Summer 2019

The Magazine of St Andrew’s Erskine Church of Scotland,

Dunfermline, where we welcome everyone in the name of Jesus Christ, as we celebrate and share the love of God within the community which we serve.

Sacrament of Holy Communion 9 June – 10.30am & 2.30pm

Minister: The Rev Muriel Willoughby

The Church at the Heart of our Community

www.standrewserskine.org.uk

DEADLINES

All intimations for inclusion in the Sunday Order of Service should be handed into, or emailed to, the church office by 9.15am on Tuesday mornings. Church email address: info@standrewserskine.org.uk Items for the Autumn edition of ‘Concord’ should be with the Editor by Sunday 4 August 2019 for distribution from 18 August 2019. Articles for inclusion in the magazine may be sent to Eunice at eunice135@talktalk.net ; alternatively, you may hand anything directly to her or telephone on 01383 745828.

May 2019

From the Minister .....

Dear Friends A lot has happened since my last letter was written. My attendance at

the ‘Renewing Ministry’ conference was both refreshing and stimulating.

I came back with confirmation of my ministry here but determined to

return to my core calling – to encourage, enable and support all members

of the congregation to be the people God intended them to be. This means

that I will be encouraging everyone to use their God-given gifts to be

active members of the congregation and will be trying to allow folk to ‘do

their own thing’ rather than having me direct all activities. This should

mean that I can have some time to concentrate on exploring new ways of

serving the congregation and beyond.

As you will see in a separate article, we will be receiving a visit from the

Special Commission set up by Presbytery to assess the current state of

each congregation. I hope that we can show that we are an active and

lively group which has a vision and commitment to the future, whatever it

may hold. This requires as many members as possible to be involved in

the life of the church locally, serving the parish and the wider church.

I was much encouraged over Easter with the attendance at our Holy

Week services and on Easter Day, when it was great to hear folk

engaging so enthusiastically with the activities and bible exploration. In

celebrating Easter, using a variety of styles of worship and reflection, we

have an opportunity to, once again, consider what we know and what we

believe about God, about Jesus and about the Holy Spirit. I hope that

folk will take up the challenge of meeting to discuss the questions from

‘The Story’ and to see that we can all gain from taking time with God

and studying his Word in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Our congregation is changing and moving forward ,but we do need more

people to help with practical tasks to enable us all to get the most out of

church life. Please consider the list in this magazine and see what you can

do. Being more than a Sunday morning attender helps everyone to feel

closer to God and to each other. If you no longer feel able to be very

physically active, please consider committing to prayer and bible reading

to help us all grow in our faith.

As I said, I am here to help, to advise and to support everyone on their

own journey of faith. I look forward to hearing from you.

With my love and prayers

SERVICES

All services at 10.30am unless otherwise stated

2 June Reader: Hilary Arneil

9 June Reader: Louis Douglas

16 June Reader: Hazel Moultrie

23 June Reader: Christine Mitchell

30 June Reader: Eunice Lacey

7 July Reader: Jim Welsh

14 July Reader: Elizabeth McCallum

21 July Reader: Sheila Robinson

28 July Reader Marion Broadfoot

4 August Reader: Linda Russell

11 August Reader: Carolyn Simpson

18August Reader: Lorraine Brown

25 August Reader: Fiona Todd

1 September Reader: Ian Mitchell

8 September Reader: Alasdair McCallum

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WELCOME TEAMS

2 & 9 June, 28 July & 4 August (Team 2)

Banking Louis Douglas Esther Monro FWO Isobel Walker Sheila Robinson Others Mary McCormack Fiona Todd Laptop Sound Ian Mitchell

16 & 23 June, 11 & 18 August (Team 3)

Banking Alex Twaddle Myra Knust FWO Maureen Smith Judith Dennis Others Marion Broadfoot Linda Russell Laptop Alan Willoughby Sound Alex Twaddle

30 June & 7 July, 25 August & 1 September (Team 4)

Banking Margaret Young Sandra Stenhouse FWO Margo Kindness Jim Welsh Others Hilary Arneil Dave Young Hazel Moultrie Laptop Lorraine Brown Sound John Lyell

14 & 21 July, 8 & 15 September (Team 1)

Banking Jane Blackie Eunice Lacey FWO Ian Mitchell Carolyn Simpson Others Elizabeth McCallum Alasdair McCallum Laptop Judith Dennis Sound Louis Douglas

Preparation and Serving Communion Elements

Hilary Arneil Eunice Lacey*

Margo Kindness Jim Welsh

Would the person marked with an asterisk please supply the bread.

PARISH REGISTER

Deaths “Jesus said ‘I am the Resurrection and the life. Those who live and believe in me will never die.’” John 11: 25, 26. We record, with sympathy to their families and friends, the deaths of the following members of our community. Jemima Tanty Leys Park Care Home 20 February

Barbara Boyle* John Connolly Court 25 March

Baptisms “Jesus said ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me’” Luke 9:47,48 Jaxon James Welsh Baptised on 7 April

New Members

Erwin Carr Lorimer Gardens Transferred from St Leonards Parish Church By resolution of the Kirk Session and by confirmation of vows

Michelle McGregor and Mark Welsh 7 April Sinclair Gardens, Cowdenbeath Change of Address

Carol Whitfield has changed her address from Kennedy Crescent to Grants Bank.

KIRK SESSION NEWS

Mark Welsh and Elle McGregor recently joined our membership. Their son Jaxon was also baptised. It’s exciting to have new members joining our congregation.

We pray that Mark, Elle and their family feel welcome in our church family. Our church has recently been designated a “Dementia Friendly” building by Fife Council.

We pray for all those living with dementia. We are planning a community family film event - “Monsters Inc” on 31 May at 6.30pm.

We pray for all the families in our local community. Kindred Fife has written to thank the congregation for their generous donations. Our support is greatly appreciated by all the Kindred Fife volunteers.

We pray for the families in need of support from Kindred Fife. Our building is continually busy with a wide range of activities for all ages.

We pray for all who come into our building, for whatever reason, and that they find a warm welcome here. Looking ahead Dunfermline Presbytery is holding a “Songs of Praise” service at St Margaret’s Church, Touch, on 23 June at 6.30pm. All are welcome. Kate McDonald, our Mission partner, will be joining our worship on Sunday 22 September.

We pray for Kate as she continues her work in this role.

Items to be read about in detail elsewhere in Concord Presbytery Visit by the “ Special Commission” Come along, have your say, and pray for the future of the church. Community Bible Experience… “The Story” Get together with friends to read, chat and pray - enjoy.

Lorraine Brown THE GUILD The final event for the Guild before the summer break is our outing to the Cupar Garden Centre on Tuesday 28 May. We will resume our meetings on Tuesday 10 September, when we are proposing to have a soup and sandwich lunch to promote Guild Week and the Guild Project.

Elizabeth McCallum

LIFE AND WORK Copies of Life and Work are on the display stand in the church foyer. Subscriptions by post are available – please see the magazine itself for details.

‘THE EATERY’ ‘The Eatery’ continues to provide drinks, light meals and home baking on a Thursday and Friday between 11am and 2pm, so why not come along and sample the excellent food that our volunteers provide and serve.

VISIT BY SPECIAL COMMISSION

As I am sure you are aware, there is change afoot in the Church of Scotland, partly due to a drastic reduction in the number of ministers and partly due to a significant reduction in the number of members and congregations.

The General Assembly of 2018 instructed Kirk Sessions and Presbyteries to meet to discuss these issues and to assess the situation currently and in the near future in their area.

Dunfermline Presbytery has appointed a ‘Special Commission’ to visit every congregation to find out about the state of buildings, the activities of the congregations and the vision they have for the future. Our visit is scheduled for Monday 24 June, and we hope to involve as many members as possible in the process, both by attending the meeting and also in some preparation for it.

It is important for the future of St Andrew’s Erskine and its members that as many people as possible engage with this visit and process to show that this is a congregation with a viable contribution to make to the future of the Church of Scotland in this area.

Further information will be given by intimation and in services over the next few weeks.

Muriel

LADIES GROUP In February we had a very interesting talk on Alloa Tower and, in March, a very successful Handbag Party raised the sum of £92.50. In April we had a talk from Kindred Advocacy, and the session will finish with our AGM on 10 June in the City Hotel.

Linda Russell

CRAFT GROUP

The craft group goes from strength to strength, and we can expect anything from ten to 15 people on a Thursday afternoon. But that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t like more. So, if you fancy coming along one week to see what we do, we would be delighted to see you. We meet at 2.30pm in the church hall and finish between 4pm and 4.30pm with a cuppa and a chat. If transport is a problem, please let us know, and we’ll see what we can do to help. For further information, please contact Eunice Lacey on 01383 745828. SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING The Beetle Drive/Beatle Quiz held in April raised £230 for church funds. Lorraine and Charlie Brown won the Beatles Quiz and Alana Russell won the Beetle Drive. Well done everyone! Our next event is a family film show – “Monsters Inc” – at 6.30pm on Friday 31 May. All welcome. A Strawberry Tea is planned for the afternoon of Saturday 10 August.

Esther Monro

Words of Wisdom ...

“What the caterpillar calls “The end” The butterfly calls “the beginning”.

You can never be sure the stars are out of reach

unless you reach for them.

STAMP APPEAL

This is the 50th anniversary of the Church of Scotland’s Stamp Appeal, and last year £2,433 was raised..

In 2019 we will be raising funds for the Chigodi Women’s Centre, where they teach skills that will lead to employment. Please keep the stamps coming in.

Linda Russell

MESSY CHURCH

On Saturday 6 April we had our sixth Messy Church event. Our theme was “New Beginnings”, and we welcomed 26 children and 18 adults. Through story, crafts and song, we looked at the Easter story from the point of view of Jesus’ friends and thought about how Easter/Spring time is full of new beginnings.

Our next event will be held on Saturday 24 August 2019 from 3.30 to 5pm.

All families are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration can be done online via our website at

www.standrewserskine.org.uk or just come along on the day. You will be very welcome.

Hilary Arneil

AFTERNOON COMMUNION The Kirk Session recognises that some members are now finding it difficult to get to church for 10.30am but would still appreciate sharing in a communion service. A short service, including communion, will be held on Sunday 9 June at 2.30pm to which everyone is invited. If you need help getting there please contact Muriel (738487) or Lorraine (723002.) or speak to your elder. We look forward to seeing you there.

Copies of a new version of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts

was given out on Easter Day.

There are still copies available in the church for anyone who missed out

or who wants to give one to family or friends.

The idea of this ‘Community Bible Experience’ is to read the bible and

discuss it like a book group would discuss a novel.

There are set questions and a suggested reading schedule, and members

are encouraged to take this opportunity to meet up with others in small

groups to follow this scheme.

Muriel is available to answer questions and give advice but is sure that a

lot can be learnt without her intervention!

This is a good opportunity for us to grow and develop in a new direction as we face

the challenges of the future.

Take time to be friendly

Friendships give life a delicious flavour Take time to laugh

Laughter is the music of the soul Take time to give

Any time of the year is too short for selfishness Take time to do your work well

Pride in your work, no matter what it is, Nourishes the ego and the spirit Take time to show appreciation

Thanks is the frosting on the cake of life

WORDS OF THANKS Grace Nicol writes ...”I would like to say a big thank you for the beautiful flowers I received from the church. They brightened up my day and were much appreciated.” Lilian Campbell writes ...”Thank you for the lovely flowers I received on my birthday.” Douglas Campbell writes ...”Thanks for the flowers.” Esther Monro writes .. “ Please record my thanks ,,, for the lovely card and flowers received from the church on the occasion of my birthday.” Ella Headrick writes ... “Thank you so much for the flowers and cards I received on my birthday.” Janet Miller writes ... “I was delighted with the flowers I received from church. Many thanks.” Lena Smith writes ...”Thank you so much for church flowers ... came at the right time, as I was feeling down after losing a close relative in mid March, aged 36..” Marion and John Broadfoot write ...”Thank you very much for the lovely flowers we received from the church for our Golden Wedding. They were very much appreciated. Carol Whitfield writes ...”Thank you for the beautiful flowers I received in April – they brightened my spirits.”

Maureen Smith writes ... “Many thanks for the lovely flowers on the occasion of a very sad anniversary – they were uplifting and really helped to cheer me up.”

Mollie Simpson would like to say a huge thank you for all the cards, flowers, visits and good wishes she has received. They have been very much appreciated.

Thanks for flowers have also been received from May Bowman and. Sheila Robinson.

FLOWER CIRCLE 2 June Mrs N Dunlop 9 June Mrs E Lacey 16 June Mrs E Lewcock 23 June Vacant 30 June Vacant June Distribution: Volunteers

7 July Mrs M Young 14 July Mrs H Arneil 21 July Mrs E Monro 28 July Mrs M Headrick July Distribution: Mrs M Knust 4 August Miss C Simpson 11 August Mrs S Lyell 18 August Mrs S Stenhouse 25 August Mrs E Lewcock August Distribution: Volunteers If you would be willing to help occasionally with the distribution of flowers after the service or to donate flowers on a particular Sunday, please add your name to the Flower Rota on the notice board or speak to Rikky MacPhee. You can see her in church or give her a call on 01383 722544.

DIRECTORY

Minister The Rev Muriel Willoughby 71a Townhill Road 01383 738487 email: MWilloughby@churchofscotland.org.uk

Session Clerk Lorraine Brown 91 Garvock Hill 01383 723002

Deputy Session Clerk Carolyn Simpson 93 Urquhart Crescent 01383 720651

Treasurer Ian Mitchell 07745 156473

Roll Keeper Gail Anderson 10 Daviot Road 01383 731614

Lettings Convenor Judith Dennis 07874854929 email: lettingsconvenor@standrewserskine.org.uk

Organist Elaine Shorthouse 07923 180787 Church Administrator Sonya Russell 01383 841660 Email address info@standrewserskine.org.uk Fabric Jim Welsh 01383 853103 Communication (Editor) Eunice Lacey 01383 745828 Messy Church Hilary Arneil 01383 852317 The Guild Elizabeth McCallum 01383 726095 Pastoral Care Mary McCormack 01383 625198 Hospitality Judith Dennis 01383 728570 Social and Fund Raising Esther Monro 01383 300079 Gift Aid George Walker 01383 720637 Partner Plan Correspondent and Stewardship Carolyn Simpson 01383 720651 Christian Aid Isobel Walker 01383 720637 Flower Convenor Rikky MacPhee 01383 722544 Safeguarding Sandra Stenhouse 01383 728116 Brownies Dawn Nelson 01383 725929 Rainbows Sonya Russell 01383 725313 Bellyeoman Toddlers Jamie Irvine 07792 319232 Ladies Group Linda Russell 01383 732295 Men’s Group Alex Twaddle 01383 737478 Craft Group Eunice Lacey 01383 745828 Walking Group Isobel Walker 01383 720637

Scottish Registered Charity No SC007302