Seeds encourage | inspire | challenge | No. 48 |MAY
Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL 0131 220 1677 www.augustine.org.uk Scottish Charity no. SC000385 Church Secretary: Kathleen Ziffo secretary@augustine.org.uk or via the church office
God in Politics By Rev Fiona Bennett
Minister: Rev Fiona Bennett minister.auc@gmail.com 07552 162 717 Assoc. Minister: Rev Maxwell Reay revmaxwell.auc@gmail.com 07957 543 359 Church Administrator: Rachel Fitzgerald administrator@augustine.org.uk 0131 220 1677 Seeds Editor: Tamsin Kilgour newsletter.auc@gmail.com Website Editor: Anna Jones webeditor.auc@gmail.com
In this edition 2.
ESCAPE event
3.
Dandelion Greens
4-5. Commitment for Life Update 6.
Clusters of Synod
7.
Lindisfarne Outing
8.
Our Tribe
9.
Noticeboard
10. ABC Update 12. Getting to Know You 13. Family News 14. Godly Play 15. Seedlings 16. Calendar
2015
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rchbishop Desmond Tutu once said: “When people say that the Bible and politics don’t mix, I ask them which Bible they are reading.” The Bible contains numerous stories which explicitly or implicitly are addressing issues of politics. Throughout the Bible are stories of how the Hebrew people fared and responded in relation to the Assyrian empire, the Babylonian empire, the Egyptian empire & the Roman empire. The Bible contains a vast collection of stories about how communities did and should organise and govern themselves. The Bible also contains many stories and laws on how a society should discern what makes for justice and about how individuals should treat each other. And in the midst of all these stories, aspirations, failures &
changes of history, with their political dimensions, God is present – not detached and uninterested in the society which the Hebrews were building (and rebuilding and rebuilding), but right in the heart of the creative process. From the stories in the Bible, I think it would be fair statement to make that: God cares about politics. The story of the Bible tells us that God cares and keeps caring about politics, even when things go very awry from what God had hoped and planned for. As we come to the General Election of May 7th there are many issues to consider, to hold our politicians to account on and to act on as we can. A recent report called ‘Faith in Politics’ produced by the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) identifies 16 major areas which need addressing and >2
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Getting involved Within AUC there are 7 Ministry Teams which are responsible for different areas of Church Life. If you would like to know more or get involved with one of these please e-mail the contact person
Children & Young People Kirsty Murray kirsty.murray@ed.ac.uk
Membership Alex Peden a.peden@ed.ac.uk
Our Tribe (LGBT Ministry) Rev Maxwell Reay revmaxwell.auc@gmail.com
Commitment For Life (Social Justice Ministry) Kathleen Ziffo secretary@augustine.org.uk
Pastoral & Mental Health Doris Caldwell hhfcaldwell@gmail.com
Worship & Christian Education Rev Fiona Bennett
< 1 and longer term strategies put in place to ensure the sustained health and wellbeing of our society, world & planet. None of these issues are impossible to tackle, but to do so would imply significant changes in many of the systems and perceptions which control our world. I would encourage you to consider what the JPIT have put together – not because it directs us toward any particular party, but because it raises many of the key areas which concern the health and wellbeing of our neighbours (nearby & far away) and ourselves. (UK-wide and Scotland-specific versions are available from www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/issues/politics-and-elections/ election2015/#resources) I do not personally believe that God is a supporter of a particular political party, but I do believe that God cares as deeply about our politics today as God did for the Hebrews thousands of years ago. Many of the challenging situations in our lives and world shaped by local and international politics can feel overwhelmingly impossible to address, but I do not believe God is fazed by the impossible. The title of the JPIT report is ‘Faith in Politics’, but a more hopeful thought as we come to May 7th, may be ‘God in Politics’. If the same God as was in the desert with the Hebrews and with Jesus at the tomb is still working in our lives and world today, then that God is deeply concerned about and engaged with our politics. And that same God is excited and able to work with us, through us, and perhaps even sometimes despite us, to create a world of health, peace and abundant life for all people and the planet. As we come to May 7th may God’s Spirit help us to discern how we can use our vote and our lives, to help God in this creative task.
minister.auc@gmail.com
Centre, Property & Finance Tom Murray murray.tom@blueyonder.co.uk If you would like to get involved volunteering within AUC or the local community:
AUC Volunteering Anne and Nicola Robinson rota.auc@gmail.com
Local Community Volunteering Della Morris dellagreenlanes@gmail.com
2 MAY 2015
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ESCAPE Food Poverty Event
SCAPE (Edinburgh Students Coalition Against Poverty), a student-run group linked to the University Chaplaincy, have been running monthly foodbank collections throughout the year, donating the goods to the Trussell Trust On Monday 4th May 12-3pm, alongside their usual collection, they are holding an event to highlight the causes of food poverty. There will be the opportunity to sign a petition to introduce food as a human right into Scottish law. Councillors, MSPs & General Election candidates have been invited to attend, pledge their support, and outline what their party will do to relieve food poverty in Scotland. Trussell Trust representatives will also be there. Do go along if you can, donate as able and pledge your support for tackling this important issue. www.augustine.org.uk
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Dandelion Greens (Things to chew on from the Membership Ministry Team)
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n Seeds this March, we provided you with a picture of one of the banners that hangs in the Sanctuary, and asked if people knew when/why the banner was made, as well as suggesting that, even those not involved in making it might try and identify the meanings of the various images. After speaking to a number of people, its story is outlined below. People may recall that for Synod this year, each church was asked to provide a display showing how they communicate with/involve people ‘outside’ the church, particularly around festival times. It transpires that this banner was the equivalent activity for a previous Synod meeting. About 10 or so years ago people made a banner that now hangs in Augustine for a Synod meeting in Perth. Many people helped, including Junior Church, with assistance from crafters such as May, Susan, Fiona Somerville… and even an odd visiting aunt from Australia! The banner was to illustrate what our church is
about. If you look at the banner in its entirety there are four quadrants surrounding the cross: the top left is about biblical inspiration and
celebration of God, the top right is about our attitude and actions of inclusion at Augustine – a welcome to all ages, abilities and colours, the bottom right is about projects that church members were participating in at the time and even today to help others, and the bottom left is about campaigns and other work that Augustine supports. At the Synod meeting Augustine took part in a parade of the banners, and got to see all the interesting symbols other churches chose to represent themselves. As always feel free to find me and tell me about volunteer opportunities and memories of Church that are close to your heart. Elizabeth Bay
Praising God with music and instruments
People of various ages and abilities
Word of God through time— scroll, book and computer
Hands of friendship The ARK café—previous homeless drop-in
Council of World Mission Augustine has been used as a polling station
The Verandah Club at Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Fair Trade We share our building with Christian Aid and Jubilee Scotland—both part of the Make Poverty History movement. Its main rally was in Edinburgh in 2005 around the G8 summit www.augustine.org.uk
Grassmarket Community Project (Parish meals) Paint—Fresh Start ‘Hit Squad’ We are named after Augustine of Hippo; Paradise Green has used as a symbol in the past
Our local ecumenical partners—Greyfriars Kirk and St Columba’s by the Castle MAY 2015 3
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Commitment for Life CLMT Christian Aid Update
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his year’s Christian Aid Week (10th-16th May) focuses on Ethiopia, and the story of Loko.
Loko walks alone for eight hours a day to gather and sell firewood so she can feed her children. Her shoes are so thin that thorns repeatedly pierce through to her feet. Loko is frightened of being attacked by hyenas, because there is no-one around who would hear her scream. Her faith pushes her on. "I pray to God as I walk, asking him to change my life and lead us out of this" she says. Loko dreads collecting firewood, but she has no choice. To earn enough money to feed her children one small meal a day, she needs wood to sell. In the Borena community in Ethiopia, girls are expected to fetch and carry wood and water to provide for their family. Denied a good education and the respect of their community, women are often trapped into a life of poverty. Loko dreams of owning a cow, just like Adi did. Two years ago, Adi was the poorest of the poor. Then Christian Aid provided a cow which gave her family nutritious milk. Adi churned butter and made money. It gave her a position in the community where her opinion is valued. Now her dreams have turned into plans and she has saved enough money to build a small shop. During Christian Aid Week churches across Britain and Ireland will come together to pray, campaign and raise money to transform the lives of people like Loko. This year Christian Aid is celebrating 70 years of transformative, hope-giving work across the world. We too can be the answer to Loko's prayer this Christian Aid Week. Learn more here – www.caweek.org, and come along to our service on 10th May when we will be hearing from Mary Mulligan, Christian Aid Scotland Churches Development Officer. Harriet Davidson
Nepal Earthquake
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n 25th April a massive earthquake struck Nepal with its epicentre near the capital, Kathmandu. As Seeds goes to print, over 6500 people are known to have died and over 14000 been injured, although these figures are expected to rise. Christian Aid partners are involved in the disaster relief work: Their sister agency Lutheran 4 MAY 2015
World Federation Nepal had a team based in Kathmandu so able to respond immediately, working to provide emergency shelter, food, clean water and blankets for survivors. Other partners, such as PVGS India – a disaster readiness project working on the India/Nepal border near the epicentre region of Gorkha – will be joining the efforts. Whilst currently immediate life-saving needs are the priority, partners will remain in Nepal working with individuals, families and >5 www.augustine.org.uk
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communities to support them to rebuild their lives.
Christian Aid has an emergency appeal for Nepal, but is also part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), through which member charities aim to co-ordinate their response to crises, and to raise money collectively rather than risk competing. DEC has launched a Nepal Earthquake Appeal. Donations can be made online, at any post office, most banks, or by phone on 0370 60 60 900 (Full details at www.dec.org.uk) Tamsin Kilgour
A Resurrection Prayer for Nepal (taken from the Christian Aid website) Lord Jesus Christ, who was buried in earth and who rose again to newness of life, after the quake and for the sake of the people of Nepal we cry to you. We grieve for those lost in death, we long for those who may yet be saved, and we pray for all who need water, food and shelter. From death and dust, may life yet come forth. In sorrow and suffering, may hope dawn. And may courage and love conquer despair. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Christian Aid Week George Street Book Sale St Andrew’s and St George’s West, George Street Saturday 9th—Friday 15th May Saturday 10am-4pm Monday-Wednesday, Friday 10am-3.30pm Thursday 10am-7pm
Holy Corner Book Sale Morningside United Church, Holy Corner Saturday 9th—Saturday 16th May Saturdays 10am-5pm (Café open) Monday-Friday 11am-6pm www.augustine.org.uk
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he Jubilee Scotland AGM and exhibition is being held at AUC on 9th June 6-8.30pm. The will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Make Poverty History, and mark Jubilee Scotland’s achievements in the years since. I recently attended the Jubilee Scotland Campaign Co-ordinating Group meeting at which their campaigning for the year is decided. They are hoping: to consolidate on the work of last year, with
the Referendum then and the General Election this May; to keep pressure on governments of whatever flavour to commit to tackling debt; to ensure the Scottish Government tries to make Scotland a country of debt justice in line with its previous statements; and to continue campaigning, against the debts imposed and enforced on some of the poorest countries, by setting-up and involving more groups from schools, universities, churches and the like. Their sister UK-wide organisation (Jubilee Debt Campaign) is considering a change of emphasis to include European countries’ and individual debt, in addition to ‘poor’ world debt issues. This would be a change in their ‘raison d’être’ however, and Charity Law may impact the decision. Jubilee Scotland seem happily installed in their new office in our Tower Room! Alys Mumford, their previous Campaign Director, has recently left to take up a post with Engender. She will be missed, but we welcome Ashley Erdman in her place. Further information and leaflets are always available on their noticeboard in the foyer. Do have a look, and consider attending the exhibition in June. Kathleen Ziffo
MAY 2015 5
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The Clusters of Synod Synod of Scotland Aspirations.
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e seek to:
celebrate in our worship and in our
living God’s unconditional love as revealed in Christ; respond to God’s love through inclusive worship; show that the love of God is radical; continue our journey towards church unity; understand, and work with, people of other faiths and none; work for peace and justice; act on our concern for all God’s creation; be committed to developing our faith both personally and corporately.
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t the March Synod Meeting, Pastoral Committee proposed a new process and model for URC churches in Scotland to support them in moving forward. The model is inviting every local church to identify partners (other URCs or ecumenical partners), and to form small clusters of churches who can work together to support and resource each other for Mission and Ministry shaped by our Synod Aspirations. Currently throughout the URC there are joint pastorates where local churches share a Minister of Word & Sacrament. The cluster process is not about forming multiple joint pastorates. It is asking partners to discover from and with each other what their Aspiration‑shaped Mission & Ministry priorities are, and to work out if there are ways in which partners can share and enable each other to achieve them. In the West Pastoral Link Group this process of partnering has already begun; the Link has provided days to share resources in training local 6 MAY 2015
worship leaders, and partners are beginning to explore if they could employ and share a Church Related Community Worker. Already in Fife conversations about working as a cluster have begun through the experience of the shared ministry of Rev Paul Sinclair. Over the next year each of the Pastoral Link Groups has been asked to thoroughly explore, and where possible enact, the formation of cluster partnerships. The exact shape & structure of these clusters has not been defined because Pastoral Committee want each cluster to be able to create a structure which is effective for their context in driving forward Aspiration‑shaped Ministry and Mission; but Pastoral Committee is also investing time in devising flexible systems which can enable cluster partnerships to work effectively. Representatives from the East Link held a meeting in April to continue the discussion, started at Synod Meeting, of how we might form effective clusters within our Link. The challenges of this process could be many: Finding the right partners to work with, Allowing ourselves to be touched and
inspired to enable not only our vision but the vision of our partners, Being willing to share, leaving old ways and embracing new, and Always keeping Aspiration‑shaped Mission & Ministry at the forefront of our thinking and acting. But the rewards could be the emergence of a new, relevant, Aspiration‑shaped 21st Century URC in Scotland. A process to move forward has begun. It will take the active participation of all of us to make it work, along with the creative and dynamic weaving of God’s Spirit of new life. This key question of how local URC churches move forward is not only relevant to or being discussed in Scotland. The URC UK-wide has produced a discussion document >7 www.augustine.org.uk
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Holy Island of Lindisfarne Trip— 23rd August 2015
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his year, instead of our joint TLC visit to Inchcolm and service in the abbey in August, we are planning a day trip to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, just off the Northumberland coast. It is about an hour and a quarter by road to the island. The island is actually reached by causeway, and tides are to our advantage on 23rd August, when the visit is planned. About 11 years ago we had a similar visit to Lindisfarne when our three churches filled 2 coaches. We had an open-air service on the beach shortly after arriving on that occasion, and then had free time to do whatever we wished on the island. It is anticipated that we might do something similar this year; but we have alternative arrangements in place and some accommodation booked (in a church and small church centre) so that, should the weather be absolutely awful, we needn’t be out in the wind and rain for much of the time. Hopefully it’ll be as sunny and mild as last time!
where all aspects of the island are displayed – medieval religious history, present day pilgrimages and retreats, wildlife and tranquillity, Viking invaders, etc. There is much bird life seen along coastal and more inland walks around the island. In the little village are a few tourist shops, various tea-rooms and a couple of hotels. There is also a tiny harbour. Could you please give some thought about coming along on this excursion, perhaps with your family and/or visiting friends, and sharing some time together? In a couple of months’ time definite numbers will be required so that costs of the trip can be worked out. It is likely (though not definite) that the cost for a waged adult would be between £15-20. This would cover the return coach journey, and donations to St Cuthbert’s Centre and St Mary the Virgin church whose use we have arranged. (For comparison, this year the cost of an adult boat trip and admission to Inchcolm Abbey would be £18). Kathleen Ziffo
However, I thought a little information about the Island (for those who have not been there before) might be helpful to whet your appetite for such a visit. The now ruined ancient Lindisfarne Priory, started by St Aidan in 635AD and continued by St Cuthbert, is in the centre of the island, in the village. St Cuthbert produced illuminated Gospels here. Although the originals are, of course, in safekeeping in the British Library in London, facsimiles and interactive turning page displays are available in the priory museum. The old parish church of St Mary the Virgin (which is well worth a visit) has even earlier roots. The priory suffered at the hands of the Vikings in 793AD. However the 16th Century Lindisfarne Castle on a headland half a mile from the village, was built partially with stones from the ruined priory. Mead (originally produced by the Lindisfarne monks) is a local product. There is now also a Lindisfarne Centre www.augustine.org.uk
called ‘What is the Spirit saying to the Churches?’. Printed copies are available at AUC, or the document can be downloaded from the URC website (www.urc.org.uk/images/ Future-of-the-Church-pdf.pdf). <6
We plan to discuss some of the questions raised in this paper at our Church Meeting on June 7th, and to feedback our responses to the URC Faith and Order committee. Please read the booklet and join in the discussion on June 7th. Rev Fiona Bennett MAY 2015 7
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‘Psalms of Transformation’ - March
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he Our Tribe meeting in March focused on ‘Psalms of Transformation’, which was led by Fiona. This was a practical psalm-writing workshop. We explored the structure of psalms. Generally they have an approach to God, including images of God’s character or nature. This is followed by something about ‘the problem’ or a request from God; then follows praise and thanksgiving, concluding with a restating of the image of God. This is a very loose structure and there are many other sorts of psalms. But there is always a beginning, a middle and an end! Our focus was on ‘Psalms of Transformation’ so we thought about different images of God and what they might be, such as God as Liberator, Parent, Protector, Love, Warrior etc. Each of us chose an image that we wanted to focus on and then we explored types of situations where transformation happens. So, each of us had an image and a situation to work with. I chose God as Liberator and wrote ‘A Psalm for Coming Out’. This was challenging for some, as they were not used to writing; for others it came more easily. At the end of our writing time some of us chose to read out what we had written. This was a very enjoyable evening and a thought-provoking one at that. I would challenge you to have a go at writing a ‘Psalm of Transformation’ for yourself. Lewis Reay
A Psalm for Coming Out
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iberator God, who brings freedom to us all, Come and stand close to me in this time of exploration. Hold me in the palm of your hand as I choose to come out. Thank you for the joy of sexuality in all its diversity. Thank you for the way that you made me. Thank you for creating me as a gay transman. Thank you for the life experiences which this has brought me. You are the One who knows me and knows my heart. You are the One who liberates me with your love. Liberator God, bringer of freedom, you are the mighty One, You are all I need, In you I trust. Lewis Reay
Our Tribe in May: ‘Poetry and Prose’
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ur Tribe on Saturday 30th May will be a poetry evening. Folk are invited to bring their poetry to read and share or simply sit and enjoy listening to contributions. We are delighted that Edinburgh poet, Jo McFarlane can join us and share some of her poetry. As at every Our Tribe gathering, there will be an opportunity to share communion..
8 MAY 2015
www.augustine.org.uk
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Retreat—‘Being a New Creation’ Thursday 14th May 1.30-4.30pm
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o join us for an afternoon retreat, led by Rev Jenny Williams (from Nitekirk), exploring the theme ‘Being a New Creation’. The retreat is being organised by the NHS Lothian Community Mental Health Chaplains. Open to all. Free, tea and coffee provided. Please speak to Maxwell for further information.
CRCW Ministry Roadshow Saturday 16th May 10.30am-3.30pm at Priesthill URC
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RCW stands for Church-Related Community Work. The URC’s CRCW department is holding this event in Glasgow. Its purpose is to encourage us to develop our community involvement, through hearing about the ways in which CRCW projects are making an impact among particular congregations and communities, and by sharing stories and affirming each other. A full programme is on the church noticeboard. There will be storytelling, workshops and conversations, as well as lunch made by the team at Priesthill. And, if you’ve never played ‘Community Jenga’ here’s your chance! The event is free, but if you’d like to attend please speak to Kathleen who can book you a place (and may also be able to offer a lift).
www.augustine.org.uk
Fresh Start Events in May Fresh Start Sale
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resh Start are holding a fundraising sale on Saturday 9th May 10am-Noon at their Food Station, 1 Harrison Place, Edinburgh. All very welcome. High quality items donated for, but unable to be used in, their Starter Packs will be on sale; as well as cake, coffee, and fresh produce from the Growing Space behind the centre. To contribute, volunteer, or for more information, contact Jenny at Fresh Start on 0131 476 7741
Fresh Start Sponsored Walk
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his year’s Fresh Start sponsored walk is taking place on Friday 29th May. The 8-mile walk follows the Water of Leith from Jubilee Gardens in Stockbridge (leaving at 10am) to Colinton Dell, returning along the Union Canal to the Food Station, where lunch will be served. Everyone is welcome to take part, on their own or as part of a team. There is no registration fee, but a minimum sponsorship of £25/person is requested. To register, call Fresh Start on 0131 476 7741 or e-mail admin@freshstartweb.org.uk. If you’re unable to take part but would like to donate, why not sponsor the Fresh Start staff team at www.justgiving.com/Fresh-Start-Walk2015?
MAY 2015 9
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ABC Update The Building Challenge Has Arrived
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hen we set out to raise funds towards the replacement of the slates on the roof of Augustine we called the project ‘Augustine Building Challenge’ (ABC). We knew that it was never going to be “as easy as ABC”, and so it has proved. However, after more than two years and great generosity and support from so many people, we have arrived at a point where we can see the project actually taking shape. The project itself has grown and, because it was not enough to just replace the roof, exciting additions have been made to the plans. As well as going out to tender for architectural services we are actively going to be seeking a project leader and a researcher. Their task will be to research the cultural, architectural and theological history of Augustine and its immediate neighbourhood and to produce audiovisual displays, booklets and related material to present to the many visitors who pass our doors every day. The aim will be to share our heritage with an increasing number of visitors, not only through these visual aids but also through open days, guided tours and talks. During the next year we will have to appoint our professional advisers to see us through the two parallel projects: First the working up of bills of quantities for the stripping and re-slating of the roof and the addition of extra insulation above the Sanctuary; and second, the research and production of the visitor material. All of this is soon to get under way. We are about to submit to the Heritage Lottery Fund a request for permission to start these processes. When they give the green light we will embark upon a period of considerable activity because, in less than twelve months’ time, we have to submit our ‘Second Round
10 MAY 2015
Application’ for permission to carry out the actual building work; if and when this permission is granted then the scaffolding will go up and work will commence.
ABC Working Party – Looking for Members
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he ABC working party will soon be re-convened. We now know how much has to be raised to fill the gap between the money already raised for our Fabric Fund and the final budget for our contribution to the work. The Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland have conditionally promised the rest. We are seeking two or three more members for the ABC working party. Do please have a word with me if you can join us. I should emphasise, just in case mention of all the work on the actual project alarms you, that the ABC group is only for the fundraising side of things. An ad hoc Development Steering Group is being set up to oversee and manage the liaison with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the appointed professional advisers. You will hear more about this at the Church AGM in May. Ian Rathjen
Fiona’s 5x50 Challenge
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iona Somerville would like to thank everyone for their generous donations, which so far have reached over £500 towards the work of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland Fiona’s 5x50 challenge continues, with 1st May being Day 33. Day 23 held particular significance as she climbed Schiehallion with Robert – his 1st Munro since his stroke last year. www.augustine.org.uk
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Iona Trip Raffle
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huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the Iona Trip Raffle—held to help raise funds for a trip to Iona for a group of community mental health services users and volunteers in September. A grand total of £329 was raised. The raffle was drawn at April’s Our Tribe gathering. The prize winners were: 1st prize: Nessie 2nd prize: Stuart 3rd prize: Eric (Who all bought tickets at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH)) Thank you also to the ticket-sellers for their sterling efforts: Lewis, Nicola, & Lorraine (REH) —who trod the hospital corridors to great fundraising (& prize-winning !) effect.
Lorna’s Life Cycle Event
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s part of her ongoing fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, Lorna is planning a sponsored cycle ride on 26th May. She aims to cycle from the old Elsie Inglis Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh to the Borders General Hospital near Melrose – the beginning of life to the end of life – on what would have been her Mum’s 55th birthday. It’s a ride of about 40 miles – but not a flat 40 miles! If you’d like to support Lorna, do speak to her, or donations can be made online at macmillan.tributefunds.com/life-cycle
www.augustine.org.uk
Pastoral Care
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f you have prayer requests or would like to contact a minister, please contact:
Rev Fiona Bennett (minister.auc@gmail.com) Rev Maxwell Reay (revmaxwell.auc@gmail.com) Requests can also be made via the Prayer Requests box in the porch (kept locked, accessed by the ministers) or via the Church Office.
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f you would like support due to a mental health issue, you would be welcome at the Mental Health Drop-in, held weekly on Tuesdays 10.30am-Noon in the Sanctuary (followed by a Time for Reflection). This is hosted by AUC and run by the NHS Lothian Spiritual Care team. Further details are available on the ‘Tenants and Room Users’ noticeboard, or speak to Maxwell. (Full contact details for Fiona/Maxwell are on the cover of Seeds)
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Craft Group Update
nterested crafters met one Sunday in April to discuss future plans for the craft group. It’s been agreed to try the following until the summer: The craft group will continue to meet weekly on Wednesdays, but alternating between the afternoon (2-4pm) and evening (7-9pm). Our main aim is to enjoy spending time together crafting. However there are also particular crafts people would like to learn or require specific equipment – we’ll arrange one of these for the first Wednesday of the month, but people are still very welcome to come and work on their own project that week. The group is a drop-in, so do please feel welcome to come along whenever you can; and don’t feel you need to make a weekly commitment, or stay for the full session.If you’ve any ideas for a first Wednesday craft/ project, speak to Sheila Storrier. MAY 2015 11
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Getting To Know You
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ello…I am Tom Murray and I have been a member at Augustine since 1997 when Susan and I returned to Edinburgh after many years in London. Initially, my involvement here was limited to weekends (Susan and I were leaders in Junior Church) because I was commuting weekly to London until I semi-retired in 2002. Since 2004 I have been Treasurer and also manage the Church Centre. I was born and brought up in Scotland. After a university ambition to be a Scottish Historian I have had careers as a banker, tax inspector and tax partner with a firm of Chartered Accountants and now spend much of my time working for Augustine. My friends have speculated whether my career has followed an upward or downward path (!)…but time will tell where it will go next.
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My favourite place is…Being greedy there are two: Dornoch in East Sutherland where I spent time with grandparents as a child, and Rot Tritt which is a viewpoint above the Schanfigg valley in Eastern Switzerland; both make heaven seem very near. My favourite hymn is… Remembering a Highland childhood I am fond of Scottish Metrical Psalms and if I had to choose one it would be Ps 121, ‘I to the hills will lift mine eyes.’
y name is…Pete Moir
I spend my time…My job is to develop young people’s opportunities to engage with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. I also coach a football team at Spartans FC, play golf, and enjoy supporting my family in all their work and leisure interests. My favourite places…are up mountains or by beautiful beaches. My favourite hymn is…I enjoy hymns that have an African origin due to my connection with South Africa.
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We are blessed in having both our children, Kirsty and Alasdair, in Edinburgh and we enjoy the company of five young grandchildren almost daily. If I had more time, what would I do? Well there is a garden model railway waiting in the garage to be re-erected and six children (five grandchildren and myself) who would like to see it run again.
Bon Voyage…
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arolyn Thornton and her husband, Philip, headed off at the end of April to spend a year in Brisbane. As Carolyn said in her ‘Getting to Know You’ last year: “I’m not sure what my favourite place is as there are many I haven’t visited yet”. We wish her well, and hope Brisbane becomes one of those favourite places…but that Edinburgh wins out & we look forward to welcoming her safely back next year.
www.augustine.org.uk
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Marriage
70 Years Young!
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n our first anniversary (April 23rd), we celebrated by converting our civil partnership to a marriage! We are thankful to the Augustine community which has encouraged us and continue to support us in our journey together. We are especially grateful to Fiona who led us both in our civil partnership blessing and now also in a marriage blessing. We also extend our congratulations to Fiona for her first blessing of a same-sex marriage since the Scottish law changed. Here's to many more at AUC!
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ongratulations to our organist Stephen Ziffo who celebrated his 70th birthday on 19th April—a Sunday. Well, we couldn’t let that (opportunity for cake) pass unrecognised!
Lorna Bowry & Becca Crate
“And suddenly from Heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind…” (Acts 2:2)
D Pneuma – A Pentecost Project
www.augustine.org.uk
uring the season of Pentecost, we celebrate the wonder and mystery that unfolds as God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. At Augustine, we will be engaging in an art installation in an effort to explore this great and holy event of the Spirit residing within us. As a community, we are invited to gather together
to create paper cranes during taster sessions (which will be announced during church notices). All are very welcome to come and learn more about this project and help in crane making. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact me (becca.crate@gmail.com) or seek me out at church. Hope to see you soon! Becca Crate
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8th UK Godly Play Conference—10-11th April St Mary’s Church, Putney, London
I
was lucky to have the opportunity this April to attend the UK Godly Play Conference on Childhood Spirituality at St Mary’s Church, Putney, London. Godly Play’s founder, Rev Dr Jerome Berryman, addressed the conference. He has been developing Godly Play in the USA for 40 years or so, and since 1999, it has been growing and developing in the UK. It has been described as “a counter-cultural way to learn the art of using Christian language to make meaning”.
Social contacts are rich and varied…These contacts bring an added dimension to the life of the community.” The church itself was a lovely setting; the workshop was held in a small chapel used by the chaplain to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife!
I attended a workshop on ‘Godly Play and Inclusion’ where we shared experiences of diversity and how to be more inclusive. I also learned more about St Michael’s Workshop, the main supplier in the UK of Godly Play materials used in the telling of the stories. The Holy Family set that I use as a focal point in the room when telling a Godly Play story was made by this workshop. The simple beauty of wood is at the heart of the experience offered through Godly Play.
For more information see www.godlyplay.uk and www.godlyplayscotland.uk I am happy to chat any time about this rich method of storytelling. Godly Play Scotland hold regular Network evenings and events in Edinburgh where you can hear the stories for yourself. For me, the stories are a form of spiritual nurture and inspiration. They give a fresh perspective on the underlying themes which resonate as they are told, and re-told. Fiona Macdonald
(www.stmichaelsworkshop.co.uk) The role of the workshop is to help folk with learning difficulties to develop their full potential: “Most trainees are involved in the finishing of items by hand sanding, wax polishing and oiling. Some have a particular gift for painting. Others have skills in drawing out shapes and cutting them on a fretsaw… 14 MAY 2015
Helplines:
LGBT Support: 0300 123 2523 Samaritans: 08457 909090 Childline: 0800 1111 Silver Line: 0800 4 70 80 90 Rape Crisis: 8088 010 302 Breathing Space: 0800 838587 Edinburgh Crisis Centre: 0808 8010414
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May: The Road to Pentecost This month we’ll be learning more about Doubting Thomas and the disciples’ meetings with Jesus in the weeks after his Resurrection at Easter. Then we’ll move on to start learning about Pentecost. We will: Hear a Godly Play story about the times the disciples
met and knew Jesus between Easter and Pentecost. The story will be in 2 parts…so 2 feasts! We will make clay sculptures to think about what these meetings tell us At Pentecost, we’ll play energetic games, involving balloons and drums, to learn about the energy of the Holy Spirit On the 31st May, we’ll worship at St Columba’s by the Castle with our friends from there and Greyfriars Kirk
Callum, Gregory and Susanna and their parents are moving to a new home
Happy Birthday to…
this month.
Fraser who will be 11 on 7th May
We’ve loved having them with us in Junior
& in June but before next Seedlings
Church for the last wee while, & they’d be welcome back at any time. Enjoy your new home !
Ian who will be 13 on 1st June Catriona who will be 12 on 6th June
Junior Church welcomes families in all their diversity, specifically inclusive of members of LGBT families. We have varied activities each week, from storytelling, to crafts, games and video making. We have a crèche for little ones and baby changing facilities are available. We use materials to appeal to children’s different learning styles from Cornerstones. (www.cstones.com) and also use Godly Play (www.godlyplay.org.uk). www.augustine.org.uk
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Calendar
AUC Worship Services at 11am on Sundays at AUC, George IV Bridge. (All events at AUC, unless otherwise stated. Later updates on website/notice sheet)
Please note that the deadline for material for the next issue is Friday 30th May. You can send your material to Tamsin Kilgour by hand, at newsletter.auc@gmail.com or via the church office. DISCLAIMER: Although we check all information in the newsletter, as ever with these things we can give no warranties as to accuracy or relevance and encourage active checking before you make any decisions. The views expressed in our newsletter are those of the individual contributor, they are not necessarily those of AUC or the editor. 16 MAY 2015
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