Kirk Window December 2015

The Kirk Window Knockando, Elchies and Archiestown Linked with Rothes

December 2015 Knockando Elchies & Archiestown Parish Church of Scotland. Scottish Charity No: SC014428 Rothes Parish Church of Scotland. Scottish Charity No: SC016116 Church Website: www.moraykirk.co.uk

Directory Minister

Rev.Robert J M Anderson BD

Church Office/Secretary

Jan Rodgers

Magazine Editor

Carol Burdekin

: (01340) 831381/Fax: 831181 Email: RJMAnderson@churchofscotland.org.uk : 831497 Email: kear@rotheshall.freeserve.co.uk :831796 Email: carol.burdekin@btinternet.com

Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown Session Clerk

Pat North

Clerk to Congregational Board Rita Rattray

:810687 Email: patricianorth@f2s.com :810454 email: rita.rattray@hotmail.co.uk :810687 Email: patricianorth@f2s.com : (01807) 500341 Email: suzannefoster47@btinternet.com :810687 Email: keithnorth@f2s.com :810544 :810263 :810830 :810544 :810420 Email:grahamcarol.hewitt@btinternet.com :881448 :810807 Email: sandra1010@btinternet.com :810687 Email: keithnorth@f2s.com :871445 Email:janemurraysmith@gmail.com : (01807) 500341

Safeguarder

Pat North

Treasurer/Gift Aid Convenor

Suzanne Foster

Property Convenor

Keith North

Freewill Offering Convenors

Lay Visitors Co-Ordinator

Joan and Alan Sheppard Claire Henderson & Meg Lowe Joan Sheppard

World Church Representative

Carol Hewitt

Organist

Margaret Johnston

Beadle

Sandra Cruickshank

Depute Beadle

Keith North

Flowers Convenor Guild

Jane Murray-Smith Suzanne Foster

Session Clerk Assistant Session Clerk Safeguarder Treasurer/Gift Aid & Freewill Offering Convenor Property Convenor Sunday School Leader Lay Visitors Co-Ordinator

Dennis Malcolm JP Celine McDuff-Jones Sandra Bruce

:831319 :831956 :831317

Grace Christie

:831265

World Church Representative

Celine McDuff-Jones

Organist

Helen Nicoll

Studio

Richard Jamieson

Beadle

Peter Burdekin

Depute Beadle Flowers Convenor Guild Boys Brigade Hall Keeper Associate Hall Keeper

Morag Richardson Margaret Porter Bobbie Robertson Julie Christie Colin Munro Helen Ness

Sunday School Leaders

Rothes

Dennis Malcolm Karen Murray Edith Holmes

:831319 : 831527 : 831270 :831956 Email: celine.mcduff-jones@nhs.net :820565 :831450 Email:rjamieson@btopenworld.com :831796 Email: peter.burdekin@btinternet.com :831877 :831519 :(01343) 842801 :831322 :831793 :831101

The Manse of Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown with Rothes December 2015

Dear friends, Christmas is coming and another year rolls onward to its close! Can you believe it?

Recent shocking events in Paris and all around the world may cause us to question if the whole world is going completely mad. Everywhere it seems that men, women, children and babies are setting out on foot carrying all their worldly possessions with them as they struggle to escape from poverty, deprivation, disaster and the most horrific violence. And governments speak of war!

Thousands of people flee on foot to new lands hoping to find safer, healthier, kinder communities and governments. Sadly, very often many of them soon discover they are not welcome. It may not have seemed so bad for us when all these things were going on far away, but the recent events in Paris have brought to our doorstep the reality of just how unstable the world is.

So is there any hope for the world? There certainly is. As we celebrate again the birth of Christ at CHRISTmas we remember that the world was pretty unstable 2,000 years ago as well. Remember King Herod’s murderous orders to kill all Hebrew baby boys under a certain age? Remember the family of Jesus after he was born had to leave home and seek asylum in Egypt? Has the world got any better since then? Well, yes I would think it has!

The birth of Christ, the Son of God, brought hope then and continues to bring hope today. For Christ Jesus transforms human nature and endeavour, and day by day millions of Christ-like acts of human kindness are changing the lives of countless people. Still today the people of Jesus are living the hope given to us by the Prince of Peace and the King of Love, and good is triumphing over evil – even when we don’t think we can see it. Jesus has shown and still is showing us the way. Follow Him and know His unique love and power in the world. Live the eternal life of Christ.

continued……...

The Manse of Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown with Rothes God’s message today is the same one the Angel of the Lord gave to the shepherds in the fields: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) Then the heavenly host praised God saying “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.” (Luke 2:14.) The hope and the promise are made real in the Christ-like thoughts and actions of people like us; and there are more of us than you might think. So rejoice!

I and the Kirk Sessions of Knockando and Rothes wish all members, adherents, parishioners, friends and strangers a very Happy CHRISTmas, and the peace of Christ that passes all understanding!!!

ELDERSHIP

Your Minister & friend Rev. Bob

Both Knockando and Rothes Churches are anxious to appoint new Elders to help cover the pastoral districts in our two parishes. In common with many other Churches we are asking members and adherents of our congregations if they would like to suggest people who might be approached and asked to think about becoming Elders. Envelopes and suggestion slips for this purpose can be found in each church and can be sealed and handed to the Session Clerks or Minister. An Elder must be a member of the congregation and a regular attender at services of worship. The process of appointing Elders is confidential and is not an election. Therefore it should be borne in mind that there may be a number of reasons why a person is unable to take on this role at any given time. BUT PLEASE DO LET US HAVE YOUR SUGGESTIONS – in confidence.

RJMA.

CHRISTMAS STAR SERVICES

At our services in both Churches on Sunday 6 December there will be an opportunity during the service to write someone’s name on a silver Star and attach it to the Christmas Tree. Stars and pens will be supplied and it is hoped that this may be helpful to those who wish to remember families and friends no longer with us, or perhaps living or working far away at Christmas time. Everyone is welcome to these services.

Kirk News………..

CHURCHES WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE Both Churches have been engaged in new ways of working with children and young people. At Knockando a Youth Alpha programme has been running on Friday evenings and involves using a very well-produced DVD programme explaining the Christian faith, and everyone sharing a meal together and having discussions. This was the first time that we have run the Youth Alpha programme and it has been a great experience. We are grateful to the leaders and to the different people who provided the meals and we are looking forward to the next steps. Our Sunday school has also been busy and the children are having a happy time learning about the great events in the Bible.

At Rothes there was a Fun Week from 28 – 31 August which was attended by 33 different children who all had a great time and learnt a lot along the way.

Also more than 50 children attended the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon Children’s Art Club on 4th and 5th August. Some of the excellent results can be seen around the walls of Rothes Kirk Hall. The re-formed Sunday school, known as the Sunday Fun Club, is also going really well. The Sunday Fun Club meets in Rothes Kirk Hall at 10:30 on Sunday mornings and enjoys a range of activities before coming into the Church for a short time during the morning service.

BLYTHSWOOD SHOE BOX APPEAL A total of 50 Shoe Boxes from Knockando and Rothes were given to the appeal this year, these really do make a difference to those that receive them.

Thank you to all that donated, we will of course update you in the next Kirk Window on the total received by Blythswood. We know that last winter the total boxes collected was 106,000, these were delivered to people in eight east European countries and in Pakistan.

PARISH REGISTER KNOCKANDO, ELCHIES AND ARCHIESTOWN BAPTISM

(The promise is for you…and for your children...)

06 September 2015 – Alexander Junor, infant son of Angela and Andrew 18 October 2015 – Elizabeth Margaret Jean Herschell, infant daughter of Ruth and Mark 15 November 2015 – Dennis James Morgan, infant son of Hayley and Gareth NEW MEMBER BY PUBLIC PROFESSION OF FAITH (And you shall receive a rich welcome...)

NEW MEMBERS BY CERTIFICATE AND BY RESOLUTION OF KIRK SESSION (And you shall receive a rich welcome...)

DISJUNCTIONS (May God’s blessing surround you each day…)

MARRIAGE (Jesus and the disciples were invited to the wedding...)

01 August 2015 – Amy Shand and Calum Campbell, at Knockando Kirk 22 August 2015 – Emma Dawes and Christopher Morrison, at Knockando Kirk 19 September 2015 – Sheryl Saunders and Neil Buchanan, at Forres: St. Laurence Kirk 03 October 2015 – Evelyn IC Lewis and Juan Pablo Prieto Baez, at Innes House

DEATHS (Do not grieve like the rest of mankind who have no hope...)

02 June 2015 - Davie Gordon, Woodside, Elchies.

11 September 2015 – Ailsa M Shaw, Knockando and Rothes.

PARISH REGISTER ROTHES BAPTISM (The promise is for you…and for your children...)

06 September 2015 – Holly Margaret Dunlop, infant daughter of Tanya and Darren 18 October 2015 – Nella Faith Sheed, infant daughter of Kim and William NEW MEMBERS BY CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFERENCE or by SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF THE KIRK SESSION (And you shall receive a rich welcome…)

Mrs. Margo Wilson – Land Street, Rothes Mr John Dunlop, 85 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, IV31 6DP (from Lossiemouth: St.G) Mrs Marilyn Dunlop, 85 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, IV31 6DP (from Lossiemouth: St.G) Miss Nicola Dunlop, 85 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, IV31 6DP (from Lossiemouth: St.G) NEW MEMBER BY PUBLIC PROFESSION OF FAITH (And you shall receive a rich welcome...)

DISJUNCTIONS (May God’s blessing surround you each day…)

MARRIAGE (Jesus and the disciples were invited to the wedding...)

22 August 2015 – Julie Henderson and Chris Croasdale at Rothes Kirk 29 August 2015 – Amy Gordon and Craig Younie at Edinkillie Kirk 19 September 2015 – Katie Mellis and H. Edward Parry at Miltonduff 17 October 2015 – Dawn McKenzie and Alistair Forsyth at Rothes Kirk DEATHS (Do not grieve like the rest of mankind who have no hope) 11 June 2015 – George Scott, formerly Rothes and Ballindalloch

24 June 2015 – Mary B (McLaggan) Fraser, Breich Street, Rothes 30 July 2015 – Sheila H (Warren) Paterson, Pharmacist, Rothes 06 August 2015 – Janis McFarlane, High Street, Rothes.

23 September 2015 – William J Grant, Green Street, Rothes.

13 November 2015 – John P. Tilley, New Street, Rothes.

KIRK NEWS…….. KIRK NEWS ……….

KNOCKANDO ORGANIST Margaret Johnston our Organist at Knockando has indicated that she intends to retire at the end of March 2016. Margaret has served us very well and we will be very sorry to lose her, but of course we have to start thinking about replacements now. We would like to appoint an organist, or a panel of organists, to play at our Sunday services in Knockando Kirk, at Wedding and Funeral services and for monthly services at Speyside Care Home. The organists at Knockando and Rothes normally cover for each other during holiday periods. Anyone who would like to know more about the terms and conditions should contact Pat North our Session Clerk (contact details on our web-site).

The organist will be a committed Christian and have a Church connection as this is an occupational requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010.

RJMA FABRIC REPORT The Manse The central heating boiler has been replaced and radiators throughout the manse have been upgraded which means that the system now complies with the most up to date safety legislation and will also be more efficient to run .

Dennis Malcolm Session Clerk & Fabric Convenor

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN SUPPORT KNOCKANDO AND ROTHES KIRKS ONLINE? SIMPLY GO TO WWW.MORAYKIRK.CO.UK Then click on Rothes Donate or Knockando Donate, as an Unregistered user and follow the easy steps to donate.

YOUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR LOCAL KIRK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

KIRK NEWS…….. KIRK NEWS ……….

LOOKING AHEAD TO SPECIAL SERVICES KNOCKANDO AND ROTHES KIRKS Morning Service in Knockando is 10.00am and Rothes 11.30am unless shown differently below

Sunday 6 December

Chr istmas Star Ser vice - Both Churches

Sunday 13 December Chr istingle Ser vice – Inchberry

6.30

pm Sunday 20 December

Last Sunday in Advent - Both churches

Christmas Eve

Christingle Service at Rothes

Christmas Eve

Watch Night Ser vice at Knockando 11.30

6.30 pm

pm Christmas Day

Chr istmas Day Ser vice Knockando 10.30

am CHRISTMAS STAR SERVICES At our services in both Churches on Sunday 6 December there will be an opportunity during the service to write someone’s name on a silver Star and attach it to the Christmas Tree. Stars and pens will be supplied and it is hoped that this may be helpful to those who wish to remember families and friends no longer with us, or perhaps living or working far away at Christmas time. Everyone is welcome to these services.

LAST SUNDAY OF ADVENT SERVICES Children will be playing a key part in the services in both Churches on Sunday 20 December. Come along and give them your encouragement !

Soup & Bread - Sunday 3rd January Following the joint service at Rothes, we will be serving Soup & Bread in Rothes Kirk Hall.

KNOCKANDO, ELCHIES & ARCHIESTOWN KIRK NEWS After a lovely long spell of autumn sunshine, today has started with mist which is hiding most of 'the Ben' and is keeping the temperature down. That seems a good reason to start this report instead of continuing with the long clear up in the garden.

This is a very busy time at the kirk, with our 'Hairst' service just past and Communion a fortnight ago. Next week will be Remembrance Sunday and at the end of the month we hope to see people coming for soup and bread for the second 'Winter Warmer' of the season. We are also looking forward to welcoming two new members at the end of the month.

For the first time at Knockando there has been a Youth Alpha course running. This is an excellent chance for young people to explore the Christian faith, to ask questions and to discuss issues in a safe and relaxed environment. Members have supported this venture, with prayer, and by cooking a meal for the group on Friday evenings.

We are now expected by the church to have a stewardship campaign of some sort every year. The focus of the campaigns is supposed to rotate through money, time and talents. The current stewardship group has met a couple of times, and feel for this regularity to be manageable each campaign will have to be relatively small scale, or in a small congregation it will not be sustainable. The chair of this year's group is Carol Hewitt who will be giving you more information about this year's efforts in an article in this magazine.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for future events please contact Carol, or myself or our Minister.

Finally I wish you all a blessed Christmas, and every happiness in the New Year.

Pat North (Session Clerk)

LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES Two of our Elders at Knockando have reached the milestone of being ordained for more than 30 years. At the morning service on Sunday 22nd November the Minister presented Evelyn Younie and Alan Sheppard with Long Service Certificates signed by the Right Reverend Dr. Angus Morrison, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. We offer warm congratulations to Evelyn and Alan.

Knockando Elchies and Archiestown Kirk News Treasurers Report This has been another 'exciting' time for the Knockando Church, you can ask how can finances be exciting. Well, it is about what the congregation do in raising finance, by events such as, 'Heavenly Pieces', Concerts and 'Winter Warmers'. All of these events take a lot of time and energy of the people involved but the rewards of fellowship enjoyed is worth more than the money they generate. “Heavenly Pieces” raised the tremendous amount of £4179! A huge Thank You to everyone that makes this happen, and to those that came along and enjoyed their visit.

Knockando Church finances have been helped with the generous donations from families and organisations for which the Church appreciates, whether they be large or small.

If you are a tax payer and use the open plate or Freewill Offering envelopes but do not Gift Aid but would like to, please contact me, all information is confidential. The taxman will actually give the Church 25% on every £1 given.

Suzanne Foster - Treasurer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Stewardship Campaign is Looking for Men !

Many of you will remember the last Stewardship Campaign we ran inviting all members to an evening with Home Bakes, a presentation and an exhibition of all the activities of the church. That was in May, an incredible 6 years ago and we all had such a good social time together.

This is advanced notice of our May 2016 Stewardship Campaign. We will be holding a series of activities for you to be involved in. The themes will be mainly, but not exclusively targeting the men in our community e.g. A Golf tournament, Fly Casting, Woodworking, Photography, Cooking for men.

There will be plenty of ways in which all church members can become involved.

We are also urgently looking for any talented men to come forward to volunteer to help organise these sessions or give advice or assistance in any way.

Please contact any of the Committee Members:Carol Hewitt, Pat North, Suzanne Foster, Jane Murray-Smith, Sandra Cruickshank

KNOCKANDO, ELCHIES & ARCHIESTOWN KIRK NEWS World Mission As I am new to the role of World Mission Representative, I thought I would explain what I am supposed to be doing for you and our Church.

1) I receive regular updates from World Mission Council about what is happening in the Church World Wide and how the Church of Scotland is involving itself.

2) I receive 6 World Mission magazines a year, which focus on different current world topics.

3) I share with you some news about World Mission on a regular basis.

4) I attend an annual meeting, on your behalf, which gives information on this years ‘World Mission Focus’ There are currently a number of World Mission (WM) magazines on the table in the Church entrance. Please feel free to borrow these and read at home with a cup of tea. If anyone would like to regularly receive a copy, please let me know.

There is also a booklet called ‘Living Stones’ which shares stories from across Scotland about how people are walking alongside others throughout the world and getting involved in the work of the World Church. These are inspiring and challenging stories. Please give me some feedback once you have read it.

Extreme Weather How many top news stories of disasters did we empathise with at the time but have now forgotten? Their story of hardship continues.

Nepal – Six months after the earthquake, people are still living in temporary tin shacks and grieving for those who died in the disaster. The World Mission is challenging Churches to raise money to help build new houses there.

Myanmar – The Church is reaching out to hundreds displaced by this summer’s floods.

Pakistan – An extreme heatwave in June saw 2000 people dying from heat-stroke and dehydration. Countless livestock died which has a serious knock on effect of how people can earn a living.

KNOCKANDO, ELCHIES & ARCHIESTOWN KIRK NEWS Human Trafficking This is a form of modern day slavery in which people, most often women and girls, are forced, threatened or deceived for purposes of labour exploitation, commercial sex or domestic servitude. This is a serious problem for the poorest countries.

On the Malawi-Tanzania and Malawi-Zambia borders there are Church projects running focusing on Child Protection.

In Nepal there is a Church organisation focusing on raising awareness, educating, empowering communities and challenging the poverty, which makes these communities vulnerable.

We need to think about what we can do to help and pray for these people.

Carol Hewitt -World Vision Representative, Knockando Kirk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Knockando – Stramash

The third annual Stramash in the Kirk was held on October 23rd.

Although there was not a huge audience those that were there thoroughly enjoyed an evening of music and dance. Singers, musicians and Highland Dancers from Insch, Inverness and more local areas came together to put on the Stramash.

At the end of the evening a delicious spread was enjoyed by all who stayed.

We raised £500 on the night, and with the support of The Robertson Trust scheme the final total was £1500.

Winter Warmer Season at Knockando

Last Wednesday of each month October —March 12.00—2.00 pm

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD KNOCKANDO This has been a sad year for the Guild with the passing of our friend and member Ailsa Shaw,various other members have had operations and been in and out of hospital due to illness, but although our group is small, through the grace of God we are still battling on.

The new strategy of the Guild over the next three years is 'Be Bold be Strong', with this years theme being 'Go in Peace' which in this world can be very difficult. But as the Rev. Bob Anderson once said just one small flicker of light in the darkness can start the change, that is what we the Guild, and countless others are doing.

Once again the Church of Scotland Guilds show they are not afraid to be 'bold' when choosing projects to support. They are 'Breaking the Cycle of FGM' (the cycle of female genital mutilation), 'Mission International Haiti Project', 'Caring for Mother Earth in Bolivia', 'Street Pastors', 'All Friends Together', 'Lets Stick Together (Care for the Family)'. If anyone would like further information on any of these projects I would be more than happy to provide this.

The September meeting of the Guild had to be cancelled but at our October meeting we discussed the above projects and the exciting changes that are taking place within the Guild. A new appointment has been made at 121 George Street of Eilidh Marks who is a young vibrant and innovative young lady, as can be seen by the new Guild magazine. Guild members and anyone interested in finding out more about the Guild can go onto Facebook, Twitter and the website ( www.cos-guild.org.uk) Our next meeting is on the 10th December, however, this is a meeting with a difference. We are having a meal and than watching a DVD of 'It's a wonderful life'. Anyone who is interested in the Guild we would invite to join us in the meeting room of the Church at 2pm on the 10th December, and would be made most welcome.

Suzanne Foster - Convenor

ROTHES KIRK NEWS Services of Worship Numbers attending Sunday Worship are lower than we would like to see however it is rewarding to see the Sunday Fun Club up and running again with around 10 children regularly attending with their 3 Sunday Fun Club teachers.

The Monthly evening services at Inchberry started the first Sunday in October and they continue to be very well attended. Our thanks again to the ladies for supplying the lovely home bakes, tea and coffee after the service.

Fabric All roof and steeple repair work that was identified by Northern Steeplejacks has been carried out and was within the estimated cost of ÂŁ10,000.

Dennis Malcolm Session Clerk & Fabric Convenor

ROTHES CHURCH ADOPTS UNITARY CONSTITUTION Rothes Church has now adopted the Unitary Constitution which, among other things, means that the Elders in the Kirk Session are the Charity Trustees as well as sharing with the Minister responsibility for the spiritual and pastoral wellbeing of the Kirk and her people. This is in many ways very similar to the old Quod Omnia constitutions that used to operate in all the old parish churches of the Church of Scotland. The constitution allows for various committees to be formed and for non-elders and, in certain circumstances, non-members to be co-opted. The Kirk Session will be taking this forward soon.

WATCH HOUSE CHAPEL IN ROTHES Thanks to Garry Laing and his team, and a contribution to costs from the Rothes Windfarm Fund, the renovation of the Watch House Chapel in the old Kirkyard in Burnside Street is nearing completion. Once finished the Chapel will be available 24 hours as a place where people can go to be still, to meditate or pray or to just take shelter when visiting family graves. The Watch House Chapel is close to the site of the former Parish Kirk of St. Lawrence which stood before the present Kirk was built in the centre of Rothes in 1781.

ROTHES KIRK NEWS Treasurers Report Donations, Bequests and Legacies – Rothes Rothes Kirk gratefully acknowledges a number of special donations totalling £7,839.72 which were made by the following individuals, families, organisations, or given in collections taken at funeral services.

In Name Of:Mr. G. Bain, Allaburn Farm, Elgin Mrs. I. Cumming Mr. J. Eddie Mr & Mrs. D. French Mrs. M. Gordon Mrs. S. Gordon Andrea & Barry Main Mr. I. Masson Mrs. C. McDuff-Jones Alison McFarlane Mrs. D. Meldrum My Donate Mr & Mrs. E. Parry, Miltonduff Mr & Mrs. F. Petrie Sing for Life Choir The Church very much appreciates all the special donations that it receives whether large or small, since every penny counts.

Thank you!

Grace Christie

COFFEE MORNINGS – ROTHES KIRK HALL—2016 Monday Morning Coffee

10am -12 noon

Saturday 20th February Saturday 19th March Saturday 9th April Saturday 21st May Saturday 17th September Saturday 19th November

ROTHES KIRK NEWS Malawi Appeal: Please continue to knit towar ds next year , below is a photograph of some of the items received this year. We also collect the following to include in the parcels:Cakes of Soap, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Cotton Wool, Pens, Pencils, Paper, Colouring pencils, Drawing books for children.

Items can be left at the Kirk Hall, or the church at any time, these will be passed on to Ethel Duncan who organises the Malawi Appeal for Rothes.

Rothes Sunday Fun Club……….

You may have read earlier the article from Rev.Bob, here are photographs of some of the work that was done during the August Fun week, Art Club, and since we have returned to the Sunday Fun Club.

Why not come and join us Sunday morning at Rothes Kirk Hall from 10.30-12.30 Also, please come and support us on Sunday 20 December at Morning Service !

Rothes Kirk News ………..

Rothes Parish Church of Scotland - Gifts & Talents Evening Our first open meeting was held in the Kirk Hall on Wednesday 14 October, everyone attending the meeting had the opportunity to share ideas with others, offering help and showing great enthusiasm for learning from others with different talents from their own.

During the meeting our boards illustrating six talents including crafts and leisure were all selected by individuals using our pre-printed stickers for names, address and contact numbers and ‘I can help/I want to learn’. However the most stickers with names, talents and interests were placed on our free board for other talents, these included Line Dancing, Teaching foreign languages, Sewing, Singing and offering Transport to and from the Church. We also had a suggestions envelope for anyone wishing to offer his or her help discretely.

Do you have any gifts/talents that would help others but were unable to attend our first open meeting? If you would like to share them with us, please email the church office on kear@rotheshall.freeserve.co.uk or contact Jan Rodgers on 01340 831831.

Hopefully we will be able to go on and identify things that will encourage our members to share things and further on, to enable the church to contribute to meeting needs in our community as well.

Stewardship Planning Group Transport to Rothes Kirk If you or someone you know would like to attend the Rothes Kirk Service, (11.30am) and would benefit from transport from and to home, please ring one of the following Volunteers who have offered their service:Carol Burdekin

- 01340 831796

Fraser Morrison - 01340 871130 Gordon Davidson - 01340 820529

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD ROTHES

Another Guild Year begins, and we are delighted to welcome three new members to the Guild this year. Although our numbers are small we enjoy good fellowship and interesting meetings.

In October our speaker was the Rev. Bob Anderson, who spoke about our new theme “Be bold, be strong, Go in Peace” , as always we were given a lot to think about.

Also in October, Rothes was host to Morey West Presbytery Guild Rally.

The speaker was from Project ’Mission International in Haiti’ one of the new 2015-2018 projects. The rally was very well attended, and we all enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat in the Kirk Hall afterwards, which Colin and Helen helped prepare.

In November our speaker was Adrienne Dempster from Blythswood Care.

She spoke about the work of Blythswood in this country and abroad, and everyone was reduced to tears when we saw the DVD of the people opening their shoe boxes and hearing their comments and thanks. We were pleased to make a monetary donation from the Guild to Adrienne.

Our next meeting is our Carol Evening on Tuesday 8th December at 7.30pm in the Rothes Kirk Hall. Please come along and join us, and get into the spirit of Christmas. Everyone is welcome.

The Guild is open to both Ladies and Men, why not just come along to a meeting, no obligation to join.

Ethel Duncan

INCHBERRY NEWS

Apparently good things come to those who wait - and wait we certainly did for the best of this summer's weather! Fortunately a glorious early autumn resulted in a successful grain harvest and, as our friend Hortus will confirm, abundant crops of fruit in our gardens.

Several weeks of pylon work in the area meant that the Dipple road was closed and diversions were in place. All is now back to normal.

The first of our monthly evening services took place in Inchberry Hall on 4th October. The number in attendance was somewhat lower than usual but it would not have been surprising if folk had chosen to be out and about on such a fine evening. Rev. Bob did happen to remark on the dwindling number of us in the kitchen and expressed hopes of finding "new recruits". It would certainly be helpful to have some back-up and anyone who feels able to assist will be made most welcome.

By the time you read this our November service will have taken place and we shall be looking forward to Christingle on Sunday 13th December.

Greetings from all at Inchberry!

Angela Cowie One pleasing feature of 2015 was the wealth of blossom on every bush and shrub. Early spring saw the whins clothed all over in gold. The broom came next in dazzling yellow. Shrubs in the garden gave a display better than ever and in particular our rambler Rose “New Dawn” for size and profusion of bloom the best show in its 25 years.

Every cotoneaster bush was abuzz with small bumble bees and wasps in early summer resulting in a tremendous crop of berries. We fervently hope it is merely a feast for all the birds rather than the sign of a severe winter. Not everything was ‘lovely in the garden’ though. Perhaps the balance of nature: while the tatties and other veg did very well, our tomatoes were a complete failure. At first they looked strong and healthy, very promising, but then the dreaded ‘blossom end’ rot set in. Despite trying all known remedies for the problem it was all to no avail. We took no comfort from hearing that many other gardeners were in the same boat. There were excellent specimens entered in the recent flower shows which added to our discomfort. Ah, well, hope springs eternal so we hope for another chance next year.

HORTUS

MEMBERS OF THE KIRK SESSIONS KNOCKANDO, ELCHIES & ARCHIESTOWN ELDERS Tel. No. George Bremner - Finance 881317 Sandra Cruickshank 810807 Suzanne Foster - Treasurer (01807)500341 Stuart Foster - Presbytery Elder (01807)500341 Isobel Hendry - Hospitality 810313 Jane Hunter 810218 Stanley Johnston 881448 Catherine Morgan 810418 Kathleen Morgan 871203 Michael Morgan 810418 Pat North - Session Clerk 810687 Jane Murray-Smith 871445 Keith North - Property 810687 Alan Sheppard - Finance 810544 Joan Sheppard - Finance 810544

CONGREGATIONAL BOARD

ROTHES ELDERS Tel. No. Jim Anderson - Hospitality 831328 Sandra Bruce - Hospitality 831317 Sheila Brumby 831588 Peter Burdekin 831796 Grace Christie - Finance Convenor 831265 Ethel Duncan - Hospitality Convenor (01343) 860255 Adrian Firth - Property 831707 Irene Jamieson - Property 831737 Richard Jamieson - Church Librarian, 831450 Dennis Malcolm-Session Clerk, Property Convenor 831319 Celine McDuff-Jones - Presbytery Elder, Finance 831956 Fraser Morrison 871130 Colin Munro - Property 831793 Karen Murray - Hospitality 831527 Helen Ness 831101 Roberta (Bobbie) Robertson (01343) 842801 Edward Smith 831147

KIRK SESSION COMMITTEES TO BE ANNOUNCED

KNOCKANDO, ELCHIES & ARCHIESTOWN MEMBERS SERVING TO 2016 Nancy Colthart Carol Hewitt Iris Robertson

Tel. No. 810331 810420 810234

SERVING TO 2018 Doreen Aldridge - Finance Margaret Johnston - Hospitality Rita Rattray - Finance Jessie Smith

810339 881448 810454 810674

Directory of Local Suppliers & Services Aerial & TV Services DAEMA Electronics…………………………………………. (01340) 831924 or 07837 440545 Bakers Simpsons Bakery,Rothes…………………………………….

(01340) 831228

Banks Mobile Royal Bank of Scotland, Rothes Seafield Square — NEW TIMES:Tuesdays 09.50-10.35 Beauty Therapist & Nail Technician The Little Beauty Room, Spey Valley Drive, Aberlour …........ 07740 782624 Butcher and Game Dealer The Rothes Butcher & Game Dealer………………………… (01340) 831224 Car Sales Speyside Car Sales, Rothes…………………………………… (01340) 831397 Chimney Services ACL McLeod Chimney Sweep Services Ltd…………………. (01340) 831546 Contract Cleaning Henderson Contract Cleaning…………………………………. (01340) 831515 Cookery School Oakwood Cookery School…………………………………….. (01343) 541285 Distillery Visitor Centre and Coffee Shop Glen Grant Distillery Visitor Centre and Coffee shop………… (01340) 832118 Electricians I Fraser & Sons, Rothes……………………………………….. (01340) 831302 Fish and Chip Shop Rothes Chip Shop…………………………………………….. (01340) 831064 Funeral Directors Frank S. Maclean and Son…………………………………….

Graham J Rattray………………………………………………

Smith & Catto…………………………………………………

Steven Thomson and Son ……………………………………

(01340) 871001 (01343) 815073 (01343) 547371 (01343) 814680

Directory of Local Suppliers & Services Furniture Maker Burnside of Ballintomb Furniture, Archiestown…………. (01340) 810495

Garages and vehicle repairs Castlehill Services, Rothes……………………………….. (01340) 831555 Mackie’s Garage, Elchies…………………………….. …. (01340) 871440 General Stores Costcutters (Longmore’s), Rothes………………………... (01340) 831206 McColls Convenience Store, Rothes …………………….. (01340) 831209 Hairdressers and Stylists Hair at Holmes with Debby (mobile)……

(01340) 831103/07765060088

Painters & Decorators Henderson Decorators Ltd, Rothes…………………… ... (01340) 831515 Stuart R. Paul, Rothes……………………………………. 07796 397645 John Rodgers, Rothes……………………………………. (01340) 831831 Pharmacist Rothes Pharmacy………………………………………… (01340) 832340

Plumbers McKerron & Milne Ltd, Rothes………………………….. (01340) 831523 Post Offices Archiestown Sub Post Office & Village Shop…………… (01340) 810339 RS McColl’s, Rothes ……………………………………. (01340) 831209 Taxis Tawse Taxis………………………………………………

07725995277

Tea Rooms & Catering Irene’s Tea Rooms ……………………………………… (01340) 831737 Tipper Hire/Light Haulage/Property Maintenance Derek Gall ………………………………………………..

07799 484356

To make an entry in this directory please contact Carol Burdekin 01340 831796 or carol.burdekin@btinternet.com