colinton news

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

C H U R C H

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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

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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:

[email protected]

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.

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

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


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 [email protected] 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

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


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


8.15pm - Band Rehearsal

Thursday, 10 December Thursday, 17 December CHRISTMAS EVE Thursday, 1 January 2009

6.15pm - Young Voices

7.30pm - Choir Rehearsal


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

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


Mini Surge and Fusion

available

9.30am Service

with Praise Band



available

The Sacrament of Baptism

will be celebrated

9.30am Service

with Praise Band



available

9.30am Service

with Praise Band



available

11.15am Service

with organ and choir


11.15am Service


Preacher: Rev Gayle Taylor

11.15am Service



11.15am Service



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


8.15pm - Praise Band







Thursday, 7 January Thursday, 14 January Thursday, 21 January Thursday, 28 January Thursday, 4 February


7.30pm - Choir


7.30pm - Choir


7.30pm - Choir


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

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

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

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 [email protected]


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

colinton news

Documents

value of waiting

church of scotland

redford drive church

redford road

manse of colinton

christmas time

rev malcolm macleod

ian rogers church officer