St Andrew’s and St George’s West Diary and Newsletter

July - August 2014

In this issue:

New faces Shadowing a minister Invisible church Malawi at 50

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St Andrew’s and St George’s West : Summer 2014 A LETTER FROM IAN

A summer prayer - Worshipping God 3-5

CHURCH LIFE

Summer Diary - Announcements Church manager’s pinboard Jean Howard New kids on the block Jean Howard Thanks and notices

6-8 9

10-11 12-13

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Meet our new children and families worker Angela Grant Children’s Art Workshops - Donald Gorrie Schools Debates

14 15

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD

Christian Aid Sale James Holloway and Kathy Galloway External Causes Fund – call for nominations News from Mulanje – Amnesty News Malawi’s Fiftieth Birthday Jack Thompson Skateboarding in Palestine Remembering D-Day

16-17 18 19 20

21-22 23

ARTS AND MUSIC

Welcoming the World: our 2014 Festival Programme Chopin Circle Summer Concert – The Art of Giving – Tapestry News – Artist in Residence - The Lie of the Land

24 24-25

TALES FROM OUR TRAVELS

Tolerance in Turkey Liz Voges Istanbul Mary Margaret Scott 26-29

SHADOWING A MINISTER Jeanette van Ommern 30-31

TOGETHER News

TOGETHER to the top Creative TOGETHER Fantoosh Invisible Church Tony Bryer One day at the General Assembly Ian Gilmour TOGETHER Homelessness Robert Philp just festival Katherine Newbigging

32 33

34-35 36 37 38

CONTACTS 40

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A summer prayer

Dear Friends,

Like many of you I enjoy libraries, bookshelves, covers, fonts, pages, whole words and single letters. Just occasionally I even enjoy grammar, but to be honest, mostly I prefer books. Big books and small ones, pictures, quotes, dazzling new thoughts on old things and all kinds of conjunctions!

When you have been working with words for many years you learn to be truly grateful for the words of others. The gentle, the precise and the lack of cliché are all appreciated. I do confess to using my fair share of those well worn yet memorable phrases. However, my preference is for spare descriptions which take us into a magnificent room, a unique life, or explore a whole era imaginatively. Words which open wide our eyes or stimulate helpful thoughts.

I really like books of prayers. Have you read GF MacLeod’s prayers ‘The Whole Earth Shall Cry Glory’, if so, you will have been enriched,

‘We know Thou art the way for us: But we do not like the steepness of the brae.’

A new book by the late Revd David Ogston is stimulating for me at the moment, ’Scots Worship’ (ed. Johnston McKay, 2014). Ogston produced clever turns of phrase in Scots, Doric and English.

How about this example to open a service of worship,

‘Bless to us, O God, this time, This fleeting hour, This window for eternal uses to shine upon the temporary, this blink of time when we step back to see the pattern of our days, this blessed chance to remember we are blessed beyond belief’.

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I hope that even if you do not buy any books this summer, that you will pray, give thanks and grow ever in the likeness of that master carpenter, Jesus. Have a blessed summer, flourish and mature during so. Enjoy this prayer by the great Victor Hugo,

The whole creation is a perpetual ascension, from brute to man, from man to God. To divest ourselves more and more of matter, to be clothed more and more with Spirit, such is the law.

Live, love and enjoy, Ian

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Worshipping God

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5 "If we are going to worship in Spirit, we must develop a spirit of worship." Michael Catt "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Sun 6 July 11am: Compassion Revd Murray Chalmers Psalms 103.1-18; James 2.14-19 Sun 13 July 11am: A Christian Response to Grief Revd Tom Gordon John 11:32-36 Sun 20 July 11am: Known and named Genesis 28:10–19a Sun 27 July 11am: Being mentally healthy Genesis 29:15-28 Sun 3 August 11am: Exploring Amnesty Genesis 32:22-31 Sun 10 August 11am: The Gift of Time Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Sun 17 August 11am: Deepening Your Relationships? Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 Sun 24 August 11am: Interfaith Issues Today Very Rev Finlay Macdonald Sun 31 August 11am: Thinking about dementia Exodus 3:1-15 Worship Strengthens and Transforms Worship is helpful for our growth as followers of Christ, so consider joining us Sunday by Sunday. You can attend Communion at 9.00am, the All Age service at 9.45am or enjoy our progressive pattern at 11.00am or come to all three!

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St Andrew’s & St George’s West Diary Summer 2014

Wed 2 July Art in the Courtyard: Remade in Edinburgh Sat 5 July Chopin Circle In Scotland Concert Sat 5 – Fri 11 July IONA week Sun 6 July 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship Fellowship Lunch for Trussell Trust (foodbanks) Monthly Food collection for Fresh Start Singing for the Heart and Soul, led by Andrew Carvel

Wed 9 July Art in the Courtyard: Arran Ross Sun 13 July 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship

Mon 14 – Fri 18 July Duncan Robertson will be “artist in residence” at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Wed 16 July Art in the Courtyard: Duncan Robertson Sun 20 July 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship

Tue 22 July Pilgrimage lecture (p13) Wed 23 July Art in the Courtyard Marie-Louise Cochrane Sun 27 July 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship

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Mon 28 July Amnesty Group meets Wed 30 July Art in the Courtyard Drama and music

August 2014

Fri 1 Aug The Art of Giving Gala Opening all welcome Sun 3 Aug 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship Fellowship Lunch in aid of Amnesty Monthly Food collection for Fresh Start Singing for the Heart and Soul, led by Andrew Carvel

Mon 4 Aug – Sat 24 August: St Andrew’s and St George’s West at Festival Time 70+ musical events. Wed 6 Aug 12.30pm Lunchtime Organ Recital (p24)

2pm The Lie of the Land (p25) Sun 10 Aug 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship

Wed 13 Aug Lunchtime Organ Recital (p24) Sun 17 Aug 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship

Tue 19 Aug 7.30pm Choir Concert (p 24) Wed 20 Aug 12.30pm Lunchtime Organ Recital (p24)

7.30pm Creative TOGETHER Fantoosh (p33) Sun 24 Aug 9am Communion

9.45am All age worship

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11am Morning Worship Sun 30 Aug 9am communion

9.45am All age worship 11am Morning Worship

September save the date!

Wed 10 Sep TOGETHER Countdown to the Referendum Sun 14 Sep 12.30pm Volunteer Reception

St Andrew’s and St George’s West online diary Have you seen the online diary on our website? You’ll find it under the WHAT’S ON tab. www.stagw.org.uk/whats-on/ We’re still adding to it and smoothing out some bugs, but it has all the festival events loaded and it’s a great place to find out what’s happening over the summer.

Announcements

Weddings Richard Kansley and Milena Fedakova on Saturday, 7 June at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church

Members leaving Neil Collar of EH4 on 19 June

Funeral Mrs Lily Renton Allan née Bruce of Claremont Nursing Home, Leith, a former choir member at St George’s West.

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Church manager’s pinboard

wifi coming to a place near you....

On Thursday 26th June the church changed broadband

provider to give us an upgraded, faster and higher capacity service. In tandem with the recent wireless installation, this means there will be a fast, accessible wifi throughout the building. If you want to access this service from a mobile device you will need to:

On Settings/ WiFi select ‘STAGW_Guest Enter the password ‘justvisiting’ ......you should then be connected.

This can be accessed by all visitors without impacting on the main church network.

You will see that the stairs down

to the Undercroft have been

repaired. We hope that the new

waterproofing system will cope

for many years to come.

Repeat plea.... Please always identify things you leave in the church, or office, with your name and what you want doing with them...... Wanted

Scraps of material

Please bring in

material/unwanted

clothing suitable for rag-

rug making.

Anything other than

stretch fabric will be

gratefully received!

We have a lovely new church laptop, but the carrying bag we have is too small for the wider screen. Does anyone have a case/cover which would accommodate 38cm in width?

Our first Volunteer Reception celebrating the work of all our volunteers at STAGW will be held on Sunday 14 September at 12.30pm.

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New kids on the block Jean Howard, our church manager, introduces some new faces Since the last update on staff and volunteers there has been a veritable deluge of new faces to liven up the team and lighten the load. There have also been some departures...

James and Richie finished their training and we received an amazing letter of thanks from the latter for the support he received while he was here. James went to the Princes Trust but we don’t know how successful that experience was for him.

Coming in on the Port of Leith Training Scheme is Isla Deasly – an injection of calm youthfulness into the team! Isla is a keen cook and is hoping to further her training in catering after leaving us. She will be here until the end of September.

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Noelia Torres arrived on our doorstep wanting to improve her English. A couple of session in the kitchen revealed her skilful expertise as a baker and an energetic work ethic. She has since helped out at a variety of events and being a civil engineer we have had the benefit of her logical approach to everything.

Raquel Martinez Ruiz seems to have been with us for years. On a sabbatical year from her work as Grants Officer in a technical school in Barcelona, she also arrived at the church door asking if she could volunteer to improve her English. Thus Raquel has become one of our key front-of-house volunteers on Wednesdays and Fridays and her English has improved remarkably with the help of a variety of keen Crofters (and Cashiers). She is keen to extend her sabbatical so we are hopeful that she will be with us for many more months.

Elizabeth MacKay has come hot-foot from the schools library service via the Christian Aid Book Sale so we now have the benefit of her very organised mind each Friday. Elizabeth volunteers with several organisations so she also brings with her that special mindset of practical flexibility, tolerance and humour!

Stuart Wallace would love to work in the hospitality industry and began volunteering when Donaldson’s School for the Deaf made contact with us. Stuart is able to communicate best with sign language, so it is fortunate that Pete can not only sign, but also knows Stuart from when he managed the catering provision at Donaldson’s. Working in the kitchen is Stuart’s forte and he runs the wash-up like clockwork on his shifts. He has a terrific sense of humour – and an unending supply of foul tasting trick sweets!

Jonathon has returned to help us out on Thursdays. Many of you will recall him from Shandwick Place when he used to volunteer in the Olive Tree Cafe – his tremendous smile can light up a room. Jonathon is the most enthusiastic table clearer, napkin folder and putter-way that we could hope to meet.

And finally – Derek Cheung who is with us on work experience form the Engine Shed where he is on a three-year apprenticeship scheme. Having only arrived a month ago Derek is still finding his feet but professes to enjoy the work immensely. He is incredibly quick to learn and mastered the coffee machine in 2 weeks.... Anyone for a cappuccino?

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Thank you..... Renewed thanks from me for the lovely flowers, card and most generous cheque presented to me to mark my stepping down as a Session Clerk after just short of 14 years in post. I was very touched. It was a real privilege to be able to serve as Session Clerk to St George's West and then as joint Session Clerk to St Andrew's and St George's West. I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement I received not only from both congregations and Kirk Sessions but also from the ministers. My time as a Session Clerk was at times challenging, always interesting and never dull! I wish both my successor, Katie McNeill, and George Burgess every blessing in their leadership of the Kirk Session. Barbara Finlayson

Barbara Finlayson steps down as Session Clerk after 14 years

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A Pilgrimage to some of Scotland’s sacred places and their Saints

lecture by Margaret Ann Fraser Tuesday 22 July 7.30pm

A Pilgrimage is about a quest for understanding and meaning. The Celts made no distinction between the sacred and secular. Can we be more in harmony with nature and our fellow human beings?

Part of a summer lecture programme on the Spiritual and Philosophical History of Scotland at the School of Philosophy, 18 Chester Street Edinburgh.

A BIG Thank You

for the beautiful card and lovely flowers I received from the church for a rather special birthday. I have realised just how much this church and it members mean to me. Having been nomadic in my earlier life it is still a wonder to me that I have been a member here for 36 years. During that time the support and friendship I have received means a great deal to me.

Going further back my husband and I were members from 1962 to 1965 while we were both going through college, he to train for the ministry. It was very shortly after the union of St Andrew’s and St George’s. The church gave Norman encouragement and support and when we left for our own parish the Session gave us table mats which I still use.

This forward-looking, outreaching church with its concerns for the poor deserves to be supported. And not just because it knows how to throw a good birthday party. So thank you too to all those who provided such an excellent buffet.

Nancie Swan

Iona stones

walking the labyrinth

in George Square

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Meet our new Children and Families Worker

Dear All

My name is Angela Grant, I live in Duddingston and I am delighted that I have been given the job at your church of your “Child, Youth and Family Worker”.

I have 13 years of teaching experience in Sunday Schools. I was Superintendent in Inverkeithing Parish Church and latterly Duddingston Kirk. I am also an assistant guider with a young and lively Rainbow Guide pack. I have previous experience with Dunfermline Presbytery, Boys Brigade (Anchor Boys) children with special needs and Youth Work. My previous professional life was as a nursing sister at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

My job description for St Andrew’s and St George’s West includes the following:

To work alongside those running the crèche, Bright Sparks and the Boys’ Brigade. The Plan is for Boys Brigade to begin on Monday 25 August at 4pm for boys and girls of Primary School Age.

Please contact me if you are interested in working with our children. Age is no barrier and everyone has something they can give, God gives us all special gifts.

Yours

Angela Grant (Children and Family Worker)

Angela Grant

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Donald Gorrie Schools Debating Competition – videos coming soon!

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Making a difference James Holloway reflects

Reading the paper in the morning, or turning on the news at night, it is easy to become depressed about the state of the world. How can we solve the crisis in the Middle East, or the conflicts in Mali or Nigeria, lack of education and opportunity throughout the developing world and of course real deprivation and distress much closer to home.

Well, the Christian Aid Sale in this church provides an answer and that answer is perhaps a surprising one, that small gestures by individuals like you and me really do make a difference. Christian Aid is a charity that works right across the globe in a vast number of small, unglamourous and wholly worthwhile projects.

And Christian Aid can only do this because people like you in the congregation give your time, and your love, to help people who will never have heard of you, who won’t even know where Scotland is but desperately need your help. The money we raise every year empowers people to turn their lives around. To dig that well, build that school, bring electricity to their village and help themselves and their communities. Christian Aid can do

James Holloway, Pictures Convener with Kathy Galloway of Christian Aid Scotland

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this because this church and its supporters come together in an annual display of genuine Christian love, a love, or charity, that St Paul speaks of which “vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up”.

Led by the tireless and inspirational Lady Davidson, volunteers are engaged throughout the year, but it is May, when summer in Scotland seems a distinct possibility, that all Mary’s planning comes into flower. The extraordinary sight of this church full to bursting with books, cds, ephemera and works of art, the café in full swing, volunteers everywhere and the public queuing to get in.

Our patron this year, the sculptor Alexander Stoddart, gave from this pulpit a barnstorming oration which brought together Moses, Schopenhauer and Ebenezer Scrooge. And it worked. And I now have the privilege of handing over a cheque for £85,000 to Christian Aid for this year’s Christian Aid Book Sale at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church.

Kathy Galloway replied:

Friends, it’s a great pleasure and privilege to be here once again to accept this cheque on behalf of Christian Aid. When I came into the church today I was very aware of its transformation. A transformation into a peaceful and welcoming place from the noisy and very crowded context of the Book Sale. And it struck me that that is a good metaphor for the work of Christian Aid. Our work is about transformation and changing people’s lives for the better.

This year Christian Aid Week had a particular focus on people in conflict, or post conflict situations in Columbia, in Iraq and in South Sudan. Recent global events are a constant reminder of the need that does not go away. But even in the midst of tragedy Christian Aid partners are helping to rebuild lives, communities and relationships after a war and helping to keep peace, and build peace, in the midst of very

tense and fragile situations.

We try never to lose sight of the extraordinary capacity of people to transform their situations and the extraordinary generosity and care and commitment of people who assist them to do that. God can bring change and transformation out of even the darkest places.

This church has an extraordinary record of service and generosity and I very much want to thank you all on behalf of Christian Aid and on

behalf of our partners.

Celebrating the 40th

anniversary sale

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The External Causes Fund Ruth Forrester, on behalf of the Wider Horizons Group.

When the Vodafone telephone mast was installed on the church tower it was decided that the income generated should be used to support good causes – either overseas or in Scotland. We usually have several thousands of pounds to allocate each year. Last year we used this money for:

Streetwork (Charity caring for homeless people in Edinburgh) Solar power project at Mulanje hospital Basic health care for prisoners in Mulanje prison (for 3 years) The Forgiveness Project (to bring the exhibition to Edinburgh) Two student bursaries at the University of Livingstonia, Malawi The Koestler Trust (Prison arts charity in the UK) 500 miles (Edinburgh charity providing prosthetic and orthotic devices for disabled people in developing countries) Edinburgh Direct Aid (Charity sending aid to Bosnia, Syria, Turkey and Gaza)

Members of the congregation are again invited to nominate good causes that we should support. Please tell us

The name of the charity/good cause Brief reason for the recommendation Amount suggested (if appropriate) Your name

If you have a material interest in the charity – eg you, or a family member is a director or trustee – you must disclose this as well. Nominations are open until 30 September 2014, to allow sufficient time for the Wider Horizons group to review proposals and bring recommendations to the Kirk Session.

Please pass or email your nominations to Arthur Chapman who convenes the Wider Horizons Group, or to any member of the Wider Horizons Group or hand into the church office for Arthur’s attention. Closing date 30 September 2014.

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News from Malawi

Prison work supported by our External Causes Fund. Article from the latest Mulanje Mission Hospital newsletter. Read the newsletter online at www.mmh.mw

Amnesty News

In late July the Amnesty Undercroft Group will display some of the Amnesty at 50 posters exhibition. On 3 August the 11am service will highlight issues tackled by Amnesty and the Fellowship Lunch which follows will raise funds for Amnesty’s work. We will also highlight some of the work that Amnesty does at the Edinburgh Book Festival and Edinburgh Fringe. The group continues to meet on the last Monday of the month in the Undercroft to write letters campaigning for the release of political prisoners. Everyone is welcome to join us.

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On 6th July Malawi celebrates fifty years of independence. Two of our church members, Ray Baxter and Anne Hepburn were present at the actual celebration of independence in Malawi on 6th July 1964. Since then, of course quite a few of our members - past and present - have had connections with Malawi, culminating in a group from the church going out to Mulanje last year. To mark the golden jubilee of Malawi's independence, the Scotland-Malawi Partnership has nominated fifty flag-bearers to display the Malawi flag at prominent positions throughout Scotland. Jack Thompson is one of these flag-bearers and he has chosen to display his flag here at St. Andrew's and St. George's West. We congratulate Malawi on this important occasion and wish it well in the days ahead. Jack Thompson

To celebrate 50 years of independence, the Scotland Malawi Partnership encourages everyone with a Malawi connection to be photographed with the flag and to share the photo to social media (facebook, twitter or Instagram) with the hashtags #Malawi and #Independence.

Find SMP on facebook www.facebook.com/ScotlandMalawiPartnership and on twitter @ScotlandMalawi

Malawi's Fiftieth Birthday

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My name is Charlie, I am 27, I am an Arabic graduate from Edinburgh University, and I skateboard. After my degree, I began setting up the organisation SkatePAL, a UK-based charity, which aims to introduce skateboarding into Palestine by building skateboard ramps/parks and holding classes.

Why Skateboarding? and why Palestine?

Unlike many other sports, skateboarding is one where people of all abilities and ages practise together and encourage each other to keep pushing themselves. Skateboarding builds self-confidence as well as self-discipline, and is also a fantastic form of exercise. It challenges you to learn new things every day and to focus your energies on something positive. This is especially important in Palestine where children are caught up in the daily trials of military occupation. Schools are often closed due to military incursions, many children have family members in prison, and there are few activities and opportunities for young people. There is a spirit of inclusivity and mutual support in skateboarding communities around the world, and we aim to foster a community

Skateboarding in Palestine

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like this in Palestine where both girls and boys can get involved in the sport.

How has SkatePAL grown?

Since our initial session in Ramallah in 2012 where we built our first skateramp and gave classes for 8 weeks, we have grown and have been teaching classes in various locations around the country, as well as gaining more exposure both in Palestine and internationally. This summer we are heading back with a multi-disciplinary team of 20 volunteers comprising architects, engineers, film makers, and of course skateboarders, to build three new skateparks (in Zebabdeh, Nabi Saleh, and Ramallah) and continue classes. We are excited to have some professional skaters coming out as well.

What is SkatePAL’s Long-term aim?

SkatePAL’s long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining skateboard scene in Palestine. We are handing over all the skateparks we build to local groups so the Palestine skaters who use them can run them. We are currently fundraising and we are very grateful for any contributions. Our volunteers are organising events and are working hard to collect enough donations to build these three sites and to buy skateboards, pads and helmets. Please visit our site www.skatepal.co.uk where you can see more information about our volunteers, watch our promotional video and donate to this project.

Thanks to Katie McNeill for highlighting this project

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Remembering D-Day

A new exhibition of soldiers’ wills sheds light on one of the men commemorated on the St George’s War memorial which hangs in the east stair of St Andrew’s and St George’s West. The exhibition marks 100 years since the outbreak of WW I.

A small number of wills were made by soldiers who died on D-Day, 6 June 1944. One of these is Ian Ridland, whose name is on the war memorial. The exhibition reveals:

“ Private Ian Ridland of Edinburgh, the Royal Scots & No.4 Commando

One of the elite commandos was Private Ian Ridland, the son of an Edinburgh dentist, who had transferred from the Royal Scots regiment after passing the rigorous commando training course. He joined No.4 Commando, and was killed on D-Day when his unit landed on Sword Beach, the most easterly of the Allied landing beaches.

He had written a will months earlier, in November 1943, probably in anticipation of a commando operation. Like most unmarried soldiers he bequeathed all his estate to his mother, and appointed his cousin Clara Jamieson to be executor.

Ridland’s will is especially interesting because of the signature of the first witness, Captain Patrick Anthony Porteous. The award of the Victoria Cross to Porteous for his bravery during the disastrous Dieppe raid in August 1942 made him one of the most celebrated commandos of the war, and on D-Day he led D Troop. Porteous survived the war, as perhaps did the second witness, who seems to be P R Millard, Ridland’s comrade in the unit.”

Soldiers' Wills are available at www.ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk, and at

the ScotlandsPeople Centre in Edinburgh (Register House) The link to information on Ian Ridland is http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/Content/Help/index.aspx?r=2278

Thanks to George Burgess for highlighting this

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Arts and music

Chopin Circle Summer Concert Saturday 5 July at 3pm at STAGW with Natasha Day (soprano) and Alan Graham (piano) £9 (£7 conc.)

Tapestry News

Scottish Diaspora Tapestry 6-31 Aug at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral Great Tapestry of Scotland 1 July – 13 September at the Scottish Parliament

Our 2014 Festival has over 70 performances of music, drama and storytelling.

Pick up a copy and share with friends or find all our events in our online diary.

Lunchtime Organ Recitals Wed 6,13,20 Aug 12.30pm

Choir Concert : Rossini Petite Messe Solonelle Tue 19 Aug 7.30pm

Creative TOGETHER Fantoosh Wed 20 Aug 7.30pm

Artist in residence 14-18 July Duncan Robertson, who is leading one of our summer children’s workshops, will spend a week at STAGW creating in the courtyard

The Art of Giving our Festival Exhibition this year is showing the work of local artists to support the work of IVS, a charity which promotes peace and justice through volunteering.

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Tolerance in Turkey Liz Voges

My husband Friedhelm and I have just returned from six months in the German-speaking congregation in Alanya on the south coast of Turkey. The congregation – not officially a church – is known as the St Nicholas Society. In Antalya, more than two hours westwards, a Catholic priest starting ministering to the St Nicholas Society ten years ago – the beginnings of an ecumenical congregation. The Alanya part is served by a rota of retired Protestant ministers, who come for shorter periods. There are at least 20 000 Germans living along Turkey´s Mediterranean coast now. Naturally not all would come to the church, but our time in Alanya showed us clearly that there is a place for a group who find encouragement and solace in the word of God. The people who come have either bought property and live more or less permanently in Alanya, or they rent regularly for part of the year. Some spend the winter months in a hotel. So Turkey is home or second home in spite of bureaucratic restrictions. The St. Nicholas Society is not visited much by all inclusive tourists. Most of the residents are retired, seeking better health in this climate. Throughout the winter, we had 50 to 60 every Sunday. On Tuesdays more come for a coffee afternoon, which can be the first step towards a Sunday visit. On Thursdays, a small group gathered for bible study. For making known these and other activities, we have to depend on word of mouth. Publicity is not allowed, although a homepage exists. Church premises cannot be “owned“ in Turkey, so a converted shop is rented as the meeting place. Financially, it is a

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The Garden of Tolerance in Turkey

struggle to meet bills, though the German Protestant church provides the minister´s flat and other expenses. The Alanya congregation are gathered round a Turkish speaking Catholic layman, Rolf, who has many contacts in the town. He and the other elders do a great job in continuity and in initiating the changing ministers. What impressed me a lot was the truly ecumenical atmosphere and practice. No one wears a label, but after a while we discovered that Lutherans, Catholics, Apostolic and various Protestant groups were gathered round the communion table. These were special occasions. Once a month there is a pulpit exchange with the Catholic priest from Antalya, who also celebrates communion. Easter was a time to remember. We joined with the Scandinavians and the Dutch to celebrate and share languages, food, music, communion. Friedhelm coordinated in English. On Easter Monday, we joined the Antalya folk with their priest in the “Garden of Tolerance“, where a church, a synagogue and a mosque stand side by side. The local mufti said a warm word of welcome in the service. Our Turkish experience was surprisingly uplifting. Liz V (Liz is a long-time member of this congregation, though she has lived in Germany most of her married life. She and Friedhelm met when he was minister to the German-speaking congregation in Edinburgh forty years ago.)

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3 days in Istanbul Mary Margaret Scott

There is a small hotel in the centre of the old town of Istanbul called Yesil Ev. It used to be a pasha’s house, but has been converted into a boutique hotel with garden restaurant round a fountain. From the hotel it is a short walk to the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, the Grand Bazaar, the Archaeological Museum and the Basilica Cistern, all of which I visited. Hagia Sophia was rebuilt as a church in 537AD on the orders of the Emperor Justinian, and was converted into a mosque in 1453; it is now a museum. It has stunning mosaics, beautiful stone filigree capitals on the pillars and a dome of 184ft. It retains a few of the Christian mosaics, but most were plastered over when it became a mosque.

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul

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The Blue Mosque was built in the early 17th century. Our guide

informed us that the Grand Mosque at Mecca has 6 minarets, and is meant to have the greatest number of minarets on any mosque in the world. The architect of the Blue Mosque was asked to create the minarets in gold to create a different style, but the world for ‘gold’ and the word for ‘six’ are very similar in Turkish, and the architect misunderstood, so 6 minarets were built. This then meant that the mosque at Mecca had to have a seventh minaret constructed!

Topkapi, built in 1459, served as the palace of the Ottoman sultans until the 19

th century. It has many pavilions and courtyards and

contains a huge number of treasures – costumes, ceramics, glass – as well as relics – Abraham’s cooking pot, Moses’s staff and Mohammed’s beard and banner, for example. The banner was used in wars to protect and encourage the troops. Within the grounds is also the Harem, the living quarters of the Sultan, his mother, who was the most important woman in the complex, and the concubines. The eunuchs were schooled here. Here there were amazing rooms tiled with Iznik tiles and fascinating canopies over the fires. Each of the museums charges an entry fee, so a 3-day museum pass (85 Turkish lira, about £24) is a must. And the three days we had was a wonderful introduction to a fascinating city.

M M Scott

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shadowing a minister

surprising inspiring innovative

First let me introduce myself. My name is Jeanette van Ommen. I’m an educational manager for VET, a large Further Education college in the Netherlands. I live a beautiful small village in the North of our country.

I made a study trip to Scotland in June with employees from three different FE colleges. The theme of the study trip was ‘teacher in the lead.’ Each of us formulated a “focus question” for the trip. My focus question was “how can I inspire my teachers instead of exercising top down control? “ I want teachers increasingly to take responsibility. But what does that mean for me as a manager?

Our study trip allowed us to observe other leaders at work and one day was set aside for a job shadow. I asked for a job shadow outside the college setting. I was very surprised to do my job shadow with a minister of a church in Edinburgh.

At 9 o'clock, I was welcomed by Ian Gilmour. A very warm welcome. Immediately I became acquainted with a number of employees and got a quick tour of 13 George Street. I was greatly surprised by the space under the church. I was also impressed by the paintings in the café. It is great to learn what you can do when people have had a brain injury. Very beautiful paintings.

I share my focus question. ”How can I inspire my teachers instead of exercising top down control?“ The first piece of advice I received

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from church employees was to stop managing. Most teachers already understand what is required.

It was a fascinating day with interviews, consultations and hospital visits. A day that has touched me. I see the same things I heard. Relationship building was important. All the people in the church, including the pastor, are enthusiastic and passionate. Many volunteers are involved in the church. It is good that meetings are organized for them and that they are appreciated.

During the day I became aware of how the focus of my management is on the need to comply with standards and requirements. That is our starting point. But it can be different, and so much better. During the conversations I saw people who were inspired. In the church people have the opportunity to do what they want and are good at, or what they are motivated to do. I also saw people enjoy and relax when they are empowered. A lot of talent and enthusiasm presents itself in this congregation. Much cause for gratitude. Purpose, mission and vision are very clear. Not only in words but also in what everyone does.

During my presentation after the job shadow I told my colleagues to cut out the word 'No' from my vocabulary. Instead, I have to ask questions and to stimulate people’s ideas. It was a study trip for five days. I’ve learned the most during this job shadow. For all the people I’ve met: thank you very much. Ian, it was a day that is still affecting me and making me think. Thanks a lot.

Jeanette van Ommen

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TOGETHER to the top!

Rebecca Rollinson (St John’s)

When my alarm clock woke me at 3.50am on Saturday 21 June, it was already light outside. This, then, was the longest day, and I was joining 8 other walkers from the TOGETHER churches to climb two Munros – Driesh and Mayar – in aid of The Rock Trust's annual Munro Challenge. After a 2 hour drive to Glen Doll, we set off walking at 7am, the route lovely and cool at that time but not altogether free of midges!

The most beautiful part was through Corrie Fee, filled with interesting wildflowers and ferns for the botanists amongst us to photograph. The views were so stunning that I almost didn't notice the climb! We reached the summit of Mayar (my first Munro!) at 10am and the summit of Driesh at 10.45. By 1pm we were back in the car park and headed off for a spot of well-deserved lunch and a drink in the nearby Clova Hotel, full of promises to repeat the experience next year.

At the time of writing, our team has raised £3190 including Gift Aid. It is not too late to sponsor us and support the work of the Rock Trust: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ECCtogether

Team TOGETHER: Frances Cooper, Eleanor Harris, Jean Howard , John Innes, Crispin Longden, Susannah McLean, James McNeill , Tony Newjem , Rebecca Rollinson.

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The ‘invisible’ church Tony Bryer Invisible Church is an idea emerging from research carried out across the Highlands and Islands over the past couple of years. Steve Aisthorpe of the Mission and Discipleship Council shared this research and his conclusions at a General Assembly Fringe event in May. There is now considerable evidence to suggest that those Christians who belong to a church congregation and regularly attend a service of worship on Sunday mornings are “the tip of the iceberg”. The majority of people in the UK who identify themselves as Christians are no longer engaged with a congregation in the traditional sense. How do we know ? The research methodology is robust. In depth interviews were carried out with 30 adult Christians who were not part of a congregation; further research was then carried out by identifying over 900 people (out of over 2,500) who identified as non church-going Christians. Out of this number over 400 returned a survey, and they were from across the Highlands and Islands. Much of what emerged from the results was in line with the in-depth interviews and gave a clear picture of ‘Christians beyond the church’ in this part of Scotland. Most of the ‘leavers’ were deeply committed Christians who had been involved in some kind of Christian leadership; many had lived locally for 10, 20 or more years and had been members of congregations for that length of time. Most left over a period of time, gradually disengaging, whilst some left suddenly but usually because things had been building up for a long time. Many spoke of a long period of soul searching and difficult deliberation.

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Personal and family crises were sometimes the catalyst, whilst others simply felt they did not fit in. Interviewees spoke of feeling that they could not “be themselves” in the context of congregations they had experienced. Some used the term “authenticity”. Others spoke of similar issues in terms of “lacking a sense of belonging”. Many were involved in informal fellowship, meeting with others for discussion and study, and also sharing their faith in various ways:

“Not only are there people out there who have ‘Churchless Faith’, but there are others who are seriously considering it, me for one! My faith is as strong as it's ever been (along with all the usual doubts etc.) but I am seriously wondering whether (the institutional church) is an appropriate or healthy place to express it”.

I found all this very thought-provoking. In chaplaincy I meet people who fit these descriptions. Also, over many years, I have had people come to me to talk, because they find themselves as Christian believers, but outside any congregation. All of these are on a journey, but one in which the range of church life seems irrelevant. This suggests to me that, although in a large city like Edinburgh the figures for churchless Christians may be different to Inverness and the Highlands and Islands, there is a big challenge to the church in this research. What do you think? Tony Bryer TOGETHER Workplace Chaplain Steve Aisthorpe’s research and findings on Invisible Church are available at: www.resourcingmission.org.uk/resources/mission-research

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General Assembly 2014 One Day in May

Ian Gilmour (St Andrew’s and St George’s West) was Commissioner at this, and reports on the Thursday debates. A few of the many points made in discussion were:

Mental Health: For every £100 spent on Cancer Research, we spend £2.50 on Mental Health Research. Asylum Seekers: When awaiting a decision about their future, they cannot work or receive any money. They are issued with an ‘Azure card’, - worth £5 a day, but not in cash, which can be used at supermarkets but not the cheaper ones like Lidl and Asda. They can’t be used for transport, so you walk to the store but it doesn’t sell shoes, so what to do when they wear out?

Independence: The Church as a body should not be pro- or anti-, but should join the debate and then help unify Scottish society after 18 September.

Israel: “I was saddened by one section of a good speech by the Chief Rabbi, as he criticised the C of S for taking a position on ‘The Promised Land’. He then argued that Israel was given to the Jews from before the beginning of time, part of an eternal covenant with God.” Ian found this “a very dangerous default position for the future of the Middle East.”

Christians in Egypt: Bishop Angelos of the Coptic Church said that in recent turmoil, Christians have been the most unfairly treated group. On one 48-hour period, 50 churches and church properties were torched. Instead of seeking revenge, the congregations went to the burnt-out shells of their churches and wrote on the walls “But I say to you, love your neighbours”. He received a wonderful ovation. One day at the General Assembly!

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Homelessness Robert Philp (St John’s) Overnight Care Shelter: As usual our churches were involved in this over the winter, dispensing a hot meal and welcome on a number of nights. The venue for these was St Cuthbert’s, which also hosted other teams, over 20+ nights. We are in debt to the wonderful teams from St Cuthbert’s, and the hours they put in clearing, preparing and guiding the teams on duty each night . These gallant souls deserve recognition. ‘Big Breakfasts’: We held three of these instead of our usual New Year Lunch, in partnership with the Salvation Army Centre in Niddry Street. The innovation was a success, with obvious signs of appreciation and many rewarding conversations. Our warm thanks to the Salvation Army. Donations: The giving towards the expenses of these events from the three congregations was generous as ever, and even after the expenses had been met, there was a surplus of £1,678.61. From this we were able to give help to a number of causes working in the field of homelessness locally - Edinburgh City Mission, Crisis, The Cyrenians, The Grassmarket Community Project, The Jericho Benedictines, The Richmond Café at Richmond Craigmillar Church, the Rock Trust, the Salvation Army and Streetwork. InfoSheet: Another key part of our work is the sheet we produce listing City Centre Services for those on the streets, giving on a single sheet details (under headings like Accommodation, and Housing Advice, Free & Cheap Food, Money, Health and In Crisis) of where to find help in central Edinburgh. Since services are always changing slightly, we revise the sheet at least annually. It can be helpful for people who drop into our churches, or for giving out to people you meet on the streets. If anyone would like to use some of these, email me on robertphilp2@gmail.com

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Just Festival Katherine Newbigging, Festival Director,

just Festival is a three week concentrated burst of life: celebrating diversity, sharing similarities and pursuing equality. There’s something for everyone, from music of Soweto to conversations with experts and Punjabi cooking lessons to Death Cafes. just Festival is the only festival that challenges how you see yourself and the world you live in.

Three exciting new performances will premier at just Festival 2014. The Onion of Bigotry: layer by layer the award-winning The Kielty Brothers shall peel the onion of sectarianism…to music. The Bridge: Annie George, as part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme, rediscovers the tales of her Grandfather as a young writer and scholar in pre-Independence Kerala, India. Nzinga - Warrior Queen: Toto Tales reveal a powerful exploration of one of the world's most intriguing yet little known female rulers. Do come along to some – or all – of the events on offer, knowing that as well as being challenged and entertained, you are supporting this year’s two chosen charities, Streetwork and Mercy Corps.

just festival Westminster : 14 – 22 June 2014 Described as the "heart and soul of the Edinburgh Festival" it seemed about time that one of Edinburgh's most diverse and exciting festivals was shared with London. The idea was driven by Raymond Baudon, the current chair of the just board, now living in London and working at St Matthew’s Church, Westminster. The project has been supported by all the staff and board members in Edinburgh. The events in and around the church included:

• an exhibition of new work by artist and art historian Lydia Bauman

• conversation events about the environment, Jewish spirituality, our relationship with the natural world and the way children and young people are portrayed in the media

• Simply Soweto Entcha • The Real Westminster, commissioned from the Spare Tyre

Company

Here’s to a second year of successful partnership!

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Other TOGETHER news St Andrew’s and St George’s West is celebrating the Bicentenary of St George’s (Charlotte Square), one of its constituent churches, with its charismatic first Minister Dr Andrew Mitchell Thomson. A scintillating preacher, anti-slavery campaigner and even composer of hymns (like “Ye Gates, Lift up your Heads on high” to the tune St George’s Edinburgh with its magical quintuple Alleluia and triple Amen), Thomson was a major figure in the city. Ironically enough, he now lies in St John’s graveyard. When the Council was insolvent later on and looking for extra funds, the plot was bought from them by St John’s. We shall hope the great Minister doesn’t turn in his grave at the thought of lying in a Pisky graveyard. This part of a great heritage for St AGWs is celebrated in an Exhibition in the Church until the end of June, with a booklet (Monday to Friday 10 – 3.)

TOGETHER Joint Service for Trinity Sunday This was held in St Cuthbert’s on 15 June. There was a large gathering and an invigorating atmosphere, with fine music. In preaching, Markus Duenzkofer emphasized that though we often find the Trinity as a concept baffling, it represents relationship at the heart of the godhead - a model for us all to see our faith through the prism of our relationships with others. He added a plea for us to approach differences over gender and sexuality issues by trying to understand the motives and sincerity of those who seem to take up an extreme position opposite to our own.

Save the date: Wednesday 10 September

Countdown to the Referendum

Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER will be holding a “question time” event at St Andrew’s and St George’s West.

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St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 13 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2PA 0131 225 3847 www.stagw.org.uk

Office open Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Church open Mon - Fri 10am - 3pm: Sat 11am-2pm Undercroft Café Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm (July) Mon-Sat 10am – 4pm (during the Festival) Sunday worship 9am, 9.45am, 11am Weekday worship 1pm Monday – Friday

Minister Rev Ian Y Gilmour

Joint Session Clerks

George Burgess Katie McNeill

Joint Treasurers John Innes Allan Sim

Director of Music Brigitte Harris

Church manager Jean Howard (Monday-Thursday)

0131 225 3847 churchmanager@stagw.org.uk

Church secretary Joyce Garland (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) 0131 225 3847 info@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk

TOGETHER Chair Ian Gilmour

TOGETHER City Centre Chaplain

Tony Bryer 0131 229 6542 or 07834 748129 tbryer.wpcscotland@gmail.com

TOGETHER Trustees from St Andrew’s and St George’s West Christina Bowen, Frances Cooper and James McNeill (secretary) St Andrew’s and St George's West Church of Scotland, Edinburgh is a registered charity. Charity number SC 008990.