PILRIG ST. PAULS CHURCH MARCH 2011
SUNDAY SERVICES AT 11AM Holy Communion is celebrated on the last Sunday of January, April, June and October at the 11am Service, and informally as announced. To contact the minister, please ring 554 1842. The “OPEN DOORWAY” is open each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 1.00pm. Pop in or arrange to meet a friend there over a cup of coffee. Enter by the main door. Wheelchair users - Our street level entrances are in Pilrig Street.
ORGANISATIONS WITHIN THE CHURCH BUILDINGS: Sundays - Sunday Club, 10:45 am for ages P1-S4 all welcome (Mark Wexelstein 665 6881) Mondays - Rainbows 5.45pm (Christine Buchanan 554 2941) Brownies 6.45pm (Christine Buchanan) Tuesdays - The Guild 2.00pm (Jeanette Sime 552 9652) Wednesdays - Lunch club 12 noon (Marjory McArthur 553 2323) vocal vibes 1 (p3-4) 3.45-4.45pm vocal vibes 2 (p5 upwards) 5-6pm Choir Rehearsal 7.30pm (All choir enquiries Martin Ritchie 07984 466 855) Thursdays - all Sections Boys’ Brigade (Mark Wexelstein 665 6881)
In Pilrig Park School: Thursdays Rainbows (Ann Urquhart 554 8387) 6.15-7.15 Brownies (Ann Urquhart ) 6.15-7.30 Guides (Dorothy Walker 556 9493) 7.30 - 9.00 In Broughton Primary School: Tuesdays The 5th Leith Scouts Beavers 53/4 to 8 years Cubs 8 to 10 1/2 years Scouts 10 1/2 to 14 years
(6.00 to 7.00 p.m.) (6.30 to 8.00 p.m.) (7.30 to 9.00 )
The Minister and Kirk Session of Pilrig St Paulâ€&#x;s Church invite all members and those who love the Lord Jesus Christ, sincerely, to
The Sacrament of Holy Communion on
Sunday 27th March 2011 at 11 am Please accept this invitation and come, there are no individual Communion cards and you do not need to bring this page.
The STATED ANNUAL MEETING of EDINBURGH PILRIG St PAUL’S will be held at the close of the 11am service on Sunday 20th March 2011. Full details of events in March, including more about Communion and the Stated annual meeting can be found on the centre pages.
PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH
MARCH 2011
Dear Fellow-members, As we move into the month of March we are getting very close to the start of the season of Lent. Those of you who read Life & Work will see in the March edition comments on Lent by several well known figures in church circles. Lent is above all else, a time of personal preparation as we approach the high point of our Christian faith. The suffering and death of Christ for humanity shows most powerfully and clearly the love of God at work. “Christ died for me” These are words that resound and echo in the hearts and minds of all who have found faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. These words can be said in different ways with different emphasis at different times, depending on how we are coping with life‟s journey. With a questioning voice as we feel so unworthy and so unlovable, or with a sense of wonder as we feel moved to allow ourselves to lean on him who is the Lord of all Life. And occasionally maybe with a tone of certainty as we catch a glimpse of the real truth that “Yes, God does love me, as I am!” During Lent we travel with Jesus as he faces up to those who oppose him, while teaching and healing those who are listening and in it all bringing peace and hope and a fresh vision of God‟s love to all. Listening for his word spoken so long ago we find him travelling with us in our daily lives. Can we trust him? Dare we love our enemies? Will he help us as we seek to ensure our future as a congregation here in Pilrig St. Paul‟s?
Come and travel together with us on this special journey. Wishing you and your family God‟s blessing, With warm regards John SOLAS 2011: Scotland's premiere Christian arts festival takes place near Biggar, Friday 24th - Sunday 26th June. Leith Churches Together is looking for young people, aged 13+ and volunteer adult helpers who are interested in attending. Contact David Igoe, 467 1449 or Jennifer Stark, 07779900024. See "http://www.solasfestival.co.uk" for more info. New Minister for North Leith Parish Church Rev Alex McAspurren preached as „sole nominee‟ at North Leith Parish Church on Sunday 13th February and the congregation voted unanimously to accept him as their new minister. We rejoice with the people of North Leith as they now prepare to begin a new chapter of their life as a congregation and as part of Leith Churches Forum and Leith Churches Together. A likely date for Mr McAspurren‟s induction is Wednesday 30th March. The Magazine There is plenty of information in this bumper magazine! Thanks for all the articles. May I have contributions for April by 20th March, please. Catriona Blackwood
CHURCH PARTY
Thank you to everyone who came along to our party on Saturday 27th January. There was a warm welcome with the front street well swept and tidied by my Dad Ronnie who then helped William Laing make sure the cloakroom ran smoothly. As people settled down at the tables there was a little gift for everyone, handmade by Fiona Rankin and Margaret Kerr. A good time was had by all with a lovely lunch of homemade Scotch broth followed by freshly made stovies and corned beef. Some of us also managed a wee glass of wine which helped the party get going. Many thanks goes to the team who worked so hard from early morning to get the room all set and prepare the food – Fiona, Margaret, Madge McArthur, my Mum Ella and my friend Julie. Thanks also to Stephanie who helped to serve the meal and David who ended up doing a lot of the washing up! After the food we had a table quiz with questions about Edinburgh and a Name that Tune challenge. We then, thanks to the technical team John Innes and Mark Wexelstein we settled down to enjoy some highlights from an old classic programme – Scotch and Wry. Watching the classic episode with the Reverend I M Jolly and the traffic cop took us all back to the 1980s when we all settled down on Hogmany to watch the programme just before seeing the new year in. It was great to see everyone laughing and enjoying themselves so much. Then a cup of tea with cake – thanks to those who made donations of cake and biscuits – Lily and Antje. Ian Bethune then treated us to some live comedy with a few jokes to tickle our fancy. Our finale act was Eric Fisher who led us in song and again everyone enjoyed singing some of the traditional Scottish songs with a bit of karaoke thrown in.
We finished the party of with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne and then everyone headed home. Thanks to those who helped to clear up the hall and kitchen as we were all able to leave by 4.30pm. There were a few sore feet that night however the Party Planning Team were happy with way everything went and are already working on plans for the next one! If you have not been to one of our parties before please do think about the next one. We can help you to get there and get home as we have people willing to give lifts in their car. You should also think about bringing along a friend or neighbour with you as everyone is welcome. One final request would be to anyone interested in joining the Party Planning Team to contact me. I have already had a couple of new people come forward which is great. All help is appreciated and any amount of time is valued so please do think about coming forward to be part of the team. Linda 0780 194 7326 Thanks from everyone to Linda and her team - their hard work gave us all a great party! Christian Aid The Forth Bridge Cross takes place on Saturday 30th April 2011. Sponsor Forms will be available shortly. If you would like to take part please speak to Marlyn.
MARCH IN PILRIG ST PAUL’S Tuesday March !st Singchronicity and Pilrig chorus start * Saturday 5th March on this day we will be opening the “Open Doorway” for coffee/tea to highlight Fairtrade. Come along and bring your friends! Tuesday March 8th 2pm Guild Meeting: History of New Town Sunday 20th March Stated Annual Meeting after the Service Tuesday March 22nd 2pm Guild Meeting: Quaker Tapestry Sunday 27th March 2011 11 am Communion Every Sunday in March there will be a forum organ recital * * See page STATED ANNUAL MEETING The Stated Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Edinburgh: Pilrig St Paul‟s will be held at the close of the 11am service on Sunday 20th March 2011. At this Meeting the Audited Congregational Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st December, 2010 will be submitted together with the Congregational Statistics and elections to the Congregational Board as appropriate. The Board very much hope that all members of the congregation will remain at the end of the service for this short but important meeting and to her your office-bearers report on the various activities of the congregation during the past year. Stuart W. Sime Clerk to the Board
COMMUNION There are two changes to note about our next Communion. Firstly, as a one-off, it will be held at the end of March, not April. This is because Easter is on the last Sunday of April and it was decided to celebrate these two events separately, not jointly, thus giving each of them a full service. The second change is that Elders will no longer be visiting with individual Communion cards, but all other arrangements remain the same - All, who love the Lord Jesus Christ, sincerely, are welcome to join fully in the Sacrament of Communion. There will still be visits to those who asked for them in their survey replies, or directly to the minister or a visitor. Arrangements for this may already have been made between members and elders, or will be sorted out soon. There is an invitation with full details of date and time at the front of this magazine. You do not need to bring the page with you! The Minister and Elders hope that as many people as possible will be able to join them.
Flower Diary 27th February 6th March 13th March 20th March 27th March
Nancy & Alex Fleming Flower Fund Jean Ramage Elsie Lister Margaret Scott
Thank you to everyone who has donated to the flower fund. Marlyn.
Fairtrade Fortnight 28th February- 13th March 2011 It was 20 years ago when Fair trade really took off as the Churches took it up and carried it forward. Over this period there has been fantastic progress with some multinationals now having their own Fairtrade products. But there is still much more to be done! Fairtrade is a great example of the power of ordinary people to be “good news to the poor.” The Archbishop of York last year visited a brand new Health Centre in Ivory Coast built by a local co-operative on the strength of the extra money they receive because of Fairtrade. The co-operative members were rightly proud of their achievement, which is already saving lives. Getting fair prices and a fair trade premium makes all the difference for farmers and producers. The Archbishop says, “As a Christian, I want trade to be an expression of the reality that all men and women are my brothers and sisters, to whom I owe justice, respect and the best possible future.” Thanks Anne Cain wrote to say “many thanks for the unexpected (Christmas) gift you sent” Sybil Muir also wrote saying, “It was a most pleasant surprise to receive the lovely bunch of flowers. Thank you very much.” Alex & Nancy Fleming thank the Minister and congregation for the lovely flowers received and the kindness shown to us at the passing of our aunt Rose.
“Roll Away the Stone” On General Assembly Sunday 22nd May 2011 from 1pm till 6pm, the Church will take over a large area of Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh for a time of Celebration, Inspiration and Discovery. Significance comes from the Cross and resurrection life flows from the Tomb. So our celebration, inspiration and discovery will begin with reflections around a huge cross in the garden area near the Ross Bandstand. Meantime at the Bandstand itself, in the picturesque avenue and fountain areas, and in St Cuthbert's Church at the west end of the Gardens there will be space for worship, praise and singing. (From Church of Scotland Website - see churchofscotland.org.uk for more information) If you would like to be part of a large massed choir helping to lead worship speak to Martin Ritchie or Rev John Tait.
SUNDAY ORGAN CONCERTS DURING MARCH On the initiative of Colin Gray, the excellent organist of North Leith church, there will be organ recitals on the following Sundays: Sunday 6th March North Leith Church Colin Gray will play at 12.30pm Sunday 13th March Pilrig St Paul’s Martin Ritchie will play. Soup lunch after service and recital at 1pm. Sunday 20th March Venue tbc Sunday 27th March North Leith Church recital beings at 1.30pm today. Guest organist tbc If you could volunteer your services to help serve the lunch or to make soup on 13th March at Pilrig St Paul‟s that would be great – please contact Martin Ritchie in the first instance.
Richmond’s Hope
Memory Mile Saturday 28 May 2011
Richmond‟s Hope is a registered Scottish Charity founded in February 2003 to support children and young people from Edinburgh and the Lothians who have been bereaved. It is the only project of its kind in Scotland. It offers children and young people between the ages of four and eighteen individual sessions with trained workers. In their purpose built centre, children use therapeutic play and specialist activities to explore the effect the death has had on their lives. The Memory Mile is a fund raising event to raise funds to enable the work of Richmond‟s hope to continue to support bereaved children from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The target sum to be raised is £70.000. The Memory Mile will be made up of yard sticks laid out along Portobello Promenade with a target of reaching one mile. People are invited to register and receive their own yard stick which they can then decorate in memory of someone they wish to remember. There is a groove along the top of the stick which can hold up to 40X£1 coins. When filled the stick and £40 should be returned to Richmond‟s Hope. The sticks will be laid along Portobello Promenade on Saturday 28th May 2011 and those who have helped are invited to join with Richmond‟s Hope for this day of remembrance. Please let Rev John Tait know if you would like to be registered for this event or would like to find our more about Richmond‟s Hope.
SINGCHRONICITY is our new youth choir for S1-6 teenagers living in Leith and the surrounding areas. The first rehearsal is on Tuesday 1st March at 4.15 - 5.45pm at Pilrig St Paul‟s. Please encourage any S1-6 young people that you know who may be interested to come along. We‟ll be singing a wide range of great music including pop arrangements, classics, music theatre and Gospel. The choir leaflet can be downloaded from the Pilrig St Paul’s website: www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk Contact Martin Ritchie for more information: mobile: 07984 466 855 or email: martinsritchie@aol.com Singchronicity is funded by Leith Churches Forum and the Leith Benevolent Association. SINGCHRONICITY CAFE – helpers needed! We are planning to run a Fair Trade cafe in the Open Doorway area at Pilrig St Paul‟s from 3.30pm onwards during Singchronicity rehearsals. The idea is that singers are welcome to come in straight from school and buy a drink or snack before the singing starts, and also to use it during the break in the rehearsal. One of the really important aspects of this venture is that it shows hospitality and also gives members of our churches the chance to meet the young singers. Creating opportunities for our congregations to make links with teenagers was a major theme outlined in last year‟s Forum elders conference, so this is a great chance to take forward that aspiration. If you feel that you could help to make and serve drinks, sell snacks, keep a general eye on things and enjoy meeting some young people then please contact Martin Ritchie on 07984 466 855 or martinsritchie@aol.com to discuss it further.
PILRIG CHORUS – another new venture, this mixed voice adult chorus gets going on Tuesday 1st March 7.30-9pm at Pilrig St Paul‟s and we will be rehearsing for a concert of Mozart‟s Coronation Mass and Vivaldi‟s Gloria. Everyone who is prepared to work from a printed music score is welcome to take part in the chorus – it‟s open to anyone, from any church or none, so feel free to mention to singing family, friends or neighbours! Contact Martin Ritchie for more information: mobile: 07984 466 855 or email: martinsritchie@aol.com VOCAL VIBES – OLIVER! Thanks so much to everyone who came along – we had around 200 in the audience in the end, which was fantastic, especially considering the horrible wet and windy night that it was. I was very proud of Vocal Vibes singing and acting their socks off! I know that everyone had a great time and it was a special evening for the children, their families and friends and members of our congregation who were part of the organisation and the audience. It was good also to see how the sanctuary space can be used creatively for drama and music, with the added bonus that there are no stairs to climb for disabled guests. Special thanks to Mark and John in the technical department, Bill Blackwood for accompanying on the piano, all our chaperones, Linda Gill and her front of house team, Aileen for help with costumes, Alex, Roy, Eric and John for their parts, and the army of tea makers who set things up and served refreshments in the hall. Donations totalled £562, an amazingly generous outcome. Thanks so much for your support! Martin Ritchie
PRAYER CORNER Nancy and Alex Fleming Ian Plenderleith Bernard Scroggie Matthew Green Mary and Jimmy Rennie Jeanette and Stuart Sime Peter Sinclair Stanley McCubbin Murdo and Joy McLeod Linda Connelly Jack McArthur Mairi and Robin Leach Jean Stark Ronnie and Margaret Cameron Cathie Galbraith Please contact Roy Eprile with any names you would like included in this section. Funerals
26/1/11 Mrs Lorraine McDonald 2 Coillesdene Avenue (Taken as Chaplain of Findlay House) 26/1/11 Miss Christina Smith
Victoria Manor NH
5/2/11 Mrs Alison Geissler (District 11)
52 Dudley Avenue
11/2/11 Miss Rose Keates 103 Mountcastle Crescent (Aunt of Alex and Nancy Fleming) 16/2/11
Mrs Roberta Barclay
175 Easter Road (Parish)
MINISTER Rev John Tait B.Sc. B.D. - 78 Pilrig Street (554 1842)
j.m.tait@blueyonder.co.uk SESSION CLERK John Innes - 33 Monktonhall Place, Musselburgh (665 9125) pilrig@btinternet.com CLERK TO CONGREGATIONAL BOARD Dr Stuart W. Sime -1 South Trinity Road (552 9652) stuart.w.sime@btinternet.com TREASURER Mark Wexelstein (665 6881) mark.wexelstein@googlemail.com ROLL KEEPER Mrs Jeanette E. Sime - 1 South Trinity Road (552 9652) SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOR Mrs Catriona E.W. Blackwood - 4 Cambridge Gardens (554 6183) bill.blackwood@tesco.net PROPERTY CONVENER Dr Stuart W. Sime -1 South Trinity Road (552 9652) stuart.w.sime@btinternet.com HALL LET GROUP psp.halluse@gmail.com 07842047093 (Answer phone) ORGANIST and CHOIRMASTER Martin Ritchie - 18, Catherine’s Wynd, Woodhead, Culross, Fife KY12 8EU (07984 466 855) martinsritchie@aol.com 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 - 4 Cambridge Gardens (554 6183) bill.blackwood@tesco.net Distribution Mrs Margaret Cameron - 35 Lorne Street (554 2139) OUR CHURCH WEB SITE www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk LEITH CHURCHES FORUM WEB SITE www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk