ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S SOUTH CHURCH
Church of Scotland
ELGIN
PARISH PROFILE
2016
Scottish Charity Number SC015164
ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______
St Giles’ Church, Elgin
St Columba’s South Church, Elgin
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WHO WE ARE ...... 4 WHO YOU WILL BE ...... 4 OUR MISSION ...... 4 STAFFING ...... 4 MEMBERSHIP ...... 4 WHERE WE ARE ...... 5 BUILDINGS – ST GILES’ CHURCH ...... 7 BUILDINGS - ST COLUMBA’S SOUTH CHURCH ...... 8 BUILDINGS - WILLIAMSON HALL ...... 9 LOGO ...... 9 MUSIC...... 10 WORSHIP and OTHER SERVICES ...... 11 SUNDAY SERVICES ...... 11 COMMUNION ...... 11 SUNDAY SCHOOL ...... 11 OTHER SERVICES ...... 11 LUNCHTIME WORSHIP ...... 11 ANDERSONS RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME ...... 11 REMEMBRANCE SERVICE ...... 12 CHRISTINGLES at ST GILES’ CHURCH ...... 12 BEREAVEMENT SERVICE ...... 12 GUILDS ...... 12 WOMEN’S GROUP ...... 12 CRAFT GROUP ...... 12 LUNCH CLUB ...... 13 MEN’S ASSOCIATION ...... 13 BADMINTON ...... 13 BOWLING ...... 13 OUTREACH ...... 14 ST GILES’ THEATRE GROUP ...... 14 ELGIN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GROUP (YOUTH CAFÉ) ...... 15 STREET PASTORS ...... 15 EKWENDENI (Raven Trust) ...... 15 BUILDINGS - THE MANSE ...... 16 STIPEND ...... 17 PUBLICATIONS ...... 18 FINANCE ...... 18 CONSTITUTION ...... 18 CONTACT DETAILS ...... 19 INDEX ...... 20
______Page 3 last edited 24 July 2016 ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______WHO WE ARE
We are a very committed congregation of kind, supportive and welcoming people. We are eager to be led/guided by a Minister who will engage with all of us as well as reaching out to the wider community.
WHO YOU WILL BE
You will be a Minister who will provide strong spiritual and pastoral support. You will be friendly, caring, approachable and supportive. You will have a vision for an exciting future in extending the Congregation’s mission of service to others.
OUR MISSION
Relying upon the promised guidance of the Holy Spirit, we, as a congregation are committed to:-
Worship Prayer Deepening our understanding of our Christian faith, and sharing this with others. Supporting the work of the Church through our time, talents and wealth. Looking upon others as lovingly as God looks upon us Serving others
STAFFING
The post of Minister has been vacant since March 2016. We also have the following paid staff: One Part time Church Secretary, two Organists, one Church Officer.
MEMBERSHIP
The Church has a Kirk Session and a Congregational Board with 45 elders. The Congregational Board has 7 members and all elders are also members of the Board. Each district is served by an elder. The role at July 2016 is 502 Communicants. During the year ending 31st December 2015 there were: baptisms 6, weddings 5 and funerals 48.
The Congregation is enthusiastic and lively and is made up of a variety of strands – those with local roots and members who have moved into the area.
After each service the Congregation in both Churches is invited to stay for coffee/tea and a chat ______Page 4 last edited 24 July 2016 ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______WHERE WE ARE
Moray is one of the smallest regions in Scotland, (population circa 87,000) but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in scenery, facilities and quality of life.
The area’s biggest town and administrative capital is Elgin (population circa 22,000) which is also Moray’s principal shopping centre and where many leading retailers are represented alongside long established local outlets.
Sitting between Aberdeen and Inverness, Elgin prides itself in an environment which is welcoming and friendly and where a sense of community is present. It also boasts one of the most equitable climates to be found anywhere in Scotland.
A City and Royal Burgh, Elgin was granted its charter by David 1st in 1136 and became a cathedral city in the early 13th century. The shell of the cathedral remains and is an impressive landmark.
Elgin is well served in terms of transport links located as it is on the A96 trunk road and the Aberdeen-Inverness railway line and the bus terminal are sited close to the town centre.
Inverness Airport is only 45 minutes away, with the larger regional airport at Aberdeen a little more than an hour’s drive. ______Page 5 last edited 24 July 2016 ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______Close to Elgin Cathedral is the Biblical Garden – a haven of peace and tranquillity planted with flowers and shrubs that feature in the Bible.
Elgin has 2 secondary schools, 7 primary schools and a Further Education College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands and is well served in terms of sports and recreational activities. The Moray Leisure Centre has 2 swimming pools, ice rink and a well- equipped gym. There are 3 bowling greens, an indoor bowling stadium and many other sporting facilities. Elgin Golf Club provides a challenge to even the most skilled of golfers.
Dr Gray’s Hospital is a small, busy District General Hospital. It consists of a beautiful early 19th century building with a recently built modern hospital incorporated which houses a 4 theatre complex and a small but busy Accident and Emergency Department. It also includes a 10-bedded combined Critical Care Unit and High Dependency Unit. Surgery for elective and emergency procedures carried out almost exclusively by Consultant surgical staff, in the spirit of a Consultant based hospital.
Specialties include Accident and Emergency, General Medicine, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Occupational and Physiotherapy, Psychiatry, General Surgery and Urology, Ophthalmology, Dental Surgery, and Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery.
Nearby, there is a centre for Palliative care – “The Oaks”.
______Page 6 last edited 24 July 2016 ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______BUILDINGS – ST GILES’ CHURCH
St Giles’ towards pulpit
Located in the centre of Elgin High Street, St Giles’ Church sits at the heart of the community. The present Church was built in 1828, replacing the former Muckle Kirk of St Giles’. Designed by Archibald Simpson of Aberdeen, St Giles’ Church is a bold classical structure of generous proportions.
The interior has undergone several modifications to meet the ever-changing needs of modern worship, including the replacement of pews by individual chairs.
Sunday, 10 July 2016 – St Giles’ Morning Worship
St Giles’ Church is a building which is at the hub of the community and which the Congregational Board feels could play a wider role in community life in years ahead.
______Page 7 last edited 24 July 2016 ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______BUILDINGS - ST COLUMBA’S SOUTH CHURCH Accessed from Moss Street or Duff Avenue, it was built in 1906 to meet the expanding needs of the Congregation of St Giles’. The result of an architectural competition, St Columba’s Church, as it was then known, was designed in 12th century Norman style, with plain bare stonework, heavy columns and half circular arches. The Church is simple, dignified and pleasing to the eye, providing a worship experience very different from that of St Giles’.
Interior of St Columba’s South Church
The closure of Elgin South Church circa 2000, brought together that congregation with St Giles’ in what has been a harmonious marriage and one recognized by the addition of the word "South", resulting in the present name of St Columba’s South. Both Churches have been well maintained, St Columba’s South requiring much less attention than the more ornate structure of St Giles’ Church.
Sunday worship at St Columba’s South Pulpit at St Columba’s
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BUILDINGS - WILLIAMSON HALL
In 2011 A new, general purpose hall – The Williamson Hall, was built in the grounds of St Columba’s South Church, Duff Avenue. It comprises a hall, meeting rooms, offices, kitchen and toilets. It is widely used by the Church and by the wider community.
Williamson Hall at St Columba’s South Church
LOGO
The logo of St Giles’ Church and St Columba’s South Church was created at the time of the union between St Giles’ and St Columba’s Church and the South Church.
It is in the style of a 14th Century woodcut reflecting the age of worship in Elgin and shows St Columba with missionaries pulling together – symbolising the unity of the new congregations of the South Church and St Giles’ and St Columba’s, Elgin. Designed by Graeme Nairn, Garmouth
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MUSIC
The St. Giles’ Organ, originally built by Father Henry Willis, is the largest 3 manual pipe organ in the North of Scotland. It was moved to the gallery in 1979 and rebuilt with additions by Wood Wordsworth and A.F. Edmonstone. There is an experienced small choir.
St Giles’ from pulpit facing congregation and organ
The St. Columba’s South organ is a large 2 manual pipe organ rebuilt in 1989 using pipes from the old organ and from a Harris organ formerly in a Church in Perth. Worship is supported by the same choir that leads praise in St Giles’.
CH4 is used, but not exclusively in both Churches for all services.
Organist at St Columba’s South Church
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WORSHIP and OTHER SERVICES
SUNDAY SERVICES
(Currently Services alternate between Churches monthly)
10.30 am in St Giles’ Church (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov)
10.30 am in St Columba’s South Church (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)
COMMUNION
Takes place quarterly in March, June, September and December, with additional Communion offered at Easter
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Children meet in St Giles’ Church or Williamson Hall where the leader will greet them. They attend the first part of the Church Service, then adjourn to the New Room in St Giles’ Church or Williamson Hall.
Sunday School finishes at the same time as Morning Worship.
Crèche facilities are available at these services
OTHER SERVICES
LUNCHTIME WORSHIP
Resumption of Service under review - St Giles’ Church Thursday 12.30 pm
ANDERSONS RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME
Monthly services are held at Andersons Residential Care Home which also receives considerable support both in management and pastoral care from members of the congregation.
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REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
Held annually on Sunday closest to 11 November at St Giles’ Church – worship is shared between clergy of Elgin. Military is represented as well as other organisations and wreaths are laid at Elgin’s War Memorial to west of Church.
CHRISTINGLES at ST GILES’ CHURCH
As part of our outreach, this eagerly awaited service at 6.30 pm on Christmas Eve, has attracted ever growing numbers over the years, (60 + in 2015) of young families with children, relatives and friends from all denominations, praying and singing carols together.
The highlight for everyone is when lights are dimmed and children carry their lit Christingles, parading within the Church in procession.
BEREAVEMENT SERVICE
An annual service has been provided for bereaved parents.
GUILDS
Monday Guild meetings are held fortnightly at 7.30 pm in the main hall at the Williamson Hall
Wednesday Guild meetings are held fortnightly at 2.15 pm in the East Room at the Williamson Hall
The session usually runs from September to March. New members are welcome to join at any time during the session.
WOMEN’S GROUP
Women’s Group is a social gathering of Christian women with guest speakers or outings. They meet at 7 30 pm on the first Wednesday of each month between September and June in the Williamson Hall.
CRAFT GROUP
This group meets on alternate Wednesdays afternoons from September to April from the Wednesday Guild. It’s an informal group who work on a wide range of crafts including wall hangings, card/paper crafting and crochet.
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The "Lunch Club" was set up in May 2013 in the Williamson Hall for the benefit of the wider community. Soups and sweets are served at a modest cost, providing a good meal and a place to chat which is important for the elderly and for families.
Up to the end of April 2016 approx. 8,000 meals served and over £11,000 has been raised for charity. Staffed voluntarily by members of Congregation.
MEN’S ASSOCIATION
This is an association of retired men which was founded about 1990 and is still very much alive and well. The meetings are held in the Williamson Hall on the first and third Wednesday between October and April. Men’s Association is open to all, not just Church members.
There is a regular attendance of about 25 men. Meetings commence about 10.15 am to have a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and a chat, before the speaker commences.
BADMINTON
There are two groups which meet in the Williamson Hall every Wednesday – September to April from 2-4 pm and 7.30 – 9.30 pm. Open to all ages, for exercise and fellowship.
BOWLING
The Bowling Club meets every Tuesday at 1.30 pm between September and April. Play takes place on two carpets at 2.00 pm until 3.00 pm followed by tea and relaxed conversation. ______Page 13 last edited 24 July 2016 ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______
OUTREACH
A very wide range of groups from across the community use the Williamson Hall within St Columba’s Church grounds. It is a community hub for activities, from mothers and toddlers groups, dance tuition, lectures, a polling station, rehearsal facilities for drama, dance and a venue for musical (instrumental and vocal) competitions.
Some of the key activities organised within the Church are as follows:
ST GILES’ THEATRE GROUP
West Side Story 2015
Started in 1987 by the Minister and Kirk Session as an outreach to the youth of all Churches (all denominations) and to the community at large. The group has never been concerned with making money - some productions clear their costs - others have resulted in considerable surpluses. It was decided at the outset that any surpluses would go to Christian Aid and other local charities. To date, the group has made donations of over £100,000. They are indebted to literally hundreds of people in the Church and community who continue to be supportive of their efforts. Many of these young people go on to careers in the theatre and the arts.
Footloose 2016 ______Page 14 last edited 24 July 2016 ST GILES’ AND ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ______
ELGIN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GROUP (YOUTH CAFÉ)
Started in 1998 by our Congregation, Elgin Youth Development Group (known locally as Elgin Youth Café) is one of the longest running and most successful projects of its type in Scotland. From its inception, it has been continuously supported financially by our Congregation. Members continue to play a major part as volunteers in the organisation and in the running of the café.
STREET PASTORS
St Giles' and St Columba's South Church was one of four local churches which supported the launch of the Street Pastors Initiative in 2012. Street Pastors have been active in Elgin on Saturday nights since April 2013. A member of the Church Session represents the Church at Management Team and prayer meetings on a monthly basis.
EKWENDENI (Raven Trust)
Members of the Congregation donate goods and these are sent via the Raven Trust – mainly to Ekwendeni Hospital, Malawi.
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BUILDINGS - THE MANSE
The manse of the Parish is at 18 Reidhaven Street, Elgin and is one of a number of substantial stone-built houses constructed along the west side of the street in the late 1800s.
On the ground floor are 2 public rooms, a large family room, kitchen/dining room and utility room. A few steps lead down from the hall to a generous sized toilet and wash hand basin.
Off the stair landing is a modern bathroom.
On the upper floor are 3 double bedrooms, one single bedroom and a modern shower room.
The house has been extensively upgraded.
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PVC double glazing windows have been fitted throughout and the house is heated by a modern gas fired boiler. The loft insulation has been upgraded.
There is a small garden to the front and a generous garden at the rear.
A driveway leads into a 2-car carport at the side of the property.
A further property (formerly the South Church Manse) is provided at 2 Hay Place, Elgin, It is a compact 2 storey, 3 bedroom house, built about 30 years ago, in a fairly small site with good access. This building could be available as the Manse should the circumstances of an incoming Minister be appropriate.
STIPEND
The appropriate stipend plus travelling and listed expenses are paid.
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PUBLICATIONS
The Church Magazine is published 9 times a year and is available online at www.elginstgilesChurch.co.uk, is also delivered across Elgin and posted to all members of the congregation outwith the Parish.
A weekly Order of Service sheet is distributed at Morning Worship, and also contains information of forthcoming events and matters of interest.
FINANCE
The last independently examined accounts for the year to November 2015 confirm that St Giles’ and St Columba’s South Church is in a sound financial position. A copy of the final accounts is available on application to the Clerk to the Nominating Committee – see contact details on page 14.
The Church Treasurer reports regularly to the Congregational Board.
CONSTITUTION
The Church is governed under the Model Deed of Constitution for Parishes Quod Sacra 1965 (usually known as the Model Constitution).
A Kirk Session and Congregational Board convene currently every second month, generally on Thursday evenings. The Board meets immediately before the Kirk Session.
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CONTACT DETAILS
For further information please contact:
Convenor of the Nominating Committee
Jim Manson
Tel: 01343 547850 Email: [email protected]
Clerk to the Nominating Committee St Giles’ and St Columba’s South Church of Scotland Church Office, Duff Avenue ELGIN IV30 1QS
Tel: 01343 551501 Office Hours: Mon, Wed Thurs & Fri 9 am–12 noon, Tue 9.30am–11.30am
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.elginstgilesChurch.co.uk
Scottish Charity Number SC015164 ______
Interim Moderator:
Rev Louis Bezuidenhout The Manse, 4 Manse Road KINLOSS IV36 3GH Tel: 01309 690474
email: [email protected]
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INDEX
ANDERSONS RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME...... 11 BADMINTON ...... 13 BEREAVEMENT SERVICE ...... 12 BOWLING ...... 13 BUILDINGS - ST COLUMBA’S SOUTH CHURCH ...... 8 BUILDINGS – ST GILES’ CHURCH ...... 7 BUILDINGS - THE MANSE ...... 16 BUILDINGS - WILLIAMSON HALL ...... 9 CHRISTINGLES at ST GILES’ CHURCH ...... 12 COMMUNION ...... 11 CONSTITUTION ...... 18 CONTACT DETAILS ...... 19 CRAFT GROUP ...... 12 EKWENDENI (Raven Trust) ...... 15 ELGIN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GROUP (YOUTH CAFÉ) ...... 15 FINANCE ...... 18 GUILDS ...... 12 LOGO ...... 9 LUNCH CLUB ...... 13 LUNCHTIME WORSHIP ...... 11 MEMBERSHIP ...... 4 MEN’S ASSOCIATION ...... 13 MUSIC ...... 10 OTHER SERVICES ...... 11 OUR MISSION ...... 4 OUTREACH...... 14 PUBLICATIONS ...... 18 REMEMBRANCE SERVICE ...... 12 ST GILES’ THEATRE GROUP...... 14 STAFFING...... 4 STIPEND ...... 17 STREET PASTORS ...... 15 SUNDAY SCHOOL ...... 11 SUNDAY SERVICES ...... 11 WHERE WE ARE ...... 5 WHO WE ARE...... 4 WHO YOU WILL BE ...... 4 WOMEN’S GROUP ...... 12 WORSHIP and OTHER SERVICES ...... 11
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