The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

Kiltarlity and WARDLAW Churches

DearDear Friends

Salvation forms part of the crown jewels of heaven. Over the centuries many people have stumbled in some way or other over the concept of salvation. Some were offended by it; others cheapened it by living a life of sin which was not suited to their new identity; still others accepted salvation but tried to prove themselves worthy of it, or tried to add something to God’s grace, as if grace on its own was not sufficient for their sins.

Many people in our consumer led society feel offended by God’s grace because it clashes with their pride. They think that they cannot accept something which is free in a society where nothing comes free - you must buy it or earn it in some way. Therefore, they reject God’s grace.

On the other hand, many believers are caught up in a “health and wealth theology,” according to which God has to forgive. They believe that it is His duty to forgive no matter what they do or say. They do not understand that through salvation they have received a new identity in Christ and they must live in accordance with that new identity. Furthermore, they do not understand that salvation belongs to the past, present and future. We have received salvation but we have to live by the grace of God every single day of our lives, otherwise we do not understand the concept of grace and salvation. Salvation is not a free bus ticket to be used once you turn sixty and for the rest of your life - just show it to the bus driver and off you go. If we use God’s grace like a free bus ticket we cheapen it and we will never reach our final destination, the New Jerusalem. The Bible clearly teaches us that faith without works is no faith and is useless.

There are also those believers who have accepted salvation, but they still feel they have to add something to it by doing a lot of things to make them worthy of salvation ( Ephesians 2:8-10 ). The ‘doing’ side of things usually becomes a competition in the church, in which pride is alive and well. Thus the focus becomes the believer rather than Him ‘who paid the price for our sins with his blood.’ These people do not understand that Christ has paid the full price for our sins and we can add nothing to it. So, we have no reason to boast ( Ephesians 2:9 ). If we have reason to boast about grace then it is no longer grace. The focus can never be on us. If we understand the grace of God we can only accept it humbly every day and live according to our new identity.

Greetings from the Manse

KobusKobusKobus

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 1 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

Beatrice Clark wwithith

Tony Cripps

Matthew Maclennan FRIDAY,

TH 4 NOVEMBER 2011 KILTARLITY VILLAGE HALL

7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Tea will be served at the interval TMC Young FiddlersFiddlersFiddlers Adults £5 Children £2 Ruairidh withwithwith andandand Tickets available at Kiltarlity Post Irene Fraser Office and at Brockies JamieJamieJamie BuchanBuchanBuchan Buy now to avoid disappointment

TThehe Celestial Choir led by Mary Robb

plus lots more entertainment

For further details contact Margo Maclennan – 741 312

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 2 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

BIND US TOGETHER

The plans to make a fabric wall hanging which will commemorate the refurbishment of Wardlaw Church are well under way. It has been designed with a theme of Thankfulness and in a way which will allow lots of folk to be involved whether or not you are good with a needle.

A Celtic Border has to be attached to the main fabric using a very simple binding stitch. This is a time consuming job but if lots of people can give an hour or so around a kitchen table we can do it. The stitch is very simple and we can even thread the needle for you if necessary ! Come along to any or all of the following sessions for an hour ( or more ) and bring a friend. It is open to everyone in the community; the more the merrier.

Saturday, 12 November - 2 to 4 p.m. at Eileen and Alasdair Morrison’s, 18 Mansefield Park. Monday, 14 November - 2 to 4 p.m. at Wardlaw Manse. Wednesday, 16 November - 2 to 4 p.m. at Mary and Keith McClelland’s, An Stabul, Achnagairn.

Sunday, 20 November – 11:30 ( after church) to 1.00 p.m. at Kirkhill Community Centre.

There are other sewing jobs which require a bit more skill and if anyone is able and interested we would love to hear from you. Please speak to any of the team who have been involved in the planning : Avril, Eileen, Flora, Louisa, Mary or Wilma

Donations to help purchase the materials for the hanging would also be welcomed. Please mark these “For The Wall Hanging” and give to any of the team, or to Iain Mortimer.

Flora Morrison - 831 373

Loud prayers

An elderly lady was well-known for her faith and for her boldness in talking about it. For instance, she would stand on her front door and shout, "PRAISE THE LORD !" Next door to her lived an atheist who would get so angry at her proclamations he would shout, "There is no Lord!!"

Hard times set in on the elderly lady, and she prayed for God to send her some assistance. She stood on her porch and shouted, "PRAISE THE LORD. GOD, I NEED FOOD !! I AM HAVING A HARD TIME. PLEASE LORD, SEND ME SOME GROCERIES !!" The next morning the lady went out on her porch and noted a large bag of groceries and shouted, "PRAISE THE LORD !"

The neighbour jumped from behind a bush and said, "Aha! I told you there is no Lord. I bought those groceries, God didn't."

The lady started jumping up and down and clapping her hands and said, "PRAISE THE LORD !! He not only sent me groceries, but he made the devil pay for them !”

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 3 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 4 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

Campbell MacKinnon had relations in Kiltarlity. Kiltarlity and Kirkhill was his first charge; he was a bachelor then, but later married Janice Campbell McGill on 25 July 1985. Someone must have told Campbell I was having my golden wedding in 1989 – he announced it in Church, and asked me at the door if I was celebrating. I said “Yes, at home” as Allan was an invalid. On the day, we had family only at Drumallan and a few close friends from over 50 years. Campbell asked if he could come down the second day – we had a wonderful day and were blessed by his presence among us. Allan was an elder, and he always asked him about church affairs and gave bits of advice. When Allan died after ten years in a wheelchair, he spoke so nicely at the funeral about their friendship. Next week, he was at the General Assembly. I got the nicest letter from him to comfort me, what a joy it was in my time of trouble. I still have it. He was our Minister for the 200 year celebrations of our church in 1990, and took part in all the celebrations. He and I cut the centenary cake when we had a dinner and celebration in the Kirkhill Community Centre. The Moderator, Rev. Davidson preached in our church; it was great rejoicings all round. We were all so sorry when he decided to leave the parish. I had a wee chat with him when he was at our service about two years ago.

2002 – 2007 - Fraser Turner came to us from Glasgow. He was good with old folks, and was the life and soul of Jess Scot’s 100th birthday at Lentran Nursing Home. He also did services there for the patients, which was much appreciated. He now lives in , and is the Interim Moderator at the Dores and Boleskine parish.

2010 to date - Kobus Smit is from South Africa. Kobus preached in July 2010 and was inducted on 17 September 2010. We all rejoiced we had a nice minister, with a lovely wife, Louisa, and we all hope they will have many happy years with us.

So now you can see through these three articles how I love my church. The Ministers have been great friends as well as Ministers, and they kept my faith going when I needed it. I have been blessed with a long happy life, and hope I manage a while yet. Without the help of Christine MacNeil and Mary Urquhart, I would not be able to go to Church, but I love my Church and hope to manage a few years yet among the kind folks and friends.

I will cling to the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it one day for a crown.

My grateful thanks to Rosemary and Iain Mortimer for their friendship and great help with compiling this for me; without them I would never have managed. www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 5 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011 A personal insight ……. Rev. Dr. Kobus Smit

Q. What is your age, occupation, marital status and family ? A. I am 60, a minister of religion and married to Louisa. We have 4 children all married, and 4 grandchildren.

Q. What are your favourite verses from Scripture and why ? A. Isaiah 43: 1-7. It is very comforting.

Q. Who is your favourite character from the Bible and why ? A. Abraham because of his faith in God.

Q. What motivates you spiritually ? A. The Word of God and singing hymns with other believers.

Q. What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given ? A. Be humble.

Q. Who is your favourite fictional character and why ? A. Tokkelos in Africa, because of all the stories around this character.

Q. What are you afraid of ? A. Snakes.

Q. What situations make you lose your temper ? A. Injustices and selfishness.

Q. If you could change something about yourself, what would it be ? A. To have more patience.

Q. What would you do if you ruled the world ? A. Try to be a humble servant, who helps people to get a better quality of life and more freedom.

Q. On what purchase have you spent most apart from a car or property ? A. Timeshare.

Q. Who was your favourite teacher and why ? A. Mr Jan Moster. He was a very humble and godly man.

Q. What do you reckon is the best thing you ever did ? A. To love my children.

Q. What is your most treasured possession ? A. My children and grandchildren.

Q. What has been your greatest achievement ? A. A Doctorate in Literature.

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 6 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011 There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch !

We’ve heard it and probably agreed with it but is it not a bit cynical ? Certainly from a Christian view point it should be ! It originates from America where saloon owners offered a free lunch when drinks were purchased. This is a newspaper advert from 1850 for a Milwaukee saloon

At The Crescent... Can be found the choicest of Segars, Wines and Liquors... N. B. - A free lunch every day at 11 o'clock will be served up.

Of course the lunch wasn’t really free as the price of drink had been inflated and some saloon owners were reported to serve salty food to encourage drinking !

So now let’s knock that idea on its head ! Let me tell you of a free lunch that you might be able to participate in.

This is Hector from H M Revenue & Customs and he would like to give Wardlaw Church 25p in every pound of the tax you pay and it won’t cost you a thing! As long as you are a taxpayer you can sign up to the gift aid scheme. You can’t gift aid more than the tax you pay and if you are a higher rate taxpayer you might even get a tax refund too !

Let me show you what a big difference joining the scheme can make to Church finances:-

Weekly offering Annual offering Tax reclaimed Total giving

£5 £ 260 £ 65 £ 325 £10 £ 520 £ 130 £ 650 £20 £ 1,040 £ 260 £ 1,300

Annual £10,000 £2,500 £12,500

If you are interested in joining the gift aid scheme please speak to me on Sunday, phone or text me on 07803 602 798, or email me at [email protected]. All it requires is your signature on a declaration; I’ll do the rest ! Looking forward to dining with you folks !

Louise Monaghan - Kirkhill Treasurer

Anyone attending Kiltarlity will need to speak to Ian Morrison to join the Gift Aid scheme for the Tomnacross Church.

Memory Verse : Psalms 139 : 14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful ….”

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 7 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

Moderator Designate of the General Assembly of the Church of for 2012 is …..

The founder of an international interdenominational charity that helps street children has been chosen to be the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Reverend Albert Bogle, Minister at St Andrew’s Parish Church in Bo’ness has been nominated as Moderator Designate by the Church of Scotland’s Committee to Nominate the Moderator of the General Assembly.

As well as preaching his ministry in Bo’ness Mr Bogle has served the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in various roles from 1983 sitting on the Panel of Worship to being convener of the Kirk’s “Church without Walls” Planning Group from 2004 to 2009. He is currently a member of the World Mission Future Strategy Group.

The importance of the correlation between local, national and international has had a profound effect on him personally and on his ministry and congregation and it was this that led to Mr Bogle establishing the Vine Trust.

Set up in 1985 the Vine Trust helps some of the poorest children and communities around the world. Currently, the charity’s Amazon Hope Project provides a health service for around 100,000 patients every year.

Rev. Bogle is married to Martha and the couple have a son and daughter. Rev. Bogle takes up the position of Moderator at the meeting of the General Assembly which starts on 19th May 2012.

ADVENT SUNDAY – 27 November

As November closes, Advent begins. The exact birth-date of Jesus is not known, but during the 5th century the date of 25 December was chosen to become the Feast of the Nativity, or Christmas.

By the sixth century, the Christian Church was in the habit of spending several weeks leading up to Christmas in prayerful, expectant preparation. The fourth Sunday before Christmas Day became Advent Sunday. ‘Advent’, of course, means ‘coming’, or ‘coming in’, and traditionally special candles have been lit, and more recently, advent calendars used, as the Church prepares itself for the coming of the Holy Child, the long-awaited Messiah.

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 8 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

Memory Verse : Psalms 139 : 14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful ….”

Ann Gloag receives the Eleanor

Roosevelt Award

Ann Gloag received the prestigious Eleanor Roosevelt Award in New York State on Sunday, 16 October 2011. The co-founder of Stagecoach was presented with the award at the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Eleanor Roosevelt Center. The medal honours individuals who carry out the values which Eleanor Roosevelt espoused in her public life.

Ms Gloag, who was born in Perth, is being honoured for her charitable work over the past 30 years.

In particular she is receiving recognition for establishing the Freedom from Fistula Foundation in 2008 to help provide free medical care to some of the two million women in Africa who have been injured in childbirth.

Ms Gloag said: "It is a huge privilege to have been chosen to receive the Eleanor Roosevelt Val- Kill Medal as the former First Lady of the United States was such an inspirational and well- respected woman, advocate and leader.

I have been intimately involved in charitable projects for more than 30 years, but the last three years have been particularly focussed on helping the forgotten women of Africa - women who have been seriously injured in childbirth, leaving them rejected by their families and outcasts in society. It is not a trendy or popular cause and that is why it is so important."

Kathleen Durham, executive director of The Eleanor Roosevelt Center, said: "We are delighted to be honouring Ann Gloag and the other medallists on the 25th anniversary of the Center. Ann embodies the spirit and leadership displayed by Eleanor Roosevelt during and after her years as first lady and this year's outstanding medallists are further proof that 'one's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes'."

Ms Gloag's other charitable work includes running an orphanage and building a school in Nairobi, Kenya, setting up a women's rescue centre with the co-operation of the Massai chiefs and supporting the international charity Mercy Ships, which provides free medical services and humanitarian care to the poorest people around the world.

She also supports a wide variety of charities in the UK, including The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Opportunity International, The Institute of Cardiovascular Research (TICR) Appeal in Dundee and The Prince's Trust.

Thanks to Ethna Ferguson for this article www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 9 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011 The People’s Bible is a joint venture between the Bible Society in England and Wales and the Scottish Bible Society. It will create a unique legacy for future generations. It was a chance to write the Bible by hand – starting at the book of Genesis, right through to the book of Revelation.

Everyone was asked to write at least two verses. The project is unique because everyone who chooses to write a verse was asked to do so with a special digital pen. This pen connected to www.thepeoplesbible.org website and within 1 minute those actual handwritten verses were visible there. This means that hundreds of thousands of people will have taken up the challenge to ‘make your mark in history,’ by contributing to the first ever digital handwritten Bible – which will remain on the internet for perpetuity.

The project began at Edinburgh Castle on 19th June 2011, the anniversary of the birth of King James VI/I at the castle in 1566. It will end at Westminster Abbey on 16th November 2011. The People’s Bible project visited Falcon Square in the Inverness city centre on Friday, 5th August and Saturday, 6th August.

John Angus MacDonald of Kirkhill was one of the many who have written two verses for this bible after visiting the road show in Falcon Square, Inverness in August. John Angus was asked to write Matthew 11 verses 23 and 24 from the Good News Bible, and as he does not have a computer, he has been sent the two certificates shown on this page.

John Angus attended a Songs of Praise service at Dornoch Cathedral on Sunday, 25 September 2011 at which Right Reverend David Arnott, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland was taking part.

David Arnott was John Angus’s Minister when he attended Netherlee Parish Church in Renfrewshire. John Angus moved to Kirkhill in March 1996. David Arnott immediately recognised John Angus even after 15 years. John Angus and the Moderator spent some time in remembering the Netherlee folk. David Arnott himself left Netherlee in December 1996. www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 10 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

Guild News

The new Guild season got off to a good start with our opening meeting on 4 October. Having relocated to Kiltarlity Church, due to the start of refurbishment work at Kirkhill, we were momentarily stunned to find the church at Kiltarlity sporting scaffolding and numerous workmen, due to the work on the church roof also having started ! Having explained our new, somewhat streamlined committee structure, a request for volunteers to help with future meetings was voiced – if you would be happy to give a Bible reading, or just to help with the washing up, please speak to Rosemary.

The Guild is invited to join the Beauly Guild meeting on Monday, 7 November at 7:30 p.m. and also to submit a team, or teams, of 4 for a Guild Quiz Night at Trinity Church on Tuesday, 29 November. If you like to join in either of these events, please give your name to Carol, Elizabeth or Rosemary.

Our guest speaker at the October meeting was Fiona Macleod, Senior Archivist at the Archive Centre in Inverness. Fiona gave a well-received presentation on how the Archive Centre has developed, and the facilities offered. She also brought with her several examples of archive records from Kirkhill and Kiltarlity. These included the Valuation Roll of properties in Kiltarlity for the year 1874 / 5 listing proprietors, tenants / occupiers, and yearly rents or values. A school inspector’s report on Kirkton School for December 1915 stated “On Xmas Day, the children and their friends were entertained in the schoolroom as in former years by Dr. Robert England Kerr who most handsomely remembers his old school. Substantial Xmas boxes were given to each family, beautiful books to every child and a happy tea party with buns, cakes, sweets, crackers etc., takes place in the schoolroom.” The school inspector’s report for Tomnacross School at the end of July 1878 recommended “Every child should have a slate – a supply should belong to the school for occasional use. The sewing seems carefully taught, but twenty two shewed none; all girls should do it. Darning and mending should be weekly.” Kirkhill Kirk Session on 23 April 1769 heard of “fearful breach of the Sabbath” when several residents of Drumchardine returned late from the Ferry at Beauly, and proceeded to “drink ale and aquavit until they were so intoxicated that many of them had shed their cloaths so dreged with dust and clay as if they had been dragged thro’ it.”

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 1 November at 2:30 p.m., again at Kiltarlity Church. Our guest speaker will be Danny Muschate, Head of Fundraising at Blythswood Care. Danny will be talking to us about the great deal of varied work carried out by Blythswood, from here in Inverness to Eastern Europe, from shoeboxes to recycling. All are welcome to this meeting – if you need transport, please speak to Rosemary. We look forward to seeing you.

Rosemary Mortimer

Miscellaneous observations on life in general

Monday morning: when we look back wistfully on the good old days – Saturday and Sunday.

The two most important muscles which operate without the direction of the brain are the heart and the tongue.

Life is a Lamborghini - It goes too fast, and it costs too much.

Memory Verse : Psalms 139 : 14 --- “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful ….”

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 11 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

A message for discouraged Christians

There are times when being a Christian can be a very isolating and discouraging experience. Is anyone listening to your witness ? Do you encounter more scorn than interest in your faith ?

At such times of discouragement, we need wisdom. In the book of Proverbs, the word if is used three times in a short passage on wisdom ( Proverbs 2:1-6 ). It points to the fact that if we want wisdom from God, there has to be some effort on our part !

“IF you accept my words...IF you call out for insight...IF you look for it as for silver and search for it...THEN you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding...THEN you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path.” ( v9 ).

Sometimes, perhaps, those Christians who are most constantly giving out, reaching out, handing out and working flat out may be also tempted to let their personal walk with God wither a little. It has been a sad pattern in most of our lives that our walk with God is closest when we are dealing with difficulty and opposition. God often uses these difficulties ( discipline ) to bring us back and keep us close. At times when we feel most successful as Christians in front of others, we tend to drift a little in our spiritual walk with God.

So - let us be positive. Let us redouble our efforts to follow God’s way; be careful how we conduct ourselves; and seek God’s wisdom as we work our way through the forest of obstructions that are put in our way.

By Michael Wilson, Director of the Seamen’s Christian Friend Society

Memory Verse : Psalms 139 : 14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful ….”

Churches invited to light Church Beacons on Monday 4th June 2012.

Churches of all denominations throughout the are being encouraged to take part in The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons by lighting a special Church Beacon on Monday 4th June 2012, in celebration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year.

In 2012, Her Majesty, The Queen will become only the second monarch in British history to celebrate sixty years on the throne, the previous such monarch being Queen Victoria.

The vision is for thousands of churches up and down the land to gather their communities together for this happy occasion.

If you think we should be part of that celebration, please speak to Kobus.

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 12 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

WARDLAW CHURCH REFURBISHMENT UPDATE

The last service, before closing the Church for refurbishment work, was the Harvest Thanksgiving Service on 25 September 2011. Ann Lyle, Margaret Birkbeck, and Maris Elkin spent the time before the wedding on Saturday, 1 October packing things away and disposing of woodworm infected pieces of furniture and other items. Within one hour after the wedding, work on removing the pews started in readiness for their collection on the Monday. James Byham headed up this operation and guided David and Margaret Birkbeck , Graham and Maris Elkin, Ian Dearing, Iain and Rosemary Mortimer in various tasks. On Monday, 3 October we had a tremendous turnout of willing helpers who made light work of loading the van and unloading it at Muir of Ord. A huge thank you to Kobus and Louisa Smit, Betty Smith, Maureen Matheson, Mary and Keith McClelland, Flora Morrison, Archie Chisholm, Alasdair and Eileen Morrison, David and Margaret Birkbeck, Ian Dearing, Henry Bell, Malcolm MacRae, Malcolm Fraser, Iain and Rosemary Mortimer, and apologies if your name is missing from this list. Many hands did make light work of this. We have the reverse of this when we need to bring all the storage items back to the newly refurbished Church at the end of November. We are presently thinking it will be one day in the week commencing 28 November 2011, and an announcement will be made in Church when an exact date is known, and will be printed in the next edition of The Parishioner.

All the pews were collected by the people who had reserved them on the Monday, so by early afternoon the Church was completely cleared and was ready for Morrison Construction to start on Tuesday, 4 October as planned. The Church keys were handed over to Aeneas Robertson, Site Manager for Morrison Construction at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 4 October 2011.

The first task was to remove the flooring of the sanctuary, Guild Room and kitchen to expose the joists below. As expected the moisture content was high, and some joists had been reduced to brown waterlogged pulp. The three dwarf walls were not stable and have been removed, and five new dwarf walls have been built. Several items have been identified that need replacing that were not included in the original specification costings, but we do have a contingency amount of £9,600 to cover such items. They include the joists supporting the balcony structure, the supports behind the pine panelling around the sanctuary, the joist supporting the chancel, and improving the drainage at the Church vehicular entrance. We have witnessed standing water in the Guild Room, in the sanctuary area and in the kitchen area after rainfall. With that in mind, a French drain has been dug completely around the Church to take all the water away to soakaways at the front of the Church. The stone slabs at both entrances to the Church were uplifted without any breakages, and will be re-laid, on top of a D.P.M., by the end of October.

In the sanctuary, Guild Room and kitchen areas the levels have been lowered by digging out the clay, by hand. Foundations for the dwarf walls were built, then a 50mm layer of sand was laid between the dwarf wall foundations. A damp proof membrane ( D.P.M. ) has been laid completely over the sand and the wall foundations. The five new dwarf walls ( three in the Guild Room ), and a concrete solumn were constructed over the D.P.M. By the end of October, the new wooden joists and new plywood flooring in the sanctuary and Guild Room will be completed.

Aeneas Robertson and his team have been working very hard and have respected the building at all times. The official view from the site meeting on 18 October was that their finishing date was slipping from 21 November to 28 November. I now believe that some of that slippage time has been made up since that meeting. A more accurate date will be given at the next official site meeting on 8 November. A main reason for the relative smoothness of this project is the amount of detail that Neil Wilson put into the planning and specification, and we owe a deep gratitude to Neil for all that hard work - failure to plan is a plan for failure.

A set of photographs taken as the work progressed in the Church was shown to the congregation after the Sunday service on 23 October. If anyone who did not attend the presentation wish to see those photographs, please contact me and I may be able to arrange for you to see the photographs on a laptop at a mutual agreed time and place. Iain J. Mortimer

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 13 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011 The 2011 Scottish Poppy Appeal was officially launched on 27 October 2011 by soldiers from The Royal Highland Fusiliers and 90 year old veteran William Walker. The launch marks the start of the 90th anniversary Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Poppyscotland is the leading charity supporting ex-Servicemen and women and their families in Scotland. They are probably best known for running the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, but they work all year round to help veterans and their families receive the care and support they urgently need.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal raises over £2 million each year and, combined with our other year-round fundraising; we are able to provide financial assistance to thousands of ex- Servicemen and women as well as helping to fund specialist services such as long term care, housing and employment.

We were established in 1921 as The Earl Haig Fund Scotland but adopted our current name and logo in 2006 to reflect our revised fundraising activities and charitable services work. In June 2011 we merged with our sister charity The Royal British Legion (TRBL), which operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to form the largest charity group supporting the Armed Forces community across the whole of the UK. Poppyscotland continues to operate as a distinct charity with the TRBL group of charities and relies entirely on public donations to allow us to continue our life-changing work.

At 11a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month of 2011, the nation will pause to remember those who have given their lives in fighting for this country. This year is doubly special: 2011 is The Royal British Legion's 90th anniversary, and also this is a once-in-a-century Remembrance Day.

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011 -11-11-11-11 - we will be remembering those who were willing to lay down their lives for their country.

Remembrance Sunday is 13 November 2011. Start time for morning worship at Wardlaw Church ( in Kirkhill Community Centre ) moves to 10:00 a.m. on this Sunday. The service will conclude with the laying of the wreath at the War Memorial in the grounds of Wardlaw Church at 11:00 a.m. Morrison Construction will ensure that safe access to the site is available for this service.

Which man won ?

Little Charlotte was at her first wedding and was enthralled by the entire ceremony. When it was over, she asked her mother, "Why did the lady change her mind ?"

Her mother asked, "What do you mean ?"

"Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and came back with another one."

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 14 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011 THE FOURTEENTH EVEREST MARATHON - NOVEMBER 2011

The Everest Marathon is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest marathon in the world. The start line is at Gorak Shep 5184m (17,000 feet), close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The finish is at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 3446m (11,300 feet) and the course is a measured 42 km (26.2 miles) over rough mountain trails. It is the world's most spectacular race and has been held thirteen times since 1987.

Hamish MacDonald at the summit To acclimatise to the high altitude naturally all runners join of Kala Pattar in 2007 together for a 26 day “holiday” in Nepal. This “holiday” combines sightseeing in the capital, Kathmandu, a 15 day trek to the start, under medical supervision, ascents of Gokyo Ri at 17,989 feet ( 5,483m ) and Kala Pattar at 18,448 feet (5,623m) for the best views of Everest and one of the most gruelling races in the world. For comparison purposes, Ben Nevis is 4,409 feet (1,344m).

Although the course is basically down hill, there are two steep uphill sections. There may be snow and ice on the upper part and there is considerable exposure along much of the route. For this reason the race is only suitable for runners with recent experience of cross country, fell or mountain running and endurance events. Experience of rough terrain is essential and road marathon experience is not sufficient. Because of the nature of the trail / course and trekking logistics, the number of places for non-Nepalese runners is limited to 75. There will be about 10 Nepalese runners and possibly a Ghurkha team.

The race is a non-profit-making venture organised by Bufo Ventures Limited with all profits put into the Everest Marathon Fund, a UK registered charity ( number 1005422 ). So far this has raised over £520,000 to support health and educational projects in rural Nepal. Most of the money has been raised by the runners themselves and many divide the amount raised, with 50% to the Everest Marathon Fund and 50% to a charity in their home country. In this way the race has also raised large sums of money for a wide range of good causes around the world.

Hamish MacDonald, a member of the congregation at Wardlaw Church, is taking part in this race for the second time. Hamish completed this race in 2007 and gave an excellent illustrated talk of his experience in the Kirkhill Community Centre in 2008. Hamish will depart London Heathrow on 13 November 2011, and returns to London Heathrow on 7 December 2011. The actual race is Friday, 2 December 2011. Hamish has already funded his own costs of nearly £3,000 to take part in the race, and he will be raising funds for the Everest Marathon Fund only. The Marathon Fund supports some vital charities, particularly those involving health and education initiatives in Nepal. If you wish to make a donation, please speak to John Angus MacDonald or Iain Mortimer, as Hamish will be away on “holiday.” Or, as an alternative, there is an online fundraising page - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/hamish

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 15 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011 CALLING ALL CHARLESCHARLESTTTTONITESONITESONITESONITES

QUIZ NIGHT

12 NOVEMBER GRAB A FRIEND and 6:00 p.m. to COME 8:00 p.m. ALONG

BEAULY PRIZES and CHURCH of SNACKS SCOTLAND

WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYER and BIBLE DISCUSSION MEETINGS

The Evening Prayer meetings for November will take place on 9th and 23rd November and will be in the Wardlaw Manse. The short service begins at 7:00 p.m. and finishes by 7:30 p.m. Prayers are both free and fixed. Pray for individuals and their needs, the church, world issues, and whatever is on the minds and hearts of those present. Everyone is most welcome to join us for this time of prayer.

All and everybody are welcome from the parish to come along to the Bible discussion meetings. Both groups normally meet every two weeks at Wardlaw Manse. If the Kirkhill Wednesday evening group does not suit your diary, then you are welcome to join the Kiltarlity group on a Thursday evening or vice versa.

The Kirkhill group meets after each Wednesday prayer meeting, starting at 7:35 p.m. at Wardlaw Manse.

The November dates for the Kirkhill group are 9th and 23rd.

The Kiltarlity group meets on a Thursday evening, also at the Wardlaw Manse, starting at 7:30 p.m.

The November dates for the Kiltarlity group are 3rd and 16th

Please note that the second meeting of the month is on Wednesday evening ( 16th ), due to the Kirkhill’s Communion Preparatory Service being held on Thursday, 17th November at Kirkhill Community Centre.

MMemoryemory Verse : Psalms 139 : 14 --- “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful ….”

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 16 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

PARISH NOTICE BOARD

• Hugh Fraser of Kiltarlity passed away peacefully at the Highland Hospice on 27 September 2011. Hugh was a long time serving and loyal Elder and in his time served as the Session Clerk for 10 years at Tomnacross Church, and he will be greatly missed by the Church family. The funeral service took place at Tomnacross Church on 5 October 2011, thereafter at Eskadale St. Mary’s. All our thoughts and prayers are with Jean and the rest of the family during this difficult time. We are sorry for their loss - peace, prayers and blessings to them all.

 Wardlaw Church Sunday service on November 13th at the Kirkhill Community Centre will start at 10:00 a.m. and will finish at 10:45 a.m. The congregation will then move to the War Memorial in the grounds of Wardlaw Church for a short remembrance service starting at 11:00 a.m.

 The Wardlaw Church Communion Preparatory Service will be held in the Kirkhill Community Centre on Thursday, 17th November, starting at 7:30 p.m. Please note the change of day from the Friday before Communion Sunday to the Thursday. This is due to the Kirkhill Community Centre not being available on the Friday evening. The Kiltarlity Bible discussion group meeting which would normally be held on that Thursday ( 17th ) is moved to the day before, Wednesday, 16th November and will be held, as normal, in the Wardlaw Manse.

 The Wardlaw Church Communion service will take place at the Kirkhill Community Centre on Sunday, 20 November, starting at 10:30 a.m. as normal. The Communion Thanksgiving service will take place that evening in the same venue, starting at 6:30 p.m.

 The Kirkhill Deacons’ Court meeting on the 18 October approved the appointment of Iain Mortimer as the Convenor of the Deacons’ Court for a six month period with effect from 1 December 2011. This follows Iain Marr’s six month term as Convenor, and the Deacons’ Court thanked Iain for his leadership and guidance throughout this period.

 We will again light the Advent Candles during each Sunday in Advent. If your family would like to participate in this beautiful part of our Advent observance, do speak to Kobus.

 The Kirkhill Primary School Christmas service will be held in Wardlaw Church on 11th December starting at 6:30 p.m. Every one is most welcome to come along and join in this joyous occasion in the newly refurbished Church.

 A Candle and Carol Service will be held in Wardlaw Church on 18th December starting at 6:30 p.m. The singing will be led by our own Celestial Choir led by Mary Robb. It is still not too late to join this choir, who practice every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. in Kiltarlity Church whilst Wardlaw Church is undergoing its refurbishment work.

 As we enter the colder winter months, especially look out for any vulnerable neighbours you may have, or know. Let them know you are there for them and ensure they are not isolated at this time of year. Keep them in your prayers and thoughts.

 Nancy Paterson and Bob Weir have both spent some time in Raigmore Hospital in October. Walter MacFarlane is still in Raigmore Hospital as we go to print ( 28th ). Pat Jones has also spent time back in New Craigs in order that her medication can be adjusted. Pat returned to the Culbokie Manse on Wednesday, 26th October. Please remember them all in your prayers each day.

I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 17 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

November 30 - Andrew (d. c.60)

The apostle Andrew is patron saint of Scotland. According to the gospel of Matthew, Andrew and his brother Simon Peter were the very first two disciples whom Jesus called. “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ( Matthew 4:18,19 ) Without more ado, they obeyed. “At once they left their nets and followed him.” The story is touching for the simple but total faith which they had in Jesus.

Whenever the gospels mention the disciples, Andrew’s name is always in the first four. Rather than a boisterous leader of men ( like Peter ), he seems to have been an approachable person who wanted to help people. It was Andrew who helped introduce a group of Greeks to Jesus ( John 12:20-22 ) and Andrew who offered Jesus the five small barley loaves and two small fishes when Jesus challenged them to feed the five thousand. ( John 6:8 ) His faith in Jesus over small things was richly rewarded, and this faithful, kindly Galilean fisherman turned disciple went on to become one of the 12 apostles of the Christian Church.

Andrew never settled back in Capernaum by Galilee. Instead, his ‘fishing for men’ seems to have taken him far. One ancient tradition links him with Greece, where both Scythia and Epirus claimed him as their apostle. Another place in Greece, Patras in Achaia, claimed to be the place where Andrew was eventually martyred.

Like Jesus, he was crucified, but the story goes that during the two days it took him to die, he preached earnestly to the people about Jesus. Andrew was not afraid of death on a cross – he had seen it before, and knew one thing for certain: because of Jesus, there was nothing but eternal life ahead of him.

In the West, Andrew’s feast-day was universal from the 6th century, and hundreds of churches were named after him in Italy, France and England. But how did he end up as patron saint of Scotland ?

Well, according to one ancient legend, his relics were taken from Patras to Scotland in the 8th century, and ended up in Fife, where a church dedicated to him was built and became a centre for evangelization and later pilgrimage. As Andrew was the only apostle to make it as far as Scotland, he was chosen as patron saint.

But Andrew did not stay in Scotland. After the fall of Constantinople in 1204, it is said that the Crusaders took his relics to Amalfi. From there the despot Thomas Palaeologus sent his head to the Pope in Rome in 1461 – where it became one of the most treasured possessions of St Peters - until it was sent to the church in Constantinople by Paul VI.

In art Andrew is depicted with a normal Latin cross in the most ancient examples. The Saltire cross ‘X’, commonly called St Andrew’s Cross, and which represents Scotland on the Union Jack, was associated with him from the 10th century.

November 5 - Guy Fawkes, an early terrorist

If modern security at the Houses of Parliament seems a bit weak to you, take heart, it’s never been much better. Back in 1605 Guy Fawkes managed to stow a good few barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords without anybody noticing. He wasn’t a member of Al-Quaeda, he was part of a Roman Catholic plot to murder James 1 of England and his parliament at the state opening. Fortunately, Guy Fawkes was found - and stopped - in time.

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 18 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011 Tomnacross Church –“Raise the Roof” Kiltarlity Church needs to replace its roof, at a cost of approximately £50,000. We have set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £20,000 and Mrs Ann Gloag has very generously offered to match, pound for pound, all money that we raise. Together with a grant from the Church of Scotland General Trustees, this should take us to the total of £50,000. We are therefore embarking on a programme of events between October 2011 and October 2012, with the aim of involving as many people in the community as possible. Fundraising should be fun !

Progress towards Target - as of 26 October 2011 :

£2k £4k £6k £8k £10k £12k £14k £16k £18k £20k

Calendar of Events

Date Time Event Location Details Tickets: £5 adult, £2 child, Friday, Kiltarlity Village available from Kiltarlity Post 4th November 7.30 – Ceilidh Hall Office, Brockie’s Lodge or from 2011 10.30pm Margo Maclennan ( 741 312 )

Tea will be served at the interval. The church will have a stall where you can purchase church tea Saturday, 19th School Kiltarlity Village 10am – 2pm towels and bags, order Christmas November 2011 Christmas Fayre Hall Wreaths, ‘buy’ roof tiles, and much more. Quiz sheets will be available for £1 per sheet at the start of Throughout December. Enjoy puzzling over Christmas Quiz December the questions and submit your answers before 10th January. Prizes available! Friday 24th Quiz Night Kiltarlity Village £20 per team of 4. 7pm – 9pm February 2012 Hall BYOB Friday, Car Treasure 7pm start £25 per car, including BBQ 11th May 2012 Hunt Early June Tickets £5 Silent Auction tbc mid-week including a glass of wine Sponsored Walk tbc / Cycle 3 / 4th August Belladrum Look out for us at Belladrum ! 2012

There is a number of other on going opportunities to participate in our fundraising efforts:

Buy a slate: Please ‘buy’ a slate for £3 or a nail for £1, and receive an attractive ownership certificate. Contact Louise Watson or visit the School Christmas Fayre on Saturday, 19th November.

Christmas Wreaths: Purchase a high quality hand-made wreath for Christmas. A sample can be viewed and orders placed at the School Christmas Fayre ( Saturday, 19th November ). The cost is £10 per wreath. Contact Sheila Moir ( 741 618 ) for more information.

Tea Towels and These commemorative items, decorated with a line drawing of the church, can be Canvas Bags: purchased at the School Christmas Fayre ( Saturday, 19th November ) for £6 per tea towel ( or 2 for £10 ) and £3 per bag. Updated as at 28 October 2011

www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 19 of 20 The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 45 - November 2011

Rev. Dr. Kobus Smit 831 662 E-mail: [email protected] Maris Elkin 831 590 David Garvie 741 038

Kirkhill Sunday School – Margaret Birkbeck 831 518 / Flora Morrison 831 373 Kiltarlity Sunday School – Linda MacKenzie 741 313 / Anneliese Garvie 741 038 The Parishioner – Iain and Rosemary Mortimer 782 648 E-mail – [email protected]

Diary dates for NOVEMBER 2011 ( Please note that all Wardlaw Church services will be held at Kirkhill Community Centre )

1 November Guild meeting at Kiltarlity Church at 2:30 p.m. 3 November Kiltarlity Bible discussion group at Wardlaw Manse at 7:30 p.m. 4 November Raise the Roof Ceilidh at Kiltarlity Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. 6 November Worship at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and KILTARLITY at 12 noon. 9 November Prayer meeting at Wardlaw Manse at 7:00 p.m. 9 November Kirkhill Bible discussion group at Wardlaw Manse at 7:35 p.m. 13 November Worship at WARDLAW at 10:00 a.m. and KILTARLITY at 12 noon. Remembrance Sunday – Service at War Memorial at Wardlaw Church at 11:00 a.m. 16 November Kiltarlity Bible discussion group at Wardlaw Manse at 7:30 p.m. 17 November Communion Preparatory Service at Kirkhill Community Centre at 7:30 p.m. 19 November School Christmas Fayre at Kiltarlity Village Hall between 10:00 and 2:00. 20 November Sacrament of Holy Communion at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and normal service at KILTARLITY at 12 noon. 20 November Communion Thanksgiving Service - Kirkhill Community Centre at 6:30 p.m. 23 November Prayer meeting at Wardlaw Manse at 7:00 p.m. 23 November Kirkhill Bible discussion group at Wardlaw Manse at 7:35 p.m. 27 November Worship at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and KILTARLITY at 12 noon. First Sunday of Advent 1 December Kiltarlity Bible discussion group at Wardlaw Manse at 7:30 p.m.

Memory Verse

A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist.

ththth TThehe Decemberhe December 2011 issue of The Parishioner will be published on Sunday,Sunday,Sunday, 272727 NovembeNovembeNovemberNovemberrr 201120112011 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Page 20 of 20