Winter 2019

St Mark’s Messenger

Winter 2019

You will find a baby wrapped in his swaddling clothes, in a manger.

Aberdeen St Mark’s Church of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity No SC015451

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Index to St Mark’s Messenger Winter 2019 Letter from the Interim Moderator 3 Worship Calendar Mary ay Midnight 5 Duty Rotas

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thePavement Cartoon

6 Grace Llewellyn Smith

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Volunteers

7 Englishman’s Nightmare

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Nativity Word Search

8 If you woke up this morning

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Big Issue/Christmas Coffee Shops

9 Ramblers & Hillwalkers

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Guild of Friendship/The Guild Men’s Club Christmas Crossword

10 Remembrance 11 The OAK Café 12 2020 Communion Rota

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30 Second Sermon A woman went through a red traffic light and crashed into a man's car.

Both cars were demolished but neither was hurt. After they crawled out of their cars the woman said, “Wow, look at our cars! There's nothing left but fortunately we are unhurt. This must be a sign from God we should be friends and live together in peace for the rest of our days.”

The man agreed, “This must be a sign from God!” The woman continued, “Here's another miracle. My car is wrecked but my bottle of 25-year-old whisky didn't break. Surely God meant for us to drink this and celebrate our good fortune.” She handed the bottle to the man who opened it, drank half the bottle then handed it back to the woman. The woman took the bottle, put the cap back on and handed it back to the man. The man asked, “Aren't you having any?” She replied, “No, I think I'll just wait for the police.”

Some years ago, Adam ate an apple. . .. Will men never learn? [based on Genesis chapters 2 and 3] Submitted by Jean Black 2

Letter from the Interim Moderator Dear members and friends of St. Mark’s With it passing over two years since the united congregation of St. Mark’s was given leave by the Presbytery of Aberdeen to an Unrestricted Call in regard to a minister of Word and Sacrament, at the December meeting of Presbytery, it will be recommended by the Presbytery Planning and Deployment committee that the Call be cisted in the remaining time while the Presbytery plan is yet to be approved (which will be sometime between April and June 2020). Following that, there will be a clearer idea of the kind of situations a minister is being invited into. It is hoped that during this time there will be greater consultation between the Presbytery City Centre Initiative Group and Elders of St. Mark’s to develop a clearer shape of the city centre ministry to be supported by the Church of Scotland. In terms of the draft Presbytery plan, consideration is also being given to which Ministry team area St. Mark’s should relate to. The timescale for these developments to happen is difficult to estimate as there will be a number of procedural stages to be progressed through.

The positive things to give thanks for at this stage are that the St. Mark’s building has been categorised as a necessary building on the proviso that a major refurbishment is undertaken. Also, we are fortunate that the locum Stiubhart MacChoille is continuing to provide stability and spiritual nourishment through his ongoing ministry. St. Mark’s along with congregations throughout the Presbytery are having to address challenging questions regarding how God want us to be the Church today? Let us pray that God will guide our hearts and minds at every level of the Church’s life.

As the Interim Moderator of St. Mark’s, the above situation presents its challenges for me in how to support St. Mark’s through these 3

challenges. In closing, I would like to refer to a very positive experience of being Interim Moderator of St. Mark’s. Some time ago, your locum Stiubhart MacChoille contacted me regarding a couple who wanted to get married and this would require my involvement as the Interim Moderator. I arranged to meet with Richard Foster and Amanda Burt for making arrangements for the wedding. Last Monday Richard and Amanda were joined in holy matrimony by me at Norwood Hall Hotel.

In other words, I married them. It was such a joyous occasion celebrated among family and friends. Amanda the bride walked up with her sister Fiona to meet Richard (to the tune of the Archers radio show) They said their vows clearly and movingly to each other. Following the Declaration of Marriage, a tender and prolonged kiss took place with great applause ensuing. The wedding was followed with pleasant social conversation, very good speeches and a wonderful meal accompanied by some hilarious conversations. Music with harp and piano was to follow which was very much enjoyed. The celebrations continued with a Wedding Blessing service held at St. Mark’s on the Wednesday which Stiubhart MacChoille conducted. This was another very enjoyable occasion.

Richard remarked on how welcoming and supportive the St. Mark’s church family have been to Amanda and him. Tribute should in particular be paid to Best man and chauffeur Garry who has been a great friend to Richard in Aberdeen.

The friendship, faith and sense of humour are all traits to be highly valued at St. Mark’s. As those continue to be expressed you will be strengthened for whatever challenges lie ahead. May God bless you richly together and individually in the approaching season of Advent and Christmas! Oh, and remember to vote and pray that God guides your hand!

With my good wishes and prayers Duncan C. Eddie

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Mary at Midnight, the Babe in Her Arms Mary at midnight, the babe in her arms: Ever the myth makes its way to the heart.

Reason gives way to desire and art, Rendered quite mute by the quake of its qualms.

Yes, of course there are angels filling the sky!

Choirs of angels - how could there not be?

Heavenly hosts like a luminous sea Rejoicing as God comes to Earth from on high!

Is this true? I mean really? As true as my thumb?

Sense has a way of making no sense.

The value of each soul needs a defence.

Maybe a sign can be more than a sum.

Angels sing daily as humans do ill.

So sing with them! Sing! Of peace and good will! Š Nicholas Gordon

Did you know?.........

That Mary’s Meals are now providing term time meals to 1.5million children in 18 countries.

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thePavement Cartoon

Š 2019 thePavement & Ken Pyne

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Volunteers Recently St Mark’s asked for volunteers to help out with routine work.

At the time of writing no-one has come forward so, maybe the following, which I was given recently, will encourage you.

Volunteers are just ordinary people with extraordinary hearts.

They offer the gift of their time to teach, to listen, to help.

To inspire, to build, to grow, to learn.

They expect no pay, yet the value of their work knows no limit. They’ve known the unexpected joy of a simple hug.

They’ve planted tiny seeds of love in countless lives.

Volunteers are just ordinary people who reach out and take a hand and together make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Or will you leave it to others - again?

Did you know?........

That one million free Bibles had been distributed across Cuba by 2018 - a project of the United Bible Societies, of which the Scottish Bible Society is a member. Previously there might have been only one Bible in a church.

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The Big Issue The City Centre Church Grouping took over distribution of the Big Issue 11 years ago and in that time, we have distributed thousands of pounds to Homeless and associated charities. We have also provided funds for Homestart parcels which offers a starter pack for people moving into their first rented accommodation. From our 2018/19 accounts we sent £1,000 each to C Fine, Salvation Army, Cyrenians and Instant Neighbour. And from this year’s accounts we have been able to support the Supper Club who meet in St Mark’s Hall once a month to provide a hot meal to homeless people.

We are very pleased to be able to support these worthwhile charities.

Funds are accumulated from commission earned on the number of magazines we sell. It is amazing how quickly this builds up.

The Volunteers were recently treated to an afternoon tea at Credo. This was not paid from our funds but was courtesy of Bank of Scotland, who made such a hash of changing over our signatories that they felt obliged to offer us compensation!

We are still looking to swell the number of volunteers to cover all the shifts so If you think you can help, please contact Kathleen Innes for more information.

The Christmas Coffee Shops After a very successful Summer Coffee Shops season we are now looking forward to the Christmas Coffee Shops. The first one is on Saturday 30 November, followed by 7 and 14 December. As usual we hope everyone will support these important fund raisers and if you can contribute to the Home Baking stall, or donate raffle prizes, so much the better. We hope to see you and your friends and neighbours there.

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The Guild of Friendship When you read this, we will have been entertained by Mr Ian Lord, Salvation Army Tambourines and the Strathspey and Reel Society.

We finished our session with our Christmas party and will restart on Monday January 13, 2020 and look forward to seeing our friends again.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kay Montgomery Chairperson

St Mark’s Guild There has been a good start to the session with interesting speakers including Notable Women of Aberdeen, Mountain Rescue, Aberdeen’s Industrial Past, and our Theme ‘Companions on the Road’. The Projects have been well to the fore too with an interesting and informative talk on CrossReach when we heard about “Join the Dots”, one of the current projects, which is dealing with the problem of loneliness particularly among older people and CrossReach’s plans to alleviate it. Our Coffee Morning had been held just before that, the proceeds going towards the Projects. Many thanks to all those who donated in any way and helped us raise the amazing sum of £585.50.

A few more meetings to come at the time of writing, including the Christmas Party with the Men’s Club and then in January the lunch at Howies. Meetings resume on Monday 6th January at 7.30 pm. We have two new members, one of them being our first gentleman member! A warm welcome and thanks to Andy Christie for joining our Branch officially. Who is going to be next?

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Some very interesting meetings have already taken place by the time this was compiled for the magazine, with some still to be completed before the holiday period. These have included a fascinating insight into the working of the Mountain Rescue, and an interesting talk about the work of CrossReach.

We still have a talk about the Bread Maker, a Games Night with the ladies and our Christmas meal to look forward to, by the time you are reading this all should have gone well.

Listed below are the planned meetings during the early part of 2020 2020 January January January February February February March March

6th Life of a blind Person Mr Richard Foster 20th Burns/Scottish medley Mr Jim Addison 27th Games night 3rd Penguin Parade, digital show by Ian Lord 17th to be arranged 24th Games night 2nd Games night 16th AGM Games night

New members are welcome please contact either Graeme Low, Ian Lord or Derek Caie for more information

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Answers are on Page 27 12

St Mark’s Worship Calendar St Mark’s Worship Calendar Please note that Sunday morning services at St Mark’s normally start at 11.00am. Any changes will usually be intimated in the Pew Leaflet or on the website.

During the current vacancy, Stiubhart MacChoille our Locum will lead worship each Sunday with Sacramental services led by invited preachers. Further details will be available in the Pew Leaflet and on the website. www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk/worship 8 December

The Second Sunday in Advent 11.00am Morning Worship Joy to the World

15 December The Third Sunday in Advent 11.00am Morning Worship Joy to the World The Lord is Come 22 December The Fourth Sunday in Advent 11.00am Morning Worship Nativity Service Drama Group & Choir 24 December Christmas Eve 10.45pm Carols and Fun – Alex & Stiubhart 11.30pm Watchnight Service – Stiubhart MacChoille 12.01am Christmas Day Followed by Tea and Mince Pies in the Hall 29 December First Sunday after Christmas 11.00am Morning Worship Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room Worship Calendar continues on Page 16

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St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas – Pull Out Supplement Following discussion at the Kirk Session and after an appeal to members the rotas have been revised so as to maintain two volunteers on Beadle duty each week and three volunteers on Door Duty for two consecutive Sundays. I am grateful to those members of the congregation who have offered to help spread the load in relation to these duties.

Winter Messenger Beadle Duty Rota There are two Office Bearers on duty each week Sunday, January 05, 2020 Sunday, January 12, 2020 Sunday, January 19, 2020 Sunday, January 26, 2020 Sunday, February 02, 2020 Sunday, February 09, 2020 Sunday, February 16, 2020 Sunday, February 23, 2020 Sunday, March 01, 2020 Sunday, March 08, 2020

Mrs Helen Burr Mr Allan Cunningham Mrs Sheena Catto Mr Graeme Low Miss Elsa Black Mr Alan Brown Mrs Joyce Forbes Miss Elaine Macdonald Mr Malcolm Steel Mrs Gail Hogg

Mr John Burr Mrs Jacqueline Hepburn Mrs Arlene Grant Mrs Lynn Low Miss Jean Black Mrs Arlene Grant Mr William Forbes Miss Dianne Morrison Mrs Betty Steel Mrs Marjorie Lord Communion Sunday with Circle of Care *

Communion Sunday Rotas are highlighted in BOLD

Winter Messenger Door Duty Rota There are three Office Bearers on duty for two consecutive weeks Sunday, January 05, 2020 Sunday, January 12, 2020 Sunday, January 19, 2020 Sunday, January 26, 2020 Sunday, February 02, 2020 Sunday, February 09, 2020 Sunday, February 16, 2020 Sunday, February 23, 2020 Sunday, March 01, 2020 Sunday, March 08, 2020

Mr Graham Miller

Mr Sandy Paton

Mrs Sheena Catto

Prof Peter Gray

Mrs Doreen Gray

Mr Alan Brown

Miss Elaine Macdonald Miss Dianne Morrison

Mr Allan Cunningham

Mr David Yacamini

Mrs Jean Yacamini

Mrs Gail Hogg

Miss Elsa Black

Miss Jean Black

Mr Ian Lord

Communion Sunday Rotas are highlighted in BOLD

Communion Sunday with Circle of Care *

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Winter Messenger Readers Rota Sunday, January 05, 2020 Sunday, January 12, 2020 Sunday, January 19, 2020 Sunday, January 26, 2020 Sunday, February 02, 2020 Sunday, February 09, 2020 Sunday, February 16, 2020 Sunday, February 23, 2020 Sunday, March 01, 2020 Sunday, March 08, 2020

Mr Alex McConochie Miss Jean Black Miss Elsa Black Miss Carole-Anne Brazendale Mr Richard Foster Mrs Helen Burr Mrs Arlene Grant Prof Peter Gray Mrs Kathleen Innes Mrs Anne Donaldson

Winter Messenger Flower Rota Where possible those donating flowers are able to select their preferred date Date Provision Distribution Sunday, January 05, 2020 Mrs Sheila Mann Sunday, January 12, 2020 Mrs Barbara Coull Sunday, January 19, 2020 Mrs Betty Smith Sunday, January 26, 2020 Mr Alex Sim Sunday, February 02, 2020 Miss Jean Davie Alice Officer Sunday, February 09, 2020 Mrs Vinia Wood Sunday, February 16, 2020 Mrs Margaret Brown M Brown Sunday, February 23, 2020 Mrs Ann Brown Sunday, March 01, 2020 Mrs Liz Adam/Mrs Ann Adam Liz & Ann Adam Sunday, March 08, 2020 Mrs Anne Donaldson Anne Donaldson

As you can see there are several gaps in this quarter’s Distribution Rota.

If you can help deliver these very welcome flowers to ill or bereaved members on your way home, it would be much appreciated. Just give your name to Mrs Arlene Grant or Mrs Alison Mackay.

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St Mark’s Worship Calendar St Mark’s Worship Calendar 2020 5 January

12 January

19 January 26 January 2 February 9 February 16 February 23 February 1 March

Epiphany 11.00am Morning Worship Joy to the World And Heaven and Nature Sing The Baptism of Our Lord Sacrament of Holy Communion 11.00am Morning Worship Rev Brian Sheret Second Sunday after the Epiphany 11.00am Morning Worship Third Sunday after the Epiphany 11.00am Morning Worship Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany 11.00am Morning Worship Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany 11.00am Morning Worship Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany 11.00am Morning Worship Last Sunday after the Epiphany 11.00am Morning Worship First Sunday in Lent 11.00am Morning Worship

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Grace Llewellyn Smith A few weeks ago, Stiubhart spoke about this lady so I looked her up on the WWW. The inscription on Grace's headstone speaks of a life of unfulfillment and sadness ... and leaves one wondering. No birth or death date is shown, only the names of her two spouses and the years married.

Grace, who was named after her paternal grandmother, Grace A. Llewellyn Smith, indeed suffered much in her life, both physically and emotionally. At the age of twelve, she was involved in an automobile accident that left her in a body cast due to a broken pelvis. Three weeks later, she developed appendicitis, and the doctors had to cut a hole in her cast in order to perform an appendectomy.

Grace attended West Tennessee Teachers’ College in Memphis. She was a student there in 1940 and was working for the telephone company.

She married in 1941 and had three sons with her first husband during the course of their twenty-year marriage. The eldest was born in Kansas City, the middle son was born in Fort Benning and the youngest was born in Anchorage. Because of Mr. Chandler's military career, they travelled a great deal and her sons attended over twenty different schools prior to graduating from high school. This marriage ended sometime in 1961, and Mr. Chandler re-married before the end of that year.

Four years into her first marriage, Grace lost her only sibling to World War II. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the American Air Force and was killed in 1945, on Valentine's Day, over Belgium. He is buried in Memphis National Cemetery.

The year following her divorce from Mr. Chandler, Grace buried her mother one week before Christmas, and two years later she buried her father, two weeks before Christmas.

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(Continued on Page 18)

Grace married her second husband in 1967, but that marriage did not last. By 1973, Mr. Stoops had re-married. Mr. Stoops had also been in the military, serving during WWII on the USS O'Flaherty, a destroyer escort.

Grace worked as a Civil Service computer technician at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. With all three of her sons grown and on their own she had no one at home, so she lived alone as her epitaph says, and she died alone in a motel room while on a trip to Fredericksburg, 70 miles north of her hometown of San Antonio.

GRACE LLEWELLYN SMITH Wife of EKILLIS MOMON CHANDLER 1941 - 1961 MARRIED 1967 LLOYD AARON STOOPS SLEEPS BUT RESTS NOT LOVED, BUT WAS LOVED NOT TRIED TO PLEASE, BUT PLEASED NOT DIED, AS SHE LIVED, ALONE

Grace was born on 2 October 1921 in Shreveport, Louisiana and died on 24 August 1975 in Fredericksburg, Texas, aged just 54. She is buried in Lockehill Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

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The Englishman’s Nightmare As the average Englishman moves about the home, he calls his castle he may enjoy a typical English breakfast including toast and marmalade invented by Mrs Keiller of Dundee, Scotland. See him leave for the office putting on the raincoat invented by Charles Macintosh - a Glasgow Druggist.

Follow him over the linoleum on the kitchen floor invented in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. Out he goes into the English lane, surfaced by John MacAdam of Ayr, Scotland, smoking an English cigarette first manufactured by Robert Gloag of Perth, Scotland. He looks forward to riding on an English bus, little does he know that the bus is running smoothly, with the help of tyres invented by John Boyd Dunlop of Scotland. Arriving at his railway station he goes the rest of his journey to work with the power of steam, invented by James Watt of Greenock, Scotland.

He reaches for the telephone, invented by Alexander Graham Bell, born of Scottish parents. At home in the evening, his wife prepares his national dish - the roast beef of Old England - Aberdeen Angus beef. This sets his patriotic heart beating a little faster and he enters the dining hall whistling “Ye Marines of England” written by Thomas Campbell of Scotland. After dinner his boy is going to the Boy’s Brigade, founded by Sir William Smith of Ullapool, Scotland.

While little Ethel plays on her bicycle invented by Kirkpatrick MacMillan, a blacksmith of Dumfries, Scotland, Dad listens to the news on television invented by John Logie Baird of Helensburgh, Scotland. On it he will hear about the National Agricultural Policy – the Mechanical Reaper invented by Reverend Patrick Bell of Arbroath, Scotland. In desperation, Dad will pick up the Bible - here at last is one book where he will not be reminded of the Scots but he is wrong - the first man mentioned in the Bible is a Scot - James VI who authorised it’s translation. It’s hopeless there is nowhere an Englishman can turn to escape the deadly efficient Scots.

Continued on Page 20

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Even desperate measures are in vain, he could turn to drink, but we Scots supply the best in the world. He could stick his head in the oven and end it all by coal gas, which was discovered by William Murdoch of Ayr, Scotland. it might be argued that he could always take a rifle and blow his brains out, but the breach loading rie was invented by a Scot, anyway. If he survived, they would put him on the operating table, pump him full of penicillin, discovered by Sir James Fleming of Scotland. The first thing this the patient would hear on awakening would the Scottish surgeon telling him he was as safe as the Bank of England, founded by William Patterson of Dumfries, Scotland.

So don’t be afraid of the sporran and haggis and the wail of the bagpipes free just say to yourself - there Scots wha hey and without them where would the world be?

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If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of this world’s wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a true smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because may can, but most do not. If you can read this now, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in a minority because you believe in God who listens and answers prayers.

When you pray today please think upon these statements, thank God for all the blessings he has given you, and ask that he may give you the strength, the resolve and the resources to seek justice and peace for all in this world, as it is only with God’s help we can change this world together to the benefit of everyone.

Did you know?.....

That the Chinese Union Version of the Bible was 100 years old in April this year and remains the Bible most Chinese Christians use, not only in China but in Chinese speaking churches around the world.

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St Mark’s Ramblers and Hillwalkers The Rambling group have been busy since the last article for the magazine with a good selection of different destinations and routes undertaken.

The end of August saw 5 members of the group journey to Inverbervie by bus, for a lovely walk along the old Turnpike Road to Gourdon. The walk back to Inverbervie followed the closed railway line, this gives lovely views of the sea and was made more enjoyable with the sun shining.

Walks in September have included Bucksburn to Hazlehead via the old Howes Road. This was well supported with 7 walkers enjoying the sunshine. Only 4 enjoyed the town walk that explored Old Aberdeen the following week. Tuesday 17th September had the walkers take the bus to Cove and enjoyed the walk back to town via the hill of Kincorth and the lovely views, before dropping down to the Duthie Park and then back to the City Centre.

A couple of walks had to be cancelled due to the poor weather. 15th October walk took us along the River Don to Persley and return on the other side. The lunch break was enjoyed in the walled garden. An interesting walk with the trees looking lovely in their autumn colours.

Tuesday 22nd October, a change of route took the group from the meeting point at Holburn Junction to Culter by way of the old Deeside Railway Line. Five walkers enjoyed fine weather for this lovely Autumnal walk.

Tuesday 29th October, again a change to the original route, bus to Dyce and we followed part of the old railway to the River Don and followed the river to Stoneywood with a brief comfort stop at Asda. We made it part of the way along Great Northern Road before the weather changed and the rain began to get heavy, that was the time to take the bus back to town.

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The walk on Tuesday November 5th was postponed, a lot of rain the day before made us call it off, the day, however, remained dry.

Planned walks are Tuesday Tuesday

3rd December 10th December

Tuesday

17th December

2020 Tuesday

7th January

Tuesday Tuesday

14th January 21st January

Tuesday Tuesday

28th January 10th February

Cove Bay to Nigg, coastal walk Short stroll around Hazlehead meet Johnston Gardens 10:00 am City Centre Christmas Ramble

Blow the cobwebs away, walk from Castle Street or Fittee to Donmouth Crathes Castle, winter walk City Centre hill walks, Womanhill, Schoolhill and Ferryhill St Mark’s to Victoria and Westburn Parks Ellon riverside wander

Contact Ian a day in advance if you plan on coming on walks, so transport, travel arrangements, and up to date weather information can be provided.

Walks are subject to change or cancellation at short notice due to the weather.

Contact Ian on 01224 321882 or 07929720846 or Email ianlord64@btinternet.com

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Remembrance This is a photograph, taken by Ian Lord of the poppy display on the first two Sundays in November.

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The OAK Café The OAK (Organisation of Aberdeen Kirks) Café has been running for more than 20 years, moving to St Mark’s during John Watson’s time as minister. Since that time, it was supervised by Malcolm and Betty Steel until their retirement at the end of 2017. The Café then came under the supervision of a small committee under the chairmanship of David Yacamini and continued to provide good food at reasonable prices as well as free meals to those in difficult circumstances. In addition, OAK provided for a Palm Sunday Afternoon Tea for the Circle of Care Communion Service.

Over the years the ‘kirks’ involved in OAK reduced in numbers until currently there are only two churches involved, St Mark’s and Crown Terrace Methodist churches. This reduction in numbers has led to a reduction in volunteers as well as a reduction in the number of regular customers. With smaller numbers of customers, the input from volunteers has however not reduced, as the soup and main meals made each day still require to be cooked.

In April 2019, the decision not to open on Mondays was made directly as a result of this factor. During 2018 there was a considerable rise in the uptake of free meals with some £8,000 provided by St Mark’s Church to support OAK. For that reason, a minimal charge of £1 was agreed for meals costing up to £4.50 (and more) and initially appeared to be acceptable to our customers. However, with other outlets continuing to provide free food the level of such business rapidly fell away such that more recently free food is effectively not required at the café. With a reduction in the numbers of available volunteers it was regrettably decided to withdraw the Palm Sunday Tea which is now provided by the more numerous St Mark’s Social and Fundraising Team.

David Yacamini retired from the café in July 2019 and was replaced as chairperson by Marjorie Lord.

(Continued on Page 26)

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Following a review of our sales figures it was agreed to open the café on only Thursdays and Fridays, from August but to retain the serving of ‘special’ meals for nominated charities with a cash donation made to them. It was also agreed to retain the serving of a Christmas meal in mid-December before a break until early in the New Year.

The decision has now been taken that the café has fulfilled its role in providing reasonably priced food to our customer base and that the effort expended by volunteers is no longer required. Accordingly, the café will not re-open after this year’s Christmas break. It has however been decided that during 2020 there will be four ‘special’ lunches, a Macmillan event and a ‘Christmas Cracker’. Fuller details of these will be provided on the St Mark’s website, the St Mark’s Messenger and on the weekly Pew Leaflet.

The OAK Management Committee

Roll Changes Change of Address Maisie McLeod Keith Low

Bridge of Don To Care Home in Edinburgh Rosemount To Sheddocksley

Disjunctions Mr John McKechnie Bridge of Don (formerly Kaimhill) Mrs Helen M Rennie formerly Queen Street To St Mary’s Deaths – He will surround you with Love on that Golden Day 27 September 2019 1 October 2019 14 October 2019

Mrs Margaret A Robertson latterly Torry Care Home, previously Strachan Mill Court Mr Vincent Scarborough Bridge of Don Mr Colin Pirie Kingshill

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Communion Duty Rota for 2020 Elders

January Morning

Mrs Sandra Andrew Miss Elsa Black Miss Jean Black Mr Alan Brown Mrs Margaret Brown Mrs Helen Burr Mrs Babs Coull Mr Alan Cunningham Mrs Anne Donaldson Mrs Joyce Forbes Mr Gilbert Finnie Mrs Doreen Gray Prof Peter MD Gray Mrs Anne Haining Mrs Gail Hogg Mrs Kathleen Innes Mr Ian Lord Mrs Marjorie Lord Mr Graeme Low Mrs Lynn Low Mrs Kay Montgomery Mr Milton Montgomery Miss Dianne Morrison Mr Alex McConochie Mr Bill McDonald Mrs Alice Officer Mr Sandy Paton Mrs Betty Steel Mr Malcolm Steel Mr David Yacamini Mr Allan Cunningham Reserves Ushers

Palm Sunday

Afternoon

April Morning

June Morning Afternoon

October Morning Afternoon

BRC BLC WRC WLC WRS WLS WR2 WL2 BRS BLS

ECR ECL BRC BLC WRC WLC WRS WLS WR2 WL2 BRS BLS

ECR ECL Duty Duty

ECR ECL BRC BLC WRC WLC WRS WLS WR2 WL2 BRS BLS

ECR ECL Duty Duty

ECR ECL BRC BLC WRC WLC WRS WLS WR2 WL2 BRS BLS

ECR ECL

Mrs B Coull Mrs K Innes Mr I Lord Mrs M Lord

Mrs B Steel Mr M Steel Mr D Yacamini Mr A Cunningham

ECR ECL Duty Duty Mr A McConochie Mr B McDonald Mrs A Officer Mr S Paton

Elders unable to carry out these duties should arrange for a substitute from within the list but not from the service they are not able to attend.

Neither should they use the listed Reserves for that same date as these may be required in emergency situations.

Answers to Crossword on Page 12 1A Ornaments, 3A Angels, 6A Presents, 7A Nicholas, 8A Comet, 9A Cookies, 11A Candycane, 12A Christmas, 2D Shepherds, 4D Gingerbread, 5D Stockings, 10D Star.

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Aberdeen St Mark’s Church of Scotland Rosemount Viaduct Aberdeen AB25 1JY

Interim Moderator

Rev Duncan Eddie 31 Cranford Road

01224 325873

Joint Session Clerks

Mrs Helen Burr 63 Fairview Manor, Danestone Miss Dianne Morrison 45 Bonnymuir Place

01224 824805 01224 630161

Prayer Co-ordinator

Mrs Gail Hogg 10 Binghill Road North

01224 868924

FWO Treasurer

Miss Dianne Morrison 45 Bonnymuir Place

01224 630161

Congregational Treasurer

Mr Alex McConochie 73 Oakhill Grange

01224 950338

Gift Aid Convenor

Mrs Lynn Low 6 St John’s Walk, Newtonhill

01569 549391

Organist

Mrs Kathleen Anderson 15 Countesswells Terrace

01224 321584

01224 640672 Church Office Down steps between Church and Library.

Open 10.00am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday. Answering Machine operates when office is closed. Leave Name, message and contact number.  01224 640672 Messenger Editor - Alex McConochie messenger@stmarksaberdeen.org.uk www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk Church Secretary

Miss Carole-Anne Brazendale

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