Notices
CrossReach Update
Please find the link to Presbytery Update from CrossReach.
Fundraising for CrossReach
Angie Mutch is raising money for CrossReach. Follow the link to donate.
I need your help!
Hello to everybody! I'm trying to grow our following on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. It will help me a lot if you can advertise our presbytery's social media channels in your churches, halls and toilets!
Would you be so kind as to print out a few copies of this POSTER and stick them onto your doors and notice boards. Thank you so much! Dasha.
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
The Government is extending the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme until 31 March 2026, with a budget of £23 million. This will continue to enable religious organisations to claim grants covering eligible VAT costs paid towards repairs and renovations.
Follow the link to learn more about this scheme.
Aberdeen Academy of Theology Sessions
We're excited to announce our next set of Aberdeen Academy of Theology sessions which will take place this autumn on 20 September, 18 October, and 22 November. They will be hosted by Dr Nathaniel Greene, Lecturer in Hebrew Bible at the University of Aberdeen. Dr Greene will lead us through close readings of texts from Genesis, Judges, and 1 & 2 Samuel, looking at the ways these stories reveal the full and flawed humanity of their participants and force us to ask questions about the human condition more generally. Dr Greene is an expert in the textual and scribal traditions of ancient Israel and the Near East and the material culture of the region during that period, so it promises to be an exciting and stimulating set of sessions which will give you a fresh perspective on these ancient texts. More information is on the attached flyer.
Dr Greene has offered to distribute optional pre-readings for the first two sessions for those who are interested in having a little more background going in, but these are completely optional. If you are interested in having these, just email me and I'll send them through to you.
As always, it would be great if you could RSVP, but please don't let not RSVPing stop you from coming.
Looking forward to seeing many of you there.
Kind regards,
Dr Joel Pierce
Administrator & Divinity Librarian
joel.pierce@abdn.ac.uk
Last Call for "Being Together" Course Opportunity
We have negotiated a discount for presbytery, training for up to 12 people at a reduced rate of about £50 a person if we can manage 12 people. Training will occur in the new year and be online for 3 sessions. If you are at all interested, please contact
Amy Bender at ABender@churchofscotland.org.uk before 15 October.
You can find out more about the course here: Being With
Here is the 'rationale' for the course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAd9Hriu_0I
CARE GRANTS
The CARES grant is available again until the end of October 2025.
The CARES grant (The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme) is for charities, community groups and faith groups based in Scotland. The purpose is to assist financially in the installation of approved measures like air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, and energy-saving improvements, and be committed to decarbonising your church and hall heating. Manses are not elegible.
All projects require approval and backing from the Presbytery, and depending on the extent of the costs, also the General Trustees. You are also required to have a source of match funding – in other words, the CARES grant will cover 50% of the total cost.
Previously, several congregations in NENI have benefitted from CARES grants.
Applications are open and can be found through this link: https://localenergy.scot/funding/cares-community-buildings-fund/
There is also a short promotional video which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ASuqZptfjs
Local Energy Scotland also has a recording of a recent webinar on optimising Heat Pump use. This can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Midd1G7U3-0&t=384s
Best regards,
Ian Murray
Ministries (formerly Leadership) Safeguarding Training (from 121 Safeguarding Service) - new dates added
Here are the links for further dates for Leadership Safeguarding Training:
Ministers for the purposes of the Safeguarding Training Learning Pathway means parish ministers, Interim Ministers, Transition Ministers, auxiliary ministers, probationers, OLM, readers, locums and Armed Forces chaplains.
Retired Ministers who do not have a current role need not attend.
Individuals must have attended Introductory and Advanced training prior to this module which is the last in the training pathway. We would ask that these training courses have been completed within the past 3 - 5 years. Refresher training thereafter is mandatory every 5 years (only the highest level previously attended, which would be Leadership training).
If your presbytery requires face to face training for Leadership Safeguarding Training, please don’t hesitate to fill in the form here and we will do our best to accommodate.
Supporting Women in Afghanistan
After careful deliberation, Church, Society and International Committee have decided to support In Their Lifetime project "Silk and saffron: lifelines for women in Afghanistan".
This project will extend earning opportunities to thousands of vulnerable rural women, boosting their income and status. CSI are encouraging worshipping communities to explore this project. See the brochure for more information.
Follow the link to donate! Anne-Marie Simpson and her grandson are helping us raise money for women in Afghanistan!
The concert held in Duffus Kirk raised £500 for this project. Follow the link to donate and enjoy the concert!
Resources
Employment Law Workshop Series
The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles is hosting a four-part online series with David Di Paola, Solicitor – Church of Scotland Law Department.
Session 1: Employment, Recruitment & Contracts (18 Sept, 11am)
Learn best practice in recruitment, interviews, job offers, and contracts.
Thursday 18 September 2025, 11am
Online via Zoom
Register here
Session 2: Absence Management (30 Oct, 2pm)
From sickness policies to return-to-work processes, explore how to manage absence fairly and lawfully.
Thursday 30 October 2025, 2pm
Online via Zoom
Register here
Session 3: Staff Handbooks & Policies (20 Nov, 11am)
What should every staff handbook include? From health & safety to grievance procedures, get the essentials right.
Thursday 20 November 2025, 11am
Online via Zoom
Register here
Session 4: Grievance & Disciplinary Training (11 Dec, 11am)
Learn how to handle grievances and disciplinary issues fairly and consistently in this practical session.
Thursday 11 December 2025, 11am
Online via Zoom
Register here:
Here is the pdf of the poster.
Worship Leading and Preaching Courses
The University of Aberdeen has launched two updated courses to help church members develop skills in worship leading and preaching.
The two courses will commence as follows:
- Leading Worship – 26 January 2026
- Preaching – 20 April 2026
Both courses are six-weeks in duration involving recorded lectures, live online tutorials and online material.
The system is set up so that the individual will be charged a £50 fee to be paid at time of registration by credit card, and then they also provide confirmation of what their church and then presbytery are contributing and their contact information so that the invoices are sent to those two organisations.
Feel free to download poster 1 and poster 2 for your churches.
Learning Platform Newsletter
Here is the newsletter from the Church of Scotland Learning Platform.
The current edition highlights:
- our newest resource: ‘The Conversations Series’.
- an event: our upcoming live webinar, ‘Finding Your Way Round Church of Scotland Learning’ on 9th October.
- updates on the Church of Scotland Learning platform: introducing the latest changes that have taken place.
Elementary Food Hygiene Introduction / Refresher Course - October 8, 4.15pm - 7.15pm
Garioch Community Kitchen are delighted to be able to offer a REHIS Accredited Elementary Food Hygiene Introduction / Refresher Course on Wednesday 8th October at the kitchen from 4.15pm - 7.15pm at a cost of £42 per person, please feel free to share the information with your colleagues and if you would like to reserve any spaces please click the link below.
https://forms.gle/TnAbLwvTLnDkzebY8
Pastoral Break Opportunity in Elgin
Who?
A Pastoral Break is for anyone who’s looking for a short time away from their ministry; who feels a need for reflection, renewal and a new sense of focus. Perhaps you’re about to make a significant change in your ministry or life, or have just made one; perhaps you’re tired or jaded.
What?
A pastoral break is just that: a break away with the intention of taking care of yourself – body, mind and soul. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what you’re doing in your ministry and what it’s doing to you. It comprises three nights bed and breakfast in a guest house in Elgin, Moray, and three sessions of pastoral supervision. In addition to the supervision sessions, people on a pastoral break have used the time to read, study, or walk. More information will be sent to you to help you to use your time to the full.
Follow the link for all the details!
Do you have spare pew cushions?
Stephen Potts (SPotts@churchofscotland.org.uk) is asking whether any churches are getting rid of their pew cushions.
Vacancies
Outreach Parish Assistant - Bennachie Parish Church
Outreach Parish Assistant - Bennachie Parish Church
Presbytery of North East and Northern Isles
Part Time 18.75 hours per week
Salary £29,535 - £33,389 pro rata per annum
Ref: M18/25
Could you be part of something different? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills and experience to make a difference to the lives of the people in our parishes and communities.
Bennachie Parish Church was created in 2023 following the union of Blairdaff & Chapel of Garioch, Cluny & Monymusk, Echt & Midmar, Kemnay and Kintore Churches, and are looking for an Outreach Parish Assistant who will play a key role within the Parish. The role will help develop creative, sustainable and meaningful ways of outreach and connection within the wider parish and local communities and further strengthen our links with our own membership and to explore fresh expressions of all-age worship.
The successful candidate will have experience of Outreach to families and/or adults aged 18-40 as well as experience of developing, running and evaluating events. You will be comfortable in a variety of congregational settings, including informal, formal and interactive, with excellent communication skills and team working.
The successful candidate will be a committed Christian with an active Church connection (Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010).
It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying to work with us. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work and remain in the UK if you are invited to attend for an interview.
For a full job description and details on how to apply, please click here.
Closing date: Friday, 3 October 2025 at 12 noon.
Children and Families Worker – Kincardine Coastal Churches
Children and Families Worker – Kincardine Coastal Churches
Presbytery of North East and Northern Isles
Part Time 18.75 hours per week
Salary £29,535 - £33,389 pro rata per annum
Ref: M13/25
Could you be part of something different? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills and experience to make a difference to the lives of the people in our parishes and communities.
We are looking for someone who will encourage the participation of families in the life of the congregation and support and develop ministry and outreach to young people, families, carers, and outreach to local schools, within the new parish.
The successful candidate will have experience of working with children, young people and families and the ability to build strong connections establish relationships both within the congregation and wider community.
The successful candidate will be a committed Christian with an active Church connection (Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010).
It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying to work with us. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work and remain in the UK if you are invited to attend for an interview.
For a full job description and details on how to apply, please click here.
Closing date: Thursday, 9 October 2025 at 12 noon.
Youth and Children’s Worker for Mid Deeside Church
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Title of Post: Youth and Children’s Worker, Mid Deeside Church, Torphins
Responsible to: This is a locally funded appointment; you will be responsible to the Line Manager as designated by the parish church.
Hours: 9.37 hours
Date: August 2025
Main Purpose of post: Through a programme of dynamic youth work, to reach out and demonstrate, in practical ways, Christian care for the wellbeing of the children and young people of Mid Deeside Parish.
Follow the link to find out more.
Ministry Assistant for the West Mainland
Ministry Assistant for the West Mainland (Charge 1)
Orkney Islands Church of Scotland
Part Time 9 hours 22 minutes per week (0.25FTE)
Salary £7,383 to £8,347 per annum
Ref: M01/25
Could you be part of something different? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills and experience to make a difference to the lives of the people in our parishes and communities.
We are looking for a Ministry Assistant who will concentrate on the first Mark of Mission to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, with the postholder largely focusing on Sunday work.
The successful candidate will have significant recent experience in leading worship and preaching with a good knowledge and understanding of congregational life of the Church of Scotland or be willing to learn. The candidate must be a committed Christian with an active Church connection (Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010) and have a relevant qualification in theology/pastoral care/counselling or similar, or significant, relevant and recent work experience in the area.
It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying to work with us. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work and remain in the UK if you are invited to attend for an interview.
For a full job description and details on how to apply, please click here.
Closing date: At present there is no closing date set and the post will remain open until further notice.
Christian Outreach Leader - Dunblane
Dunblane Church of Scotland Grouping is seeking a passionate and creative Christian Outreach Leader to help build meaningful connections across our community.
This exciting role focuses particularly on engaging with people under 40 and those exploring faith, offering fresh ways to experience worship, grow spiritually, and feel a sense of belonging.
What We Offer
- Full-time position (37.5 hours/week, including some evenings and weekends)
- Salary: £28,815 – £32,575 per annum
- Pension arrangements per Church policy, minimum 11.5% employer contribution
- A supportive, collaborative, and welcoming environment
- Opportunity to shape outreach and community engagement in a vibrant parish
Deadline: Friday 10th October, 12noon.
More information can be found here and on the website:
https://www.dunblanecathedral.org.uk/
Events
Prayer and Praise Evening Service - 1st Sunday of the month, Meldrum Kirk
Safeguarding Sunday 2025 - November 16
Safeguarding Sunday 2025 is launched - and we're inviting you to take part again this year.
This year’s theme: Action Speaks Louder
This year, we’re encouraging churches – and the people in them – to not just talk about safeguarding, but to do something. Whether that’s reviewing your policies and practices, completing your training, praying for your safeguarding team, raising awareness, or simply starting conversations that matter – every action makes a difference.
Why take part?
Over the past six years, churches have told us repeatedly about the incredible impact of Safeguarding Sunday. Taking part can lead to:
- GREATER positive awareness and understanding of safeguarding across your church
- MORE people feeling safe to share their story for the first time
- AN INCREASE in volunteers and helpers
- HIGHER numbers of people completing safeguarding training and checks
- STRONGER support for Safeguarding Leads from their church community
Save the date – or choose your own!
Safeguarding Sunday 2025 takes place on Sunday 16th November to coincide with Safeguarding Adults Week. But remember, you can take part on any date that works for you. Whether you dedicate your full service or just a few moments, we encourage you to do it in a way that suits your church – but do something.
Register now for free resources
We’ve created a fantastic new set of resources for 2025, including:
- A powerful new short film unpacking the importance of safeguarding
- Fresh preach notes and intergenerational service plans
- Practical guides, prayer materials, and much more
You can access it all by registering now at safeguardingsunday.org.
Don't forget to send your news to doskolkova@churchofscotland.org.uk