Notices
Service of Union - November 16, 2:45pm
Presbytery meets at 2.45pm on Sunday 16th November at Portsoy Church Centre for a Service of Union for Seafield Parish Church of Scotland, Banffshire.
Service of Induction - November 27, 6:45pm
And Presbytery meets at 6.45pm on Thursday 27th November at West Gordon Parish Church (Alford) for a Service of Induction of Rev Jeliase Mutimbairi.
Please do make every effort to attend these special services.
REFUEL sub-group
CSI is looking to organise a sub-group to liaise with Clèir Eilean ì to have a Church of Scotland presence at this festival. If you are being nudged to be involved, contact ABender@churchofscotland.org.uk
Opportunities to Participate in the Church Nationally
Dear fellow members of the Church of Scotland,
The Church is going through a time of significant change, locally, regionally and nationally.
The people who make the decisions about the Church nationally include staff, those who attend the General Assembly, and those who, between times, make time to participate in a national group or committee. The Nomination Committee now needs your active support to find the right people to serve on these groups and committees.
Maybe you, or someone you know, have the potential to rise to the occasion. We are looking for people with vision and determination, who are willing to help our Church in the years ahead as we work our way through the challenges and the necessary restructuring to make the Church of Scotland fit for the future. A short video, accessible here, explains the process in further detail.
Those who wish to serve are invited to complete an online nomination form, accessible here on the Church of Scotland website, with someone – from their local congregation or Presbytery – saying they support the nomination. We ask you to complete the form because the more relevant information we have, the better we can do our job of placing people on the various groups and committees. If you encounter any difficulties in completing the form, you may wish to seek assistance from a trusted individual, such as your Minister.
Serving nationally is a good way of getting to know the Church better and engaging with others from across the country and beyond. While it needs commitment and can be demanding, it is a real opportunity to extend one’s Christian service and witness.
It should be noted that, due to the high expectations placed on Candidates in Training, Probationers and Ministers in their first year following ordination, they are not normally invited to serve on committees.
Nominations must reach us by Sunday 18 January 2026. We will treat the forms confidentially and consider them carefully. We meet on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 February 2026 and those selected will then be contacted. This is to seek permission from the individual for their name to go to the General Assembly in May 2026 for approval. Appointments commence after the General Assembly.
Not everyone will be asked to serve, or sometimes they may be asked if they are willing to serve on a committee or group other than those they have mentioned on their form.
We are keen to receive nominations from a broad representation across the church and depend on you and others spreading the word and actively encouraging involvement.
Any queries on the nomination process should be emailed to nominations@churchofscotland.org.uk
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.
NENI Safeguarding Courses - New Dates Added
Introductory
Monday 10th November 10am in the Garden Room, Kirkwall East Church, Orkney - contact JMeason@churchofscotland.org.uk
Online Trustee Safeguarding Course
12th November at 7pm
Contact Julia Meason to register on JMeason@churchofscotland.org.uk
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2221486288?omn=89229158394
Advanced
Tuesday 18th November 7pm online - contact JMeason@churchofscotland.org.uk
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.
Resources
New College Courses for the Church Community
As part of the work of New College to resource the Church of Scotland and beyond, the School of Divinity offers a range of short courses for lay and ordained people. While the courses are open to everyone, they are particularly aimed at those in churches who seek to develop their understanding of Christian theology, worship and mission.
https://divinity.ed.ac.uk/news-events/short-courses-for-church-people
Interest and queries: Rev Dr Alexander Forsyth aforsyth@churchofscotland.org.uk
Introduction to Suicide Prevention
These are online sessions via Teams open to anyone who in Aberdeen City or Moray. Dates are:
19th November
11th December
13th January
This link will take you to booking.
Wave After Wave
Providing a compassionate response following suicide bereavement.
The next face to face date is at Aberdeen Health Village on 25th November. This session was fully booked but we’ve been able to open up a few more spaces and added a waiting list.
There will be another face to face Moray date coming up and will be added to this booking link once dates are confirmed.
Download the poster here.
Seeds for Growth – Funding Opportunities for 2026
Seeds for Growth exists to support the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church through fresh expressions of mission and ministry. The fund offers three levels of grants — from small-scale, one-off missional activities to larger, longer-term projects that can develop new worshipping communities or revitalise existing congregations.
This year, the smaller grants (up to £1,000) may be particularly useful for congregations who are:
- Beginning to explore new or contextually relevant forms of mission;
- Hoping to undertake community listening or audit work; or
- Wanting to pilot a local outreach or engagement event.
If your congregation is thinking about developing a missional idea, community project, or new form of worship, Seeds for Growth could be a great fit. You can find full details and the application process here:
🔗 Seeds for Growth – Church of Scotland Grants and Funding
If you’d like to talk through whether your idea might be eligible or how it could align with Presbytery priorities, please get in touch with Natasha Hepburn.
Marjory MacLean's NEW BOOK
The Legal Questions Committee is delighted to announce the publication on 1 November of a new book,
Church of Scotland Governance: The Underlying Principles
written by the Convener, Marjory MacLean. This small hardback is designed to be an initial introduction for anyone joining the Courts and Committees of the Church, perhaps at the point of ordination to the eldership or appointment to any trusteeship role. It is an ideal ordination gift, or bookstall addition.
Church of Scotland Governance, or ‘the grey book’ as it’s likely to become known, addresses the long-term structures of the Church, those elements of our polity that do not change as our legislation develops from year to year. It discusses our constitutional make-up, our system of Courts, the complementary roles of Church Law and Civil Law (including Charity Law), and the way our processes and regulations work in the everyday life of a congregation. Readers are directed to the legal information on the Church’s website and elsewhere for more detailed materials about rules and processes that change from time to time. The hope is, therefore, that this volume will remain accurate for a longer period than previous published books (Weatherhead, Herron, et al) have done.
To obtain individual copies, search the book’s title on Amazon, where it will cost £9.15 plus postage. There is no profit for the Committee or the author.
For Presbyteries, Assembly departments, and Kirk Sessions (or groups of Sessions) wishing to make bulk orders—a minimum of 30 copies per order—at the cost of £5.49 per copy plus postage, please contact Marjory MacLean (mmaclean@churchofscotland.org.uk) who will arrange delivery directly to you. You may gift copies or sell them at profit, as you wish.
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.
Here is the link to register for both courses.
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!
Vacancies
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.
Women and Families Worker
Bethany Christian Trust is a charity working with homeless people. They are hiring a women and families worker.
Starting salary: £11,184 – £11,585 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Part-Time
Hours: 15 hours per week
Holiday entitlement: 225 hours per year pro rata
Closing date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Interview date: Week commencing 01 December 2025
Follow the link for more details and application.
Events
Big Quiz Night - November 15, 7pm
Bruce Davies Concert - November 13, 2 pm
Bruce Davies, the Fife based and internationally acclaimed singer/song-writer/guitarist will be performing in a concert at St. Columba's Church, Bridge of Don on Thursday afternoon the 13th of November .
Bruce has recently celebrated forty years as a professional musician and has a wealth of experience in every conceivable performance situation. His work in Churches not only entertains but inspires and encourages audiences of all Faiths and none.
He is an award-winning singer/songwriter with an ‘easy on the ear’ style and, during the summer season is host and singer for Edinburgh’s premier Scottish Variety show, ‘The Spirit of Scotland'.
His career highlights include: concerts at the United Nations, New York, Edinburgh Fringe and Folk Festivals; most of Scotland’s top hotels; Wolftrap, Washington DC and the Bluebird Café, Nashville, TN and has made many television and radio appearances, including BBC Songs of Praise with Isla St Clair. Recently, he had the honour of providing music at Crathie Kirk in the presence of the King & Queen.
He has four current albums which are available at his concerts. They include – ‘Hand Picked’ (classic songs he wishes he’d written, plus some he did write); ‘I Have Found Peace – 15 songs of Faith & Forgiveness’; ‘Blowin’ in the Wind – The Other Great American Songbook’ (great folk songs of the 60s) and his latest release, ‘Sing Me A Song’, a double CD collection of 40 great songs of Scotland and the Scots.
Find out more at www.brucedavies.com
Or, on Facebook – Bruce Davies
You can reserve a place by contacting Brian - Admission including refreshments is £8
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
Refuel Event in Aberdeen North - November 22, 6pm
Retreat into Advent 2025 - November 26
Turriff Community Singers Concert - November 27
Online Launch Concert for We're the Land of Scots - 28th November, 11 am
We’re the Land of Scots is a new children’s Scottish national anthem celebrating all things Scottish. From bairns up to grannies, coast to coast and in-between we can help each other and celebrate belonging here together.
Follow the link to book!
Quiz Night - November 28
Keith Silver Band Concert - November 30
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.
Theology and Music Conference - 12-15 January 2026
The Scottish Church Theology Society Conference 2026 invites you to gather at Stirling Court Hotel for an inspiring exploration of the rich intersection between theology and music. This annual event brings together renowned speakers, scholars, musicians, and church leaders to share insights, experience, and creativity.
Across four days, participants will enjoy a vibrant program of keynote talks, interactive workshops, and lively discussions. Whether you are a theologian, musician, clergy, student, or layperson, the conference is designed to deepen your appreciation for the theological dimensions of music and to equip you with fresh ideas for worship and ministry.
• Keynote presentations by leading thinkers and practitioners
• Practical workshops for worship and music ministry
• Opportunities for discussion and networking
You can find more information here.
Don't forget to send your news to doskolkova@churchofscotland.org.uk