Dec16jan17

LONGNIDDRY CHURCH MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2016 – JANUARY 2017 Services for December and January All services are at Longniddry Parish Church unless otherwise stated.

1st December, 12 noon:

Thursday Thought and Midweek Communion

4th December, 9.45am: (Advent 2) 11am: 6.30pm:

All-age Communion (Bill Wishart and Robin Hill) Traditional Communion (Bill Wishart and Robin Hill) Advent Reflection and Communion with guest preacher Rev Margaret Shuttleworth

11th December, 9.45am: (Advent 3)

Family service (Robin Hill and Bill Wishart)

18th December, 9.45am: (Advent 4)

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

20th December, 7pm:

“Longest night bereavement service” (see below)

24th December, 7pm:

Christmas Eve “Magic of Christmas” service (Bill Wishart and Robin Hill) Carols by Candlelight at Gladsmuir Parish Church (Robin Hill and Bill Wishart)

9.30pm: 25th December, 10.30am: (Christmas)

Joint Christmas Day Celebration! (Robin Hill and Bill Wishart)

1st January, 11am: (Christmas 2)

Joint traditional service at Gladsmuir Parish Church (Bill Wishart)

8th January, 9.45am: (Epiphany 1)

All-age worship (Bill Wishart) (please note time)

15th January, 11am:

“Souper Sunday” service and lunch (please note time)

19th January, 12 noon:

Thursday Thought and Midweek Communion

22nd January, 9.45am:

All-age worship (Robin Hill)

29th January. 9.45am:

All-age worship (Bill Wishart and Robin Hill)

THROUGH THE YEAR WITH ROBIN The beautiful word “pageant” can be defined as, “a procession of people in elaborate, colourful costumes”. Clearly, Christmas can itself be viewed as a kind of pageant, with all sorts of rich and varied characters wandering on stage to play their important parts.

First we meet Mary and Joseph, shabby and worn out after a long, hard journey to Bethlehem. Next come the angels, glowing with robes of heavenly brightness and filled with joy at the Good News they bring to earth. Then there are the humble shepherds – scared and meek folk in smelly outdoor clothes.

All’s well so far, but look out for King Herod the Great in all his royal finery, being joined by curious (in both senses of the term) visitors from the East in exotic garb. These wise men don’t like what they see in the ruler of Judea, so they go looking for a different kind of king instead.

That’s where Jesus enters the scene: the smallest, the least dramatic, yet the most compelling of all the cast members – a new-born baby wrapped in bands of cloth with not so much as a bed in which to sleep. All the heavenly babe has as he enters into the world is an animal’s feeding trough and the love of his doting parents.

What a colourful array of characters, at once joining earth and heaven, simplicity and complexity, wicked and wise. This greatest of all tales exists to point us towards the reality of God’s love made visible. Or, as the Bible says of Jesus: “Immanuel: God is with us.”

As a story, it’s as simple and as precious as a children’s Nativity, yet every bit as gripping as a sophisticated novel countless times more wordy. And as stories go, it can serve as both the prelude to the Gospel of Jesus and the summation of its key message. As an angel is bold to declare over that very ordinary field of sheep: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Christmas is deep. This Advent, plunge right in. (And have a merry one when it comes.)

With very best wishes for the season, and for 2017, Robin

SESSION CLERK’S CORNER I have tremendous admiration and respect for ministers all year round – but particularly at this time of year when there are more than the usual demands on their time. I’m thinking of all the extra special services, when it can be so easy to cause offence to people completely unknowingly and unintentionally.

The most obvious example of this is the annual Service of Remembrance when we often find the fiercest critics are those who are least seen in Church on other Sundays. It is therefore a pleasure to report that I have heard nothing but good reports of this year’s service which had two innovations: the reading of the list of the fallen of our parish in the two world wars, and Sharon Montgomery’s excellent story of James Wanless, one of these young men who was killed in 1918 – a very poignant reminder that these were real people not just names. In addition we had the PL Novice Juvenile Pipe Band to lead the parade to and from the Legion again, and Josh playing his pipes to end the two minutes’ silence.

A most moving service, and many thanks to Robin for his hard work.

Talking of ‘extra services’ and ‘those seen/ not seen in Church’ there will be a host of special services for everyone throughout December to celebrate Christmas (details elsewhere). I hope you will come along to as many of these as you can – I assure you you will be most welcome whether you attend Church once a year or once a week. If the former, who knows it might become a habit!

Can I wish you all a great Christmas when it comes, and an even better New Year!

GUEST PREACHER FOR COMMUNION

On Sunday 4th December at 6.30pm we will be welcoming our friend, the Rev Margaret Shuttleworth, minister of Sauchie and Coalsnaughton, to be our guest preacher.

Margaret has recently returned from a Church of Scotland visit to Hungary where she was travelling, “in the footsteps of Jane Haining”.

The story which Margaret will tell of the Scottish missionary and martyr is a remarkable one, from Miss Haining’s humble beginnings in Dumfries and Galloway to her tragic death in Auschwitz.

Come and hear Margaret discussing what she found in Hungary, and why it is so important to her. All welcome.

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Each Christmas Longniddry Church pauses to remember those who are dear to us who have died. This service takes place on or around the day of the winter solstice, when light is at its most scarce and darkness seems to envelop us all. At times like that, the promise of light is particularly precious.

On Tuesday 20th December at 7pm we will have our short, very gentle, time of reflection with the opportunity to light candles and to write a message in our book of remembrance.

Tea and coffee will also be available after the service.

AN ALASTAIR MCDONALD CHRISTMAS Our old friend, singer-songwriter Alastair McDonald, will be returning to entertain us at Longniddry Church with his special Christmas show on Saturday 10th December at *****pm. Alastair, who is best known for his BBC1 programme, “Songs of Scotland”, is a great singer who brings faith and fun to his shows. In the season of Advent, he will offer us a fabulous selection box of festive classics old and new with opportunities for us to join in along the way.

Tickets are priced at £5 each (in advance or on the night) with accompanied children coming along free. Festive refreshments will be served.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING...

This year, Gladsmuir and Longniddry Parish Churches will be celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in a variety of ways. Our 7pm Christmas Eve service will feature the legendary Longniddry Church Big Band, with 30-plus musicians of all ages filling the church with beautiful Christmas music. Our own Bill Wishart will, of course, be making this a

magical event for all the family with a variety of mesmerising tricks on a Christmas theme.

(Yes, this “Magic of Christmas” service promises to be very, very special indeed.)

Alternatively, you can head up the road to Gladsmuir Parish Church for a traditional “Carols by Candlelight” service. Community singing will begin at 9pm with people getting to choose their favourite Christmas hymns as the congregation gathers. The service will begin at 9.30pm, with refreshments served afterwards.

Then, on Christmas Day at 10.30am we will be back in Longniddry for a short Christmas Celebration when we will complete our Advent wreath with the lighting of the Christ Candle to mark the arrival of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Again, musicians will be on hand to lead our Christmas Day praise. Worshippers of all ages are welcome to bring along a present which they have received, from a pair of socks (dull!) to a pair of rainbow wellies (fabulous!) – or anything else you might fancy showing off to the assembled congregation.

Christmas is a time of jubilation in the depths of winter, so join us as we celebrate this special season of “joy to the world” in Gladsmuir and Longniddry.

SOUPER SUNDAY This New Year, our special service and lunch to benefit the Church of Scotland HIV Programme will take place on Sunday 15th January at 11am (please note the later starting time). “Souper Sunday” is now in its ninth year and has resulted in many thousands of pounds being raised for HIV-related projects all around the world.

Come along, learn about some really good news stories, then stay on for a warming bowl of soup.

GUILD CHRISTMAS PARTY It’s time once again to look out your Christmas Jumpers and Sparkly Jewellery for the Guild Christmas Party.

Come along on Wednesday 21st December at 7.30pm to the Church Hall for a festive evening. Anyone who requires transport please contact Alison Ferguson on 852442.

THE GUILD

At our Guild meeting on Wednesday 18th January, at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, the speaker will be from Abbeyfield Scotland. A warm welcome is extended to all to join us. Further information from Val Easton on 852002.

SECOND SATURDAY COFFEE MORNING

The monthly Second Saturday Coffee morning will take place on Saturdays 10 th December and 14th January, from 10am-12noon in the Church Hall. Books will also be for sale. All welcome.

SCOUT POST A big thank you to everyone who supported the Group’s Children in Need stall. We raised over £230 which we were very pleased with.

The Scouts will once again be operating the “Scout Post” service for the delivery of Christmas cards to addresses WITHIN the village only. Please make sure that cards are correctly addressed as the Group cannot be held responsible for the non-delivery of incorrectly addressed cards.

Cards can be handed in outside the local shops on Saturdays 10th and 17th December between 10am and 1pm. The cost per card is 30p. All cards will be delivered on or after Sunday 18th December.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

CHURCH DIARY CHURCH DUTIES December 4th – Communion. December 11th – Mrs Addison, A Ferguson, Mrs Morrison, Mrs Barron. December 18th – Mrs Cunningham, Mrs Hardy, M Jones, Dr Lucietti. December 25th – Mrs Condie, I Coutts, F Elliott, Mrs Jones. January 1st – Service at Gladsmuir. January 8th – Mrs Coutts, J Jamieson, Mrs Peart, Dr Reeks. January 15th – J Ellis, W Hall, Mrs Leakey, Mrs Cowern. January 22nd – B Lewis, J D McGregor, Mrs Reilly, T Shearer. January 29th – C Simpson, D Wyllie, Mrs Air, R Sharp. February 5th – Mrs Munro, J Reilly, M Wood, Mrs Moore.

CHURCH MAGAZINE All contributions for the February 2017 issue of the church magazine should be given to the editor, in writing or by email, by SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY 2017.

CHURCH FLOWERS December 4th – Mrs A Reeks. December 11th, 18th and 25th – Christmas arrangements.

January 1st – Service at Gladsmuir. January 8th – Mrs M Devlin. January 15th – Mrs F Black.

January 22nd – Mrs J McGregor. January 29th – Mrs D Murray.

CRECHE Crèche facilities are available in church, during the 9.45am service. Duty elders have a list of crèche staff who are delighted to help when required.

THE PRAYER GROUP will meet at 10am on Wednesdays until December 14th, and resume on Wednesday 11th January.

VILLAGE ROUND UP LIBRARY EVENTS After a very busy and successful Book Week Scotland we would like to thank everyone who attended the many events not only in Longniddry but throughout the county. It really was a week packed with interesting and exciting speakers and activities.

During December the Library will be hosting an exhibition of paintings by Ormiston’s Village Art Group. We will also have a display of Sea Glass jewellery and handmade bags and purses. If you are looking for inspiration for Christmas gifts come along to the Library.

As Christmas is fast approaching we will be having our annual Christmas Bedtime Storytime for children followed by milk and cookies on Monday 19th December at 6.30pm. As it is a bedtime storytime come dressed for bed with your favourite cuddly toy and a warm blanket and pillow. It’s one of our favourite events of the year – contact the Library to reserve a place, telephone 818160.

We are having our public access computers replaced on Friday 9th December, so unfortunately the computers will be out of action that day.

A reminder that we are selling and raffling off Emily’s fabulous knitted advent chains for Charity. They make such a special keepsake for little ones and big people too!!

Our Book Group will have their meetings on Wednesday 7th December and Wednesday 4th January at 6.30pm. Great discussions and chat over a cuppa.

The Knit and Natter ladies get together on Tuesday mornings at 11am. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people with a shared interest or just come for a natter!

The Craft Group meet on Monday afternoons at 2pm. Even if you aren’t creative you will be amazed at what you can create.

Bookbug sessions are held each Friday at 10.30am – rhymes, songs and stories for under 4 years.

Lego Club meet on Friday afternoons from 3-4pm for ages 7+.

Chatterbooks book group for book lovers aged 7+ will be held on Saturday 3rd December and 14th and 28th January at 10.30am.

Our Stories for Tots will be held on Tuesday 6th December and 10th January at 10.30am.

We will be doing Christmas Crafts on Saturday 17th December at 10.30am. Children are welcome to come along and make something festive. Telephone the Library to reserve a place.

The Library will close on Christmas Eve at 1pm and reopen on Wednesday 4th January at 2pm so stock up on your books.

Finally, Ann, Fiona, Frances and Caitlin would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for the huge support and help we have received throughout this year, and to everyone who has knitted scarves that are still being made into bedspreads and throws, the recipients are

always so touched. Longniddry is a fabulous community and we count ourselves very fortunate to be part of it.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

LONGNIDDRY SCHOOL has a red recycling bin in the staff car park for your bags of unwanted clothing, shoes, belts and bags. These are then sold to boost school funds.

CHRISTIAN AID QUIZ Thank you to everyone who came along to the Quiz in October, and to Iain Stewart for setting and running the quiz. It was great night. We raised a fantastic £650 for Christian Aid as a result.

S.W.I. The Christmas Party will be held at the Longniddry Inn on Wednesday 14th December at 6.30pm. The cost will be £15. Please bring a small (in value) wrapped parcel for the Lucky Dip. Any member who wishes to attend and who has not managed to indicate thus please phone Morag Air, 852266.

On Wednesday 11th January we shall meet at 7.30pm in the Church Hall to hear Jane McMinn talk about the Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery. The competition, for those who wish to enter, is “A Shell Item”. All welcome.

PAINTING EXHIBITION Ormiston Village Art Group are currently holding an exhibition of work in Longniddry Library until Christmas. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Also, don’t forget our local group meet every Tuesday morning in Longniddry church halls. Both groups are seeking more members, so if you are interested please ring Ron Farnish on 852932.

PLEASE GIVE BLOOD on Thursday 26th January, in Longniddry Community Centre, between 4.30-7.30pm. Fewer donations are made during the winter months, so every little helps.

CHURCH CONTACTS Minister

Rev Robin Hill

853195

Assistant Minister

Bill Wishart BD

01875704071/

BWishart@churchofscotland.org.uk Session Clerk

Gordon Smillie

853326

Treasurer

Douglas Clarke

853017

Transport

Sheila Jamieson

852068

June Condie

852136

Hall Bookings

Robin Cuthbertson

852919

Magazine Editor

Nicola Clarke 52 Douglas Road

www.longniddrychurch.org.uk

853017 (E-email Nicolaclarke52@btinternet.com)