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Index to the Summer 2016 Issue Le er from the Manse

3 The Parable of the PC

Guild of Friendship/Roll

5 Sunday School

Summer Coﬀee Shops

6 A Note from the Treasurer

Malawi / O.A.K.

7 Hillwalkers & Ramblers

Worship Calendar

8 Cartoon

Duty Rotas Pull Out

9 St Mark’s Contacts

This quarter’s magazine is a bit thinner than usual and you will see, or rather not see, some of the regular items are not included. As organisa:ons/commi ees prepare to close down for the summer there is less informa:on which they wish to pass on and so ar:cles have not been provided. Here’s hoping that when we are ready for the Autumn and Winter issues that there will be much more to tell us all about. If you have something/anything you want to share in the Messenger details of the deadlines for ar:cles are on Page 6. Editor messenger@stmarksaberdeen.org.uk

Aberdeen St Mark's Church of Scotland is a registered Sco sh charity No SC015451 St Mark’s is twinned with Mpachika Church Malawi 2

Le)er from the Manse Many years ago when we lived in Aberdeenshire David and I organised a set of “tours for our friends” based on a stay of anything from a few days to two weeks. Naturally Aberdeen City was on the, “must do list.” The “Granite City Visitors’ Tour” would include the Art Gallery, the Mari:me Museum, the glass houses of Duthie Park and a walk along the beach for an ice cream or something warmer. The list expanded as we grew to know the city a li le more. Since we returned here over 5 years ago we have an even larger number of places to enjoy on our list for Aberdeen. David has discovered lots of beau:ful places on his walks with the St Mark’s walking group. I know Ian and the group would be happy for people to join them. They have an interes:ng selec:on of walks coming up. It is a constant surprise to hear of and discover new parts of Aberdeen City. Recently I came upon the Merchant Quarter. Despite the April snow falling fast it looks a great place to visit and enjoy the restaurants and cafes. History is important and we can very oDen forget ours. We have some old photographs of the life of St Mark’s Church. We would like to add to that collec:on and have a display of photographs. If you would happily share your memories with others please hand a copy of a photo or picture into the oﬃce. (Please add your name and address on the back indica:ng, the event recorded on the photo, the people involved and if you want the picture back.) This is an important year for many reasons. Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her 90th Birthday, we have had the elec:ons for the ScoIsh Parliament, the 2016 General Assembly of the Church of (Con nued on page 4)

Scotland will take place in May, the vote to stay or to leave the EU will be taken and we may have visitors from Malawi in September. By the end of October the normal 5 year review of St Mark’s Church by Presbytery will be ﬁnished. The end result will be a report and an ‘Ac:on Plan’ to follow as a Church in the next 5 years. The Ac:on plan has been developed by St Mark’s leadership through prayer, discussion and considera:on of the answers to the ques:ons asked about 4 areas of Church life in the next 5 years. In the next issue of this magazine it is hoped to publish more on the review and St Mark’s Ac:on plan. It would be good to hear from people about their faith and life stories, maybe memories of your childhood. Please send any you have to the oﬃce, myself or Alex McConochie, editor of this magazine. Over the next few months please let me know if there is anything you would like myself and the Leadership, (the Kirk Session and the Congrega:onal Board) to know about St Mark’s Church life. Construc:ve cri:cism, ques:ons and new ideas are always welcome. I hold St Mark’s in my prayers. In Jesus’s Fellowship.

Thank God for our physical and our spiritual nourishment!

Guild of Friendship It is with mixed feelings that I write this, my last ar:cle for the Messenger. On 21 March 2016 I decided to give up the Guild of Friendship, aDer 28 years! It certainly does not seem that length of :me and I have thoroughly enjoyed the many years. Many people have given me loyalty and support, especially the present commi ee to whom I give my grateful thanks. Although I will no longer be leading the mee:ngs I do hope to be able to come along and enjoy some Monday aDernoons. Pat Skene

Roll Changes Moved Changes of Address Miss Sheena Henry Ms Sharon Arthur Mr Brian Brazendale

Ashley Provost Rust Woodside

Residen:al Care Bankhead, Bucksburn Mastrick

New Members by Resolu/on Tom & Diana Adamson

City Centre

Disjunc/ons Mr & Mrs & Miss Middleton

Cove Bay

Deaths - He will surround you with love on that Golden Day 19 10 2 12 31

January February March March March

Miss Margaret Donald Mrs Edna Leys Miss Edith Duncan Mr Jackie Hay Mrs Rita McWilliam 5

Holburn Ferryhill Cults Bridge of Don Bridge of Don

St Mark’s Summer Coffee Shops The Coffee Shops will begin on Saturday 4th June and con:nue un:l the middle of September. Your support is what makes these events successful so please come along and bring some friends with you for the best value morning coffee and light lunch in the town. As ever, dona:ons of home baking and raffles will be gratefully received. If anyone can offer help on any Saturday, even for a short :me, please speak to Anne Donaldson or phone her on (01224) 575663.

Projects Commi)ee We will be holding the Annual Summer Fun Day/ADernoon Tea in the hall on Sunday 17th July from 2 – 4pm, with the usual stalls, quizzes raﬄe etc. Please come along and support this fun event.

Deadlines for Future Issues Autumn 2016 Winter 2016 Spring 2017

Sunday 21 August 2016 Sunday 20 November 2016 Sunday 12 March 2017

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

St Mark’s Malawi Commi)ee The Malawi Commi ee met recently to discuss possible events for future fundraising. The following is a list of sugges:ons which the commi ee proposed as viable op:ons. A Pot Luck Lunch, which in the past has proved to be popular and successful. Possible date is 26 June. To be confirmed. Quiz evening to be organised by David Yacamini and Alex McConochie. Date s:ll to be set. A coffee morning which is booked for the 1 October. A Cheese and Wine/Ladies Night. This will be a joint project with the Malawi and Projects Commi ees. On the evening you will be able to start your Christmas shopping! Provisional date is 4 November. Other possible fundraisers may be a Beetle Drive and a Silent Auc:on. Please keep an eye out for confirmed dates either in the Pew Leaflet or the next St Mark's Messenger. The commi ee value your support and hope to see a good turnout at any future events. David Yacamini

The OAK Report O.A.K. had a successful Special Lunch in April in aid of the ﬂood vic:ms in the North East of Scotland. We look forward to our next Special Lunch on 9th June when the beneﬁIng charity is The ScoIsh Bible Society. Our event in September is an ADernoon Tea on the 30th. This is part of the Macmillan Cancer Care fundraising. We look forward to seeing all our regular customers for a happy aDernoon of chat and eats. Our November Lunch is in aid of DENTAID and we will again be collec:ng toothbrushes which the dental team will take with them to Uganda. We wish you all a pleasant summer with memorable holidays. Be)y & Malcolm Steel. 7

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 in:mated 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 22 May

11.00am Morning Worship Trinity Sunday Service led by Alex McConochie

29 May

11.00am Morning Worship ‘Singing a new song to God’ A Songs of Praise service

5 June

11.00am Morning Worship ‘Being included and involved in Church life’

12 June

11.00am Morning Worship Service of Holy Communion 2.00pm Circle of Care Communion

19 June

11.00am Morning Worship ‘Fas:ng from Judging’

26 June

11.00am Morning Worship ‘Four Ways to be at Peace’

Details of future Services can be found on the Pew Leaﬂet or on the web-site.

When you are DOWN to nothing . . . God is UP to something!

St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Summer Messenger Pull-out Supplement 2016 Beadle Duty Rota

22 May, 2016 29 May, 2016 5 June, 2016 12 June, 2016 19 June, 2016 26 June, 2016 3 July, 2016 10 July, 2016 17 July, 2016 24 July, 2016 31 July, 2016 7 August, 2016 14 August, 2016 21 August, 2016 28 August, 2016 4 September, 2016 11 September, 2016 18 September, 2016 25 September, 2016 2 October, 2016 9 October, 2016 16 October, 2016

Mrs Jillian Caroll Mr Graeme Low

Miss Dianne Morrison Mrs Lynn Low

Mr Malcolm Steel

Mrs Betty Steel

Mrs Helen Burr Mr Lewis Donaldson Mr Bill Forbes Mr Graeme Low Mr Ian Lord Mr Alan Brown Mrs Carol Main Mr Malcolm Steel Mr Ian Lord Mr Alan Brown Mr Derek Caie Mrs Jillian Caroll Mr Graeme Low Mr Alan Brown Mr Lewis Donaldson Mr Bill Forbes Mr Malcolm Steel Mr Graeme Low Mr Ian Lord

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

Please note that the above rota may well be different from earlier published details. Clashes between du:es (door/beadle/ communion/reading) are unavoidable and it is becoming more difficult to avoid certain Sundays. If for any reason you are unable to do the dates rota’d please find a subs:tute from within the list and arrange a ‘swap’

St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Winter Messenger Pull-out Supplement Door Duty Rota

Mrs Sandra Andrew Miss Margaret Rennie Miss Elsa Black Mr Alan Brown Mr Derek Caie Mrs Betty Steel Mrs Gail Hogg Mr Graeme Low Miss Elsa Black Mrs Kay Montgomery Miss Elaine Macdonald Mr William McDonald Mrs Alice Officer Mrs Betty Steel Mr Derek Caie Mr David Yacamini Bill Forbes Lewis Donaldson Mrs Sandra Andrew Miss Margaret Rennie Miss Elsa Black Mr Alan Brown

Mrs Margaret Brown Mrs Helen Burr Miss Jean Black Miss Rosalyn Rennie Mrs Arlene Grant Mrs Mary Caie Mrs Jaqueline Hepburn Mrs Carol Main Mrs Lynn Low Miss Dianne Morrison Mr Milton Montgomery Mrs Jillian Caroll Mrs Helen McKenzie Miss Rosalyn Rennie Mr Malcom Steel Mrs Mary Caie Mrs Jean Yacamini Joyce Forbes Mrs Anne Donaldson Mrs Margaret Brown Mrs Helen Burr Miss Jean Black Miss Rosalyn Rennie Mrs Carol Main

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

22 May, 2016 29 May, 2016 5 June, 2016 12 June, 2016 12 June, 2016 19 June, 2016 26 June, 2016 3 July, 2016 10 July, 2016 17 July, 2016 24 July, 2016 31 July, 2016 7 August, 2016 14 August, 2016 21 August, 2016 28 August, 2016 4 September, 2016 11 September, 2016 18 September, 2016 25 September, 2016 2 October, 2016 9 October, 2016 9 October, 2016 16 October, 2016

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

St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Winter Messenger Pull-out Supplement Flower Supply & Distribu/on Rota Date

Provision

Mrs J Yacamini Mrs A Munro Mrs M Lord Rev Diane Hobson Miss Jenny Guyan Mrs S Main Mrs M Lamb Mrs G Hogg Mrs M Rae Miss A McDonald Mrs J Forbes Miss Sheena Henry Mrs A Officer Mr Alex McConochie Mrs M Brown Mrs P Skene Mrs I Mann Mrs Arlene Grant Misses J & E Black Mrs I Sutherland Mrs E Leslie Mrs & Miss Morrison Mrs M Caie

Distribu:on

Mrs J Yacamini Mrs A Munro Mrs M Lord Mrs Yacamini Mrs S Main Mrs B Coull

Mrs Yacamini Mrs Officer Mr McConochie Mrs Brown

Mrs Sutherland Mrs Christie Mrs & Miss Morrison Mr McFarlane

As you can see there are quite a number of gaps in the Flower Distribu:on 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.

The Parable of the PC By Al Boyce In those days there were three computers, endowed equally by their Maker with processing power, memory and addressable storage. But Satan corrupted each opera:ng system with the sly installa:on of spyware, browser hijackers and security holes un:l there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. The Maker, in His mercy, sent down His Holy Spirit to the despairing computers. The Holy Spirit appeared to each in the form of a System Update to close the security holes and shore up the despairing soDware. It asked the ques:on of each PC: Do you want to run System Update? and oďŹ€ering a checkbox saying "Always trust" the Maker. The ďŹ rst PC, fearing yet another infec:on, quickly closed the update window. Within hours, the spyware already on it called out to legions of viruses and malware un:l the system shut down completely. The second PC accepted the update, but was too frightened to check the "Always trust" box. It sighed with relief as the Holy Spirit cleaned its systems and saved it from the worst of the demons. And it walked away with a false sense of security that it would be protected from future onslaughts. Within the month, spyware and malware crept back into the second PC and, before it could cry out to the Maker, it, too, crashed. The third PC gratefully accepted the update and, in a leap of faith, checked the "Always trust" box. Like the second PC, it received the merciful update from its Maker and began to feel much be er. And then, as days and weeks went by, the Maker sent the Holy Spirit unbidden to shore up the PC's systems - even when the PC was unaware it was being a acked. Before long, the third PC was becoming famous among all its brethren for having the fewest problems, for working the fastest and for never seeming to worry when others crashed around it. To those who asked, the third PC had only this advice: "Always trust the Maker." 13

The St Mark’s Sunday School They say a picture says more than a thousand words so here are some images from the Sunday School of the recent Bikeathon run from Udny Sta:on to Ellon and back again.

Ready to Go

En Route

Arrival at Ellon

Ice Cream :me

This one is a picture of a Rose, ‘Absent Friends’ which the Sunday School have added to the plan:ng outside the hall in memory of old friends, no longer with us, who over the years have helped out and supported the children and their ac:vi:es.

A Note from the Treasurer Here we are with the Summer Messenger but thanks to the deadline date for contribu:ons I can really only speak about our First Quarter results up to 31 March. Those of you who a ended this year's AGM will know that I reported on a final out-turn for 2015 with a year end surplus of £7,949 but a disappoin:ng result in terms of giving. Our FWO and Standing Orders were lower by £4,000 than in 2014. It’s a good job therefore that 2016 is a ‘Money’ year in terms of our Stewardship Programme. However I am pleased to be able to report that at the end of our First Quarter both FWO and SO income show improvement, both running very slightly ahead of budget, so let’s hope for permanent improvement. We ended up with a very modest overall deficit of £764, but that’s not bad for the first three months. Both overall income and expenditure were below budget with expenditure very slightly ahead of income, thus the deficit. Last Messenger you got a Stewardship leaflet which was produced inhouse and this :me there is one from the Church of Scotland. ‘What happens when we place £10 in the offering plate on Sunday?’ explains what happens to our offerings. Please read this and consider if you can help more in the work of the Church. Last year St Mark’s income, from all sources, was £130,491, of this a total of £63,013 was contributed to the wider work of the church through our Ministries and Mission alloca:on, the rest went on local costs, such as staff wages, electricity and gas, building maintenance and so on, the usual ‘household’ expenses. This year, 2016, is another Stewardship ‘Money’ Programme year and you will hear more about Stewardship and what you can do to help throughout the year both in the magazine and from the pulpit. Alex McConochie 15

St Mark’s Rambling and Hillwalking Group The group have been out and about and ac:ve since the last magazine and the following are some of the rambles that we have enjoyed. The February walk planned for Bennachie had to be postponed but a couple of days later a lovely walk took us around Johnston Gardens, passed Walker Dam and followed various trails through the woods to the park at Hazlehead. The first walk in March comprised of only two walkers so the route was changed and it took us by bus to Kingwells then following various forest trails and paths we met up with the Deeside railway line which we followed to the Duthie Park. A good long walk was enjoyed with lovely views. On Saturday 12th March a Saturday ou:ng to Glentanar using different paths within the estate let the walkers see just how the storms in December and January affected the area. Part of the path was washed away by the force of the water and a large number of trees uprooted. However, an enjoyable walk was had by all with lots of laughter. March 29th saw 5 walkers enjoy a walk from Bucksburn up the old Howes Road to Kingwells and from there to Dobbies Garden Centre before finishing the walk at the park at Hazlehead. On Tuesday 5th April the group met at the bus sta:on for the run to Inverbervie for the walk along the old railway line to the Mains of Benholm and passed the old mill of Benholm before striking up the Old Coach Road that took us back to Inverbervie for the bus home. The weather was cloudy and overcast with s:ll a nip in the air. (Con nued on page 17)

ADer a short break away the leader arranged for the walkers to meet at the Monkey House on Wednesday 20th April for the start of this adventure: Down South College Street to meet the Dee at the Wellington Suspension Bridge and following the Dee all the way out to Newton of Dee at Bieldside before returning by bus. It was a good walk and the leader pointed out how much damage had been done in the storms earlier in the year. We could see how high the water had been. The path, though wet and eroded in places, took us under the Old Bridge of Dee, behind Robert Gordon University, the reservoir and Shakkin’ Briggie at Cults and along past the Deeside Golf Course. We also had a walk on Tuesday 26th April, and from mee:ng up at the foot of Don Street Tillydrone the walkers set oﬀ towards Persley walking alongside the river Don. The group experienced all four seasons in the one day from sunny to cloudy and overcast to rain, sleet, hail and a long snow shower. It is normally such a lovely walk but it challenged those who took part. The damage done during the storm in January was much in evidence with lots of debris s:ll high in the trees along the riverbank. A short break for coﬀee in the lovely walled garden beside the bridge at Persley was pleasant however on restar:ng and crossing the river the rain/sleet came on but changed to snow by the :me we got to the Tesco superstore where we sheltered from the worst of the weather. We con:nued along the riverside looking at the new Don crossing as we passed, and on to Seaton Park via the old Brig o’ Balgownie. We made our way back to Tillydrone before saying our goodbyes and returning to town on the bus. If you would like to join us please contact Ian on 01224 321882 or mobile 07929720846. E mail ianlord64@b:nternet.com (Con nued on page 18)

It is good fun and exercise and we usually take a ďŹ‚ask and something to eat. The following are planned with more being considered including evening walks. See up to date informa:on on no:ce boards in the Church or contact Ian Wednesday 15th June Edzell and Rocks of Solitude (car)

Tuesday 21st June Saturday 2nd July

Potarch to Banchory (bus) Bennachie (car)

Those people who think they know everything are annoying to those of us who do. 18

2016 19

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

Prayer Coordinator

Mrs Gail Hogg 10 Binghill Road North

868924

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 20