Notices
Education Report
Please find attached the report from Aberdeenshire Council Education and Children's Services Committee kindly produced for you by Rev Carl J Irvine.
Advent Retreats at the Caim - 23 & 28 November
The Caim Project are offering two Advent Retreats. To sing up , please register here: https://thecaim.uk/retreats/
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email thecaimfield@gmail.com
Rev Dr Fyfe Blair is kindly sharing with us the booklet from the Autumn Retreat.
Feel free to download the posters for Advent Retreats: 23 November & 28 November.
Thriving Church Lab - New Podcast!
Curious about what God is doing through churches in Scotland?
Thriving Church Lab is a brand new filmed podcast series from the Church of Scotland exploring what God is doing in congregations and projects that are seeing signs of creativity, growth and renewal in their local context, and discovering how they got there...
Across the Church, many people are asking practical questions about growth, renewal and mission. Thriving Church Lab creates space to explore those questions with humility and hope.
It recognises that thriving may look different in every community: a small team beginning to pray together, a congregation trying something new, a deeper connection with local people, or fresh opportunities for encountering God.
By sharing real stories, including the experiments, mistakes and learning along the way, this series aims to encourage us to notice what God is already doing, ask better questions about our own contexts and take next steps.
The first episode is available now at www.churchofscotland.org.uk/thrivingchurchlab
You can watch it right here, with MC, Grant and Val from our own SALU (St Andrew’s-Lhanbryd and Urquhart):
New Worship Videos from the Presbytery of Perth
Karen Kelman, the Communications Officer from the Presbytery of Perth, is making a series of worship videos that all of you are welcome to use in your churches.
Here is one with stunning footage from Iona:
Check their YouTube channel for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/@presbyteryperthchurchscotland/videos
Safeguarding Training Day - 28 November, Buckie
We will be holding a Moray Safeguarding Training Day on Saturday 28 November 2026, kindly hosted by Buckie North and Rathven Parish Church.
The day will provide an opportunity to complete all three levels of safeguarding training in person, making training more accessible for congregations across the Moray area.
The programme will be:
9.30–11.45 am – Trustee Safeguarding Training
For trustees who require the Church of Scotland’s Trustee Safeguarding Training.
12.15–2.45 pm – Introductory Safeguarding Training
For those whose role requires completion of Introductory Safeguarding Training.
3.30–6.30 pm – Advanced Safeguarding Training
For those whose role requires completion of Advanced Safeguarding Training.
Attendees only need to attend the session appropriate to their role and training requirements.
There has already been a very encouraging level of interest, particularly in Trustee Training, so advance booking is essential.
Booking
Could Session Clerks/Safeguarding Coordinators please send me the following details for each person wishing to attend:
- Full name
- Congregation
- Email address
- Training session required: Trustee / Introductory / Advanced
Please send bookings to NHepburn@churchofscotland.org.uk.
Venue: Buckie North and Rathven Parish Church
Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Refreshments: Tea and coffee will kindly be provided by the host congregation.
Further practical information, including final venue details, will be sent to those attending nearer the date.
Nominations for Legacies of Slavery Working Group
Following the General Assembly's adoption of the Church of Scotland's Apology for its historic involvement in transatlantic chattel slavery, nominations are now open for membership of the new Legacies of Slavery Working Group.
I'd be grateful if you could share the information below through your Presbytery and local networks.
Deadline for nominations: 20 October 2026
First meeting: Expected by the end of November 2026
Further information and the nominations form can be found here:
Engage with Tearfund
The Very Rev Dr Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has warmly endorsed Tearfund’s ongoing work to end extreme poverty and respond to global crises after his recent trip with Tearfund Scotland to Burundi.
"I have seen for myself the difference Tearfund’s approach makes and how, when the church steps forward in faith, entire communities can be transformed. I’d love to encourage you to give what you can to support Tearfund. Could you fundraise as a church, lift an offering, have a speaker, or sign up to give monthly what you would have spent on a coffee?"
— Very Rev Dr Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly
Invite a Speaker to Your Church
Tearfund Scotland's passionate speakers are available to visit your congregation. Whether for a Sunday service, a midweek fellowship or guild meeting, a youth event, or a prayer breakfast, a speaker can help bring global stories of hope and transformation directly to your church.
What a Tearfund speaker offers:
- Inspiring preaching and teaching rooted in Biblical justice and compassion.
- First-hand stories of transformation from communities facing poverty, climate challenges and conflict.
- Practical ways for your church to get involved through giving, acting and praying.
How to book a speaker
Arranging a visit is easy and can be tailored to fit your church’s schedule and preferences. To request a speaker or to find out more, please contact Tearfund Scotland directly at scotland@tearfund.org
Christian Aid Newsletter
Christian Aid's Newsletter is available here.
Sudan Crisis Christmas Appeal - MAF
Mission Aviation Fellowship are launching Christmas Appeal for Sudan.
Sudan is currently experiencing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with more than 12 million people displaced by conflict, which is more than the population of Scotland. The plight of these refugees has been exacerbated by cuts in international aid, meaning the burden on NGOs such as MAF is considerable. Through MAF and our partners, vital support including food, medical care and practical assistance can reach vulnerable families who have lost everything with your help.
Many of those displaced have fled terrible violence, with women and girls among the most vulnerable. Severe food shortages are placing enormous pressure on families, forcing some parents into heartbreaking decisions as they struggle to care for their children. Through MAF's aviation network and local partners, help can reach communities that would otherwise be isolated from essential support and aid.
We believe the resources for this appeal also provide a meaningful connection to the Christmas story for congregations. They remind us, that Jesus himself became a refugee when Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt to escape Herod's violence. Christ identified with the displaced and vulnerable from the very beginning of his earthly life.
The resources are well produced, easy to use, and help churches connect the Christmas message with this pressing global need. Details and resources can be found here:
MAF Christmas Appeal 2026
https://maf-uk.org/mic-church-christmas-appeal-2026/
Christmas Banners!
Aberdeen Springfield Church is about to order some Christmas pvc banners for display in our grounds in the run up to Christmas.
There is a special offer on at the moment so we would like to sponsor two banners for a church in a more deprived area.
The order will need to go in quite soon, so if anyone would like to take up this offer, please contact Karen Crawford (joint Session Clerk) office@aberdeenspringfield.church
True Freedom - Modern Slavery Course - starts on 16 September
The World Council of Churches and the Clewer Initiative have designed a resource to enable churches and individuals to learn more about modern slavery and to begin to take action against it.
The Political and Social Engagement subcommittee of Presbytery's Church Society and International Committee are providing an opportunity to use these materials in a series of online meetings. We very much encourage you to join us and to invite friends from your congregation and other local churches to participate. We will be contacting other denominations but feel that a personal invitation often works best.
We are especially pleased that on one occasion Fiona Kendall, our Presbytery Mission Partner, is joining us from Rome to speak about Mediterranean Hope.
Feel free to download the poster for your churches here.
The horizontal version for your Sunday intimation loops is here.
Please advertise this course!
Human Trafficking in Scotland - 24 October, Aberdeen, 10 am
Joy Gillespie, the Chief Executive Officer of SOHTIS (Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland) will give us a Scottish perspective on human trafficking. SOHTIS works to rescue and support victims of human trafficking in Scotland and to bring about systemic change.
Come along to
Fountainhall Church at the Cross in Aberdeen
or JOIN US ONLINE
10.00 am to 12 noon SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER
(Tea and Coffee available from 9.30am)
This is an important opportunity to hear directly from SOHTIS. Please invite anyone who you think might be interested.
If you are intending to join us in Aberdeen or need the online link, please email Mary Cranfield at
mcranfield@churchofscotland.org.uk
Download the poster here.
Invitation to Contribute for History Buffs
The Scottish Local History Forum want contributions about stories relating to Scotland’s churches.
If you have any history buffs in your congregations who would like to share grass roots stories relating to individual churches, their people or the historic events they were involved in are especially interesting, please get them to contact Jan Polley jpolley@blueyonder.co.uk.
They need to know who would like to contribute and on what in the next few weeks. Final deadline for submissions is in October.
More information can be found here.
'Speyside Way Plus' - Christian Aid Fundraiser
Anne-Marie Simpson and her grandson Benjamin are doing another challenge to fundraise for Christian Aid.
This time, it's 98 miles of hiking - first along the Speyside Way from Newtonmore to Buckie and then following the Fishwives' Path from Buckie back to their home in Keith.
They're doing the challenge in stages and they walked the first leg last week. You can see a little report from it here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/anne-marie-simpson-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
If you want to join them, please email AMSimpson@churchofscotland.org.uk
Safeguarding Training
| Trainer(s) | Anne Shirran |
| Date & Time | 24th October, 10am-12.30pm |
| Type of Training | Introductory training |
| Venue | Ellon Kirk Centre, 4 Station Road, Ellon. AB41 9AE |
| Presbytery Contact | anne.shirran@btinternet.com |
| Trainer(s) | Anne Shirran |
| Date & Time | 24th October, 1.30pm-4pm |
| Type of Training | Advanced training course for Safeguarding Coordinators, and Safeguarding Panel members |
| Venue | Ellon Kirk Centre, 4 Station Road, Ellon. AB41 9AE |
| Presbytery Contact | anne.shirran@btinternet.com |
| Trainer(s) | Anne Shirran |
| Date & Time | 31st October, 10am-12.30pm |
| Type of Training | Trustee training |
| Venue | Ellon Kirk Centre, 4 Station Road, Ellon. AB41 9AE |
| Presbytery Contact | anne.shirran@btinternet.com |
Sandwick Looking for Items
Sandwick Church in Shetland are anticipating approval of refurbishment works on their church and they're looking ahead to the time when the works are over and they would need to stock their kitchen with:
Soup plates, side plates, knives, forks, spoons etc, tea pots, coffee pots, mugs, pots and pans.
If you have a surplus of these items, please get in touch!
Lights for the Lectern Needed
Shapinsay, Orkney Islands Church of Scotland, are searching for lights that could possibly be attached to the lectern. If you've got some spare (maybe from a building that's closing?), please get in touch with the minister, Rev Julia Meason, JMeason@churchofscotland.org.uk.
SOGPs Available
At Royal Cornhill Spiritual Care Department, we have about 20 SOGPs
They are in varied sates: new to well thumbed.
If you would like these please get in touch to arrange pick up:
Pamela Adam, Healthcare Chaplain pam.adam@nhs.scot
Dolls for a Charitable Purpose
A member of Banchory East Church got a hold of three boxes of undressed dolls. The dolls are 30cms/12ins high. If anyone has an idea of a charitable use fore them, please get in touch with the office.
Reader's Gown Available
A reader's gown that has been worn once for preaching at Crathie the day after the King & Queen were married is available - please contact the office. (neni@churchofscotland.org.uk)
Kingshill Parish Church
We are currently investigating the possibility of installing a short throw projector into one of our church buildings.
We would be interested to hear from any congregation who have already done so and perhaps, if possible, arrange a visit to see it in action.
If you feel that you can help, please get in touch with our property convener John Ritchie: rjohngr@btinternet.com or telephone 01224 742597
Resources
AI Workshop - 7 November, 10 am
Do you use AI in ministry? Should you use AI in ministry? Join us to explore the practical and ethical issues with Dr Henna Cundill.
These are the topics that will be discussed.
- What AI tools are available to resource ministry, and what they can be used for?
- What are the risks and pitfalls of using AI in church work and ministry?
- What are the environmental and ethical considerations for everyday use of AI tools?
Refreshments and lunch are provided with a small donation being encouraged to cover costs.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-workshop-tickets-2001156649408?aff=oddtdtcreator
Poster can be found here.
Agenda
9.30am Doors Open
9.45am Talk by Dr Cundill
10.30am Tea/Coffee Break
10.45am Discussion Groups
11.15am Groups Feedback
11.45am Summary by Dr Cundill
12.15pm Lunch
1.00pm Leave
Stronger Together for Interfaith Week
The 8 – 15 November 2026 will be Scottish Interfaith Week, with the theme this year being Wellbeing. Interfaith week has always been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared faith values of hospitality and welcome, and to strengthen the connections that help our communities thrive.
This year the Together With Refugees coalition has launched its Stronger Together for Interfaith Week campaign. They are encouraging faith communities to consider running events that highlight the connections, hope and unity that grow through welcoming refugees. At a time when negative narratives about refugees can dominate public discussion, Interfaith Week offers an opportunity to talk about compassion, solidarity and belonging.
A free campaign toolkit is now available, filled with ideas and resources to help faith communities get involved. Suggestions include hosting a shared meal, organising a community walk, creating a wall of connection, or simply highlight existing activities that bring people together.
We would love to see Scottish faith groups joining this initiative and sharing examples of refugee welcome from across our communities.
The Toolkit is available here: Stronger Together for Inter Faith Week Toolkit
Invitation to use the Retreat Association Icon
During the month of October, King’s College Chapel will be hosting the Retreat Association Icon. This icon depicts the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1–42).
You can find more information, along with some helpful resources for reflection and worship, here: Retreat Association Icon | The Retreat Association.
While the icon is with us, we would be delighted to welcome local congregations and communities who might like to hold a service or event in the Chapel using the icon. There would be no charge for use of the space.
If this is something you or your community might be interested in, contact:
Rev Marylee Anderson, Chaplain, University of Aberdeen Multi-faith Chaplaincy
m.anderson@abdn.ac.uk
Vacancies
Church Administrator for Fraserburgh and District
16 hours per week
Competitive pay
Applications close: 23rd October
For more information or to apply, please get in touch with Rev Mike Newlands MNewlands@churchofscotland.org.ukChurch Office and Mission Administrator - Stonehaven Fetteresso
Title: Church Office and Mission Administrator
Hours: Part Time (20 hours)
Salary: From £13.45 per hour, negotiable depending on experience.
Stonehaven Fetteresso are looking for a Church Office and Mission Administrator.
As the first point of contact for many members of the congregation, visitors and the wider community, the postholder represents the Church in a welcoming, professional and Christ-centred manner. The Administrator provides administrative, communication and organisational support to the Minister, Children and Youth Pastor, Session Clerk and church leadership, enabling the Church to fulfil its worship, pastoral care, discipleship and community outreach. The postholder is expected to work in a manner that actively supports and reflects the Christian ethos, values and mission of Fetteresso Church.
Full description can be found here.
Presbytery Treasurer
Presbytery Treasurer – Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles
Part-time (520 hours per year, about 10 hours a week) · £10,275 per annum, pensionable · Home-based with hybrid working
Could your financial skills help the Church thrive across one of Scotland's largest and most varied presbyteries? We are looking for a Presbytery Treasurer to oversee our financial affairs. Reporting to the Presbytery Clerk and working closely with our Business Committee and Property and Finance Committee, you will make sure we meet OSCR and Church of Scotland requirements. You will also manage budgets, accounts and investments, handle payments and Presbytery Dues, and turn financial information into clear advice for people without a finance background. We'd love to hear from you if you have a qualification or experience in accounting or bookkeeping, a good grasp of financial controls and budgeting, strong Excel skills, and an understanding of how voluntary organisations and the Church of Scotland work. You'll need to work respectfully within our Christian ethos, and to hold a full UK driving licence with access to a car. This flexible role lets you manage your own time and offers mileage reimbursement.
To apply, send a personal statement and a full CV (each no more than two sides of A4) to Rev Peter Johnston, Convener of the Presbytery Staffing Group, at pjohnston@churchofscotland.org.uk, by noon Friday 30th October 2026. For an informal chat about the role, call Peter on 07834 281176.
Full job description can be found here.
National Assessors
“The Discernment & Assessment processes of the Church rely on the gifts of many. We are inviting those who feel they might be called to serve the Church in this important work, as we look to recruit new Assessors into the National Team. I attach a Person Specification that I hope might be of assistance when deciding if this role might be for you.
We start with an Information Session which will be held online on 30th September at from 1000-1200, followed by an initial in-person training session on 20-21 November 2026.
We strive to have a balance between ordained and non-ordained, as well as a gender balance within the pool of assessors.
Although being a National Assessor is hugely interesting and a worthwhile task, it can also be a demanding one, in terms of the hours worked, and the pressure under which reports have to be written. It is useful to consider that:
- Assessors serve for a period of six years
- Assessors need not be members of Presbytery
- Assessors have to be broadminded, flexible, perceptive, able to work as part of a team, have the acuteness and sensitivity to ask appropriate questions and follow them through
- People whose daily work involves skills of assessment might make good Assessors
Please can you let Angie McNabb (AMcNabb@churchofscotland.org.uk) know if you would be interested in attending the Information Session.
Children and Youth Outreach Worker - Aberdeen Hillside
Title of Post: Children and Youth Outreach Worker
Purpose of Post: To develop and lead children’s and youth ministry within Aberdeen Hillside Parish Church actively supporting efforts in internal and external church communications.
Main Duties
• As a member of the Ministry Team and working in co-operation with the minister and team colleagues:
• Children’s and Youth Ministry
• Develop and lead engaging programmes for children and young people, including Sunday activities,midweek gatherings, and seasonal events.
• Build relationships with families and young people, encouraging participation and spiritual growth.
• Support and train volunteers involved in children’s and youth ministry.
• Collaborate with local schools and chaplaincy teams to extend outreach.
• Explore creative initiatives such as mindfulness sessions, sports-based outreach, and international cuisine nights.
Terms and Conditions
• Salary is based on the MDS scale of £30,274 - £34,224 per annum. This is the full-time salary scale and actual salary will be pro rata to 0.5 FTE.
• Normal hours of work will be 18.75 hours per week.
For full job description go here.
Locum for Banchory Ternan East
Banchory Ternan East are looking for a locum for their charge who will assist with worship, pastoral visiting and funerals.
Please email Mike Jamieson (Session Clerk) or Tony Stephen (Interim Moderator) for details.
Congregation Leader for Stockethill Family Church
Stockethill Church of Scotland, Aberdeen, are seeking a Congregation Leader for their emerging Family Church congregation. The successful candidate will do the work of a pastor-teacher, evangelist and leader within the context of a small church plant aimed primarily at young families in a diverse neighbourhood. They will have the opportunity to build on successful ministry and to be creative in their approach to discipling adults and children with little or no church back ground whilst forming a church community. As part of the wider Stockethill Church family, they will work with committed volunteers and a supportive church leadership.
This is a three-year full-time post (with the possibility of extending) with a starting salary of £32,251 p/a, funded by the Church of Scotland’s Seeds for Growth Fund and the Presbytery of the North East and Northern Isles.
For more information and an application pack, please contact Rev Ian Aitken at iaitken@churchofscotland.org.uk to whom informal enquiries can also be made.
The application pack is also available to download at www.stockethillchurch.org.uk
Closing date for applications is 7th September 2026
Locum for Mortlach and Rothes
Mortlach Church, Dufftown is praying for a locum beginning September, if possible. Could you be looking for a Sunday home leading worship? Please contact Catherine Morgan (Session Clerk) heilanhame@hotmail.com or Amy Bender (IM) Abender@churchofscotland.org.uk for details or queries.
Events
Mens Breakfast Club - 17 October
Christian Aid Event in Aberdeen - 6 November, 7pm
Songs and shared hopes: an evening of faith, lively conversation and folk music. With Siskin Green, Rev Sarah Brown and Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton.
Friday, 6 November, 7pm at St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen
Siskin Green is a contemporary Scottish folk trio whose music moves between earthy and ethereal. Jane Bentley (percussion), Suzanne Butler (fiddle) and Margaret McLarty (guitar, banjo, piano) weave close harmony singing with evocative folk instrumentation. Fiery protest songs are balanced by re-imagined hymns and their own new material.
Join us for a lively conversation with St Machar's minister, Rev Sarah Brown and Siskin Green. And we'll hear about the wonderful fundraising and campaigning happening in Aberdeen and surrounding areas.
Songs and Shared Hopes | Christian Aid
Poster is here.
Jesus: the Evidence - 4 November, 7.30pm
Preaching, Women & the Bible - 21 & 22 October
Please find the poster here.
If you are planning to come please RSVP to emma.percy@abdn.ac.uk
Light in the Darkness - 31 October
A day of prayer for the Church of Scotland and the communities of Scotland
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it - John 1:5
On Saturday 31 October, we’re inviting as many people in the Church of Scotland as possible to join in with praying for our Church and praying for our communities. We’d love to see congregations, presbyteries and small groups get together for one hour that day to pray - and for individuals who can’t connect to something in their area to join in with some things we’ll offer nationally online.
https://cos.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/prayer/day-of-prayer
Scottish Church Planting Network Day - 21 November
We warmly invite you, and others from your presbytery, to Aberdeen for a Scottish Church Planting Network day with other denominations from across Scotland. This will be a day of gathering, reflection, learning and conversation as we explore the future of church planting together.
Church planting is woven into our story and Church of Scotland heritage. Throughout our history, God has called people to establish new Christian communities in response to changing times and needs. While we recognise the challenges facing the Church today, we also believe there are significant opportunities before us. As we seek to discern God's leading for the future, what might faithful witness and mission look like in the years ahead?
Could God be calling someone within your presbytery to explore church planting? Might there be individuals, congregations or communities already sensing a call to develop new expressions of church? We hope this day will help identify, encourage and connect those who are exploring such possibilities.
We are excited about the opportunity to gather people from across our denomination to pray, think creatively and discern together how God may be inviting us to participate in His mission in this generation. We would be delighted if you could join us and encourage others from your presbytery to attend. Please find the event flyer and a booking link below.
Ticket: A Vibrant Church Everywhere (21-Nov-2026) · CharitySuite Events
2026 Gifford Lectures
2026 Gifford Lectures are given by Professor Jeremy Begbie and entitled 'Rhythms of Life in the Music of God.'
Each lecture will feature live music ranging from a solo piano to an orchestra and choir. More information on how to register can be found at the Gifford Lectures website.
Each lecture will take place at 6pm in Elphinstone Hall on the following dates:
Monday 12th October: Sensing the Pressures
The opening lecture will include Professor Begbie's piano stylings.
Tuesday 13th October: Fascinating Rhythm
With Seth Bennett on double bass and Richard Glassby on percussion.
Thursday 15th October: Making
With violinist Erin Smith.
Monday 19th October: Engaging
With Nataliia Naismith playing violin, and Gareth John on cello.
Tuesday 20th October: Representing
With Nova Quartet and newly formed FonCórr choir.
Thursday 22nd October: Rhythm at Large
With Orchestra Nova and FonCórr.
You can register to attend in person here: https://abdn.site/begbie.
Please note that this series will not be live streamed but a recording will be made available after the conclusion of the Lectures. If you would like to be notified when these are available, please join the Gifford Lecture mailing list.
Aberdeen Academy of Theology Workshops
"This autumn we are going to focus on three ethical topics which Christians have approached in often contradictory ways throughout Christian history: war, wealth, and work. We will consider what to make of the arguments Christian thinkers have made regarding each of these themes from the early church to the present day. Along the way we will discuss what it means to call these extended arguments a 'tradition' and how that tradition might still be relevant in a time of drones, cryptocurrency, and AI."
The sessions will be led by Dr Joel Pierce who has a PhD in Divinity from the University of Aberdeen and has published a book entitled Rights, Virtue, and Others in MacIntyre: Community After the Fall. You can find some of his writings aimed at a more general audience at Joel Pierce | Seen & Unseen.
Please get in touch if you have any questions - joel.pierce@abdn.ac.uk
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Poster is here.
Guild
LiFT Meetings
Newsletter from The Guild
Please follow the link to see the October newsletter from the Church of Scotland Guild.
Don't forget to send your news to doskolkova@churchofscotland.org.uk