MS&F Church December 2020

2

I n Hebrews Chapter 10 the author encourages the believers to spur each other on and not to give up meeting

together. In the Passion Translation vv 24 & 25 it reads like this:

“Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful

works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have

formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more

frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.”

As members of the human race we are wired to meet with other people and to socialise with family groups and friends.

Some folk can cope with their own company for extended periods but most folk need the contact and support of human

friendship. The Christian faith is no different - it shouldn’t surprise us as relationship is God’s idea - it existed in the

Trinity long before the creation of humankind - and Jesus invites us into relationship with him. As one author puts it,

“Jesus invites us into the centre of the divine dance”. He also makes it possible through his death and resurrection.

So these times are difficult for all of us when we can’t meet with each other in person to chat over coffee, a meal, or a

pint in the pub. Grandparents are missing seeing their grandchildren and elderly relatives in care homes are missing

out on their visits with family members. In the church family all our regular face to face activities have been suspended

from worship to prayer meetings to Philos and Friday Cafes, all these face to face contacts have had to stop.

The verses in Hebrews may well have been written for these times. The author writes “discover creative ways to

encourage each other…” and we have. The services have moved online with zoom chat afterwards. It may not be the

same as meeting in person to worship and having a chat over a hot cup of coffee afterwards but essentially we still

gather, albeit online! The prayer meeting too moved quickly online and now meets via WhatsApp. In doing so it now

involves more folk that it did before. Folk are meeting up for coffee and a chat as the guidance allows or chatting on

the phone. There is more, and articles in this issue elaborate on what is happening in these times. Where we have an

email address we have issued a weekly e-mail mostly to do with the Sunday service but giving other items of news as

well. If you haven’t been getting a weekly e-mail please check your spam and junk folders, it may well have slipped in

there. If you are still not getting the weekly e-mail please get in touch, it probably means we don’t have your up to date

e-mail address on file.

Inevitably though some folk fall through the cracks. Not everybody has digital access and for some it is simply just too

much of a faff. We have also relied on a network of church members to keep in touch with our wider membership. That

network is far from complete so if you haven’t heard from us apologies but please be in touch. We are here to listen, to

encourage and to help.

What about that admonishment “This is not a time to pull away and neglect meeting together”. Yes, we should be

longing to get back together to sing and pray and worship. There is an added dimension when we come together to

worship as the psalmist writes for “God inhabits the praises of his people”(Psalm135:21). For the moment that means

joining online if you possibly can. It also means thinking small church instead of large church and gathering to meet as

the regulations allow. For now that is no more than two households in a cafe or the like - so let’s do that and encourage

each other in our walk with Jesus. And let us look forward to that time and the celebration when we can meet in larger

numbers once more.

Geoff Redmayne Minister of Montrose South and Ferryden Church (MS&F)

From The Minister

Are you wondering ‘Is there more to life than this’?

Why not try Alpha?

Connect and chat with people who have big questions just like yours

MS&F Church is going to be taking part in an on-line Alpha in January!

Look out for the Adverts on Social Media and the amazing magic banners!

More information will be available soon.

Keep your eye on the MS&F Facebook page.

Invitation To Alpha

3

“Growing Young” is from the Fuller Youth Institute in America. The FYI Growing Young team has carried

out a phenomenal amount of research into over 250 congregations in the US to see what makes them tick.

From this research they have been able to identify 6 key elements which are all prominent in churches which

are vibrant with young people and families and are intergenerational in everything they do. These key

elements are called the ‘Core Commitments’.

1. Keychain Leadership 4. Create Warm Relationships

2. Empathise with Young People Today 5. Prioritise Young People & Families Everywhere

3. Take Jesus Message Seriously 6. Be the Best Neighbours.

(These can be seen in the diagram below.)

Fast forward to September 2020.

In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, 22 Scottish churches met virtually on ZOOM for a launch webinar for

Growing Young, complete with representatives in the US from the Fuller Youth Institute. Since then the team has

expanded. We have attended two weekend virtual summits, have begun carrying out listening exercises and have

drafted the first version of our Church Transformation Plan.

Growing Young isn’t just about changing youth ministry. It is about a cultural change within the church to embody the 6

core commitments to create an intergenerational church with Jesus at its centre. Although the program lasts for a year,

it can take 3-4 years before any massive changes are seen. What we learn this year will lay the foundations for our

future.

Whilst the prospect of change might frighten some, everyone’s thoughts and opinions count. Over the course of the

next few months there will be plenty of opportunities to be heard. There will be more listening exercises, focus groups,

all age chats and a chance to complete an online assessment which will generate a report to show where MS&F is on

the Growing Young journey.

If at any time you have any questions on Growing Young, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Growing Young

Leadership Team.

Jamie Livingston Growing Young Point Leader

So what does this have to do

with MS&F Church here in

Scotland? Last year Geoff,

Meg, Becky and myself

(Jamie) went to Dunfermline

to represent MS&F and hear

about this new program from

the States.

After listening to the

presentation, it became

evident that Growing Young

was just as relevant, if not

more so, here in Scotland.

We were given the following

statement to think about:

“The church is calibrated for

a world that doesn’t exist”.

If the church is to survive we

must adopt these

commitments to help us

attract, retain and empower

young people.

Growing Old

MS&F Church Family, Welcome to Growing Young!

4

Since being given the go ahead at the last Kirk Session meeting in September, we have been able to create a brand

new kitchen in the PHILOS Community Hub in eight weeks.

The area has been doubled by building a servery in to the Wilson Hall, inspired by a drawing by Geoff on the back of a

napkin at a PHILOS steering group meeting. The kitchen is now waterproof, H&S compliant and Covid 19 ready.

The old 4-ring cooker has been replaced by a modern 5-ring

ceramic hob and separate double ovens. A commercial

dishwasher has been installed. In the servery area there are

under counter fridge and freezer, with the large upright

freezer situated in the Melville Room.

The old fluorescent lighting has been replaced by two bright

LED ceiling panels, and at last there is heating in the

kitchen by way of an electric radiator. No more fan heater

balanced on a stool in what was already a confined area.

No wonder our H&S team used to have nightmares.

The only glitch preventing full completion of the project has been a series of delays by our utility providers in installing

the meter for our new separate electricity supply. Hopefully, we can see (real) light at the end of the tunnel and will

have our new system up and running with power to all our halls before Christmas.

The next stage of the HUB upgrade, is the conversion of the two toilets to being disabled accessible. This will be

carried out in two phases, with plans already having been drawn up for the upstairs WC, and requests being put out for

quotations for the work. Anyone who has reluctantly used the toilets in the winter months should appreciate the fact

that the plans will include insulated walls and ceiling, and an electric radiator.

Phase 2 – to convert the basement toilet which will include removal of a urinal (out of order since certainly before the

church union in 2016), and creation of two cubicles, one disabled accessible.

While this has been going on, Alan Fraser has been doggedly pursuing the most suitable form of efficient heating for

the three halls in the HUB. With good heating, and our upgrades, we will hopefully have a modern, attractive suite of

halls to facilitate our Mission outreach into South Montrose and beyond.

And finally, none of these things could have been considered starting without Pete Cowan’s perseverance in seeking

an effective, yet affordable solution to the kitchen’s chronically leaking flat roof. In this he has been fortunate to draw

on the knowledge of John Murray who, having been involved in previous building works here, was able to describe the

exact design flaws in the old roof, and help direct Pete towards solutions. Douglas Craig Separation Group

The Redesigned Kitchen

The Scottish Bible Society (SBS) asks - Could You be a Bible-a-month partner? SBS believes in

“Life transformed through the Bible” but to make this possible, we need your help, especially in

these hard times. If you are able to commit to giving £5 a month, then the Bible Society commits

to making sure that, eachmonth, someone who desperately wants a Bible but can’t afford it, will

get a copy of Scripture in a language they can understand.

In return, as a Bible-a-month partner, you will receive a desktop calendar with details of the projects through which the

Scriptures will be delivered. For example, one such project, highlighted this November, is supporting Christian

refugees in Jordan who have fled from Syria and Iraq. Through the “Bread and bread” project, SBS is helping local

churches to provide for basic physical needs - food for the body - as well as food for the soul.

If you would like to take part, please go to the Scottish Bible Society website or for a paper leaflet, contact Elizabeth

Anderson (672029). Thank you for any support you can give - it is much appreciated. Elizabeth Anderson

News from Philos Community Hub

The new Servery leading from the Kitchen

5

Christmas Quiz

Dark and dreich, long winter days, are not in the least conducive to

venturing very far from the warmth of our homes. To pass an hour or

so, work out the first line of the following carols/hymns - all have an air

of Christmas joy. Get working on answers; only when stumped, search

your hymn book, Mission Praise or I.T. help! Rosemary Nelson

1. A.I.A.M., N.C.F.A.B. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

2. S.T.N., H.T.N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3. W.H.S.W.T.F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. I.T.B.M.W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5. S.H.L.O.A.B.O.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6. C.I.T.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7. O.I.R.D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8. T.F.N.T.A.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9. S! I.Y.M.L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10. G.C.M.R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11. O.L.T.O.B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12. B.A.B.O.T.S.O.T.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13. I.C.U.T.M.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14. I.H., I.L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15. H! T.H.A.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16. O.C.N.A.C.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17. D.D! M.O.H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18. G.R.Y.M.G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19. W.T.K.O.O.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20. O.C., A.Y.F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21. L.C.D.A.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22. S., A.T.W.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23. A.W.G.M.O.O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

No-one predicted what was coming

Well, almost no one, but in a 2015 video talk, Bill Gates

said ‘The greatest risk of global catastrophe will not be

from missiles but from a highly infectious virus!

No-one listened.

Things haven’t work out as expected

There had been similar epidemics before. SARS (2002)

MERS (2012), Ebola (2013,’17) had all been caused by

animal viruses infecting humans, but all of these had

been contained without going worldwide

COVID has caused world-wide panic

Its speed of spread was badly underestimated, as were

its consequences.

When countries finally twigged what was happening,

there was chaos - partly borne out of ignorance.

Normal journeys, visits are cancelled

Restricted travel and visits have brought huge changes,

most bad, some good - isolation, care home

separations, failing businesses, unemployment, working

from home, quiet roads, cleaner air.

Everyone’s overwhelming wish is for life to get back

to ‘the old normal’

Back to a ’normal’ Christmas - the Christmas shopping,

the office parties, the family gatherings, the meals, the

gift giving. That would help us forget about COVID at

least for a little while.

The COVID Christmas

Many predicted what was coming

David in the Psalms, Jewish prophets - Isaiah, Daniel,

Micah, Zechariah and others predicted the birth of a

Messiah.

A whole people waited in anticipation.

Things didn’t work out as expected

The Messiah the Jews waited for was to be a saviour

and liberator of the Jewish people, a king who would

rule them and gather them back in a rebuilt Jerusalem..

A baby born in a feeding trough? Never!

Jesus birth made little initial impact

True, there was panic around Bethlehem. Herod,

fearing that a rival for his crown had been born, ordered

all boys 2 years and under to be killed in case one of

them was Jesus. But elsewhere? Hardly a ripple!

Unexpected journeys, visits took place

Shepherds, from the lowest rungs of Jewish society,

accepted a heavenly invitation to worship the child in the

manger. Star studying wise men, Gentiles from the

east, were guided on a long journey there too.

God’s overwhelming wish is for everyone to find a

‘new normal’

That’s the gift the first Christmas gave us, 33 years after

that birth, Jesus died on a cross and by doing that, in

some miraculous way, opened the way for us to have a

real friendship with God.

The old normal is good, comfortable, enjoyable. It will be great to see family and friends. But going back to

the old normal will be going back to lots of the things which are less pleasant for many - long lasting COVID

effects, job insecurity, mental health issues, business insecurity and more.

The new normal doesn’t make these problems disappear magically, but living with God as a friend makes

the world of a difference. We can count on Him to guide us, support us when times are hard and we can

always keep in touch with Him by praying. We can trust that He is looking out for us when it’s tough, rejoicing

with us in every little success. Coming to earth to enable us to become God’s friends is the best Christmas

gift Jesus could have brought. God’s friendship is the gift which keeps on giving. Alan Fraser

The 24 hour weekly prayer vigil was inspired by conversations between several ladies of the church

family in late March who all believed that the power of praying should be mobilised to help, strengthen

and encourage us in the face of the impending corona-virus threat. The first vigil was arranged to follow

the virtual prayer meeting on Thursday, 26th March. Subsequent experience has proven that this is

indeed the most appropriate time in the week for the vigil – one does not have to look very far to see the

Lord’s will in this.

When originally established it was anticipated that these vigils would continue for a matter of weeks, winding down as

the summer approached when, we had hoped, the threat of the pandemic would recede. However, here we are some

8 months later, now in the throes of a second onslaught of virus whose threat continues to shape our lives. In that time

the vigil has taken on a life of its own, becoming part of our weekly worship round. From time to time alternatives have

been considered but so far all participants seem happy with the present arrangements.

Participation in the vigil has remained relatively constant and indeed has increased slightly - 33 members of the church

family in the first week, 37 in the last week of November. Of these, 23 agreed to pray for an hour at a particular time

throughout the 24 hours whilst 14 other “freelancers” pray for an hour (at least!) when convenient. (Continued opposite)

The First Christmas

The Weekly Prayer Vigil

7

I can’t remember when I wrote the last update regarding

MYPlace but it feels like a lifetime ago. Rewinding back

to the beginning of March, I was in three primary

schools on a weekly basis and in the Academy a couple

of times a month. A new SU group had been started up

at Rosemount Primary in January which had been

getting between 15-20 pupils at it on a weekly basis.

This all had to come to a stop mid-March as schools

closed their doors. Not long after, I was furloughed for 3

months from April to the end of June. Everything had to

stop. Since returning from furlough there have been

many challenges. Although schools have reopened

their doors, they are still closed to those who aren’t staff.

A complete rethink of the way forward has had to be

done (and is constantly changing).

So, you might be wondering what have I been doing?

Youth and Children’s work at the moment is purely trial

and error. Some things are more successful than

others. The holiday club videos were my first task upon

my return. Since then I have been doing various bits

and pieces. As you may have seen I have been doing

semi regular children’s spots for MS&F’s online worship

and I am part of the Growing Young Team. One of my

monthly tasks has been liaising with the Messy Church

Team from Old & St Andrews to produce Messy Bags

for a virtual Messy Church - Messy Fun in the Forest at

the end of September, Messy Pumpkins at the end of

October and Messy Elf on the Shelf at the end of

November. Last month there was a total of 32 families

receiving the bags. Please pray for these families.

Another thing I started was an online mid-week Youth

Group. However we have had to go back to the drawing

board on that one. Finally, I have been doing a

Chaplaincy and Schools Work Course though the

Scottish Baptist College one afternoon a week. This

has been a very interesting course and it has been great

to connect with others in similar situations and learn

about things we could currently be doing in schools

(even with us not being able to go in). Becky Read

News from the Youth Worker - Becky Read

Messy Fun in the Forest

Messy Pumpkins

MS&F are sharing in the

Messy Bags Project.

We currently have 29

children from 15 families

participating. Here are

some of the children.

(Continued from page 6)

Whilst in its early weeks the vigil focused on the onset of the pestilence, its scope has naturally evolved to embrace a

much wider range of topics which vary as new situations emerge. The range of topics illustrates the continuing need for

our prayers in these troubled and uncertain times.

Of particular value has been the use of social media, notably WhatsApp, in enabling our community of prayer to gather

together in Christ’s name, even if virtually. In addition to the knowledge that He is with us in prayer in accordance with

His promise, it has enabled the sharing of thoughts in real time.

It has also removed the restrictions of physical distancing. As an example, one of the most active and engaged

participants in the weekly vigil is Khumbo Banda in Malawi, living approximately 4,500 miles from Montrose, on the

other side of the Equator.

Finally, there is always room for more !! If you would like to join this community, all you have to do is let me know and I

will add your name to our weekly rota. However, I am merely the record keeper, updating the rota each week to assist

participants in preparing their own prayer ideas.

The real power emanating from each and every vigil is the Holy Spirit, an ever-present participant in all our prayer

initiatives. Michael Close

8

As we draw towards the end of the year many of us are probably quite keen to see the back of 2020. It has been a

challenging and stressful year for a huge number of people worldwide. However, in the season of Advent leading up to

Christmas, Christians cannot help but be filled with the joy of hope; bright hope for tomorrow.

It was decided that, to share this feeling of hope with our neighbours, MS&F Church would deliver a Christmas card to

every house in the parish.

Harry Smart put together a lovely card which carries this message of love and hope

“We believe that God is love and his love for you is shown in Jesus Christ…………

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow is the promise of Christmas

In Jesus’ name, to celebrate his birth, Merry Christmas”

The card also displays links to our website and our Facebook page. Printed by the Printshop, sorted by the Mission

Team and friends, the cards will be delivered to every home in the parish as well as to MS&F members.

Alison Duncan Leader of the Mission Team

Parish Christmas Cards

I hope that you have found how to watch our weekly video service which is meantime broadcast

each Sunday morning at 10.45am on YouTube. If you have YouTube on your television, then

you just have to select it, search for MS&F Church and select the most recent service. You can

also find YouTube on your computer, tablet or smart phone.

If you cannot access YouTube then perhaps you can listen to the service via our website at

www.montrosesouthandferryden.com/sermons. But the easiest way to listen to the service is by phone. Dial

01674902625 and listen in. (There will be a charge for a local phone call, if you are not on a free calls plan.)

Because of COVID -19 restrictions, we cannot yet return to normal in-church services. But we do now have a reflective

service every two weeks at 4.15pm in the church in Ferryden. Numbers have to be limited to satisfy COVID guidelines

and so it is necessary to book if you plan to come along (e_mail clerk.msf@gmail.com)

On WhatsApp we have set up Prayer Net MS&F and MS&F Chat groups for prayers and chat as the names

suggest. We would be very pleased to welcome others into these two groups but in order to do that we

require your mobile phone number or your e_mail address to be able to send you an invitation to join.

And we are using Zoom for all virtual church meetings, as well as social group meetings, for example after

the church service on a Sunday morning for a chat or for Family Quizzes. To participate in these, download

the Zoom App onto your computer or other digital device. Then, when you are sent an invitation by e_mail to

join a meeting, you just have to click on the link in the e_mail to join in.

We really do want people in our church family to feel included and loved and certainly not to feel abandoned or lonely.

And so if you have devices but cannot connect with them then please do ask for help. My e_mail address is

edith_fraser@hotmail.com and my phone number is 01674 671879. I would be happy to help or get help for you.

Each week our minister, Geoff, sends out a weekly e_mail to all those who have given us their e_mail address. In it he

gives information about the week ahead and the links to the service on YouTube and the Zoom after-service meeting. If

you are not presently receiving this e_mail and would like to, then again, just let me know your e_mail address so that it

can be added to the list.

And lastly, for Christmas, there are two extra services, to help us celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. Both are on

Christmas Eve.

6.30pm A service for all ages on Zoom. Invitations to join the service will be sent to all with e_mail addresses.

11.30pm A “different” in-person Watchnight Service in Ferryden Church with booking via clerk.msf@gmail.com

However you spend it, I hope that Christmas will be a joyful and meaningful time for you. You may not

be able to celebrate it in your usual way with your usual people, but we all need to remember that the

real meaning of Christmas hasn’t changed. Jesus, Saviour of the world, baby in a stable, died on a

cross but rose again to be at God’s right hand and is there for us now and forever - so you can spend

the day celebrating with Him who loves you and died for you.

Edith Fraser Editor of Christmas Bridge

Keeping in Touch