St Ninian’s Church

Quarterly

Autumn 2017

A New Beginning …

Dear friends,

"Jesus went on, and saw another pair of brothers... He called them, and at once they left the boat and their father, and followed him." 1

The first time I heard a similar call to those fishermen was in 1992 - it called me to a place 3,400 miles away. The most recent call, similar to that of the disciples was in 2017 - it called me a mere 3.4 miles away. I am becoming accustomed to finding myself in unexpected places, albeit they no longer involve a five-hour flight. What is common to them is that they have always been life-changing in some way, and unpredictable in many ways.

This year I experienced a very strong call to minister to you at St Ninian's. As with most religious experiences, describing that call is not easy, but I am delighted that you, the members of St Ninian's, have affirmed what I experienced. Preaching as sole nominee in May, meeting the Nominating Committee before that, and the encounters I have had with St Ninian's members since then have all been warm, friendly and enthusiastic experiences.

Writing this letter for the Quarterly in late July here at my desk in St Michael's manse a few days before Sarah, Aidan and I go on a long-ago booked three-week holiday prior to moving in to Templeland Road, I have the opportunity to stop for a minute and think about what this call will mean for me (and for us as a family), at least in the short term. I've no doubt it will mean learning lots of new names, and plenty of discovering what people do in the congregation. No doubt it will mean more of some things, and less of others. Some things will be different, and some things will be the same.

I imagine you are also wondering what your new minister will be like, what he'll want to do, the places he'll want to take St Ninian's. All that is for the future. For the moment I'm looking forward to taking plenty of time to learn about St Ninian's: its people; your traditions; your history; your style; your building (I hope you are impressed that my holiday reading includes St Ninian's Church, Corstorphine 1843 - 1993).

I hope you are looking forward to learning more about me. Something that I know for sure is that the future is not mine alone; we'll be going there together. After all, Jesus didn't just call you and me to go to new places in time and space and spirit, he also called us to go to a new place of relationship with God, "I call you servants no longer; a servant does not know what his master is about. I have called you friends...” 2 If we are all called to be a friend of Jesus then as his church, his body on earth, we are called also to be friends of one another. I don't know about you, but for me the most important thing that I hope we'll be doing together after I arrive is becoming friends. I'm looking forward to that very much.

Best wishes James Aitken

1 Matthew 4: 21 - 22 2 John 15: 15 3

Filling the Space between Ministers

We would like to express our very warm thanks to Rev Dr James Jack, our Interim Moderator, and to Rev Stewart Lamont who acted as Locum Minister from October until Easter following the retirement of Rev Alex Stewart. Since then the pulpit has been filled by: Rev John Stevenson, Rev Iain Alexander, Douglas Ramsay, Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood, Rev Alastair McGregor, Rev Iain Dunn, Rev Bill Brown, Rev Christine Clark and Rev Angus Mathieson. We are grateful to them for giving up their time and we hope they have enjoyed fellowship with us at St Ninian’s. Warm thanks should also be accorded to Andrew Gibb, our Session Clerk, who has overseen the period of the vacancy and expedited all the nuances of finding a new Minister. Thanks also to the Nominating Committee: Bob Brewster, Fiona Coutts, Andrew Gibb, Penny Gordon, Campbell Gray, Jenny Grimmond, Jim Hunter, Margaret Hunter, Simon Langdon, Ian Miller, Mark Richards, Donna Short and Scott Waugh for their time spent choosing the best candidate.

Long Service Certificates

We were delighted that the Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood could be with us on 14th May to preach and to present Certificates to our long-serving Elders and Deacons, many of whom were in post when Lorna was our Assistant Minister in the 1970s. Unfortunately, not everyone named was able to be present on the day, but the full list is:

60 years John McLean, Bill Robertson 50 years Andrew Broom, Bertie Dobie, Jim McKean, Douglas Ramsay, Alan Walker, Angus Winton 40 years Geoff Alsop, Sandy Anderson, John Bryce, Ian Cameron, Jim Gibson, Ken Gillies, Peter Jamieson, Jim Murchison, Bob Paton, Sheila Ramsay, Ian Stewart, Ian Sutherland, Eric Walker, Brian Welsh 30 years David Abbott, Jim Abercrombie, Edith Bell, Bob Brewster, Norma Cameron, Catriona Dalling, Dorothy Davidson, Andrew Gibb, Muriel Gibson, Norma Gilmore, Dale Gray, Jim Hunter, Ian Kirkpatrick, Barbara Livingston, Ella Loudon, Harry Martin, Catriona McConnachie, Isobel MacKenzie, Morag McLarty, Eddie McWilliam, Ian Miller, Inez Nisbet, Arlene Robb, George Smeaton, Valerie Smith, Valerie Thomson, Yvonne Wallace, Phil Wheeler, Ruth Wimberley, Gordon Young

Bill Loudon was posthumously awarded a 50-year Certificate.

And Margaret Hunter, who has assisted in Church Officer and Beadle duties for 25 years, received a Certificate in recognition of that service.

Lorna with Jim Murchison 4

Communion Services

Communion Services will be held in the Church rd on Sunday 3 September 2017 at 10.30am and 3.00pm.

“This do in remembrance of Me”

* * * Afternoon/Special Communion * * *

The September Afternoon Communion will be followed by tea in the Martin Shields Hall. Our less sprightly members will be made most welcome; any members requiring assistance with transport, please contact Rona Stevenson (334 4471). Many thanks to Georgie Wallace and her team for organising the teas.

Important Diary Dates

17th August - Induction of Rev James Aitken th 20 August - Sunday School Reopens 26th August - Step Inside (last Saturday monthly) th 8 September - Sleepover 10th September - Fresh Start th 15 September - Let’s Talk Copy Date 19th September - Guild Reconvenes st 21 September - Choir Starts Tuning Up 1st October - Harvest Thanksgiving th 8 October - Elders’ Get-Together 25th October - Conversazione (last Wednesday monthly) th 29 October - Quarterly Copy Date 11th November - Church Fair th 12 November - Remembrance Sunday

(further details in the Intimations)

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Kirk Session Meetings Wednesdays: 13th September, 8th November

Deacons’ Court Meetings

Wednesdays: 27th September, 22nd November

Congregational Register

Baptisms: 14th May 2017 Sadie Moira Kirk, 1 Road, EH4 8DX

Funerals: 19th May * Mrs Jean Dunn, 63 Caroline Terrace 29th June * Mrs Dorothy Boyes, 22/3 East Castle Road 21st June * Mr Gordon Hood, 20 Falkland Gardens 3rd July * Mrs Christine Johnstone, 52 Wester Broom Drive 27th July * Mrs Jean Smeaton, 15 North Gyle Grove 2nd August * Mr Thomas Miller, 75 Broomhall Road

* Denotes member

Eileen Wilson Eileen was connected with St Ninian's throughout her long life, having grown up in a house opposite the church in St Ninian's Road, where she and her sister, Isobel, lived until they moved to a flat in the area about 20 years ago. Her main career was in teaching although, after graduating from Edinburgh University, she had begun her working life in an office in Glasgow. Together with Isobel, she had travelled widely, with Norway being a favourite destination. In her younger days, she had been a keen skier, in the days before chairlifts etc, when skiers had to climb the mountain carrying their skis.

Eileen was one of the early lady members of the Kirk Session, having been ordained an Elder in 1984. She carried out her duties very diligently until the onset of ill-health led to her retiring from active service a few years ago. Eileen died in May Phil Wheeler

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Fabric Committee

The last few months have been taken up with the completion of the Manse refurbishment for our new Minister and family who take occupation in August.

The provision of a Church Manse has been a key principle of the Church of Scotland from its beginnings and a Minister’s remuneration comprises both a stipend and a Manse. The Presbytery advises congregations that they may not consider a call to a charge where the Manse is not of a suitable standard and, also, that the Manse must provide an environment conducive to being a place of work and a residence. Every congregation has a duty, through its Fabric Committee, to keep the Manse in a good state of repair and decoration during its occupation by the Minister and family. As the property is owned by the Trustees of St Ninian’s Church it is doubly important to improve and maintain the building to a high standard.

Under the Guidelines for Manses, the General Assembly states that a Manse should normally have not less than three public rooms, four bedrooms and a garage. They also consider it advisable to provide modern kitchen appliances, a security system, double glazing and loft insulation, together with floor coverings to all areas and blinds or curtains to the public rooms.

As part of our current refurbishment project, the electrical re-wiring has now been completed to bring the power and lighting installations up to present standards. All the wall and ceiling surfaces have been made good and all rooms were redecorated. The bathrooms have been fully refurbished with new fittings and finishes and a fitted carpet laid in the Study.

The large garden has been maintained during the vacancy period and we are indebted to Bob Brewster and Ian Stewart for all their work over the summer months. Upgrading has even extended to the little playhouse in the rear garden and we understand that this is already a firm favourite with the Minister’s young son.

Alister McGlashan

Our Refurbished Manse??

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Mission Committee

Fresh Start Our next collection will be on Sunday 10th September, when we will be looking for bed linen, towels etc. As usual, information will be in the Order of Service on Communion Sunday 3rd September. If you have any other goods you think may be useful to Fresh Start please feel free to bring them along. The condition of the goods should be of a standard you would wish to use yourself.

An update from Fresh Start gave us information about a recipient who has benefited from the help from Fresh Start. John (not his real name) moved into his first tenancy in early January this year. He became homeless one year prior to this after a family dispute. This led to him presenting himself homeless at the Council and the allocation of a hostel in a rough suburb of Edinburgh. He found this experience quite ‘unsettling’ and it led to periods of what he describes as ‘ups and downs’ in his mental wellbeing (he suffers from schizophrenia). He also found the initial stages of moving into his new flat quite challenging. As he is living on benefits for ill-health he had no money to furnish his property. He was able to access state funds for some furniture but still lacked many of the items one needs to make a home. In February, we received a referral for our Hit Squad Service, which led to John working alongside two of our volunteers and decorating two of his rooms. We were also able to help John with the provision of a number of our starter packs, including pots and pans, towels, cleaning items, lamps and a vacuum. John was very grateful for the help that he received from Fresh Start commenting that the assistance that he received ‘definitely’ made the transition of moving into his first home ‘go a lot smoother’.

The Mission Committee and members of the congregation are holding a sleepover in the Martin Shields Hall on Saturday 8th September in aid of Fresh Start. Instead of asking for sponsorship, a retiring collection will be taken on Sunday 3rd September. We hope you will give generously to the excellent work of this charity. It would be great to have as many people as possible at our sleepover. If you would like to join the Mission Committee at this event, please speak to me or other members of the Mission Committee.

Elders’ Get-Together The Mission Committee has organised an Elders’ Get-Together on Sunday 8th October at 2pm. Our speakers will be the Rev Ewan Aitken on the work of the Cyrenians and a representative from St Columba’s Hospice.

The Mission Committee look forward to exploring new ideas with our Minister, Rev James Aitken. Margaret Hunter

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Fresh Start

On Tuesday afternoons I volunteer at Fresh Start. I am one of a team of five who unpack the bags and boxes which have been donated. On the whole, we get lots of good, clean, useable items but sometimes we are very disappointed at the stuff that is ‘dumped’ on us: dishes that are cracked or chipped and occasionally even have food sticking to them; pots, pans and baking trays which are burned or rusty. From time to time there is a house clearance and then we get things that have obviously been in the attic or garage for many years and come complete with dust, dirt, cobwebs and often dead insects. We also, of course, get some items which are excellent and beautiful. If these are not appropriate for Fresh Start, they are passed to other charities to sell. We also recycle wherever possible but we have to throw out an awful lot and that costs Fresh Start a considerable sum of money because they have to pay to have large commercial bins emptied.

There is, of course, a social side to volunteering. On Tuesdays, when we are finished, we have a cup of tea and a chat. At Christmas, a lot of us attend the community carol service at St Cuthbert’s Church at the West End, after which we go upstairs to one of the halls where a buffet lunch is laid on. In the Summer, there is a BBQ at Kirk. These events allow us to meet and chat to other volunteers who do different jobs on other days. Ruth Wimberley

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Enterprise Committee

7,200 copies of the thirty-ninth issue of “Let’s Talk about Corstorphine” were distributed in May and June. Thanks to contributors, advertisers and distributors. The copy date for the fortieth issue is 15th September.

This year’s Christmas Fair is on Saturday 11th November (starting at 11.30am). It is envisaged that it will be similar to previous Christmas Fairs with a few new twists! Please start thinking about what you could make or what you could donate.

50% of the proceeds will be retained by St. Ninian’s and 50% will be divided equally between two beneficiary charities - It’s Good 2 Give and the rebuilding of Corstorphine Public Hall.

Since 2010 the registered charity, It’s Good 2 Give has supported children and young people with cancer. It has built and fitted out a purpose-built respite house for children and young people and their families affected by cancer. The Ripple Retreat has been constructed at Loch Venacher and was opened in May 2017.

On a day-to-day basis It’s Good 2 Give also provides support of another kind – anything that can make the lives of those impacted by cancer in any way easier. Whether that is Parents’ and Patients’ Packs, practical support, a workshop, an ironing voucher or nutritional snacks, they will try to find a way to make it happen. [cont’d] 9

The Founder and Chair, Lynne McNicoll, previously raised £650,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust over four years. This helped to fund facilities designed for young people in Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children. She found herself inspired not only by the young cancer patients that she met, but also their families. It’s Good 2 Give was started to support the young cancer patients and those who put their lives on hold to care for their child, grandchild or sibling.

Corstorphine Public Hall and its principal tenant, Corstorphine Youth Centre, are well known to us.

The insurance money following the fire is sufficient to make the building wind and watertight, but fitting the building out to modern standards requires additional funds to be raised.

Note that the reconstruction at the east end of the building is not part of Corstorphine Public Hall. It was built originally as the Carnegie Library and is separately owned.

New volunteers would be most welcome to become involved with the Christmas Fair, Let’s Talk about Corstorphine and/or any of the other activities of the Enterprise Committee. Please contact me if you can help. Many thanks for your ongoing support. Ian Kirkpatrick, Convener

CHRISTMAS FAIR th Saturday 11 November

11.30am – 2.30pm St Ninian’s Church (entry from St John’s Road or St Ninian’s Road)

Christmas Hampers (with draws throughout the Fair) Home Bakery, Jams, Crafts, Jewellery, Toiletries, Flower Arrangements, Books, Water or Wine,

Children’s Stall, Children’s Activities, Music in the Sanctuary

Lunches served till 2.30pm

Admission: Adults £1; Children 50p

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Sunday School News

Our Closing service in June showed, once again, what talented and confident youngsters we have in our Sunday School, with the lovely songs from Beginners, Primary and Juniors to Alpha’s version of the Prodigal Son.

Certificates and books were presented by the Session Clerk, Andrew Gibb, to the children moving up in the Sunday School. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Val Blair for her many years as Leader of the Beginners’ Sunday School.

A new Leader for the Beginners is still needed to replace Val and, if you feel up to the task, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Taking on the role of Sunday School Co-ordinators has been a challenging task at times with neither of us realising just how much work Suzanne did behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly. A year on and hopefully we are now “getting the hang of it”. We’ve greatly appreciated the help and support from the Leaders in the Sunday School Departments for keeping us right.

Sadly, our numbers in the Sunday School are falling. The challenge for us now is to find ways of encouraging more children back into Sunday School. No easy task these days with many young ones in sports activities and some parents having to work on a Sunday. With help and support of the Leaders and our “New Minister” we hope to find a way forward and see our Sunday School thriving again.

Sunday School resumes on 20th August at 10.25am, after the Summer break, when we look forward to welcoming our children back along with some new members.

Crèche Age: 0-3yrs Room 1 Beginners 3-5yrs Martin Shields Hall Primary 5-8yrs Burns Hall Juniors 8-12yrs Beith Hall Alpha 12+yrs Room 6

Diana Fairgrieve & Lesley Gulland (Joint Co-ordinators)

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Step Inside

Our Youth Club for 10-14 year olds starts up again on Saturday 26th August and will run on the last Saturday of each month between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. Activities include indoor softball, table tennis, snooker, badminton, X Factor practice and, of course, lots of chat. New members, friends and adult volunteers will be made most welcome. Simon Langdon

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With A Voice of Singing …..

The Choir will start tuning up again on Thursday 21st September at 7.30pm. New members in all sections (men & women) will be most welcome to join our friendly Choir. Practices are held on Thursday evenings from September to May. It is not essential to be able to read music. Anne Kirkpatrick

The Grand Finale in May - Karl Jenkins “The Armed Man”

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Solace

A hundred years have come and gone Since life forever changed When ploughs and shears were left behind And guns and cannons trained 'For king and country' was the cry They rallied to the call But now 'neath foreign soil they lie Brave hearts who gave their all But what of those with heavy hearts Who mourn them still today Whose bosoms swell with quiet pride While pain's the price they pay Well, look towards the setting sun As twinkling stars appear Each bears a message from above 'Not gone...... but resting here'.

[This appeared with the photo of St Magnus Cathedral River of Poppies in the Muthill Church Newsletter, kindly forwarded by Andrew Gibb]

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NIGHTSTOP

Since 2003 we have been supporting the Rock Trust through our donations of food items. It is possible to give support in another way, through Nightstop.

There are 2 branches of Nightstop UK in Scotland which work towards the eradication of youth homelessness, Nightstop Edinburgh and Nightstop West Lothian, run by the Rock Trust in partnership with the Councils of the City of Edinburgh and West Lothian. Their aim is to provide a suitable alternative to emergency accommodation for young people in a crisis. The idea is to keep them out of hostel and B&B accommodation, as unsuitable accommodation can be the first step into a spiral of homelessness.

Nightstop Edinburgh aims to provide emergency accommodation, between 1 and 3 nights, in the homes of approved volunteers. This should provide a bit of time out for the young person (and their family or carers) so that support can be put in place to help the breakdown of their current accommodation arrangements or to identify and secure longer term accommodation more appropriate to the young person.

The Rock Trust is trying to prevent recurring homelessness. In order for each young person to access Nightstop, time is spent ensuring a good match between them and the host family. Risk assessments are made to ensure that it is appropriate to house them with a host family. Reference is made with police and social work. If the person is not accommodated, the Council may have to place them in lodgings or B&B.

Do you have a spare room? Last year in the UK over 600 people opened their homes and provided 13,000 nights of support. In Edinburgh Nightstop is preventing homelessness through community hosting by placing young people, who have nowhere to stay, in the spare rooms of trained volunteers. The young person receives a private room, a warm meal and somewhere safe to stay the night while the Rock Trust looks for a more permanent solution.

Would you be a volunteer? Volunteers receive support and training covering many topics including who uses Nightstop, do’s and don’ts, practical tips, boundaries and volunteer support (available 24 hours with someone in the Rock Trust). Volunteers are trained on how to be a listening ear if the young person wishes to talk to them, and signs up to a rota, stating which evening of the week is suitable and how often they wish to give support. (It could be frequently or once a month). The host must stay in the house while the young person is there. Expenses are reimbursed and toiletries provided.

Would you be a volunteer driver or chaperone? They meet the young person at a pre-arranged place, drive them, introduce them to their host and then call the project to confirm that the person has arrived safely. Sometimes a chaperone may accompany them on public transport. Again, training is provided and expenses are reimbursed.

Would you help the Rock Trust in this way to END YOUTH HOMELESSNESS? If you wish to give support, contact the Rock Trust on 0131 557 4059 or by e-mailing [email protected]

Valerie Thomson

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The Guild – Theme 2017-2018 Be Bold – Be Strong – Go in LOVE!

It is that time of year again when the Committee starts to plan the programme for the forthcoming Guild session. We have had many wonderful ideas and suggestions for our new session which commences on Tuesday 19th September at 2.15pm.

New members are most welcome. Join us and enjoy our exciting range of topics such as: My Jute Journey, R L Stevenson and Cherry Blossom to Geisha and much more.

It was good to catch up at our summer ‘get together’ on 25th July, whilst enjoying a delicious afternoon tea. Special thanks to Norma and her team.

Sincere thanks to all who continue to participate, support and fill our Guild with joy, love and fellowship. Irene McCartney (Secretary to the Guild)

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Cathedral of the Isles Venue for 2018 Munich/Edinburgh Twinning Conference

Once again it is our turn here in Edinburgh to host for a few days visitors from Munich taking part in the next City Twinning Churches Conference in mid-May 2018; the theme will be “Pentecost”. They hosted a group from here for an Advent theme in 2016, a very successful meeting.

An exciting programme is being planned for the visitors from Munich churches, including a boat trip to the Isle of Cumbrae and a stay in the smallest Cathedral. Please consider taking part in this friendly church/city twinning initiative which began in 1979, when Edinburgh marked the Silver Anniversary of its very first City Twinning, with an Oktoberfest in Princes Street gardens. It is hoped to attract new members as well as those who have enjoyed fellowship over the years, and you will be invited to planning meetings. Normally the Edinburgh Moderator invites the Munich group to attend, and this is followed by planning flights, the programme, speakers, etc.

Hosts for the Edinburgh portion of the Conference are needed as well so, if you can offer a sofa or bed for a few nights, that would be very welcome. That is how I first got involved, when the Rev Stewart Miller, Lorna’s late husband, announced in church that hosts were needed. More recently, Liz Stewart organised hospitality for the Munich visitors here in the church and she and Alex also acted as hosts. Jennifer Grimmond also ably led a ceilidh in Munich for one of our conferences there.

Watch this space for updates…. Suzette Bell

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Conversazione The Men’s Group lunches will recommence on Wednesday 25th October at 12.30pm. We very much hope new members will join us and we look forward to seeing you and getting some lively craic. Douglas Ramsay

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Smalls for All

Several people have been asking what has happened to the “Bra Box” which was in the Ladies’ Toilet. I have been doing some research and found a wonderful little website called Smalls for All. It is a Scottish Charity, based in West Lothian, which collects and distributes underwear to help women and children in Africa. They help those living in orphanages, slums, camps and schools for Internally Displaced Persons, as well as providing underwear to hospitals to help those suffering from medical conditions like obstetric fistula.

By the middle of July, they had collected 502,395 items of underwear and distributed 367,046. Could you add to their pile of pants? All you have to do is buy a packet of ladies’ or children’s pants and pop them in the box which I will put in the Ladies’ toilet. They must be new and size-wise for children aged 3-15 or ladies size 8-16. They also accept new or ‘gently worn’ bras which can be any size, including teen, sports and nursing bras, but not cropped top style or bikini tops.

I recommend you have a look at their website (www.smallsforall.org) to read more about this inspirational charity. Gaynor Beames

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Thought for the Day

"I got up early one morning And rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish That I didn't have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me, And heavier came each task; 'Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered. He answered, 'You didn't ask’. I wanted to see joy and beauty But the day toiled on gray and bleak I wondered why God didn't show me He said, 'But you didn't seek', I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys in the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, 'My child, you didn't knock'. I woke up early this morning, And paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish That I had to take time to pray." (Author Unknown)

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The Cross of Nails

During a short stay in York in the summer, Katherine and I happened to visit the Church of St Martin Le Grand in Coney Street not far from the Cathedral. The church, an 11th century foundation, is best known today for the large and elaborate clock which hangs over Coney Street. However, it has another story to tell which I thought might be of interest to readers of the Quarterly.

The medieval church was bombed during a raid on York in April 1942 and never rebuilt – the site was left vacant. However, in the late 1960s, an adjoining small area composed of the remains of the south aisle and a tower was rebuilt and continues to be used as the Church of St Martin. The feature which attracted our attention was a simple small cross near the altar which we learned was an example of the Coventry Cross of Nails. Neither of us had ever heard of this.

Its origins arise from the blitz of 1940. Coventry was an arms centre during World War II and, as such, it was a prime target for German bombing raids. Much of the city, including Coventry Cathedral, was destroyed by the Luftwaffe in the devastating raid of 14th/15th November 1940.

Feelings of resentment against the Germans were very high at the end of the war. Nevertheless, Coventry Cathedral Community resolved that the Christian message of forgiveness should be followed in the rebuilding of the Cathedral. They wanted to extend the hand of friendship to those with whom they had been at war. The Cathedral Community is still very active to this day in pursuing peace and reconciliation in a variety of areas. The words “Father Forgive” were inscribed on the wall of the Cathedral’s ruined chancel, and three medieval nails Coventry Cathedral after which had been rescued from the rubble, the bombing in 1940 the largest being 7 inches (18cms) long, were welded into a “Cross of Nails”.

Immediately after the war had ended, this kind of cross, easily copied, Replica of the became a potent symbol of friendship and hope, especially in “Cross of Nails” relationships with the German cities of Kiel, Dresden and Berlin whose churches had suffered much from Allied bombing raids. Since St Martin le Grand in York had shared Coventry’s experience, a copy of the Cross of Nails was incorporated into the rebuilt church’s décor as a symbol of friendship and reconciliation.

The Church’s website records: “Since 29th April 2012, the 70th Anniversary of the bombing, we have been partners in the international Community of the Cross of Nails at Coventry Cathedral [which is] a Christian network of churches and organisations who share a common commitment to work and pray for peace, justice and reconciliation . . . in particular, we have forged ties with a partner church, St Marien in Lübeck, which was bombed just a month before St Martin’s in 1942. We look forward to growing connections in Britain and abroad as partners in our shared ministry.” Andrew Broom

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God's Plan for Aging

Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good.

Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom, he made seniors lose co-ordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach and stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good.

Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good.

So, if you find as you age you are getting up and down more, remember it's God’s will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.

Nine Important Facts to Remember as We Grow Older: #9 Death is the number 1 killer in the world. #8 Life is sexually transmitted. #7 Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. #6 Men have 2 motivations: hunger and hanky panky, and they can't tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes, make him a sandwich. #5 Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years unless you give them your email address. #4 Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing. #3 All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. #2 In the 60s, people took LSD to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal. #1 Life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do here, today, may be a burning issue somewhere else, tomorrow.

Please share this wisdom with others while I go to the bathroom. [thanks to Jim Byers for this article]

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Margaret Gordon We note in the recent Kirk News that Margaret is retiring from pastoral care activities in Currie Kirk. Margaret has given over 30 years loyal and dedicated service in this role.

Many in St Ninian’s will remember her time with us and her warmth and friendship, especially to our housebound and less able members. Margaret suggested the Special Afternoon Communion, which is still proving so popular. We would like to thank Margaret for her fellowship at St Ninian’s and join Currie Kirk in wishing her every happiness in her retirement. [Ed]

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Forth Bridge Crossing: This has become a real St Ninian’s Church outing with 28 members and friends of all ages (and two dogs) crossing the Bridge on Saturday 22nd April. The total amount raised increased by £281.00 to: £2,113.00

Christian Aid Week: The house-to-house collection increased by £162.26 to £3016.32. A further £377.50 was raised at the Soup and Sweet lunch with the sale of musical quizzes adding a further £76. As in previous years, some elements of the collection decreased while others increased. However, despite being unable to collect from four areas out of 40, owing to a shortage of collectors, the overall total raised increased by £181.76 to: £3,469.82

Emergency Appeals: Following the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) East Africa Crisis Appeal for food, water and medical equipment, at the 26th March service, the congregation generously donated a total of: £1,975.06

Overall: The combined total raised by St Ninian’s for Christian Aid so far in 2017 has reached: £7,557.88

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Forth Bridge Crossing, Christian Aid Week and the East Africa Crisis Appeal in St Ninian’s parish – walkers, sponsors, hospitality team, contributors, collectors, counters, etc. Alec Millar

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North West Carers Centre Courses/Events Programme (A carer led organisation supporting carers living in North West Edinburgh)

Do you feel isolated, stressed, in need of support? Come along to our group and meet others, share experiences and benefit from peer support in a safe and friendly environment. The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month at St Ninian’s from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Events, outings and courses include barge trips, craft groups, singing groups, and relaxation therapies.

The main aim of the Side by Side Project is to help carers (husband, wife, children, siblings, relatives, friends or neighbours) and the person they care for, who are living with Dementia, or Cognitive Impairment, to live well. If you think you cannot attend a course/event/outing, call the project and they may be able to help. All courses, events and outings are free. To make a booking or obtain further information, please contact Joan Hogg on 315 3130 or email [email protected].

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St.Ninian's Church Of Scotland , Corstorphine

Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Period ended. 31 July 2017 Actual Actual Variance 2017 2016 £ £ £ PAYMENTS Ministry and Mission National Stipend and Mission and Renewal Fund 50,918 54,684 3,766 Add : Locumcy Costs 3,473 0 (3,473) 54,391 54,684 293 Congregational expenses Presbytery Dues 1,824 1,968 144 Pulpit Supply 830 298 (533) Minister's Travel and Expenses 196 480 284 Minister's Removal / Disturbance Allowance 2,175 0 (2,175) Local Salaries 18,898 17,996 (901) Fabric,Repairs and Maintenance 3,531 4,608 1,078 Hall Running Costs 7,328 7,299 (29) Property Insurance 3,794 4,242 448 Manse Running Costs (inc Council Tax) 1,814 1,329 (486) Office Expenses 1,825 2,208 384 Other Expenses 2,997 2,677 (319) 45,211 43,106 (2,105)

Total Payments 99,602 97,790 (1,812)

RECEIPTS other than Offerings Use Of Church Halls 14,408 17,468 (3,060) Investment Income 2,884 2,816 68 Other Receipts 3,001 1,903 1,098 Total 20,292 22,187 (1,894)

Amount to be met from Offerings 79,310 75,604 Offertry and Tax Recoveries Congregation Offerings 75,431 79,405 (3,974) Tax Recovery on Gift Aid 15,178 15,856 (678) 90,609 95,260 (4,651) Surplus to date £11,299 £19,657 (8,357)

Before Legacies Received £2,000 £1,500 500

COMMENT Before legacies received we are £8,357 worse off on the General Account than at the same time last year. This is largely due to the following: £ Additional costs (offset by some savings) arising from the Vacancy (2,616) A reduction in Fabric,Repairs and Maintenance costs 1,078 A small overall increase in all other costs (273) Sub-total (1,812)

A reduction in hall rental due to the loss of a council project (3,060) A small increase in Investment Income 68 An increase in other income 1,098 A reduction in Offerings and tax recoveries (4,651) Sub-total (6,545)

Total (8,357)

Janice Reynolds Treasurer

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Past Times in St Ninian’s

From the Quarterly 25 Years ago, October 1992

From Minister’s Notes by the Rev Colin R Martin

“One of the pleasures of belonging to a congregation in the Corstorphine area has long been the excellent relations shared with the other congregations of all denominations in the district. There is, I’m sure, a contributory factor in the still-existing village community spirit in Corstorphine which has survived in a strange way the massive and geographically widespread development over the past 50 years [and still does – Ed]. There is also the matter of relative proximity of one centre to another. Taking St John The Baptist and St Ninian’s as a central point in the district, a circle of less than a mile will take in all the local churches . . . there is astonishing diversity in the church buildings themselves – from the historic Old Parish to the most modern – from the traditional St Ninian’s to the amphitheatre at Craigsbank – from the pre-First World War Church Extension at St Anne’s, through the between-the-Wars Carrick- Knowe, St Thomas’s Episcopal and the United Free Church to the post-second World War St Andrew’s in and St John’s next door to us . . . In our general congregational cordiality, which our united activities evidence, there is opportunity to underline what unites rather than divides; and specifically in our co-ordinated worship, to express that love which ought surely to be the bottom line in our fellowship as Christians . . .”

20 Baptisms and 9 Marriages recorded for the Quarter, July-Sept 1992.

From the Quarterly 50 years ago, October 1967

“THE CHOIR has resumed practising for the Winter and we look forward to a successful session. Our main effort will be directed towards a performance on Christmas Eve of Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols”. This will require an enthusiastic team of singers and I would like to extend a strong invitation to anyone interested in choral singing to join us if they possibly can (particularly sopranos). I should like to add a word of welcome to Mr Bill Scott, our new second organist. Mr Scott’s prime function is to officiate at the 9.30am Service. I have known Mr Scott for some years and know that he will fulfil his duties admirably and most conscientiously and will prove a great asset to us. RFD” [Robin F Dempster]

“MEN’S CLUB The golf outing to Gullane and the golf competitions which gave much pleasure and, alas scorewise, a great deal of woe, also brought to light some unorthodox golfers who shall remain nameless, that is until the time comes to admit handicaps. The winter session began on 4th October . . . talks and games evenings alternately, where a warm welcome awaits every male member of the congregation who wishes to attend. J.McG.” [Suggestions as to his identity please – Ed]

11 Baptisms and 7 Marriages recorded for the Quarter, July-Sept 1967.

oo00oo

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