order of Service? I’m seeking to expand the small team who take the order of service and produce the PowerPoint slides for display in the church and then operate the laptop during the service. At the moment Mark Wexelstein does the production and operates the laptop most Sundays with John Innes standing in when Mark isn’t available. A little technical knowledge is needed (and a PC to produce the PowerPoint) but we’re happy to train anyone who wants to get involved. If you’d like to help or even just discuss what’s needed then please speak to John Innes or Mark Wexelstein FREE TUBE OF SMARTIES FOR ALL!! During June we will be handing out free tubes of smarties. Why, I hear you ask? At the last Board meeting we discussed ideas to try and reduce the budgeted deficit for this year and one idea was to give out free smarties and ask you to fill the empty tube with 20 pence pieces or if possible £1 coins. We would ask these to be handed back in at the start of December so the money will be able to go through the accounts for this year. If you fill one up then you can always get another free tube of smarties! We also want to look at other ideas so if any one is willing to go on a committee to decide what would work best please let me know. Thanks for your support. Mark Wexelstein Treasurer 5
6
Iain May, Minister, South Leith Church, who organises the Foodbank thanks us for all the contributions and sends a reminder that there is a growing use of the service, which means that donations are needed constantly. If you are able to help, these are the foods we use, thank you. They should be put in the basket in the front entrance to the Church. Those in bold type are URGENTLY needed at present (summer 2014) PLEASE GIVE THEM PRIORITY UHT milk, tinned meat/fish, tinned vegetables, tinned fruit, jam, ready custard, easy cook rice, sugar (500g), fruit juice (carton), powdered milk, soup, pasta sauces, sponge pudding (tinned), tomatoes (tinned), cereals, rice pudding (tinned), tea bags/instant coffee, instant mashed potato, pasta, biscuits or snack bars 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
7
THANK YOU Open Doorway Thank you to everyone who staffs the Open Doorway on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11.00am -1.00pm. As always, if you would like to help us, please contact me on 552 8982. Eric Fisher The Magazine Thanks to all the team who put the magazine together and distribute it. Without their assistance on the last Thursday of the month the magazine could not happen. Enjoy a summer break - see you again on 28th August. Margaret Cameron Thank you to Catriona Blackwood and her team for all the hard work for once again producing an excellent magazine. Roy Eprile Safeguarding Thank you to all those on our safeguarding register who visit our less able members, look after the children in the crèche and Sunday School, (and are always conscientious about making sure that there is the right number of registered people in the halls with the children). Thanks, too, to those who have helped with the junior choir in the past. This has been a quiet year with no youth choir activities, but you have all worked very hard in recent years. Some of our members also assist with forum activities, thank you. Catriona Blackwood Foodbank Teams (volunteers) A massive thank you to all the Foodbank volunteers for handing out the food baskets and the documentation required, also for collecting the food from North Leith and bringing it to the Church. Thank you all. Roy Eprile 8
Thank you for the lovely flowers Margaret Cameron brought to me from the church. They were much appreciated. Moira Loman I just wanted to say Thank you for the flowers I got at the Remembrance Service. Red Roses were my grandad’s favourite type of flowers so it really meant a lot to me. Abbi (Stuart’s granddaughter) Thank you for the beautiful flowers received on Sunday. It was a lovely surprise and they were very much appreciated. Thank you very much, Irene Brown Thank you very much for the flowers I received from the Church. Jessie Todd Thank you for the beautiful flowers received after the Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. It was a lovely surprise and appreciated. Thank you to Mark also for a very moving service. Sadie Duffy Thank you for the continued good wishes from everybody about my health. It is very uplifting for me that so many in the congregation have spoken to me. Roy Eprile Thank you for the lovely flowers delivered to me by Irene Eprile and also for all cards and phone calls received. They are much appreciated. I am now home from hospital and making steady progress. Ronnie C. We would like to say a big thank you for the beautiful flowers we received on Easter Sunday. It was such a lovely surprise. Val and Ann Bruce 9
Pastoral Care Team Mark Foster, Catriona Blackwood, Christine Edington, Ella Gilfillan, Linda Gill, Cathy Purdie, Fiona Rankin, Jeanette Sime, Jennifer Stark Pastoral Care - Helping Hands Smart Shopping Workshop We held our Smart Shopping workshop earlier this month and we pleased with it. The feedback from the attendees was positive with some requests for additional information to be provided specifically around the nutritional content of foods and healthy eating in general. The workshop focused on the importance of reading labels and provided guidance on how to navigate through the various deals and offers in most supermarkets. We used a typical bag of shopping at a cost of ÂŁ10 as an example and by taking a new approach to selecting the best priced items we were able to make a saving which totalled circa ÂŁ37 per year. We also provided information about on-line shopping, click-to-collect services and using the internet to research on best prices. Information was also covered about how to get help with your shopping by using services such as Shopping Buddies, a service provided by XX. I would like to thank Julie MacEwan who ran the workshop with me for her time and input to the content. Julie also provided some simple nutritional recipes and I thought you might like one to try. I have included it for you below. Tomato and Mint Soup 8oz onions, chopped 2oz unsalted butter 2lbs tomatoes, roughly chopped 3 fl oz sherry 1 tbls caster sugar Half a bunch of fresh mint, chopped 10
-
Sauté the onion in the butter until very soft Add the tomatoes (plus skins) Stir in the sherry and sugar Add the mint Cook gently for 45 mins Blend and pass through a fine sieve Add enough water to get the consistency you desire Season to taste.
Thanks also go to Emma Pattinson from Edinburgh Community Food and Wendy, Customer Service Manager at Tesco Leith as they supported us by providing material and examples which we used in the workshop. The Foodbank also benefited as the food was donated after the workshop. We may run another Smart Shopping workshop. If you are interested please put your name down on the form in the Open Doorway. Energy Advice Workshop We have turned out attention now to reducing heating and lighting costs. If you are aged over 65 and interested in the following topics then I have a date for your diary.
Saving money on gas and electric bills How to switch to cheaper energy tariffs Getting the best from your heating system How to access grants and free support available from the Scottish Government How to understand energy bills and read meters.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 4 th June at 1.30pm-2.30pm in the Session Room. We are delighted to have Drew Murphy from CHANGEWORKS, an environmental charity and social enterprise based in Leith to run the 11
workshop for us. The CHANGEWORKS service is funded by the NHS and supported by Edinburgh Council. If you would like to attend please let one of the Pastoral Care Team know or put your name on the list in the Open Doorway. Thanksgiving and Remembrance Service The service, held on Sunday 11th May was well received by those who came along. It seemed to help people find space and time to reflect on those no longer with us. We also enjoyed time together afterwards with a welcome cuppa and some lovely home bakes courtesy of the Guild. I had mentioned the service to a number of people however they were not able to come along for a variety of reasons. I managed however to give them copies of the Order of Service and a candle to light. They really appreciated being able to read through the readings from the service and lighting their candle.
The Pastoral Care Team I trust that you enjoyed reading Catriona’s update last month and I am pleased that this month you are hearing from Jennifer Stark. “I joined the Pastoral Care team last autumn, so I am a comparative newcomer still; but I have been very impressed by the way in which it has grown and developed since being set up during the vacancy. I only really became conscious of what had been going on when I saw the Helping Hands cards in the pews and I felt they strike the right note – they were colourful, easy to take away, and encouraging. As most of you know, I work with a number of churches across 12
Leith and so get a feel for how each one provides pastoral care; it’s easy to forget, if you care well for your regular congregation, that newcomers may well be in need of a friendly visit or conversation too. The cards open that doorway. I’ve also been very impressed by the way the team works together, and now is branching out through events such as the Smart Shopping workshop. These things take time to build but I encourage you all to support and publicise what’s going on. ‘ As ever, if you need pastoral support or know someone who would appreciate contact please let one of the team know or fill in one of our Helping Hands pew cards. We can arrange for a card to be sent, flowers from the service, a visit or a phone call what ever you think would be most appropriate. We continue to be encouraged by the positive feedback from those we have reached out to with our pastoral care contact. I look forward to updating you next month. Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk LEITH FESTIVAL If anyone is able to provide home baking or assist with manning the tea tent on SATURDAY 14TH June, please speak to Aileen Fraser who will be delighted to hear from you!
Also on Saturday 14th June………………..Eric Fisher is one of the runners with the Queen’s baton! Please support him as at 3.45pm he runs from outside the old Leith Academy building, along Vanburgh Place and East Hermitage. Congratulations Eric! 13
PRAYER CORNER Ina Grierson Marion Murray Janice Campbell Barbara Graham Isabel Hannay Helen Grieg Matthew Green Frances Chambers Jimmy Rennie Harriett Sceales Evelyn Turner Isabel Fyfe Lorna Burke June Welsh Murdo and Joy MacLeod Charlie and Joyce Forman Linda Connolly Phil Howe Jack McArthur Helena Aide Morag Davidson Isabel Pert Ann Taylor Agnes MacAuley Samantha Hancock Cleland Jimmy and Jean Tait Simon and Katryn Fisher and family Contact Roy Eprile with any names you would like included in this section, please. Please also remember Roy himself as he recovers from surgery. Ed 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.
14
PILRIG ST. PAUL’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ANNUAL STATED MEETING 2014 The Stated Annual Meeting of the congregation of Edinburgh: Pilrig St. Paul’s was held in the Sanctuary on Sunday 23 rd March 2014 at the close of morning worship, due intimations having been made from the pulpit on the preceding two Sundays. The meeting was constituted by the chairperson. MINUTES: The minutes of the last Annual Stated Meeting of Pilrig St. Paul’s Church held on Sunday 31st March 2013 having been published in the May 2013 magazine were proposed by Jeanette Sime and seconded by Murdo McLeod. MATTERS ARISING: No items of business. TREASURER’S REPORT:
The congregational treasurer, Mark Wexelstein presented an abstract of the accounts for 2013. These showed the income and expenditure for 2013 for the main categories. It also showed the deficit for the year as £66,674.62. However this included major fabric expense for both the Church and the Manse. The deficit excluding major fabric, was £14,506.16. The budget for 2014 shows an expected deficit of £14,800. It was recognised if this continued that there would be no reserves left in around 5 years time. A PowerPoint presentation was then made showing the main areas of income and expenditure and how these have changed over the last 5 years. Questions from the congregation were answered. Mark thanked the teams who count the money 15
each Sunday and especially the team leaders who put the payin together and take the money to the night safe. He also thanked Ella Gilfillan and Irene Wexelstein for their work as Christian Giving Conveners. Mark encouraged anyone not already paying by gift aid to consider this as it allows us to reclaim 25% from the government. Mark advised that anyone wishing a full set of accounts should ask him for a copy. Maria Croall thanked Mark for all his work over the year as treasurer. CONGREGATIONAL STATISTICS: The roll keeper, Jeanette Sime presented the congregational statistics for the year ended 31 December 2013 as follows:Congregational roll as at 31/12/2012 250 Added by profession of faith 1 Added by certificate of transfer 2 Added by restoration 0 Subtotal 253 Removed by certificate of transfer 2 Removed by resolution of Kirk Session 0 Removed by death 14 Congregational roll as at 31/12/2013 237 Adherents 4 Supplementary roll 9 Maria Croall thanked Jeanette for her report and work in this important administration of the congregation.
16
ELECTION OF CONGREGATIONAL BOARD: Maria Croall advised that three members of the Congregational Board had completed three years in office and accordingly under church law retire at this Annual Stated Meeting. During the past year no resignations had been received and no members had been co-opted to membership. The following three members retire at this time:- Alex Allan, Irene Wexelstein and Aileen Fraser. The three retiring members had stated their willingness to stand for re-election. Maria Croall asked if there were any other nominations. With no others being received, Alex Allan was proposed by Alex Fleming and seconded by Eric Fisher. Aileen Fraser was proposed by Michael Head and seconded by Catriona Blackwood. Irene Wexelstein was proposed by Marjorie McMahon and seconded by Lisa Innes. These were accepted by the meeting. It was asked how many places were vacant on the Congregational Board. The meeting was advised that there were no vacant positions as the active elders able to attend the meetings is 15 and we have 16 ordinary members. MINISTERS REPORT: The Rev. Mark Foster thanked Mark Wexelstein for his work in putting the presentation together. He commented that the major fabric expenditure had been high over the last few years but as this was now complete he reiterated the benefits of signing up for gift aid and advised that people may not be aware they were paying tax and if they were unsure if eligible to speak to the treasurer. He thanked all the office bearers and teams for their service to the congregation over the last year. BENEDICTION:
The meeting closed by saying the grace together.
Aileen Fraser Clerk to the Congregational
Maria Croall Board Chairperson
17
CELEBRITY ORGAN RECITAL A quick verse of " Come and join the celebration " ? Or perhaps a rousing version of " Happy Birthday to Us " ? Or even a noisy rendition of " An organ for me, An organ for me........" ? Or how about a cocktail of them all to celebrate: a) the 150th anniversary of Barclay Viewforth Church, b) the fact that we have a " celebrity " to help in these celebrations, and c) our good fortune in having Dr John Kitchen, City Organist, as the celebrity to give a dazzling organ recital as one of the splendid events held throughout this anniversary year? As organist at Barclay Viewforth I am unashamedly excited about having our fine organ played by an organist of this calibre and reputation. Having heard John play organs all over Scotland, having listened to his many recordings, having heard his vast repertoire, having enjoyed his affable good humour and audience manipulation at his glorious " Get Organised " recitals in the Usher Hall, I am more than pleased to spread the good news about his forthcoming recital at Barclay Viewforth Church on Friday, 20 June this year at 7.30 pm when he will delight what I hope to be a large audience of music-lovers. His recitals really are special ! After the recital there will be a chance to mingle, chat and meet Dr Kitchen over wine and refreshments........and all for a mere fiver ! This will be a special occasion and one in which I hope you and your friends /organisation/club/association/group will wish to be involved. Please spread the word and I and my friends at BV ( beside Bruntsfield Links ) look forward to giving you a warm welcome. The date : Friday 20 June at 7.30 pm The star : Dr John Kitchen Hope to see you there. Dennis Deas 18
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 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
19
Scottish Charity no. SCO07277 www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk
OUR WHEELCHAIR ENTRANCES ARE IN PILRIG STREET
Cover photo –The ruins of the monastery on the Isle of May CB
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)