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GUI(L)D NEWS | Month Year | Page 1
Newsletter | Spring/Summer 2018
GUI(L)D NEWS | Month Year | Page 2
Gui(l)d News is a publication by the Church of Scotland Guild, a component element of the Church of Scotland,
Scottish Charity No. SC011353CONTENTSFROM THE NATIONAL CONVENER & GENERAL SECRETARY 4
CONVENERS ELECT 5
NEWS FROM GUILDS 6-11
PROJECTS UPDATES 12-13
RESOURCE DAYS 14
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 15
It’s hard to believe that we are coming towards the end of our strategy, Be Bold, Be Strong during which time we have learned a great deal about peace, joy and love and what these mean for us as individuals, as Guilds and as communities. We hope that you have been challenged and inspired in equal measure by these topics. I have certainly been challenged to be bold and strong over the past few months having undergone heart surgery just before Christmas. With 3 children it certainly brought things into sharp focus and challenged me to think about what was really important. However it was the prayers and support of everyone that really got me through the long days and nights. I had a very real sense of peace that comes from knowing you are held God’s hands and that He is in control. People often talk of the Guild being family, and I found that to be so true. I was inundated with cards, messages of support and more than a few visitors! It was a real expression of love for which I am truly grateful. Being part of the Guild family really is a reason for real joy!
Karen Gillon, Associate Secretary
WELCOME!
Church of Scotland Guild121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN
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NATIONAL VICE-CONVENER ELECT Marian Macintyre, Shetland Presbyterial CouncilI was born in Dumfries and grew up in Bannockburn. My dad was a minister, so I was privileged to be part of several ‘church families’. I was a modern languages teacherand taught in schools across Scotland.I am married to Tom, a minister and we have been ‘adopted’ by supportive and nurturing church families, and I appreciate just how much so many people do within congregations and atnational level, particularly within the Guild.My own Guild membership began in 1976 and I am currently a member of Sandwick Guild, Shetland and convener of the
national communications and marketing group.In my spare time I enjoys singing and piano playing, and love travelling abroad.Tom and I have 3 children; Lewis, Vaila and Struan and 3 grandchildren, Reuben(8) and Zara(3) in Paisley and Willow (5) in Harrogate.I am very excited about the year ahead and what God has planned for us as a Guild as we seek His way for ourselves and the Guild.
FROM the NATIONAL CONVENER Our new National Office Bearers
NATIONAL CONVENER ELECTPatricia Robertson, Greenock Presbyterial CouncilIt is humbling to have been elected National Convener. Appropriately, the next strategy “One journey, many roads” sums up my own journey! Married with 1 daughter and 2 grandchildren, I have always lived in Greenock (some might feel sorry for me). A Guild member for over 40 years, I am an elder, choir member and flower co-ordinator. I have served in the Young Women’s Group, Guild, Presbyterial Council and National Mission taking
groups to Craigengower. Before becoming National Vice-Convener, I convened the Resources Group. When Councils receive the Convener’s Challenge for 2018 they will discover one of my hobbies. I hope that everyone will be able to participate.Please remember me in prayer, and I look forward to meeting many of you as I travel “many roads”.God bless
Friends
This is the last newsletter in our strategy, “Be bold! Be Strong!” The three years since 2015 have passed quickly, but have been filled with good things.
Our Partnership Projects helped us learn about remarkable work that people are doing, often with people in difficult corners of their lives. The charities really value Guild members for their prayerful support, for raising awareness of issues and raising around £600,000.
As Marge has said, we have enjoyed great times at events across the country, reminding us that we are part of a huge family, of a movement that plays a central role in the lives of its members and of the Church.
We now look ahead to our new strategy “One journey, many roads” and to exploring how the Guild locally, regionally and nationally can continue to do great things in the name of “Whose we are and whom we serve.”
Iain Whyte, General Secretary
Dear friends,
As I write this, the snowdrops are beginning to peep through and the daffodil shoots are beginning to show. I always think this is a wonderful time of the year. No matter how hard the winter has been, these frail flowers have the strength to shoot through the frozen ground.
We had very successful Big Sings in Inverness and Glasgow. Everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. The offerings from both (including a donation from Westburn Parish Church Guild, Greenock) raised enough to dig a second borehole at the hostel at Louden Teacher Training Centre.
We have a lot of exciting things to look forward to in the coming months. In particular the launch of new projects in April. In May we travel to Caithness, Orkney and Shetland to share with friends there. Then in May we can look forward to the General Assembly Big Sing.
With God’s richest blessing to you all.
Marge Paterson, National Convener
FROM the GENERAL SECRETARY
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Currie Kirk send hats to LebanonFolks at Currie Kirk have been busy with their knitting needles! Over the past year they have sent 2203 hats to Syrian refugees in Lebanon through Edinburgh Direct Aid. An amazing total and shows another way to Go in Love. Prayers Shawls in Argyll
Members of Gigha and Cara, Killeanand Kilchenzie, and Kilcalmonell inKintyre have a thriving prayer shawlministry. They make shawls, crossesas bookmarks, or baby clothes.They give shawls to those who have been bereaved, ill, or have experiencedsome sort of trauma.
Girvan South is 115 years youngFriends at Girvan South celebrated their 115th year by making and sharing bookmarks with their congregation to celebrate Guild week and to help everyone to Go in Love. What a great idea, why not try that in your Guild.
GuildlinkThe Guilds of St Marks, Paisley and Townhill, Dunfermline met together recently to celebrate their ongoing Guildlink. They have a very meaningful relationship. If your Guild would like to link up with another Guild for fun and fellowship please let the office know.
Dumbartonshire Carol ServiceDunbartonshire began their Christmas celebrations with their annual Carol Service in Riverside Church. Everyone brought bags of food and treats for Foodshare and the offering of £499 was sent to Glasgow City Mission. What a great start to Advent.
NEWS FROM GUILDS
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Jedburgh Old and TrinityOld and Trinity Guild Jedburgh yarn bombed Jedburgh with Christmas angels four days before Christmas with a Christian message. They got good feedback from those who found them. They plan on doing it again next year with more knitters taking part.
Conveners Challenge 2018This year's Convener's Challenge willinvolve each Council making a cushion.Details will be mailed to Guilds but get your creative heads on!
600+ NEW MEMBERSMany of you will know that we havebeen encouraging Guilds to let us knowhow many new members have joinedthem in the last year. We are delightedthat we have more than 600 new members in the last year. It’s great news and very encouraging to see so many new people becoming part of the Guild family.
New members at RiversideA warm welcome to Jackie and Olive who have recently joined Riverside Parish Church Evening Guild. We hope you enjoy being part of the family.
LONG SERVICE GALLERY
Wedding dresses at New St AndrewsDo you remember your big day?Would you still be able to squeezeinto the dress? These are just someof the questions that popped intopeoples’ heads as they wanderedround the Wedding Dress Fayreorganised by the Guild at New StAndrew’s in Coatbridge.The Fayre showcased dresses thatpeople had worn over the years andcertainly showed how styles anddesigns have changed but in somecases have come full circle.As well as being a fabulous community celebration, the Fayre raised much needed funds for a number of local charities and the Guild projects. Everyone who came along or was involved in any way agreed that it was a fabulous event and one that others might like to try.
BALERNO GUILDCelebrating the long service of Elizabeth Gray, Nancy Ross, Flora Macadam, Emma Crichton Margaret Maxwell and Alison Clark.
RENFIELD ST STEPHEN'SThanking Frankie Kerrigan, BessieMcMenemy, Amy Robinson, DotShedden, Isobel Simpson and NancyWalker for their long service.
MORE NEWS
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Big Sing Collection UpdateIn 2016/17 the collections from theBig Sings at Greenock and the GeneralAssembly were sent to be used by theLivingstonia Synod Aids Project (LISAP).We recently received a very encouragingreport on how the funds had been used.
Supporting teenagers living with HIVAs in the UK, teenagers are oftensusceptible to experimenting withrelationships and sex, and so LISAPtrained 15 young people living withHIV in sexual and reproductive healthand rights. They then educated fellowteenagers and this has proved successful inreducing teenage pregnancy rates.
Village savings and loans (VSL)VSL schemes encourage people to saveand then use that money to supporteach other through loans. Lucy boughtfertiliser in year 1 and then with the extracrops she has been able to buy ironsheets for her roof so her house is now watertight.
ST LUKE’S AND QUEEN ST GUILDMary Macleod and Irene Maxwellrecently celebrated 50 years' serviceto the Guild in St Luke’s and QueenSt Guild in Broughty Ferry.
KIRKINTILLOCH HILLHEADIt was a double celebration as the Guild celebrated 130 years as well as the long service certificates being presented to 7 members.
TARVES GUILD Tarves Guild recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary with an Afternoon Tea Party. Long Service Certificates were also presented to nine members.
Pants in CaithnessGuilds in Caithness celebrated GuildWeek by holding a Rally in WickSt.Fergus, when 2165 pairs of pants were donated to support Smalls for All , very many more than anticipated!
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GUILD PROJECTSThank you to everyone who has already supported the current Projects.
Current donation Totals at 29 January 2018:
Ascension Trust: £107,585.41
Feed the Minds: £122,955.28
Christian Aid: £89,785.39
Care for the Family : £94,570.12
Mission International: £84,183.31
TOTAL: £587,121.31
Prospects: £88,041.80
Stranraer Big SingA very successful Songs of Praise was held on the last Sunday of Guild week in Trinity Church Stranraer. Everyone enjoyed a good sing and the hymns were accompanied by the local brass band and Mr Nigel Mearns, Church Organist.
Motherwell NorthFolks at Motherwell North joined forces with Clyde Valley High and the local community to collect donations for the local foodbank. They also raised £190 for the St Andrews Hospice appeal.
MORE NEWSUnited Church of Bute Afternoon GuildThe Guild scarf made its way from Bute to Calgary, Alberta, then meandering through the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver Island, B.C. . The photo was taken on the Athabasca Glacier in the central Rockies. The scarf travelled over 10,890 miles. It’s off to Australia now!
Callander Kirk GuildOn a cold January day two leaders from the local Strength and Balance group went to Callander Kirk Guild to help them find out that ‘ Exercise is Fun’. Everyone enjoyed their time together and have lots of exercises to practise at home!
Local Big SingThe Presbyterial Councils of Ayr, Ardrossan and Irvine/Kilmarnock held a joint Big Sing New Laigh Church, Kilmarnock. This proved to be a very enjoyable afternoon
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FEED THE MINDSAt the start of 2018, Feed the Minds has started a new batch of activities to engage with all members of the community and raise awareness of FGM in Kuria. The impact of our approach is already being felt, as described by Joseph Mbusuro Chacha, “At church, we sensitise the congregation about the disadvantages of FGM. At the community leader forums, we have the elders attend, who still push strongly for FGM. We talk with them about FGM, that it is not good. There is already change. There are so many families in our village who have girls who have got into high school and universities.” Thank you to everyone at the Guild for your amazing level of support, which is making all the difference.
PROJECTS UPDATES
CHRISTIAN AIDThank You! With your support Christian Aid’s solar ovens project has now reached 249 families in 16 remote communities in the Amazon. Emma Donlan, Bolivia Country Manager, has been in touch to say that the pilot stage went so well that they have been overwhelmed by its success. ‘Every community I visit now asks for solar ovens!’The positive impact of the oven on each family is wide-ranging. Women now have time to take on other roles within the community, the need for firewood is reduced, and people no longer need to breathe in smoke. There’s still a few months to be get involved with this project. If you would like more information, contact Val Brown on 0141 221 7475.
PROSPECTSProspects in Scotland was a very small charity, largely unknown in 2015 and yet the Guild chose to be bold and strong and partner with us. In 2018 we are still small – but growing in size and confidence. We believe that the partnership is making a significant difference to the lives of many people with learning disabilities. We’ve employed an extra member of staff, run training courses for speakers with learning disabilities and worked with more churches than ever before.We have visited around 350 Guilds over the 3 years – thanks for your encouragement, your prayers and all the fundraising – as well as the many laughs and cakes!!
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STREET PASTORS (ASCENSION TRUST SCOTLAND)On 19 December 2017, Marge Paterson joined Sandy Scrimgeour of the Street Pastors at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate 10 years of the Pastors. There wil also be a thanksgiving service in St Madoes on 18 May. In terms of the Guild project, the funds raised have helped grow training opportunities for Street, School and Response Pastors as well as new work on Team Leader Training, Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness, Management Induction and Prayer Pastor training. Ascension Trust (Scotland) remains convinced that the project has been the most important development in its history.
MISSION INTERNATIONALIt is an extremely exciting time in the journey of the Haiti project. When we started with the Guild 3 years ago, we had no money, and no land. Thanks to the work and support of the Guild, we now have two sites and we anticipate that building work will begin shortly on the school. The school will provide education for around 300 children and the church will provide seating for over 1,500 people. We are so grateful and so excited that we will be able to start
CARE FOR THE FAMILYCare for the Family has enjoyed the support of the Guild through fundraising, prayer and promotion of our Let’s Stick Together project. We have trained 60 Let’s Stick Together presenters across Scotland, and support those presenters as they deliver Let’s Stick Together sessions to groups of new mums and dads in their local communities. Over the 3 years, more than 125 live Let’s Stick Together sessions have been delivered to new parents, wherever they live. We have invested Guild funds in developing an online version of the presenter training. This enables presenters throughout Scotland to access training regardless of their location. Finally, we have used Guild funding to develop videos of each of the STOP signs used in a Let’s Stick Together session to further support the presenters in their role. Our partnership with the Guild has been an amazing boost to the work of Care for the Family in Scotland and we are so grateful for it.
building work in the next few weeks and we are hopeful of completing the first phase of construction by the end of 2018. On behalf of the people of Haiti, we want to say thank you and ask that in these last few months of our official association with the Guild that you all continue to support us as much as possible. Every little bit of support makes such a difference to what we can do in Haiti.
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RESOURCE DAYS
DATES FOR YOUR DIARYGUILD WEEK • DATE MONTH YEAR
PROJECT COORDINATORS CONFERENCE12TH APRILST ANDREW’S AND ST GEORGE’S WEST, EDINBURGH
NATIONAL COUNCIL26TH APRIL121 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGH
DUMFRIES REGIONAL GATHERING28TH APRILST GEORGE’S CHURCH, DUMFRIES
NORTHERN ROADSHOW7TH – 11TH MAYSHETLAND, ORKNEY, CAITHNESS
BIG SING AT THE GA22ND MAYGENERAL ASSEMBLY, EDINBURGH
COUNCIL CONVENERS CONFERENCE31ST MAY121 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGH
ABERDEEN High Hilton Halls 17th March
Jane [email protected] 467243
AYR Ayr Auld Kirk Halls 17th March
Pat [email protected] 521215
BUCHAN EAST/WEST St Kanes Church Centre, New Deer 24th March
Anne Milne [email protected] 644814
DUNDEEMeadowsideSt Paul’s, Church Halls 14th April
Evelyn Matthew [email protected] 566875
GORDON Acorn Centre, West Church, Inverurie 24th March
Lesley Michie [email protected] 562692
GLASGOW Springburn Parish Church 10th March
Rona Lannigan [email protected] 620 0574
DUMFRIES St Georges Church Halls 24th March
Andrea [email protected] 263652
DUNFERMLINE St Leonards Parish Church 10th March
Barbara Leppard [email protected] 625755
EDINBURGH 121 George Street 12th March
Jeanette McIvor [email protected] 331 1731
KINCARDINE & DEESIDE St Bridget’s, Stonehaven 17th March
Margaret Thom [email protected] 824134
INVERNESS Crown Church Hall 10th March
Heather Beck [email protected] 234833
MOTHERWELLDalziel St Andrews Church Hall 17th March
Margaret Muir [email protected] 756418Martha Torrance 01698 373279
PERTH Luncarty Church Centre 24th March
Janice Taylor [email protected] 628362
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JUST FOR FUNCongratulations to Doris Tullock from Polwarth Guild who found 340 hymns with love in it. This edition we would like you to find as many words as you can with the letters of peace, joy and love. Send them to the Guild office by 31st July.
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More resources are available on the Guild website: www.churchofscotland.org.uk/serve/the_guild
Resources for Guild Session 2018/19
