Issuu

St Markâ€™s Messenger Summer 2013

A Congrega on of the Aberdeen City Centre Grouping The Kirk of St Nicholas Uni ng Queen Street Church St Mark's Church Aberdeen St Mark's Church of Scotland is a registered Sco sh charity No SC015451

Index to the Easter 2013 Issue Le&er from the Manse

3 Stewardship Report

Malawi Commi&ee

5 O.A.K. Report

Training Train

6 the Pavement

A Note from the Treasurer

7 The Perfect Church

Ramblers & Hill Walkers

8 Volunteering/ Celebrate

Projects / Coﬀee Mornings

10 Faith, Hope and Love

The Garden of Life

11 Years of Service

Strollers / Circle of Care

12 A Freen Always

Hymn Quiz/Country Dancing

13 Guild of Friendship / Roll

Worship Calendar

14 Forest Grove

Duty Rotas Pull-out

15 Quiz Answers/CrossReach

Worship Calendar (Cont’d)

19 St Mark’s Contacts

Included in this quarter’s Messenger is a flyer about our Stewardship Programme (which you can read about on Page 20). The logo used on the flyer has been agreed upon by the Kirk Session and will be used extensively throughout the programme. Diane began a short series of Stewardship based sermons on Sunday 28 April and you can read these, if you missed any of the services, on our website www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk/e-pulpit-archive.htm ‘Our GiJs for God’ will go on throughout the year and the flyer simply marks the start of our contact with the St Mark’s family. 2

Le#er from the Manse Dear Friends, I was very excited when a friend told me that a bird’s appearance indicated that warmer weather was on its way! Ten minutes later hailstones fell on my head as I walked quickly to the manse doorway. Not quite the season of warmth yet however, hopefully warm weather will be with us this summer! Seasons mark our progress through the Church’s year. Christmas then Easter and Pentecost is approaching fast followed by the summer holidays. It's wonderful to think that the good news of Jesus Christ's love for us doesn't diminish and isn't seasonal! Over the next few months the Church of Scotland will face more challenging mes as the General Assembly makes decisions on ma&ers that are conten ous. Will the decisions taken, whatever is decided, be acceptable to all? Probably not! What can we do? Pray for Christ's Church! All Churches of the Church of Scotland have been instructed by the General Assembly to have a Stewardship season every year focussing on me, talents or money! Last year we focused on talents and this year we are looking at money. The approach we are taking is to ask everyone to think about the importance of planning and reviewing our contribu ons to God and the ministry God calls us to do in Jesus's name. We will be asking people to come to one of three gatherings to see some of the work of the diﬀerent Church groups and those concerns who use our halls! It will be a very encouraging and enjoyable gathering, whichever one you choose to come to. In the very near future it is possible that the legal agreement of the city centre Parish Grouping will be dissolved, possibly in the summer. 3

It is hoped that we will s ll meet as three Church families for some services, fellowship and mission. The “Big Issue" mission will carry on as normal with all volunteers from the three churches being involved! The Parish Grouping has helped many rela onships develop and deepen between all three Churches I am sure many will join me in thanking the Development Group and Ian McIver for their hard work. Ian will quite soon be working for a Presbytery Commi&ee. We look forward to working in coopera on with him and St Nicholas Uni ng as we explore how to share the news of God's love with people in the city centre! On a personal note I am enjoying being back with St Mark's and am trying to ease into what has been a busy me! The Worship Group, which is helping with conduc ng and preparing for worship, is up and running. The Pastoral Care Group members, who will be calling on various people on my behalf, will be opera ng soon. I certainly would like to thank our Session Clerks and the oﬃce bearers for their support over this last Easter and Easter de season! Whatever happens and wherever life takes you in the summer season ahead, may you trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. God Bless you

Diane Help with Prayer! No age or ﬁtness barrier! We need people who are willing to pray for situa ons, people and St Mark's. We give no names as God already knows who we are praying for! Please ﬁll in below or phone Rev Diane if you're interested! Name ..............................................................Phone No................... I am interested in praying for situa ons, people and St Mark’s. 4

The Malawi Commi#ee A second quiz was organised by Bethany Hogg for funds for Mpachika in Malawi. This followed on from the successful quiz which was held last year. This year's quiz was held on Thursday 14 March and nine teams par cipated. There were five teams from St. Mark's and four from Aberdeen University. AJer a very close finish one of the university teams won by 2 points. A substan al dona on was made to the Malawi fund. It was a most enjoyable evening. The Margaret Donald kitchen con nues to make good progress in Mpachika. A Coffee Morning will take place on Saturday 25 May from 10am - 1pm in the church hall. The proceeds will go to Mpachika. Dona ons of home-baking, raffle prizes and bo&les for the bo&le stall would be very much appreciated. Offers of help on the day would also be most welcome. Please contact any commi&ee member. At the Presbytery Malawi Partnership Group mee ng it has been decided to stop fund raising un l aJer the unofficial visit in September. Visitors could then report back with details of the type of assistance required i.e. tradesmen etc. The LifeStraws Appeal raised £12,641.70. 500 LifeStraws should be arriving any day now in Blantyre. The Malawi Revenue Authority may grant some exemp on on taxes, VAT and custom duty as the partnership group is a charity. Six members of the presbytery group will be going to Malawi in August/September and as a group they will visit the Malabada Clinic where the LifeStraws are des ned and visit families who receive a LifeStraw. Excessive rain has resulted in a poor maize crop and maize has been imported from other countries. This will result in many deaths as maize is the main ingredient in nseema which is the staple diet. Aberdeen Presbytery is to no fy all churches and suggest that they have a re ral offering by the end of June and all money will go to the Malawi Maize Fund. 5

Training Train A poem by Richard L Anderson A train for the training of trainers leaves Stonehaven sta on one day. A driver adviser, who thinks himself wiser, in charge for the rest of the way. A computer footer consults with a router then programs their trip to Dundee, while trainers discuss, as trainers just must which textbooks and hand-outs are key. A tea trolley teacher, delectable creature supervises ďŹ rst tea break campaign, then trainers relax, as they wind down from max, and prepare for lots more stress and strain. Some trainers act roles as passenger proles to test colleaguesâ€™ pa ence to tears. The conductor instructor, pushed over the edge loses cool and punches holes in their ears.

A Note from the Treasurer I have said before that I was asked last year to be a bit brighter in my financial reports. I have also said that with the raw material I have to work with being cheerful can be hard. However as June approaches we are almost half way through the year, how me flies and the one thing I can be cheerful about is that the Summer is on the way, hopefully with be&er weather. The first part of the year was cold, dark and miserable and that is how I felt as Treasurer. Sunday a&endances were down and so were the weekly offerings. Happily the Standing Orders were not affected by the weather and the numbers giving in this way are creeping up gradually so things aren’t all that bad. My hope of course is that as the year progresses those who were not able to come to church during the bad weather will come back and be able to make up for their earlier missing offerings. Now that we collect the offering in the ves bule it’s so much easier not to worry if the congrega on don’t see you put in an envelope and this is an ideal me to switch to Standing Order. If you cannot make church your offering certainly will and although you can s ll give weekly by Standing Order most folks take the opportunity to give monthly and on any day of the month that suits you. If you get your pension or salary on, say the 15th, then make your Standing Order payable on the 17th or later, just as it suits you. But coming to church is not about money, it’s about being there and sharing the joy of worship with others in the St Mark’s Family. That always makes me happy So remember, the best thing is just to be there, to share the love of God with your fellow Chris ans. Make yourself happy, make others happy and the Treasurer will be happy as well. Friendships mul ply joys and divide griefs. 7

The St Mark’s Rambling & Hill Walking Group The Rambling Group has been very busy recently and has enjoyed some interes ng walks. The weather generally has been dry but very cold. Here are some of the highlights. We had a walk from the bus sta on to Nigg Bay and return in January but a few days later had to take shelter in the Duthie Park Winter Gardens as the snow came on quite heavily. AJer the snow stopped we walked along the banks of the river Dee to Cults and back to town on the old railway line. We took the bus to Udny twice in March as this was the star ng point for two diﬀerent railway line walks. The ﬁrst we went towards Ellon with the second walk taking us in the other direc on to Dyce, both walks were very enjoyable but the weather was rather cold. April saw the group walking from Stonehaven seafront through the park, up past the railway sta on to Dunno&ar Woods and then onto the castle before heading back into Stonehaven for the bus. The following week we took the bus to Lumphanan and then walked to the bridge over the Dee at Potarch before ge ng the bus back home. On Saturday 13th April, 14 walkers and Yoric the guide dog puppy enjoyed the dry weather with a walk around Glen Tanar. The sun even shone for most of the morning and good fun was had during the walk The following are dates for your diary and the possible venues for the walks however these may change at short no ce, contact Ian to be kept up to date with any changes. 8

Dates

Ramble/Walk

Transport

Wednesday 19 June

Inverbervie - Benholm Mill Inverbervie

Bus Start/ Finish

Tuesday 25 June

Westhill to Garthdee via Forests Bus Start/ Finish

Saturday 6 July

Glen Esk, Loch Lee & Falls of DamďŹ€

Car

Wednesday 10 July

Potarch - Banchory

Bus Start/ Finish

Friday 19 July

Lumphanan - Potarch via Kincardine Oâ€™Neill

Bus Start/ Finish

Wednesday 31 July

Correen Hills circuit near Alford Car

Saturday 10 August

Cullen - Portknockie & Return

Car

Wednesday 21 August Loch Kinnord & Dinnet and Nature Reserve

Bus Start/ Finish

Friday 30 August

Car

Walk around Drummuir Estate near DuVown

Saturday 7 September Clachnaben Hill Walk

Car

The above details are correct at the me of magazine prin ng but may change due to weather or logis cal problems. For more informa on contact Ian Lord on 01224 321882 or 07929 720846.

Plan ahead - It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

Projects - The Garden Party As in mated in the Easter magazine, Alex’s Grianan Garden Gathering will be held on Sunday 23 June, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm this year. We are hoping the change of month will be a change of weather and we hope it will be a ‘Sunny Sunday’. There will be the usual delicious aJernoon teas, quizzes etc. Come along a bring a friend for a very pleasant aJernoon.

Summer Coffee Mornings When you receive your magazine the Summer Coffee Mornings will be underway. They commence on Saturday 1 June un l 14 September. There are lists on the No ce Boards in the ves bule and if you can help, even for an hour or two please add your name to any Saturday. Dona ons of Baking and Raffle Prizes are always gratefully received. Please come along and bring your friends, your support is what makes these mornings successful. Anne Donaldson

Age is a ma&er of mind, If you don't mind It doesn't ma&er. 10

The Garden of Life (Anon) Plant three rows of peas: Peace of mind Peace of heart Peace of soul Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash grumbling Squash selfishness Plant four rows of le&uce: Le&uce be faithful Le&uce be kind Le&uce be obedient Le&uce really love one another No garden is without turnips: Turnip for mee ngs Turnip for service Turnip to help one another Water freely with pa ence and cul vate with love. There is much fruit in your garden Because you reap what you sow. To conclude our garden we must have thyme: Thyme for reflec on Thyme for study Thyme for prayer. Submi#ed by Kath McBain 11

The Strollers A new venue for the Strollers was the Green, where using a most informa ve pamphlet called ‘The Green Heritage Trail’ we tried to discover ‘the secrets of the Green’, somewhat unsuccessfully looking for a series of plaques but a number have now been located by one of our members. Perhaps you would like a look at the pamphlet which is now in the ves bule. You are also welcome to join us on any of the following dates. Margaret Donald June Tuesdays 10.00am Saturdays 2.00pm

25 15

July

August

6 27

September

27 17

17 7

October

8 28

29 19

The Circle of Care The Communion and AJernoon Tea on 22 March was a really happy occasion and as has been previously stated we are most grateful to all those who helped make it so. Arrangements are well in hand for the June event and it is an cipated that there will again be a good a&endance. Most of those who come can only do so because transport is provided, so if anyone is able to take such members to morning worship, even occasionally please speak with Margaret Donald. Not only are children a comfort in one's old age, they help one to reach it much sooner. 12

An All-new Hymns Quiz Re-arrange the words listed below to make the ﬁrst lines of ten well known hymns. (Answers on Page 27) Abide all anchor and and beau ful bright earth faithfulness far God great heaven hold I is is Jesus king light Lord Lord love made me my of of of praise reign round sea shall shining sky soul the the the the the things thy who will with world your your?

St Mark’s Sco:sh Country Dance Class The Sco sh Country Dance Class held its ‘Party Night’ last mee ng for the session on 17 April with friends joining us to augment our numbers. Sylvia and Doug our Session visitors also joined us. Sylvia ended up helping out in the kitchen and Doug joined the dancers. We had a very happy and enjoyable evening, ending with a lovely tea. A feast of goodies was provided by members. The class will resume on Wednesday 4 September 2013 when new members will be warmly welcomed. Have a lovely Summer recess God Bless Margaret Brown

Age is in the mind, not the calendar. 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 in mated in the Pew Leaﬂet. Further details of the services will be available on the Church website or Pew Leaﬂet. www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk/stmarks-worship.htm 19 May

Morning Worship - Pentecost David Yacamini

26 May

Morning Worship - Trinity Sunday Alex McConochie

2 June

Morning Worship Guest Preacher - Anne Smith

9 June

Service of Holy Communion at 11.00am - Rev Diane Hobson ‘When enemies become friends’ Circle of Care Communion & AJernoon Tea - 2.00pm ‘Just checking: OK with God!’

16 June

Morning Worship City Centre Grouping Service A Celebra on and Thanksgiving Service for God’s faithfulness

23 June

Morning Worship - Rev Diane Hobson ‘Thriving not Surviving with God’

30 June

Sunday School Promo on Service Summer Service of Celebra on

7 July

Morning Worship - Rev Diane Hobson ‘Thriving as a Chris an’

14 July

Morning Worship - Rev Diane Hobson ‘How to live as children of promises’

21 July

Morning Worship - Rev Diane Hobson ‘Running the race of faith - missing the potholes’

28 July

Morning Worship - Rev Diane Hobson ‘Life in the Spirit’ 14

Pull-out Supplement Oﬃce Bearers’ Duty Rotas June - October 2013 Door Duty List Date(s) 02 June 09 June * 16 June 23 June 30 June 07 July 14 July 21 July 28 July 04 August 11 August 18 August 25 August 01 September 08 September 15 September 22 September 29 September 06 October 13 October * 20 October

Oﬃce Bearers on Duty Margaret Brown Maurice McFarlane Jacqueline Hepburn Margaret Donald Derek Caie Mary Caie Ian Beagrie Lewis Duthie Gail Hogg Dianne Morrison Carol Main Alan Brown Bill McDonald Elaine Macdonald Elsa Black Jean Black Garry Watson Rosalyn Rennie Helen Burr Sandra Andrew Margaret Brown Maurice McFarlane

Communion

Graeme Low Lynn Low Milton Montgomery Sarah Low * Kay Montgomery Ron Irwin Alice Oﬃcer Be&y Steel Malcolm Steel Bill Forbes Joyce Forbes David Yacamini Jean Yacamini Lewis Donaldson Anne Donaldson Douglas Craighead Sheila Main Sylvia Strachan Helen McKenzie Graeme Low Lynn Low Milton Montgomery Sarah Low * Kay Montgomery

Oﬃce Bearers should arrive for duty no later than 10.30am and are reminded that when there is an aJernoon communion service they are s ll on duty un l the end of that service. If you are unable to do your duty rota please arrange for a subs tute. 15

Pull-out Supplement Oﬃce Bearers’ Duty Rotas June - October 2013 Beadle Duty List

Office Bearers Date 02 June Jean Black Elsa Black 09 June Ian Lord Marjorie Lord 16 June Douglas Craighead Elaine Macdonald 23 June Malcolm Steel Be&y Steel 30 June Gail Hogg Alex McConochie 07 July Alan Brown Carol Main 14 July Ian Lord Alice Officer 21 July Lewis Donaldson Anne Donaldson 28 July Garry Watson Rosalyn Rennie 04 August Dianne Morrison Maurice McFarlane 11 August Helen McKenzie Ian Beagrie 18 August Lewis Duthie Helen Burr 25 August Sarah Low Alex McConochie 01 September Alan Brown Jacqueline Hepburn 08 September Derek Caie Mary Caie 15 September Graeme Low Lynn Low 22 September Bill Forbes Joyce Forbes 29 September Jean Black Elsa Black 06 October Ian Lord Marjorie Lord 13 October Douglas Craighead Elaine Macdonald 20 October Alan Brown Carol Main Office Bearers should arrive for duty no later than 10.00am and ensure an even distribu on of work between them, no ng that this includes sweeping both the church steps and the passage between the church and library. An updated full copy of Beadle du es is available on-line and in the ves bule. If you are unable to do your allocated duty please arrange for a subs tute. 16

Pull-out Supplement Oﬃce Bearers’ Duty Rotas June - October 2013 Flowers Supply and Distribu on List

Date Flower Supply Flower Distribu on 02 June Mrs A Munro Mrs A Munro 09 June Mrs M Lord Mrs M Lord 16 June Mr R Albiston 23 June Mrs Lorimer 30 June Mrs S Main Mrs S Main 07 July Mrs M Lamb Mrs B Coull 14 July Mrs G Hogg Mrs Beagrie 21 July Mrs M Rae 28 July Miss A McDonald Mrs Cunningham 04 August Mrs J Forbes 11 August Mr R Irwin Mr Irwin 18 August Mrs A Officer Mrs Officer 25 August Mrs M Caie 01 September Mrs M Brown Mrs P Skene Mrs Brown 08 September Mrs I Mann 15 September Mrs Be&y Joiner 22 September Misses J & E Black 29 September Mrs I Sutherland Mrs Sutherland 06 October Mrs E Leslie Mrs Chris e 13 October Mrs & Miss Morrison Mrs & Miss Morrison 20 October Mrs M Caie Mr McFarlane There are a number of vacancies for the distribu on of the flowers aJer services. These are very much appreciated by the members who receive them and if you can help by delivering a bunch of flowers on your way home please speak to Babs Coull any Sunday who will be glad to add your name to the list. 17

Pull-out Supplement Oﬃce Bearers’ Duty Rotas June - October 2013 Readers Duty List Date 02 June 09 June 16 June 23 June 30 June 07 July 14 July 21 July 28 July 04 August 11 August 18 August 25 August 01 September 08 September 15 September 22 September 29 September 06 October 13 October 20 October

Reader Margaret Donald Gail Hogg Sheila Main Jean Yacamini Alex McConochie David Yacamini Milton Montgomery Malcolm Steel Anne Donaldson Kay Montgomery Sheena Henry Margaret Donald Sheila Main Gail Hogg Jean Yacamini Alex McConochie David Yacamini Milton Montgomery Malcolm Steel Anne Donaldson Kay Montgomery

Readers should contact the church oﬃce on Thursday ( 640672) for details of Sunday’s readings and any special instruc ons. Make yourself familiar with the reading in good me for Sunday in case there are any par cular pronuncia ons you may not be familiar with. If you are unable to read on your allocated Sunday please ﬁnd a subs tute who will read for you. 18

Morning Worship - Rev Diane Hobson ‘Developing a be&er character Jesus Christ’s way’

11 August

Morning Worship - Stewardship Service ‘A tudes and how to survive them’

18 August

Morning Worship - Stewardship Service ‘God’s economics - sharing and receiving’

25 August

Morning Worship - Stewardship Service Service led by David Yacamini & Alex McConochie

1 September Morning Worship - Stewardship Service Service led by David Yacamini & Alex McConochie

Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand alone, Kindness in another's trouble, Courage in your own.

One day as I sat feeling sad and lonely and without a friend, a voice came to me from out of the gloom saying, "Cheer up, things could be worse." So I cheered up and, sure enough, things got worse. 19

Our Stewardship Programme is gathering momentum. Recently our Stewardship Commi&ee met with Fiona Penny, Stewardship Consultant for the Church of Scotland. She oﬀered us excellent advice on how best to proceed with our programme “Our GiJs to God.” The programme centres round explaining where the money spent by the church, at local and na onal levels comes from, and how it is used to share the gospel, mission and outreach. People need to think about how they give and give regularly. The church doesn't run on thin air! Members should plan their giving as a response to what God has and is doing for them. All churches are required to adopt the Na onal Stewardship Programme. Members will be encouraged to think about their giving. A “core group” has been established to progress “Our GiJs to God” programme. This year all members will receive an invita on to a&end a presenta on event. A brochure will be designed and all households will receive one. It is important that all members realise they are members of God's family and that God has blessed them richly. Over the next months this programme will gather momentum! The twice yearly telephone calls to the congrega on have been well received both by the congrega on and the elders making the telephone calls. A small number of people telephoned require visits and the Pastoral Group will now be involved. St. Mark's is the church of which you are a member. Every member should play their part to ensure that their church con nues to thrive as a centre for Mission and Outreach in the city centre and to give regularly of their “Time, Talents and Money”. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. 20

The O.A.K. Report The O.A.K. Café has become busier as the weather has improved. We have to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the staﬀ who ba&led to St Mark’s through wind, rain and snow to make sure we were always open. We have had a successful Special Lunch in April and look forward to the Special Lunch on 6th June in aid of ‘LifeStraws’. As usual when summer approaches and our friends are thinking of holidays, we at O.A.K. start thinking of ‘Shoeboxes’. Some of the kni ng needles are already busy and if anyone would like to start dona ng for the boxes we would appreciate items for the end of October. If anyone could spare a few hours per week or fortnight the Café would appreciate some extra staﬀ, especially for the holiday period. If you would like to help have a word with Be&y or Daphne or come into the Café and see us. Our Evening Services on the second Sunday of each month in Crown Terrace Methodist Church at 6.30pm con nue throughout the year and we look forward to seeing you. We hope you all have a happy summer holiday and look forward to seeing you with your friends in the Café. Be#y & Malcolm Steel.

Don't look for ﬂaws as you go through life, and even if you ﬁnd them T'is wise and kind to be somewhat blind, and seek for the virtues behind them. 21

the Pavement is a free magazine for homeless people in London and Scotland. It is commi&ed to publishing objec ve reportage, tailored to a homeless readership, and to publicising the complete range of services available to homeless people, to reduce hardship amongst readers and to enable them to guide their future. I picked up a copy when working at the ‘Big Issue’ distribu on at Queen Street Church and decided to share some of its cartoons with the Messenger.

As you can see as well as being funny (well I thought so) they oﬀer pointed social comment on today’s society. You can support the Pavement by dona ons at its website: www.thepavement.org.uk or by using your mobile: Text PAVE11 followed by the amount in Pounds (max £10) to 70070 22

Images are ÂŠ the Pavement

So many gods - so many creeds, So many paths that wind and wind, While just the art of being kind, is all the sad world needs.

The Perfect Church by Mavis Williams If you should find the perfect church Without one fault or smear, For goodness sake! Don't join that church; You'd spoil the atmosphere. If you should find the perfect church Where all anxie es cease Then pass it by, lest joining it You'd mar the masterpiece. If you should find the perfect church Then don't you ever dare, To tread upon such holy ground; You'd be a misfit there. But since no perfect church exists Made of imperfect men, Then let's cease looking for that church And love the church we're in. Of course, it's not a perfect church, That's simple to discern But you and I and all of us Could cause the de to turn. What fools we are to flee our post In that unfrui]ul search To find at last where problems loom God proudly builds His church. So let's keep working in our church Un l the resurrec on. And then we each will join that church Without an imperfec on. 24

Volunteering Croche ng Please contact Ian McIver on 07890 932677 or ianmci@hotmail.co.uk if you are available to teach basic croche ng skills to special needs and disabled people at the Union Square Shopmobility centre for one hour any me between 4pm and 7pm on Thursday evenings. Wardens If you can spare a couple of hours a week/fortnight to welcome visitors to the Kirk of St Nicholas Uni ng during May-September, please telephone warden co-ordinator Margaret Dundas on 01224 643494. Seafarers Volunteers are urgently needed to help out at the Aberdeen Seafarers’ Centre in Market Street. The centre is open 6pm-10pm seven nights a week and a taxi can be provided to take volunteers home. Contact Howard Drysdale on 07754 141 076 or Brian Killkerr on 07757 042 722 if you can spare a few hours once a week/ fortnight/month.

Celebrate Aberdeen 2013 We will be ﬂying the ﬂag (literally) of the Aberdeen City Centre Parish Grouping at the third annual ‘Celebrate Aberdeen’ Parade down Union Street on Saturday, 8th June. Please put that date in your diary, as we’re hoping for a big turnout from our three Grouping churches, marching behind the Grouping banners which focus on our work with Big Issue. ‘Muster’ is outside Harlaw Academy in Albyn Place at 11am. The best way to kill me is to work it to death. 25

Faith, Hope and Love One of Sam Ballantyne’s favourite Bible passages was First Corinthian’s Chapter 13. With the passing recently of Barbara Ballantyne I have been asked to include this anonymous poem based on the passage, in memory of them. O cleanse us from unrighteousness And teach us how to pray That we may have our thoughts and hearts UpliJed day by day. Protect and bless our path through Life And guide us in Thy Word That we may hear and so obey With FAITH in Thee, Dear Lord. Our need for Thee is great O God We cannot do without Thy presence calms us hour by hour Thy Word we’ll never doubt. In sickness and in pain will take Thy Spirit as our word To ba&le through to victory With HOPE in Thee, Dear Lord. Our lives shall blossom free from fear Through daily prayer with Thee And we shall rise upon The Day To Life eternally Our Faith and Hope and Love for Thee Endure for evermore But of these three, our LOVE shall be An ever open door. 26

Years of Service On Sunday 28 April ﬁve members of the St Mark’s family were presented with long service cer ﬁcates in recogni on of the help they give in transferring pa ents to the hospital chapel every third Sunday of the year.

Pictured above (l - r) are Elsa Black (20years), Derek Caie (25 years), Mary Caie (25 years), Lorraine Caie (15 years) and Maurice McFarlane (25 years). Also pictured, Rev Diane Hobson who presented the cer ﬁcates on behalf of NHS Grampian.

To keep solvent. Pay as you go, and, if you can't pay don't go. 27

A Freen Always Fa sits wi you fan yer nae weel And comforts fevered broo Fa gives you strength an pic’s you up Fan life gets you doon Fa walked wi you in happier mes And ﬁlled your heart wi glee? He’s here the minute you are born An s ll here fan ye dee Through thick an thin an guid an bad He’s aye real close at hand He’s guardian tae each een o us Although we’re aa like grains o sand. He kens us aa, he loves us aa He hears oor every word A be&er free you’ll niver hae Than JESUS CHRIST oor Lord. Anon.

I walked a mile with pleasure she cha&ered all the way, but leJ me none the wiser, for all she had to say. I walked a mile with sorrow, and never a word said she, but oh; the things I learned from her, when sorrow walked with me. 28

Guild of Friendship We have now closed our Session and probably when you read this we will have met together for High Tea at the Sta on Hotel. We had good a&endances at all aJernoons but we would always welcome any new member who wishes to come along. We will start on Monday 7 October 2013. As always my thanks to the commi&ee and also to our Delegates who support us. Pat Skene

Roll Changes 18 February - 26 April 2013 New Members by Cer ďŹ cate Mrs Be&y Simpson, Rosemount, from Gilcomston South Deaths 15 February 4 April

Miss Isobel Ledingham, West End Miss Marjorie Forbes, Residen al Care

He will surround you with love on that golden day

Owing to Data Protec on issues full address details are no longer provided in rela on to Roll Changes. Further details are available to members from the oďŹƒce.

Forest Grove Aberdeen The first demen a short-break respite centre in Scotland has opened to pa ents and carers in Aberdeen. Run by Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA), Forest Grove in Kings Gate is a community-based facility for adults aged over 50 who have a long-term physical or mental illness and are cared for at home within the Aberdeen area. It can support around 150 people each week, giving a&enders rou ne, stability and something to look forward to while their carers get a well-earned break. Morning or aJernoon sessions are available Monday to Friday (9am-12.30pm or 1pm-4.30pm). Each session costs £4.00. Ac vi es on offer include: arts and craJs, board games, dominoes, darts, refreshments, snooker, karaoke, cards, reminiscence, films, music and quizzes. Also available is a small gym, computer access, Wii games, baking, gardening, relaxa on, sweet shop and a hairdressing salon, complete with nail bar. Referrals can be made personally or through a professional. If you know of anyone who could benefit from this unique service, please feel free to pass this informa on onto them. To book, contact May MacDougall, 22 Kings Gate, Aberdeen, AB15 4EJ. Telephone 01224 679024; Web: www.vsa.org.uk; email: Kings.Gate@vsa.org.uk. Please note: Forest Grove does not have hois ng equipment, therefore service users must be able to weight bear.

I cried because I had no shoes ll I met a man who had no feet. 30

Answers to quiz on Page 11 Abide with me All things bright and beau ful Far round the world God who made the earth Great is thy faithfulness I the Lord of sea and sky Jesus shall reign Lord, the light of your love is shining Praise my soul the king of heaven Will your anchor hold?

CrossReach oﬀer a mixture of residen al accommoda on, supported ﬂats and outreach support to individuals in their own homes as well as a range of quality day services which are accessible to people with mental health problems. Central to our philosophy of work is a recovery-based approach which promotes service user involvement and social inclusion. People are involved in the development of the service to ensure therapeu c opportuni es and support is according to individual need. Carol Main CrossReach Representa ve.

The angler's lament Some mes too early, some mes too late. Some mes no water, some mes in spate, Some mes too dirty, some mes too clear, It's always the same when I'm ﬁnishing here. 31

St Mark's Church

Minister

Rev Diane Hobson 65 Mile End Avenue

641758

Session Clerk

Mr Ian and Mrs Marjorie Lord 27 Hazelhead Road

321882

Clerk to The Board

Mrs Helen McKenzie 28 Blackhills Court, Westhill

740776

Treasurer

Mr Alex McConochie 21 Woodcroft Road

703200

FWO Treasurer

Miss Dianne Morrison 45 Bonnymuir Place

630161

Gift Aid Convener

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

01569 731389

Organist

Mrs Kathleen Anderson 15 Countesswells Terrace

321584

Church Secretary

Mrs Elspeth Mogendorff St Mark's Church Rosemount Viaduct AB25 1JY

640672

Church Office Down steps between the Church and Library. Open 9.00 am to 12.00 noon Monday to Friday. Answering machine operates when the office is closed. Leave name, message and contact number. Editor

Alex McConochie: stmarksmessenger@btinternet.com