Rosyth St Margaret’s Scottish Methodist Church Episcopal Church

Contact the newsletter of the partnership between

Rosyth Methodist Church and St Margaret’s Scottish Episcopal Church

Issue 66 February/March 2013 Rosyth St Margaret’s Scottish Methodist Church Episcopal Church Scottish Charity SC028559 Scottish Charity SC028426

in partnership Our partnership is formally recognised as a Local Ecumenical Partnership, with a constitution and Covenant signed on 14 June 2000

Ministers: Interim Rector: Deacon Sarah McDowall Very Rev Jim Mein 01506 834317 01383 611000 Honorary Priest: Rev Andrew Letby 0131 663 1545 Rev Ross Kennedy 01383 625887 Senior Steward: Trainee Lay Reader: Mary Kidd 01383 872332 Dr Margaret Dineley Pastoral Secretary: 01383 624377 Gwyneth Kirby 01383 624779 Vestry Secretary: Treasurer: Sandra Young 01383 415021 Howard Kirby 01383 624779 Treasurer: Alan Taylor 01383 823902

our regular pattern of worship

Sundays (except 4th) 9.30am Episcopalian Sung Eucharist (occasionally 9.15am – see diary pages for details) 11.00am Methodist Morning Worship (including Sunday School) 2nd Sundays: for the Young Church 9.00am Breakfast and “Sunday Funday” 4th Sundays: Worship together 11.00am Joint Communion Service 6.00pm “Sunday@Six”

us at the junction of Queensferry Road and Woodside Avenue. The car park is behind theOur church, postal address and limited is Queensferry local on-street Road, parking Rosyth, is Dunfermline, available, but KY11 there 2JH, is lots and more you’ll space find in the parking area at the junction with Park Road. – Page 2 – New on our patch …

As you will see from the note of welcome on page 4, February sees the start of the ministry among us of the Very Rev Jim Mein. We thought we should share his letter to the St Margaret’s congregation with members of both halves of our partnership.

I hope to meet many of you at Church and at the Tuesday Lent meetings (see page 6), but my contact details are below and I do hope that all of you will feel free to get in touch with me at any time about anything that concerns you. Just a brief word about myself: after training in England I came with Bishop Ken Carey to Edinburgh in 1963. Apart from 5 years in Malawi I have remained in the Edinburgh Diocese for all my ministry, ending up at Christ Church, Morningside.

Revd’ but I expect to be known simply as As most of you will have heard, Bishop As Dean Emeritus my official title is ‘Very David has asked me to act as your Interim emphasis being a recognition that diversity Rector during the remaining time of your is‘Jim’. not My only theology a fact in is the liberal Church with today its main but vacancy. I’m looking forward to meeting you extremely valuable. None of us can know and also our colleagues in the Methodist congregation. through our dark glass we might help one An inter-regnum is an important time in another‘the truth’ glimpse about God another but as aspectwe each of peer the a congregation’s life. I’ve been involved mystery that created our universe and, in many (at the moment I’m still with amazingly, loves each one of us. God bless you all and our time together, say is that I will rely to a very great extent onSt John’s, the continuing Edinburgh) work and of theRoss, first the thing Vestry, to Jim Mein of ministry that every member of the 01506 834317 [email protected] congregationand indeed all has. of you In thein the periods different between roles ‘Cardhu’, Bridgend, LINLITHGOW, EH49 6NH stipendiary clergy it is particularly important that pastoral care is exercised and contacts are maintained with all the members of the congregation, especially What’s in this issue … any who are sick or housebound. I can’t do that, and neither can Ross on his own – it Diary for February–April (pp9–12) is a job for every one of us. Fellowship News (pp4–5) However, the second thing is that leadership Invitations (pp6–8 and p14) (responsive, not dictatorial!) is important in Reports (pp13–17) a congregation and I want to be clear that I Casting the Net (p18) hope to be fully involved in all our planning and decision-making in the months ahead. – Page 3 – Fellowship News Welcome Laid aside … A very warm welcome to the Very Rev We are pleased to know that Betty Terry, Jim Mein, Dean Emeritus of the Diocese Jock Headden, and Erica Lock are all of Edinburgh, whom Bishop David has recovering from their operations, and appointed as Interim Priest for St Margaret’s have been able to return to the fold of our (and Holy Trinity, Dunfermline) from Ash fellowship. Wednesday, 13 February. Jim will exercise We are very sorry to hear of John Hall’s ministry with the authority of a Rector and heart attack following Howard’s 70th will take overall responsibility for the life birthday celebration and of Thelma Couch’s of St Margaret’s. emergency admission to Victoria Hospital Jim was Dean and Rector of Christ Church, two days later. Our love and prayers are with Morningside until his retirement. Prior to them and their families, that they will each going to Christ Church, he was part of the make a good recovery very quickly. Livingston Ecumenical Team from 1982 to We’ve heard on the grapevine that Jimmy 1990. During his time there he took a few Lawson has recently had a pace-maker services at Rosyth and is looking forward to working with both our congregations. Jim Gwyneth Manley is home from hospital and his wife Helen live in Linlithgow. followingfitted. We hope a fall it keeps that resulted up with him! in a hip Thank you to Fr Ross. He will continue operation. She is making steady progress to do our pastoral visiting and conduct and we hope to see her back at church and services. We are very grateful to Ross for Wednesday Fellowship soon. the tremendous work he has done for us. Myra Tarr has had the plaster removed His pastoral visiting is much appreciated from her wrist, and is driving and playing and his worship uplifting and helpful. the piano again. May Hopper 1915–2013 The Church family was saddened to hear that May Hopper passed away early in the New our Women’s Own which then became the Year, shortly after her 98th birthday. She had Wednesday‘Swans’ folded Fellowship she became 4 years a member ago. of been a loyal member of Rosyth Methodist May will be long-remembered for her Church since her arrival in Scotland 60 years wicked sense of humour, always seeing the ago, with her husband Sid, and sons Graham sunny side of things. Whenever Mary Kidd brought her to Fellowship on a Wednesday devoted to her family, and always there for afternoon she would always be so grateful them.and Denis. She was A ‘stay-at-home devastated when Mum’, her Mayhusband was and looking forward to being out to meet passed away in 1968. She didn’t cope too her friends and enjoy the fellowship, but well but her faith and her church family on entering the church she would nearly friends helped her through that time. May belonged to several clubs in Rosyth – you are’! the S.W.A.N.S, Civil Service, Burnside Social, Ouralways thoughts say, ‘Now, are withMary, Denis, remember who was where his and the Lunch Club at Church to name mother’s carer for the last ten years or so, but a few. Her home-baking, especially and with Graham, Etta and their family who her scones, were second to none! When will miss May very much. – Page 4 – Fellowship News Christmas past A Postscript to Christmas 23 December 2012 was a very happy day, May I thank Connie Syme and Ruby Lucas when both churches joined in fellowship, who knitted the fabulous Nativity Scene friendship and sharing. which was on display on our Welcome Special thanks must go to Jean Hall and Table throughout the Christmas period. her helpers (especially the youngest ones the delicious Christmas tea – thoroughly enjoyedLewis and by Anna) all present whose efforts– led to in a providingtotal of £220 being raised (of which £175 was allocated to Action for Children and £45 to the Church). There followed a Carols by Candlelight service “Christmas through the ages”. This It was much admired by many, children and included carols and readings from the adults alike, who appreciated all the work that Middle Ages to the present day and was had gone into creating and producing such a wonderful service, appreciated by all a remarkable, colourful scene. Thanks also who attended. It was encouraging to have to John Cowell who constructed the stable. a full church. Our thanks go to all who I’m sure the whole project, which took many participated, especially Sue Masson who months of work, will be admired and much devised the service and trained the choir. appreciated in the Christmases to come. Alan Taylor sends his thanks to members of Thanks are also due to Dennis Cook and both congregations, who combined to give David Slater who arranged the Church the largest-ever joint collection for CHAS Christmas Dinner at The Hideaway at at the service. CHAS was delighted to receive Halbeath. It was such a bitterly cold night £407.04 inclusive of tax recovered, and very outside, but the warmth of the occasion and the excellent food and service, the the St Margaret’s noticeboard. Well done, fellowship, and hearing more of Dennis’s everyone!nice “thank you” letter and certificate is on fund of Irish jokes made up for the sub-zero temperature of the night! Mary Kidd “With age cometh wisdom”! Ed: Mary Kidd’s report (above) continued: Two weeks later we were celebrating again over a delightful lunch – this time to celebrate the 70th birthday of our Treasurer, Professor Howard Rowland Kirby! I suspect no-one knew Howard’s middle name, or his favourite comedian, author, or why he goes to Sussex every October. (Someone at the next table said “To get away from Gwyneth” – but that’s not true!). But we know now! Thank you, Howard, Gwyneth and family for inviting your church family to share with you all in the celebrating of Howard’s reaching his three-score years and ten!

Mary then signed off with the quotation that heads this paragraph. Perhaps she had in mind that she herself will be reaching her ‘allotted span’ early in February?! Happy ‘significant birthday’ to both our– friends.Page 5 – Where would we be without them? Invitations A series of meetings in Lent Sunday@Six with a difference From 7.30pm to 9.00pm in Holy Trinity, For our February Sunday@Six Sue Masson Dunfermline, Church Hall on Tuesdays has arranged for one of her colleagues, 19/26 February and 5/12/19 March Adrienne Ferguson, a member of St Paul’s and St George’s (P & Gs) church in the I agreed with the Bishop that during Lent we centre of Edinburgh, to take part in our would have some general meetings about worship by talking about her recent trip Church life and that after Easter we would to Peru. Adrienne was one of the youth leaders and St Margaret’s in their appointment of a on P&G’s Youth Fellowship trip there last look at the specific tasks of Holy Trinity July. The visit included working with the use some material from the training of our orphans in New Hope Children’s Home, studentsnew Rector. in InTISEC these which five meetings they have I plan found to where the Youth Group enjoyed serving interesting. them: painting walls, creating a mural, The format will be some input from me, but cooking supper, singing songs, worshipping most of the time spent in discussion and the together, and praying for one another. general themes are: Sue also plans to include music and 19 February: The spirituality wheel – ways of knowing God so that choir and congregation can get 26 February: Polarities – strong involved!hymns with And arefreshments South American will be flavour, served leadership or general participation afterwards. 5 March: Variety in personalities – This promises to be an enlightening all are needed service – just what we need to chase away the winter blues! So please do join us on 12/19 March are still to be planned – Sunday 24 February at 6.00pm, and bring your friends too. go – but in general they will be asking what depending on how the first three meetings Confirmation I do hope some members from St Margaret’s willare the be ablesigns to of come a healthy to these congregation? meetings – do Jim Mein writes: give them a try if you are able. Ross and I hope that life in the congregation Jim Mein will continue as normally as possible through the inter-regnum and if you, or anyone you Lent Study – classes – or Baptism, or Marriage, or any “Living Thessalonians” otherknow, service might be of interestedthe Church in – pleaseConfirmation let one Based on material written by Rev Andrew of us know. Letby, this study will look at what we as Ed: Christians in contemporary society might Ross and Jim on the inside front cover. learn from those who have gone before us. You will find phone numbers for All are welcome to join us at the manse on Thursdays 28 February, 7, 14 & 21 March at 7.30pm.

– Page 6 – Invitations Giving to others: Christian Aid News: Support our charity appeals Dates for your diaries Tuesday 12 February: An Afternoon Tea charities – Samaritan’s Purse and the newly for Valentine’s Day will be held in the Parish openedDuring 2012Dunfermline we collected Food Bank for two – and different would Church Hall from 2.30 until 4.30pm. Tickets like to do the same this year. From Sunday £5.00 (children £2.50). Mary Dempster will 3 February until Sunday 30 June we will be hold a Chocolate Tombola Stall and will be collecting for Samaritan’s Purse, then from delighted if people would donate chocolate Sunday 7 July until Sunday 24 November goods please. Items should be given to Mary the collection will be for the Dunfermline by Sunday 10 February. Food Bank. There will be no collections in Do please support this fund-raiser – you January and December. The blue box will be will enjoy it. If anyone is free and would in the Crush Hall on Sunday 3 February and like to help on the day it would be much the items required for that month will be appreciated by the committee. Please let facecloths and notebooks. We hope that we Mary know. will be as successful as last year, so please Wednesday 27 March at The Hub Café, in the Parish Church Hall from 12.00 until 2.00pm is Souper Soup Day for Christian continueThe to help Memorial fill the box! Book The Memorial Book is going to be updated soups (small size bowl) or 1 soup (large in the near future. If anyone feels they Aid. You will be able to sample two different would like to propose an entry, would they Thursday 9 May: The children’s choirs please get in touch with either David Slater frombowl) the plus local delicious primary desserts, schools will tea/coffee. perform. or Dennis Cook. children asked if they could come again Extend your vision nextBefore year, the so concert please supportfinished this last and year watch the for the poster going up telling you to buy On Saturday 9 March the Outreach Centre, a ticket. Riggs Road, Perth is the venue for “The With music in mind … of thinking about discipleship, with Mark Wakelin,‘Methodist President Community’ of in Conference. Scotland”, a Theday At 7.30pm on Saturday 9 March, you are event runs from 10.30am to 3.00pm, and spoilt for choice! is free, including sandwich lunch. Dunfermline Choral Union appear at the At 7.00pm on Tuesday 12 March Granton Vine Church with the Scottish première United Church are hosting a Methodist of Paul Carr’s Requiem for an Angel, and Women in Britain evening. Mrs Kate Curtis, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. Tickets from Mary Scotland District MWiB President will be Kidd, Gwyneth Kirby and Myra Tarr. “Master and Pupil”, the Scottish Chamber Women Conference in Johannesburg.’ Choir concert in Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, Forspeaking further on details the ‘World on either Confederation of these events. of features choral works by Benjamin Britten and Arthur Oldham. Tickets from Martin Tarr. contact the Circuit Office. – Page 7 – A Cornucopia from the St Margaret’s Treasurer Alan Taylor writes …

The St Columba Group, an ecumenical We plan to continue with our annual Walk study group which has met for many for Jesus around Rosyth on Good Friday, years at St Columba’s Parish Church in 29 March, leaving St Columba’s for Rosyth South Rosyth, will hold its Lent Study for Methodist Church at 10.30am. Sadly last year, the only folk who turned up were the is on Monday 11 February, starting at local ministers. With hymns, bible readings six weeks during Lent. The first meeting and prayers, this is a meditative experience, marking Good Friday and witnessing to the Lent!7.30pm, Our finishing material at this about year 9.15pm is “Finding with good folk of Rosyth. It’s not strenuous – but Nourishment”,tea, coffee and from biscuits the sameor cake Bible – evenLands in it is an uplifting experience. And we would organisation which gives us the Christmas like your support. carols booklet. It is a Lent study with a The Paschal Candle for 2013 is being donated this year by a member of the snacks each week we will consider the Methodist congregation, who wishes to difference. Through sharing different light remain anonymous. The candle, which is and ministry as we journey through Lent. in memory of a dear departed loved one, Thesignificance last meeting of food is onin relation18 March. to JesusWhy notlife will be blessed at the 9.15am service in church on Easter Sunday, and will burn throughout the Easter Season. This is a Advent,come along when and we join return us? After to meeting Lent, we weekly meet lovely way to recognise and commemorate throughon the first Advent. Monday of every month until Jesus Christ as the Light of the World. It BibleWorld, an initiative of the Scottish allows the baptismal candle for newly- Bible Society to introduce the Bible to baptised infants – and adults – to be lit schoolchildren, will be in the playground from this light throughout the year. And it is of Camdean Primary School from 18–22 totally appropriate for both congregations February. While daytime is for the kids, to have and to use a Paschal Candle. adults can visit in the evening from 6.00pm St Margaret’s will shortly have a to 8.00pm on Tuesday and Wednesday Processional Cross, funds for which nights. Both congregations are sponsoring have been donated by three members this event, along with the three other of our congregation. It is quite usual churches in Rosyth, to the tune of a total of for an Episcopal congregation to have a £1,000. Come along and see. Processional Cross, but we were not able The annual Palm Sunday Walk, with to bring our cross from HMS Cochrane. Sydney the donkey, will leave the car-park of Rosyth Methodist Church at 2.00pm on St Margaret’s. It is usual to carry the cross Sunday 24 March. Our destination will whenSo this the generous choir enter gesture the sanctuary, fills a gapthough for be the park, where there will be a short it is quite likely that we will do this only service of praise. Why not join us, carry a on grand occasions. When not in use, the Processional Cross will be mounted on a we will go back to the church for some bracket in the sanctuary. refreshments.palm leaf, or hand out palm crosses? Then

– Page 8 – Diary for February 2013

Sunday 10 February

9.30am Sung Eucharist Rev Ross Kennedy Sunday before Lent 9.00am ‘Sunday Funday’ and Breakfast

Deacon Sarah McDowall (Worship Leader) 11.00am Morning Worship Rev Geoffrey Baines 3.00pm Service at Orchardhead House, Rosyth Monday 11 Feb 7.30pm Ecumenical Lent Study Group, St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane (see page 8) Tuesday 12 Feb 2.30pm Christian Aid Valentine’s Afternoon Tea to 4.30pm Rosyth Parish Church, Queensferry Road includes Mary Dempster’s Chocolate Tombola stall

for 7.30pm 31 High Street, Dunfermline [Ring Yes-U-Are buzzer] 7.15pm Prayer in Unity, Yes-U-Are Partnership’s Office Ash Wednesday 2.15 pm Wednesday Fellowship: Haiti re-visited with Lou Davidson 7.30pm Sung Eucharist with imposition of ashes Very Rev Jim Mein Sunday 17 February Lent 1 9.30am Sung Eucharist Rev Ross Kennedy Preacher: Very Rev Jim Mein 11.00am Morning Worship Mr Laurent Vernet Evelyn Kenny (Worship Leader) Monday 18 Feb to 9.15am Bibleworld (Scottish Bible Society) Friday 22 Feb 11.00am Roadshow for school children & 1.15pm Camdean Primary School Playground Monday 18 Feb 7.00pm Property Committee Meeting in Church Lounge 7.30pm Ecumenical Lent Study Group, St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane (see page 8) Tuesday 19 Feb and 6.00pm Bibleworld Roadshow adult visits Wednesday 20 Feb –8.00pm Camdean Primary School Playground Tuesday 19 Feb 7.30pm Lent Meeting at Holy Trinity, Dunfermline (see page 6) Wednesday 20 Feb 2.15pm Wednesday Fellowship: Guest speaker: Ronnie MacMillan – Philately 7.00pm Local Preachers Meeting in Church Lounge Friday 22 Feb 7.00pm Choir practice

– Page 9 – Diary for February/March 2013

Sunday 24 February Lent 2 11.00am Joint Communion Service Rev Andrew Letby Deacon Sarah McDowall (Worship Leader) Traidcraft goods on sale after the service

Monday 25 Feb 7.30pm Ecumenical Lent Study Group, 6.00pm Sunday@Six with a difference (see page 6) St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane (see page 8) Tuesday 26 Feb 7.30pm Lent Meeting at Holy Trinity, Dunfermline (see page 6) Wednesday 27 Feb 2.15pm Wednesday Fellowship: John Drylie from Dunfermline Food Bank Thursday 28 Feb 7.30pm Lent Study at the manse: “Living Thessalonians” See page 6 – continued on 7, 14, 21 March Friday 1 Mar 2.00pm World Day of Prayer, St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane (see page 14) 7.00pm Methodist open consultation meeting in the Church re proposed resolutions regarding One Circuit (prior to March circuit meeting) Sunday 3 March Lent 3 9.30am Sung Eucharist Very Rev Jim Mein Church Anniversary – 97 years of Methodism in Rosyth 11.00am Morning Worship: Rev T Alan Anderson (Superintendent of Glasgow Circuit) Monday 4 Mar 7.30pm Ecumenical Lent Study Group, St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane (see page 8) Tuesday 5 Mar 6.30pm Circuit Meeting CEMC Nicolson Square, Edinburgh light tea served from 5.30pm 7.30pm St Andrews West Area Council meeting St Margaret’s, Leven 7.30pm Lent Meeting at Holy Trinity, Dunfermline (see page 6) Wednesday 6 Mar 2.15 pm Wednesday Fellowship: Thelma and David Couch – Paget’s Disease Thursday 7 Mar 7.30pm Lent Study at the manse (see page 6) Friday 8 Mar 7.00pm Choir practice

– Page 10 – Diary for March 2013

Saturday 9 Mar 9.30am Diocesan Synod, St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth

to 3.00pm Day of thinking about discipleship (see page 7) 10.30am The ‘Methodist Community’ in Scotland Sunday 10 March

(Mothering Sunday) Lent 4 9.30am9.00am SungSunday Eucharist ‘Funday’ and Breakfast Rev Ross Kennedy

Deacon Sarah McDowall (Worship Leader) 11.00am Morning Worship Rev Geoffrey Baines 3.00pm Service at Orchardhead House Monday 11 Mar 7.30pm Ecumenical Lent Study Group, St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane (see page 8) Tuesday 12 Mar 7.00pm Methodist Women in Britain evening at Granton United Church (see page 7) 7.30pm Bishop David’s Lent Roadshow at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Inverkeithing:

‘Faith, vocation and transformed lives’. for 7.30pm 31 High Street, Dunfermline [Ring Yes-U-Are buzzer] 7.15pm Prayer in Unity, Yes-U-Are Partnership’s Office 7.30pm Lent Meeting at Holy Trinity, Dunfermline (see page 6) Wednesday 13 Mar 2.15 pm Wednesday Fellowship: The Wee Tea Company Thursday 14 Mar 7.30pm Lent Study at the manse (see page 6) Sunday 17 March Lent 5 9.30am Sung Eucharist Very Rev Jim Mein 11.00am Morning Worship for Acorn Sunday Rev Andrew Letby Deacon Sarah McDowall (Worship Leader) (A special collection will be taken for the Acorn Centre)

Holy Trinity, Dunfermline 6.30pm Short service of prayer, reflection and Taizé chants Monday 18 Mar 7.30pm Ecumenical Lent Study Group, St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane (see page 8) Tuesday 19 Mar 7.30pm Lent Meeting at Holy Trinity, Dunfermline (see page 6) Wednesday 20 Mar 2.15pm Wednesday Fellowship:

Daffodil– PageTea fundraising 11 – afternoon Diary for March 2013

Thursday 21 Mar 7.30pm Lent Study at the manse (see page 6) Friday 22 Mar 7.00pm Choir practice Holy Week Sunday 24 March Palm Sunday 11.00am Joint Communion Service and Blessing of Palms Rev Dr Marion Keston Traidcraft goods on sale after the service 2.00pm Rosyth Churches Together Palm Sunday procession (see page 8) 6.00pm Sunday@Six Service Note: We anticipate that throughout Holy Week there will be services at Holy Trinity, Dunfermline, but details were not available as we went to press. Please look at our websites and the weekly Joint Notices nearer the time. Wednesday 27 Mar 2.15pm Wednesday Fellowship: Holy Week Communion led by the Rev Malcolm Trew An opportunity to meet the Fellowship and partake of mid-week communion. All welcome. Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Liturgy of the Last Supper Very Rev Jim Mein

(see page 6) Good Friday 10.30am Good Friday walk/service (details to be confirmed) Sunday 31 March Easter Sunday 9.15am Sung Eucharist

David Salthouse (Worship Leader) 11.00am Family Service Rev Geoffrey Baines Wednesday 3 Apr 2.15pm Wednesday Fellowship:

Friday 5 Apr 7.00pm Choir practice Prestonpans Tapestry – ‘Stitches for Charlie’ Sunday 10 April Easter 2 9.30am Sung Eucharist Note 11.00am Morning Worship Rev Andrew Letby : No Sunday ‘Funday’ during the school holidays Evelyn Kenny (Worship Leader) 3.00pm Service at Orchardhead House, Rosyth

– Page 12 – Musings of a Supernumerary and a Senior Steward

On 25 November, celebrating Christ the King, our Joint Service of Holy Communion was led by the Most Reverend David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal church, and the Reverend Lily Twist, Chair of the Methodist Synod in Scotland. Neither is a stranger to Rosyth, and we welcomed them warmly. But this our respective congregations have jointly was the first time that the two leaders of taken a service here. We acknowledged Such LEP partnerships as ours are and celebrated the many ways in which important in the life of both churches – our members work together both formally both locally and nationally - and provide and informally, and the many friendships a valuable testimony to those around us of that have been formed over the years. It Christian unity and of a united witness to was a celebration worthy of the Paschal the Gospel and God’s love. Here at Rosyth it Candle being lit! A wonderful atmosphere seems we have a good example of how we was experienced as these leaders shared in our worship and Holy Communion. It on to some of the traditions we love. was unusual in that a loaf of bread was cope with change, and still find ways to hold distributed to both Episcopalians and Since the closure of the Rosyth Naval Base Methodists, with no distinction. 17 years ago, much has been achieved in We hope you will have read the comments this day we shared not only in worship, but alsowhat a wedelicious share, lunch, despite which, our differences. combined with On Bill Reid, (in the current issue of Scottish the fellowship made for a truly memorable made by our Connexional Liaison Office, Methodists Together) who sees acts of occasion which we hope to repeat in the ecumenical hospitality as a way forward summer before Lily retires. for mission and change. Malcolm Trew and Mary Kidd RMC Film Club It is now six months since the very Invictus’, which looks at prejudice in South Africa, apartheid and all the evils therein which have been overcome through the tosuccessful consider showinghow we’ve of progressed. our opening film power of sport. Our‘Chariots aim ofis Fire’.to open So we the felt Church it would premises be good We plan to mix the topics – ’The Iron Lady’ for a casual, informal get-together and include a Christian/moral message in our has been mentioned as has ‘The Help’. beIn Marchgood to we have hope some to betitles showing that would ‘The tofilm a cinema.choices. We hope to offer something Miracle Maker’ which is a ‘U’ cert. It would Alongto families with whofree teamay and have buns difficulty we’re able going to suggestions will be appreciated. Pleaseappeal giveto different your ideas age andgroups. suggestions Any further to Deacon Sarah McDowall or Evelyn Kenny. show a variety of topics – ‘Pay it forward’, ‘Noah’, ‘Nativity’, and our latest offering– Page ‘ 13 – Wednesday Fellowship

The committee was delighted with the good The following week saw us at the Elgin attendance during the autumn session and Hotel where we enjoyed a nice Christmas all seemed to enjoy the various speakers. Lunch and sadly said goodbye to Allison We ended the session on a high when on Brown who has had to stop coming to the 5 December we held a celebration especially Fellowship due to having too many other for Ethel Douglas as on the 30 December commitments. Allison played the piano she would reach her 100th birthday. The children from Brambles Playgroup came missand also her servedbut she the has tea promised and coffee to look as wellin Christmas songs accompanied by various occasionally.as providing prizes for the raffle. We shall instruments.and started the Ethel afternoon enjoyed off seeing by singing the Our syllabus for this session is varied and children and having them help her blow out the candle on her cake, and also meeting up We look forward to meeting old friends with an old friend, Thelma Couch whom she againlooks andvery hopefully interesting. some Why new not ones join on us?the hadn’t seen for quite some time. 6 February. Mary Dempster World Day of Prayer “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”

The World Day of Prayer this year is on For those who might be interested, there is Friday 1 March. At this time, Christian to be a service for children at St Margaret’s people throughout the world will be joining RC Church in East Port, Dunfermline. This in a service with the title “I was a stranger starts at 2.00pm with a crafts session and and you welcomed me” which has been follows with an act of worship at 3.00pm. written by the Christian women of France. people taking part are encouraged to wear brightTo reflect and the warm theme colours of the toservice represent this year, the closeEach year, to the the internationalfirst service of date-linethe day is heldand warmth of the relationships in our churches serviceson the island continue of Tuvalu for a in period the Pacific of 36 Ocean, hours and communities. This year’s service will until that same date concludes in Alaska be an opportunity to think carefully about just to the other side of the date-line. how we treat the strangers we meet and In Scotland, many Churches and other the nature of the welcome we give to them. Christian groups will be hosting the service, Everyone is invited to attend a service to and are open to anyone who would like celebrate the positives and encouragements to attend. The one for our area which of life. includes Rosyth, Inverkeithing and North If you want further details about the World Queensferry, is being held at 2.00pm at Day of Prayer please visit our Scottish St Columba’s Church, Torridon Lane. website. (www.wdpscotland.org.uk) There are also services in Dunfermline, at Hope to see you there! Mary Kidd St Andrew Erskine Church at 7.15pm. Viewfield Baptist Church at 2.15pm, and at

– Page 14 – Congratulations, Ethel Douglas – 100 not out!

We thought it would be ladies who entertained in interesting to write a few Rosyth and nearby villages. lines about Ethel Douglas By this time the family lived (née Windle), a regular at Castlandhill, Rosyth. member of the Wednesday Ethel’s father died when Fellowship, who reached she was twelve and she 100 years of age recently. remembers her mother dressing in black for nearly Queensferry, and when she three years. wasEthel three first there lived was in Northgreat Her Christmas memory was excitement in her house making a “mistletoe bough” when they all looked out – which was made of two of a window and saw an “girds”, one placed inside airship. It wasn’t until she was about ten the other to make an orb shape, covered that she remembered about it and got the with crepe paper. String would be tied from story from her mother. By this time she lived the orb, and Christmas ornaments and in Holyrood Place (where the Dunfermline Police Station is). hung from the string. Finally the decoration Ethel had six sisters. When her older sister wassmall hung hand-sewn from the bags ceiling. filled There with were sweets no Lily started school Ethel said that she Christmas trees and she thinks that this wanted to go too, so at four and a half she was an English tradition. got her wish and she started at Commercial Ethel married when she was 21 and had School then went on to Queen Anne School a daughter Betty in 1936. During the war, – she left at 14 and stayed at home until ladies had to work, but Ethel stayed at home 17 when she worked in a newspaper & with her daughter and also looked after her tobacconist shop in Dunfermline. own mother and her mother-in-law. Sundays were traditionally attending the When asked what did she think was the Baptist church three times and a walk in best invention of the 20th century she the afternoon. Ethel and her sisters were replied “the washing machine and the always dressed in “Sunday Best” clothes, microwave”. with their long hair in ringlets. After the Ethel really enjoyed her birthday walk they would visit their grandmother. celebrations and to date has had four Ethel’s father was very musical, so there cakes. She is still very active and didn’t was always music and singing in the house. need a stair-lift until she was 99! She is an She started to learn to play the violin when example to us all by the way she joins in quite young and later the piano. Her love everything, goes out to lunch every week of singing started too when very young with her friend, as well as shopping with and has continued all her life. Later in life Betty. she joined the Dunfermline Choral Union, Congratulations Ethel, you are a star! a Ladies Choir in Rosyth and during the Second World War she was one of four Mary Dempster

– Page 15 – My placement at St David’s, Pilton, Edinburgh Margaret Dineley writes …

As part of my training with TISEC (Theological Institute of the Scottish The congregation is principally elderly, Episcopal Church) I have to undertake a thoughWhere does there St isDavid’s a core fit ofinto hard-working this picture? individuals who seek to help in outreach as chaplaincy setting, the aim being to widen a well as in the worship of the church. There student’splacement experience each year in of a ministry.different Lastchurch year or is a strong sense of caring and concern for I learned about Anglo-Catholic worship each other – a true sense of community. by spending the period from Epiphany to Two church members are involved in the Easter at Old St Paul’s, Edinburgh. This year Pilton Elderly Project, drive the minibus to I am in Pilton, a designated Urban Priority pick elderly up for clubs and for the church Area, at the small Scottish Episcopal Church and another who helps in the running of of St David of Scotland. It is a lively little two clubs for the elderly held within the church, with a strong lay ministry team. church building on a Tuesday. A number The church is located in East Pilton, an area of disabled and frail are therefore enabled which has undergone notable regeneration to attend church. The Rector, although in recent years, the housing stock being part-time, does a considerable amount of improved and also increased by the building pastoral visiting and plans are now being of new rental accommodation on the basis of Housing Associations. Nonetheless, as in suggestion of +John to draw up a Mission West Pilton and Muirhouse, there is high Actionmade by Plan members for when of the their vestry Rector to fulfil leaves, the unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse is this coming Easter. As I have experience as rife and fractured families and isolation of a Casting the Net facilitator in our Diocese, the elderly are all too common. These latter they have eagerly accepted my assistance areas, West Pilton especially, are seriously over this. run down, gangs of youths roam the streets, The Rector and congregation have warmly shops are boarded up and youngsters leave welcomed me and I am being drawn into the local secondary school with virtually involvement in a big way. As well as reading lessons and leading intercessions, I will be staring you in the face, and there is a sense preaching, leading services, serving and ofno hopelessness. qualifications. Poverty is everywhere, administering the chalice and also engaging There are glimmers of hope for the future. in pastoral visiting. They are certainly doing Numbers of immigrants from Eastern their best to make me feel part of their Europe and Africa have moved in: despite community. the fact that they are also very poor, they I know I will gain a good deal from being bring with them an ethos of work. They at St David’s and hope I can give something have not grown up in Pilton, feeling there back in return. David, the Rector, lent me is nothing to aim for: they take poorly paid a book entitled Ministry on the Margins, jobs, work hard and gradually spread their an appropriate title for ministering in sense of optimism. Also, social services Pilton. So many of the population of the are based in the poorer areas and there area feel intensely marginalised – poverty, are a number of projects to assist certain unemployment, isolation, hopelessness, targeted groups, especially the elderly. aimlessness, a sense of darkness – high levels of all of these are present.

– Page 16 – Area Council News So all types of ministry, especially caring On Tuesday 15 January the Area Council and preaching, need to be geared towards met at St Paul’s, Kinross and heard a the hope that faith in our Lord can bring. I stimulating and thought-provoking have been struck by the positive aura of the presentation by the Rev Thomas Brauer on little church community and yesterday by a visit to a lady with multiple disabilities, who has risen above these to adopt a positive of‘God’s the church,’Mission, havingOur Mission, been createdMy Mission.’ as such He attitude to life. It is a tiny community in byemphasised our baptism, that andeach that one for of usthe is churchthe ‘body to a sea of problems, but it radiates hope – and, after all, every little thing that can be key, not the buildings in which we currently done in the name of the Lord, every small worship.flourish we Turning need to the see model ourselves of church as the act of compassion forms a ripple which upside down to put all of us as members can spread outwards into a wider ocean at the top, leading the way in mission, in of love. In Pilton I am strongly reminded of the movement which started in South America, calledspreading to ordained the good ministry news, he should affirmed regard his known as Liberation Theology, a movement themselvesbelief that for as theservants, church being to flourish led. those within the Catholic Church which sees in There was a good turnout, including several the Gospel a call to liberate people from members of St Paul’s, and I was delighted political and material oppression. Let us to be able to welcome our new Alternate remember that Jesus’ ministry on earth was Lay Rep, Val Leslie. principally to the poor, the marginalised The next meeting is at St Margaret’s, Leven and the oppressed. John’s gospel, which I at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 March at which it am studying at present, is full of wonderful is hoped to have a speaker on Messy Church statements of Jesus’ intent, which should Margaret Dineley, us as he calls us to be his disciples – he is – to be confirmed later. thebe reflected good shepherd, in the ministry the Way, ofthe each Truth one and of Lay Representative and Convenor the light of the world. Whoever follows me willthe Life never – and walk finally, in darkness to quote butin full will – “Ihave am the light of life” (John 8:12).

One minute, please

“I have come into the world as a light, What did Jesus say? Design on the theme “I was a stranger and you so that no-one who believes in me welcomed me” by Anne-Lise Hammann Jeannot should stay in darkness.” John 12:46 Explanation at http://tinyurl.com/a6yxvj8 What is this image promoting? See page 14! – Page 17 – Casting the Net

This year the Castingan update the Net from (CTN) Sandra team Young, CTN Liaison Officer have decided to change their approach to disseminating CTN news – instead of a newsletter, they will be producing an article for churches to adapt for inclusion in their magazines. Caroline King (CTN Coordinator) writes: “Casting the Net continues to evolve and of Casting the Net. Unfortunately, our vision grow in response to the experiences of a greater focus with the local community of people and congregations across has not yet materialised, mainly due to lack our diocese. The diocese is currently of resources on all sides, but we don’t give undergoing some structural changes to up hope for the future! However, we see better enable delivery of Casting the Net Sunday@Six, the Wednesday Fellowship, initiatives; more importantly, these changes our musical activities and social events coming under the CTN umbrella as part and discipleship in the life of the diocese. reflect the central place of prayer, vocation of our outreach, as we welcome others “In 2013 the Diocese is focusing on Mark to our midst. We continue to keep in of Mission 2: Transformed lives and touch with the Diocesan initiatives by communities through receiving the Good attending workshops, roadshows and other News of Jesus Christ. Transformation gatherings. I am also a member of the CTN is about seeing ourselves and our Communications Group. The remit of this contexts in a new light in response to small group includes being a sounding God’s call to us. In Mark of Mission 2 we create opportunities for people in our initiatives as we look to improve ways of congregations and our communities to sharingboard the for experiences specific communications of Casting the Net know about God’s transforming love for at churches throughout the Diocese. them. We do this by supporting them in all aspects of their everyday lives and through CTN Events Bishop’s Lent Roadshow: The Bishop experience of the Eucharist. will lead a conversation on faith, vocation “Insharing 2013, the CTN unique will bevalue, building significance up a team and and transformed lives on Tuesday of lay learning facilitators to deliver adult 12 March, 7.30pm to 9.00 pm at St Peter’s, education courses and lay ministry training Inverkeithing. All are welcome to attend. across the diocese; CTN also continues to The Gathering: After two smaller regional events in Autumn 2012 – and a good (MAP), which congregations and their representation from St Margaret’s attended rectorsoffer and have develop found toMission be a transformativeAction Planning the one at St Andrews – this year the experience”. Gathering returns to St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth and will focus on Mark of Mission 2. the CTN initiative through MAP, both the Watch for more details later, but make a VestryAlthough and we Council are not decided officially in signed 2010 up to forgo note of the date, Saturday 1 June, 10.00am forward jointly with our special Rosyth way to 4.00pm, now.

– Page 18 – Contact points

This list supplements the list of formal contacts given on the inside cover, and is for the activities and organisations run by the Methodist Church Council and St Margaret’s Vestry, and by affiliatedChurch but activitiesindependent organisations. Scout Group Methodist Gift Aid enquiries to Group Scout Leader Ron Dempster 01383 721252 see Martin Rogers 01383 415458 [email protected] [email protected] Property matters and letting enquiries to Beaver Scouts Martin Rogers 01383 415458 David Sinclair 01383 410255 [email protected] [email protected] Rosyth Methodist Toddler Group Cub Scouts Elaine Lambert 01383 417071 Martin Rogers 01383 415458 [email protected] [email protected] St Margaret’s Choir Scouts Myra Tarr 01383 723989 Alan Connery 01383 731391 [email protected] [email protected] St Margaret’s Gift Aid enquiries to Explorer Scouts Terry O’Neill 01383 842695 [email protected] [email protected] SundayMarc Tempelhoff School and Sunday01383 Funday 410151 Guide Unit Gwyneth Kirby 01383 624779 [email protected] Rainbows Traidcraft Susan Warren 01383 414355 Myra Tarr 01383 723989 [email protected] [email protected] Brownies Wednesday Fellowship Susan McKelvie 01383 410234 Mary Kidd 01383 872332 [email protected] [email protected] Guides Melissa Peel 07850 249911 Organisations meeting [email protected] in our premises Brambles Playgroup Lesley Hynd (play leader) 07758 877284 [email protected] John Bates (chair) [email protected] Please let the Editor know of any changes Parahandies Disabled Club or additions to this list, preferably by email Peter Merckel (secretary) to [email protected] 01383 822940 [email protected]

– Page 19 – Rosyth on the web You can view or download this issue, with photos in colour, at http://tinyurl.com/bjg5rp4

To our contributors Thank you to all those who have contributed to this issue, especially Sandra Young and Ron and Mary Dempster, our roving reporters. The help given by Martin Tarr and Stuart Pearson has been invaluable in the production of this edition of Contact. To both, very grateful thanks.