In this issue:
InAdvent this and issue
Edinburgh Christmas at Christmas Tree St Andrew’s and Festival St George’s West
St Andrew’s and St George’s West Diary and Newsletter December 2013 – January 2014
St Andrew’s and St George’s West December 2013 – January 2014 A LETTER FROM IAN – WORSHIP Fresh from the Word a letter from Ian 3-4 Worship Ian Gilmour 5-6 Mystery Worshipper Ship of Fools 7-10 CHURCH LIFE December-January Diary and announcements 11-13 Church manager’s report 12 EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 16-17 BRITTEN CEREMONY OF CAROLS 18 MALAWI: Livingstone’s Legacy Event 19 Creative Together – EIFA - Hadeel 20-21 Freedom and Faith - What’s wrong with poverty? 22 Waiting, welcome and hospitality 23 TOGETHER News 24-29 Trustees Review – Outreach to the Arts – City Centre – Pilgrimage – Events – Bill Morrison – Social Bite – Hogmanay Watchnight Service ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS AT STAGW 30-31 CONTACTS 32
Design/layout: Andrena and Alison B Mailing Rosemary W Email: inspire@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk Online magazine: www.issuu.com Thanks to all contributors Next copy deadline Monday 20 January 2014 for publication Sunday 26 January. LOTS of time to write these nice reflective pieces!
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Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Fresh from the Word The Bible for a change! Ian Gilmour Do you remember the old Sunday school song? Read the Bible, Pray every day and you’ll grow, grow, grow Can we learn from this teaching as we prepare for a New Year? In the foreword of ‘Fresh from the Word 2014, which is a set of daily bible study notes, Archbishop Desmond Tutu shares his understanding of the Bible: It is the “story of how we were created good in God’s eyes, and how that goodness was damaged…The Bible is an invitation to wholeness instead of brokenness…” The International Bible Reading Association, which prints these daily notes, has a history which began during an evangelical revival in the nineteenth century, back at the creation of Sunday Schools and public education for everyone. This new edition gathers thinkers from north and south east and west, men and women in equal measure. Most days I find these notes helpful and stimulating, never trite or simplistic. Why not read your bible each day during 2014 with some practical help from church members from all the continents? For the first time the experience will be supported by a Facebook page where you will be able to share thoughts and experiences with Christians who bring different perspectives. 3
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If you need some support with your prayer life at the end of this year, then I recommend creating a sheet numbered 1 to 31 to reflect the days of a normal month. Then create your own regular prayer list for the people, organisations and countries for which you habitually pray or would like to pray. It is not a difficult task and once completed offers a helpful reminder for a whole year or even longer, concerning those for whom you have chosen to give prayer support. If you prefer have a written structure to your prayer life, Pray Now has a new incarnation called ‘Revealing Love’ available from Cathie Donaldson at our church each Sunday (£7.99). The leader of the Pray Now team is Carol Ford, minister of St Margaret’s Restalrig. Carol has set out a pattern of daily and monthly prayers around the Paul’s great hymn of love -1 Corinthians 13 and is certainly worth a look. So get ready to read, mark and inwardly digest some wonderful bible passages through these notes or prayers, you may find them to a ‘light for your path’. These are two God given ways to grow and be strengthened throughout all your days. One of these books might be an ideal Christmas present for your list or to give to someone you love. Enjoy the delights of these stimulating seasons, avoid their excesses and let God’s word and prayer guide your journey in 2014. Live, love, and enjoy Advent, Christmas and the New Year, Ian
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Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Worship Strengthens and Transforms Worship is helpful for our growth as followers of Christ, so consider joining us Sunday by Sunday. You can attend Communion at 9.00am, the All Age service at 9.45am or enjoy our progressive pattern at 11.00am or come to all three! Sun 1 Dec (Advent) 11am Morning Worship
The Visit
Sun 8 Dec (Advent 2) 11am Morning Worship Hope-Filled Vision 1.30pm Music&reflection The Heart of Christmas I Thurs 12 Dec 5.30pm
Neighbourhood Carols with mulled wine and mince pies
Sun 15 Dec (Advent 3) 11am Morning Worship Liberation Song 1.30pm Music&reflection The Heart of Christmas II Fri 20 Dec 6pm
Carols at Six with choir and orchestra
Sun 22 Dec (Advent 4)
11am Morning Worship
Tue 24 Dec Christmas Eve
5pm Christingle Service (candle lighting) for all ages 11.30am Watchnight Service
Wed 25 Dec Christmas Day
11am God With Us
Sun 29 Dec 11am Morning Worship
A Baptism and our Memorial Service Isaiah 63:7-9 Matthew 2:13-23
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Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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January 2014 Sun 5 Jan Epiphany Isaiah 60:1-6 11am Morning Worship Matthew 2:1-12 Sun 12 Jan Turning Points 11am Morning Worship Isaiah 42: 1-9, Matthew 3:13-17 Sun 17 Jan Listen, God is calling 11am Morning Worship Isaiah 49 1-7 John 1:29-42 Sun 26 Jan Call: a Challenge and a Gift 11am Morning Worship Isaiah 9:1-4, Matthew 4:12-23
February 2014 Sun 2 Feb Awakening to God’s Reality & Love 11am Morning Worship Micah 6:1-8, Matthew 5:1-12
'A time of silence is good for the soul.'
“Worship must have heart and worship must have head”
Exploring Silent Prayer group will meet at St Cuthbert's on Tuesday Dec 10 from 1.302.15pm. The first meetings of 2014 will be on Tuesdays 7 and 21 January. All are welcome to come to the group; no previous experience is required and you don't have to attend every meeting.
John Piper
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“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” Hebrews 12
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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The Mystery Worshipper at St Andrew’s and St George’s West The Mystery Worshipper, which produced this report, is run by shipoffools.com, the online magazine of Christian unrest. Mystery Worshippers are volunteers who visit churches of all denominations worldwide, leaving a calling card in the collection plate and posting a first-timer's impression of services on Ship of Fools. For further reports, visit the Mystery Worshipper at: shipoffools.com The church: St Andrews and St George's West Denomination: Church of Scotland The church: This is a very active community church in the centre of town, home to the massive Christian Aid Week book sale each summer as well as the charity’s winter art sale. It’s a registered eco-congregation and hosts a monthly meeting of Amnesty. There is an ongoing autumn lecture series and there are also various children’s activities, including Scouts and Guides. The cast: The Revd Ian Y. Gilmour, minister, presided and preached. Ali Pandian gave the children's talk, and Swarup Bar delivered the intercessions. Winnie Cumming read both the readings. The organists were Andrew Carvel and James McNeil, and the music was directed by Chris Harding. The minister was wearing a blue cassock – St Andrew's blue, I would call it – the same colour as the Scottish flag. Ali Pandian was in street clothes. 7
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Date & time: All Saints Sunday, 3 November, 11.00am. How full was the building? Quite full on the ground floor. There were about 100 people. The upper galleries were empty except for the organists and choir, but there were not many empty spaces in the padded-chair section in the nave. There was a sprinkling of generally elderly faithful in the box pews at the back – one got the impression they had their own habitual seats. Did anyone welcome you personally? There was a formal welcome at the door: two different people handing out different leaflets, and a less formal welcome from the people seated around us in church. Was your pew comfortable? The padded chairs were perfectly fine, and there was plenty of standing for five hymns. How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere? We arrived as the choir was filing through to go up to their gallery – whether they had been rehearsing or not I don’t know. The church was already quite full – a much more punctual congregation than I am used to – and the people were quietly chatting. What were the exact opening words of the service? "Welcome!" Following the first hymn and the Lord's Prayer, the minister welcomed everyone again and gave the notices, including the invitation to stay for a fellowship lunch after the service. At this point we all shared the peace, followed by the children's talk. Did anything distract you? I was glancing around, admiring the stunning ceiling and the shape of the space, 8
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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but there was no particular person or incident that took my attention away from worship. Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what? It was structured but relaxed, with plenty of laughter and excellent singing by choir and congregation. The service was launched by Ali Pandian, who welcomed us all to church on this sunny and chilly autumn morning. The minister made a point of thanking the reader and the organists by name, and the choir as a group. There was a general air of faith, peace and courtesy. Exactly how long was the sermon? 10 minutes. On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher? 7 – Mr Gilmour was very engaging. His talk wasn’t deep, but it was thoughtful and relevant. He had a lovely voice and spoke very well. He told his stories in a very entertaining manner, although I suspect he had detailed notes as he never got lost or dithered. In a nutshell, what was the sermon about? The theme of the service was the communion of saints, as we were celebrating All Saints Day. The point in a nutshell was that we are all part of the communion of saints, and the preacher illustrated this by describing some people he had known in his life and ministry. Which part of the service was like being in heaven? The building was lovely and the choir were excellent. The anthem and the sung Amen, coming from the choir in the gallery beneath that magnificent ceiling, were indeed heavenly. And which part was like being in... er... the other 9
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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place? There was nothing hellish. Usually I can have a bit of a rant, but this time I can only say I was a bit disappointed that the main Sunday service did not include holy communion. What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost? There was no chance of being abandoned in such a friendly church. The minister had invited the congregation to stay for lunch and people reiterated the invitation as we made our way out. How would you describe the after-service coffee? It would have been a real meal – sadly we had to decline due to a prior commitment. The minister described it as "ostensibly free, but we are accepting donations for the work of Amnesty." I gathered that this is what they do on the first Sunday of the month, for the benefit of different charities. It would have been nice to stay. How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)? 7 – It was lovely, but I prefer a church where the main service is the eucharist. However, I suspect that if I actually lived in Edinburgh I would gravitate here from time to time, even though I am not Presbyterian. Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian? Yes, and glad to be considered part of the communion of saints, even if I don't see myself in that light! What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time? Celestial is the word I want to use – the heavenly voices and the magnificent ceiling on that round room. 10
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West Diary December 2013 Sun 1 Dec
Mon 2 Dec Tue 3 Dec Wed 4 Dec Thurs 5 Dec Fri 6 Dec Sat 7 Dec
Sun 8 Dec
Tue 10 Dec Thurs 12 Dec Fri 13 Dec Sat 14 Dec Sun 15 Dec
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9am, 9.45am 11am services 12 noon fellowship lunch for TOGETHER Homelessness 5pm Nativity Carol Service, St Andrew Sq 7.30pm Kirk Session meeting 5pm Freedom and Faith (p22) 6pm What’s wrong with Poverty (p22) 1.30pm Funeral of Mrs Peggy Wood 6.30 pm Sunflower Garden Concert (p31) Christmas Tree Festival set up 1.15 Ecumenical Lunch, St Cuthbert’s (p27) 10am-6pm Christmas Tree Festival Decoration Day 11am - 4pm Christmas Tree Festival opens 4.30pm Girl Guiding Carol Service. 9am, 9.45am 11am services Fellowship lunch 1.30pm Heart of Christmas 1.30pm Silent Prayer, St Cuthbert’s (p7) 5.30pm Neighbourhood Carols (p30) Mince pies and mulled wine 5.30pm Hadeel Late Night Shopping (p21)) 7.30pm Advocates Carol Concert (p30) 3pm and 7pm A Christmas Carol (p30) 9am, 9.45am 11am services 12 noon Fellowship lunch 1.30pm Heart of Christmas Benjamin Britten Ceremony of Carols (p18)
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Tue 17 Dec Thurs 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Dec Sun 22 Dec Tue 24 Dec Wed 25 Dec
Sun 29 Dec Tue 31 Dec
Evergreens 2-4.30 in the Sanctuary and Christmas Tea 7-11pm late opening of the CTF 6pm Carols at Six (p30) 6.30pm Christmas Supper (p21) 9am and 11am services. NO 9.45 service 5pm Christingle Service (p31) 11.30am Watchnight Service (p31) 11am Family service (no 9am or 9.45am services) 9am, 9.45am 11am services TOGETHER Hogmanay Service at St Cuthbert’s (p29)
January 2014 Fri 3 Jan Sun 5 Jan Thurs 9 Jan
5.30 for 6pm Malawi Concert (p19) 9am, 9.45am 11am services 1.15 Ecumenical Lunch, St Cuthbert’s (p27)
Sun 12 Jan Tue 14
Thurs 16 Jan
9am, 9.45am 11am services 1.30pm Silent Prayer, St Cuthbert’s (p6) 7.30pm Kirk Session Creative TOGETHER meets (p20) 5.30pm Ed Quartet Rush Hour Concert 1.15 Ecumenical Lunch, St Cuthbert’s (p27)
Sun 19 Jan Tue 21 Jan Thurs 23 Jan
9am, 9.45am 11am services 1.30pm Silent Prayer, St Cuthbert’s (p6) 1.15 Ecumenical Lunch, St Cuthbert’s (p27)
Sun 26 Jan Thurs 30 Jan
9am, 9.45am 11am services 1.15 Ecumenical Lunch, St Cuthbert’s (p27)
Wed 15
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Key dates in 2014 Lent and Easter
Ash Wednesday 5 March Holy Week 14-19 April Easter Day 20 April
Christian Aid Sale Push n Shove Sunday 27 April Sorting 28 April – 9 May CA Sale 10 May, 11-16 May STAGW at Festival Time
4-23 August
2014 Anniversaries
Announcements Baptism Mason Alejandro Robertson on 15 November
Deaths Mrs Peggy Wood on 26 November. Her funeral will be held here in St Andrew’s and St George’s West at 1.30pm on Wednesday 4 December.
Parish Funerals Mrs Susan Robertson at Mortonhall on 29 October Mrs Elizabeth Callaghan at Warriston on 1 November Mrs Helen Lister at Warriston on 12 November 13
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Brownies WWI St George’s Edinburgh
100 years 100 years 200 years
A quick note Just a reminder that for financial purposes the church has a calendar year end. We are very grateful for your generous pledges and ask that any still outstanding for this year be fulfilled before 31 December.
Thank you!
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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What an amazing 2 months..! Jean Howard, Church Manager Such amazing things have taken place in this wonderful community over that past couple of months! Just in case you have missed what has been happening let me share some of the outcomes: At least 600 new people came into the church as a result of the Mission Shaped Ministry Vision Day, Edinburgh Women’s Aid Conference, Light Night refreshments, two musical concerts and two wonderful lectures. The fantastic Craft Caravan and Christian Aid Picture Sale and Coffee Morning were resounding successes raising in excess of £1800 and £7800 respectively and drawing many new faces into the cafe. The trio of stewardship lunches showed the great support and friendship that lies within the community. Two picture exhibitions gave exposure to Women’s Aid poems and work from the Firrhill Centre. Yet again, the team effort that has gone into producing the crafts, organising exhibitions and displays, publicity and advertising, catering, cleaning and lots of volunteering .... has amazed me. Here are some of the comments from those who have passed through our doors: ‘We never knew the church was so stunning’… ‘This event has run so smoothly’… ‘Your building is so clean’... ‘Everyone has been so helpful’ ‘The food is delicious’... ‘I have been so well looked after’… ‘People here are so talented’
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Light Night on George Street – view from the portico
Exhibition of Icons by Basia Mindewicz Undercroft Café December 2013
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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This year our Festival runs from Saturday 7 December to Saturday 28 December, open Monday – Saturday 11am – 4pm. We have a great range of sponsors and are looking forward to being part of the Decorate Edinburgh trail of Christmas Trees all around the city. Last year more than 3,000 people visited the Festival. Many are nursery school classes who come to hear the Christmas story, and children who so enjoyed their visit that they returned with their parents. If you’d like to help welcome them, it’s not too late to volunteer! Please speak to Mary Godden if you are interested. This year we will also be opening the festival late one evening as a reflective space and have invited Kiss the Fish to run creative workshops for all ages at the weekend. And we have a fantastic music programme – please support it!
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Christmas Tree Festival 2013 Musical Events Primary School Choirs Tuesday 10 Dec. 12 noon Wednesday 11 Dec. 12 noon Monday 16 Dec. 12 noon Wednesday 18 Dec. 12 noon
Parkside Primary Choir Castleview Primary Choir Dalry Primary Choir Stenhouse Primary Choir
Ensembles, Groups and Bands Monday 9 Dec. 2-3pm Wednesday 18 Dec. 2-3pm Thursday 19 Dec. 2-3pm Saturday 21 Dec. 12-1pm Monday 23 Dec. 2-3pm Tuesday 24 Dec 12-1pm
Dovecote Singers Laura Cioffi, Clara Galea (flutes) Triplicity (2 sopranos + piano) Leaning Together Band Leaning Together Band An Unusual Trio organ, tuba and trumpet
Soloists Saturday 14 Dec. 12-1pm Monday 16 Dec. 2.30-3.30pm Tuesday 17 Dec. 2-3pm Thursday 19 Dec. 12-1pm Friday 20 Dec. 12-1pm Saturday 21 Dec. 2-3pm Monday 23 Dec. 12-1pm 17
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Drew Crichton (piano) Brigitte Harris (organ) Chris Harding (piano + cello) Drew Crichton Drew Crichton James McNeill (organ) James McNeill
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A Ceremony of Carols Benjamin Britten St Andrew’s and St George’s West Sunday 15 December at 1.30pm free entry St Andrew’s and St George’s West Choir Frances Cooper and Emily Walker sopranos Erica Sinclair harp directed by Brigitte Harris 13 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2PA www.stagw.org.uk facebook.com/stagw Charity SC008990 18
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Livingstone’s Malawi Legacy
visual verbal & musical images from Mulanje Please join us on Friday 3 January 5.30pm for 6pm light refreshments from 5.30pm everyone is welcome, free entry St Andrew’s and St George’s West 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA Tel 0131 225 3847
Registered charity SC 008990 19
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Creative Together Maggie Morley Our Craft Caravan travelled for a fortnight, spending 5 days in the Undercroft before visiting St John's and finally St Cuthbert's. Thank you to everyone who came and bought our wares. Our efforts would be pointless without you. We are delighted to say that when the last of our takings are in we will be able to give £1790 to Christian Aid. The next date in our diary is Friday 6th December when we will be decorating our Christmas Tree. I aim to be at the church with our box of decorations from 11am. Look forward to seeing those who are able to help decorate. There will be no further meeting this year but we start a new session on Wednesday 15th January. If you've never been before, come along and join us for coffee to find out more about us. Till then, best wishes for Christmas and the New Year Maggie Morley
Edinburgh Interfaith Week Katie McNeill Edinburgh Interfaith Week’s Multi-Faith Women’s Fair brought together women from Moslem, Christian, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sikh and Unitarian traditions – and our cooking and baking skills. Some participants had brought leaflets with much to interest and to challenge. After informal conversations and a series of short talks, we came away with increased understanding of differing beliefs and a strong sense of many shared values and of potential for shared journeys. There were also the delights of sampling cooking and baking contributed by all of us who had been invited to look after the colourful tables at the Fair. I’m already looking forward to next year! 20
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
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Lucky Friday 13th at Hadeel Hadeel will be hosting an event on Friday 13 December from 17:30 to 20:00. The event is an opportunity for late night shopping just before Christmas. We also plan to have an information evening about Syrian /Palestinian refugees now in Jordan. Hadeel will do some fundraising for refugee women who will be sending us some Christmas-themed embroidery to auction off in time for the event. Refreshments will be available on the night. More details will be available in the shop and online in early December. For more info call the shop: 0131 225 1922 or check the website www.hadeel.org. Hadeel, 123 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JN Q: Where to find the best food, fun and friends this Advent? A: at the Congregational Christmas Supper, of course. Saturday 21 December from 6.30pm in the Undercroft £8 (Children £4) Tickets available now from the office and Cathie Donaldson. Carols, Mary Margaret’s Christmas Quiz and more…
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Freedom & Faith A Question of Scottish Identity Book Launch and Panel Debate Tue 3 December at 6pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street. Donald Smith introduces his groundbreaking new book about religion, culture and the future of Scotland. A panel debate follows and includes Donald Smith; former Editor of The Herald and author, Harry Reid; and historian Lesley Orr. They explore the question 'What part - if any - should spirituality play in the Scottish Independence Debate?' If you would like to attend, please book a ticket at www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre or by calling 0131 556 9579. Tickets are free but space is limited to 100.
Public Lecture at New College Tue 3 Dec 5-6pm at Martin Hall, New College, hosted by the Centre for Theology and Public Issues. Followed by a reception in the Rainy Hall
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Expectant Hearts The shopper’s Christmas with its myriad deals, and easy payments, arrives with early autumn. Santa in September – a symbol of our age robbing us of waiting, of surprise, even of joy. Yet with Advent a different truth arrives amidst our tinselled lives: the gift of expectancy that silent longing of the soul which is deep within us all. It’s not the shopper’s rush, for on this path we face within ourselves the baggage of the years, the memories that haunt the mind, the fear that lurks behind the mask: but let us travel on, expectant, and with hope, for there is a guiding star tenderly leading us to the outstretched hands of God. Peter Millar, Edinburgh, Advent 2013
welcome and hospitality a letter from America Dear Rev Gilmour I had the privilege of attending a service with you and three members of your congregation on Tuesday, October 29 2013. I very much appreciated the warm hospitality shown by you and the others. It was wonderful to find a welcoming church in the heart of Edinburgh. I particularly appreciate the invitation that I received to dine in the church refectory after the service. I look forward to returning to Edinburgh in the future so that I may once again attend your church. Please give my regards to your congregation. 23
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
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TOGETHER NEWS Trustees’ review At a conference in September the Together Trustees reviewed current projects and revisited the Covenant entered into by the three congregations five years ago, with its seven distinct objectives: Proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God and nurture new believers through declaring the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in ways that are relevant to the people of our city. Work together in service with those who live or work in or visit our community and to present Christ to them. Clearly express Christian values to civic and other bodies. Listen to, learn from and respond to the needs of those oppressed in mind, body or spirit. Seek new friendships and common ground with those of all faiths and none. Grow towards the mutual recognition of ministry and sacramental unity we believe to be God’s will. Explore fresh expressions of worship and of faithful discipleship in response to our rapidly changing culture and society. This vision remains strong in 2013. Can we embrace the challenge of being a vibrant city centre Christian presence and strengthen our commitment to the Covenant?
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Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Outreach to the Arts Suzie Stark reported on a visit with Tony Bryer to London to visit city centre churches facing some of the same challenges as the Together churches. St James’ Piccadilly, St Martin’s in the Fields and St Paul’s, Covent Garden each had a homelessness project but no direct chaplaincy outreach to the Arts, more of a ‘being there’ presence. Arts Centre Group and London City Mission were each engaged in positive outreach (as, similarly elsewhere, The Spurriergate Centre in York and Michaelhouse at Cambridge). Any new engagement with the Arts in Edinburgh would benefit from being linked with other Edinburgh congregations. A new outreach worker at Greenside could form a focus, with the opportunity of dialogue with churches at the East End and Stockbridge.
Engagement with the City Centre Development of our current outreach could include:
Action against poverty. Support for a Credit Union. A listening service A week-end night presence on the streets.
In developing any kind of outreach, thought crucially needs to be given to the location of and the space within each of the three church buildings (which between them constitute an extraordinary resource) and how suited each is to different forms of outreach. All forms of rational resource-sharing between them should be explored. In all this, good communication with our other sister citycentre churches should be explored.
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Pilgrimage The idea of a City Centre Pilgrimage Trail taking in our three churches was discussed in detail. A Trail should aim to share with those who visit the City Centre - whether tourists or locals - the fascinating stories of Christian witness our congregations have to tell. There are tales of slavery, bravery, integrity and celebrity bound up in the stories of all three congregations. Our churches and the routes between them have memorial links with a number of fascinating characters, e.g. Eric Liddell, James Guthrie, Chris Hoy, James Clerk Maxwell, the Stevenson family, J.M. Barrie, Sir Walter Scott, Henry Raeburn, John Buchan, Thomas Chalmers, Agatha Christie, Joan Baez, Thomas de Quincy, John Napier, David Livingstone and a Grenadian slave girl Malvina Wells. These names and a number of narratives could feature in the Pilgrimage, which would also offer a ‘Sanctuary in the City’ theme and give an insight into the witness of today’s Together congregations. A possible scriptural theme might be ‘To everything there is a season.’ (Ecclesiastes 3). We hope to have a meeting (with lunch!) in early spring, and take a Sunday afternoon walk along the proposed Trail route. All welcome to come along, walk the Trail and bring forward their own ideas for it. Watch out for notices about this in the New Year. If meantime you have any questions or ideas, do contact Frances Cooper or Ian Gilmour via the StAGWs Office.
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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Christian Aid Quiz This was held on Saturday 19th October in St John’s, and compered in a genial manner by Suzie Stark and Markus Dünzkofer. As usual teams which included someone with a passing acquaintance with the popular music and media scene were at a distinct advantage. Overall the competition was good-natured at all times, and not only was a good time had by all but the event is a good social mix-up for the three congregations, as well as raising a useful sum for Christian Aid.
Ecumenical Lunches These, held under the Together umbrella, are well supported and feature a series of fine speakers. They meet in St Cuthbert’s at 12.15 p.m. on Thursdays (£1.50, bring your own sandwiches, tea & coffee provided). Forthcoming speakers are: December 5: January 9: January 16: January 23: January 30:
Advent Meditation New Beginnings Edinburgh – Then and Now Send Back the Money Pop-up Monastery Project
(Philip Blackledge) (Peter Millar) (Hamish Coghill) (Iain Whyte) (Fiona Buchanan)
Bill Morrison Bill had to retire recently as a Trustee. Although on the Board for a relatively short time, Bill made a real impact. His awareness of communication issues was invaluable in much Together business including Together News, as were his links within the Church of Scotland. We thank him warmly for everything he did and wish him well. 27
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Tony Bryer finds food for thought in the city centre. Near the Rose Street/Castle Street junction you will discover Social Bite. Like many other places in Edinburgh you can grab a takeaway coffee, a breakfast bagel, or a sandwich for lunch. But it’s a food outlet with a difference; this is a social business, committed to using its surplus income to achieve social objectives. Its founders are Josh Littlejohn and Alice Thompson, his girlfriend. Three years ago Josh met Mohammad Yunus, from Bangladesh, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, along with Grameen Bank (http://www.grameen-info.org/), for their efforts to create social and economic development. Yunus pioneered microfinance as a way of enabling poor women to work their way out of poverty. It is part of Yunus’s vision of ‘social business’ and of a different sort of economic system, in which the motivation is not profit but rather bringing about social change. It’s not charity, dependent on gifts, but uses a business format to distribute the surplus income after all the costs of the business have been met. All this inspired Josh and Alice to start Social Bite, running on these principles. It opened in August 2012; a second will open in Shandwick Place, followed in 2014 by the first in Glasgow.
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Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
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Social Bite currently supports three projects, details of which are prominently displayed in the premises: Shelter in Scotland, a Bangladesh eye hospital, and a micro-finance initiative in Malawi. Different projects will be selected for the next outlets. But the social impact is not just through the distribution of funds; a quarter of the employees were formerly homeless, and Social Bite also offers the ‘suspended coffee’ scheme. When you buy your lunch or coffee, you can also pay an extra amount to provide a free lunch for someone who is homeless. At present some 30 homeless people a day are able to have lunch through this scheme. Josh has a long term vision of a hundred stores on High Streets around the country. To achieve this will need a significant financial investment and he is looking for philanthropic individuals who might share the vision and be prepared to invest six figure sums in creating new outlets. They would, in due course, receive their investment back and can be involved in choosing the projects and charities supported by the outlet. It has been a stressful learning curve for Josh, but he is passionate about proving the social business model. His background in events organising (he is still involved in staging the annual Scottish Business Awards) clearly stands him in good stead for this challenge. Rather than business maximising self-gain, he believes that business can appeal to the selfless side of human nature, and so help to bring about change that benefits the poorest. 29
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
TOGETHER Hogmanay Watchnight Service at St Cuthbert’s Tuesday 31 December 11.15pm Inside for the service. Outside for fireworks!
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
www.stagw.org.uk
Edinburgh Christmas Tree Festival
Christmas Music
at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Sat 7 Dec – Sat 28 Dec Mon – Sat 11am – 4pm
Heart of Christmas
Free entry, donations welcome – this year’s charities are The Sunflower Garden, Edinburgh Clothing Store and Cash4Kids. Follow a trail of Christmas Trees from the church all around Edinburgh – organised by Decorate Edinburgh as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas. https://www.facebook.com/ EdinburghChristmasTreeFe stival
at St Andrew’s and St George’s West
Music and reflection I: Music for men’s voices Sun 8 Dec, 1.30pm II: Benjamin Britten Ceremony of Carols Sun 15 Dec 1.30pm
Neighbourhood Carol Service Thurs 12 Dec at 5.30pm followed by mince pies and hot chocolate
Carols at Six with orchestra and choir Fri 20 Dec at 6pm free entry
Advent and Christmas at St Andrew’s and St George’s West 30
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
www.stagw.org.uk
Christmas Services
Other events at St Andrew’s and St George’s West
at St Andrew’s and St George’s West
Christingle (candle-lighting) service Tuesday 24 December, Christmas Eve at 5pm
Watchnight Service Tuesday 24 December, Christmas Eve at 11.30pm
Christmas Day Service Wednesday 25 December, Christmas Day at 11am
Wed 4 Dec 6.30pm Sunflower Garden Carol Concert Tue 10 Dec 6pm Rush Hour Concert St Mary’s Music School Fri 13 Dec 7.30pm Faculty of Advocates Christmas Concert for Edinburgh City Mission Sat 14 Dec 3pm and 7pm A Christmas Carol Snow Angels Theatre for Christian Aid
Advent and Christmas at St Andrew’s and St George’s West 31
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
www.stagw.org.uk
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 13 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2PA 0131 225 3847 www.stagw.org.uk Office open Church open Undercroft Café
Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Mon - Fri 10am - 3pm Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm
Sunday worship 9am, 9.45am, 11am Weekday worship 1pm Monday – Friday Minister
Rev Ian Y Gilmour
Joint Session Clerks
George Burgess Barbara Finlayson
Joint Treasurers
John Innes Allan Sim
Director of Music
Brigitte Harris
Church manager
Jean Howard 0131 225 3847 churchmanager@stagw.org.uk
Church secretary
Joyce Garland (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) 0131 225 3847 info@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk
TOGETHER Chair TOGETHER City Centre Chaplain
Ian Gilmour Tony Bryer 0131 229 6542 or 07834 748129 tbryer.wpcscotland@gmail.com
TOGETHER Trustees from St Andrew’s and St George’s West Ian Gilmour (Chair) Frances Cooper and James McNeill (secretary) St Andrew’s and St George's West Church of Scotland, Edinburgh is a registered charity. Charity number SC 008990. 32
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh
Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Diary and Newsletter
www.stagw.org.uk