Notices
Safeguarding Sunday – 15 November 2026
On Sunday 15 November, congregations across the Presbytery are invited to join thousands of churches from across the UK in marking Safeguarding Sunday, now in its eighth year. This year’s theme is “Love Protects”, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13.
Safeguarding is often quiet, unglamorous work, carried out faithfully week by week by volunteers and office-bearers who rarely receive thanks for it. Safeguarding Sunday is an opportunity for a congregation to pause and reflect on its safeguarding journey to give thanks for what is already being done well, to be honest about where there is room to improve, and to renew its commitment to building safer places for everyone.
Taking part need not be onerous. Registration is free, and once registered you will receive a practical guide and a range of resources to help you shape the day in a way that suits your congregation — whether that is a full service or a short moment within your usual gathering. Materials include prayers, readings, talk outlines, service plans and publicity graphics.
Resources and registration are available at safeguardingsunday.org.
Christmas Gift Cards for Malawi
Looking for a gift with real meaning this Christmas? The Orkney–Malawi Partnership’s Christmas gift card appeal is now open for its eighteenth year, and has raised close to £100,000 since 2009 for frontline projects in the Thyolo Highlands of Malawi.
It’s simple: choose how much you’d like to give, fill in the form, and the Partnership will send you a Christmas card to pass on, or post it directly to a friend or family member to say a gift has been made in their name.
Forms need to reach the Partnership by Monday 7 December, and cards will be posted on Tuesday 8 December (or sooner if you ask).
You’ll find the full update and the order form attached.
For questions, contact Iain MacDonald on 01857 677357 or imacdonald@churchofscotland.org.uk.
Zikomo kwambiri — thank you very much.
Messy Church Regional Teams - 3 Nov & 5 Nov
Message from Reuben Addis:
I'm an OLM in Edinburgh and have become the regional coordinator for Messy Church in Scotland. I'm aware that there are lots of thriving Messy Chruches, but also a lot of people that are feeling tired or struggling with the model. We have gone back to having regional reps to try and get a better sense of what is going on, and to think how we can more effectively support churches with this. Some of our ideas include finding a more local person who can be an advocate for Messy Church, and perhaps a couple of examples of Churches doing it well whom people could visit.
As a first step we have organised a national (Scotland wide) zoom call, so I can hear what is going on and get some ideas of what should be useful. All the Messy Churches we know of should have already been sent a link- but I know that there are lot of other Messy Churches we aren't aware of.
Would it be possible to send the link out round your presbytery or to specific people who might be interested in it. I know it short notice but the first is on 3rd Nov in the evening and another just after lunch on the 5th Nov.
Here is the link https://www.messychurch.brf.org.uk/regional-teams/
Christian Aid Christmas Appeal: Silent Night. Hungry Night.
Donnay was pregnant when she and her children fled sudden and deadly floods in Ethiopia. With their farm washed away and livestock taken by crocodiles, the family were left hungry, homeless and empty-handed.
This Christmas, every gift, act and prayer helps families like Donnay’s push back against poverty and the climate crisis.
Whether you’re carol singing, quizzing, or simply making a donation, find out more about Christian Aid's 2026 Christmas Appeal and how we can work together to support communities as they work to rebuild what they’ve lost to the climate crisis, to conflict and to poverty.
Alpha Day in Stonehaven Fetteresso - 14th November (9.30-5pm)
A message from Brenda Robertson:
I am very much aware that for some churches the thought of organising an Alpha Day can be daunting and I would love to invite you to experience an Alpha Day for yourself and your team.
Fetteresso Church will be hosting their Alpha Day for their guests on Saturday 14th November (9.30-5pm) and have generously opened up their day for other church leaders and their teams to attend. This Alpha Day is a chance to see and experience how the Alpha Day works firsthand. Above all, it's an opportunity to pause, seek God and create space for a fresh encounter with Him through worship, prayer, and ministry.
If you run Alpha or looking to run Alpha in the future, I would love you to be there.
Both Gillian and I will be on hand to connect with you and your team. Our hope is that you'll leave both encouraged and equipped for what God wants to do in and through your church.
If you would like to attend, please do RSVP with names of attendees and any dietary requirements to Brenda.robertson@alpha.org.
Building peace from devastation: South Sudan, Israel and Palestine
24 November, 7pm, online
Can peace grow in war-torn communities? Hear from Islamic Relief and Christian Aid partners working in Israel, Palestine and South Sudan. This event will be hosted in partnership with the Scottish Peace Platform and will replace November’s Prayers for Peace.
Register: https://bit.ly/FaithInPeacebuilding2
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.
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.
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
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/
'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
Resources
Grants from Easyfunding
Shopping fundraising website Easyfundraising has launched the second round of its new Impact Fund, offering 15 grants of £1,000 to UK not-for-profit organisations including churches. These grants are unrestricted, so they can be used wherever they are needed most, e.g., equipment, resources, activities, or core running costs. The application form is straightforward and quick to complete. You do not need to be registered with Easyfundraising to apply. The fund is open for applications until 8 November 2026.
For more information about Easyfundraising, visit this information page: Church of Scotland | Online fundraising for your church| easyfundraising
New Cherish Scotland Grants Available
Thanks to an extension of the Cherish grant programme in Scotland, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Churches Trust has £100,000 available to support churches across Scotland.
Churches of any Christian denomination can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to fund urgent repairs or project development work.
Applications close on Monday 18 January 2027, with funding decisions expected in March 2027. As this is likely to be a one-off grants round, churches considering repairs or development work are encouraged to apply.
For full details, including eligibility criteria and information about support available from the National Churches Trust's Support Officers, visit this link.
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.
If you want to join online:
AI Workshop - Do you use AI in Ministry? (The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles)
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
Pew Cushions Needed
St. Stephens Church in Aberdeen is looking to replace existing pew cushions and are wondering if any were available from recently closed premises such as St. Mary’s Church.
The quantity and sizes are:
260cm, 30 needed
280cm, 26 needed
130cm, 2 needed
220cm, 3 needed
Anything would be of interest provided they are in a reasonable condition.
I hope that you can assist us in this matter,
Eric Law,
Clerk to the Board of St.Stephens
07880785325
Vacancies
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.
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
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
Coffee Morning at Hillside Parish Church - 21 November, 10 am
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 November newsletter from the Church of Scotland Guild.
Don't forget to send your news to doskolkova@churchofscotland.org.uk