Issuu

St Markâ€™s Messenger Autumn 2015

Aberdeen St Mark's Church of Scotland is a registered Sco sh charity No SC015451 St Markâ€™s is twinned with Mpachika Church Malawi

Index to the Autumn 2015 Issue Le er from the Manse

Stewardship

The Full Armour of God

From the Treasurer

The General Assembly

SCD / Strollers

Roll (1) Address Changes

Guild

Notes on Fellowship

St Mark’s Ramblers

Roll (2) New & Deaths

St Mark’s Men’s Club

Ma hew 5: 1 - 10

Malawi Commi ee

Deadlines & Others

Adver2sing Feature

Worship Calendar

Coﬀee Shops/Projects

Duty Rotas Pull Out

Guild of Friendship

Worship (con2nued)

St Mark’s Contacts

Front Cover This month I have reverted to a more recent cover of St Mark’s as she is today. If you have a St Mark’s or St Mark’s related photograph that you would like to see on the cover of the Messenger please send it to me, electronically, if possible, but original images will be returned. Editor Errata Apologies for the error in the ‘Deadlines’ item in the Summer Messenger. The Deadline for the Easter magazine next year is 14 February 2016 (not 2015 as printed) - I’m not perfect! 2

Le*er from the Manse Dear Friends, I send to you the love of Christ Jesus. It has certainly been a full and varied summer. I said today at the Celebrate Aberdeen Service that aCtude and gra2tude are connected to the happiness we know in life. I am never short of being able to thank God for St Mark's being a faithful, loving and hardworking Church. This was exemplified by the prepara2on and contribu2ons to the exhibi2on, service and hospitality for the Celebrate Aberdeen weekend. There are many people to thank, so can I say a big thank you to all who were involved and especially Ian and Marjorie Lord, Lynn Low and her team, Alex McConochie and Graham Low and the organising commi ee and all who work quietly in the background and would not want to be men2oned. Thank you. Our guests, including the Lord Provost, the Moderator of Aberdeen Presbytery, Rev Duncan Eddie, MSP's, other guests from NGO's, other churches, the council and organisa2ons certainly expressed their apprecia2on. The catering over the summer has been of the normal high St Mark's standard. The coffee shops have run again successfully. It is good how people bring contribu2ons, eg home bakes, bacon, milk, margarine, raffle prizes and then some people are also able to volunteer 2me as well. Our coffee shops are very important to many people as a place to catch up with friends for a blether and enjoy the tasty food plus the fun. (Con nued on page 4)

A thank you goes to our coordinator Anne Donaldson and her teams. God has been so good and generous to Aberdeen we prayed today and that is true. God’s Son Jesus Christ died and rose again for all the people of Aberdeen. God has sent our Guide and our Companion, the Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of people and to save them from a life without God. This is great news for everyone because God is full of grace and mercy and God's compassion never fails. It is so important to share this good news therefore we need people to pray at home that God will resource, guide and encourage us to share this good news with the people we meet. As the summer comes to an end it can feel as if all of nature around us has completed its task of producing fruit etc and is now slowing down and taking a break over the winter to build up resources needed for the spring. There is so much beauty though this autumn season, the golden colours of the trees and the joy of seeing ﬁelds ripe with crops burs2ng with all that they have gathered during the growing season. This is the season when the harvest is collected in and winter is provided for by wise inhabitants of Earth, Sky and Ocean. It is a lesson for the Universal Church. This year the Kirk Session and myself will be discussing how we nourish and build up the Church on the good news of Jesus. Please look out for social events and opportuni2es as we travel through the Harvest Fes2val, the Stewardship Season, Remembrance Services, Advent and Christmas Celebra2ons. I send to you my love and prayerful best wishes. Please don’t hesitate to contact me, my door is always open. In Jesus Christ’s fellowship and love

Diane 4

The Sunday School’s Full Armour of God On 28 June worship was led by the Sunday School to mark the end of another session. During the service Allan Cunningham gave the address and it was commented on by many people so I decided to share an edited version of it with everyone. “Today’s service has been based on “Searching For The Full Armour of God“. We obviously hope you have enjoyed it - so far! We normally refer to today as “The Promo2on Service" - but, I actually ques2on if it really is. Are we promo2ng the children into the next year hoping that they keep coming back to the Sunday School - or are we celebra2ng the past year and recognising the things we have done at Sunday School. Today, I would like to reflect on what the Sunday School was - and what it is now. I want us all think about how we keep the children interested - and how we make various choices in life. When I first joined St Mark's Sunday School and Youth Fellowship, there were Stephen and Tracey McCann, David Craib and Helen Burr. I think I was asked to help out because my own children, Stewart, Rachael and Mark were in the Sunday School. In those days we read lots of Bible Stories to the youngsters, or watched a Bible Story video, then asked the children to do a drawing to depict what they had just heard, colour in a pre-printed poster, or make a model or something. At that 2me we had so many children and such a wide range of ages that David and Helen used to take The Youth Fellowship out of the Church Hall and into the Session Room where they would have some pre y fundamental discussions with the teenagers about the Bible and how God is in our lives every day - even though we don't always know it. But, we must realise that the way of teaching has changed and it is becoming harder and harder to keep our youngsters interested. Given the low numbers we already have, it is important we make sure that we do not lose any. We have to think of alterna2ve ways to keep the youngsters interested, but, at the same 2me give them a Chris2an message. In some instances this has been quite difficult, and in others it has been hard for some of the Congrega2on to accept a different way of teaching the (Con nued on page 6)

Chris2an message. Just think about this - Each year, when we start preparing for the Na2vity Play, it becomes apparent that we don't have enough children in the Sunday School! We don't have enough to play the parts of Mary and Joseph, plus the Shepherds and we certainly don't have 3 Wise Men! If you think back we actually didn't have a new born baby Jesus in a manger - nor did we have a crib!! But - with a lot of crea2ve thinking, especially by Jo, - we did tell the congrega2on the Christmas Story - with a modern slant. Who can forget David and Paula as the do2ng parents, with their brood of youngsters ﬁnding loads of presents in their Santa sack. As each present came out, we explained the symbolic nature of the present and the true meaning of Christmas. In case you didn't understand the story, David and Paula were depic2ng Mary and Joseph, whilst our youngsters were a mixture of the Shepherds, the Wise Men and the Angel. For our story - they were gathered in Aberdeen, but - in your imagina2on - hopefully they were in a stable in Bethlehem bringing giRs to a new born baby Jesus. Now cast your mind back and think about how Dianne got over the message about Lent and abstaining from certain things for 40 days. Every week Diane would put tempta2on in our way - giving us more and more chocolate which we were not allowed to eat. Do you know how hard that was? Oh boy - were we glad when Easter Sunday arrived - and what a feast we had!! When I Talk about a feast let me tell you this wee story - which you might ﬁnd very strange, as I tell you what we did in Sunday School one day. You see, a few weeks ago, instead of having the Sunday School in St Mark’s, we gave the children a treat and took them to Subway - The sandwich store! Now I can hear some of you going tut tut - that’s dreadful. But - let me try and explain how we used the ou2ng as a Chris2an Educa2on lesson. Firstly let me tell you it was really stressful, as everybody tried to choose what kind of sandwich they wanted. If you have ever been to Subway - you will know some of The choices: “Do you want - white bread, brown bread, Italian bread, honey-roast bread: do you want- a 6" Sub or a 12" Sub, do you want - Cheese, toasted? Do you want - chicken, ham, bacon, salami, meatballs: do you want - cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, onions, olives, le uce? (Con nued on page 28)

The General Assembly of The Church of Scotland 2015 We a ended this year’s Assembly in May as Commissioners. The Saturday morning always starts with a service followed by the elec2on and consecra2on of the new Moderator. He is Rev Angus Morrison. The Queen’s Lord High Commissioner this year was the Rt. Hon Sir David Hope, Baron Hope of Craighead, who would represent Her Majesty. Lord Hope addressed the Assembly and a message from The Queen was read. A small commi ee was appointed to draR a reply to Her Majesty. Following this the Assembly started business. The ScoCsh Bible Society presented a report to the Assembly and a special Bible to the Moderator with a digital copy of the Bible in Gaelic. The Ministers and Deacons in Civil Partnerships Overture was discussed at last year’s Assembly but referred to Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions and received suﬃcient support to be presented to become part of Church Law. ARer much discussion a vote was taken and the Overture was passed by 309 votes for and 182 against. There were a number of absten2ons and dissen2ons. In the evening, during worship, the re2ring Moderator, The Very Rev John Chalmers, gave a report on his Moderatorial year which was very interes2ng and varied. The Sunday morning Service in St Giles’ Cathedral was upliRing. There is a special atmosphere when a Church is so full some of the congrega2on have to stand. The Heart & Soul, 2015, in Princes Street Gardens had the theme of ‘Living Stones’ and was well a ended in spite of a poor weather forecast. The Monday morning worship took the form of a Communion Service and Be y was privileged to be asked to help distribute The Elements. Plenty scope to get lost in a congrega2on of around 1,500. Everything went like clockwork. The World Mission Council presented a report which included encouraging congrega2ons and presbyteries to form links by twinning with congrega2ons in other parts of the world. They spoke of the problems of human traﬃcking and the work being done to empower women to have an (Con nued on page 8)

influence in the running of their homes, ci2es and governments. The Vine Trust has been opera2ng for 30 years and Chris2an Aid for 70 years, serving the poorest people of this world in prac2cal Chris2an ways. The Ecumenical Rela2ons Commi ee reported on the explora2ons ongoing between different branches of the Chris2an Churches and rejoiced that The Church of England has formally recognised The Church of Scotland. Many of the debates were made more complicated as various commi ees had to bring joint reports. If it was complicated to listen, it must have been much more difficult to compile the reports. The Church and Society Council have a wide ranging remit, covering climate change to jus2ce for women in violent rela2onships. Organ dona2ons were to be commended on the present system of consent. The 500th anniversary of the birth of John Knox was celebrated with a special talk by a Professor from Edinburgh University. The work of John Knox was an early example of ‘team ministry’. He worked closely with song writers of the 2me. The assembly choir, of which Malcolm was a member, demonstrated a Psalm and contemporary Hymn in the seCngs of 500 years ago. Both were unaccompanied. ‘Living Stones’ and ‘Hope’ were a recurring theme throughout the week. Thanks were given for the acceptance of women in influen2al roles in the poli2cal regimes of countries like Myanmar, although they change the rules to debar some women. Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions were to be encouraged to consider using a consensus decision making system. The Social Care Report highlighted the problem of staff wages in our care homes where the funding for residents comes from Local Authori2es who pay the minimum wage, while the church wishes it pay the living wage. The difference may not seem a great amount but mul2plied by all the staff employed amounts to a vast sum. The Rev Mary Whi aker, of St John’s Church for the Deaf, Aberdeen spoke (Con nued on page 9)

through an interpreter about the difficul2es of ministry to the deaf and having good, well trained interpreters. We do not always realise that for the deaf community English is seldom their first language as sign language is their first language. These problems require considerable funding. The Youth Assembly Report was enthusias2c as usual. They had energy and ideas to match. They met every evening to discuss the following day’s reports and contributed to many of the debates throughout the week with youthful passion. It was stressed that we should keep our proper2es in good order including our manses. It was suggested that we should aim to replace the ba ery smoke and heat detectors in our buildings with those wired to mains electricity by the end of this decade. The Assembly closed with a service of Hope for the Living Stones to reach out to the world and addresses by The Moderator and the Lord High Commissioner. Anyone wishing to see the ‘Orders of Proceedings’ and ‘Daily Assembly Papers’ should please just ask us. Be*y & Malcolm Steel.

Roll Changes Change of Address Mrs Barbara Coull Mrs Margaret Rae Mrs Esther Diack

from from from

Glashieburn to Middleton Park City Centre to Garthdee Rosemount to Residen2al Care

Errata from the Summer Messenger Roll Changes Mrs Be y Ritchie from Seamount to Sheltered Housing 9

Notes on Fellowship Signing Lessons These will be led by Rev Mary Whi aker. Dates and 2mes to be given aRer the 20th of September. See the Pew Leaﬂet.

Arm Chair Travel Anyone interested in sharing their travels and watching or looking at photos of people's holidays all from the comfort of an armchair in the manse or the Church? This can take place either in the aRernoon and/or in the evening, perhaps monthly. Speak to Rev Diane.

Book Club The plan is to meet once a month to discuss what we liked etc about a chosen book. Any other sugges2ons will be welcomed. If you are interested please let us know by ﬁlling in and returning the form opposite.

Roll Changes New Member by Cer1ﬁcate Mrs Jillian Carrol from Queen Street Deaths - He will surround you with Love on that Golden Day April June June July

Mrs Katherine Kinloch Mrs Annabella (Bunty) Walls Mr Charles Maitland Mrs Mary Munro

Mastrick Rosemount Summerhill Edinburgh

OPPORTUNITY FOR FELLOWSHIP INTEREST FORM Please send or hand this form into the oﬃce or the Minister’s post box at the front door of the Church.

NAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PHONE NO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Please 2ck the fellowship(s) you are interested in. There are no restric2ons as to how many you 2ck. 1] Signing Classes On the chart below, please indicate the days/2mes you are available. 2] Arm Chair Travel Club On the chart below, please indicate the days/2mes you are available. 3] Book Club On the chart below, please indicate the days/2mes you are available. Other sugges1ons for fun and fellowship

M T W T F S Signing Classes Morn Armchair Travel Morn Book Club Other

AR’n

Even

AR’n

Even

Morn

AR’n

Even

Morn

AR’n

Even

Please 1ck the best 1mes and days for yourself. 11

Ma*hew 5: 1 - 10 This Chapter of Ma hew’s Gospel contains the eight Bea2tudes spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. But what if the Devil had wri en them, or wri en his own, perhaps they might read like this?: Blessed are those who are too 2red, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Chris2ans in Church; They are my best workers. Blessed are those Chris2ans who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked; I can use them. Blessed are the touchy; with a bit of luck, they may stop going to Church; They are my missionaries. Blessed are those who are very religious but get on everyone’s nerves; They are mine forever. Blessed are the troublemakers; They shall be called my children. Blessed are those who have no 2me to pray; They are easy prey for me. Blessed are the gossipers; For they are my secret agents. Blessed are those cri2cal of Church leadership For they shall inherit a place with me in my fate. Blessed are the complainers; I’m all ears for them. Blessed are you when you read this and think it’s about other people and not yourself; I’ve got you! 12

Deadlines Winter 2015 Spring 2016

Sunday 15 November 2015 Sunday 14 February 2016

Easter Sunday is on 27 March 2016

Coﬀee Shops Results from our Summer Coﬀee Shops up to the end of August have been: June: £1,602.64 July: £1,910.66 August: £2,544.74 £6,058.04

Manuel Nirosh Samaranyaka Manuel lives in Sri Lanka and is the son of one of our members. He is seriously ill and needs a kidney transplant but unlike here in Scotland there is no NHS to help him. That’s why we have raised funds for him as well as oﬀering our prayers for him and his family. To date we have sent £2,285.25 to the Bank of Ceylon in London for conversion to Sri Lankan Rupees and onward transmission to Manuel in Ganemulla. We con2nue to fundraise for him. All dona2ons should be sent to the Treasurer marked for Manuel.

Presbytery Review Team We are going to be visited by a team of three from Aberdeen Presbytery. They will be talking with diﬀerent people and spending a year with us. This is a new way of helping and suppor2ng all Churches to plan in a posi2ve way for the way God is guiding them to go in the future. 13

Worship Calendar Worship Calendar Worship Calendar Please note that Sunday morning services at St Mark’s normally start at 11.00am. Any changes will be in2mated in the Pew Leaﬂet. Further details of the services will be available on the Church website or in the Pew Leaﬂet. www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk/stmarks-worship.htm Service details will be limited to the Bible Readings 13 September 11.00am Morning Worship Stewardship Season Deuteronomy 4: 1 - 2; John 5: 1 - 5 20 September 11.00am Morning Worship Induc2on to Eldership of Gail Hogg Psalm 54; John 9: 13 - 41 27 September 11.00am Morning Worship Stewardship Season John 11: 1 - 16, 16 - 27 4 October

11.00am Morning Worship Stewardship Season Psalm 8; Mark 10: 2 - 16

11 October

11.00am Morning Worship Service of Holy Communion Mark 10: 17 - 31; Psalm 90: 13 - 17

18 October

11.00am Morning Worship Final Stewardship Season Service Mark 10: 35 - 45; Psalm 91: 1 - 3 Followed by a ‘Beano’ in the hall!

25 October

11.00am Morning Worship Harvest Fes2val

Con2nued on Page 15 aRer the Supplement 14

St Markâ€™s Church Duty Rotas Autumn Messenger Pull-out Supplement Beadle Duty Rota

Sunday, September 13, 2015 Sunday, September 20, 2015 Sunday, September 27, 2015 Sunday, October 4, 2015 Sunday, October 11, 2015 Sunday, October 18, 2015 Sunday, October 25, 2015 Sunday, November 1, 2015 Sunday, November 8, 2015 Sunday, November 15, 2015 Sunday, November 22, 2015 Sunday, November 29, 2015 Sunday, December 6, 2015 Sunday, December 13, 2015 Sunday, December 20, 2015 Thursday, December 24, 2015 Friday, December 25, 2015 Sunday, December 27, 2015 Sunday, January 3, 2016 Sunday, January 10, 2016

Mr Alex McConochie Mr Garry Watson Mr Graeme Low Mr Alan Brown Mr Lewis Donaldson Mr Bill Forbes Mr Malcolm Steel Mr Maurice McFarlane Mr Graeme Low Mr Ian Lord Mr Alan Brown Mr Garry Watson Mr Ian Lord Mr Alan Brown Mr Alex McConochie Mr Derek Caie Mr Ian Lord Mr Garry Watson Mr Graeme Low Mr Maurice McFarlane

Miss Dianne Morrison Mrs Carol Main Mrs Lynn Low Miss Elaine Macdonald Mrs Anne Donaldson Mrs Joyce Forbes Mrs Betty Steel Mrs Helen Burr Mrs Jaqueline Hepburn Miss Margaret Rennie Miss Rosalyn Rennie Mrs Alice Officer Mrs Marjorie Lord Mrs Helen McKenzie Mrs Arlene Grant Mrs Mary Caie Miss Dianne Morrison Mrs Carol Main Mrs Lynn Low Miss Elaine Macdonald

Sunday October 11 and Sunday January 10 (2016) are Communion Sundays

St Markâ€™s Church Duty Rotas Autumn Messenger Pull-out Supplement Door Duty Rota

Bill Forbes Lewis Donaldson Mrs Sandra Andrew Miss Margaret Rennie Miss Elsa Black Mr Alan Brown Mr Derek Caie Miss Margaret Donald Miss Dianne Morrison Mr Graeme Low Miss Jean Black Mrs Kay Montgomery Miss Elaine Macdonald Mr William McDonald Mrs Alice Officer Mrs Betty Steel Miss Sylvia Strachan Mr David Yacamini

Joyce Forbes Anne Donaldson Mrs Margaret Brown Mrs Helen Burr Miss Jean Black Mrs Sheila Main Mrs Carol Main Mrs Mary Caie Mrs Jaqueline Hepburn Miss Margaret Rennie Mrs Lynn Low Miss Elsa Black Mr Milton Montgomery Mr Maurice McFarlane Mrs Helen McKenzie Miss Rosalyn Rennie Mr Malcom Steel Mr Garry Watson Mrs Jean Yacamini

Mr Bill Forbes Mr Lewis Donaldson

Mrs Joyce Forbes Mrs Anne Donaldson

Miss Margaret Rennie

Sunday October 11 and Sunday January 10 (2016) are Communion Sundays when 5 OďŹƒce Bearers are required to be on Door Duty

St Markâ€™s Church Duty Rotas Autumn Messenger Pull-out Supplement Church Readers Rota

Mr Alex McConochie Miss Elsa Black Miss Jean Black Mr Malcolm Steel Mr David Yacamini Mrs Arlene Grant Miss Carole-Anne Brazendale Mr Alex McConochie Mr Milton Montgomery Mrs Kay Montgomery Mrs Helen Burr Mrs Anne Donaldson Miss Elaine Macdonald Mr Malcolm Steel Mrs Arlene Grant Mr Alex McConochie Mrs Anne Donaldson Miss Elsa Black Miss Jean Black Mr Malcolm Steel

Sunday October 11 and Sunday January 10 (2016) are Communion Sundays

St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Autumn Messenger Pull-out Supplement Flower Supply & Distribu1on Rota

Date

13 September, 2015 20 September, 2015 27 September, 2015 4 October, 2015 11 October, 2015 18 October, 2015 25 October, 2015 1 November, 2015 8 November, 2015 15 November, 2015 22 November, 2015 29 November, 2015 6 December, 2015 13 December, 2015 20 December, 2015 27 December, 2015 3 January, 2016 10 January, 2016

Provision

Mrs Arlene Grant Misses J & E Black Mrs I Sutherland Mrs E Leslie Mrs & Miss Morrison Mrs M Caie Mrs K McBain Mrs L Watson Mrs M Caie Mrs F Macdonald Miss K Annand Miss S Strachan Miss A McDonald Mrs Pamela McDonald Miss M Donald Miss Oonagh Watt

Distribution

Mrs Sutherland Mrs Christie Mrs & Miss Morrison Mr McFarlane

Mrs Yacamini Mrs McDonald Mrs Donaldson Mrs Lord Mrs Yacamini For the Minister Miss O Watt Mrs S Main

Mrs S Mann

Sunday October 11 and Sunday January 10 (2016) are Communion Sundays

As you can see there ia a gap in the Flower Provision list and five in the Flower Distribu2on Rota this quarter. Receiving the Church flowers gives a real boost to bereaved or ill members and all you have to do is drop them off on the way home. Please think about helping out in this small way. One day it might be you receiving them. 18

Worship Calendar Worship Calendar Worship Calendar 1 November

11.00am Morning Worship Rev Andy Chris2e

8 November

10.50am Morning Worship Remembrance Sunday Rev Diane Hobson

15 November

11.00am Morning Worship BB Dedica2on Service Marking 110 years

22 November

11.00am Morning Worship Celebra2ng Bible Sunday

29 November

11.00am Morning Worship Chris2ngle Service

6 December

11.00am Morning Worship TBC

13 December

11.00am Morning Worship TBC

18 December

Shoppersâ€™ Carol Service to be followed by soup & sandwich lunch

20 December

11.00am Morning Worship Sunday School Na2vity Service (tbc)

24 December

10.45pm Carols & Fun 11.30pm Watchnight Service

St Mark’s Stewardship Everyone will recall our very successful Stewardship Programme which started in 2012 with Talents and then ran in 2013 dealing with Money involving all of the congrega2on and our Gatherings. In 2014 when the theme was Time we dealt with this from the Pulpit. Now in 2015 we are back to dealing with Talents and Diane will preach a Stewardship Season beginning on Sunday 13 September. The season will conclude aRer the October Communion Service with a free social event on Sunday 18 October immediately aRer worship and to which you are all invited. To allow for catering arrangements to be planned it would help to know who will a end. Please return the slip below to the church on or before Communion Sunday.

INVITATION TO OUR TALENTS ‘BEANO’ Everyone is invited to the ‘Beano’ to mark the end of our Stewardship Talents Season on Sunday 18 October 2015 aRer worship. Please RSVP Name(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . will be coming to the ‘Beano’ on Sunday 18 October 2015 ‘Beano’ the name of a kid’s comic o(en used to describe any party with food.

A Note from the Treasurer We are now into the third quarter of the year and it is too early to predict how it will turn out. We have however completed the first half year, on 30 June, when we ended up with a surplus of £9,278. However it must be borne in mind a) that extraordinary income of £9,074 from redeemed War Stock and b) extraordinary expenditure of £30,000 was incurred inves2ng in the Church of Scotland Investors Trust. The year started badly with poor weather keeping regular a endances down and FWO income also down. At the end on the first six months when we might have expected to receive 50% of our regular FWO income we only reached 48%. However the Open Plate and Other Dona2ons were above expecta2on at over 60% and so at the end of the period, overall we were at 49% of budget. In rela2on to expenditure, happily this was also at 48% of budget, ignoring the £30,000 investment. Fabric costs however were at 90% of the annual budget and with plans to upgrade toilet provision, including a new accessible toilet, and redecora2on of the hall, costs in this regard will increase over this year and next. On a happier note our Summer Coffee Shops have done well as the following figures will show: June: £1,602.64, July: £1,910.66, August: £2,544.74 In rela2on to the weather’s impact on giving, how about using a Standing Order? It’s easy to set up and to change or cancel it if your circumstances change. Your offering is received even if you can’t make it to church any Sunday. Ask me for a form and more informa2on. And while you’re at it how about a GiR Aid Form. If you are a taxpayer St Mark’s can claim back the tax you pay on your offering, speak to me or to Lynn Low the GiR Aid Convener. Alex McConochie 21

St Mark’s Sco sh Country Dance Class The class resumes on Wednesday 9th September 2015 at 7.30pm in the Church hall. We meet fortnightly un2l December when we meet on 2nd and 9th. Our numbers do need a boost so new faces, bring a friend, neighbour etc, will be warmly welcomed - as of course are our current members. Our Dates 9th September &

23rd September

7th October

21st October

4th November

18th November

2nd December 9th December - Party Night

The St Mark’s Strollers The Strollers were only ‘rained oﬀ’ one Tuesday but for various reasons they were not able to have their usual Saturday aRernoon summer ou2ngs beyond the city. However they did take part in the ScoCsh Bible Society, ‘Walk the Way’ along the Deeside railway Line and raised £200. Many thanks to those who contributed so generously. As our numbers remain small we would gladly welcome new members on any of the following dates:October

November

Tuesday 10.00am Saturday 2.00pm

December 1

22 12 22

The Guild Where did the summer go? The new session of the Guild commences on Monday October 5th and we look forward to seeing all our members again. It would be lovely to welcome some new members. Our syllabus un2l the end of the year is as follows:October 5th

Guild Theme - ‘Be Bold Be Strong’ Mrs Myrtle Anderson-Smith

October 19th

Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust Mr David Smith

October 26th

BEETLE DRIVE - with Men’s Club

November 2nd

Shetland Bus Mr George West

November 16th ‘A trip to Iceland’ Mrs Shirley Milton December 7th

Joint Christmas Party - with Men’s Club

We will be holding a Coﬀee Morning on Saturday 7th November. If anyone would like more informa2on please contact:President: Mrs M Lord (01224) 321882 Secretary: Mrs A Donaldson (01224) 575663

St Mark’s Rambling Group Since the last magazine the walkers have been very ac2ve. Wednesday 4th June saw a few walkers take the bus to Newtonhill for the coastal walk to Cove. It was a lovely day with nice views and we took 2me to stop occasionally to admire the scenery and for a cuppa. What is hoped to be a series of regular summer evening walks started on Wednesday 8th July and took us on a circular walk on the recently updated paths around Hazlehead Woods and Golf Course and finishing back in the park. It was a good evening for this walk and was well a ended. Thursday evening 30th July took us from Footdee all the way along the lower prom to the mouth of the River Don and we returned by the upper prom. Six walkers took part in this fine evening stroll and it was enjoyed especially as the weather stayed dry and warm. On Wednesday 5th August aRer taking the bus to Milton of Crathes we had a lovely easy walk around the Castle grounds although the weather was damp and drizzly it didn’t spoil the day for a few hardy walkers. Tuesday 11th August saw only four walkers take the bus to Udny Sta2on for the walk along the old railway to Newmachar. A good walk with plenty of laughter and even when the rain started it didn’t dampen spirits. Wednesday 12th Aug was another evening walk from the Bay of Nigg car park along the lower shore to beside the old lighthouse and from there to the South Breakwater where we walked along the lower level un2l coming back onto the road for the walk over the hill beside the golf course and returning to the car. A nice walk on a fine evening even though it was perhaps a li le breezy 24

The future walks planned are Wednesday 21st October Banchory to Drumoak Thursday 29th October Inverbervie coastal walk Tuesday 3rd November River Don circular Wednesday 18th November Cults to the Duthie Park Other local Winter Walks may be organised at short no2ce. If you plan joining us on any of the walks please contact Ian on 01224 321882 or 07929720846 a couple of days before to see if it is s2ll on and for travel arrangements and other informa2on.

The Men’s Club start their winter session on the 5th October and we would be pleased to welcome new members. We share some mee2ngs with the ladies of the Guild and have Games Nights that feature carpet bowls, darts or dominoes and all ﬁnish with a cuppa. Please come along and support us. Listed below are the details of the mee2ngs planned un2l the next issue of the magazine. October October October November November November December

5th 19th 26th 2nd 16th 30th 7th

Welcome back games night Aberdeen Football Community Trust with the Guild Beetle Drive with the Guild Shetland Bus a talk by Mr Wa with the Guild Travels in Iceland by Shirley Milton with the Guild Games night Christmas meal with the Guild

For more informa2on contact any of the oﬃce bearers: Milton Montgomery 01224 486839 Graeme Low 01569 549391 Ian Lord 01224 321882 Derek Caie 01224 317978 25

The Malawi Commi*ee The Commi ee met recently to discuss possible future events at St. Mark's and also to look at ways of raising awareness of Mpachika within the congrega2on. Bethany Hogg has resigned from the commi ee as she is moving to Glasgow to start a post-graduate course. She will be missed. Jillian Carrol, a recent member to St. Mark's, was asked if she would like to become a member of the commi ee and she accepted. Ways of keeping Mpachika high proďŹ le at St. Mark's were discussed. This is proving to be quite diďŹƒcult as our Malawian friends are so far away and communica2on can be erra2c. However it was decided to make the Malawi board more no2ceable and ensure that it is kept up to date. Photographs recently arrived of the Minister and some Session members at Mpachika and these have been added to the no2ce board in the hall. It is also intended to make a banner of the statement taken from the World Mission booklet which gives an excellent explana2on of how meaningful twinning with another church abroad can be. Carol Main is going to liaise with Anne Donaldson, of the Projects Commi ee, regarding a possible joint fund-raiser. The commi ee also believe that it is very important to remember Mpachika in the prayers during the service on a Sunday morning. Ideas for future events would be very welcome. David Yacamini (Convener) Twinning is about friendship and partnership in a common cause to deepen faith and mission among the people of God. It brings together people across great distances and diďŹ€erences, both interna2onally and within Scotland. 26

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Wheelie Bin storage

Re-cycling Folding Table and Bench Set storage

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(Con nued from page 6)

Do you want - mayonnaise, tomato sauce, ranch sauce, barbeque sauce, thousand island? Do you want - water, Coca Cola, Fanta, Seven Up, Tea, Coffee - The list goes on and on, but, at the end of the day, we all got what we wanted - eventually! Although it was a cold and windy day, it was a happy walk back to St Mark's Church with everybody chaCng and discussing the interes2ng things they had done in the previous week, or what we were going to do the following week. It was an even happier bunch when we got back to the Church Hall and sat down to eat our sandwiches and drink the water, fizzy juice, or coffee - we had chosen. Now maybe you’re siCng wondering what is this all about. Has Allan lost the plot? How can having a Subway sandwich possibly be thought of as having a Chris2an message? Well, if nothing else, we are a crea2ve team and as we savoured our food and drinks, we reminded the children that God provides us with so many things that we some2mes take for granted, so much food - so much thirst quenching liquids. Some2mes, God’s message comes to you in the strangest of ways and that night when I was telling Katriona and my kids what we had done - a strange thought came into my head. I certainly haven't read the Bible from cover to cover, but, I remembered that there is a Bible verse about ‘choice’. John Chapter I5 -Verses 16 and 17: ‘You did not choose me, but, I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask The Father in My name, he may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.’ I don't actually know if any of the Sunday School Leaders actually volunteered, or were chosen to help out in the Sunday School. Maybe someone chose us, maybe someone guided us, or maybe some higher authority appointed us; who knows? Let’s actually forget about the leaders and reflect on who could be classified as the “fruit”. Maybe the “fruit” in this instance could be our group of youngsters in the St Mark's Sunday School. Maybe Ma hew could be an apple, maybe Jamie could be an orange, maybe Glen could be a pear, 28

maybe Cameron could be a plum, maybe Chloé could be a peach. If we had more children, the list could go on and on, but, like any bowl of fruit, it takes diﬀerent things to make a wonderful package. Our fruit grow a wee bit every week - and it wasn't so long ago that we thought they were all babies or li le kids. “Fruit” - like our Sunday School kids - ripens and grows. Ul2mately, we know it will become a lot harder for our youngsters to keep coming to Church as they go through their teenage years. So many other things come into their lives. Lots and lots of School Work, Exams, Boys’ Brigade, Cubs, Scouts, Dancing Compe22ons etc etc. What you as a Congrega2on need to do is to help us nurture our fruit, to help them grow and develop, to encourage them and love them - in any way that you can - in the hope that of their own free choice, they will choose to lead a Chris2an Life.

Summer Coffee Shops We are well through the Coffee Shops and again they have been very busy and very successful. Unfortunately each year we have some difficulty having enough people to cover and this does mean that we see the same faces working on a lot more than their allo ed dates. Many thanks are due to all who have given their 2me and help each Saturday and to all who have donated Home Baking and Raffle prizes, we could not con2nue without this support. Thanks also to you all for coming along, with your friends, each week to support the Coffee Shops.

Christmas Coffee Shops This year’s Coffee Shops will be held on 5th, 12th and 19th December. Yet again we would ask for your support with dona2ons of Baking, Raffles etc, but we would especially like to see you and your friends.

Projects We held our Indoor Garden Party/Summer Fun Day on Sunday aRernoon, 19th July. This was a very successful event with a lovely aRernoon tea, delicious home baking stall and raﬄe. Thanks to Alex for organising the exci2ng quizzes which everyone enjoyed! The amount raised on the day was a magniﬁcent £677.75. A big thank you, to all who supported and contributed in any way.

I don’t know what the future holds, But I do know Who holds the future. 30

Guild of Friendship Our session starts on Monday 5 October when our guest is Rev Diane Hobson. We look forward to mee2ng up with our “familiar faces” and hopefully a “new” one or two. Our mee2ngs for 2015 are as follows: October 5

Rev D Hobson

Beetle Drive

“Sounds Familiar” (Music Group)

Jess’ Doll’s House

November 2

Bring & Buy Sale

“Audacity” (Choir)

Gentle Exercise with Anita

Ian Lord (Film Show)

Fiona G (Music)

December 7 14

Beacon Singers (Choir) Christmas Party

St Mark's Church

Minister

Rev Diane Hobson 65 Mile End Avenue

641758

Session Clerks

Mr Ian and Mrs Marjorie Lord 27 Hazelhead Road

321882

Clerk to The Miss Dianne Morrison Board and FWO 45 Bonnymuir Place Treasurer

630161

Treasurer

Mr Alex McConochie 73 Oakhill Grange

950338

Gift Aid Convener

Mrs Lynn Low 6 St Johnâ€™s Walk, Newtonhill

01569 549391

Organist

Mrs Kathleen Anderson 15 Countesswells Terrace

321584

Church Secretary

Miss Carole Brazendale St Mark's Church Rosemount Viaduct AB25 1JY

640672

Church Office Down steps between the Church and Library. Open 10.00 am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday. Answering machine operates when the office is closed. Leave name, message and contact number.

Editor

Alex McConochie: messenger@stmarksaberdeen.org.uk www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk 32