Aberdeen, St Mark’s Church of Scotland St Mark’s, sharing God’s love in the City Centre.’
Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter. As we come to the end of a lovely summer, we are looking forward to working together again in order to continue God’s work at St Mark’s. Now that restrictions have been further lifted, you no longer have to book a place at the service and you can also sit where you wish, always being mindful of social distancing. The one way system is still in place and masks are still required but we are moving forward. Teas and coffees will now also be served in the hall, so we can again enjoy the fellowship after the service.
Waiting!
Are you any good at waiting for things? I confess that it’s not my strong point. I am not good at waiting for things or for people. When I go on a diet, I always want to see an instant loss in weight! When I buy something online, I want it now. When something breaks down, I want to get it fixed right away. And I am sure we have all had the experience of having to wait at home for a delivery to come – and nothing is more frustrating than listening for the doorbell as the minutes and the hours tick by! And waiting is even worse when it is filled with concern. A few weeks ago, a friend was feeling unwell and asked me to take him to the COVID test centre to get a test. And then he had to wait 24 hours to get his results. Those hours seemed to last forever. Thankfully, his test came back negative. But the waiting was probably the most difficult part of the whole process! We have had to do a lot of waiting over these many months. Waiting in our homes for it to be safe to go out. Waiting for our vaccinations. Waiting for the chance to meet with family and friends. Waiting for the chance to go back to worship at Church and then waiting to be able to share tea and coffee and fellowship after the service. Folk at St. Mark’s don’t really need me to talk about waiting! For St. Mark’s and the city centre there have been many discussions and debates over the months and years about the future. But not much clarity has come. And that waiting and the accompanying lack of certainty can become very frustrating indeed.
Waiting has always been part of Christian faith, and there are many characters in the Bible who had to wait for the Lord to act, who had to wait for God’s leading. And it wasn’t any easier for them – just look at the cry of the psalmist in psalm 13: How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1-2 Even Jesus’ disciples had to wait 40 days after his ascension for the Holy Spirit to come, and the work of the kingdom to begin. But waiting for God doesn’t mean doing nothing. The disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit, spend the waiting time in praise and praise and fellowship: “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:14 And out of his waiting time, the writer of Psalm 13 is able to say: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
And so it is for us today. The waiting times of our Christian faith are never empty times. Waiting in faith is the chance to prepare. A time when we can draw closer to God and to one other. A time of devotion, reflection, praise and preparation, during which we get ready for the next action of God.
At St. Mark’s we are waiting. Waiting for the conclusions of the Presbytery planning process and waiting for the story of the Parish grouping to begin. Waiting to know what comes next in the life of this community of God’s people. But for us also, waiting should not be a time of doing nothing or of existing in limbo. Instead, as we await, let us exercise our faith. Let us spend these waiting days in prayer and praise for the work of the church and for the people of the church. Let us pray for eyes to see where God is calling his church, and for the faith to grow in each of us to follow God’s calling, even if that is somewhere unexpected. Let us ‘wait on the Lord’. God Bless, David Stewart – Interim Moderator Future Sunday Services 3 October 10 October 17 October
Prof Peter Gray Prof Peter Gray Rev Tanya Webster (Minister of Midstocket Church) 24 October Why me God, why me? 31 October Dealing with bereavement 7 November Remembrance Service (starts at 10.50 am) 14 November Joy in Christianity 21 November Joy in giving to God 28 November 1st Sunday in Advent 5 December 2nd Sunday in Advent 12 December 3rd Sunday in Advent 19 December 4th Sunday in Advent 24 December (Friday) Christmas Eve Service 26 December What now it’s all over 2 January 2022 This way forward
Message from our Locum After what I feel has been one of the best summers for a long time, in fact since 1976, we might feel that we are better prepared for the winter that lies before us. At the time of writing this at the beginning of September I could see that it is possible that we might be facing some sort of restrictions once more, or even another lockdown, mainly because some people are not taking this virus seriously. I know of one young lad who thought it was all a hoax, that he was in no way going to have that needle in him. He is now recovering slowly from a bout of Covid which floored him, and to this day he has no energy and no sense of taste or smell. However let’s look on the bright side of things now and be thankful to God that we have come through it and are now back in the church we love so much. Having said that there are some who have become complacent to regular worship, and that is a dangerous situation, because the longer you stay away the harder it us to come back. I would like to take this opportunity to explain a recent message I have intimated in the church following a phone call I received from a concerned lady about her mum who is frail at home. Her concern ventured around the fact that I was visiting folks. I was in hospitals and nursing homes, and of course there was a risk of me carrying the virus into someone’s home. I have always taken precautions to the limit, but I fully understand the concerns raised, and it would kill me if I was ever to be the one who took the virus to someone whose immunity is low. As a consequence I am suspending home visits until better times. I will still visit hospitals as necessary and of course where pastoral needs necessitate my visit.
When Jesus was about to die, He commissioned His disciples to go out and preach the good news and to baptise people in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit. On Sunday 5th September we did just that when Amanda became the latest member of Gods family. I mentioned at the service that if any one person has never been baptised, and would like to be baptised, I am more than willing to do it. I can do it in private at your home or in the church, or during a worship service. I emphasise this with a loud voice DO NOT PUT IT OFF TILL TOMORROW FOR TOMORROW NEVER COMES. God Bless John Watson – Locum Adult Baptism
On Sunday 5th September, Amanda Foster was baptised and welcomed by members of the Session to the roll of St Mark’s. She was presented with a silver cross to mark the occasion. It was mentioned to Amanda that the baptism did not go according to the usual format in that John did not carry her around the Sanctuary in his arms. Amanda found this very amusing.
National Giving Day You have been given a small brown envelope with your magazine. The Church of Scotland has instructed all Ministers and Treasurers to take this very seriously. Why? Well the answer is very simple. During the pandemic, how many of us continued to give our offerings to the church? The church was perhaps closed but God hadn’t shut down, and the bills kept coming in. If you have envelopes sitting at home, please can you make efforts to have them sent to the church, if not, please can you contribute generously to National Giving Day. Overall the Church is down over 20 million pounds overall in Scotland, and huge changes will have to be undertaken as a result. If we all respond as we should , we might just be able to see our way forward as we approach 2022. I intend preaching on the Spirit of Giving in November. Your Locum John Pastoral Arrangements John will be on holiday from 27th September to 10th October. Pastoral arrangements will be looked after by our Interim Moderator Rev David Stewart.
City Centre and West End Group of Churches As part of the grouping arrangements, Rev Tanya Webster will preach at St Mark’s on Sunday 17 October, while John will be preaching at Queens Cross Church.
Walking group The walking group have been meeting most weeks during the summer and have enjoyed some interesting and varied walks. A brief recap of these include walks to Johnstone Gardens and through Craigiebuckler to Hazlehead Park, Bridge Street to Tollohill via the Duthie Park, Wellington Suspension Bridge to Tullos and Doonies farm and return over Tullos Hill. Early July, we took a bus to Bucksburn for an interesting walk up the Howes Road to Sheddocksley and then we visited Hazlehead Park, Seaton Park & Cruickshank Gardens. This was followed by a walk to Kincorth Hill via the Duthie Park. Two bus trips followed with runs to Stonehaven for a walk to Dunnottar Castle & woods, this ended up being rather wet for the participants. A week later, we went to Drumoak for the walk to Crathes Castle and grounds. Recent walks have been bus trips to Ellon for a circular walk around the area and a bus to Mintlaw for a wander around Aden Country Park. The following are just a few of the planned walks for the later part of the year:Tuesday 5th Oct Meet Johnston Gardens for a circular walk Tuesday 12th Oct Fittie & prom revisited, meet Castlegate Tuesday 19th Oct Meet Union Street, then bus to Quarry Road Cults for walk, car option Tuesday 26th Oct Kirkhill Forest subject to transport availability Tuesday 2nd Nov St Mark’s Church to Victoria & Westburn Parks Tuesday 9th Nov Seaton Park, Brig O Balgownie Other options could include Countesswells wood Bridge of Don circular walk Holburn Junction and West End trail
Cove Bay circular Hazlehead Park Den of Maiden Craig If you would like to join us on our little adventures, please get in touch with Ian for more information. Tel mobile e mail or by post,
01224 321882 079297 20846 ianlord64@btinternet.com 27 Hazlehead Road, Aberdeen, AB15 8EP
Abigail Ministries – Rugut Fund Here is the latest news from Daniel and Grace. I have known Kinyor and Chepchumba since they were babies and cannot believe that they are now so grown up. Kinyor is enjoying his broadcasting course at the Institute of Mass Communication. Chepchumba is starting a course at Karatina University where she will study to be a teacher.
Due to Covid restrictions, there has been little chance to organise any fund raising activities for the Rugut Fund. And sadly, we have lost more of our standing order sponsors. If you feel able to help in any way to boost the Fund, please contact Kathleen Innes for more details.
THE GOOD MORNING SERVICE IS A FREE SERVICE FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS LIVING ALONE IN AND AROUND ABERDEEN WE PROVIDE A FRIENDLY TELEPHONE CALL BETWEEN 9-11AM EACH DAY OR AS REQUIRED COULD THE GOOD MORNING SERVICE BRING PEACE OF MIND TO YOU OR A LOVED ONE? IF SO, PLEASE CONTACT US WITH YOUR DETAILS OR THE PERSON TO BE CALLED ALONG WITH A NEXT OF KIN CONTACT IN CASE OUR CALLS GO UNANSWERED TO REQUEST REGISTRATION WITH THE GOOD MORNING SERVICE PLEASE CONTACT: 07918 696958 THE DUTHIE TRUST 1 EAST CRAIBSTONE STREET
How would you like to receive your Magazine? We have tried, during lockdown, to ensure that everyone had access to the Newsletter, whether by email or post. Now that restrictions are lifted, it may be possible to deliver the Newsletters again. Some people have preferred the email version, whilst others prefer a paper copy. How would you like to receive your newsletter? Please let us know contacting the Church Office. Tel 01224 640672. Mobile 07483 345228 emailoffice@stmarksaberdeen.org.uk Big Issue The Big Issue Office is now open on a Monday and Friday from 9 am to 12noon. The vendors are delighted to back in the Church Building again. Mary’s Meals This amazing charity recently reported that it is now feeding 2 million children in 19 countries every school day Guild Members were recently asked for their feelings about resuming meetings this autumn. Response has been mixed, with some opting not to return for various reasons, so numbers will be looked at to see what might be viable. But it is certainly hoped there can be some resumption before too long and members will be kept informed by intimation made at Sunday services. The amount raised in 2018-21 for Guild Projects was over £540,000 and six new Projects will be supported for the next three years. The Annual Gathering was held this year in Edinburgh but with only very limited attendance numbers.
Flower Rota
Looking forward brings about thoughts of rotas and I am in the process of making up a flower rota for 2022. Having been both the receiver and deliverer of church flowers over the years I can say that they are very much appreciated. They bring a smile to know that you are remembered and are in the thoughts of others. I will copy the names from last year’s rota over but if you wish to make any amendments before the new rota is made up, please let me know. There are quite a number of spaces in the rota to be filled so I would appreciate you getting in touch with me with your wishes regarding donating the flowers (be it the flowers or money for the flowers) and /or delivering the flowers to those of our church family. Are you able to give 30 – 45 mins after church to bring about this smile. If you are willing, I will have the flowers, along with a copy of the Order of Service and in certain cases a card, ready for uplift after you have your cuppa downstairs or as you leave the church. Some people who provide flowers also deliver them but it is not obligatory. Others may prefer only to help with deliveries. Please let me know if you are able to help with flower donation or delivery and I will add our name to the list. Arlene Tel: Mob:
01224 635544 07977751225
Dear friends, It is hard to believe we are writing this for the Autumn magazine and looking forward to celebrating Harvest. We very much hope you have all had a happy and healthy summertime and have been able to enjoy a little more freedom and a chance to meet up with family and friends. Dianne and I have both managed to enjoy our “staycations” and have enjoyed some glorious weather as we have (separately) travelled around Scotland. It has been good to see a bit more of beautiful Scotland and for me to enjoy family days with picnics. Brought back lots of happy memories of St Mark’s Sunday School picnics. With the easing of restrictions it has been lovely to welcome more folks back to Sunday worship. From Sunday 26th September we will be able to enjoy tea/coffee and fine piece together after morning worship. We have so missed the fellowship we find in church and are looking forward to meeting again and sharing all our news. Recently, St. Mark’s welcomed the North East Scotland Police Memorial Service and it was lovely to hear the “chatter” in the hall over a cup of tea. We look forward to enjoying more fellowship and activities in our halls and are delighted to welcome back “old” friends and make new friends. Dianne and I are grateful for all the support we have received as we have worked together to re-open church safely. There have been lots of members working hard behind the scenes getting everything in place to re-open the church and halls. Thank you all. We would also like to thank everyone who has rallied to make sure those who have needed help have been supported over the difficult days of lockdown and social isolation.
We are very fortunate to have Rev. John Watson continue to lead us in Sunday worship. Of course, many of you have also been enjoying the joint online services which have been organised along with the other City Centre and West End Churches. The move towards online worship has created opportunities of connection with the wider community and we look forward to online reflection continuing each Sunday. This is a busy time for us all as we look forward to organisations resuming. It will be good to meet with everyone again. It would be lovely to welcome your friends and neighbours and we would encourage you to invite them along for a St Mark`s warm welcome. We are excited about moving forward and the opportunities this brings to redevelop as a Church and make new connections as “St Mark`s, sharing God`s love in the City Centre”. We look forward to hearing your ideas. God Bless, Helen and Dianne
Christian Aid In the last magazine we reported that £375 had been collected from within the congregation in May/June for Christian Aid and at the June Kirk Session meeting it was agreed to double this amount from a suitable fund and raise our contribution to £750. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. Albert Einstein
HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read “HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE”. As I got a bit closer, the door opened wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of Angels. The were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said “ My child, shop with care”. Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store, and all you could not carry, you could come back for the next day. First, I got some PATIENCE; LOVE was in the same row; further down was UNDERSTANDING – You need that everywhere you go. I got a box of WISDOM, and a bag or two of FAITH. I just could not miss the HOLY SPIRIT, for it was all over the place. I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race. By then my basket was full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE. I did not forget SALVATION, for Salvation that was free. So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do my MASTER'S will. As I went up the aisle I saw PRAYER and I just had to put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside I would run right into sin. PEACE and JOY were plentiful, they were on the last shelf, SONG and PRAISES were hanging near so I just helped myself. Then I said to the Angel, “How much do I owe?” He just smiled and said “Just take them everywhere you go...”. Again I smiled and said “How much do I owe?”. He smiled again and said “ My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago.” (Anon)
Keep moving forward and remember the old Chinese saying “A Journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”
Those who have gone before us Mrs Betty Simpson Malcolm McNaughton Roy Gardiner William Scroggie Mrs Edith Crowder
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. My Father’s House has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? John 14 1 - 2
Aberdeen St Mark’s Church of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity No. SC015451