Winter 2014 colour

Aberdeen St Mark's Church of Scotland is a registered Sco sh charity No SC015451 St Mark’s is twinned with Mpachika Church Malawi

Index to the Winter 2014 Issue Le er from the Manse

3 Worship Calendar (2)

13

The O.A.K. Report

4 Holiday 2015

14

Men’s Club

5 Deadlines / Rambling Group 15

Why is Jesus be er than Santa?

6 Strollers/ Circle of Care

16

Roll Changes / CrossReach

7 From the Treasurer

17

Worship Calendar (1)

8 Guild of Friendship

18

Duty Rotas Supplement

9 Guild / Projects

19

St Mark’s Church Contacts on Back Cover

Christmas Gi( to St Marks Delivered along with this issue of the Messenger is an envelope for you to give your Christmas Gi; to St Mark’s. This is an important part of our fund-raising although results in recent years have been disappoin=ng . Please give what you can, anonymously if you prefer, or enclose your name and address if you normally give by Gi; Aid.

Nostalgia This quarter’s Messenger may s=r memories of what the magazine used to look like a few years ago. Over the next few issues I plan to use different covers which I hope you will enjoy.

Editor 2

Le+er from the Manse Dear Friends, They say that you learn a lot through travel, which is true. Recently I conducted the service at St Columba's Church of Scotland in Jersey whilst Revd. David Logan preached at St Mark's. This is the start of what all the leadership in both Churches hope will be a mutually enjoyable rela=onship.

I was greeted warmly by the people of St Columba's and made to feel welcome. I know that Revd David Logan met with hospitality and warm friendliness at St Mark's. Both Revd David and myself were able to say that Sunday, "Thank you Lord."

We have now entered the Church season of 'Remembering and Thankfulness'. A thank you goes to all who have kni ed poppies to create the beau=ful hanging that graces one side of the pulpit. It certainly is very fiGng for our Remembrance Sunday Church Services.

Once more, thank you.

As I write we have started to travel towards Advent. It's a =me when we remember, with gra=tude and hope, the incredible gi; of Jesus Christ. It always seems to be a =me of mixed emo=ons and many chores needing to be completed by Christmas day. Amidst this =me we need to take the =me to stop and to think about the true meaning of Christmas. When we do it's not hard to say, "Wow; You, Jesus, gave up so much for us. Thank You Lord. Where would we be without You?" Of course it’s harder to say, "Thank You Lord," in certain circumstances. Yet this is the very ac=on we are called to take.

Why? Because we benefit. Yes crazy though that sounds God wants our thanks because we feel be er. At first it may not be easy; our (Con nued on page 4)

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‘thank yous’ may be not whole hearted. Non the less saying, "Thank You Lord," every day helps us reach a point of being completely genuine and feeling be er or stronger.

This Christmas and New Year David and myself will be saying, "Thank You Lord," for so many things and the people we feel blessed to have in our lives, which very much includes St Mark’s. This Christmas whatever you are doing, wherever you are, or however you are feeling please know prayers will be with you and may you know the blessings of Jesus Christ with you too.

David, Rebecca, Richard, Isaac and myself prayerfully wish you a Blessed Advent, Christmas and a Happy Hogmanay.

In Jesus's fellowship,

Diane The O.A.K. Report O.A.K. had a very successful Special Lunch for DENTAID. A huge thank you to all who provided toothbrushes.

When they are packing to go to Uganda I think they may have a case full of brushes. Our next Special Lunch is early next year and will be in aid of The ScoGsh Bible Society.

Our Christmas Lunches are on 17th and 18th December and the next day will be the Shoppers’ Service followed by soup and sandwiches.

O.A.K. will close from 22nd December, 2014 reopening on Monday 12th January, 2015.

Thanks go to all the staff who have worked very hard during the year and have kept the cafe open even when we were shortstaffed.

We wish all our customers a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Be+y & Malcolm Steel.

4

Our Winter Session started in October and by the =me you are reading this the ďŹ rst part of the session will be coming to a close with the annual Christmas party with the Ladies of the Guild.

We have shared evenings with the Guild and had Rev Ewan Gilchrist speaking about Wedding Belles and Bacon BuGes, we had a Beetle Drive and an evening spoGng Dolphins, as well as a couple of games nights.

We meet in the Church hall at 7.30pm on Mondays and the programme for 2015 is as follows: 19th A talk about the Tivoli theatre by Celia Walker 26th Burns night with Mrs Gerard and friends February 2nd Jenny Taylor speaking on the work of Somebody Cares th 16 Jean Mair talks about Rwanda Village 23rd Games night March 2nd Games night 16th AGM and musical quiz January

It would be good if we could get some new members to join our li le group, so come along and see what we get up to or phone one of the oďŹƒce bearers below for more informa=on.

President Milton Montgomery Vice President Graeme Low Secretary Ian Lord Treasurer Derek Caie

01224 486839 01569 549391 01224 321882 01224 317978 5

Why Jesus is Be+er Than Santa Claus Santa lives at the North Pole… JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh… JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year… JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies… JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to queue to see Santa… JESUS is as close as the men=on of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap… JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO… JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You be er not cry"… JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's li le helpers make toys… JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but… JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gi;s under your tree… JESUS became our gi; and died on a tree...the cross.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi li le boy or girl, what's your name?"… JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

We need to put Christ back into CHRISTmas, Jesus is s=ll the reason for the season.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only bego en Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlas=ng life" (John 3:16).

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Roll Changes Change of Address Miss Edith Duncan

Mannofield

to Residen=al Care

New Member by Cer4ficate Mrs Arlene Grant

from Rubislaw

Deaths - He will surround you with love on that Golden Day 24 September Mrs Catherine Thomson In Care 7 October Mrs Anne Cruickshank In Care For Data Protec=on reasons only limited address informa=on is provided in the Messenger.

CrossReach has a long history of suppor=ng some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland through challenging circumstances. We work with people in communi=es and at home alongside exis=ng residen=al and day care.

Our Adult & Older People’s Services aim to create a happy environment where people’s rights, freedom of choice, privacy, dignity and independence are promoted, respected and maintained. Our Children’s Services work to make a posi=ve difference to the lives of young people by providing structure and rou=ne in a safe, caring and therapeu=c environment.

People Development is a priority and the 200 staff employed achieve qualifica=ons to meet the ScoGsh Social Services Council registra=on.

Carol Main CrossReach Representa=ve 7

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 in the Pew Leaflet. www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk/stmarks-worship.htm 7 December

Second Sunday in Advent 11.00am Morning Worship Joint Service with St John’s for Deaf People

11 December 6.00pm 8.00pm

Thursday, Carol Singing on the Church steps Refreshments to follow

14 December

Third Sunday in Advent 11.00am The Worship Commi ee Service of 9 Lessons & Carols

15 December - Church Open Week 11.00am - 1.30pm 19 December Shoppers’ Carol Service on Friday, 12.00noon (ex Thursday) Followed by Soup & Sandwich Lunch 21 December

Fourth Sunday in Advent 11.00am Na=vity Service Led by the Sunday School

24 December

Wednesday Carols & Fun 10.45pm - 11.25pm 11.30pm Watchnight Service led by Rev Diane Followed by Tea & Mince Pies in the Hall

25 December

10.30am Short Christmas Day Family Service Followed by Holy Communion

28 December

11.00am Morning Worship ‘Celebra=on of Promises Fulfilled’

Con=nued on Page 13 a;er the Supplement 8

St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Winter Messenger Pull-out Supplement Beadle Duty Rota 04 January 2015 11 January 2015 18 January 2015 25 January 2015 01 February 2015 08 February 2015 15 February 2015 22 February 2015 01 March 2015 08 March 2015 15 March 2015 22 March 2015 29 March 2015 05 April 2015 12 April 2015 19 April 2015 26 April 2015 03 May 2015 10 May 2015 17 May 2015 24 May 2015 31 May 2015

Mr Ian Lord Mr Garry Watson Mr Alex McConochie Mr Derek Caie

Mrs Marjorie Lord Mrs Carol Main Mrs Gail Hogg Mrs Mary Caie

Mr Douglas Craighead Mr Alan Brown Mr Graeme Low Mr Garry Watson Mr Lewis Donaldson Mr Bill Forbes Mr Ian Lord Mr Maurice McFarlane Mr Malcolm Steel Mr Alan Brown Mr Graeme Low Mr Garry Watson Mr Ian Lord Mr Alan Brown Mr Alex McConochie Mr Derek Caie Mr Douglas Craighead Mr Garry Watson

Miss Dianne Morrison Mrs Helen McKenzie Mrs Lynn Low Miss Elaine Macdonald Mrs Anne Donaldson Mrs Joyce Forbes Mrs Betty Steel Mrs Helen Burr Mrs Jaqueline Hepburn Miss Margaret Rennie Miss Rosalyn Rennie Mrs Alice Officer Mrs Marjorie Lord Mrs Helen McKenzie Mrs Gail Hogg Mrs Mary Caie Miss Dianne Morrison Mrs Carol Main

Highlighted days are Communion Sundays If you are unable to do a par=cular duty please arrange for a subs=tute to provide cover. Advise the Session Clerks and the Church Office and update the list in the ves=bule.

Please Note: That due to re=rals etc some Office Bearers have been rota’d more frequently than in the past. Thank you for helping in this way.

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St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Winter Messenger Pull-out Supplement Door Duty Rota

04 January 2015 11 January 2015 18 January 2015 25 January 2015 01 February 2015 08 February 2015 15 February 2015 22 February 2015 01 March 2015 08 March 2015 15 March 2015 22 March 2015 29 March 2015 05 April 2015 12 April 2015 19 April 2015 26 April 2015 03 May 2015 10 May 2015 17 May 2015 24 May 2015 31 May 2015

Mr Bill Forbes Mr Lewis Donaldson Mrs Sandra Andrew Mr Malcolm Steel Miss Elsa Black Mr Alan Brown Mr Derek Caie Miss Margaret Donald Mrs Gail Hogg Mr Graeme Low Miss Margaret Rennie Mrs Kay Montgomery Miss Elaine Macdonald Mr William McDonald Mrs Alice Officer Mrs Betty Steel Miss Sylvia Strachan Mr David Yacamini Mr Bill Forbes Mr Lewis Donaldson Mrs Sandra Andrew Mr Malcom Steel

Mrs Joyce Forbes Communion Mrs Anne Donaldson Miss Margaret Rennie Mrs Margaret Brown Mrs Helen Burr Miss Jean Black Mr Douglas Craighead Mrs Mary Caie Mrs Jaqueline Hepburn Mrs Carol Main Mrs Lynn Low Miss Dianne Morrison Mr Milton Montgomery Mr Maurice McFarlane Communion Mrs Helen McKenzie Mrs Sheila Main Miss Rosalyn Rennie Miss Margaret Rennie Mr Garry Watson Mrs Jean Yacamini Mrs Joyce Forbes Mrs Anne Donaldson Mrs Margaret Brown Mrs Helen Burr

If you are unable to do a par=cular duty please arrange for a subs=tute to provide cover. Advise the Session Clerks and the Church Office and update the list in the ves=bule.

Please Note that due to re=rals etc some Office Bearers have been rota’d more frequently than in the past. Thank you for helping in this way.

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St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Winter Messenger Pull-out Supplement Church Readers Rota 04 January 2015 11 January 2015 18 January 2015 25 January 2015 01 February 2015 08 February 2015 15 February 2015 22 February 2015 01 March 2015 08 March 2015 15 March 2015 22 March 2015 29 March 2015 05 April 2015 12 April 2015 19 April 2015 26 April 2015 03 May 2015 10 May 2015 17 May 2015 24 May 2015 31 May 2015

Mr Milton Montgomery Mrs Kay Montgomery Mrs Helen Burr Mrs Anne Donaldson

Miss Elaine Macdonald Mrs Gail Hogg Mr Alex McConochie Miss Elsa Black Miss Jean Black Mr Malcolm Steel Mr David Yacamini Miss Elaine Macdonald Miss Carole-Anne Brazendale Mr Alex McConochie Mrs Gail Hogg Mr Milton Montgomery Mrs Kay Montgomery Mrs Helen Burr Mrs Anne Donaldson Miss Elaine Macdonald Mrs Gail Hogg Mr Alex McConochie

If you are unable to do a par=cular duty please arrange for a subs=tute to provide cover. Advise the Session Clerks and the Church OďŹƒce and update the list in the ves=bule.

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St Mark’s Church Duty Rotas Winter Messenger Pull-out Supplement Flower Supply & Distribu4on Rota

Date 04 January 2015 11 January 2015 18 January 2015 25 January 2015

Provision Miss Oonagh Watt Mrs Peggy Mitchell Mrs S Mann Mrs B Coull

01 February 2015 08 February 2015 15 February 2015 22 February 2015 01 March 2015 08 March 2015 15 March 2015 22 March 2015 29 March 2015 05 April 2015 12 April 2015 19 April 2015 26 April 2015 03 May 2015 10 May 2015 17 May 2015 24 May 2015 31 May 2015

Miss Sheena Henry Mrs B Duthie Mrs A Brown Mrs E Leys Mr A Sim Mrs S Kessack Miss J Davie Mrs M Rae Mrs Ruth Strachan Mrs C Laurie Miss Oonagh Watt Mr A McConochie Miss J Webster Miss J Davie Mrs A Donaldson Mrs H Burr Mrs J Yacamini Mrs A Munro

Distribution Mrs S Main

Mrs A Officer Mrs M Brown

Misses Black Mrs Sutherland Mrs Christie Mrs Donaldson Mrs McDonald Mrs J Yacamini Mrs A Munro

As you can see there are quite a number of gaps in the Flower Distribu=on Rota this quarter. Receiving the Church flowers gives a real boost to bereaved or ill members and all you have to do is drop them off on the way home. Please think about helping out in this small way. One day it might be you receiving them.

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Worship Calendar Worship Calendar Worship Calendar 4 January

11.00am Morning Worship Star Gazing with the Wise Men

11 January

11.00am Morning Worship Sacrament of Holy Communion Heavenly man of God, or just a Good Man

18 January

11.00am Morning Worship Joint Service with Crown Terrace Methodists

25 January

11.00am Morning Worship Conversa=ons that ma er

1 February

11.00am Morning Worship World Concern Sunday

8 February

11.00am Morning Worship The Healer and Healing

15 February

11.00am Morning Worship Mountain Top Experiences?

22 February

First Sunday in Lent 11.00am Morning Worship

Please keep a look out for new Worship opportuni=es, star=ng in the New Year 13

The St Mark’s Holiday 2015 It is proposed to have a three day (2 nights) holiday from 14 July 2015, travelling by luxury coach to Aberfoyle, staying at the Rob Roy Hotel for the price of £125 (sharing or +£12 single room supplement).

The holiday includes: ∗ Luxury Coach travel ∗ Morning Coffee en route ∗ Two nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Rob Roy Hotel ∗ Programme of excursions (to be confirmed) ∗ High Tea on return journey Par=cipants are advised to arrange their own travel insurance.

A £50 deposit will secure your place. If you are interested contact: Arlene Grant - 07977 751225 or St Mark’s Office - 01224 640672

The Rob Roy Hotel is wonderfully situated in idyllic countryside at the gateway to the glorious Trossachs and is set within Scotland’s first Na=onal Park. Named a;er the legendary local folk hero Rob Roy McGregor, the Rob Roy offers excellent food, friendly staff and good old fashioned value for money.

There are 99 en-suite bedrooms, all non-smoking and with television, telephone and tea/coffee making facili=es.

14

Deadlines All contribu4ons to be in before: Spring 2015 Sunday 22 February 2015 Summer 2015 Sunday 26 April 2015

St Mark’s Rambling and Hillwalking Group Due to holidays and various cancella=ons only one walk has been undertaken since the last ar=cle and this was a tes=ng walk to Lochnagar. Due to health and path condi=ons only three succeeded in reaching the summit, however a good day was had by all par=cipants sharing high spirits and much laughter.

The following walks are planned for the early part of 2015 with all walks being subject to change or cancella=on at short no=ce.

Wednesday 14th January City Centre Hill Walk!

Schoolhill, Ferryhill etc nd Thursday 22 January Deeside Railway walks Wednesday 28th January Brimmond and Elrick Hills Tuesday 3rd February Bucksburn to Kingwells Wednesday 11th February Kirkhill Forest Thursday 19th February Seaton Park, River Don circular Wednesday 25th February Garthdee to Hazlehead Contact Ian Lord on 01224 321882 or 07929 720846 for more walking informa=on or to be included in any of the above walks.

God's help is only a prayer away.

15

The Strollers The Strollers enjoyed their Summer ou=ngs in such places as, Stonehaven, Ellon and Drum Castle Grounds on some sunny a;ernoons but now with the shorter days we shall be walking around areas in the town.

We shall be mee=ng on the following dates: January Tuesdays @ 10.00am Saturdays @ 2.00pm

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February

20

10

31

21

March 3

April

24 14

14 4

25

We wish you all a joyful Christmas, good health and much happiness in 2015

The Circle of Care As from January, Mrs Helen McKenzie will be the coordinator of the Circle of Care and as she takes over I thank all who have worked so willingly and =relessly with me over the past years in so many ways. Thanks to those who have visited the housebound, those who have provided transport and catering for a;ernoon Communions and teas and those involved in the distribu=on of owers and Christmas gi;s.

May God richly bless Helen in her new role and I shall con=nue to remember you all in my prayers. Hoping that at this =me you have a Happy Christmas.

Margaret Donald 16

A Note from the Treasurer The eagle eyed among you will have no=ced the discrepancy between the total Coffee Shop income provided in the Projects Report and the monthly figures provided in ‘Money Ma ers’ in the Autumn Messenger. This was due to a typo in the June total. There was also a very minor under repor=ng of August’s total due to late income received a;er the Messenger went to print. A;er the September Coffee Shops the Total income received was £6,802.44.

As at 30 September total church income (including Gi; Aid Tax reclaim) was £83,214 or 78% of budget with expenditure at £78,265 or 73% of budget. A;er 9 months of our year we carried forward a surplus of £4,950. This is a good cushion, considering that the final quarter will see amongst other things higher than normal u=li=es bills because of the generally colder weather experienced during summer and autumn and greater use of water during the coffee shops.

FWO and Gi; Aided dona=ons at £49,302 are improved from previous years and no doubt reflect the impact of our ‘Gi;s for God’ Stewardship Programme which so many members par=cipated in.

Par=cipa=on is important in St Mark’s and as we move forward from our ‘Money’ theme of 2013, through this year’s ‘Time’ theme and into another ‘Talents’ year in 2015 taking part is so very important.

I hope many of you will be able to support the Christmas Coffee Shops on 6th, 13th and 20th December and also came along to the Drama Group’s Cabaret 2014, ‘Life is a Cabaret’ during November.

There is always something going on at St Mark’s and in 2015 we will be exploring working together with other churches for the benefit of Aberdeen and ourselves. I hope you can all join in and play a full part in the life and work of our Church.

Alex McConochie Congrega=onal Treasurer 17

Guild of Friendship As I write this we are only halfway through the first part of our Syllabus but have already had a variety of guests. This included two interes=ng and amusing talks, a Beetle Drive and two musical a;ernoons.

We have further happy, entertaining a;ernoons to look forward to before our Christmas Party on 8 December. We welcome anyone who wishes to join us in 2015.

Wishing you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

Pat Skene

A Timely Reminder This was sent to me in November and although its significance is, by our publica=on date, somewhat reduced I felt it worth including in the Messenger.

Editor The Inquisi4ve Child Why are they selling poppies Mummy? Selling poppies in town today?

The poppies, child, are flowers of love. For the men who marched away.

But why have they chosen a poppy Mummy? Why not a beau=ful rose?

Because my child, men fought and died in the fields where the poppies grow.

But why are the poppies so red, Mummy? Why are the poppies so red?

Red is the colour of blood, my child. The blood that our soldiers shed.

The heart of the poppy is black, Mummy. Why does it have to be black?

Black, my child, is the symbol of grief. For the men who never came back.

But why, Mummy are you crying so? Your tears are giving you pain.

My tears are my fears for you my child. For the world is forgeGng again.

Anon 18

The Guild It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of the first half of the Syllabus. The 2015 mee=ngs will commence on Monday 19th January and are as listed: January

19th The Tivoli - Celia Walker 26th Burns Night - Mrs Gerrard & Friends

February

2nd Somebody Cares - Jenny Taylor 16th Rwanda Village School Project - Jean Main

March

2nd Discussion Topic - Let’s talk about How to Share 16th AGM - Musical Quiz

Mee=ngs commence at 7.30pm. All are welcome to any of our mee=ngs.

Best wishes to all for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy & Happy 2015.

Anne Donaldson

St Mark’s Projects Commi+ee The Projects Commi ee held a ‘Bric-a-brac’ Table-top Sale on Saturday 14th October. The amazing sum of £604.96 was raised.

Many thanks to all who donated goods and to all who helped to set up and helped on the day.

If your only good at odds and ends, be an expert at odds and ends.

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St Mark's Church

Minister

Rev Diane Hobson 65 Mile End Avenue

641758

Session Clerks

Mr Ian and Mrs Marjorie Lord 27 Hazelhead Road

321882

Clerk to The Miss Dianne Morrison Board and FWO 45 Bonnymuir Place Treasurer

630161

Treasurer

Mr Alex McConochie 73 Oakhill Grange

950338

Gift Aid Convener

Mrs Lynn Low 6 St John’s Walk, Newtonhill

01569 731389

Organist

Mrs Kathleen Anderson 15 Countesswells Terrace

321584

Church Secretary

Miss Carole Brazendale St Mark's Church Rosemount Viaduct AB25 1JY

640672

Church Office Down steps between the Church and Library.

Open 10.00 am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday. Answering machine operates when the office is closed. Leave name, message and contact number.

Editor

Alex McConochie: messenger@stmarksaberdeen.org.uk www.stmarksaberdeen.org.uk 20