www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
Kiltarlity and Wardlaw Churches
A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM MODERATOR
Dear Friends
As you will probably know by now, I was appointed Interim Moderator by the Presbytery of Inverness on 7th February following the resignation of Revd. Dr. Kobus Smit. From Presbytery’s point of view this was not an outcome we had anticipated and we are now taking time to assess the situation. Representatives of Presbytery’s Parish Reappraisal Committee will be coming shortly to meet with both Kirk Sessions. This is standard practice and the first stage in a process which will involve consultation with Ministries Council in Edinburgh and will probably take some months to complete.
In the meantime it is business as usual. I have already met with the Deacons’ Courts and Kirk Sessions of both congregations and I am gradually getting a picture of the life of the churches at Kiltarlity and Kirkhill. It is already plain that there is excellent leadership in both congregations to keep the life and ministry of both churches moving forward at this time. Both churches have, of course, just completed major refurbishment work which is very significant for the future.
My contact details are given below if you need to get in touch with me. I am responsible for arranging for people to come to conduct the services of worship and I will come periodically myself. I will also look after marriages, baptisms and funerals possibly delegating where necessary. I will also try to cover people in hospital. However you will appreciate that this is all a balancing act with my existing commitments at Kilmorack and Erchless.
I look forward to getting to know you better in the months ahead.
With best wishes
Edgar Ogston
Roselynn, Croyard Road, Beauly, IV4 7DJ 01463 782 260 edgar.ogston@macfish,com
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 1 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
Kirkhill and Bunchrew Community Energy Efficiency and Low Carbon Programme.
This is the final update on the Kirkhill and Bunchrew Community Trust’s year-long energy efficiency and low carbon programme. This time last year we were applying for funding for the Programme. We were in the depths of a 2nd bitter winter. Heating systems were working flat out to keep our homes warm and energy prices were on the rise.
A year on, what have we achieved ?
Our community volunteers received energy meters to help learn about saving energy in their homes. This has helped identify high energy lighting, learn about the energy costs of different appliances like washing machines, fridges and freezers and even wee items like computers and kettles.
Our renewable energy fair helped raise awareness of different systems for a number of local families. And we have an excellent information resource on the community web site with information about assistance and support, “how to” guides and local renewable energy case studies.
And we have raised awareness of the impartial, free advice and support available from the local Energy Saving Trust office on 0800 512 012.
So if you find yourself struggling with high energy bills or not sure how to reduce your energy use, visit the web site at http://kirkhillandbunchrew.org.uk or call the local Energy Saving Trust office – see above - for impartial and free advice.
Sport Relief is a biennial charity event from Comic Relief, in association with BBC Sport, which brings together the worlds of sport and entertainment to raise money to help vulnerable people in both the UK and the world's poorest countries. At the heart of the campaign is the Sport Relief Mile.
With hundreds of Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile events all over the UK on Sunday th 25 March, you can join in the fun right on your doorstep with friends and family and help change lives too. Enter by 6:00 a.m. on 1st March for a chance of winning JLS Sport Relief concert tickets.
The Fortrose Mile
The Black Isle Leisure Centre are organising a Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile and they want you to take part ! Bring along your friends and family to be part of the most northerly Mile on mainland Scotland. Then kick back and enjoy all the entertainment on offer. Snap up your place at The Fortrose Mile now ! Enter the Fortrose Mile by going to http://my.sportrelief.com/search/event and enter your postcode in the box. The cost of entering is an absolute bargain, just £6 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family of four ( two adults and two children ). Not bad for a whole day of Sport Relief fun !
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 2 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk GUILD NEWS
Thanks to Avril Marr for the photograph
On 13 December last year, the Guild met up at Kirkhill Primary School, to join Primary 1, 2 and 3 for the last “Open the Book” presentation before Christmas. Avril has let us have the picture shown above, which shows a young Mary and Joseph joined by Guild members who had battled through atrocious weather conditions to attend. This may go some way towards explaining the waterproof jackets etc ! Thanks to Avril who managed to take this photo whilst playing the part of one of the Magi travelling on a seemingly unruly camel.
After a break for what we hope has been the worst of the winter weather, Guild meetings resume on the 1st Tuesday in March at 2.30 p.m. when our guest speaker will be Bill Stone from Childline / NSPCC. We will be meeting in the refurbished Guild Room at Wardlaw Church. This is now a much more welcoming environment for our meetings. Like the main church, the Guild Room has been given a new floor ( no more fighting over who sits on the sloping bit ! ), new wall-mounted heaters, new upholstered chairs and newly painted walls. We look forward to welcoming all-comers, as well as Guild regulars. Rosemary Mortimer
A very grateful thank you to Keith and Mary McClelland for taking the photographs and making a video of the newly refurbished Wardlaw Church. They very kindly came to visit me in the Highland Hospice and showed me the video of the Church in late January. I am still harbouring thoughts of being in the new Church soon, but I am presently bed ridden at home, and not steady on my feet when I get out of bed.
I would also like to thank the Deacons and Elders for the framed photograph of the new Church, which Jock has hung on my bedroom wall so I can look at my Church every day. Nancy Paterson
Quotes
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. anon
People are like tea bags - you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are. Anon
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 3 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
PARISH NOTICE BOARD
Revd. Edgar Ogston has been on holiday for the last week, and is due back in the manse in Beauly on Tuesday, 28 February 2012.
Kiltarlity Communion service will be held on Sunday, 4 March 2012 at 12 noon at Tomnacross Church. The Communion Preparatory Service planned for Thursday, 1 March will not take place due to no pulpit supply being available at short notice.
Kiltarlity Free Church’s First Sunday Praise evening is on Sunday, 4 March 2012, starting at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is most welcome to come along to this service. Tea and home baking is served after the service.
Ruth MacKenzie and Neil Watson will be ordained as Kiltarlity Deacons for Tomnacross Church on Sunday, 11th March 2012.
The Kiltarlity Church Annual General Meeting will take place after the Tomnacross Church service (about 1:00 p.m.) on Sunday, 11th March 2012. All members of the Kiltarlity congregation are invited to attend and take part in this meeting.
There will be a joint meeting of the Kirk Sessions of Kiltarlity and Kirkhill on Tuesday, 13 March 2012 at Wardlaw Church starting at 7:30 p.m. Revd. Alistair Murray, Convener of the Inverness Presbytery’s Parish Reappraisal Committee will be attendance as indicated in Revd. Edgar Ogston’s letter on the front cover of this edition.
The Kirkhill Church Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, 22 March 2012, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Wardlaw Church. All members of the Kirkhill congregation are invited to attend and take part in this meeting.
A Men’s Social evening will be held on Friday, 30 March at the Bog Roy Inn, starting at 7:00 p.m. All men from both Churches and communities are most welcome to come along and enjoy the fellowship over a drink and a meal - the cost is £15. For further details, and to confirm your place, contact Alasdair Morrison - 831 185.
Wardlaw Church will be holding a “Snack Sunday” service on Sunday, 6 May 2012. This will be an Elder led service with the help from other members of the congregation. The service will be followed by a light sandwich lunch and a lovely time of fellowship in the Church. Donations to the Church of Scotland HIV programme would be appreciated.
Intimations for Wardlaw Church should be made known to Iain Mortimer before 3:00 p.m. on the Saturday before the Sunday service. Contact can be either a telephone call to 782 648, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Intimations for Tomnacross Church should be made known to David Garvie before 3:00 p.m. on the Saturday before the Sunday service. Contact can be either a telephone call to 741 038, or send an email to [email protected].
Mary Robb will not be available to play the organ at Wardlaw Church for the month of March. Jock Fraser has kindly agreed to cover the four Sundays that Mary will be missing at Wardlaw Church.
Malcolm and Julie Fraser send their best wishes to everyone in both congregations from their cruise ship Oriano whilst it was in Brisbane this last week. They are cruising in the Australia / New Zealand waters before heading back to the UK via the USA and the Panama Canal.
British Summer Time Rules
Summer-time periods begin and end respectively at 1:00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time on the last Sundays of March and October
Sunday 25 March 2012 is the start of BST and you need to remember to put your clocks forward by one hour on that day
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 4 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
Permission to reprint:
Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications © 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 5 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk DRUMCHARDINE by Nancy Paterson
In the old days, Drumchardine was a barony which took in Newton, Lentran and Holme. It was called Drumchardine in those days until the telephone exchange for Kirkhill was installed in a house which dated back to Culloden. An ex-serviceman manned the exchange – Alan Ross, who had one arm and one leg, having been wounded in the First World War. Back then, there were no private telephones. I grew up with their family; we spent many happy days, friends till they died. When Mr Ross retired to Kirkhill around 1952, David Grant, a wounded ex- serviceman from the Second World War took over the job, which lasted until the telephone exchange was closed down. This was because a new telephone exchange was built at Bogroy, and folk got their own telephone line.
There was a lot of activity in Drumchardine in the old days. There were weavers working there where Mike MacMillan now has his house. Whisky was also made in a distillery at Drumchardine, and a poem was written referring to Mr Campbell who made such good whisky. Major C.J.M. Fraser of Reelig sent his son James over with a dram for Allan and myself, and also let us read his papers about Drumchardine activities. He also gave us a copy of the poem “Drumchardine whisky” which was much appreciated – this was written and put to music by Neil Gow.
I remember one cottage beside Altnacardoch Road, and the old man who lived in it – we called him Charlie Moley. I think he was a mole catcher, us kids were all frightened of him. The stones from the cottage are now like a dyke at the back of our house. Hugh Barron used to tell Allan and myself that his mother lived there. She is buried in Wardlaw churchyard, a short distance from my mother and sister, just outside the mausoleum – I have seen her stone.
In the old days there was also a row of wee houses – the dykes where they were are still in our ground at Drumallan. As I remember, if correct, Nan MacNeil ( dressmaker, tailor ) Ally MacNeil’s mother, was born there before the Campbells went to Balintore and then Newtonhill. All the old houses have been demolished. One of them was there till maybe 1960 with families living in it. I went to Inchmore School with them all.
In the older days, the Free Church held services at Tealaggan Farm. I think the rings where folk tied their horses may still be round the barn door. It was all open air in those days; they had no Free Church building. My father used to attend the services there until in 1920 a small church was built at Easter Drumchardine. This was demolished in 1981 when the Kirkwoods bought the property.
The women from Drumchardine used to collect their water from a well in Tealaggan Wood for many years till a pump was installed at Drumchardine by the Council.
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 6 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
The United Free Church was St. Mary’s at Bogroy – it was made Church of Scotland in 1929. It held both Gaelic and English services, and used to be crowded. It was closed by the Presbytery in 1974, the last minister there being Rev. John Ross Maclean, and after he left the parish, Dr. John MacPherson preached there. The church was sold to Mrs Nana MacDougall of Lentran in July 1975 and she converted it into a very nice soap factory. The first church there was built in 1843, then in 1909, a new church was erected beside the old one. The hall of the first church still stands as part of the present building. The old UF manse of St Mary’s was sold in May 1975 to Peter Arras and two friends, and now houses two families.
The war memorial stood opposite the Bog Roy Inn ( Old North Inn in recent times ) for many years. I remember going to the services there with my parents – no cars to disturb us in those days. My brother Colin moved the memorial to Wardlaw Church when the road got busy with traffic.
There was a row of thatched houses in Kirkhill called the “poor houses” – a few of the families were in school with me and we kept up the friendship until they died.
DRUMCHARDINE DISTILLERY from copy poem given to Allan Paterson by Major C.J. Fraser of Reelig in 1952
A’ ye wha love a drap o’ drink In the sweet valley of the Aird When low ye find your spirits sink Wha would hae there for brandy cared Come join me in my rhyming clink When largely thro’ our glens are shared An praise Drumchardine whisky O Rodericks Highland whisky O
Gif we are faint and dowie, dull Ferintosh nae doubt was prime Ascend the height or climb the hill An ‘ance the foremost in our claim The wak o cures they here distill But now let’s drink in double time I mean Drumchardine whisky O Drumchardine’s still an’ whisky O
An lang be Campbell’s presence seen Lines added later by Allan Paterson Around the still baith out and in While round the heath and dewy green You wash your face with Drumchurch soap He showers Drumchardine whisky O It smells so sweet – wi’ a’ its dope I’d rather have though quite a drop The sound it loud where’er ye gang O’ Drumchardine whisky O In town and country folk amang As to the change house thick ye thrang Drumchardine’s now lost all its fame To drink Drumchardine whisky O Drumchardine whisky had a name Drumchardine Church now it has “gane” Nae spirits left in Church or Hame
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 7 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Tomnacross Church –“Raise the Roof”
Kiltarlity Church needs to replace its roof, at a cost of approximately £50,000. We have set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £20,000 and Mrs Ann Gloag has very generously offered to match, pound for pound, all money that we raise. Together with a grant from the Church of Scotland General Trustees, this should take us to the total of £50,000.
We are therefore embarking on a programme of events between October 2011 and October 2012, with the aim of involving as many people in the community as possible. Fundraising should be fun!
Progress towards Target - as of 27 January 2012 :
£2k £4k £6k £8k £10k £12k £14k £16k £18k £20k
Calendar of Events
Date Time Event Location Details 4thNovember Ceilidh Raised £545. 2011 th School 19 November Christmas Raised £512 2011 Fayre Christmas Throughout Quiz Raised £130 December ( See page 12 for answers ) Friday, £20 per team of 4. th 7:00 p.m. to Kiltarlity 24 February Quiz Night Children welcome 9:00 p.m. Village Hall 2012 BYOB Inverness Free admission with Friday, Tomnacross 7:30 p.m. Male Voice donations to “Raise the 13 April 2012 Church Choir Roof” appeal Friday, 7:00 p.m. Car Treasure th £25 per car, including BBQ 11 May 2012 start Hunt Tuesday, Silent Achnagairn Tickets £5 th 5 June 2012 Auction House tbc including a glass of wine Sponsored tbc Walk / Cycle 3rd / 4th Look out for us at Belladrum August 2012 Belladrum ! September To close the year of Ceilidh tbc 2012 tbc fundraising
There are a number of other on-going opportunities to participate in our fundraising efforts:
Buy a slate : Please ‘buy’ a slate for £3 or a nail for £1, and receive an attractive ownership certificate - contact Louise Watson – 741 876.
Tea Towels and These commemorative items, decorated with a line drawing of the Canvas Bags : Church, can be purchased from the Post Office or from the Tomnacross Church @ £6 per tea towel ( or 2 for £10 ) and £3 per bag.
Updated as at 27 January 2012
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 8 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
Friday, 2 March 2012 at 10.30 a.m.
on the World Day of Prayer
A service of Praise and Prayer to support the work of Mercy Ships will be held in Wardlaw Church, Kirkhill. All proceeds from the offering will go to Mercy Ships.
This is a change to the normal Guild World Day of Prayer. It has been brought about by two factors. The Guild Committee were more than a little concerned about the high costs of printing, distribution and administration involved in producing World Day of Prayer materials such as orders of service, calendars etc. We were also mindful of Jesse Mitchell’s moving description of the work done by Mercy Ships, when he addressed the congregation at Kirkhill on 1 January. So it was decided that, for this year at least, we would compile our own service, centring on the work of Mercy Ships, with the entire offering being donated to Mercy Ships. The service has been put together by Margaret Birkbeck and Rosemary Mortimer. There will be readings and prayers by Guild members, hymns to music played by Mary Robb, and excerpts from a Mercy Ships DVD to illustrate their work. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards. Please do join us !
Can you help, please
Congratulations to Deanne Rendall who has been successful in securing a place on a full time th course at the Highland Theological College in Dingwall starting on 10 September 2012. Deanne is a member of Wardlaw Church and lives in Kirkhill.
Deanne is looking for accommodation, preferably in Dingwall, or within a 5 mile bus journey of the college. If you, or someone you know, may be able help Deanne find accommodation, please text a contact number to Deanne at 07936 441 934, or speak to her at Wardlaw Church.
While creating wives, God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all corners of the world. And then He smiled and made the earth round.
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 9 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
MARTIN JOHNSTONE SPEAKS AT INVERNESS PRESBYTERY
“Stand up, anyone aged 54 or less !” On Tuesday, 7 February, Martin Johnstone , Priority Areas Secretary for the Church of Scotland addressed Inverness Presbytery. As you might imagine, it was a select and, dare I say, slightly smug group of Presbytery members who got to their feet. Martin went on to explain that in Priority Areas, the average life expectancy for a male is 54 years. The Church of Scotland has designated 58 Priority Areas. One of these is in Inverness – Trinity / Merkinch. Glasgow has 38 Priority Areas. A Priority Area is an area or neighbourhood counted amongst the poorest 5%.
Martin went on to describe how, in one such Glasgow area, three funerals were recently held inside a period of 10 days, all for young men aged around 21 years. The causes of death were drug overdose, suicide and murder. The second two young men had attended the funeral of the first. Yet in such an area, it is seen as completely normal for a bereaved family to have an envelope pushed through their letterbox on the night before the funeral – containing anything between £1,000 and £1,500 from a local collection amongst neighbours to help with funeral costs.
The brief for the Priority Areas team dealing with the issue of poverty is to listen to those who experience poverty every day. The team encourages local churches to take action – maybe setting up a credit union, or a community café. The team’s strategy is:
» Wider Church and Society: for example the Living Wage campaign, and Passage from India self-help group scheme. » New Ways of Church: e.g. Chance to Thrive and Leadership Development » New Models of Community: e.g. Faith in Community Dundee
Martin stated that the Priority Areas are frequently described as fragile. He recalled an image from his own childhood, when his mother carefully handed him a precious china teacup that had been handed down in his family, with the exhortation to take care not to break the cup, as it was fragile. This cup would not be worth any less because it was fragile. And so it is with a fragile person or community. Rosemary Mortimer
Elizabeth Macrae was admitted to Raigmore Hospital on Friday, 30 December last, and is now in the Royal Northern Infirmary. Elizabeth is undergoing extensive physiotherapy treatment to give her upper body strength to enable her to use a wheelchair, with Malcolm’s assistance, as presently her legs will not support her. Elizabeth and Malcolm’s home is being adapted for wheelchair use, and it is hoped she will be home in Kirkhill in the very near future. Please remember Elizabeth and Malcolm in your daily prayers.
Nancy Paterson is back home in Drumchardine after a short stay at Highland Hospice. Nancy is being well looked after by a team of nurses ( including Marie Curie ), carers, doctors, and supported by Mike and other members of the MacMillan clan. Nancy’s spirit and faith remains high, and she likes to hear all the local gossip from any visitors. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.
We give Lil Wilson our best wishes after her recent stay in Raigmore Hospital, and it was good to see her and Waddie back at Church two weeks ago. May your recovery continue.
Elspeth Colburn continues to make a steady recovery after her recent stay in Raigmore Hospital. We wish Elspeth well and look forward to welcoming her back to Wardlaw Church in the near future.
Please remember Lil and Waddie, along with Elspeth and Duncan in your prayers over the coming weeks and all the other members of our communities who are unwell.
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 10 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
A story from the Caribbean Far away in the tropical waters of the Caribbean, two prawns were swimming around in the sea - one called Justin and the other called Christian. The prawns were constantly being harassed and threatened by sharks that inhabited the area. Finally one day Justin said to Christian, "I'm fed up with being a prawn, I wish I was a shark, then I wouldn't have any worries about being eaten."
A large mysterious cod appeared and said, "Your wish is granted" and lo and behold, Justin turned into a shark. Horrified, Christian immediately swam away, afraid of being eaten by his old mate.
Time passed ( as it invariably does ) and Justin found life as a shark boring and lonely. All his old mates simply swam away whenever he came close to them. Justin didn't realise that his new menacing appearance was the cause of his sad plight. While swimming alone one day he saw the mysterious cod again and he thought perhaps the mysterious fish could change him back into a prawn. He approached the cod and begged to be changed back, and, lo and behold, he found himself turned back into a prawn.
With tears of joy in his tiny little eyes Justin swam back to his friends and bought them all a cocktail ( the punch line does not involve a prawn cocktail - it's much worse ). Looking around the gathering at the reef he realised he couldn't see his old pal. "Where's Christian ?" he asked. "He's at home, still distraught that his best friend changed sides to the enemy and became a shark," came the reply. Eager to put things right again and end the mutual pain and torture, he set off to Christian's abode. As he opened the coral gate memories came flooding back. He banged on the door and shouted, "It's me, Justin, your old friend, come out and see me again." Christian replied, "No way man, you'll eat me. You're now a shark, the enemy, and I'll not be tricked into being your dinner." Justin cried back "No, I'm not. That was the old me. I've changed. "I've found Cod. I'm a Prawn again Christian."
Thought for the month
Sometimes our faith needs us to take responsibility and action. Abraham was told to leave Ur and go to a land he would be given. He could not have stayed in Ur, believed that he would have the land, and it would have just been given to him. He had to take the step of faith and go. The way was not mapped out for him –at least, not that he knew about. He had to take each step in trust of God. There are times when we have to take the steps of faith one by one, only having God’s promise to assure us of the end result but not of the way to it.
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 11 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Answers to the Tomnacross “Raise the Roof” Christmas Quiz
1. Present the lady is beginning to expect HERE 2. Initially found rime on several trees FROST 3. Heavenly voices CELESTIAL CHOIR 4. Country not celebrating Christmas TURKEY 5. Appointments DATES 6. Regal woodland shrub HOLLY 7. NSSAOEFLLGWOIOD ( anagram ) SEASON OF GOODWILL 8. 24 hours for Bruno BOXING DAY 9. Virtuous Royal Philanthropist GOOD KING WENCESLAS 10. Diamonds in the sky ( TWINKLING ) STARS 11. What Father Christmas doesn’t do in a quiet way SHAVE CHRISTMAS ROSE or HELLE BORUS or 12. A Christmas Bloomer LENTEN ROSE 13. High spirits when the hamper is ordered SERAPHIM 14. You’ll have heard this name for Christmas YULE 15. Sinatra at home, unusual scene for a kingly gift FRANKINCENSE 16. Chalmers, Luther, Knox THREE WISE MEN 17. GETSIOKNNODBPSTEO ( anagram ) STOCKING ON BED POST 18. Make a pig of yourself when you find them TRUFFLES 19. To eat in France MANGER 20. Quiet time of darkness SILENT NIGHT 21. Light part of music and learning CANDLE 22. A pleasure in Izmir TURKISH DELIGHT 23. Stole item intended for Christmas MISTLETOE 24. Dad’s a barber PARSNIP(S) 25. GMIAMFROEHTASET ( anagram ) MAGI FROM THE EAST The Third Wise Man sounds like a Russian monarch after 26. a dance BALTHAZAR 27. Hurl pod at this Christmas favourite RUDOLPH 28. Thieves scram at this time of night CHRISTMAS EVE 29. Opposite of a French stick SHORTBREAD 30. A word of praise ALLELUIAH
Winner of Quiz : David and Anneliese Garvie Tie Break : Maggie Third
Many thanks to all who supported the quiz Ellenor Thomas
Politicians welcome
At the pearly gates, St. Peter greeted a Church Minister and Member of Parliament and gave them their room keys. "Minister, here are the keys to one of our nice single rooms. And for you, Mr MP, the keys to our finest penthouse suite." "This is unfair !" cried the Minister. "Listen," St. Peter said, "Ministers are a ten a penny up here, but this is the first MP we've ever seen."
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 12 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
This letter has been sent to both Margaret Birkbeck in Kirkhill and Elizabeth Fraser in Kiltarlity requesting our Churches to contribute to their April appeal
Would you be able to support the Highland Food Bank again during April ?
If you are able, can you please donate any of the following items listed for the Church that you attend. If would prefer make a financial contribution instead, please speak to Margaret or Elizabeth on how to do that.
WARDLAW CHURCH TOMNACROSS CHURCH
UHT MILK TINNED POTATOES
TINS of CORNED BEEF LONG LIFE FRUIT JUICE
BREAKFAST CEREAL TINS of MINCE
SUGAR TINS of CUSTARD
TINS of RICE PUDDING
Items can be left, at any time, in both Church entrances – many thanks
Margaret Birkbeck – 831 518 Elizabeth Fraser – 783 080
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 13 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk When did the Millennium begin ?
Today could be any day ! Most people in the World work to the calendar known as Common Era but there are amongst others Jewish, Muslim and Chinese Calendars also in use. At any moment in time today by the Western Calendar people are living in 2 days at the same time! So when people in Greenwich, England are having their afternoon tea on a Thursday whilst in Greenwich, just outside Sydney, in Australia that are sitting down to breakfast on a Friday !
We all appear to live in the same day by our local calendars at the moment it is midnight at the International Date Line. To avoid this confusion of people living in 2 days at the same time a Universal Day was created by International Convention in 1884 in Washington DC, USA. This Universal Day operates to World Time or Universal Time at Greenwich, England; historically referred to as GMT ( Greenwich Mean Time ). It begins at midnight GMT, i.e. 12 noon at the International Date Line.
This was developed principally with the introduction of railways since prior to that most towns and cities had their own local time. Just like 'planes today fly between time zones then train timetables were confusing and passengers confused. Today with universal communications systems: aircraft, satellite systems even email there needs to be a single reference point for the World.
That reference point is midnight at the cross-hairs of the Airy telescope in the Old Greenwich Observatory in Greenwich, England. It is also the point of zero longitude; the Prime Meridian of the World also known as the Greenwich Meridian which can be seen on all modern World Maps.
All time and space on planet earth is measured by 2 reference lines. The lines of longitude based on the Greenwich Meridian (0° Longitude) and the Equator (0° Latitude). You can express where you are precisely by your latitude and longitude and in time by Greenwich Mean Time.
Calendar systems are based around major historical events and calendars have continually being altered and corrected and sometimes completely redefined. The calendar base that we use today was not conceived until the year 525 AD. At that time the Roman Calendar was still being used which was based on the founding of the city of Rome on April 22, 753 BC. The new calendar was conceived by a monk called Dionysius Exiguus. He proposed that Christ was born in the year of Rome 753 but most historians agree that it should have been some years earlier. The Venerable Bede, an English monk, through his writings in the 8th century re-chronicled history. Up to that time people had been living, say, in the (Roman) year 1500 suddenly found they were living in 747 AD. Don't believe anyone who finds a coin with a year in the first 6 centuries AD ( they didn't exist for the people living in that time ) !
Changes have happened since Pope Gregory XIII adjusted the calendar in 1582 AD, who eliminated the accumulated error caused by a faulty calculation of the length of a year and avoided its recurrence by restricting century leap years to those divisible by 400. This was introduced in Roman Catholic countries and other states only gradually changed from Old Style to New Style; Britain and its colonies didn't adopt the Gregorian calendar for almost two centuries in 1752 AD, when the error amounted to 11 days. The 3 September 1752 AD became 14 September 1752 AD. Up until then England had celebrated beginning of the year on 25 March; after 1752 it was moved to 1 January. Think about this:
The last millennium would have been celebrated in Greenwich, England on 25 March 1001 AD but it wasn't a thousand years ago because we "lost" 11 days along the way !
The "millennium" before would have been celebrated in Greenwich, England on 25 March 247 AD. Why ? Because it was the year 1000 on the Roman calendar !
If we were Roman we would not be celebrating the year 2012 AD but the year 2765.
The Parishioner Newsletter Issue 49 - March 2012 Page 14 of 22 www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk
WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYER and BIBLE DISCUSSION MEETINGS
The Kirkhill Evening Prayer meetings for March will take place on 14th and 28th March and will be held in the Guild Room at Wardlaw Church. The short service begins at 7:00 p.m. and finishes by 7:30 p.m. Prayers are both free and fixed. Pray for individuals and their needs, the church, world issues, and whatever is on the minds and hearts of those present. Everyone is most welcome to join us for this time of prayer. The Prayer meeting on the 14th will be led by Angie Cosens, and the 28th by Iain Mortimer. The meeting on 29 February will be led by Iain Marr.
The Kirkhill Bible discussion group will meet fortnightly in March on Wednesday evenings in the Guild Room following the prayer time at 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The group will be led by Eileen and Alasdair Morrison.
Kiltarlity Bible discussion group meetings will recommence in March 2012. The Discussion Group shall continue on Thursday evenings on a fortnightly basis from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the venue and starting date still to be confirmed. Details on the start date should be known by Sunday, 26 February 2012. Anyone interested in joining this group will be warmly welcomed. Further details from Margo Maclennan on 01463 741 312 or Ellenor Thomas on 01463 741 330.
Third Sunday Praise at Wardlaw Church
The next Third Sunday Praise will be held on Sunday, 18 March starting at 6:00 p.m.
Again the event will be a mixture of praise songs interspersed with short Bible readings and prayers. This event gives everyone a chance to learn and sing new hymns and songs.
People of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest, and from all Churches and none, will be made most welcome.
There will be tea, coffee and home baking served at the end.
If you are able to play a musical instrument, and wish to share that skill, please speak to Alasdair Morrison – 831 185.
Adam and Eve’s true nationality
A Brit, a Frenchman and a Russian were viewing a painting of Adam and Eve frolicking in the Garden of Eden. "Look at that garden they are maintaining so well," mused the Brit. "They must be British."
"Nonsense," the Frenchman disagreed. "They're naked, and so beautiful. Clearly, they are French."
"Ah, but no clothes, no shoes, no shelter," the Russian pointed out, "they have only an apple to eat, and they're being told this is paradise. They are Russian."
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Copies are available on the table at the back of Wardlaw Church, please take one.
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Fable of the Porcupine
It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realising the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions.
After a while, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen.
So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.
Wisely, they decided to go back to being together.
They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others.
This way they were able to survive.
The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.
Words of wisdom
My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.
The trouble with life is there's no background music.
Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
Ever stop to think, and forget to start again ?
Ham and eggs... A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig. (how true)
Thanks to Duncan Colburn for these wise words
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FRIDAY, 13 APRIL 2012
Inverness Male Voice Choir are making an appearance at Tomnacross Church in Kiltarlity at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free.
Tea and home baking will be served
Donations can be made to the Tomnacross Church Roof Appeal
Mark this date in your diary’s now
Ann Gloag is hosting a fundraising barn dance for the Kenya Children’s Home orphanage in Nairobi.
Tickets are available from Iain Marr in Kirkhill and Beauly, and Margo Maclennan in Kiltarlity.
Buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment
All money generated through ticket sales, and any additional fundraising activities on the night, will be used directly at Kenya’s Children’s Home.
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If you would like to volunteer your time and talents to the Church of Scotland, here are some of the ways you can do it. You can also help out in your local community by contacting your local minister. CrossReach
CrossReach is the Social Care Council of the Church, and there are several ways you can help the council to provide essential social care services. Our Christian ethos statement is at the heart of our organisation making a positive difference to the work we do :
Our motivation is rooted in our relationship with and faith in Jesus Christ. As recipients of His unconditional love and grace we desire to serve others in His name. His example is our model for all that we are and do. We strive to reflect Him as an organisation, in the services we offer and in our relationships with each other.
To find out more about CrossReach, visit their website at www.crossreach.org.uk iMPACT
You can be involved in the work of iMPACT, formerly known as Summer Mission, throughout the year and can help in a variety of ways:
• join an action group; • ask for a team to work with your church or local secondary school; • run a mission project over a weekend; • have a speaker at your Guild or mission group; • join the Mission Leaders Training Programme and train to lead a team; • go on a mailing list and receive regular updates on mission teams in Scotland; • donate money to mission teams.
If you would like to find out more about iMPACT and volunteer, please contact Sheila Reeves at [email protected] or email Lesley Hamilton-Messer at [email protected]. World Mission
There are many ways you can get involved in making a difference globally with the World Mission Council. These include:
• making your voice heard in one of our campaigns for Fairtrade and an end to poverty; • encouraging your class, congregation or office involved in stamp recycling; • developing relationships with other people in the world through our world church partnerships; and • committing to one of the many exciting projects run by our partner churches.
These agencies also send mission partners and volunteers abroad:
• Methodist Church - www.methodist.org.uk • Presbyterian Church in Ireland - www.presbyterianireland.org • Church Mission Society - www.cms-uk.org • United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel - www.uspg.org.uk • Interserve - www.interservescotland.org.uk
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In 2011 the money raised was given to the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home which is run by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, along with the government of Jamaica. Around 30 abused or neglected boys with an average age of 12, are cared for and given access to medical care, spiritual nurture, education and vocational training.
Details of the amount of money raised in 2011 and the project to be supported in 2012 will be available soon.
In the meantime keep collecting your stamps.
Any used stamps can be left in the Guild Room at Wardlaw Church, or given directly to Margaret Birkbeck. At Tomnacross Church, used stamps can be left at the Church entrance Margaret Birkbeck
The Superwomen of Britain
She’s a child minder who really cares, a teacher, a local friendly bank, a counsellor... without her, many modern families would fall apart. She’s your child’s grandmother.
Something like 48 per cent of all grannies now child-mind their grandchildren for at least 20 hours per week. A quarter of grannies child-mind for more than 25 hours a week. And one in ten grannies are child minding a staggering 40 hours a week.
In all, our grannies save us £2 billion a year in child minding costs. But grannies don’t stop there. Six out of ten grandparents often go without things for themselves, in order to finance their children and grandchildren. A third of grandparents can struggle to pay heating bills and council tax, never mind afford a holiday – because overwhelmingly they are putting their family’s needs before their own. The average granny babysits 42 times a year, and a quarter of grannies babysit every week.
What does all this child-minding do for granny ? Keeps her young ! Grannies who care for grandchildren feel a whopping 14 years younger than their actual age.
A Journey Prayer
This day to me, God, do thou bless, God, bless the path I walk above, This very night, God, blessing give; God, bless the earth beneath my toes; Thou God of grace, o do thou bless God, bless me, give to me thy love, All days and all the times I live. O God of gods, bless rest, repose; God, bless me, give to me thy love, O God of gods, bless my repose.
Ancient Celtic prayer
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th Mothering Sunday – 4 Sunday in Lent – 18 March
There is an old Jewish saying: God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.
Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods - our human mothers - all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’ - as the fourth Sunday in Lent is th affectionately known. It has been celebrated in the UK since at least the 16 century.
In Roman times, great festivals were held every Spring to honour Cybele, Mother of all the Gods. Other pagan festivals in honour of Mother Earth were also celebrated. With the arrival of Christianity, the festival became one honouring Mother Church.
During the Middle Ages, young people apprenticed to craftsmen or working as ‘live-in’ servants were allowed only one holiday a year on which to visit their families - which is how ‘Mothering Sunday’ got its name. This special day became a day of family rejoicing, and the Lenten fast was broken. In some places the day was called Simnel Day, because of the sweet cakes called simnel cakes traditionally eaten on that day.
In recent years the holiday has changed and in many ways now resembles the American Mothers’ Day, with families going out to Sunday lunch and generally making a fuss of their mother on the day.
March 25 is Lady Day - the Annunciation
This beautiful event ( Luke 1.26-38 ) took place in Nazareth, when Mary is already betrothed to Joseph. The Archangel Gabriel comes to Mary, greets her as highly favoured, tells her not to be afraid, that she will bear a son Jesus, and that her elderly cousin Elizabeth is already pregnant ( with John the Baptist ).
The church calendar is never quite as neat as some would like it. To celebrate the Annunciation on 25 March does indeed place the conception of Jesus exactly nine months from his birth on 25 December, but the latter part of March almost inevitably falls during Lent. But the birth and death of Jesus are intrinsically linked - he was born to die, and thus fulfil God’s purposes.
The Annunciation is a significant date in the Christian calendar - it is one of the most frequent depicted in Christian art. Gabriel’s gracious strength and Mary’s humble dignity have inspired many artists. Certainly Mary’s response to the angel has for centuries been an example of good faith in practice - humility, enquiry of God, and trusting acceptance in his will for her life.
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Wardlaw Church contact Kiltarlity Church contact Maris Elkin 831 590 David Garvie 741 038
Interim Moderator – Revd. Edgar Ogston 782 260 or [email protected]
Kirkhill Sunday School – Margaret Birkbeck 831 518 / Flora Morrison 831 373 Kiltarlity Sunday School – Linda MacKenzie 741 313 / Anneliese Garvie 741 038 The Parishioner – Iain and Rosemary Mortimer 782 648 E-mail – [email protected]
Diary dates for MARCH 2012
29 February Prayer meeting at Wardlaw Church at 7:00 p.m. 29 February Kirkhill Bible discussion group at Wardlaw Church at 7:45 p.m. 2 March Guild’s ‘Mercy Ships’ service at Wardlaw Church at 10:30 a.m. 4 March Worship at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and Communion Service at KILTARLITY at 12 noon. Preacher – Revd. Stewart Jeffrey 6 March Guild meeting at Wardlaw Church at 2:30 p.m. 11 March Worship at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and KILTARLITY at 12 noon. Preacher – Revd. Edgar Ogston 11 March Kiltarlity Church Annual General Meeting at Tomnacross Church at 1:00 p.m. 13 March Joint Kirk Sessions of Kiltarlity and Kirkhill Churches at Wardlaw Church at 7:30 p.m. Revd. Alistair Murray in attendance. 14 March Prayer meeting at Wardlaw Church at 7:00 p.m. 14 March Kirkhill Bible discussion group at Wardlaw Church at 7:45 p.m. 18 March Worship at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and KILTARLITY at 12 noon. 18 March Third Sunday Praise at Wardlaw Church at 6:00 p.m. 22 March Kirkhill Church Annual General Meeting at Wardlaw Church at 7:30 p.m. 25 March Worship at WARDLAW at 10:30 a.m. and KILTARLITY at 12 noon Remember the clocks “spring” forward 1 hour on Sunday, 25 March 2012 30 March Men’s Social evening at Bog Roy Inn at 7:00 p.m.
Present
th For the elderly minister’s 70 birthday, the congregation at St Mary's decided to give him a present of a new suit. He was so moved by the gift that the following Sunday he stood before everyone and began his homily with a tear in his eye, and said: 'Today I am preaching to you in my birthday suit.'
The April 2012 issue of The Parishioner will be published on Sunday, 1 April 2012
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