No 471 February 2019

News & views from Craigmillar Park Church, A worshipping and caring community, following Jesus Christ

www.craigmillarpark.org

Letter from the Interim Moderator Dr Hazel Hastie

A Ministry Of All many of the gifts that God has given Recently, I was invited to a friends us. house for a belated New Year party. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians Eighteen guests were invited and chapter 12 lists them for us – the hosts had made enough food to prophecy, ministry, teaching, feed 36! When I exhortation, sat down to write giving, leading a letter for this and compassion. edition of Prism, We often hear I started thinking about the a bit more about ministry of all the significance church members of something like — all that has this. It takes a happened here lot of hard work since John to make an Urquhart moved evening like that pass with apparent to Penicuik is a perfect example of ease, creating a relaxed ministry in action. We have all been atmosphere. It takes planning, given gifts, some more obvious than organising and many hands to do others, and yet strangely it is the what is required. There is shopping less obvious that, day by day, make to get, furniture and crockery to the real difference to our lives. We arrange, cooking to be done and admire an actor making an Oscar- entertainment to organise, it uses winning performance or an athlete

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winning a Gold medal, but they are the sounds and think of the music. just the icing on the cake. We can, We have wonderful people who visit and most of the time do, live the sick at home and in hospital, without them. and others who give up their The things that really matter are the valuable time to attend committee little acts of kindness and meetings to make decisions on our thoughtfulness. These are the things behalf. There is also general that keep the wheels rolling day maintenance, administration and so after day. Take a look at the church much more; the list is endless. and its surroundings and then think God has given us all so many gifts. about the amount of work that is The best way to praise and give required to keep it so beautiful. thanks to him is to use them for Think of the obvious things like the each other - a true ministry for all flower arrangements, then think members. about less obvious things like keeping the church clean, ironing Best wishes, the linen, and in summer cutting the Hazel grass in the garden. Then listen to

Holy Communion 3 March 2019

Our quarterly Communion service will be held as usual on Sunday 3 March 2019 at 10.30am but not in our own sanctuary. We will be sharing this service with our friends at Reid Memorial; the service will be led by Rev Dr Liam Fraser, the Campus Minister at the University of Edinburgh. Those who were present at the December joint Communion in our own church will remember how lovely it was to have so many people – and in such fine voice! Do, please, come along to Reid Memorial that Remember, Holy Communion on 3 day. If transport is a difficulty, March will be in Reid Memorial please speak to your elder or to me Church. and we will see if lifts can be Pauline Weibye organised.

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Lunch Club

Lunch Club had two weeks off over the festive season. Some of the members have been poorly and unable to attend. We wish them a speedy recovery and hope they will be back with us soon. We welcome new members. Happy New Year to all. Flora Paton

World Day of Prayer

This year the welcome at the service and theme is encouraged to share soup and “Everything is fellowship thereafter. ready” so let us The associated Bible studies will be celebrate this at held in 121 George Street at the service in 10.30am on Fridays 15 and 22 Augustine Bristo February. All will be welcome. Church, George IV Bridge at 12.30pm on 1 March. All will be Isabel Smith

Newington Churches Together – Lent 2019

There is still time to book up for the book to look at) are at the back of NCT ecumenical home study groups the church. that meet during Lent - weekly from Please let Ann Thanisch (email Monday 3 March to Sunday 14 April. [email protected] / tel 0781 This year they will be looking at the 494 9468) know if you are book Dethroning Mammon by interested, and return a completed Archbishop of Canterbury and form by Sunday 10 February. former oil executive, Justin Welby. Application forms (and a copy of the Ann Thanisch

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Entering unknown waters

There is something magical about Ships and the sea are often lighthouses. They twinkle at night mentioned in the Bible, sometimes along a dark coastline. as real events and During the day they sometimes as stand as sentries metaphors. between the land and Individually, we try to the sea, between the make the teachings of known and the Christianity our unknown. They are “lighthouses” as we fascinating in navigate our way themselves but they through life. And as a can also be a useful nation we are certainly metaphor for setting out into reference points when unknown and possibly we sail into uncertain dangerous waters. waters, either as individuals or as Whatever happens over Brexit over nations. the next few months there are In we have 66 main several twinkling “lighthouses” that I lighthouses and 140 smaller lights, think we should navigate by. all automatic these days and We will always trade with the rest of monitored from the headquarters of Europe, one way or another. All the Northern Lighthouse Board in Europeans want the same things - George Street here in Edinburgh. food, homes, jobs, good public Most of them were built by Robert services, freedom, democracy, a Louis Stevenson’s family in the 19th decent environment etc. We all century at a time when ships were need migration, to staff our hotels, being lost or wrecked at a rate of fruit farms, universities, hospitals one a day around the British coast. and care homes and to keep our In 1799, for instance, over 70 population refreshed. We all want vessels were lost in the Firth of Tay peace, after centuries of warfare. alone. Even the most ardent Brexiteers still Nowadays we have radar and want us to be friends with our satellite navigation systems. But the neighbours in Europe. sea is still a dangerous place and Whatever our formal relationship lighthouses are a useful back-up. with the rest of Europe turns out to Last year a Dutch cargo ship ran be (and I still hope we can remain in onto rocks in the Pentland Firth and the EU) we must not lose sight of a Norwegian vessel went aground off these pinpoints of light that can Harris. Across the world, over 150 guide us through the months and vessels were lost or wrecked in years ahead. 2018. John Knox

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A Brexit prayer

God, who in Jesus broke down all barriers, between people of different races, rich and poor, male and female, Jew and Gentile, between heaven and earth, we worship you. God, at this time of heavy responsibility, as decisions about future relationships with our neighbours in Europe are being taken, we pray for our leaders: that they will lead wisely; that they will listen attentively; that they will exercise grace; and that they will know peace in their deliberations. God, at this time of uncertainty within our nations and communities, we pray for ourselves: that we will remain open to the stranger; welcoming to the neighbour; and committed to those who struggle. God, we pray for your church of which we are a part: that we might be a place of honest reflection; respectful dialogue; open friendship; humility and reconciliation. We pray that we might be a community that points to heaven, and shows ways in which heaven is glimpsed on earth. God, who in Jesus breaks down all barriers, between people of different races rich and poor, male and female, Jew and Gentile, between heaven and earth, we worship you. AMEN

(Rev Dr Martin Johnstone, Secretary to the Church and Society Council of the )

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Emergency appeal for refugees in winter storms

Arsal after Storm Norma, before Delivering bread as Storm Miriam brought even more snow Storm Miriam comes in

This winter is the worst ever for refugees in north Lebanon. Two powerful storms in January have caused widespread flooding and wind damage to the tents of thousands in the Bekaa Valley. Above the valley, those in the remote town of Arsal have been overwhelmed by deep snow, with night time temperatures remaining below zero. The storms have been largely unreported in the UK media, but Google Storm Norma Lebanon or Storm Miriam Lebanon, and you will find plenty about them. Maggie Tookey of Edinburgh Direct Aid has been in Arsal for over a week now. She reports increasing numbers of appeals for help from destitute refugees living in remote camps. Many are now having to share cramped tents with their neighbours, as their own have collapsed under the weight of snow, or are leaking in the slow thaw. Travelling to collect or deliver the aid on untreated icy roads in difficult and dangerous. Edinburgh Direct Aid has set up an emergency appeal fund that is being spent on the most immediate needs – Looking out of oil for stoves, food, and wood and tarpaulin to mend or a tent rebuild damaged tents. Any contribution, however small, will be used at once to provide life-saving support. You can donate online at www.edinburghdirectaid.org where you can also read more about the situation and Maggie’s account of her first few days there. Or you can send a cheque payable to Edinburgh Direct Aid / Storm to Edinburgh Direct Aid, 29 Starbank Road, Edinburgh EH5 3BY. Thank you! Ann Thanisch 6

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Helen Tew

It has been a great joy to lead worship at Craigmillar Park in recent weeks and I am delighted to be joining you as your locum. I will consider it a privilege and a delight to minister to God’s people here in the church and the local community while you journey towards appointing a new minister. I am grateful for the support I have received when I have been with you and look forward to getting to know you better and share God’s work with you in the days and weeks ahead. My husband Miles and I both fellow trainees and well as for appreciate the warm welcome we experiential learning. have received in the church. We Over the three years I was attached have already begun to have a sense to three quite different churches in of belonging and that we can grow Edinburgh for practical experience, in spirit and faith through our learning, supervision and ongoing fellowship with the people in assessment. I was blessed indeed Craigmillar Park church family. As to train with Rev Jeremy Middleton some of you are aware, I do already in Davidson’s Mains, Rev Tony enjoy some personal friendships in Thornthwaite in Viewforth and Rev Craigmillar Park. Those of you who Dr Derek Browning in Morningside. do not know me well may like to Since then I have been very know a bit more about me. fortunate to have had invitations to I was set aside as a Reader in pulpit supply in many different November 2007 after three years of churches around the city as well as training. I undertook my academic in other places that include studies at Aberdeen University, Coatbridge and Aberdeen. The which I enjoyed greatly and found greatest joy has been serving as the distance learning worked for me, locum - to date in Old Kirk and with the excellent class lecturers and Muirhouse, St Martins and latterly in administration support provided by Priestfield. All of these positions the university. During this time proved challenging, inspirational and several weekend conferences, run fun. In all of them I grew mostly by the Church of Scotland for through the sharing, which included readers in training, provided joy of celebration and anguish of opportunity for discussion with loss as well as a couple of instances

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of new people coming to faith. I also enjoy time with my three sons I am a qualified counsellor, having and relaxing with friends, as well as graduated from Napier University in reading, all kinds of music and fast 2000, and trainer, both of which cars. roles I still employ as a volunteer for The early experience of our working the Butterfly Trust. The trust is a together has been a great pleasure charity that provides social support to both Miles and myself. As we for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis worship and serve together I will and I was employed with the welcome feedback on anything we organisation from 2002 until 2016. share that will help us to grow I love working with people and being together as the body of Christ in able to help them grow where I can, Craigmillar Park. I will also whether that be in character or in appreciate your prayers for me and I faith. I am fascinated by the will hold you in mine as we journey complexities of the human mind; together in the Lord’s name. I look how we are all different and what forward with happy anticipation to makes us tick - our feelings - the experiences and challenges our thought processes - our ahead as we work together to behaviour - how we interact with sustain and build the fellowship here each other and all the things that during my time as your locum. influence these aspects of our being. Helen Tew

Sandra Lamb

Since she decided to discontinue it is early days, and with rest and worshipping with us here at prayer the hope is that she may Craigmillar Park Church, Sandra has regain her strength and clarity of to some extent become involved mind and purpose. with life in Davidson’s Mains Church. Sandra is presently being looked Sadly, however, she has not been after in Manor Grange Care Home, well for quite some time. 31 Pinkhill. This lies on the south Initially the thinking was that she side of Costorphine Road, near the was in the early stages of dementia entrance to the zoo. A good time to but, shortly before Christmas, she visit Sandra is in the morning but do was diagnosed as having a brain phone the Manor Grange before tumour and underwent an operation. deciding to do so. The number is Unfortunately Sandra has, as yet, 0131 334 6462. not made a satisfactory recovery but David Cargill

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The Care Shelter Part 2: Generosity

The Care spotted him Shelter is a waiting and service asked the where the staff, “Is staff go out that man not of their way getting to show in?” The kindness to staff the guests, explained believing that that treating currently the people well, Care Shelter with dignity and respect is what any was full but the man was waiting to human being deserves, no matter see if a bed became available. On their circumstances. Time and again hearing this he gathered up his we are blown away by the kindness belongings and announced that he and generosity that guests show to would leave. “I’m not having an old each other and to the staff team. man sleeping on the streets,” he A man in his early thirties turned up said, “He can have my bed!” He quite late one night, having walked was given a sleeping bag and all the way from Musselburgh to get thanked for his generosity and a bed at the Care Shelter. He had kindness. The older man was very used the shelter before and was grateful to have somewhere safe known to staff. While a bed was and warm for the night and was made ready for him he sat and had soon gently snoring in his bed. a cup of coffee with two of the staff, On another occasion, a man had chatting and sharing a bit about the taken great delight in the hat he had hurt he is carrying. He headed to picked up from the table of clothing his bed saying, “I feel so much donations. It was the last one, a better for talking to you guys”. He lovely bright green one that he was arrived that night carrying nothing so pleased with! A short while later but a box of chocolates which he someone else arrived and gave to the staff team! immediately asked if there were any On a particularly busy night, an hats. Before the staff could answer, older man arrived to discover that the man with the bright green hat there weren’t currently any beds handed it over. available. He was advised to wait to Why is it that we struggle to be this see if anyone left before lights out generous? Maybe you’re thinking, and he enjoyed a good, hot meal in I’d give away a hat, there’s that the meantime. Another guest weird one I got from Auntie Jean

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last Christmas. But what about your resources of any kind, possessions favourite hat? Why are we so are all gifts from God and should be attached to our possessions? We used as he directs. We should not live in a society obsessed with fear being poor in this world because material goods; just watch the TV we will be rich in the next. adverts that instruct on the latest This reminds me of the poor widow fashion in cars, makeup, furniture or in Luke 21 verses 1-4 who gave the hoovers. It’s difficult to escape but only coins she had. God tells us that our focus should not be on the material things of this As Jesus looked up, he saw the world but on the heavenly things of rich putting their gifts into the the next. temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small Matthew 6 19-21 copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he “Do not store up for yourselves said, “this poor widow has put in treasures on earth, where moths more than all the others. All these and vermin destroy, and where people gave their gifts out of their thieves break in and steal. But wealth; but she out of her store up for yourselves treasures poverty put in all she had to live in heaven, where moths and on.” vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and Why when someone has so little are steal. For where your treasure is, they willing to give it away; a there your heart will be also.” wonderful hat, a box of chocolates, their warm bed for the As the saying goes, “You can’t take it night? Perhaps we can learn from with you.” But that’s not the point those who have so little. Living in here. It’s about our focus and where poverty can teach you the true value our heart is. Earthly possessions of possessions – that they are in fact decay, or can be taken from us; worth very little. good reasons not to make them the objects of our desires. Wealth, Ruth Longmuir

Life & Work in February

South of the Border The Church of Scotland congregations in England and the Channel Islands ‘Hope for a Change’ Nuclear physicist Dr David Frame talks science, faith and hopes for peace in Korea Where Now for Fairtrade? We ask what the future is for the movement Challenges and Joys Young member Gemma King reflects on growing up in the Church of Scotland

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Vacancy update

The main news this month is the social events. Our reps are Isobel decision by our locum minister, the Smith, David Cargill and Flora Paton. Rev Betty Smith, to retire. Betty has Please speak to any one of them if served us faithfully and well since you have an idea for some joint August 2017 and I know that her working – and please also support care for every one of us and her the projects and events that will no sensitive pastoral support for the ill doubt flow from their work. and bereaved has touched many. We’ve also set up a joint group, this She thoroughly deserves a real time with both Reid Memorial and retirement and our thoughts and Priestfield, to take forward the prayers go with her. There hasn’t recruitment of a Ministries been time yet to plan how we will Development Staff member. That’s say farewell a little more formally the techncial name for such a post but there will be an opportunity; but we’ve been calling it a Mission we’ll let you know. Development Worker, to make We’re very fortunate indeed that things a little clearer. This is the Helen Tew, a Reader of the Church ministry post offered to the three of Scotland who has already led congregations by Presbytery when worship for us on a few occasions, the linkage was first introduced. has agreed to become the locum Our vision is for a full-time worker with effect from Sunday 27 January. who will help the three Her contact details are included in congregations identify opportunities Prism. We look forward to getting to for intergenerational mission in our know Helen better and to working area, developing new forms of with her in worship and pastoral outreach and building productive care. relationships within the community. The Kirk Sessions of both Reid We are currently meeting people Memorial and Craigmillar Park are from both Presbytery and the keen to encourage more joint Church Offices to agree the job activities. The success of our joint description and a recruitment Holy Communion in December has process, and we are hoping that we shown that together we can have can advertise within the next month quite an impact. Wasn’t it wonderful or so. While the post will be based to have the pews full on that day in Priestfield Church, we are all and to hear the splendid singing? agreed that the postholder will work We have therefore set up a ‘joint across the three congregations, linkage group’, with three hopefully on joint mission projects. representatives from each It’s an exciting opportunity; for the congregation. We’ve asked them to first time, we will have access to a identify other opportunities for joint dedicated and experienced mission worship, joint mission and joint worker who will challenge,

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encourage and support us in our Session is well aware that the new efforts to spread God’s love all time will not suit everyone and is within the community. We will keep sorry for any inconvenience or you informed as recruitment difficulties that will arise. It is, progresses. however, just not possible, for a As I think most of the congregation linkage to work with both already know, it will be necessary for congregations meeting at the same both congregations to change the time. We have decided not to time of Sunday morning worship introduce the change immediately once we have a new minister in but it is likely that we will have to do post. We have agreed to move our so once we have a Sole Nominee service time 45 minutes earlier and (that is, the name of someone whom Reid Memorial will move its time 45 the Nominating Committee thinks minutes later. It means our service will be the best minister for us). I will start at 9.45 and Reid’s at don’t know when that will be but we 11.15. That pattern will allow our will, as ever, keep you informed. new minister to lead worship with us Do, please, let you elder know if the and then to have a little time to chat change in service times will affect before hotfooting it along the road to you and we’ll see if there is anything Reid Memorial for their service. The we can do to help. Pauline Weibye

Dates for your diary February Sun 3 Feb, 10.30am – Morning worship Tue 5 Feb, 7pm – Presbytery Sun 10 Feb, 10.30am – Morning worship Wed 13 Feb, 7pm – Trustees Meeting Fri 15 Feb, 10.30am – World Day of Prayer Bible study 121 George St Sun 17 Feb, 10.30am – Morning worship Fri 22 Feb, 10.30am – World Day of Prayer Bible study 121 George St Sun 24 Feb, 10.30am – Morning worship March Fri 1 Mar, 12.30pm – World Day of Prayer service Augustine Bristo Church, George IV Bridge Sun 3 Mar, 10.30am – Joint Communion service at (no service at CPC) Tue 5 Mar, 7pm – Kirk Session in the chapel Sun 10 Mar, 10.30am – Morning worship

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Newington Churches Together service at the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicolson Square

On Sunday 20 January, members of churches of various denominations met for a service focussing on the theme of justice, led by Captain Jennifer Gosling of the Salvation Army. As well as hymn singing, finishing up with ‘Beauty for Brokenness’, there was music from the Salvation Army band, the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church Choir, and Colin Syme of Community Church with his guitar. There were also readings from Isaiah and Matthew. There were three interviews with Christians working in very different Finally, Duncan Cuthill described the ways in the community. work of Edinburgh City Mission, Liam Fraser, Campus Minister at the which has been supporting the University (a post that is just two needy in the city since 1832, and is years old) described his varied work; currently involved with the Care Van arranging worship and encouraging (in partnership with Bethany discipleship among the students, Christian Trust), eight Basics Banks, building a community garden on five ‘mission strengtheners’ and the wasteland in Dumbiedykes, and CAP (Christians Against Poverty) life engaging with those who are skills course. He stressed the need positively anti-Christian (giving a to work in unity with all the useful piece of general advice established churches and asked for regarding the latter that it is more prayer, ideas for mission, and important to win the person than the volunteers to help make our faith argument!) flourish amongst all in the city. Then Andy Gregg described his work in Workplace Chaplaincy, providing a Ann Thanisch listening ear and pastoral support to local people where they work.

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Coming up at the Men’s Club…

8 Feb—The Career of Marilyn Munroe, Peter Kendrick 15 Feb—Austrian Narrow Gauge Railways—Kenneth Williamson 22 Feb—Shady Lady—Sandy Maclean

Fridays at 10.15am in the church hall. Coffee £2. Visitors welcome.

Reader Sound Church Officer

Feb 2019

3rd John Kelly Norman Weibye Martin Given

10th Elizabeth McLeod John Kelly Gordon Braidwood

17th Norman Weibye John Humphreys Julia Yarker

24th David Cargill Christopher McLeod Norman Weibye

Mar 2019

3rd No duties —service at Reid Memorial 10th Christopher McLeod John Kelly Martin Given

Duties

3 February – Convener: Christopher McLeod (667 1475) Alison Leslie, Flora Paton, Julie Read, Katy Ruggeri, Ann Thanisch, Christine Thomson 10 & 17 February – Convener: Isobel Smith (667 6336) Norman Weibye, Pauline Weibye, Julia Yarker, Ian Breadon, Renate Breadon, Ruth Longmuir 24 February & 10 March – Convener: Sheena Stenhouse (667 4520) Kathleen Cockerell, Brenda Humphrey, John Humphrey, John Kelly, Alison Leslie, Colin Aitken 3 March is Communion

The deadline for the next edition of Prism is Sunday 17 February. Please send items to Ruth — [email protected] or 07754 952 297.

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Who’s who at Craigmillar Park Church

07827 314 374 Interim Moderator Dr Hazel Hastie [email protected]

0131 478 1268 Locum Minister Helen Tew [email protected]

Session Clerk Pauline Weibye 0131 668 3545

Treasurer & 0131 667 1475 Depute Session Christopher McLeod [email protected] Clerk

Roll Keeper Julia Yarker [email protected]

Chairman 0131 663 2428 Congregational John Kelly [email protected] Board 0131 664 7114 Organist John Cranston [email protected] 07754 952 297 Prism Editor Ruth Longmuir [email protected] 0131 668 3545 Hall Letting Norman Weibye [email protected] www.craigmillar Church Website [email protected] park.org

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

CPC is a registered Scottish charity, Scottish Charity No: SC 017061 16