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.