St Mark's Mesenger Autumn 2012

St Mark’s Messenger Autumn 2012

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

Index to the Autumn 2012 Issue Le&er from the Manse

3 Grouping Supplement (3&4)

21

Sunday School

4 CrossReach / Roll Changes

23

The General Assembly 2012

5 Malawi Commi&ee/Projects

24

A Modern Parable

8 Note from the Treasurer

25

Prayer - “If I”

9 The Men’s Club / SCD Class

26

Strollers/Circle of Care/Quiz

10 The Guild of Friendship

27

O.A.K. Report / Coffee Shops

11 Volunteering

27

Stewardship Report

12 The St Mark’s Guild

28

Rambling & Hill Walking

13 The Boy in the Train

30

Worship Calendar

14 Kid’s Korner

31

Grouping Supplement (1&2)

15 Standing Orders etc

33

Duty Rotas Supplement

17 St Mark’s Contact Numbers

36

Duty Rotas Following comments from members about the lack of our various Duty Rotas in the previous magazine you will be pleased to see that in this issue they have been restored. Not everyone has internet access to read them on-line and not everyone can be in church absolutely every Sunday so this quarter a separate pull-out sec on is included in the middle pages.

2

Le#er from the Manse Dear Friends, Of all of the things I have missed during my illness it is the St Mark’s family that I have missed most. Not being able to be with you in church, at the Coffee Shops and other events has taken its toll, that is why I was so pleased to be able to spend me at the Coffee Shop on 1 September.

However I have been instructed to rest completely and will therefore be absent un l early October when I will be back in St Mark’s, but only then with doctor’s approval.

I think most of you will know about my aneurism and the problems it has caused but the real reason behind my dizzy spells, severe headaches, forgeIulness, temporary sight loss and so on was a simple accidental knock on the head when I was on holiday in Islay earlier this year. At the me it seemed nothing at all but caused some nerve damage which has been behind the various symptoms which overtook me. Now that the real cause has been established my medica on has been changed and I can begin on the road to full recovery.

I am so very grateful for the cards and le&ers I have received, the flowers and good wishes, but above all the prayers of the St Mark’s family and friends. AKer my period of rest the doctor will consider how good a pa ent I have been, and I intend to do all that I am told, and if things go well I will be able to return but on a planned and phased basis. My appointment is on 3 October and I look forward to hearing some good news about my return albeit that it won’t be on a full me basis to begin with. I will s ll need the help and support of my Office Bearers who have shouldered considerable responsibility since I first went off ill but I know that their help will s ll be there for me.

I pray for the future of St Mark’s and everyone involved in this wonderful church, please con nue to pray for me.

God Bless you all.

3

Diane

The St Mark’s Sunday School It’s great to catch up with everyone aKer a long break. We have been finding out what’s new with everyone and comparing who has lost the most teeth... it’s a close compe on between Glen and Ma&hew.

The children have been telling us what they bought with their book tokens that were presented to them during the promo onal service. Jamie bought a story book called ‘The Pirates Next Door’ and has been looking for buried treasure ever since, not sure the neighbours are happy about him digging up their garden! Glen purchased a Lego s cker book and has been inspired to write descrip ons of different Star War ships & characters. Ma&hew was very interested in the Olympics and went for an Olympic ac vity book that’s kept him busy. The other children are taking their me to make the right choice.

We were sorry to find Diane is s ll not with us so we have been making her get well cards. We hope she recognises herself in the beau ful portraits the children have drawn of her.

We are very excited about our Summer ou ng to The Aberdeen Snowsports Centre.

The morning will be spent tubing and snowboarding. Look out for the photos we are going to take.

Plans have already been made to make up our harvest swee e bags so please have a think about someone who might appreciate one. They will be available at the end of the Harvest service at the front of the church.

Our Coffee Morning will be on November the 3rd we hope you will be able to join us.

Jo Donaldson 4

The General Assembly 2012.

Once more we had the privilege of a&ending The General Assembly of The Church of Scotland as Commissioners along with David & Jean Yacamini.

AKer the opening service led by the re ring Moderator, the Right Rev David Arno&, the new Moderator, Rev Albert Bogle, was appointed.

As Her Majesty The Queen was unable to a&end this year’s Assembly she appointed the Right Hon Lord James A. Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas to be her representa ve. He read a le&er from The Queen and a suitable reply was returned.

Each session of The Assembly throughout the week was Cons tuted by prayer but without an ‘Amen’ as Right Rev Bogle believes that the whole business of The Assembly was taken to God prayerfully so the end of the prayer was the benedic on at the end of the day. This could also apply to Kirk Session and Board mee ngs.

The Church is keen to embrace the new technology at its disposal as an outreach tool but warned against any possible misunderstandings when using ‘text language’ etc. as the Prime Minister has found out eg ‘lol’. All the proceedings of The Assembly were available on the internet and one of the comments of the viewers was of the wonderful singing of psalms and hymns. The psalms were introduced by the precentor and were unaccompanied while we had the organ for hymns. It was an upliKing experience.

The re ring Moderator gave an account of his year traveling around the presbyteries of Scotland and visi ng The Holy Land and China. He told of some of the problems in Pales ne where it is difficult to trade with the outside world which is leading to greater poverty as they cannot sell what they can grow and cannot buy what they need. He also visited China where The Churches are growing, with a&endances 5

(Con nued on page 6)

at Sunday Services counted in thousands. He told of giving his address to a translator who gave it back with the comment, ‘That will not do. It is too short’.

The Assembly Sunday Morning Service was in St Giles Cathedral and once more it was full so some people had to stand. In the aKernoon it was good to meet other members of St Mark’s in Princes Street Gardens at Heart and Soul, and at the service and hymn singing round the bandstand. It was a beau ful day and very well a&ended.

We heard a report that the Church is aiming to pay its staff the official living wage but the cost of care for residents in our care homes is set by the local authority, so this can cause budget difficul es. It is hoped that any firm tendering for large contracts would be asked about the level it pays its staff. On financial ma&ers it was suggested that church buildings could be well placed to assist in housing Credit Unions, especially those already in existence but requiring premises convenient for their clients.

We heard of the 125 years of The Guild. With a long history and tradi ons reaching far back the Guild is going strong and has come to the end of its 3 year projects but is ready for the next round of Partnership Projects.

We had a report from The Na onal Youth Assembly which was held earlier in the year. It is run on similar lines to The General Assembly but with perhaps different ideas. They were not short of good orators who could argue their case even in front of an Assembly of 500 ministers and elders. We have an up and coming group who are thoughIul and able to carry The Church towards the end of the century.

(Con nued on page 7)

6

We had an address from The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Dr Rowan Williams who spoke about ‘The Open Door’ and how a li&le push could help the different parts of God’s Church to work together.

Speaking of open doors, the Assembly is keen to have our churches open to the public during the week for prayer and medita on, or to show off our beau ful interiors. Although most insurance claims are for break-ins to locked premises an open church does require a member of the congrega on to be present.

This was an Assembly without any very controversial reports and all the debates were treated with respect and dignity. One of our las ng memories will be of wonderful, harmonious singing of hymns and psalms and we pray that some of the harmony can last ll the next Assembly. As The Assembly lasted for a week this is only a very short report but we would be happy to answer any ques ons if you contact us.

Be#y & Malcolm Steel.

WARNING TO US ALL!! - Shampoo Warning!

I don’t know why I didn’t figure this out sooner!

I use shampoo in the shower! When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning, ‘FOR EXTRA BODY AND VOLUME’.

No wonder I have been gaining weight! Well! I have go&en rid of that shampoo and I am going to start showering with Dawn dish soap instead. Its label reads, ‘DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE’.

Problem solved!

(Submi&ed by Lynn Thomson) 7

A Modern Parable A couple who both liked an ques, especially po&ery and tea cups went to a beau ful an que shop. Spo ng an excep onal cup, they asked to see it. They’d never seen a cup quite so beau ful. As the lady handed it to them, the teacup spoke: “I have not always been a teacup. Once I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and pa&ed me over and over un l I yelled out, ‘Don’t do that, I don’t like it! Let me alone.’ But he only smiled, and gently said, ‘Not yet!’”

“Then WHAM I was placed on a spinning wheel and pulled and squeezed and then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded on the door. Help get me out of here! I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, ‘Not yet!’”

“When I thought I couldn’t bear it another minute, the door opened.

He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh that felt so good! Ah, this is much be&er, I thought. But aKer I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible - I thought I would choke. Oh, please stop it, stop! I cried. He only shook his head and said, ‘Not yet!’”

“Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged, pleaded, screamed, cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up when the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering, what’s he going to do next?”

“An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, ‘Look at yourself.’ I said, That’s not me, that couldn’t be me. I’m beau ful! Quietly he spoke, ‘I want you to remember: it hurt to be rolled and pounded and pa&ed, but had I just leK you alone, you’d have dried up.’”

8

“‘It made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped you would have crumbled. It hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn’t put you there, you would have cracked. The fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn’t done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have any colour in your life. If I hadn’t put you in that second oven, you wouldn’t have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are finished - you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.’”

The moral of this story is this: God is the Po&er, and we are His clay.

He will mould us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfil His good, pleasing and perfect will.

So, when you are being pounded and pa&ed and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to s nk, try this: Brew a cup of your favourite tea in your pre est teacup or mug, sit down and remember this story and then have a li&le talk with the Po&er.

(Submi&ed by Pat Skene)

A Prayer - “If I” Good and gracious God, Your church is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. It will do great work, if I work. It will make generous giKs to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I invite and bring them. It will be a church where people grow in faith and serve you, if I am open to such growth and service.

Therefore, with your help Lord, we shall dedicate ourselves to the task of being all the things you want your church to be. Amen.

(Submi&ed by Margaret Donald) 9

The Strollers Only two members of the congrega on were able to take part in the Sco sh Bible Society Sponsored Walk on Saturday 18th August. They were, Kathleen Annand and Oonagh Wa& who collected £163.00.

We thank all those who contributed to this splendid total.

The following are the dates of our next mee ngs.

October

November December

Tuesdays at 2.00pm

9

30

20

11

Saturdays at 10.00am

20

10

10

1

You are welcome to come along on any of these days.

Margaret Donald

The Circle of Care As always the members of the Circle of Care are grateful to all who helped make the June Communion and AKernoon Tea such a happy occasion and in advance we thank those who will again be providing transport or catering for the October service and tea. Our thanks to Rev Andrew Chris e and Kathleen Anderson for their invaluable contribu ons. Rev Michael Phillippo will conduct the October service.

Harvest Fes val Quiz Try to find a word associated with harvest beginning with each of the le&ers in “Harvest Fes val”.

Suggested answers on Page 32 (but there will be more!)

10

O.A.K. Report.

O.A.K. is very grateful to all the staff who have kept the Café open and well staffed throughout the summer holiday period. We are very lucky that so many come to help when we are short.

We look forward to the autumn session with special lunches for The Sco sh Bible Society and Instant Neighbour. Our shoebox appeal closes at the end of October so we hope all the kni ng needles are at the ready. Any toys and toiletries are also very welcome. Then come the Christmas Lunches on 12th and 13th December. (We are wri ng this on a sunny aKernoon in August! Doesn’t me fly?)

In August we bade farewell to Rev Ken Morgan at the Methodist Church and in September welcomed Rev John McNeill. We look forward to years of associa on with him.

The O.A.K. Evening Services con nue in Crown Terrace Methodist Church on the second Sunday of each month at 6.30pm. You are assured of a warm welcome.

We look forward to seeing you at some of our events.

Be#y & Malcolm Steel.

Coffee Shops We have just finished the Summer Coffee Shops which have again been very happy and successful. Many thanks to all, especially those who have given up several Saturdays and to everyone who donated baking and raffle prizes etc.

Before you receive your next magazine we will have started the Christmas Coffee Shops on 1, 8 & 15 December. Please can you give them the same support with baking and raffle prizes.

This is the last chance in the year to make the Treasurer happy!

11

Our Stewardship campaign con nued to flourish over the summer.

Quite a number of members took part in our Talents 2012. A “Talents” table was set up every Saturday morning at the Summer Coffee shops. I hope you came along to sell your wares. To date such talents as quizzes, car washing, personalised notelets and guess the handmade Panda’s birthday have been offered.

If you have a talent which could help improve income levels to meet the ever increasing costs of local and world-ministry then now is the me to get started!

Everyone in the congrega on has been given a “Smar es” tube and, to date, many have been filled with cash and returned to the Treasurer. Please keep them coming in. Your district Elder will collect any tubes s ll to be returned on his/her next visit.

All members should have received a telephone call from an elder around February me. These calls were very favourably received. The purpose of these calls is to keep in touch with all members and offer any support necessary and to find out how members are doing. The most recent round of calls started in September and from now on all Circle of Care members will be included.

St Mark's is well known for it's friendliness and fellowship and you are sure to receive a warm welcome when you come to worship on a Sunday.

David Yacamini (Convener)

Des ny is not a ma&er of chance. It is a ma&er of choice: it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.

12

The St Mark’s Rambling and Hill Walking Group The Rambling group has been busy recently and has taken advantage of the slightly be&er weather, however some walks had to be either postponed or changed.

A lovely walk to Brimmond and Elrick hills was undertaken in early May and this was followed by a trip to Stonehaven and a stroll along the promenade and harbour finishing with a walk around the woods at Dunno&ar. Saturday 26th May was the day we visited the Royal Cairns in the grounds at Balmoral Castle and had a lovely day, but we didn’t meet any of the Royal family.

Ballater and the Seven Bridges walk was also a good walk although it did rain a bit. Two other town walks and a recent trip to Dinnet for a circuit of Loch Kinord and the Burn o’ Vat bring you up to date with our travels.

The following are planned for the future.

October

November

Tuesday 16th

Stonehaven

Wednesday 31st

Glen Tanar - Ramble

Tuesday 6th

Causey Mounth Road

Wednesday 14th

Bennachie - Hill walk

Wednesday 28th

River Don Circular

For more informa on on any aspect of walking, details of planned walks, or if you would like to join us please contact Ian Lord 01224 321882 or mobile 07929720846.

Some other walks including hills may be undertaken at short no ce.

Did you know that; When you carry the Bible, Satan has a headache.

When you open it, he collapses. When he sees you reading it, he faints.

Let's read the Bible every day so he keeps on fain ng.

13

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

Further details of the services will be available on the Church website or Pew Leaflet. www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk/stmarks-worship.htm 30 Sept Rev Michael Philippo 11.00am 30th Coy BB Dedica on Service 7 Oct

Rev Mark Rodgers 11.00am Harvest Fes val Celebra on

14 Oct

Rev Michael Phillipo 11.00am Celebra on of Holy Communion 2.00pm Circle of Care Communion Followed by AKernoon Tea 6.30pm OAK Evening Service Crown Terrace Methodist Church

21 Oct

11.00am Morning Worship Preacher to be confirmed

28 Oct

Rev Mark Rodgers 11.00am Morning Worship

4 Nov

11.00am Joint Grouping Service Held in St Mark’s

11 Nov 10.50am Service of Remembrance Preacher to be confirmed 6.30pm OAK Evening Service Crown Terrace Methodist Church Details of Services for November and December will be in mated in the Pew Leaflets, nearer the me, and on the website 14

The Aberdeen City Centre Parish Grouping Summer Holiday Club, held in St Mark’s from July 2-6, proved to be a fi ng warm-up for London 2012.

Numbers grew steadily during the week – bucking the usual trend of holiday clubs – and there were 19 enthusias c kids on the last day, many of whom a&ended church with their parents and grandparents on the Sunday. The club had an Olympic theme, with daily sports (beach volleyball, blind football, basketball, cycling, rowing, track and field athle cs) to re out the kids . . . and the Grouping volunteers!

Each day also had a Scriptural topic – Jesus . . . calling His team of disciples - Mark 1:14-20; demonstra ng His healing powers - Mark 10:46-52; revealing Himself as the Christ (Team Leader) – Mark 9:2-7; showing His power and authority – Mark 6:45-52; and the importance of bearing fruit by responding to the Gospel – Mark 4:1-9; 14-20.

The arts and craKs (and snacks!) went down a treat, with the young ‘athletes’ crea ng a fingerprint-paint Olympic flag, catch-cups, magne c flags, personalised water bo&le covers and mul -coloured bead key rings and jewellery. They also learned a memory verse (Mark 1: 17) and the club theme song – ‘On Your Marks’ – which were performed at the ‘Closing Ceremony’ service in St Mark’s. The week was rounded off splendidly with a family picnic in the church hall.

Undoubtedly, the Holiday Club was a wonderful experience for all involved. Thanks go to our Grouping volunteers – Jo Donaldson, Millie Birse, Brenda Brown, Helen Rennie, Alex McConochie, Alice Merrilees, Margaret Durie, Audrey Skinner and Lynn Low. Special thanks go to Katherine Ross (keep fit trainer), Marjory McDougall (games master) and Leona McConochie (piano) for their invaluable contribu ons.

And extra special thanks go to Kate Fraser, who put in many hours of hard work to make sure that the whole week was an experience the kids will remember for a long me.

Ian McIver

15 Page 1 Grouping Supplement Autumn 2012

FROM THE KIRK OF ST NICHOLAS UNITING Gree ngs from all at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uni ng. We hope that you have enjoyed a good summer break.

By the me you read this ar cle the members of the Kirk of St Nicholas Uni ng will have taken part in a service to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the union of the Kirk of St Nicholas (Church of Scotland) and St Nicholas URC (formerly St Nicholas Congrega onal Church). This created the Kirk of St Nicholas Uni ng, which is a congrega on of both denomina ons and was born out of a Local Ecumenical Partnership. The unique nature of the union necessitated an Act of Union which was approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on Saturday 25 May 2002. The proposed union had been accepted by Aberdeen Presbytery the month before.

The service takes place on 9th September 2012 when the preacher will be the Very Rev Sheilagh Kes ng, a former Moderator (and first female Moderator ) of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The Rev Ross McLaren and Rev James Stewart are also taking part in the service.

The union brought many opportuni es including working with our sister congrega ons of St Mark’s and Queen Street churches within the Aberdeen City Centre Grouping, so enough about the past and let’s look forward building upon the successful outreach of our work with the Big Issue vendors. I’m reliably informed that it is 4 years since we started on that venture.

We also congratulate all those involved in planning and running the Olympic themed summer club (in July) that was organized as a grouping project, and hope that some of you will become ac vely involved in follow-up projects.

May God extend his Blessings to you all.

16 Page 2 Grouping Supplement Autumn 2012

Bill Ross

Duty Rotas Pull-out Supplement Flower Rota September - January 2012 - 2013 Date Supply 02 September 09 September 16 September 23 September 30 September 07 October 14 October 21 October 28 October 04 November 11 November 18 November 25 November 02 December 09 December 16 December 23 December 30 December 06 January 13 January 20 January 27 January

Mrs M Brown Mrs P Skene Mrs I Mann Mrs Be&y Joiner Misses J & E Black Mrs I Sutherland Mrs E Leslie Mrs & Miss Morrison Mrs M Caie Mrs K McBain Mr A McConochie Mrs L Watson Mrs E Lennox Miss K Annand Miss S Strachan Miss A McDonald Mrs Pamela McDonald Miss M Donald Mrs M Leslie & Miss O Wa& Miss J Morgan Mrs S Mann Mrs B Coull Mrs I Grieve

Distribu on Mrs Brown

Mrs Sutherland Mrs Chris e Mrs & Miss Morrison Mr McFarlane Mr McConochie Mrs Yacamini Mrs McDonald Mrs Donaldson Mrs Lord

For the Minister Miss O Wa& Mrs S Main Mrs B Coull

As you can see there are a number of distribu on dates available where you can offer to help bring some brightness into the lives of fellow members of the St Mark’s Family by giving your name to Babs Coull, who organises the distribu on of the flowers, and helping with the delivery on the way home on a Sunday.

17

Door Duty Rota September - January 2012 - 2013 02 September Graeme Low 09 September Elsa Black

Lynn Low Jean Black

16 September Douglas Craighead 23 September Jacqueline Hepburn

Elaine Macdonald Margaret Donald

30 September Garry Watson 07 October Helen Burr

Rosalyn Rennie Sandra Andrew

14 October * Milton Montgomery Kay Montgomery 21 October Lewis Donaldson Anne Donaldson * Communion Sunday (am & pm) + Sarah Low 28 October Lewis Duthie Dianne Morrison 04 November Bill Forbes Joyce Forbes 11 November * Ian Beagrie 18 November Derek Caie * Remembrance Sunday 25 November Ron Irwin 02 December Alex Sim

Gail Hogg Mary Caie Alice OďŹƒcer Carole Anne Brazendale

09 December Carol Main 16 December Be&y Steel

Alan Brown Malcolm Steel

23 December Ian Lord 30 December Bill McDonald

Marjorie Lord Elaine Macdonald

06 January Margaret Brown Maurice McFarlane 13 January * Sylvia Strachan Helen McKenzie * Communion Sunday + Sarah Low 20 January Jacqueline Hepburn Margaret Donald 27 January Graeme Low Lynn Low 18

Beadle Duty Rota September - January 2012 - 2013 02 September 09 September 16 September 23 September 30 September

Lewis Duthie Derek Caie Alex McConochie Graeme Low Bill Forbes

Helen Burr Mary Caie Sarah Low Lynn Low Joyce Forbes

Jean Black Ian Lord Alex Sim Douglas Craighead

Elsa Black Marjorie Lord Helen McKenzie Elaine Macdonald

04 November 11 November 18 November 25 November

Lewis Duthie Malcolm Steel Ron Irwin Ian Beagrie

Dianne Morrison Be&y Steel Alice OďŹƒcer Gail Hogg

02 December 09 December 16 December 23 December 30 December

Alan Brown Lewis Donaldson Garry Watson Dianne Morrison Alex McConochie

Carol Main Anne Donaldson Rosalyn Rennie Maurice McFarlane Sarah Low

Alan Brown Derek Caie Graeme Low Bill Forbes

Jacqueline Hepburn Mary Caie Lynn Low Joyce Forbes

07 October 14 October 21 October 28 October

06 January 13 January 20 January 27 January

If for any reason you cannot manage your duty date please try to change with someone else and advise your partner of the circumstances.

First named should collect the keys from the oďŹƒce.

19

Readers’ Rota September - January 2012 - 2013 02 September 09 September 16 September 23 September 30 September 07 October 14 October 21 October 28 October 04 November 11 November 18 November 25 November 02 December 09 December 16 December 23 December 24 December 30 December 06 January 13 January 20 January 27 January

Muriel Fraser Sheila Main Gail Hogg Milton Montgomery Malcolm Steel Jean Yacamini Alex McConochie (am Communion) Sheena Henry (pm Communion) David Yacamini Kay Montgomery Elsa Black Anne Donaldson Jean Black Margaret Donald Jean Yacamini Muriel Fraser Sunday School Gail Hogg Alex McConochie Sheila Main David Yacamini Milton Montgomery (Communion) Malcolm Steel Anne Donaldson

Readers are reminded that they should contact the Church office on Thursday prior to their duty and read through and prac ce their reading(s) before the Sunday. If you are unable to a&end on your appointed day please find a subs tute from within the list or contact the office.

20

NEWS FROM ST MARK’S Since last wri ng for the Grouping Supplement things have not really gone well for St Mark’s. Diane’s four week absence has turned into four months away from the Church but we have not let this get us down. All of the usual ac vi es have gone ahead.

The Summer Coffee Shops went well with an increase in the number of visitors who were just passing by. The Summer season however was not noted for its weather and for the second year running the Grianan Garden Gathering took place in the Church hall. Nevertheless it was s ll a great success financially and in terms of both friendship and fellowship, as well as fun.

Mark Rodgers remains our Interim Moderator and has taken some mee ngs as well as a couple of services each month on average.

Rev Andrew Chris e has covered for our Pastoral needs and Communion Services but with the number of vacancies in Aberdeen he is being kept busy elsewhere as well.

A number of services have been led by Office Bearers, some mes alone, some mes in groups of two or more and both the Norma Chris e’s have also par cipated, as well as Ian McIver. The Grouping Pulpit exchange on 26 August saw Rev Andrew Chris e cover Diane’s absence at Queen Street Church.

As we move into the Autumn Diane is s ll absent and we will be led in worship at three services by our former Locum and friend, Rev Michael Phillippo. Our Harvest Service on 7 October will be led by Rev Mark Rodgers.

We con nue to pray for Diane’s recovery.

Alex McConochie

21 Page 3 Grouping Supplement Autumn 2012

Gree ngs to all from Queen Street.

Hopefully you have all had an enjoyable Summer despite the weather.

We look forward now to the beginning of a new session with all the normal happenings and organisa ons resuming their ac vi es.

Our halls have been busy during the Summer with our Friday and Saturday Coffee Shops although they have not been as well a&ended as in previous years. The Coffee Shops ceased on the same Saturday as Doors Open Day - 8th September so we thank you if you have supported us.

We look forward to the following events:Sunday 16th September - Harvest Thanksgiving Saturday 29th September - Harvest Home Social at St Marks Sunday 30th September - Guild Dedica on Service Sunday 28th October - Communion Saturday 3rd November - Street Pastors Coffee Morning Sunday 4th November - Joint Grouping Service at St Marks Sunday 11th November - Remembrance AKer that we will be looking forward to Advent and Christmas. Doesn't me fly!

Every Blessing to all in our Grouping Churches.

Norman Haggart (Session Clerk)

22 Page 4 Grouping Supplement Autumn 2012

CrossReach services for people who are homeless include crisis care, rese&lement, and housing support services which aim to help people gain independent living skills and move on into their own homes. We support people to regain an iden ty that may have been lost somewhere along the way by addressing pa&erns of behaviour which affect both physical and mental health.

We provide expert emo onal and prac cal support as people take their first steps from the streets into more permanent accommoda on and to those who are ready to take on more permanent tenancies.

(Taken from an official CrossReach pamphlet en tled "An Introduc on to our Services")

Carol Main

Roll Changes Change of Address Mrs Chrissie Porter to Residen al Care Mrs Pamela McDonald from Kingswells to Monymusk Mrs Margaret Hopkins to Strachan Mill Court

New Member by Transfer Cer ficate Mr John Brown Craigton Road Deaths 30 May Mrs Doreen Webster, Bridge o’ Dee Home 1 July Mrs Violet Fraser, Tor-na-Dee Care Home He will surround you with love on that Golden Day Owing to Data Protec on issues full address details are no longer provided in rela on to Roll Changes.

23

The Malawi Commi#ee Our commi&ee has been taking a break over the summer months but will be mee ng shortly to discuss possible events over the winter. A big thank you to Kath McBain, Valerie Kemp and Roddy Mowat who, for various reasons, have stood down from the commi&ee.

A warm welcome to Beatrice Sutherland, Bethany Hogg and Carol Main who all readily agreed to come on to the commi&ee. I am sure these new members will bring new ideas to the commi&ee. Everyone is doing well in Mpachika and send best wishes to the members of St. Mark's.

Diane, our minister, has resigned as the chairperson of the Presbytery Malawi Commi&ee. She has so many commitments and, as you know, recently she has not been in the best of health. Please remember Malawi in your prayers and support the events over the coming months.

David Yacamini (Convener)

Projects This year’s Garden Party was again held in the hall instead of Alex’s garden because of the weather. It was a very happy aKernoon with Alex having spent a lot of me on quizzes etc and the wonderful sum of £620.30 was raised.

The next event is the Charity Shop week, beginning on 21 October through to Friday 21 October. We will need a lot of help for the week so if you can spare even an hour please put your name on the list in the ves bule.

We are holding another Handbag & Scarf evening on Thursday 7 November so come along and get your Christmas Shopping done nice and early.

24

A Note from the Treasurer Every household in the congrega on got a tube of Smar es with the Summer Messenger and by the end of August 37 tubes were returned, raising £394.59 with more than half of that total being covered by GiK Aid. In addi on our Talents ini a ve had received six dona ons totalling £280.00, this however does not qualify for GiK Aid. There are s ll a lot of Smar es tubes out there so please get them back to me before the year end. Some of the par cipants in the Talents scheme have donated more than once so again there must be more that a handful of talented people in our congrega on - you s ll have un l Christmas to get busy.

Due to the closing date for contribu ons to this edi on of the Messenger it is not possible to report on our financial posi on at the end of September but I can report on the half-yearly posi on as at the end of June. Income from offerings (including GiK Aid etc) was on target thanks to increased levels of one-off dona ons. Other congrega onal income was slightly below 50% of budget but this is influenced by the fact that most of our Coffee Shops income comes in the second half of the year.

In rela on to expenditure this year we budgeted for a deficit by the year end, recognising that income levels were not as good as they could be but hoping that by the year end we might be proved wrong.

I am pleased to say that half way through the year although we were in deficit there were signs of improvement and I am hopeful that things will improve further.

Everyone can help with this. Come to church and give regularly, support our Christmas Coffee Shops and various ac vi es, consider giving by Standing Order and if you are a taxpayer use the GiK Aid scheme. Forms are available in the magazine. (Pages 33 - 35) 25

If you would like to join us on any of the following dates you will receive a warm welcome and we usually finish with a cup of tea or coffee and a fine piece.

We are always on the look out for new members.

Contact any of the commi&ee listed below for more informa on.

October 1st

Welcome back & Games Night

October 15th

History of Fi e

with Guild

October 22nd

Beetle Drive

with Guild

October 29th

Games Night

November 5th

Vine Project by Dr Ann Robertson with Guild

November 26th Games Night December 3rd

Christmas Party

with Guild

Graeme Low 01569 731389, Ian Lord 321882, Derek Caie 317978, Milton Montgomery 486839.

St Mark’s ScoEsh Country Dance Class The class resumes on Wednesday 5th September 2012 at 7.30pm in the church hall. It would be lovely to have some new members. You will be made most welcome. We meet fortnightly and dance to a variety of SCD Bands on CD. Our evenings end with a cup of tea and biscuits.

Our future dates to December are: Wednesday 31st October Wednesday 19th September rd Wednesday 3 October Wednesday 14th November Wednesday 17th October Wednesday 28th November Wednesday 12th December is our Party Night 26

The Guild of Friendship Our session starts on Monday 1st October in the church hall when we sincerely hope Diane will be fully recovered to be our first guest. The syllabus for 2012 is as shown below. We hope to see all our members and perhaps there will be a ‘new’ face or two!

October

1 Rev Diane Hobson 8 Jim & Marisha Addison (Music) 15 Beetle Drive (or games) 22 Marion Dey 29 ‘Sounds familiar’ (Music)

November

5 Ian Lord (Slides) 12 ‘Show me’ (Music) 19 Ruth Sturgeon 26 Cogwheel Trust

December

3 Beacon Singers (Music) 10 Christmas Party

If any further details are required, please telephone me.

Pat Skene (01224) 642293

Volunteering Volunteering is very much back in the news, thanks to the brilliant success of the London 2012 Olympics.

The Opening Ceremony was a triumph, the sport wonderful and the spectators fantas c, but what made the games really special for those a&ending was the enthusiasm of the 70,000 ‘Games Makers’.

These volunteers, chosen from 240,000 applicants from all walks of 27

life, impressed everyone with their cheerfulness and helpfulness, even when they were allocated less than glamorous tasks.

Since star ng my job as the Grouping’s community outreach worker in December 2009, I have tried to nurture the volunteering spirit that already exists among members of our three congrega ons. Many opportuni es exist in Aberdeen for volunteers who can donate a few hours a week to help out exis ng chari es and organisa ons, many of them Chris an.

Aberdeen Seafarers’ Centre, Bethany Chris an Trust, Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland, Aberdeen Street Pastors and The Cyrenians are just a few of the bodies that need help with exis ng projects.

Elsewhere, Aberdeen City Council older people’s wellbeing officer Jayne Buchan is looking for folk who are willing to go into sheltered housing complexes and care homes to teach arts and craKs for a couple of hours a month. And Friends Interna onal are seeking people to provide home hospitality to foreign students, while our own Audrey Skinner is always on the lookout for volunteers to help with the Big Issue rota at the Queen Street Church chapel, Monday to Saturday.

If you would like more informa on on areas that might be of par cular interest to you, please contact me on 07890 932677 or ianmci@hotmail.co.uk In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35 Ian McIver

God didn't give us all things to enjoy life, but life to enjoy all things 28

The St Mark’s Guild The new session of the Guild commences on 1 October and we look forward to seeing all our members again.

We would be very happy to welcome new members as this year we celebrate 125 years of the Guild.

The central celebra on for Aberdeen will be held in St Mark’s Church on Saturday 27 October at 2.00pm and this will be a Songs of Praise service.

Our syllabus for the first half of the session is as follows.

October

1 Theme. ‘A Faith to Proclaim’ Mrs A Grant 15 History of ‘Fi e’

Mr Bill Stephen

22 Beetle Drive

Invita on from Men’s Club

November 5 The Vine Project

Dr Ann Robertson

26 Fairtrade Evening

Miss Alice Merrilees

December 3 Joint Christmas Party with Men’s Club

Li&le Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Li&le Johnny received his plate, he started ea ng right away. "Johnny! Please wait un l we say our prayer." said his mother. "I don't need to," the boy replied. "Of course, you do "his mother insisted.”

We always say a prayer before ea ng at our house." "That's at our house." Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook.

29

THE BOY IN THE TRAIN Whit wey does the engine say Toot-toot?

Is it feart to gang in the tunnel?

Whit wey is the furnace no pit oot When the rain gangs doon the funnel?

What’ll I hae for my tea the night?

A herring’, or maybe a haddie?

Has Gran’ma go&en electric light?

Is the next stop Kirkcaddy?

There’s a hoodie-craw on yon turnip-raw!

An’ sea-gulls - sax or seeven, I’ll no fa’ oot a’ the windae, Maw, It’s sneckit, as sure as I’m leevin’.

We’re into the tunnel! We’re a’ in the dark!

But dinna be frich t, Daddy, We’ll sune be comin’ to Beveridge Park, And the next stop’s Kirkcaddy!

Is yon the mune I see in the sky?

It’s awfu’ wee an’ curly.

See! there’s a coo and a cauf ootbye, An’ a lassie pu’in’ a hurlyl He’s chackit the ckets and gien them back, Sae gi me my ain yin, Daddy.

LIK doon the bag frae the luggage rack, For the next stop’s Kirkcaddy!

There’s a gey wheen boats at the harbour mou’, And eh! dae ye see the cruisers?

The cinnamon drop I was sookin’ the noo has tummelt an’ stuck tae ma troosers,.......

I’ll sune be ringin’ ma Gran’ma’s bell She’ll cry, “come ben, my laddie”.

For I ken mysel’ by the queer-like smell That the next stop’s Kirkcaddy!

M.C.S. (Submi&ed by Kath McBain) 30

Welcome back to your own page in the magazine and thank you to Glen (and his mum) who submitted the only correct answer to the Summer Wordsearch. It was really difficult, so many congratulations. I hope you enjoyed the prize. The answer is on the next page.

There will be a prize for the Autumn competition which is a Harvest Bible Quiz. It’s OK to look up your Bible to find the answers or to get some adult help - no prizes for the adults though, only the kids.

Harvest Bible Quiz 1. Who said, ”The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few”?

2. How many fruits of the Spirit does Paul list in Galatians?

3. On which day of creation did God create fruit trees?

4. Why were the Israelites told not to gather the gleanings of the harvest?

5. In the parable of the tares in the field who are the reapers?

6. What sort of tree did Jesus curse for not bearing fruit?

More over the page 31

(Con nued from the previous Page)

7.

Who found mandrakes during harvest and gave them to Leah?

8. For how many successive years did the harvest fail when Joseph was ruling in Egypt?

9. Where was Jesus when he said, “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields for they are white already to harvest”?

10. In Revelation, how many harvests of fruit does the tree of life produce each year?

Answers please to the Sunday School before the end of November. (Or see the website.)

Harvest Fes val Quiz Page 10 - Suggested Answers H A R V E S T

hay apple raspberry vegetable ears of corn savoy tomato

F E S T I V A L

fruit endive sheaf turnip implement vine ar choke leek

But see if you can find more.

Answer to

Summer Wordsearch

Thus it is wri&en that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all na ons beginning from Jerusalem.

32

Bank Standing Order Mandate To the Manager Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Name of your Bank) Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Name of your Branch) Branch Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Post Code . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Branch Sort Code . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . .

Please pay by Standing Order (payment details) Amount ÂŁ . . . . . . . (and in words) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commencing on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (date) and weekly/monthly* thereafter, until cancelled. (*please delete as appropriate) Quoting Reference . . . . . . . . . . . (To be completed by the church) Pay to St Mark's Church of Scotland at Bank of Scotland 1 Mid Stocket Road Aberdeen AB15 5JL. Sort Code 80 - 05 - 19 Account No. 06000363 Pay from (your details) Account Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Account Name(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please pay the Standing Order as detailed above

Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . .

Please note that Banks may decline to accept instructions to charge Standing Orders to certain types of accounts other than Current accounts.

Please return to the Treasurer, St Mark's Church in the first instance.

33

Bank Standing Order Mandate Amended Instruction To the Manager Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Name of your Bank) Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Name of your Branch) Branch Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Post Code . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Branch Sort Code . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . .

Please amend my Standing Order payable to:St Mark's Church of Scotland at Bank of Scotland 1 Mid Stocket Road Aberdeen AB15 5JL. Sort Code 80 - 05 - 19 Account No. 06000363 To Amount ÂŁ . . . . . . . (and in words) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commencing on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (date) and weekly/monthly* thereafter, until cancelled quoting the existing reference number. (*Please delete as appropriate) Pay from (your details) Account Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Account Name(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please pay the Standing Order as detailed above.

Please note this supersedes my previous instruction relating to St Mark's Church.

Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . .

Please send this form directly to your Bank.

34

GiJ Aid Declara on Aberdeen St Mark's Church of Scotland (Aberdeen St Mark's Church of Scotland is a registered Sco sh charity No. SC015451)

Donor's Full Name in Capitals

....................................

Donor's Title

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Rev/Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donor's Address in Capitals

....................................

....................................

....................................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Post Code

I want the congrega on to treat all dona ons I make from the date of this declara on un l I no fy you otherwise as GiK Aid dona ons. The congrega on may also treat dona ons in the four years prior to this tax year (6 April to 5 April) as GiK Aid dona ons.

I conďŹ rm that I have paid or will pay an annual amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the chari es which I support will reclaim on my giKs. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

Signature of donor:

....................................

Date of signing:

....................................

You may cancel this declara on at any me by no fying the Treasurer. no fy the Treasurer if you change your address.

35

Please

St Mark's Church

Minister

Rev Diane Hobson 65 Mile End Avenue

641758

Session Clerk

Mr Ian and Mrs Marjorie Lord 27 Hazelhead Road

321882

Clerk to The Board

Mrs Helen McKenzie 28 Blackhills Court, Westhill

740776

Treasurer

Mr Alex McConochie 21 Woodcroft Road

703200

FWO Treasurer

Miss Dianne Morrison 45 Bonnymuir Place

630161

Gift Aid Convener

Mrs Lynn Low 6 St John’s Walk, Newtonhill

01569 731389

Organist

Mrs Kathleen Anderson 15 Countesswells Terrace

321584

Church Secretary

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

640672

Church Office Down steps between the Church and Library.

Open 9.00 am to 12.00 noon Monday to Friday. Answering machine operates when the office is closed. Leave name, message and contact number.

Editor

Alex McConochie: stmarksmesenger@btinternet.com www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk 36