colinton news
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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
C H U R C H
I N F O R M A T I O N 2
L I F E & W O R K 2
S E S S I O N C L E R K ’ S
S C R I B B L E S 3
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H
Z O N E 3
T H A N K Y O U F R O M
M A R Y D I L B E Y 4
M U S I C I N T H E
C H U R C H 5
S U P P O R T I N G O U R
T R O O P S 5
D E C E M B E R D I A R Y 6
B I L L E S B U N C H I N
C O L I N T O N 7
C H R I S T I A N A I D 8
F I R S T
I M P R E S S I O N S 9
P R E S B Y T E R Y
P O N D E R I N G S 1 0
W H A T ’ S O N I N
C O L I N T O N
1 0 ,
1 1
S T A N D I N G O R D E R
C O N T R I B U T I O N S
B A C K
P A G E
J A N U A R Y D I A R Y 7
D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0 I S S U E 3 2 0
C O L I N T O N N E W S THE NEWSLETTER OF
COLINTON PARISH
CHURCH
W A I T I N G
Waiting – for the kettle to boil, for a friend to arrive, for test results from the hospital.
Waiting – for a letter from a loved one, for the pay cheque, for the weekend. Waiting – for the rain to stop, for the storm to subside, for the tide to recede. Waiting – for the flu bugs to pass, for the temperature to come down, for the
brow to cool. Waiting – for a break, for a less stressful week, for the holidays.
Waiting – in the bus queue, at the supermarket till, at the post office counter. Waiting – for Christmas to come, for presents and good food, for the day
after Christmas.
My life is filled with times of being almost there but not yet, of waiting around in dread or anticipation.
Mostly I just want to get there, abandon the waiting, take a shortcut.
However, in my more reflective moments I do wonder about the value of
waiting, the blessing of delayed gratification, the benefit of being inactive yet attentive.
And what am I looking out for?
That the really important stuff may happen in the spaces between events.
That non-doing makes room for meaningful being. That the journey, even the detoured one, is as significant as the destination.
Advent is waiting time, like a pregnancy progressing slowly through
uncharted waters. Advent is preparing for the coming of the Word made flesh.
Advent is holding out in the darkness while knowing that the light will come in its own time.
Jesus said: “Stay with me. Keep watch with me. Watch and pray.”
And the coming will take care of itself.
Wishing you all a peaceful Advent and Christmas time.
Your minister,
Rolf Billes
D I S T R I B U T E D F R E E
C O L I N T O N P A R I S H C H U R C H I S A R E G I S T E R E D C H A R I T Y N O S C O 1 0 3 1 3
C O N T A C T U S
Page 2 C O L I N T O N N E W S
Minister:
Rev Rolf Billes 466 8384
The Manse of Colinton, EH13 0JR
Associate Minister:
Rev Gayle Taylor 441 2232
Session Clerk:
Stuart Bridges 441 2736
session.clerk@colinton-parish.com
Treasurer:
Gordon Young 441 1923
17 West Carnethy Avenue, EH13 0ED
Roll Keeper:
Isabel Webster 313 1605
Ettrick Manor, 56/6 Spylaw Road,
EH10 5BR
Sunday Club Co-ordinator:
Sharon Carlyle 477 3119
39 Bonaly Road EH13
Givings Convener:
Brian Falla 441 2792
17 Auchingane, EH10 7HU
Child Protection Co-ordinator:
Ken Houston 441 3611
5 Redford Drive, EH13 0BL
child.protection@colinton-parish.com
Pastoral Care Co-ordinator:
Madeline Sweasey 441 2232
Magazine Distribution:
Irene Falla 441 2792
17 Auchingane, EH10 7HU
Flower Convener:
Merle Copland, 441 3438
2 Redford Crescent, EH13 0BR
Caroline Pearson 441 2328
42 Pentland Avenue, EH13 0YH
Musical Directors:
Anne and Ian Rogers 01721 730782
rogersim@btopenworld.com
Church Officer:
Alasdair Mackenzie 441 2232
23 Foulis Cres, Juniper Green
Dreghorn Loan Hall Letting:
Sheila Porteous 441 3117
19 Redford Ave
Church Rooms Administrator:
Muriel Lamb 441 3924
243 Redford Road, EH13 9NH
Parish Neighbour Scheme Co-
ordinator:
Frances Jack 441 6027
15 Redford Drive
Church Secretary:
Alison Reid 441 2232
Editor:
Vivienne MacPhail 441 2400
colintonnews@hotmail.com
If you would like a member of the
Ministry team to visit you or someone
else please contact the office on 441
2232, Monday to Thursday during
office hours, or on Friday morning.
Photocopying can be left at the office
for later collection by arrangement.
COLINTON PARISH CHURCH
Dell Road
Edinburgh
EH13 0JR
Tel: 441 2232
email:
church.office@colinton-parish.com
website: www.colinton-parish.com
Light in the Darkness
Reflections on the Christmas message by The Very Rev Dr John Miller, the Moderator, the Rt Rev William Hewitt and Ron Ferguson.
In the first of a new series, the Rev James Martin considers Biblical figures who receive a bad press – beginning with The Innkeeper of the Nativity Story. Plus an exclusive Christmas story by Kenneth Steven.
A Ministry of Presence
Jackie Macadam meets the Rev Peter McDonald, new Leader of the Iona Community. The Rainbow Assembly
The first international Children’s Assembly of the Church of Scotland, when children from Zambia, New Zealand, Hungary, Malawi and Kenya joined the gathering on Iona.
Saving Lives on a Shoestring
In the last of a series of special reports from Malawi, Thomas Baldwin focuses on the work of Ekwendeni Hospital and Nursing College.
Making a Difference
The Rev Malcolm MacLeod introduces a Lewis-based charity which provides a voice for persecuted Christians around the world.
Sturdy Independence
John R Hume visits Pollokshaws Parish Church on the south side of Glasgow.
T h e X - F a c t o r o f T h e i r D a y ?
Professor Donald Macleod examines the place of reformed theology in Scotland.
Plus Presbytery of Wigtown and Stranraer, all the regular columnists, news, letters, reviews and crosswords – all for just £1.60.
For a number of years, we have taped our morning
worship services, using recording equipment
discreetly housed in the gallery above the pulpit.
These tapes are then distributed by a small band of
volunteers to members of our congregation who are
too frail to attend Church. Before the introduction of
video recording at baptisms, we would also provide
an audio tape of the service to the parents of the
baptised child. I still have the tape from my
daughter’s baptism in 1996. Of course, the difficulty
I now face is that I don’t have a tape recorder to
play it on! I suspect that this is a common problem
for many of us today.
Providing the housebound with a means of sharing
in our worship is an important part of our Outreach
programme, so it was with that in mind that we
recently decided to review our approach to
providing taped services. After securing some
funding, we have purchased and installed a ‘solid
state, single-rack space compact Flash recorder’. For
the uninitiated like me, this is simply a slim black
box which works like a computer and allows us to
record church services onto CD. Also included was a
‘triplicator’ which, I’m told, allows us to effortlessly
copy the CDs. Naturally, we did check with
everyone who had previously received audio tapes
to ensure they can play CDs. They can, which
means that our last
audio tape goes out at
the end of November.
Of course, with internet downloading, iPods and
MP3’s, recording onto CD is fast becoming an
obsolete technology. Our new equipment also has
the functionality to allow us to distribute in these
different formats. Soon we will be able to send out
recordings via podcast, web or email. The potential
for recording doesn’t stop with the Sunday services.
With our diverse musical talent, our Directors of
Music can now cut discs with the Praise Band, the
Choir, Young Voices and Celtic Sound. We have the
ability to record concerts and other events held in
the Church. Who knows, if we’re quick enough,
perhaps we can get ‘Nine Lessons & Carols from
Colinton Church’ out in time for Christmas. Now
that would be a unique stocking filler!
Happy Christmas,
Stuart
ps - If you would like to start receiving a copy of our
Sunday services, or know of someone who would,
please let us know.
Page 3 I S S U E 3 2 0
S E S S I O N C L E R K ’ S S C R I B B L E S
Christmas Activities
We have a full packed programme as usual at this
time of year. For the next few weeks the children
will be busy rehearsing for the Nativity Play to be
shown on Sun 20th Dec.
Please make a note of all our Christmas activities
taking place:
Saturday 5th December Activity Afternoon
1 . 3 0 p m - 4 . 0 0 p m a t t h e c h u r c h .
Saturday 12th December Christmas Party 2.40-
4.30pm at the church, (This party is for all members
u p t o a n d i n c l u d i n g P r i m a r y 5 )
Sunday 13th December Mini-Surge Christmas
Get-together (PM) (This party is for Primary 6 & 7)
Sunday 20th December Nativity Play
10.00am
Communication on Colinton - Umoja Twinning
Unfortunately, our attempt to have a visual link up
through Skype on Sunday 22nd November was
unsuccessful.
Our children from Explorers (6ys-8yrs) had been
working very hard practicing a song to sing to the
Sunday school children in Umoja. We are now
hoping to try again on Sunday 6th December, I will
hopefully be giving you an update in the new year.
On behalf of Children and Youth I would like to wish
you all a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.
Sharon Carlyle.
Sunday Club Coordinator
C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H Z O N E
Page 4 I S S U E 3 2 0
“ T H A N K Y O U ” F R O M M A R Y D I L B E Y
Page 5 C O L I N T O N N E W S
All the choirs and music groups are well into
the autumn term. As well as contributing to
church services they are preparing carols and
songs for Advent and Christmas. They will be
taking part in various services over the
Christmas season and all come together for
the traditional candlelit lessons and carol
service on Sunday 20th December at 6.30pm.
There should be about 70 singers involved
that evening. The service will be followed by
mince pies and mulled wine. It is not to be
missed. Please put the date in your diaries.
(All the services are listed separately in this
magazine).
Church Choir
The church choir takes part every week at the
11.15 service. They will be singing many of your
favourite anthems and carols throughout the
Christmas period including items from Handel’s
Messiah, and from John Rutter. We rehearse on
Thursdays at 7.30pm.
Celtic Sound.
“Celtic Sound” is the new choir formed this year
and so far it has been a great success, growing to
around 24 members. They have sung in church
twice this term and will be singing again at the
lessons and carols service mentioned earlier. This
group is for adults who would like to find a place to
sing and learn songs in a different style. The group
sings in church and at other events from time to
time without having the regular commitment of the
church choir or band. No singing or musical
experience is required. We practice on Wednesdays
at 7.15pm.
Young Voices
“Young Voices” meet on Thursdays at 6.15 pm.
They sing in church about once each month. They
are busily recording a CD for Christmas. Exciting
new songs are learned. A lot of talent is being
discovered. They will be singing during the
Christmas period and taking part in the lessons and
carols service.
We still however need many more singers so
please encourage youngsters from primary 4
(about age 7 years) to the end of secondary
school to come along.
The Band
The band sings and plays at the early service
each week. A great variety of songs are learned
from traditional hymns with modern arrangements,
to brand new songs written this year.
Musicians are required for the band, especially
electric and acoustic guitar players, oboe, brass etc.
If you play an instrument to a better than beginner
standard, please get in touch. It is great experience
and lots of fun. If you fancy singing please also
contact us. We meet on Wednesdays at 8.15pm.
Have a great Christmas time. We hope you enjoy
the music.
There is room for YOU somewhere in the
musical life of the church so please come
forward and help.
Our contact details are shown below.
Anne and Ian Rogers, Scots Pine Villa,
Eddleston, Peebles EH45 8QT.Tel 01721
730782: email rogersim@btopenworld.com or
speak to us at coffee or through the church
M U S I C I N T H E C H U R C H
Last month’s Colinton News advised that we would
be supporting the troops in Afghanistan by providing
hospitality for their families at an afternoon coffee
and cake function with a crèche for the children and
that sweets would be collected throughout
November for the children to be used at their
Christmas party. I would like to take this opportunity
to thank all who have responded so magnificently
for the sweets appeal and to the volunteers who
provided a first class afternoon for the wives and
children. The spread provided was first class and the
children thoroughly enjoyed the games provided by
the crèche team. Our guests have thanked us
profusely but I know that all who participated in
providing the occasion got just as much out of doing
it as those who were our guests.
John Campbell
S U P P O R T F O R O U R T R O O P S I N A F G H A N I S T A N
Page 6 I S S U E 3 2 0
Advent 2, 6 December Advent 3, 13 December Advent 4, 20 December Sunday, 27 December
9.30am
Early Service
Crèche, Sunday Club,
Mini Surge and Fusion all
available
Gift Services
9.30am Service
Crèche, Sunday Club,
Mini Surge and Fusion all available
The Sacrament of Baptism
will be celebrated
ONE SERVICE
10am
‘Mama Mia’ -
The Nativity
6.30pm
Lessons and Carols
ONE SERVICE
11.15am
The Sacrament of Holy
Communion will be celebrated
(Children’s activities on holiday)
11.15am
Morning Worship
Preacher:
Rev Gayle Taylor
11.15am Service
Preacher:
Rev Rolf Billes
~~~~~
4.30pm - Christingle Service
(held in the Episcopal Church)
Tuesday, 8 December Tuesday, 15 December Tuesday, 22 December Tuesday, 30 December
7.30pm - Kirk Session meeting
Wednesday, 9 December Wednesday, 16 December Wednesday, 23 December Wednesday, 31 December
7.15pm - Celtic Sound
8.15pm - Band Rehearsal
7.15pm - Celtic Sound
8.15pm - Band Rehearsal
Thursday, 10 December Thursday, 17 December CHRISTMAS EVE Thursday, 1 January 2009
6.15pm - Young Voices
7.30pm - Choir Rehearsal
6.15pm - Young Voices
7.30pm - Choir Rehearsal
6.30pm - Family Carol Service
11.30pm - Watchnight Service
Friday, 11 December Friday, 18 December CHRISTMAS DAY Friday, 2 January
11.15am
Christmas Service
Page 7 I S S U E 3 2 0
Sunday, 3 January Sunday, 10 January Sunday, 17 January Sunday, 24 January Sunday, 31 January
ONE SERVICE
11.15am Service
Children’s activities on
holiday
Preacher: Rev Rolf Billes
9.30am Service
with Praise Band
Crèche, Sunday Club,
Mini Surge and Fusion
available
9.30am Service
with Praise Band
Crèche, Sunday Club,
Mini Surge and Fusion
available
The Sacrament of Baptism
will be celebrated
9.30am Service
with Praise Band
Crèche, Sunday Club,
Mini Surge and Fusion
available
9.30am Service
with Praise Band
Crèche, Sunday Club,
Mini Surge and Fusion
available
11.15am Service
with organ and choir
Preacher: Rev Rolf Billes
11.15am Service
with organ and choir
Preacher: Rev Gayle Taylor
11.15am Service
with organ and choir
Preacher: Rev Rolf Billes
11.15am Service
with organ and choir
Preacher: Rev Rolf Billes
Monday, 4 January Monday, 11 January Monday, 18 January Monday, 25 January Monday, 1 February
Deadline for articles for
February Colinton News
Wednesday, 6 January Wednesday, 13 January Wednesday, 20 January Wednesday, 27 January Wednesday, 3 February
7.15pm - Celtic Sound
8.15pm - Praise Band
7.15pm - Celtic Sound
8.15pm - Praise Band
7.15pm - Celtic Sound
8.15pm - Praise Band
7.15pm - Celtic Sound
8.15pm - Praise Band
Thursday, 7 January Thursday, 14 January Thursday, 21 January Thursday, 28 January Thursday, 4 February
6.15pm - Young Voices
7.30pm - Choir
6.15pm - Young Voices
7.30pm - Choir
6.15pm - Young Voices
7.30pm - Choir
6.15pm - Young Voices
7.30pm - Choir
B I L L E S B U N C H I N C O L I N T O N
Since we came to Colinton to live among new folk
So many things have changed for me – new church, new job,
same bloke!
The kids have settled in quite well, the dogs, the pigs (guinea),
the fish
I never thought that I’d be granted every single wish.
The manse being huge just suits us fine cause Rolf can’t bang
his head
And the girls can hide in lots of rooms when it is time for bed.
Each morning when we see the view we count our lucky stars
As we hear the water flowing rather than the roar of cars.
We have been made most welcome by old (as in wise) and
young alike,
Meeting locals has been fun, on foot, in ‘Swing’, by bike.
We miss the folk from Moray but they deserve a break
Cause we can be real trouble, more than one church can take.
The girls and I have sussed the shops, we’ve even found the
Gyle,
I just can’t find a gym though, think that might take a while.
Now if we have not met you yet, we’re looking forward to it,
So if you’ve still to say hello, please don’t be shy just do it!
By Shirley Billes Colinton Church of Scotland Manse
Page 8 I S S U E 3 2 0
C H R I S T I A N A I D
‘O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see
thee lie’
So we sing; but for years Bethlehem has endured
rockets, military attacks, suicide bombers and
blockades. It’s a broken town and hope is in short
supply. Many children, caught in the literal and
emotional cross-fire of the conflict, have lived a
childhood of pain and fear.
NOOR RABIA’S STRUGGLE
Noor Rabia, who is now 17,
is one of these children. Three
years ago he picked up an
unusual-looking object in the
narrow lanes of the refugee
camp where he lives. It turned
out to be an abandoned
explosive device. Noor’s body
was hit by shrapnel and he lost his right hand. He
was devastated. He dropped out of school, didn’t
want to see his friends and retreated into himself.
He felt ashamed and depressed. His family were too
poor to get him physical or emotional help. He says,
‘I had lost all hope in life. I hated this life.’
THE LONG JOURNEY BACK TO HOPE
Noor and his family were offered
help by Christian Aid partner
organisation the YMCA. Fatin Al
Shoppi has counselled Noor for
three years, helping him to
process the trauma, imagine a
different future, and to purchase
a prosthetic hand. She says,
‘When he got his new hand, it changed his life.’ He
is studying hard now so that he can work with
computers, as his injury means he can’t work on the
land. Noor’s mother, Sara, is really grateful for the
work of the YMCA. ‘Noor has returned to school,
goes out with his friends more and is more
peaceful.’
For Noor, everything has changed:
‘I have more life to live – more hope.’
CAN WE BRING HOPE?
The answer is a resounding ‘YES!’ We can pray, we
can work, and we can give and we can also enjoy
ourselves!
Carol Singing
Monday 22nd December
7.00pm - 8.00pm
We meet at the corner of
Bonaly Grove and Bonaly Rise.
Remember to bring a torch. If you can’t sing, you
can collect money!
Christmas Services
There will be an opportunity at the Christmas
Services in both Churches to give to Christian Aid.
If you pay taxes, please put your offering in a
Christian Aid envelope and fill in the Gift Aid form.
Present Aid
Stuck for ideas for
Christmas presents?
Would your Dad like a
pig? A bucket of worms
for your son? What would your Mum say to 50
fruit trees? The list is endless!
Pick up a catalogue from the Fair Trade stall.
Quiz Night
The Quiz Night returns on Saturday 27 February.
Spend the long winter evenings learning random
facts and astonish your team with your brilliance!
Patricia Brignall
Page 9 I S S U E 3 2 0
F I R S T I M P R E S S I O N S
P A R I S H R E G I S T E R D E C E M B E R F L O W E R S
Baptisms:
15 November Harry Gibson Sangster, Westmill Road
Phoebe Alexandra Rosalie Shooter, Belgrave Terrace
Weddings:
14 November Emily Sinclair and James Thomson
Funerals:
19 November Janet Smith, Ravelston Park
20 November Charles Walker, Woodhall Road
Dec 6 Merle Copland
Dec 13 Bonaly School
Dec 20 Bridges Family
Dec 17th ̀ June Love
I’m grateful for the opportunity to write something
in the Colinton News in my first month as your new
Associate Minister because it allows me to say thank
you for your warm and sincere welcome.
It began properly on the night of my service of
introduction on the 5th of November (remember,
remember) and this was a much needed milestone
for me as the people of my previous parish of 10
years (Bishopton) came to see where I would now
be working and what kind of people I’d be working
with! There was a great spirit of friendship between
Bishopton and Colinton folk and I can’t thank the
hospitality team enough for the way they looked
after all the visitors and my family and friends that
night. I felt very affirmed and quickly at home, it
was a special occasion and a great start.
Although not new to ministry, (despite the
comments of one or 2 very kind ladies who thought
I had just graduated!) I do feel a bit like a student
assistant again at times with so much to learn. All
the new names and faces, a new home and new
office, new microphone and power point equipment
to get used to in worship, a new school to go into ...
sometimes it’s a little overwhelming. However,
taking one day at a time, with a new piece of the
jigsaw each day, helps me to just about keep up!
New things are risky but if we trust that we’re
moving into the right areas with God leading and
prompting, then there are some liberating and
exciting possibilities.
Working in a team with Rolf has already, as we had
hoped, been a blessing – a supportive and creative
partnership, opening up new opportunities for the
church and community. In just the first 3 weeks, we
have prepared and lead worship together on
Remembrance Sunday, planned advent and
Christmas for the school and youth and children’s
groups in the church and we have had meetings and
discussions with many leaders and members of the
church. I’ve also enjoyed, in particular, making new
connections with a number of soldiers, wives,
partners and children of the Barracks as well as
hearing about and witnessing the varied Sunday
school and youth programmes in the church that
reach many in the church family and beyond. I am
very encouraged by the numbers of leaders and
helpers who are prepared to be involved. There is
great potential for building on good foundations and
developing new initiatives together as I settle into
post.
It will be a busy time during advent as ever but I
look forward to: assemblies and parties, Carol
services and concerts and leading rehearsals with
Shirley as we get ready for Mama Mia! The Nativity.
It will be the first Christmas for both Rolf and I in
our ministry here in Colinton, so in more ways than
one, I know it will be unique and meaningful to
journey, all together, to Christmas day and beyond,
as God’s people in this place.
Gayle Taylor
Page 10 I S S U E 3 2 0
WH A T ’ S O N I N C O L I N T O N — E V E N T S A N D N O T I C E S
Since taking up the role of Colinton Parish Church’s
presbytery elder I have attended 3 meetings, and
learnt how to spell presbytery without having to
think about it! I do still feel I am learning about the
terminology and mysterious ways presbytery works.
Alasdair Mackenzie still attends meetings but in the
role of freely elected elder – these elders match the
ministers who are not directly associated with a
particular charge so that elders and ordained
ministers are in equal numbers on presbytery.
I cannot say that they are especially exciting
meetings as the main discussion around different
subjects goes on in associated committees that
bring reports to presbytery. However, I have
usually found the opening worship thought-
provoking and there is often someone giving a brief
presentation on a matter thought to be of interest
to the churches of the Edinburgh Presbytery. This
has included one on GROW (Greyfriars Recycling of
Wood) and Prisoners’ Week which inspired me to
share my concerns over the situation of the children
of prisoners with those who attended church on 15
November.
An eye opener to me has been the discussion, or
papers presented, at each meeting I have attended
so far regarding unions of charges or charges
seeking to call a minister but being allowed to do so
only on reviewable tenure. We in Colinton are
privileged that we were not asked to even consider
either of these when Rev George Whyte moved on.
Even two of our city centre churches which
undertake some widely recognised work, St
Andrew’s and St Georges and St Georges West are
moving forward on a basis of union and, following
some discussion at the last meeting, reviewable
tenure.
The most exciting thing I have done as Colinton’s
presbytery elder was undertaken close to home,
when I represented Colinton as presbytery
convened to Introduce Rev Gayle Taylor to our
parish! I did feel a bit strange sitting with those in
robes but it was also a great delight to be able to
offer a welcome to Gayle both from presbytery and
from our church. And I discovered afterwards that
there must be one elder present to make presbytery
quorate so, as it was a close thing, it is just as well
I chose to play that role.
Meetings are monthly, apart from during the
summer months, and I will seek to keep you
informed on at least a quarterly basis.
Janet Shepherd
P R E S B Y T E R Y P O N D E R I N G S
C O L I N T O N G A R D E N C L U B
Colinton Garden Club has a reputation for being a
good place to meet, make friends, exchange
information and get new ideas. We meet on the 4th
Monday of each month, September to April, in the
Dreghorn Loan Hall at 8pm unless notified
otherwise. Annual membership is well worth the £5
per household.
On 16th December we have our annual Christmas
Party. We enjoy a quiz, a raffle, delicious food,
drink, a sing-song and our now famous play, always
on a topical theme, written and performed by
members. At the time of printing there are very few
tickets left but please contact Christopher Davies on
441 2152 if you wish to come along.
We start the New Year with a talk on 25th January
given by Margaret Kilpatrick, Honorary Member, CGC
entitled “Creating a Country Garden”.
Visit our website: www.colintongardens.org.uk.
New Members are always welcome. Please
contact Christopher Davies on 441 2152 or by
email to chair@colintongardens.org.uk
Page 11 C O L I N T O N N E W S
C O L I N T O N L O C A L H I S T O R Y
S O C I E T Y
We have enjoyed another good month with some
very interesting talks which revealed quite a few
little known facts. Firstly, we heard Alan Lucas
telling us about (and showing us) his father
EDWIN's paintings of many local views, which were
mostly painted in the 30 & 40's. Coincidentaly I was
telling John Fisher, one of the Kirk’s congregation
about the talk when he added that Edwin Lucas had
been his Scoutmaster (31st Edinburgh) at Juniper
Green back in the 30's!....a fact that did not come
out in the talk.
Our next talk was given by Eric Melvin, the ex Head
Teacher of Currie High, who spoke about "The
Edinburgh of Deacon Brodie". This turned out to be
not only a story of Deacon Brodies life but also an
excellent slide show of "Old Edinburgh".
After our next speaker about "The Trams of
Edinburgh" we finish the Xmas run up with
our "Party" on the 7th December.
This is followed in the new year by three not to be
missed talks in January / February:
Jan. 4 Members talks about the Rev.
Lewis Balfour, the Kirk’s old Minister & Rev.
James Gardner.
Jan. 17 Fraser Hunter from the National
Museum of Scotland talks about The Roman
Tomb at Inveresk.
Feb. 1 Ian Gow will be telling us about some
of the "Lost Buildings of Scotland" which will
include some Colinton ones.
Again a reminder that all of our meetings are held in
the Loan Hall, Dreghorn Loan and start at 8pm. If
you wish any further information please
contact our Secretary DEREK DOUGLAS on
Tel: 441 3335
C O L I N T O N P A R I S H C H U R C H
L I T E R A R Y S O C I E T Y
Our weekly meetings from October to December
have proved to be interesting and informative and
covered a wide range of topics. As well as our
regular attendees, members have been bringing
visitors who have expressed a wish to
hear speakers dealing with a subject of particular
interest to them: they have all been made welcome;
and many more have been staying on after the
meeting to enjoy the refreshments, prepared by our
committee members to whom we are all indebted
for their loyalty and hard work in keeping the Lit
going every week. They and I have been working
on the programme for the Centenary Year,
and I am pleased to give some advance information.
Our Honorary President the Rev Rolf Billes has
offered to hold a special service of thanksgiving to
mark the Centenary of the Lit at 3PM on Sunday 10
October 2010. He has suggested that there should
be a display of the life and work of the Lit over the
years in connection with the service; members are
already coming forward with interesting items. We
shall appreciate any offers and suggestions that can
be included .
The Lord Provost of Edinburgh has offered to host a
Civic Reception in the City Chambers for our
members as part of our Centenary Year, and this
has been fixed for Wednesday 27 October 2010.
Our programme of speakers is being now organised
and we welcome ideas and suggestions .
For the moment we look forward to seeing our
members and guests in the New Year when our
weekly programme recommences. Until then our
December meetings are as follows:
2nd December—Barry Pendlebury: The Story of
the Union Canal
9th December—The Macrae Family: Music at
Christmas.
Happy Christmas,
Joe McGeough
President Colinton Parish Church Literary Society
It was 10 years ago that we first asked the congregation if
anyone would be interested in making regular, monthly
donations to the Church rather than leaving money in the
Church Plate at services. The response was extremely positive
and in fact over 400 now contribute via a monthly standing
order.
This allows us to fund the work in the Parish, plan vital
maintenance work with some certainty and also make our
contribution to the wider work of the Church throughout
Scotland.
Similar to other charitable organisations however, inflation and
the current recession has gradually increased our costs and
whilst our income is stable the recent, important addition of an
Associate Minister to focus on the Children and Youth of the
Parish inevitably has placed extra pressure on our budget.
As a result and with this in mind the Kirk Session decided that
we should write to those members who do not currently give
by standing order to consider doing so. By now some 350
households will have received a letter requesting that this be
given their consideration.
So how does giving by Standing Order benefit the Church?
1. Our Administration of the Church’s collections is greatly
reduced.
2. Most of the congregation who give by Standing Order
also give by Gift Aid which increases their monthly offering by
25% at no expense to themselves as this allows us to reclaim
the tax already paid on the donation from the government.
It allows the Church to be more accurate in
its budgeting as the income through the
standing order scheme is regular and more
predictable.
Contributions under the standing order scheme currently range
from £10 per month to over £200 per month with the average
amounting to £45. However members should be assured that
the amount they give is entirely confidential and the Treasurer,
the Givings Convener and their Bank are the only people aware
of the actual amount.
MORE ANNUAL INCOME REQUIRED
Currently our monthly expenditure is more than our income
which is a position that cannot be sustained for a long period of
time. In fact, we need to see the Church’s annual income grow
by £50,000 if we are to sustain the present level of the
Church’s work.
With this in mind the Kirk Session has also decided that the
Church should conduct a Stewardship/Financial Giving
Campaign and more details of the format that this will take will
be issued in the ensuing months.
It would be a great boost to the forthcoming Campaign if those
members who receive a letter requesting that they contribute
regularly by monthly standing order give it serious
consideration as this will clearly assist the Church in its financial
planning going forward.
JIM SPOWART (Stewardship Convener)
COLINTON PARISH CHURCH
Advent and Christmas services 2009
13 DECEMBER
Gift Services 9.30am Early Service
Children’s activities available The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated
11.15am Morning Worship
20 DECEMBER
10am Mama Mia - The Nativity 6.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols
CHRISTMAS EVE 6.30pm Carol Service
11.30pm Watchnight Service
CHRISTMAS DAY ONE SERVICE at 11.15am
5 0 % O F T H E C O N G R E G A T I O N G I V E B Y S T A N D I N G O R D E R
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