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June 2013
Craigsbank Church East Craigs Church Centre www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk
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SOME SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Worship Calendar
June
2 Communion at Craigsbank 9 Communion at East Craigs 16 Father’s Day & Stepping Stones end-of-term Service
Activities for youngsters available throughout the Summer when
families are continually welcome at worship.
JOINT SUMMER SERVICES: Please note! July 7 Craigsbank at 10am 14 East Craigs at 10am 21 Craigsbank at 10am 28 East Craigs at 10am August 4 Normal service times resume at both Centres 18 Start-up Sunday at both Centres
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is an open table for all who respond in faith to Jesus’ words.
“Come to me and you will never thirst;
Come to me and you will never hunger; Come to me, and I will give you rest.”
Please come along and share in the sacrament,
especially if you have not been for a while.
If you are unable to attend any of the Communion Services in church, we would be pleased to come and share
Home Communion with you. Simply ask Stewart, or your Elder/Visitor.
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Minister’s letter from Stewart
By the time you read this we hope to have identified a Children and Family Worker for Craigsbank and East Craigs. This will be a three year Part-Time post jointly funded by Edinburgh Presbytery and ourselves.
The Kirk Session thought long and hard about this and believes that the appointment of a person focussing on this area of ministry will be of great benefit to our church’s life and mission. It is not a replacement for Stephen, as the individual will not be assisting the minister with pastoral work, but will build on some of the work in which Stephen was involved and take it in a new direction. It will enable greater contact with all the children’s and youth organisations in and around the church as well as increased contact with East Craigs Primary and Craigmount High School. It will explore new initiatives in congregational life and worship experiences with the intention of providing fuller engagement with church life. This will also be a great help to those already involved in leading and helping at Stepping Stones at both centres in the resourcing of and coordinating of the committed volunteers that lead these groups. Your minister will then be able to focus on the adult education aspects of our life as well as worship and Pastoral Care, especially among our older members.
We are not alone in seeing reduced numbers of people attending worship and being involved in the church, as this is a national trend. However, although it is a disappointment, it is a sign of the times. We also know that part of the future is less about ‘getting bums on pews’ on a Sunday morning (though that would be great) but more about reshaping the church model in order that it fits and suits our contemporary
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world and the people growing up and living within it. It is a continual struggle in mind and practice to offer church life and worship which is appropriate to both older and younger generations, for those who have been raised in church life and those for whom it is a new experience. As I get closer to retirement than I was when I entered ministry I find myself caught between the old model and the new, I was nurtured in a traditional church model, have been part of small changes in church which I hope have enabled a more engaging church life than that which I entered when I was young, while acknowledging the new things which have to be tried are perhaps for others to create.
It means that I must let go of some aspects of ministry and trust others to develop the new thing, while rediscovering the gifts I offer in ministry and leadership. We must get the balance – which is always a struggle – between innovative leadership and pastoral care, and I fear that the latter is being lost in the new age of church and developing ministry. In a changing age for the church it requires people who can lead it through such change. However, I believe one of the central cores of the Gospel is Pastoral Care – the apostles were sent out to do that and so reveal the Gospel – and I still believe that and am disappointed in myself when that falls short.
So we hope that this new person’s gifts will dovetail with that of mine so that the fullness of ministry be part of our congregational and communal life, while acknowledging it is the ministry of the whole people of God which reflects the Body of Christ, not just the ministry of one or two. So, as we commit to funding and reshaping our ministry leadership, it is well worth each of us asking honestly of ourselves, “What is the gift I have been given, and how can I offer that in the mission and ministry of the whole church?”
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PEOPLE NEWS
Church Members who have Died
Baptisms Robbie Jack Snedden 31 Mearenside 17 February Calum Kenneth Imrie 56 Gogarloch Road 3 March
Charlotte Brunton 42 Glasgow Road 18 January
Annie (Nan) Currie The Tor Nursing Home 19 January
Monica Robertson The Tor Nursing Home
30 January
Alastair Reid 15 Burnbrae 3 February
Nan Durward Holmesview NH, Broxburn
12 February
Jean Cameron 31 Craigmount Hill 17 February
Iris Laing 1 Bughtlin Drive 17 February
Betty Gray Lennox House NH,Trinity
28 March
Betty Wilkinson 14 Craigs Avenue 29 April
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BRAVERY Derick Fisher and Dick Whyman
“It was just after the 2
nd World War when Craigsbank Scouts, the
26th Midlothian as they were then, went on an outing to South
Queensferry. On their return crossing from North Queensferry, the
ferry came in at the wrong angle and the bow of the boat crashed
into the jetty, jolting everyone on board.
One scout, George Cruickshanks, was thrown overboard into the
water. Another scout, called John MacGregor saw what happened
and jumped into the water to rescue him. The boat was causing a
lot of turbulence in the water and by this time George was under
the big paddle. However, John managed to get a hold of George,
who, by the way couldn’t swim, and told him not to struggle, and
fortunately landed themselves on the jetty, very wet but unhurt.
John’s only comment was that there was a window under the
paddle and he could see the men operating the engines, which he
thought was very interesting as that fact was not widely known.
John was awarded the Guild Cross for bravery by the Scout
Movement which was presented by Lieutenant Colonel Balfour
Paul, who was the County Commissioner for Midlothian at the
time. It is not widely known, as I don’t know of any other troop, but
the 26th Scouts have been presented with two medals. The other
to Derick Fisher, which was presented to him for courage in
adversity in coping with polio, which he has had since he was
three years old. His award, known as the Cornwell Badge is the
highest award in the Scouting Movement, was presented to the
church a few months ago and is displayed in the church hall along
with one of his Scout Shirts.
This article was originally published in the January 2013 Bulletin as part of the
“75 Years of Memories” . Apologies to Derick Fischer for the error in the original
article.
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Craigsbank Ramblers Penny Greig
It hardly seems 10years since we started the walking club and
never imagined we would still be able to continue without repeat-
ing a walk. Nearly all of our walks have been circular and within an
hour’s drive from Edinburgh. We are lucky that there are so many
walking routes close to home. What a wonderful country we live in
with such a variety of walks.
We started with a few people and over the years our numbers
have changed . We have been fortunate to meet so many nice
people - some in our church fellowship, some who have joined us
from our parish and others from all over Edinburgh.
Nationwide Deals for Fairtrade Items Anne Currie 539-0613 [email protected]
Co-op: Until 4th June a range of our tea, coffee and hot choc-
olates are on offer, from £1.75
Ocado: Our Roast & Ground coffees and beans are two for £6
between 1st and 21st May
Morrisons: Our Medium and Decaf instant coffees are both
only £3 until 27th May.
Tesco: Our Hand-Picked Tea and San Cristobal hot chocolate
are both only £2.
Please help to support Fairtrade by shopping at the above named
supermarkets who are giving their support to Fairtrade and be
able to make yourself a fantastic cup of tea.
Please remember that arrangements can be made through the
Church to recycle unwanted tools, mobile phones, used postage
stamps, old spectacles and/or costume jewellery.
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26TH CRAIGALMOND
(CRAIGSBANK) SCOUT GROUP
Susan Ross (Tel 317-8804 or email
If anyone knows of any boys or girls aged between the ages of 6
and 14 who would like to join Beavers (aged 6 & 7), Cubs (aged
8 -10½) and Scouts (aged 10½ – 14) please contact Susan
Ross and further information will be provided. Names are taken
for Beavers at the age of 5 for entry around their 6th birthday.
We are also keen to recruit a few younger leaders. We would
ask you all to consider if you or someone you know would be
willing to assist the Group by becoming a Leader or Young
Leader (aged 14 -18). This would be an ideal opportunity for
former Guides or Scouts who have completed their studies to
get back involved with their local Scout Group. Please contact
Susan Ross for further information.
On Friday 12 April Aidan Newell was presented with his Silver
Chief Scout’s Award – the highest award in the Cub Section and
the first time this award has been presented at the 26th. We
currently have several Beavers working towards their Bronze
Chief Scout’s Award and more Cubs who will hopefully also gain
their Silver Chief Scout’s Award in the near future.
A group camp at Bonaly is planned for the weekend of the 17 –
19 May with the Beavers visiting on Saturday 18 May.
Our annual awards night and BBQ is planned for Friday 14 June
at Almondell when we hope the weather will be kind to us as
unfortunately this event has had to be moved to the Church in
both 2011 & 2012.
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CHURCH SERVICES ON CD
The Sunday Service at Craigsbank is now recorded on to CD. If you would like to borrow a copy of a particular Service for yourself, family member or friend, then please speak to your Elder, Visitor, one of the Ministers or Ian Adair who deals with recording and copying the service for us.
THE COMPUTER’S SWALLOWED GRANDMA From Whitstable Baptist Church Magazine via Julie Wilkinson
The computer’s swallowed grandma
yes honestly it’s true. She pressed ‘control’ and ’enter’
and disappeared from view.
It devoured her completely the thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus or been eaten by a worm.
I’ve searched through the recycle bin
and files of every kind. I’ve even used the Internet
but nothing did I find.
In desperation I asked Google my searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative not a thing was found online.
So, if inside your In Box
my Grandma you should see. Please Scan, and Copy and Paste her
in an e-mail back to me.
©Valerie Waite, Derbyshire, England
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BOY’S BRIGADE From Daniel, Jack, Liam and Matthew
Accompanied by Mr T, Mrs B, Mr M and Mr P
On Friday 26th April four Boys from the Junior
Section set off in a hailstorm to travel to East Lothian for the week-end. They each wrote a
report on the week-end. - The spelling is theirs!!!
Friday – sleeping on the 1st night was fun because we made jokes
and had a laugh.
We met at East Craigs and got on the BB bus and went to Allison
Cargill House and had our supper then we went to bed.
Saturday – today we went to East Links and played for most of the
day. For lunch I had a ham roll. Jack and I stared at this girl for
most of the day. She was hot!! There were lots of chickens. We
went back to the house
We went to East Links farm park. We had a massive amount of
fun and played in the fortress till four o’clock then came back to
Alison Cargill House. It’s lovely there and so is the house.
We went to East Links and had our lunch, I had a ham salwig and
then me and Lima (Liam) went to play when we were done we
went to the house.
Today we went to East linkes farm and played for most of the day
and we all had lunch, I had a ham sandwidge, that was made by
Mrs B. Dan and I stared at a girl who was hot!!! I saw her
nickers they were pink and wight. I did not no her name. (The
Boy’s and girl in question were on the trampoline at the time of this
incident – she should have been wearing shorts or trousers to be
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on the trampoline in mixed company !!!) I had a grate time then we
came home and wrote this.
Sunday – we went to the flight museum. It was not as good as
East Links.
We went to the museum of flight and we got a big tour of the whole
place.
When we woke up we had our breakfast. We went to the fliet
musum when we were done went home and tonight we are going
to East Craigs.
Today we went to the musem of flite it was not better than East
Linkes farm but it was still good. The good thing about it was it was
very big so ther was more things! Then we came home to Mr
Mcfarson and a lovely dinner!
The visit to the Museum of Flight was to attend a short service for
Boys from the Junior and Anchor Boy Sections of the Edinburgh
and Leith Battalion.
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CHURCH SERVICES IN THE FUTURE?
CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister: Praise the Lord!
Congregation: Hallelujah!
BIBLE READING
Minister: Will everyone please turn on their tablet, PC, iPad,
smart phone, and Kindle Bibles to
1 Cor 13:13.
P-a-u-s-e......
PRAYER
Now, Let us pray committing this week into God's hands.
Open your Apps, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God
S-i-l-e-n-c-e
SERMON
Please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon.
OFFERING
As we uplift our Sunday offerings, please have your credit and
debit cards ready.
You can log on to the church wi-fi using the password
'Lord909887.
The Duty Team will circulate mobile card swipe machines among
the congregation:
Those who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to
computers and laptops at the rear of the church. Those who prefer
to use iPads can open them. Those who prefer telephone
banking, take out your mobiles to transfer your contributions to the
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Cheese and Wine Evening
Sunday 2nd June 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
East Craigs Church Centre
This is a social evening hosted by The Prayer Circle to which all are welcome.
Had your meal? Then come along at any point between 7 and 9, enjoy a soft drink/glass of wine/cuppa, some biscuits and cheese
and a chance to chat and round off your evening. Family or friends there? Bring them along too.
church account.
The holy atmosphere of the Church becomes truly electrified as
ALL the smart phones, iPads, PCs and laptops beep and flicker
INTIMATIONS
This week's Kirk Session and congregational Board meetings will
be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual
group chatting takes place. Please log in to attend.
Wednesday’s Bible study will be held live on Skype at 1900hrs
GMT. Please don't miss out.
Check the Church Website to follow the itinerary of the minister’s 9
-month sabbatical world tour. He will be available for all pastoral
concerns when his phone has a signal. Leave a message and he
will get back to you on his return. Meanwhile, you can follow your
Minister on Twitter for counselling and prayers.
BENEDICTION
Minister: God bless you.
Congregation: Have nice day.
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CAFE CHURCH
In March at East Craigs we tried out a
different type of evening in a Cafe
Style while discussing the film Les
Miserables. The French theme
was picked up in providing home-
made French Fancies and Madeleine
cakes with drinks around tables. We
then watched clips from the film
version of Les Miserables and discussed aspects of the story
which ranged from forgiveness to choices to grace to judging
others. Good conversation flowed as we then related that to the
Gospel message. The film explores so many aspects reflected in
the bible. Perhaps this is one reason it is so popular and moving
as it engages with some of the deepest of life’s experiences.
Those who attended were keen that we do a similar thing again.
The Church Cafe model could be adapted to suit various themes,
ideas, events, providing an informal and enjoyable setting to
explore aspects of life and faith. One idea is to follow this one with
a similar evening based on the film Life of Pi.
So if you haven’t seen the film Life of
Pi or read the book, why not watch
the DVD (I have one you could
borrow) or catch it on Sky or Virgin
Films, or read this wonderful story.
A boy explores his own spiritual
journey while his father runs a zoo
which he decides to transport by ship to America. During the
crossing a storm sinks the ship and the boy finds himself on a life
boat in the company of a Bengal tiger. As the two share their
voyage, the story explores so many aspects of life, of facing our
fears, and the meaning of truth.
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REFLECTION
I know
that I am called.
The message was quite clear
and yet I cannot see
the how, the why.
I feel so small, so weak,
so ill-equipped
for such a task.
And yet I am prepared
to say my YES
and undertake the risk
and enter the unknown
responding to the call.
Trustfully treading my way
the only one
that leads to life –
to HIM.
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Your Church Elder or Visitor Name: Telephone:
The Minister
Rev Stewart McPherson
17 Craigs Bank EH12 8HD
0131 467 6826
Visit your church website
www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk
Your Church Guide also has details about all church organisations and activities.
Charity number: SCO 14719
Craigsbank and East Craigs — One Church, Two Centres
CHURCH INFORMATION
