REMEMBERING THEM PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH
NOVEMBER 2014
CHURCH ACTIVITIES Sunday - Children’s activities from 10.50am, creche for younger children and activities based on the Church calendar for those of school age. Tuesdays - The Guild 2.00pm (Irene Wexelstein 476 1385) Beavers, Cubs and Scouts 5 3/4 - 14 years The 5th Leith Scouts Edinburgh North East Broughton Primary gym hall contact Evelyn Torrance 552 1657 Wednesdays - Lunch club 12 noon (Marjory McArthur 553 2323)
For Rainbows, Brownies and Guides please send all enquiries to www.girlguiding.org.uk . We have two groups associated with Pilrig St Paul’s
PLEASE ALSO SEE THE LIST OF ALL REGULAR EVENTS IN OUR PREMISES, INCLUDING THOSE RUN BY OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS. THIS CAN BE FOUND ON THE NOTICE BOARD AT THE SESSION ROOM OUTSIDE DOOR.
WELCOME TO PILRIG St PAUL’S OCTOBER 2014 Sunday, November 2nd 11:00am Sunday Worship Sunday, November 9th 10.50 am REMEMBRANCE SERVICE, please note the earlier time Tuesday, November 11th 2:00pm The Guild To be arranged. Sunday, November 16th 11:00am Sunday Worship Tuesday, November 18th 2:00pm The Guild visit to St. Serfs Church & Afternoon Tea Sunday, November 23rd 11:00am Sunday Worship GUILD SUNDAY Tuesday, November 25th 2:00pm The Guild ‘You
Rang Madam’
Sunday, November 30th 11:00am Sunday Worship
THE DONATIONS BASKET IS IN THE VESTIBULE. On Tuesdays and Thursdays visit the “OPEN DOORWAY” for Tea, coffee and a chat or for a short time of quietness in the sanctuary.
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, … let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” - Hebrews 12: 1
November is the Season of Remembrance in the Church when we focus on the lives of those who once walked with us but are no longer beside us. Starting with All Saints Day, when we remember the names of those who have gone down in the annals of Christian history. This is followed by the Feast of All Souls, when we remember all the faithful departed this life, whether they made a mark in the world or not. We could describe these people as the saints who are known only to God and a small handful of others, such as their relatives and friends. These are the people whose lives you will rarely hear about in church and who will not be given their own specific day of commemoration in the Christian calendar. These are the people who have accompanied us in our spiritual journeys - both in our joy and our pain – and have left their imprint on our lives forever. These are the people who have, through their own lives, somehow given us a clearer glimpse of God. Chapter 11 of the Letter to the Hebrews calls them the great cloud of witnesses that surround us in our faith. One of the favourite books from my childhood was from the Andy Pandy series of stories by Maria Bird. In this particular story Andy Pandy had gone to the countryside with his good friends Looby Loo and Teddy. Looby Loo had gone into the cornfield to look at all the pretty poppy flowers, but had wandered so far in that she had become lost. Eventually she was rescued by a Magpie, who was able to soar high above the field and guide her safely back to her friends. This year, as we pause to remember the centenary of the outbreak of The First World War, there is a danger that we too can become lost amid the poppy flowers. The passing of time and the fading of memories can make it harder for each new generation to fully understand the sacrifices made and the freedoms fought for.
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For Remembrance to work, it has to lift us up out of ourselves, so that we can see the bigger picture – just like the Magpie in my childhood story. It is good then to be reminded that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are there to do just that.
Take time this season of Remembrance to think about the saints in your life who have accompanied you on your spiritual journey. Those who first brought you to church or told you that God loved you. Those who showed you the values of care and compassion for others. Those who gave of their time and energy, wisdom and love, - and possibly their patience – to try and make you a better person. Remember them - and give thanks to God for them and all that they gave you. Let them lift you up to see the bigger picture. Let them cheer you on as you run the race that is set before you.
Shalom Mark
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Ronnie Cameron Everyone in the church family was shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of Ronnie Cameron on 2 October 2014. Ronnie was rushed to hospital earlier that week with septicemia and sadly did not recover.
The church has lost a great servant, Ronnie was always willing to roll up his sleeves and get things done. Ordained an elder on 10 October 1971 he played a very full part in the life of the church – from performing the our pantomimes and variety shows, taking on the role of beadle, cooking in the Pilrig Parlour, working in the Open Doorway and Lunch Club, setting up the church for communion and so much more. Most of all Ronnie was a cheerful presence on a Sunday morning, always ready with a quip or a humorous story before dignifiedly leading the minister into church. He will be greatly missed, both for his good humour and his incredible service over the decades. He was an integral part of the life of Pilrig & Dalmeny Street church and Pilrig St. Paul’s church. Ronnie’s funeral was on 10 October 2014, the 43rd anniversary of his ordination, and the huge crowd of mourners there pays testament to his popularity and the regard with which Ronnie was held in Leith and beyond. We extend our sympathy to his wife Margaret, children David and Linda and their families. John Innes Session Clerk
Dr. Nikki Macdonald On a happier note we are delighted to learn that Nikki is to be Ordained and Inducted as minister of Upper Clyde Parish on 29 October. A representation from the Congregation will be going to the service at Abington and we will take the good wishes of everyone at her home congregation of Pilrig St. Paul’s.
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THANK YOU
Margaret, David and Linda would like to say a sincere ‘Thank you” to all at Pilrig St Paul’s. They have been overwhelmed with all the cards, flowers and telephone calls they have received since Ronnie’s death. Your wonderful support is much appreciated. Thanks to the Minister and Congregation for the lovely flowers I received. Thanks to Catriona for delivering them. It was a lovely thought. Joyce and Charlie Forman
The flowers which we received at Church recently were a lovely surprise. Thank you very much indeed. Alec and Christine Edington
THE MAGAZINE AND LIFE AND WORK
Please may I have items for the Christmas Edition of the magazine by November 23rd? If you would like to order Life and Work for 2015, please let me know by by the 9th of November. The cost is £21.50 for the year, or £I0.75 if two share a magazine. Catriona Blackwood
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PRAYER CORNER Margaret Cameron and family
Margaret Gunn
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
Mary Currie
Isabel Pert
Jack McArthur
Helena Aide
Ann Taylor
Agnes MacAuley
Jim and Jean Tait
URGENTLY REQUIRED FOODS UHT MILK, TINS OF MEAT AND FISH, RICE, JAM, CUSTARD AND TINS OF FRUIT AND VEG. THANK YOU! Please contact Roy Eprile with reference to the items on this page. 6
PASTORAL CARE TEAM It is hard to believe that we are in the final quarter of 2014 and we are already thinking about our Pastoral Care Plans for 2015. It has been a busy year for the team however rewarding in many ways as well.
We are continuing to use our Helping Hands Cards to help 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. In early October we held our Over 65’s Conference. We had 20 organisations offering services to those over the age of 65. The representatives explained their services to those visiting their stand and also gave out literature and samples of products to support health, safety and security. A big thank you to everyone who attended.
We are delighted with the feedback from those who attended the conference with 30% of people there taking time to complete our on-line survey. The key headlines from the feedback are as follows: How would you rate the conference overall? Excellent 29% Very good 65%
Fairly good 6% How did you hear about the conference? The main source quoted in responses was ‘via my church’. What did you like the most? The main response here related to the range of information available in one place. Also an appreciation for the ‘cuppa’ and home baking!!!
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How helpful were the people you met today? Excellent 42% Very helpful 55% Somewhat helpful 3% There were lots of comments about how helpful people were and the friendly atmosphere of the afternoon. General comments – People appreciated the information they had found out at the conference and were surprised about the ways in which they would benefit from the range of services available. There were also a number of appointments set up during the afternoon so that people could follow up directly with the organisations.
There were a couple of questions about when the next one would be held! I would also like to thank the team of 26 people who made the event happen for us. Technical & logistics, the ‘Meeter Greeters’, the ‘Feedback Gatherers’ and of course the Catering Team all played their part in making it an enjoyable afternoon for everyone. The early results from the post event survey with the representatives from the organisations and volunteer teams are also encouraging.
Each month you have been hearing from one of our team and thanks go to Christine for her article in the last issue of the magazine. This month I am delighted that Jeanette Sime has provided her insight into the value of pastoral care from her own personal perspective and experience. “I was asked to become a member of the Pastoral Care Team as Roll Keeper, as I have access to names and addresses of all our members. Having been a member of PSP for many years, I have been involved with Youth Organisations, leading the Guild and many of the fun activities. When it was suggested that I become a member of the Pastoral Care Team, I felt rather apprehensive but after some thought and discussion I decided that this was an opportunity for me to give back to the Church 8
and individuals the care and support that I received after Stuart’s death. This support still continues today and is much appreciated. As part of the Team, I hope I am able to give support with a listening ear and understanding. My nursing background has come in useful, enabling me to help others in difficult times.” Jeanette Sime
He has no hands but our hands To do his work today He has no feet but our feet To lead men to his way He has no tongue but our tongues To tell men how he died He has no help but our help To bring them to his side. Anon The pastoral team have a number of activities planned for the remainder of 2014 which will also form the basis of our plans for 2015.
Working together we plan to host a meeting in November with all Pastoral Care Teams from the other Churches Leith and will be joined by Melanie Kilburn from the Bethany Christian Trust who will share with us the details of a new be-friending service run by the Passing the Baton for Older People project. Book Group – Plans are under way to set up a book group over the winter to be held via an audio link to enable those who are housebound to take part. This will be in conjunction with Sandra Wright, Leith Library librarian who is keen to support this initiative. 9
Telephone Groups – We are looking to set up small groups of people each led by a member of the Pastoral Care Team. They will either phone each person or hold audio meetings on a monthly basis to keep in touch with those who are housebound or feel isolated from family and friends. The meetings will offer support, prayer or bible readings as well as identifying any issues requiring the minister’s involvement.
We are passionate about the work we do and are pleased to be supporting the work of the Church in our Parish. Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team Leader 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk
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
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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 Tear this page out to hand in the form (it’s blank on the reverse) 11
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 OUR ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE LEADER WHO WILL BE HAPPY TO TELL YOU MORE 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.
MINISTER Rev Mark Foster minister.psp@gmail.com (332 5736) SESSION CLERK
PASTORAL LINK ELDER and SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOR Mrs Catriona E.W. Blackwood 4 Cambridge Gardens
John Innes - 33 Monktonhall Place, Musselburgh (07563 248722)
(554 6183) cewblackwood@tesco.net
pilrig@btinternet.com
PROPERTY CONVENER
THE CONGREGATIONAL BOARD
Eric Fisher (552 8982) 104 Crewe Crescent
CLERK Aileen Fraser (07936 716 765) ASSISTANT CLERK Maria Croall (07747 071 545)
HALL LET GROUP psp.halluse@gmail.com ORGANIST and CHOIRMASTER
pspcongragationalboard@gmail.com
The Clerk to the Congregational Board
Colin Grey (07901 556 217)
SUNDAY CLUB LEADER
Pilrig St Paul’s Church, 1B Pilrig Street, Mark Wexelstein (665 6881) Edinburgh EH6 5AH mark.wexelstein@googlemail.com TREASURER
CHRISTIAN GIVINGS CONVENERS
Mark Wexelstein (665 6881) mark.wexelstein@googlemail.com
Mrs Ella Gilfillan 8 Paisley Terrace (661 2281)
ROLL KEEPER
Mrs Irene Wexelstein 15 Upper Hermitage (476 1385)
Mrs Jeanette E. Sime - 1 South Trinity Road (552 9652) PASTORAL CONVENER Mrs Linda Gill (669 7409)
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.leithchurchesforum.org.uk OUR WHEELCHAIR ENTRANCES ARE IN PILRIG STREET
Cover design by Catriona Blackwood
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