Author: James Hyman

Presbytery Mailing 26/07/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

We've received a number of requests about a list of locums in the Presbytery which the office doesn't currently have. To facilitate requests we would appreciate it if any locums or those looking for locum work would get in contact with the office.

West Gordon Parish Church are looking for a locum for one or two days a week, plus Sundays, to take effect from the retirement of Rev Dr John Cook on 8 September 2024.  The locum will share with the fulltime Parish Assistant in the leading of Sunday worship in our three worship centres in Alford, Strathdon and Rhynie. Other duties will include funerals and pastoral work.

For further information contact the Session Clerk, Mrs Somersal Shepley via email somersalshepley@outlook.com

A news item has been posted on the website, click here to read it.

OSCR have met with Stewardship and Finance recently and have asked whether Presbytery or a congregation would informally meet “with relevant OSCR staff - what is known in OSCR as a ‘Lunch and Learn’ session. Typically, we invite a charity to talk about their day to day work and to reflect upon how engagement with OSCR works within that charity.” If this is something that a representative of your congregation would be interested in, please contact the Presbytery Office and we will put you in contact with the representative of OSCR that would be arranging this.

Presbytery Mailing 19/07/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

Rev Stella Campbell has taken up her new role as Presbytery Clerk and will be keeping a blog on the Presbytery website here.

A message from Playlist For Life:

I'm Mehar, one of the Communities Officers with music and dementia charity Playlist for Life. I'm getting in touch about our project in Moray.

We have had a good relationship with Church of Scotland Guilds over the past decade and have spoken at many Guild meetings across the country, which has greatly helped raise awareness about our charity and the special benefits of personal music for people affected by dementia. The charity was founded by broadcaster and presenter Sally Magnusson in 2013, based on experiences with her own mother.

We have Community Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund funding to grow and support our Help Point network in Moray.  We have a number of CoS churches in our UK-wide network, and would like to let churches in these area know about our free offer of printed resources, which can be shared with members and the wider congregation - to raise awareness of the benefits of a personal playlist and help people and families make and start using personal music for wellbeing. Resources can be shared via a display and/or at services, lunch clubs, cafes or other activities. We set no expectations, we are just grateful for help in sharing the resources and getting them into people's hands.

Our resources for offering speakers to attend Guild meetings to deliver talks are currently limited. If there are Guilds that are interested in a talk, we will see what we can do, but to avoid any confusion I want to mention that our time and focus is currently on building the Help Point network.

I will be hosting a Zoom meeting on Tuesday 23rd July from 10.30am-11.30am to invite existing contacts and people interested in becoming part of the Playlist for Life network. If you are interested in attending or have any questions, contact mehar@playlistforlife.org.uk.

I'd be very happy to speak on the phone to answer any questions you may have.

Presbytery Mailing 12/07/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

A quick reminder about the Presbytery Services coming up over the next week or so. Presbytery meets for a Service of Union and Introduction for Buckie North and Rathven on Sunday the 14th of July at 2.45 in Buckie North Church with the service starting at 3pm. Presbytery also meets for the Induction of Rev Sharmann Maromo on Thursday the 18th of July at 6.45 in Aboyne-Dinnet Church with the service starting at 7pm. Details of online facilities will be intimated as necessary in due course.

Rev Stella Campbell has taken up her new role as Presbytery Clerk and will be keeping a blog on the Presbytery website here.

It's nearly time to nominate the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Any members of the Church of Scotland can recommend a minister, an elder or a deacon for consideration by the committee using the recommendation form.

Organ Recital by Philip Crozier, Organist at St George’s Anglican Church Montreal:  Deer Parish Church, Old Deer is hosting an organ recital by Philip Crozier as part of Philip’s European Recital Tour at Deer Parish Church on Wednesday 24 July at 7.30 pm.  Entry is by donation.  We are delighted to have this internationally acclaimed organist coming to play our beautiful Willis organ.  We look forward  to giving him a warm welcome to Buchan.  This is a rare opportunity to see and hear Philip in the United Kingdom and everyone is welcome to come and share in what we anticipate will be an evening of great music.

A Swedish mixed choir have approached a member in Shetland and are currently planning their next year's concert trip and have expressed an interest in coming to Scotland in 2025.

We're around 30 people and we sing Swedish composers, traditional Swedish music and classical church music. I wonder if you might have any connections to choirs, churches or other potential contacts that might be interested in a possible musical cooperation with us next year.  Have really good summer🌞

Please contact Carolyn McKay or Frances Richardson to make contact.

Presbytery Mailing 05/07/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

Rev Stella Campbell has taken up her new role as Presbytery Clerk this week and will be keeping a blog on the Presbytery website here.

It's nearly time to nominate the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Any members of the Church of Scotland can recommend a minister, an elder or a deacon for consideration by the committee using the recommendation form.

An exciting opportunity is being advertised for a 12-month Fixed Team Ministry Team Post in Shetland to cover Worship, Sacrament and Pastoral Care. Follow link for Details.

Informal enquiries to Rev Keith Blackwood (Interim Moderator) kblackwood@churchofscotland.org.uk

https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/123728/4611-HR-MDS-Team-Ministry-Shetland-Isles-RECRUITMENT-PACK.pdf

Prospects Across Scotland is holding and online training event on Tuesday 20th August at 7.00-9.00pm. It is ‘Autism in the Church Family’ and is aimed at helping church members and leaders to understand, support and welcome autistic people of any age. All the details and tickets can be found here: Autism in the Church Family Tickets, Tue, Aug 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

In addition, the volunteers would always be delighted to come and share about the work of Prospects Across Scotland with any church who would be interested. They would love to see every church in Scotland feeling encouraged and enabled to welcome adults with learning disabilities and autism, and see them take their place in the Body of Christ.

From Here to (Financial) Sustainability – The Accelerate Programme

 Over the last two years many churches have received an average of 6 days’ free support to help them become more financially sustainable.

 Accelerate provides mentoring and guidance and some examples of the sort of support offered include:

  • Community research looking at the potential of increasing income through hall lets
  • Developing digital strategies
  • Developing marketing plans
  • Looking at other funding options (note that Accelerate does not offer grant funding itself).

You are invited to a 1 hour webinar on Wednesday 17 July starting at 7pm to hear more about Accelerate, ask questions, and learn how to apply.

The guest speaker is Douglas Westwater, CEO of Community Enterprise which runs Accelerate, with David Williams, Church of Scotland Grants Manager, being the host.

Places on the webinar are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Register now, email grants@churchofscotland.org.uk with “Accelerate Webinar” as the subject line.

If you have any questions about the webinar or the Accelerate programme you can contact David Williams at dwilliams@churchofscotland.org.uk

This is a fantastic offer and the webinar is likely to be very popular, so register now: grants@churchofscotland.org.uk

Potential External Grant Funding

I’m writing to advise you of potential external funding from the Asda Foundation. Grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 are available for grassroots charitable organisations across the UK to improve community spaces which will make a lasting difference to local communities.

Timings - opens on Tuesday 9 July with a deadline for applications of Sunday 28 July.

o Funder: The Asda Foundation
o Who can apply: UK registered charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and other not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of under £100,000 in areas where Asda has a presence.

The Asda Foundation’s Investing in Places and Spaces Grant Programme is designed to enable small, local grassroots community organisations to improve community spaces which will make a long-term difference to local communities across the United Kingdom.

Applications must be submitted to a Community Champion from an Asda superstore.

Capital grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 are available to cover materials, tradespeople and equipment costs and must not exceed 50% of costs.

Application forms can be obtained from ASDA Community Champions, who are based in local Asda superstores.

Further information about the Invest in Places and Spaces Grants is available on the Foundation’s website.

We would be grateful if you could circulate this information to your Kirk Sessions.

Presbytery Mailing 28/06/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

I am pleased to announce several upcoming Safeguarding Training sessions:

In-Person Trustee Safeguarding Training

  • Date: Monday, 1st July
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Location: St. Andrew's Church, Inverurie
  • Delivered by: Natasha Hepburn and Fiona Wilson (TT)

Zoom Trustee Safeguarding Training

  • Date: Wednesday, 17th July
  • Time: 2 pm
  • Delivered by: Rev. Julia Meason
  • Register here

Zoom Introductory Safeguarding Training

  • Date: Wednesday 24th July
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Delivered by: Natasha Hepburn
  • Register here

Zoom Advanced Safeguarding Training

  • Date: Wednesday, 31st July
  • Time: 2:00 PM
  • Delivered by: Rev. Julia Meason
  • Register here

For the in-person session on 1st July, you may also contact me directly:

Natasha Hepburn

Email: NHepburn@churchofscotland.org.uk

Mobile: 07539871589

We look forward to your participation in these important training sessions.

I am also writing to inform you about an upcoming Trustee Safeguarding Training session that will be held at St. Andrew’s Church of Scotland in Inverurie. This training is crucial for all trustees to ensure compliance and readiness in safeguarding practices within our congregation.

Training Details:

Date:                1st July 2024

Time:               7 pm-9.30 pm

Location:          St. Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Inverurie

Trainer:            Natasha Hepburn, Safeguarding Presbytery Contact

Preparation:

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the training begins to sign in and settle in comfortably.

RSVP:

To ensure adequate preparation, please confirm your attendance by Friday 28th June 2024 to NHepburn@churchofscotland.org.uk

Crossreach have prepared an update to be shared with Presbyteries. This highlights some the activity that CrossReach was involved in and there is a section at the end which lists the CrossReach services that currently exist within your area.

The update can be viewed here: https://flipbooks.crossreach.org.uk/UpdateJune2024

Presbytery Mailing 14/06/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

A reminder that if you are a member of Presbytery and have not already filled out a Committee Choice form for the coming Presbytery Year, these should be filled out and returned to the Presbytery office as soon as possible so that they can be collated and passed onto the Connections and Nominations Committee who will be putting together the committees in the near future. This includes Ministers and Equalising/Balancing Elders. The form can be downloaded here and should be returned by email or post to the Presbytery Office.

This is also a reminder that the deadline for Elder Commission returns is past and there are still a number of congregations that haven't returned details of their new/returning Presbytery Elder. We thank those that have already sent in details.

The latest edition of Presbytery Prayer Points can be found here.

The Spring edition of Theology in Scotland contains an article on the history and theology of the practice of uplifting an offering in Scottish liturgical tradition. The National Stewardship Team is aware that many congregations have adapted their practice since the pandemic, and this article aims to provide some background to help ministers and Kirk Sessions explore how best to reimagine the offering in a modern context. Please feel free to share the article around your networks as you see appropriate: https://ojs.st-andrews.ac.uk/index.php/TIS/article/view/2754/2104

A reminder from Aberdeen Interfaith that it is Sanctuary Sunday on 23 June and there are super materials on the Church of Scotland worship page and on Scottish Faith Action for Refugees website for use.

https://www.sfar.org.uk/sanctuary-sunday-2024/

Aberdeen Interfaith will hold 3 You, Me and a Game of Sport  racket events – 2 in Aberdeen and one in Westhill- at Getactive@ Kincorth on Monday 17 June from 2-5pm and at Getactive@sheddocksley on Tuesday 18 June from 7-10pm and on Friday 21st at Ashdale Hall, Westhill from 2- 5pm. Do let me know if any of your congregation might like to attend. We are grateful for the baking from two Aberdeen Churches and Westhill Christian Fellowship .

We hope to help run a few You, Me and a Picnic in the Parks for families  in the summer holidays in partnership with faiths , nationalities or church groups. If your church is interested ,please do let us know- especially if your building is near a park- for shelter/hospitality!

Click here to book tickets for the Refuel Festival at Gordon Castle, Fochabers, in July.

Interfaith Scotland and the Interfaith Moray Group have organised a prayer vigil for peace at Pluscarden Abbey (by Elgin, IV30 8UA) on Tuesday 25th June, 11.15am-12.15pm. There will be the opportunity to light candles and for silent prayer. All are welcome.

A Save the Date for an event next year. On Sunday 13 April 2025 (Palm Sunday) at 7pm St. Andrew's Parish Church, Inverurie, will be hosting a speaker from 'Jews for Jesus' who will be talking about 'Christ in the Passover'.

This is a free event, although donations would be most welcome to offset costs and as an offering for the work of 'Jews for Jesus'. Further advertising material will be forthcoming.

Presbytery Mailing 07/06/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

It is with sadness that we pass on the news that Rev Michael Phillippo, a retired Auxilliary Minister for Aberdeen passed away on the 27th of May. A brief tribute from Rev John Watson (Retired) is below.

I first became friendly with Michael when he was working at Middlefield church as Locum. He seemed to go everywhere on a bike and I was absolutely amazed to hear him talking of touring Europe with his wife on a bicycle.  He was extremely fit and thought nothing of cycling hundreds of miles.

When I retired in 2009 Michael was asked to be Locum at St Marks which he did for some time, becoming well loved by the folks in St Marks.  Not too sure how long he was there.  He was well known to all of the presbyters in Aberdeen as one who could be called upon to help where necessary.

When Michael decided to retire he and his wife moved to Newtonhill, and I renewed friendship with Michael once more. He started attending Sunday worship at Newtonhill, where I myself had become a member.

Although he never moved his lines to Newtonhill, he and his wife were regular worshippers there.   I did notice that Michael though was becoming quite unsteady on his feet and because of that I managed to procure for him an electric mobility scooter which he loved and It gave him a new lease of life and much more freedom.  However eventually his health deteriorated and getting about in the scooter became more difficult for him, and eventually it was decreed that Michael needed 24/7 care and a place was found for him in Lethan Park nursing home in Portlethen.

As I took over Locum at Portlethen and Newtonhill (Kincardine Coastal) churches on 1st January 2024 I went to visit Michael in Lethan Park and found him to be quite jovial appreciating his surroundings and care being given to him by the staff there.

I can say that many folks from many of the churches Michael served in as Locum were very much appreciative of his humour and his ministry, and he will be missed by many who knew him.

A reminder that if you are a member of Presbytery and have not already filled out a Committee Choice form for the coming Presbytery Year, these should be filled out and returned to the Presbytery office as soon as possible so that they can be collated and passed onto the Connections and Nominations Committee who will be putting together the committees in the near future. This includes Ministers and Equalising/Balancing Elders. The form can be downloaded here and should be returned by email or post to the Presbytery Office.

This is also a reminder that the deadline for Elder Commission returns is past and there are still a number of congregations that haven't returned details of their new/returning Presbytery Elder. We thank those that have already sent in details.

The Church of Scotland Young Adult Guild (LIFT) are holding a meeting on Tuesday 11th June regarding the upcoming General Election and the important of Voter Registration.

The link below is to join their mailing list to ensure you will receive the zoom link!
https://forms.office.com/r/u5jhE7t1Qj

Click here to download a poster for a concert by the Watoto Children's Choir in Peterhead on the 30th June and 2nd July.

The Church of Scotland is organising a webinar to showcase the Jewish-Christian Glossary, introduced by the Chief Rabbi at the General Assembly in 2023. Hosted by the Council of Christians and Jews, the purpose of this webinar is to present the fruit of this ground-breaking work alongside some of the Church of Scotland’s prominent figures. Rev Fiona Smith, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly, will share her reflections on the key terms in the glossary. Very Rev Susan Brown, former Moderator of the General Assembly, will engage in a conversation with Rabbi David Mason, whose initial dialogues provided much of the content now included in the glossary.

The Jewish-Christian glossary explores various terms significant to both Judaism and Christianity. Initiated by the Church of Scotland and the Office of the Chief Rabbi, this project helps both faiths appreciate their differences and similarities by focusing on language to inspire respect and curiosity. By using common terms such as ‘justice’, ‘grace’, and ‘covenant’, the glossary reveals how the same words can be understood and interpreted in different ways. The idea emerged from years of dialogue between the faith communities, which fostered good relations between Church of Scotland and Jewish leaders but proved challenging to extend beyond those directly involved.

Our webinar will delve into the process of compiling the glossary, explore some of the terms in depth, and discuss its potential impact on future collaboration and dialogue. The discussion will be followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

Wednesday 19 June 2024 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (UTC+01)

LOCATION

Online event. Details to book here.

Click here to download a poster detailing events arranged to mark the closure of Craigellachie Church.

 

 

Presbytery Mailing 31/05/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

The Presbytery Yearbook has been updated on the website, if you haven't downloaded a new copy recently, please be aware that the information might not be up to date.

A reminder that if you are a member of Presbytery and have not already filled out a Committee Choice form for the coming Presbytery Year, these should be filled out and returned to the Presbytery office as soon as possible so that they can be collated and passed onto the Connections and Nominations Committee who will be putting together the committees in the near future. This includes Ministers and Equalising/Balancing Elders. The form can be downloaded here and should be returned by email or post to the Presbytery Office.

This is also a reminder that the deadline for Elder Commission returns is past and there are still a number of congregations that haven't returned details of their new/returning Presbytery Elder. We thank those that have already sent in details.

Dyce and New Machar Churches are looking for any spare copies of Large Print CH4 for their Care Home Services. They would require about 10-12 copies. Get in contact with Rev Joan Thorne if you might be able to help.

There are  election resources from the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office (including links to UK resources) at:

https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/connect/scottish-churches-parliamentary-office/elections-and-hustings

and Christian Aid have some information on issues:

https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/general-election-campaign-crib-sheets

https://www.christianaid.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/christian-aid-call-to-action-to-political-parties-for-ge-2024.pdf

Other resources that might be helpful...

Elections – Joint Public Issues Team (jpit.uk)

JPIT General Election special (jointpublicissues-news.org.uk)

Britain and the Bible - Bible Society

There are two upcoming safeguarding sessions that will be held online with trainer Rev Julia Meason:

  1. Introductory Training
  • Date: Monday 24th June 2024
  • Time: 2pm
  • Register here

Trustee Training

  • Date: Wednesday 26th June
  • Time: 2pm
  • Register here

Both courses will be delivered via zoom.

Click here to download Rev Carl Irvine's report on yesterday's meeting of the Aberdeenshire Education and Children's Services Committee (for those in the Aberdeenshire Council area).

Presbytery Mailing 24/05/2024

Please find below a number of relevant pieces of information for distribution and consideration by Presbyters.

A reminder that if you are a member of Presbytery and have not already filled out a Committee Choice form for the coming Presbytery Year, these should be filled out and returned to the Presbytery office as soon as possible so that they can be collated and passed onto the Connections and Nominations Committee who will be putting together the committees in the near future. This includes Ministers and Equalising/Balancing Elders. The form can be downloaded here and should be returned by email or post to the Presbytery Office.

This is also a reminder that the deadline for Elder Commission returns is past and there are still a number of congregations that haven't returned details of their new/returning Presbytery Elder. We thank those that have already sent in details.

Prayers with and for Asylum Seekers – Fortnightly prayer meeting at Crown Terrace Baptist Church, 7pm starting 16th May. A chance to gather in prayer for and with asylum seekers in what are stressful times for them. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who would like to come along. At the first meeting a large number of the asylum seekers who are being accommodated in a nearby hotel joined with members of Crown Terrace Baptists and others. It was a moving and powerful prayer time. The option to join via Zoom is also being explored. For more details of the prayer meetings and how you can help in practical ways please contact the pastor at Crown Terrace Baptists, Gary Smith, at ctbcpastor@gmail.com

From Rev Donald Prentice:

I am a recently retired Church of Scotland Minister, formerly Moray Presbytery, ( St Leonards Forres Rafford and Dallas)
After several months rest, I feel able to take on light duties including locums and pulpit supply.
If you have need of my services, I can be contacted as follows:

Rev Donald Prentice
3 Firth View
Burghead
Moray IV 30 5YW TEL: 07519 558 508 or answerphone 01343 33 33 10
EMAIL: Dprentice@churchofscotland.org.uk

Aberdour Church are working on a plan to repurpose their Church, and are creating a 'warm hub' where they will offer refreshments several times each week and a separate 'heritage area'. They are looking to furnish with tables and chairs for the hub, and glass display cabinets for the heritage space. They realise that there may be Churches which are closing and may have these items surplus to requirements. If that is the case, you can get in touch with the Session Clerk by clicking here.

From Gillian Douglas, Lead Chaplain and Head of Spiritual Care at NHS Grampian:

I am due to retire from my post as Lead Chaplain and Head of Spiritual Care at the end of June. I am now working reduced hours as part of the phased retirement arrangements that NHS Grampian offer. Interviews for the post were held in March but an appointment was not made.

Interim arrangements are being made whereby my colleague Katrina Blackwood, one of our Senior Chaplains, will be acting up in the role from the beginning of June for a period of four months. The post will be readvertised in due course.