PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH MARCH 2014
WELCOME TO PILRIG St PAUL’S MARCH 2014 Sunday, 2 March 11:00 Sunday Worship Sunday, 9 March 11:00 Sunday Worship Tuesday 11 March 2pm The Guild How to be Church Spotter Sunday, 16 March 11:00 Sunday Worship Sunday, 23 March 11:00 Sunday Worship and STATED ANNUAL MEETING at the close of worship (see p2) Tuesday 25 March 2pm The Guild Beetle Drive and Bring and Buy Sunday, 30 March 11:00 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 (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) There is a full list and more information on p8, but these items are most needed at present: TINNED FISH AND MEAT STEAMED PUDDINGS UHT MILK FRUIT JUICE Thank you 1
THANK YOU
STATED ANNUAL MEETING The Stated Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Edinburgh: Pilrig St. Paul's, will be held at the close of the 11 am service on Sunday 23 March, 2014. At this Meeting the Audited Congregational Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st December, 2013 will be submitted together with the Congregational Statistics and Elections to Membership of the Congregational Board made as appropriate. The Board look forward to welcoming all members of the congregation for this short, important meeting. Aileen Fraser Clerk to the Board
“… Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God;” - From ‘Aurora Leigh’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806 – 1861) The discovery of the Higgs boson particle in July 2012 set both scientific and religious communities abuzz. All around us, countless numbers of Higgs boson particles make up an invisible force throughout the universe called a Higgs field. Without it, the universe as we know it could not exist. Simply explained, the Higgs boson is essentially the “cosmic glue” which holds the universe together. It gives particles mass, which allows them to bind together and form things, like stars and planets, plants and animals, you and me. It’s no wonder that some people have dubbed it the ‘God particle’. It’s a fantastic discovery, to be sure, and reminds us that just whenever we think we have figured out absolutely everything there is to know about the nature of our universe, the universe reminds us that it is infinitely more complex than we had previously imagined. 2
The 19th century poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, was right when she said that we see the evidence of God permeated throughout nature. Or as St. Paul put it in his letter to the Romans 1: 20, “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made.” On my days off I love nothing better than a stroll along a beach or a walk through the countryside with my four-legged companion. These help ground me and renew me. They also help to give me a sense of the infinite majesty and wonder of God. But I also revel in people, in personalities, and in relationships. We can all name and claim things like love, faith, justice, and peace, but for me, it’s in relationships that these things are truly revealed and experienced. And so through my relationships with others I also know and experience something of God. For me then, God is experienced in and through all places and all peoples. God is the glue that holds my life together, that permeates my relationships with others, and helps me understand more about myself and the world around me. Maybe this new discovery from science is yet just another way to revel in the Holy mystery that is God, and a new way to grow into a deeper faith and understanding of God in our lives, as we encounter God in every moment, every place, and every experience of life. Mark THE MAGAZINE Thank you for the contributions to this magazine. Articles for the next magazine should be with me by March 23rd, please. There is a copy of Life and Work in the Open Doorway if you would like to look at it. Please let me know if you want to order your own copy. If you can help steward at The General Assembly, please see page 4.
Catriona Blackwood 3
From the Clerk’s Desk February has turned out to be a very special month; on that most romantic day of the year St. Valentine’s day our minister got married! I was delighted to be amongst the congregation at Dean Parish Church, along with many other folk from Pilrig St. Paul’s to see Mark and Joanne take their vows. I’m sure you’ll join with me in wishing them every happiness for their new life together. The Kirk Session now turns its attention to determining the future direction of our Mission within the Parish. Having received the challenge from Presbytery to develop a ministry to the 25-40 year old people who form the majority of the parish population, we are meeting to consider our vision and desires for the next five years. My hope is that we can build on the excellent work already being done, ensure our church is open for worship at the times that the parish needs us and that we develop a vibrant set of initiatives to increase our profile and our relevance to the parish. None of this is easy, we look forward to the Mark’s leadership and inspiration as we take this journey. March is the month of church records inspections, where we are required to present our records to Presbytery who inspect them to ensure we are recording the things expected of us and keeping the many records in good order. I’d like to thank all the office bearers who keep records or minute books or registers for the church for their diligence, we rarely have any corrective actions so we are getting it right! A couple of Elders haven’t been well over the past few months so I’d ask that you hold Roy Eprile and Lily Gilhooley in your prayers. John Innes Session Clerk
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Pastoral Care - Helping Hands At the service on the 9th February Mark talked about being the Salt and Light, he encouraged us all to keep doing what we are already doing as every act of kindness and thoughtfulness is appreciated and noticed by those in receipt. I have certainly become much more aware of all the good pastoral care work that goes on day by day in our Church. There are many visits and phone calls keeping in touch and showing concern for others. I have also been encouraged by the number of people reaching out now to let the Pastoral Care Team know about people who would appreciate more support from us. Once again the team have been great in responding to these requests and making the visits or phone calls. At our most recent meeting we were able to confirm that all requested visits and phone calls had been made. Each week brings new requests to us and we are ready to respond to those through the team and also members of the congregation who support us through making visits. We would like to thank those who help us out and would like to mention Irene Eprile who has undertaken a number of visits and provides cheerful contact with our members. Thank you Irene for the great work you do. So please continue to be the Salt and Light of the Church in Leith. Jesus Bids Us Shine Jesus bids us shine like a pure, clear light Like a little candle burning in the night; In this world is darkness, so let us shine You and in your small corner, and I in mine. Jesus bids us shine, first of all for him; Well he sees and knows it, if our light grows dim; He looks down from heaven to see us shine, You in your small corner, and I in mine. Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around, Many kinds of darkness in this world are found: Sin, and want and sorrow; so we must shine, You in your small corner, and I in mine. 5
We held our first team meeting of the year in early February and have agreed a plan of action for 2014, which has been shared with the Kirk Session and approved. Here are the high level details of our plan. Contacting members who currently do not have an elder allocated to them by sending a card to let them know how to contact us if they are in need of help or support. Pro-actively contacting members who are living in Care Homes to offer transport to Sunday worship or other events in the Church. Introducing bereavement support for members and relatives of those from our Parish requiring this type of support. Provision of training and development of pastoral visiting for our team and the wider community of visitors from our Church Pilot a phone-in for members. This would be a half hour discussion on an audio conference held monthly. Each month would cover a new topic to encourage discussion and also include time for general conversation and exchange of news about each other and the work of the Church. Pilot ‘Smart Shopping’ – a short presentation about how to get the best from your shopping followed by a supported group-shopping trip to the local supermarket and potentially optimizing group spending power where appropriate. We will also be continuing our research to understand what pastoral activity is in place in other churches that could be introduced to our church. New cards have been produced to accompany the flowers from the service or to be sent to member by post. I would like to thank Fiona Rankin and Aileen Fraser for their hard work in getting these in place. I am sure you will enjoy receiving one at some point in the future. Or indeed you may want to purchase some for your own use as they have lovely images of the Church building on them and will shortly be on sale in packs in the Open Doorway. 6
As ever, please let me know or any of the team if you think someone needs our support. A card, flowers from the service, a visit or a phone call. We are happy to arrange for any of these to happen. The Helping Hands cards are back in the pews so please remember to use them if you feel someone needs support including yourself. I look forward to updating you next month. Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk Pastoral Care Team Mark Foster Catriona Blackwood Christine Edington Ella Gilfillan Linda Gill Cathy Purdie Fiona Rankin Jeanette Sime Jennifer Stark FUNERALS AND BEREAVEMENT CARE On 9th February, the two of us attended a seminar on 'Funerals and Bereavement Care' at St Andrew's and St George's West. It was an excellent and stimulating morning, with input and discussion groups covering several topics. We met and heard from parish ministers, civil celebrants, undertakers, pastoral care group members and others. We will write a fuller report for the next magazine. Linda Gill (Pastoral Care convener) and Jennifer Stark (Leith Churches Outreach Project).
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THANK YOU Ann Gowans says thank you to all her friends at Pilrig St Paul’s for the flowers she received, and also to Linda for her visit. It was a lovely surprise. Thank you for my Christmas present. It is much appreciated. My scarf was a lovely colour. Sahra Munro Murdo and Joy MacLeod say thank you for the lovely Christmas presents they received. Thank you to Catriona for delivering them. Thank you for my Christmas gift. Chrissie Cain. Many thanks for the lovely roses I received and to Frances (McPherson) for delivering them. Alexina Halliday Thank you for the beautiful flowers I received from the church. Also, for the many good wishes , cards and prayers from the congregation while I was in the Western General Hospital. Roy Eprile Thank you to the Ladies of the Guild and to the Church for the lovely cards and the flowers I received on my 90th birthday. I had a lovely day. Chris Whelan. Thank you all for our very much appreciated Christmas Gift, and also the lovely flowers we received. We enjoyed our visit from Eric very much. Willie has been in hospital after a fall in the house but is home and recovering well. Maria and Willie Cruikshank. 8
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 Contact Roy Eprile with any names you would like included in this section, please. Please also remember Roy himself as he has been in hospital. Ed Milk (UHT or powdered) Sugar (500g) Fruit Juice (carton) Soup Pasta sauces Sponge pudding (tinned) Tomatoes (tinned) Cereals Rice pudding (tinned) Tea bags/instant coffee Instant mash potato Rice/pasta Tinned meat/fish Tinned vegetables Tinned fruit Jam Biscuits or snack bar
PLEASE USE THIS LIST AS A GUIDE WHEN BRINGING THINGS FOR THE FOODBANK – THE BASKET FOR ITEMS IS BESIDE THE DOOR TO THE OPEN DOORWAY. CONTACT ROY EPRILE FOR MORE DETAILS
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 17 to 23 May 2014: Can You Help?
Stewards play a significantly important role to ensure that many of the backup services, in support of the General Assembly, operate in a highly efficient, welcoming and friendly fashion. Throughout the week of the General Assembly some 300 stewards help to cover over 1,000 different duties. Each ‘shift’ generally lasts for about two hours and it is up to each steward as to how often they wish to help – some only have time to help on one occasion, whereas others travel considerable distances to help as often as they can. With so many tasks to undertake we are always seeking new volunteers and we are still some way short of our required target for 2014. If you think you might like to help us then please get in touch for more information. Your help would be very greatly appreciated. William Mearns Chief Steward Phone: 0131 667 1522 or 0780 801 1234 Email: william@mearns.me
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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 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 11
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH ANY OF OUR YOUTH 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 WHAT IS ENTAILED
These voluntary posts involve being on our safeguarding register. If you are not already on it, you will need a PVG (disclosure) or update. Catriona Blackwood, the safeguarding co-ordinator, is happy to advise you about this and set up all the necessary details.
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Daffodils photo 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) bill.blackwood@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 1 385) MAGAZINE Editor - Mrs Catriona E.W. Blackwood - see above Distribution - Mrs Margaret Cameron - 35 Lorne Street (554 2139)
Scottish Charity No. SCO07277 www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk www.facebook.com/pilrigstpauls www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk
OUR WHEELCHAIR ENTRANCES ARE IN PILRIG STREET