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Kinross Parish Church of Scotland
December 2103 – February 2014
Sunday 1 December
INVITATION to the
Celebration of Holy Communion in
Kinross Parish Church at 10.30am and at 6.30pm Retiral collection in support of
“A Place At The Table” for Syrian refugees
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KINROSS CHURCH FAMILY
New Members Mr Alan and Mrs Marion McGhie
Harviestoun Road, Dollar
Marriages 7 September Valerie Birrell and Elliot Gilmour 9 November Victoria Browning and Sean Roddy Funerals 1 November Anne Garnett, Burnside House, Easter Balgedie 12 November James Carr, Bowton Road, Kinross
This issue’s cover shows the Messy Nativity set being unpacked at the Editor’s house last December. More information about this year’s Messy Nativity activities can be found on page 7.
Recordings of Services: CDs are available of Sunday services; these are in the church vestibule. If you would like a copy, or know of anyone who would, please speak with Ewan Cathcart (862039).
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FROM THE MANSE Dear Friends,
I have several things I would like to write about this quarter – all of them could constitute a letter in themselves, but I will have to content myself with a brief paragraph on each. First of all, I am sure you would all wish to join me in sending our very best wishes to the Rev. Angus Morrison on his nomination to be Moderator of the 2014 General Assembly. It is a great honour, richly deserved by one who has devoted much time and energy to the work of a number of the central committees of the Church of Scotland. Let us commit ourselves as a congregation to praying for him as he undertakes this important role. Secondly, I want to let you know that from 20 – 31 January I am going on a trip with Tearfund to visit rural community development projects in Ethiopia. I will say a little more about it in church one Sunday in January (when I hope to have more details myself) and I will doubtless have an opportunity to share something of my experience with you after my return. Potentially, we can all get involved by committing ourselves to pray and to offer financial support to make a life-changing difference to people not by giving handouts but by enabling small businesses to be started up. But before all that, as we draw near to Christmas and everybody's blood pressure rises with the stresses that accompany the season, can I remind you of this year's stewardship focus on Time and encourage you to protect some space in the midst of the busyness to be still and to reflect on the wonder of God's gift to us of His Son. You will see details later in the magazine of some Christmas Quiet Times in the Church in the week before Christmas – I hope that many of you will take the opportunity to come along to one of them. With warm greetings to you and your families at Christmas and in anticipation of what God will do with us, among us, and through us over the course of the coming year. Yours in Christ, Alan Rev. A.D. Reid
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JUNIOR CHURCH With the frosty mornings, glitter, glue and God are all planned activities for Junior Church. We will be starting our Christmas Block on Sunday 24 November, giving us a few weeks to prepare for the Nativity Service on the 22 December. A definite date for your diary.
For this block, Junior Church will start in the church centre, staff will be there from 10.15am, and then we
will bring the children up to church for the end of the service. On the 1 December, Communion Sunday, Junior Church will spend the whole of the service at the church centre…Craft Day
In our last block of work, we have been looking at ‘Time’. The children have had to think about all the different activities they do and how they spend their days. They have been thinking about how they can spend time talking, listening, and learning about Jesus. They have created a poster ‘Make Time for Prayer’ using their hands
in the display.
Another date for your diary: Saturday 21 December …..PARTY!!! 2 till 4pm at the Church Centre. Any member of the congregation who would like to spend the afternoon playing pass the parcel, musical chairs, or having a snowball fight is more than welcome. Just let me know.
For more details of plans for the New Year, please check the website.
As always we look forward to seeing old and new faces at Junior Church, and welcome any children from age 3 upwards to join us on a Sunday
morning.
Contact details: email [email protected], telephone 863271. Until next time, Lynn Caldwell
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THE CRÈCHE The crèche team will be on holiday on 22 and 29 December and will resume on 5 January 2014.
Kay Mitchell
PRAM SERVICE If you are a mum, dad, grandparent or carer with an under 5 please come along and join us at the church on Tuesday mornings in term-time at 10.00am for fun and faith.
We have a short (but energetic and musical!) service followed by craft and a snack – plus a cuppa and chat for the adults.
All welcome!
Evelyn Cairns (863990)
CROSSFIRE Crossfire is a youth group for youngsters of secondary school age. We meet in the church centre every Sunday evening during term time from 7.30- 9pm. We regularly have about 20 young folk attending each week.
During the past few sessions, we have enjoyed a number of fun activities, including the annual tubing event, which entailed zooming down the dry ski slope at Tillicoultry in an inflatable tube. Not for the faint hearted, but loads of fun! Then afterwards, the mandatory snacks and juice
In the coming term, amongst the games, outings, and Dark Night, we have a "hundred jelly bean drop" organised (in other words a quiz with jelly bean prizes) and a scary walk planned. This includes a walk through the woods huddled to your chums during which time the occasional "scarer" jumps out omitting a blood curdling scream and frightening some but making others cry with laughter. Afterwards there is always hot chocolate and treats.
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Our programme is wide and varied and combines friendship, fun and food with fellowship. If you would like to find out more, or become a helper please contact Jenny Masson on mobile 07749 275583 or email [email protected].
Jenny Masson
KINROSS BB The Kinross Company is now in full swing and has had a busy start to the new session. Anchors enjoyed an outdoor session at Kirkgate Park in early September and thoroughly enjoyed their Halloween Party, as did the Juniors.
Juniors and Company members competed in the Perth Battalion Badminton competition, with the Company team finishing as runners-up. The Battalion swimming gala took place on 30 November for
Junior and Company section teams.
The Company paraded at the annual remembrance service in
the Kirk and at the war memorial in front of the County Buildings on 10 November and held their annual enrolment service at the Kirk on 17 November.
In National Competitions, the Company section competed in the Masterteam at Forfar but failed to qualify for the next round.
The Company team defeated Dalgety Bay at badminton and are through to round two. There are still outstanding fixtures in table tennis, chess, and five-a-side football to be completed before the end of the year.
Congratulations are due to our four newly trained officers: Jennifer MacKessack, Alice Eade, Matthew McDonald, and Jack Finnie.
Plans are already being made for Junior Section Camp over the May weekend to one of the Scottish Centres and for Company Section Camp in Perth's twin town of Aschaffenburg over the first week of July.
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Company Section Masterteam
There are still a few vacancies in the ranks of Anchors, Juniors, and Company sections for any parents interested in sending their youngsters along to the Church Centre on a Friday evening.
David Munro, BB Captain
MESSY NATIVITY Kinross Parish Church will once again be circulating a “Messy Nativity” set during the month of December. Due to overwhelmingly positive feedback, we will circulate two Nativity sets this year. This activity is open to all families in the community. In addition to receiving a Nativity set for a day, the family who brings the set and the family who receives the set share a prayer during the handover. Each participating family also receives a Christmas ornament to hang on their tree.
We need volunteers to make the Christmas ornaments – please contact Lynn Smith (861386; 07891 083959) if you can help out on this front.
The Messy Nativity will kick off at the ADVENTure Fun Day on 30 November. For more information or to sign-up for a slot in the
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progressive rota, please contact Ann Marie Neave on mobile 07800 730889 or email [email protected].
Ann Marie Neave
HOUSE GROUPS CHRISTMAS WRAP As in past years we are again planning a Christmas Wrap for homeless people. This event will take place on Wednesday 11 December, 7.30pm in the Church when we will wrap parcels ready to go to CATH, the organisation in Perth who will pass on these presents to homeless people in our area. We will also hear from Rev. David McAdam who works with the Bethany Trust and outreach to prisoners. The service will also include Christmas carols and Christmas eats, and this is open to everyone in the congregation. We will be looking for donations of toiletries, sweets, biscuits, notebooks, pens. Further information will be given as to when these gifts can be handed in to the Church.
Margaret Michie
ADVENTure FUN DAY Family Week ADVENTure Fun Day will be held on Saturday 30 November from 4-6 pm in the Church (registration begins at 3.45pm). The invitation is to all families in the church and also in the community. There will be craft, drama, games, the Advent bible story, and a light meal for everyone. Advent is a time for preparation for the Christmas season when we want to express the true meaning of Christmas. We encourage families in our church and community to join in the ADVENTure Fun Day. Please let us know if you are coming for catering purposes.
Margaret Michie 01592 840602 or e-mail [email protected]
HOSPITAL VISITING Margaret Michie and Alan Reid are always happy to visit people in hospital in Perth, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Ninewells and Edinburgh.
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However, because of data protection legislation, we now rely completely on being told personally that someone is in hospital. Often nowadays, hospital stays are only for a few days, so it is important that we are told as soon as possible. We would rather be told several times than not at all. If you know in advance that you are going to be admitted to hospital (perhaps for an operation), it can help to calm your nerves if one of us can come to visit you at home before you go in. Please do not hesitate to telephone or e-mail and don't assume that someone else will do it. Alan Reid
COMMUNION FOR THE HOUSEBOUND The ministers are happy to arrange to celebrate the Lord's Supper with those who cannot manage out to church. This usually takes place during the week following the quarterly communion in church and is always done in the company of someone else from the church – perhaps an elder or one of your neighbours or friends. If you would like this, please mention it to your elder or contact Alan Reid (862952) or Margaret Michie (01592 840602) or the church office (862570). In addition, a short afternoon Communion Service will be held annually at the March Communion when transport will be offered to those who find it difficult to come out to church or who find the morning Communion too lengthy. Alan Reid
FOOD TIDINGS For someone who is facing domestic upheaval for one reason or another, be it a joyous, painful, or sad occasion, receiving dinners from loved ones can be very comforting and helpful.
Many churches around the world encourage members to volunteer to provide one meal a day to families over a short period of one or two weeks when the need for this type of support is greatest. A
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small group of KPC volunteers have been providing "Food Tidings" for a couple of years now. Situations we have supported include: moving house, a new baby, recovering from surgery and injury, supporting a carer. Approximately 20 recipient families have been served in this way, and all have been truly grateful.
In the normal course of their routine interaction with the congregation and the wider Parish, the ministers and elders identify opportunities to suggest recipients. If you know of someone whom you feel should
be a helped in this way, please advise Alan, Margaret or your elder.
The www.foodtidings.com website is used to facilitate scheduling. Volunteers are invited to participate in the schedule and decide whether or not the dates/times work for them. Administration of the KPC Food Tidings ministry is being transferred from Avril Kilday (to whom we send our grateful thanks) to the team in the church office and we are refreshing the list of volunteers at this time. It is a very easy thing to do but can make a huge
difference to someone. There is no commitment to provide food on a regular basis, only as and when you decide it would suit you. There is no prescribed “menu of the day”, so you would simply decide what to cook. If you are not already on the list of volunteers but think you would like to help, simply let the office know (862570; e-mail: [email protected]).
Food Tidings is a wonderful way to strengthen existing bonds of friendship and fellowship within the church family, build new relationships in the congregation and reach out to the wider Kinross community.
Alisdair Stewart
BECOMING A MEMBER OF KINROSS PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
If you are new to the church, we are delighted that you are worshipping with us here. We hope that you have been made welcome by those you have met at services.
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Perhaps you have not considered making the arrangement formal, but we would like to invite you to consider becoming a member of Kinross Parish Church.
Why join? Being entered onto our Membership Roll admits you to all the rights and privileges of Church membership. Pastoral care of parishioners is an essential part of Christ's calling to the Church so you will be visited quarterly by a district elder, who will deliver your church magazine. You become eligible to vote in Church meetings and be elected to offices such as the eldership.
How do I do it? If you are from another Church of Scotland congregation, you can simply hand in your Certificate of Transference, commonly known as 'lines', to the Minister. If you are from another denomination, it is a simple procedure to transfer to the Church of Scotland – just speak with the Minister and he will advise.
What next? The Minister would be happy to chat anything through with you, so please have a word with Alan, contact the Manse on 01577 862952 or email him at [email protected].
Whether or not you decide to become a member, you will always be welcome here.
Alan Reid
MISSION STATEMENT The Kirk Session of Kinross has, in prayerful dependence on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, developed a mission statement to express our fundamental aim to share the Good News of Christ, encouraging all sections of the congregation to grow as disciples of Jesus and all sections of the community to come to a knowledge of God the Father. This statement, which seeks to encapsulate our mission as members of God’s church, aims to encourage us in our faith and in our actions:
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We hope that over time you will become very familiar with this expression of our faith and we trust that it helps you and informs you in all that you do in the Lord’s name. We hope that you will enjoy sharing it with others. We give thanks to God for our Church and the community in which we live and we pray that we may continue to work for His glory. Jaffrey Weir Session Clerk
KINROSS PARISH CHURCH LOCAL ACTION PLAN In 2012, Kinross Parish Church embarked on its five-yearly presbytery visit, the Local Church Review. Members of Kirk Session and Congregational Board took time to share in in-depth discussions, prayerful reflection, and bold thinking, which allowed us to review all that we do and determine our role in the years to come. Here is our Local Action Plan, which aims to balance the twin challenges (i) of maintaining and improving what we do and (ii) of being bold risk-takers in new ventures. We do not take for granted the many good things that characterise the life of Kinross Parish Church but we recognise that there is a continuing need to develop and improve what we currently have and, where appropriate, to launch new initiatives. We recognise that our greatest resource is our membership, among whom there are many gifted and able people offering themselves in various aspects of the ministry and mission of the church, and others whose gifts may be identified, encouraged, and developed in the coming years. In terms of developing discipleship and outreach, we are blessed with a committed Kirk Session and Congregational board, a strong ministry team, and a willing and able team of volunteers who support the children and young people of our church. We are blessed with a good level of congregational giving, not only for congregational requirements but also for the wider work of the Church in Scotland and overseas, and for outside charitable purposes. We are also blessed with renewed buildings (Church, Church Centre, and Manse) that allow us to carry out our current work, although we are also aware that improvements may be
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needed to allow us to grow and develop what we currently do in the future. In the light of the above, the following goals for the forward ministry and mission of the congregation are identified:
• To spend more time in prayer as a Kirk Session, taking time to pause and reflect, listening to God, to one another, and to the wider congregation [ongoing]
• To finalise a mission statement which will allow us to clarify our aims and priorities, to generate a sense of ownership of these aims amongst the wider membership of the congregation, and to communicate them to the wider community [short-term]
• To review all the existing work of the congregation in the light of the agreed mission statement [short-term]
• To consider any new ideas or proposals and to react to changing circumstances in the light of the agreed mission statement seeking to ensure a balance between consolidation and innovation [ongoing]
• Convenors' Group – to produce a mission statement for each Kirk Session Group [short-term]
• Worship Group – to develop a balanced approach to the traditional and the contemporary in Sunday morning worship and to offer a variety of alternative worship opportunities at other times [medium term]
• Pastoral Group – to review the pastoral role of elders and to seek for the most appropriate ways to support and disciple active members; to encourage those who want to but are unable to be involved; to draw in the less committed; and to reach out to the lapsed and those on the fringes [short-term]
• Outreach Group – to bring the Word of God to the streets and homes of the parish [ongoing]
• Education Group – to listen to and invest in the upcoming generation within the church and in the wider community [ongoing]
• Convenors' Group – to devote a season each year to focus on the stewardship of time, talents and money [ongoing]
• Education Group, Pastoral Group, Outreach Group – to identify the gifts and abilities of members and to offer training to equip
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them for effective Christian service in church and community [medium-term]
• Congregational Board – to look at possible development of our buildings, particularly in the light of the planned improvements to the environment of Kinross High Street and of the sale and development of the former Kinross High School site [medium term]
• Outreach Group – to forge stronger links with the Loch Leven Parish Grouping churches [ongoing]
Approved by the Kirk Session of Kinross, 4th February 2013
FOCUS ON...THE PRESBYTERY The ways and workings of the Church of Scotland are a mystery to most people. For the most part, the way the Church is organised (even at congregational level) is of little interest or concern but an understanding of the ways things work in any organisation can be useful for its members.
The Church of Scotland has a Presbyterian form of church government (as compared to the Episcopalian structure of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church or the Congregational government of most Baptist or independent churches). Presbyterian churches are led by elders – the word 'presbyter' means 'elder. There are two types of elder – ruling elders and teaching elders (usually called ministers) who are all of equal status, one person being chosen to be Moderator who is first among equals.
At the local level, the elders form the Kirk Session – mostly ruling elders, plus the parish minister (who is usually the Moderator of the Kirk Session) and any other ministers in the congregation. At a regional level, the Presbytery is the body which has oversight of congregations and ministers in its area and meets monthly to consider reports from its various committees and to deal with any issue that may arise in the life of the Church. Every year the Presbytery elects one of its number to be its Moderator - any member of presbytery is eligible to be elected moderator. Presbytery is made up in roughly equal measure of ministers and elders, one representative from each Kirk Session plus a number of
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equalising (or additional) elders from across the presbytery area to balance the number of ministers.
All ministers in the service of the church – parish ministers, chaplains etc – are automatically members of Presbytery. Retired ministers can resign their seat if they wish. Each congregation is represented by an elder at Presbytery (Sheila Green in our case), but may also propose names for consideration as equalising elders (George Hayton from our congregation is currently serving in this capacity).
As with most organisations, presbyteries appoint people to a number of leadership roles. In addition to the Moderator (who changes annually) the Presbytery of Perth has a Clerk (currently myself), Treasurer (Ian Roy from Crieff), Secretary (our own Ewan Cathcart), Chaplain (Rev. Bob Sloan), Publicity Secretary (Rev. David Souter), Disability Advisor (John Spence from Perth) and Safeguarding Contact (Eva Bradley from Blackford). Most of the work of the Presbytery is carried out through the committees, convened by a minister or elder for a four year period. Every member of Presbytery is on one of the following committees:
Appraisal: looks at forward planning and deployment of resources.
Business: organises the agenda for presbytery meetings
Church & Community: addresses wider social issues and current affairs
Fabric: helps ensure that congregations maintain their buildings well
Finance: helps ensure good financial governance in congregations and sets the contributions that congregations pay annually according to their means
Ministry: supports and trains those in various types of ministry
Mission & Discipleship: co-ordinates training and encourages outreach
Superintendence: ensures oversight of congregations and ministers
Vacancy Procedure: supports congregations in the search for a minister
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There is a full ordinary meeting of Perth Presbytery on the second Tuesday of September, November, December, February, March, May, and June at Riverside Church in Perth when committee reports are debated and any decisions reached. In addition, meetings are held in hunc effectum when only specified business may be carried out, arranged and intimated in advance – this is usually something like the induction of a minister. Very rarely a meeting may have to be called pro re nata because an urgent matter has arisen which needs a decision.
Every meeting of Presbytery is opened with prayer and usually also with worship, Bible reading and a short reflection by the Moderator. The agenda is agreed at the outset and once that is fixed there can be no 'Any Other Business.' After each report is given, questions may be asked and proposals are put which the committee would like Presbytery to agree to. There may then be some discussion of what is proposed and sometimes the proposals are amended before being agreed (or rejected!) If agreed, this then becomes the view or deliverance of the Presbytery.
Once a year in May, the General Assembly meets in Edinburgh to receive reports of national committees and to make policy decisions for the Church of Scotland. The Assembly is also made up of an equal number of elders and ministers who are commissioned by Presbyteries on a rotational basis so that roughly a quarter of parishes are represented in any given year. The Assembly elects a Moderator who is nominated by a committee made up of representatives from across the Church. In 2014, the Rev. Angus Morrison, minister of Orwell & Portmoak has been nominated for this high office.
Presbytery meetings are open to the public and if anyone would ever like to attend a meeting, just have a word with Ewan Cathcart, Sheila Green, George Hayton, Margaret Michie, or me. Sometimes they are mind-numbingly boring; sometimes deeply encouraging and visionary.
Alan Reid
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FIRE ESCAPE PLAN FOR THE SANCTUARY To comply with current Health and Safety regulations, Kinross Parish Church has implemented the following plan to evacuate the Sanctuary in the event of fire:
Ground Floor – Unless it is dangerous to do so, members sitting on the South (left) side of the Sanctuary should leave by the emergency exit by the organ.
Members on the North (right) should exit by the emergency exit on that side.
Both exits are clearly signed. ON NO ACCOUNT should members leave by the main door, unless the other exits are unusable.
Gallery – Members in the gallery will exit by the stairs and thence though the main door. The Fire Assembly Point is designated as the garden, by the front gate.
Members are requested to familiarise themselves with these arrangements.
Gordon Paterson
GUILD CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Guild will again be sponsoring a Christmas concert in aid of Guild funds. Cantamus will be back again by request – people loved their concert last year! The first half will be light-hearted, along the lines of an Edwardian Christmas Party....music hall and other popular songs of the Era. The second half will be wholly devoted to Christmas music. The concert is at 2.30 pm on 8 December in the Church. Tickets are £6 from the Church Office, the Milnathort Post Office or any Guild Member.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Organised by Kinross-shire Churches Together, this event takes place on Sunday 15 December at 3.00pm in the assembly hall of Loch Leven Community Campus. An interchurch choir is already practicing a few solos, but as they used to say: ‘Chiefly, yourselves’ will be the main provider of Christmas music. This year the event
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will be hosted by elders from the Millbridge Fellowship, and we are hoping to present a multi-faceted festival of Christmas with offerings from groups within all the churches of Kinross-shire.
Alex Cant
THE GUILD Kinross Guild celebrates 125 years
The Guild of Kinross Parish Church of Scotland, one of the oldest in Scotland, celebrated its 125th anniversary on Sunday 27 October. The morning service was one of thanksgiving and celebration for all the Guild had done to support Christ’s work over the past one hundred and twenty five years and a re-dedication for the future. Around fifty members of the Guild were present and sat together as a visual
symbol of their fellowship.
The Kinross Guild was founded in 1888 just a year after the national organisation commenced and before even the first Guild conference. This significance was reflected in the attendance of special guests including Rosemary Johnston from the Perth Presbyterial Council and the National Convener of the Guild, Marjorie Paton.
As well as current ministers Alan Reid and Margaret Michie, the event was attended by two past ministers and their wives, who were themselves members of the Guild: John and Pat Munro and Leslie
and Marion Barr. The service also included the presentation of a Long-Service Certificate to Christina Stewart who has been a member of the Guild for 62 years – almost half its history!
Following the service, the members of the Guild and the guests were entertained to an anniversary meal in the Kinross Church Centre provided
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by the wider congregation and served by volunteers from the Kirk Session.
A huge thanks to the Session for hosting our 125th Anniversary Celebration and lunch, as well as to Isobel Watt and all the others who made the day such a success.
Future Meetings Meetings start at 7.15pm, and we welcome visitors and new members.
14 January Theme Night: “A fellowship to Build”
28 January Most Rev. Bruce Cameron: “The Julius Project (Guild Project)”
11 February Mrs. Janice Webster: “Life in Law”
25 February Susan Hope: Balcraig Foundation
7 March World Day of Prayer
11 March Annual General Meeting
25 March Rev Angus Morrison: “An Island Parish” Helena Cant, Convener
PHOTOGRAPHY DURING WORSHIP AND ON OTHER OCCASIONS
Everyone enjoys looking at photographs, past and present, reflecting on special events and occasions which bring family members together. They also bring pleasure to those involved and to those who were not able to be there at the time. The church family is no different, and it’s good to look back at the many different ways we share fellowship and participate in church life.
We must always be mindful that during worship, people come with a range of emotions, needs, cares, and concerns. Photography could be an intrusion, and it is right that we respect and are sensitive to the wishes of all who may be included in the photographs.
A subcommittee of the Kirk Session met to discuss how best to achieve the balance of maintaining a sense of worship during
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services, recording church events for historical/personal interest and ensuring that we comply with child protection guidelines. Eight recommendations on photography and filming were discussed and approved by the Kirk Session in September 2013. The full guidelines are available from the church office, are displayed in the meeting room and are on the church website; however a brief summary is given below:
• To maintain a sense of worship and minimise distractions, photographs should not be taken during services.
• Opportunities for photographs to be taken will be made available at the end of a special service.
• A congregational photograph will be taken twice a year (December and June) after the close of worship – this will be intimated in advance and also at the start of the service, giving everyone the opportunity to opt in or out.
• Particular care is taken over the taking and displaying of photographs of children in line with the Church of Scotland Safeguarding Guidelines.
If anyone has concerns about this please speak to the minister, session clerk, or safeguarding coordinator.
Alison Brown
CONGREGATIONAL PHOTOGRAPH The Kirk Session recently approved the recommendation that a Congregational Photograph be taken twice a year (December and June). This will be taken on Sunday 22 December after the close of the service. Those who wish to leave can do so easily. After a short pause following the benediction, we will resume singing a few verses of a further carol during which the photograph will be taken. It will be displayed on the church website and may also be used in other situations. We hope that everyone will enjoy viewing the photograph which will reflect our worship together as a family, illustrating the church as “the people” and not just “the building”.
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TRAIDCRAFT We have a new catalogue out for Autumn/Winter, full of lovely gifts for Christmas, so if you haven't picked up one yet, then please do. We order every Monday, and orders usually arrive by the Friday. This year we are making up baskets, gift wrapped for you, but the difference is you choose what you would like in them. There are different sizes of baskets available, and contents can include any food, jewellery, our very popular socks or scarfs, and items for children, such as pens, key rings, notepads and much more. So please come along and have a look.
A huge thank you to all who have put items in the recycling box for Traidcraft Exchange. The contents were picked up during November, and we will let you know what sum has been raised for this worthwhile cause in the March magazine.
We also thank you for your continued support throughout the year in buying Traidcraft goods and wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
The Traidcraft Team
SATURDAY MORNING BOOKS AND COFFEE/ TEA BAR The Saturday morning books and tea-coffee bar at the Church Centre is doing very well at present and continues to add to church funds. If there are volunteers in the congregation willing to help out with book sales, we would be most grateful. Please contact Jim Henry. Our continued thanks to all at church who donate books and make use of us on Saturday mornings.
Jim Henry (864452)
CHURCH FLOWERS In the words of an old Chinese proverb: “If you have two pennies, spend one on bread and the other on a flower. The bread will give you life; the flower a reason for living.”
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I am thankful for some very loyal members of the congregation who have supported the Ministry of Flowers for many years in delivering flowers from the sanctuary after weekly worship. I would like to acknowledge their faithfulness and commitment to a very worthwhile duty. Mesdames Catriona Marshall, Moira Hookham, Aileen Cootz, Margaret Graham, Anne Macdonald, we salute you! I am looking for replacements for MARCH, APRIL, OCTOBER, and NOVEMBER, so if anyone would be interested in joining the team, please speak to me for more information.
Many members contribute to the Flower Fund regularly, but there are a few slots available on the calendar. Again, please speak to me for details.
I was disappointed that nobody showed up for a meeting to rearrange a Flower Festival; however, I have provisionally arranged a date for next year (6-8 June), so please keep an eye on the intimations for further details in the New Year.
In conclusion, as the festive season is all but upon us, may I take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy and Peaceful Christmas along with a “Guid New Year!”
Frances Drysdale
THURSDAY GROUP Our President, Angela, is off to Dubai and Maureen (Porter) has kindly agreed to take over for the rest of the year. We are looking forward to our Christmas meal on 5 December, a Beetle Drive on 9 January, and a demonstration by Sarah Scott of the Studio Hair Company on 6 February.
New members are always welcome!
Molly Dobson (863421, secretary)
COMMON GROUNDS (Charity number SC 031582) All goes well with us as we head towards our annual general meeting on 29 November. We look forwards to another good year. Our project lunch to be held at the Guide and Scout Hall will have a
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speaker from “Médecins Sans Frontières.” Our thanks to all of our patrons - we are most grateful for your support.
Jim Henry (http://www.spanglefish.com/commongroundscharitycafe/)
ST PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH It is now 9 months since our new rector came from Canterbury. Lots of new ideas are in the pipeline. One idea about to come to fruition is a breakfast club for pupils going to school early in the morning. This would be on one day per week and would service a need for those who leave home without breakfast. Porridge, toast, and hot and cold drinks will be served. We ask for your prayers for this project.
Jim Henry, Sacristan
CLEISH AND FOSSOWAY Having preached as sole nominee in the linked charge of Cleish and Fossoway, the Rev. Elisabeth Stenhouse was elected minister there on Sunday 3 November. Lis is coming from the charge of Lochgelly and Benarty:St Serf’s, where she has been minister since 2006. The Call is now being signed, and thereafter a date for induction will be fixed. We look forward to welcoming a new member to the ministry team in Kinross-shire.
Alan Reid
FELTING, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP Exciting things have been happening at the Craft Group during the summer months. Ten members of the Craft Group enjoyed a series of workshops about wool felting, both wet and needle felting.
An opportunity arose from a chance meeting with a local lady who was happy to come along to our group to teach us about felting wool. The organisation of the workshops proved a bit of a challenge but I’m pleased to say that in the end all went well. The lady who led the classes was pleased to give us her TIME and she shared her
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TALENTS with us, which was very much appreciated.
This was a new craft for most of us and turned out to be a lot of fun. There was much hilarity during the wet felting of natural sheep’s wool. The items produced came out in all shapes and sizes! For the needle felting we used dyed wool to create some beautiful brooches, key rings, etc. We enjoyed this, too, but as the needles were quite big, we had to concentrate a bit more. No casualties though!
Hopefully, in the coming months we’ll encourage each other to continue with this craft and make items for our craft sales. Our latest craft sales table was held after Morning Worship on Sunday 24 November. If anyone is interested in meeting up with us, even occasionally, we’d be happy to see you. Please speak to me on a Sunday at Church or contact me on 864167.
Margaret Clark
FROM THE EDITOR’S LAPTOP Hi y’all—
The busy-ness that is Christmas is almost upon us and there are lots of activities going on at KPC as part of the Advent season. Please have a look at the calendar of events – with so much to choose from, there is surely something for everyone!
I love the idea of the Christmas Quiet Times, and I’m hopeful that my schedule – and my two young children
– will allow me to make at least one of the sessions.
Blessings to you and yours during the season of Christmas and very best wishes for a happy and healthy 2014.
As always, if there are any suggestions or thoughts you have on the content, format, or any other aspect of the magazine, please feel free to contact me.
Ann Marie Neave
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CHRISTMAS QUIET TIMES During the week before Christmas a number of opportunities for quiet reflection will be offered in the church to allow individuals to pause and focus on Jesus at the heart of Christmas. These reflections will each be led by different people and will be at different times of the day. Monday 16 December 9.30am Tuesday 17 December 3.15pm (suitable for children) Wednesday 18 December 7.30pm Thursday 19 December 9.00pm (Compline by candlelight) Friday 20 December 12.30pm
TIME FOR PRAYER A Monthly Prayer Diary is produced for personal use. These are available at church, from the Church Office, or via the website.
• Silent Meditation: half an hour of guided stillness on the first Monday of the month at 8am (2 December, 6 January, 3 February).
• A Prayer Breakfast is held on the second Saturday of the month at 8.30am (14 December, 11 January, 8 February). A breakfast of rolls and coffee will be followed by a short time of prayer. Names in advance please, for catering purposes, to the Church Office 862570.
• Compline is a short, reflective service of readings and prayers, the perfect way to end the day. It lasts just 20 minutes and takes place on the third Thursday of each month at 9pm (19 December, 16 January, 20 February).
• There will be a Bible Study and Prayer Meeting either in the Church Meeting Room or Church Centre Garden Room as announced at 8pm (28 January, 25 February).
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BIBLES If you would like to use a Bible during Sunday worship, just ask a member of the Welcome Team who can fetch one from the cupboard in the vestibule. Bibles are no longer on seats as they were becoming damaged, but there are plenty available for all who would like to use one.
DIARY OF FORTHCOMING EVENTS Note: For Guild meetings, see the table on page 19.
Date Event Contact
November
Saturday 30, 3:45-6pm
ADVENTure Fun Day at the Church Margaret Michie 01592 840602
December
Sunday 1 – Tuesday 24
Messy Nativity progressive activity Ann Marie Neave 07800730889
Thursday 5 Thursday Group – Christmas meal Molly Dobson 863421
Sunday 8, 2.30pm
Guild Christmas Concert at the Church Helena Cant 862923
Wednesday 11, 7.30pm
Christmas Wrap at the Church Margaret Michie 01592 840602
Sunday 15, 3pm
Kinross-shire Churches Together Christmas Celebration at Loch Leven Community Campus
Alex Cant 862923
Monday 16 Week of Christmas Quiet Times starts Church Office 862570
Saturday 21, 2-4pm
Junior Church Christmas Party at the Church Centre
Lynn Caldwell 863271
Sunday 22 Congregational Photo after the 10.30am service
Church Office 862570
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Date Event Contact
January
Thursday 9 Thursday Group – Beetle Drive Molly Dobson 863421
February
Monday 3, 7.30pm
Kirk Session in the Church Church Office 862570
Thursday 6 Thursday Group – Sarah Scott demonstration
Molly Dobson 863421
SUNDAY SERVICES December 2013 – February 2014. Morning services at 10.30am. 1 Dec Quarterly Communion
Luke 1:67-80 - Preparing the Way 10.30am Led by Rev. Alan Reid 6.30pm Led by Rev. Margaret Michie
(both common cup and individual glasses will be used) 8 Dec Luke 1:26-38 Opening the Door
15 Dec Luke 1:39-56 Sharing the News 22 Dec All-Age Nativity Service (crèche holiday)
Luke 2:1-7 When the Time Came 24 Dec Christmas Eve 4.30pm Crib Service for Families 11:15pm Watchnight Service 25 Dec Christmas Day
10:30am A short service for Christmas morning 29 Dec Christmas Sunday (crèche holiday)
10.30am Service of Lessons and Carols 2.30pm Annual Bereavement Service 5 Jan Luke 2:21-38 A Light for the Nations
(crèche resumes) Informal Communion at the close of the morning service
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12 Jan Following Christ, Spreading the Word, Serving the Community
19 Jan Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 10.30am Pulpit Exchange Rev. David Mackenzie Mills 6.30pm United Service in Kinross Parish Church 26 Jan
10.30am Matthew 4:12-23 Jesus’ Ministry Begins 6.30pm Informal Evening Service 2 Feb Matthew 5:1-12 The Kingdom Manifesto
Informal Communion at the close of the morning service 9 Feb Matthew 5:13-20 The Kingdom Vision
16 Feb Matthew 5:21-37 The Kingdom Way 23 Feb
10.30am Matthew 5:38-48 The Kingdom Transformation 6.30pm Informal Evening Service
CONTACTS
Minister: Rev. Alan Reid (862952) or [email protected] Ordained Local Minister: Rev. Margaret Michie (01592 840602) or [email protected] Session Clerk: Jaffrey Weir (865780) or [email protected] Church website: www.kinrossparishchurch.org. Church Office: 862570 (open 10am–12 noon weekdays) or [email protected] Booking of Church Centre or Church: contact Church Office Kirk Session: next meeting Monday 3 February, 7.30pm Magazine editor: Ann Marie Neave (862271) or [email protected] Deadline for next issue of quarterly magazine: Tuesday 4 February
Kinross Parish Church of Scotland: Charity No SC 012555
