Duffus, Spynie and Parish Magazine Christmas Edition, 2020 Scottish Charity Number: SCO04853 Contacts

Minister Rev Jenny Adams 830276 Session Clark Mrs Shona Rowand 850693

Clerk to the Board Mrs Linda Paiton 541656 Roll Keeper Mrs Christine Smith 07599040478

Treasurer Mrs Lesley McPherson 830172

Sub Treasurers: Mrs Sheila Duncan 830238 Spynie Ms Aileen Buchanan 860329 Hopeman Mrs Margaret Munro 830422 Property Convenors: Duffus Mr Ron Duncan 830238 Spynie Mr Michael Rowand 850693 Hopeman Mr John Chesney 830852 Manse Mr John Chesney 830852 Organists: Duffus Mr Chris Thompson 830195 Spynie Mr Kenneth Bews 850663 Hopeman Mr Euan Adams Contact Persons Men’s Group Mr Ron Duncan 830238 Safeguarding Mrs Christine Smith 07599040478 Social Committee Mrs Shona Rowand 850693 Sunday School Mr David Adams 830276 Guild Mrs Kathleen Young 830491 Webmaster Mr John Clark 830251 Magazine Ms Katherine Zhao 07706420306 Christian Aid Mrs Heather Mitchell 830713

Emails Minister [email protected] Session Clerk [email protected] Clerk to the Board [email protected]. Magazine Editor [email protected] Church website: www.duffusparish.co.uk Greetings from the Minister

Dear friends, This year has brought a lot of waiting, wondering and worrying. Next year will bring those too. We have been reminded (if we needed it) how precarious and precious life is.

But we don’t wait, wonder or worry alone. In this Advent season of waiting, we wait trusting that God is with us. In Jesus, born into the messiness and challenges of human life, God is with us. In messengers saying “Do not be afraid,” God is with us. In the Spirit, breath of life bringing comfort and challenge, God is with us.

God has also been with us all year, weeping and laughing with us, dropping off soup and collecting shopping with us, making and receiving phone calls with us. God has been at work in every act of love given and received, no matter how big or small, through key workers, volunteers, neighbours, family and friends. I want to thank every one of you for all the love you are sharing, keeping connected to others, supporting one another, doing whatever you can.

The world still needs more love. The crises of coronavirus, climate change and inequality all need to be tackled. We still pray “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth,” hoping and working for God’s ways of love, peace and justice. But we can wait in hope and expectation, because God is with us, God is at work in the world, and we are all invited into God’s community of love.

May we know that the living God is with us, through Advent and Christmas, and into 2021.

With love, prayers and hugs, Jenny

3 Introduction of our ministry student

Hello – I’m David Sim and I’m delighted to be on placement as a student minister with Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman for the next few months. I’m originally from Aberdeen, and have lived in for nearly 25 years, currently in . Before my calling to full time ministry, I worked for an IT company, developing web sites and systems for local government, the NHS… and the film industry! I’m sure Ewan McGregor still talks about the time he met me. I am married to Heather, who is a piano teacher and organist at Dyke and Edinkillie. My daughter, Larissa, lives in Glasgow and is a personal trainer. My main exercise is walking, usually with Heather and our cocker spaniel Marley, although I do like to intersperse long walks with frequent breaks for coffee and scones. Thank you for the warm welcome to DSH so far and I hope that at some point I’ll find out what you look like without the masks!

Hope Bringers

J Warner Wallace is a cold case detective who has spent 30 years looking at the evidence from serious, unsolved crimes. He is good at it, even being featured on US TV, and bringing criminals to face justice decades after the event. As a 35-year-old atheist he decided to look at the accounts of the gospels, determined to counter once and for all the stories told by his Christian colleagues. Instead, he found himself completely convinced by the eyewitness “statements” he found there. He found overwhelming evidence of a God whose furious love offers all of us hope through the birth of a child 2000 years ago.

Right now, in amongst the darkness of the pandemic, we need to be able to see the light. Too many in our community have little hope this Christmas, and without hope there comes hopelessness. News of a vaccine has given a glimmer of coming “normality”, but for people who have lost their jobs, their freedom, their health or, indeed, people they love, it is just a distant flicker.

The promises we find in the Bible are the source of our Christian hope. The birth of Christ is the evidence that that hope has a sure foundation, a demonstration of love that too often we limit in our own imaginations. 4 None of the “gods” of our society – money, consumerism, or popularity – offer anything other than a temporary respite from our sense of loss. Our very different Christmas this year is perhaps an opportunity to pause, recognising that the hope of Jesus’ eternal life, of perfect peace and love, is real.

When we dare ourselves to accept this outrageous hope as true (Col 1:5), then it starts to transform the lives of others around us. Sociologists tell us that people who hope most, influence most. We become Hope Bringers to those we meet. In what could be a dark Christmas for many, the joyful anticipation of our hope can shine a light into people’s lives. Paul Gerhard’s hymn says: Give to the winds thy fears, Hope and be undismayed. God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears, God shall lift up thy head. Through waves and clouds and storms He gently clears the way. Wait thou His time, so shall the night soon end in joyous day.

Have a wonderful, hope-filled Christmas. - David.

Duffus, Spynie & Hopeman finances:

Thank you so much to everyone who has found ways of giving their offering for the church’s work during this period. We are very aware that this crisis is affecting people’s finances in different ways. We also know that every charity, local and global, needs your support at this time. But we would ask you to take another moment to consider your giving, and whether you can help in one of the following ways: • if you give in the plate, including with envelopes, could you give by cheque for just now? That can be posted to Sheila Duncan, Begrow Farm, Duffus, Elgin IV30 5QW • if you could give by standing order or a one-off bank transfer, please contact Lesley McPherson on (01343) 830172 [email protected] for details. • The homepage of churchofscotland.org.uk includes an invitation to “Donate online”, where you can specify donating to Duffus, Spynie & Hopeman Church. 5 Advent & Christmas

Normally this time of year is full of gatherings – parties and services, concerts and plays, mince pies and meals. This year we have to approach Christmas differently, and we hope as a church to offer people various ways to encounter God and welcome Jesus into our lives once more.

• welcome Jesus into your home. With this magazine you’ve received a simple wooden baby Jesus. Why not make Jesus a home with whatever you have in the house? I think you could make a nativity scene with almost anything – Lego, socks, kitchen utensils, boxes, toys, knitting, toilet rolls… Enjoy making a home for Jesus, and please email Rev Jenny a picture to share with others on our Facebook page.

• spread light and hope wherever you are by putting a star in your window. Any size or shape, as sparkly as you like, as many as you want.

• in Hopeman and Duffus villages, watch out for a “Nativity Trail.” The main characters will be in windows of homes and businesses, with a sheet online to encourage families to go and find them all.

• on Sunday 20th December, we hope to offer an online nativity (details still being worked out!). We will need volunteers of all ages, willing to be on video, ready to play a part in the Christmas story. This could be your big break! Please contact Rev Jenny if you’re interested.

• on Sunday 20th December, our communal prayer in Duffus Kirk 10am will be shaped around Christmas music, led by Chris Thompson.

• on Christmas Eve we will host a family service in Hopeman Kirk at 6pm. Still no singing, no Christingles, but a short gathering to share the Christmas story as interactively as we safely can! Booking will still be essential.

6 • support Moray Food Plus – through food and toiletries donated at collection points in shops & supermarkets, and through financial support. For direct online donation, please go to morayfoodplus.org.uk We will also take financial donations for Moray Food Plus at our Christmas Eve service, or in labeled envelopes on Sundays.

• our Sunday reflections on the phone and online will continue, with additional reflections on Tuesday 22nd for Blue Christmas and for Christmas Day.

• on the Facebook page, there will be daily #TinyAdventPoems by Amy Scott Robinson, and Jenny’s wee midweek reflections

• from Christmas Day onwards, we invite you to reflect on God with us through the “Comfort and Joy” booklet enclosed with this magazine – joining with others across the UK

• we can’t offer singing together this year, but enjoy singing along in your kitchen, living room or car to the very many carols you’ll find on the radio and TV. Singing is good for us, body, mind and soul.

Blue Christmas

This has been a very difficult year, which has also brought a lot of deaths in our communities. It’s also a difficult time of year for many of us, with darkness and low mood, financial and relationship stresses, ill-health and worries, and so many reminders of people loved and lost throughout our lives.

7 This year we can’t safely hold our Blue Christmas service, but we offer an opportunity to remember any people or situations through memorial cairns outside each of our church buildings.

From 13th-27th December, members of the community are invited to add stones to a memorial cairn outside Hopeman Kirk (at Farquhar St door), Duffus Kirk (by the bench) and Spynie Kirk.

The stones/pebbles can be plain, have a name or words written on them, or be decorated in any way you wish. You may be remembering people or places/situations. The church will add the names of all those known to have died from our communities this year will be added to the cairn.We hope all ages can join in with this act of remembrance and prayer, while maintaining physical distancing and avoiding crowds. Please spread the word.

There will also be an online “Blue Christmas” reflection available on YouTube and Facebook from Tuesday 22nd December, as we pass the longest night and look for new hope and light.

8 Bible Study group

A Bible Study group has continued to meet every Wednesday afternoon at 3pm since we did the Community Bible Experience again. They currently meet over Zoom, which is accessible for anyone with a normal phone, as well as with tablets, smartphones and computers. Others would be very welcome to join the group. Please contact Pat MacKay if you’re interested:

“We meet at 3pm on Wednesdays via zoom, for a good blether and catch up as to how we all are doing and pray for each other. From Wed 2nd Dec we are going to follow an Advent theme from New Daylight. If you would like to join us these booklets are available from Amazon “New Daylight for Advent 2020”. Please contact Pat on 333851 for the zoom joining details.”

Practical needs

There are still several emergency response teams in the area, with volunteers ready and able to help out with anything. The church family also wants to help. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. For church, contact Rev Jenny (see top of the page) or Shona Rowand tel. (01343) 850693 or 07908 583320 or [email protected]

For Hopeman, Duffus or : local helpline 07708 178299

For Elgin & area: St Giles’ Crisis Group 01343 551501

Grampian Coronavirus Assistance Hub: gcah.org.uk 0808 196 3384

Moray Emergency Relief Fund for people suffering severe hardship, illness or poverty. See www.lordlieutenantmoray.co.uk/moray-emergency- relief-fund or email [email protected]

9 In Memoriam January – November 2020

Isobel Main Mid Street, Hopeman – funeral 25th January Betty Falconer Birnie Crescent, Elgin – 29th January Ian MacDonald St. Peter’s Lane, Duffus – 4th February Brenda McCrum Dunbar Lane, Duffus – 5th February Robina McKnockiter Mackenzie Place, – 6th March Polly Moreton formerly Golf View, Hopeman – 18th March Bob Harvey Farquhar Street, Hopeman – 31st March Malcolm McPherson Thom Street, Hopeman – 1st April Colin Peace St. Aethan’s Close, Burghead – 17th April Jimmy Logan Birch Cottage, Findrassie – 20th April Rosemary Nisbet Ashgrove Park, Elgin – 7th May Evelyn Duncan The Knock, Mosstowie – 8th May Nancy Christie Dunbar Place, Elgin – 21st May Annie Logan Muirfield Road, Elgin – 11th June Thomas Blair Land Street, – 11th June Isabel Young Clark Street, Hopeman – 20th June Janet Law Bieldside, Aberdeen – 24th June Jessie Garden formerly Place, Hopeman – 7th July Isabel McPherson Moray Street, Hopeman – 21st July Dick McPherson St. Aethan’s Avenue, Burghead – 29th July John McKenzie Farquhar Street, Hopeman – 31st July Kenny Walker Manse Road, Hopeman – 8th September Mary Davidson School Road, Hopeman – 14th September John McCrum Dunbar Lane, Duffus – 13th October Jessie Angus Teindland Court, Elgin – 15th October Graham McArthur Whitewreath, – 2nd November

These are the church funerals. We also remember others who have died in our communities and families in a very difficult year. We remember them with love, give thanks for their lives, entrust them to God’s loving arms, and hold their families and friends in our thoughts and prayers 10 Ed. - During the lockdown(s), one of our members launched a series of 24- 7 prayer initiative to benefit people near and far to gain strength and inspiration through prayers.

Prayer and the Pandemic - Anne Attenburrow

Feeling confused and at a loss at the beginning of Lockdown, and increasingly convinced God had something to teach us during this Pandemic, I felt drawn to prayer and to enabling other people to pray. I understand that I was not alone, for even among those who did not profess a faith before Lockdown, 1 in 20 had started praying and a quarter of adults in the UK had watched or listened to a religious service since coronavirus hit. The 18 to 34 year age group showed a particular interest in online or broadcast religious services (Tearfund Survey).

I had come across the 24-7 prayer movement when I was running the Moray Churches Tent of Prayer and Reflection at the Refuel Festival at Gordon Castle, when Crystal Cryer, of 24-7 prayer , led an excellent series of workshops on prayer in our tent. Our Bible Study group had studied their excellent Prayer course, and I have read a lot about their movement. I use their App Lectio 365 every day and their Inner Room App to keep track of my prayers for others. I have found these very helpful. I became aware that a sign-up tool for virtual prayer rooms had been made available by 24-7 prayer, so we had our first 7-day virtual Prayer Room in May 2020. So far, we have had 11 days of 24-hour prayer, with another 3 days run up to Advent.

The people who have become involved (up to 40 in all) have been from many different Christian disciplines, from Charismatic, Evangelical, Liberal, Progressive and everything in between. The Dominican Nuns from Greyfriars convent and their youth group have been involved. This is truly all inclusive. 11 We have learnt that we can pray in a variety of ways besides spoken prayers. We have used the times to listen to God and to be led by the Holy Spirit. Several of us have been on prayers walk with Jesus as our travelling companion. I particularly enjoyed a prayer walk as the dawn was coming up. Creative journaling including colouring our journaling Bible or a Biblical text has been extremely popular. I find this enhances my focus on our Lord. Many have made a special corner for prayer. Others have enjoyed reflecting and praying with worship songs in the background. I have offered a possible pattern for the hour of prayer (following the pattern suggested by 24-7 prayer), which is: PAUSE – REJOICE - REFLECT - ASK - YIELD to God.

PAUSE involves settling yourself in a quiet place and slowing down.

REJOICE - Rejoicing using the psalms was suggested.

REFLECTION ON SCRIPTURE with suggested readings following a particular theme.

Here I added in LAMENT as it is a very Biblical approach to situations like this Pandemic. Lament can be very therapeutic. The Book of Psalms has many prayers of lament. As we lament, we can speak to God expressing our hurt, frustration, anxiety or anger at our current situation and the psalms remind us that God knows our pain and shares in it. He will also turn it around. (E.g. Psalm 30:11,12)

“You turned my wailing into dancing, You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy That my heart may sing to you and not keep silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

During the first week of prayer, I wrote this paraphrase on Psalm 6. O Lord, don’t rebuke us in your anger…Or discipline us in your rage. Have compassion on us, Lord, for we are weak. Heal us, Lord, for we are in agony, we are sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore us. Return O Lord and rescue us…Save us because of your unfailing love.

12 Go away, Coronavirus, For the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea. The Lord will answer my prayer. May Covid19 retreat in terror, may Coronavirus be defeated.

ASK - These are our prayers for ourselves and others, including prayers relating to Coronavirus.

YIELD - A PRAYER OF YIELDING Jesus, I yield to your presence and I choose to agree with your plans and purposes for my life, the life of our country and the world. I am encouraged today that I do not pray alone. Thank you, Lord, that “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. I do not know what I ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” AMEN.

BE STILL - Breathe deeply, thank God for His presence and release into His hands all you have prayed this past hour. Everyone adapts this format as is appropriate to them and the time they have signed up for.

We have had some extremely positive feedback, such as:

“It was a prayerful, deep experience to be able to focus on the cares and concerns of the local area and celebrate the Glory of God.”

“I found it a privilege to be part of something special. To appreciate that there is always someone praying no matter what time of day and being able to connect with God in different ways, that has been a real comfort this week.”

“It was a privilege to be part of continuous prayer from Moray asking for God’s Kingdom to come at this time.”

“God is the way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness during Covid 19.” 13 “I found it to be free flowing and I was amazed at what came out. I’ll be introducing an hour of prayer into my weekly routine.”

“Focussed and one hour of prayer went and still plenty to pray about. I suppose the overriding feeling during was engagement and after was peace.”

“Praying for our world at this time as part of the bigger picture with so many others, and knowing I was taking over and handing over to someone was great. I did something I hadn’t done before, using colouring Bible verses and the NHS thank you Rainbows to focus.”

“Moving and powerful.” “Good to be focussed.” “Goodness I needed it.” “Texts came of their own accord. I was amazed at how they spoke into our times.”

“I just let the Holy Spirit direct the session.”

“Prayer walked for 2 ½ hours in lovely sunshine around the boundary of .”

And even: “Like a spiritual bomb being released.”

I can honestly say that these prayer rooms have been a real blessing in these times of Covid. We plan to continue to run 2 or 3 days of 24 hour prayer every couple of months. Do give it a try!

Ed.- A passionate refection on the original meaning of Christmas about Christ from:

Men’s Group Christmas Message 2020 - Ron Duncan

Like so many parts of normal life, this year’s Carol Service will not be happening which we, as a group so looked forward to. It is of course, our main fundraiser for our chosen charity, Mission Aviation Fellowship but

14 we will still be sending them a contribution one way or another for the wonderful work they do in remote areas in the world.

Had the service been happening we would certainly have been using this Christmas message from “Word for Today” which is such a timely reminder of our values.

It would have been entitled. “Christmas is about Christ” following the reading from Matthew chapter two, verse eleven, “They saw the young child and fell down and worshipped him.”

He was born in the humblest of settings, yet Heaven above was filled with the songs of Angels. His birth place was a cattle shed yet a star brought the rich and noble from thousands of miles away to worship Him. His birth was contrary to the laws of life and His death was contrary to the laws of death, yet no miracle is greater than His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection and his teachings. He had no cornfields or fisheries yet He spread a table for 5000 and had bread and fish to spare. He never stood on expensive carpeting yet He walked on the waters and they supported Him.

His crucifixion was the crime of crimes, yet from God’s perspective, no less a price could have made possible, our redemption. When he died, few mourned His passing yet God hung a black cape over the sun. Those who crucified him did not tremble at what they had done, yet the earth shook under them. Sin never touched Him, and corruption could not get a hold of His body. The soil which was reddened with His blood could not claim His dust. For over three years He preached the Gospel. He wrote no book, He had no headquarters, and He built no organisation. Yet two thousand years later, He is the central figure of human history, the perpetual theme of all preaching, the pivot around which the ages revolve and the only redeemer of the human race. At this season of celebration and gift giving, let’s join the wise men “who fell down and worshipped him” So let us remember, Christmas is about Christ.

Best wishes from the Men’s Group and we wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas. 15 Hope in Hopeman - Francis Mitchell

One of the major fatalities of 2020 seems to have been hope! The news seems to be getting more dismal by the day, to mention just a few events:

1)The American election - seems to have further polarised the Americans, and their obsession with being armed, creates a frightening potential for violent civil strife!

2)Brexit - still no agreement, and even if there is, how much is it going to push up prices and fuel inflation?

3)Both the British Government, and the Scottish Government seem intent in becoming more dictatorial (hate crime bill etc.)

4)The COVID 19, Pandemic is still not under control, and as I write this increasing infection rates in Moray seems to heading us towards greater restrictions!

5)The Armenian people in the Karabach region of Azerbaijan, have lost their battle for self determination, and it seems that they will now end up having to flee their ancient homeland. Think of another almost 200,000 refugees, but this time Christians.

6)The media seem to becoming more obsessed with “false information” but the criteria for false information now seems to be purely subjective - goodbye truth!

7)Global warming. I will stop there!

You can see why I wonder if there is still hope?

If we look to the things of this world - then there is plenty to get depressed about. Is there still hope? Is there still a way forward? Can we expect things to get back to normal?

16 I think most of us realise by now that there is no returning to how things were just a couple of years ago, Covid on its own, has changed that. However there can be a way forward to bring about a new ‘normal’, but what sort of normal do we want?

The GOOD NEWS! God is still in charge, we are not!

We are not called upon to get us out of this mess - well not directly. We are called upon to have faith in God and pray for the world and its problems.

In other words we are not expected to micromanage the Universe! So stop trying.

We are instead expected to be obedient, to his word, to love each other, to pray for the welfare of not just our brothers and sisters in Christ but also our communities.

To put a more positive aspect, give thanks for all that he has done and is doing.

Take time to stop and look around us, at his creation, the changing seasons, give thanks for their beauty, give thanks for the food we get from our land and seas. Bless them and pray for wisdom in managing our resources here in Moray.

Give thanks for friends and family, and pray blessings over them in the name of Jesus.

Read the Bible, get to know it and its many promises to those who dare believe, both in Old as well as New Testaments. As you read and grow to understand how the whole Bible hangs together, give thanks for such a phenomenal and inspiring book!

17 The greatest blessing the bible gives us is that for those who believe in Jesus and his message, there is ALWAYS hope in the future, and not just when we die but also in this flawed and increasingly broken world! A good story of finding hope, when things look bleak is found in the book of 2 Kings Chapter 6.

“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the Servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the Prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all round Elisha.”

Prayer: Jesus, as in the days of Elisha, may our eyes be opened so that we see the spiritual realities around us, and thereby know the plans you have for us, and to bless us. We also thank you for the wonders of your creation, especially when we see a rainbow and we are reminded of your promises to us, Amen.

Ed. - A member of our congregation experienced an enriched life during the lockdown which entails enchanting contact with the nature, and joyful interests in many daily activities.

Life Lessons from Lockdown

At the start of 2020, who would have predicted that a tiny virus could have caused so much chaos on a worldwide scale? Immense human suffering, economic collapse, radical changes to the way we lead our day- to-day lives and ongoing uncertainty about whether we shall ever get back to 'normal'.

Everyone has a different experience of living with Covid-19. Many lives have been changed forever and it would be so easy to dwell on the negatives, but it is also important to look for the positive, life-enhancing experiences.

18 At the start of 2020, after a time in which my own circumstances changed radically, I was determined that life was going to be different. I had a plan. Well, life certainly has been different, but not the way I planned. So what have I learned?

Firstly, Nature doesn't know that we are in the midst of a pandemic and the predictable cycle of the seasons provides stability and certainty. My life has been immeasurably enriched by encounters with birds and animals just going about their daily business.

Young squirrels chasing up, down and round trees until they came to a standstill, panting with their exertions. The fox cub that trotted along a forest track ahead of me, completely unaware of my presence. The roe deer that burst from the bushes and landed with a scrabble of hooves at my feet (I don't know who was more surprised). A litter of stoats, tails aloft, busily chattering as they raced along the road.

I followed with interest as the mute swans raised their cygnets on Spynie Canal. I became engrossed in back-yard tragedy and triumph as a red-legged partridge and her brood struggled for survival and was delighted that 3 of the chicks (and mother) made it through. I really listened to birdsong, made so much easier by the absence of traffic on the roads and I rejoiced in the sight and sound of lapwings tumbling in the spring air. Now the graceful whooper swans are back and skeins of geese arrow across the sky.

Secondly, I was guilty of taking our previous 'normality' for granted. The consequences of Covid-19 disrupted my familiar, comfortable routines. Sometimes it felt that the scale of the upheaval was just too much and the only way to cope was to concentrate on the small things that made a single day more bearable:-

That precious Government-sanctioned hour of exercise outwith the home; that first post-lockdown professional haircut; 'Click and Collect' library books; or flour, pasta and loo-roll back on the supermarket shelves again!

19 I discovered that I could be content 'in the moment'.

I sewed, read, wrote proper (handwritten) letters and grew flowers, fruit and vegetables. I finally managed to bake a decent (i.e. edible) scone.

I rediscovered the fun in learning to play a musical instrument - badly, as it happens, but with no pressure from an audience! I walked for hundreds of miles and discovered many amazing places, all in my local area. I enrolled in distance learning courses for personal development. I lived within the imposed restrictions, doing my best to protect myself and others - and tried hard not to be too judgemental of others who appeared to be flouting or bending the rules. Like everyone in the parish I adapted to different ways of 'doing Church' and while many of us miss the human contact inherent in gathering together as a Church family that does not mean that our spiritual lives have been neglected – Thank you, Rev Jenny!

I had never downloaded a podcast and rarely looked at YouTube videos unless I needed instructions about how to fix something, but these are now my main sources of spiritual inspiration – and not just on Sundays.

Finally, we are basically a kind and caring community. A little kindness goes a long way, whether it's a friendly wave, a shouted greeting, a smile behind the mask or more practical help with food or shopping. Our loving care for one another is our most valuable resource and God's Love for us never changes.

Covid-19 may have pressed Ctrl-Alt-Del on my life plan, but I have experienced more blessings than I could ever have contemplated at the start of the year.

Amen to that.

20 Ed. - Christine Smith from our congregation found this Bible reading plan which is great for reading with the children:

21 Ed. - Most people perhaps find more community bonding this year while long distance travel was not possible or easy. A very vivid account reminding us of the importance of of loving our neighbour.

Neighbourliness in Lockdown - Helen McKidd

My usual contribution to the magazine is a report of what we've been doing at Messy Church but sadly that has been put on hold along with so much else in our lives. I think often of our dedicated team and the lovely families who come and join in all the activities. I hope you have all found a way to live your lives in as positive a way as possible amid the ever changing rules and regulations.

What struck me most during lockdown when I was shielding, was the neighbourliness, the kindness and caring and sharing. I think it started with clapping for the NHS when we would stay out at our gates and chat for a while afterwards.

Then it was several households getting together for combined deliveries of gardening stuff from Decora. My garden has never had so much attention! Then a girl from along the road bringing all the neighbours a piece of her sixteenth birthday cake to share.

Then the fourteen year old boy from across the road deciding the rhubarb in their garden needed to be used and making enough crumble to feed the five thousand! Well maybe not quite, but twenty people in seven households, including me, all got some and it was delicious.

22 Best of all was the anniversary of VE Day. We couldn't have a street party but we did have a picnic afternoon tea, every family down my end of the street sitting out in their own front garden with their own picnic. There was music, wartime songs and the kind of big band music they danced to back in the forties. First the children and then the adults started venturing onto the pavements and moving around but always keeping a safe distance. In the evening the children, aged six to sixteen, were still out racing around together on bikes, scooters, gokarts, anything they could lay their hands on. It was a magical day which ended with us all out in the street again after the Queen's speech singing We'll Meet Again.

I pray that it won't be too long before we as a church family can all meet again as before without the need for masks or distancing.

Ed. - More than one persons from our congregation found the fun and peace spending time with nature. A poem describing a lovely encountering with hedgehog Henrietta: WILDLIFE IN DUFFUS - Sam

This year possibly due to the current restrictions on movement I have become very conscious of the local wildlife in the village. All sorts of birds and animals, on one occasion I saw a red squirrel running along one of the back streets and it would seem that the village has become a haven for hedgehogs (some of them have appeared on television). One of them is a regular visitor to my garden and I thought you might like this little poem. 23 The Gardener’s friend

"Hello everybody! I'm Henrietta and I'm a little hedgehog. I've made friends with Baxter who is next door's little dog,

This lovely village of Duffus is where I've made my home, and through its beautiful gardens is where I love to roam. It's so handy for me, as I don't have to cross a busy road, because unlike clever children, I don't know "The Highway Code".

I love all the people for to me they are so very good. They leave me out bowls of water and lots of lovely food. Although I may look so cute and cuddly, you cannot call me furry, and if you try to cuddle me, you'll drop me in a hurry.

The gardeners all love me because I eat each and every pest. A couple of juicy slimy slugs for supper are what I love the best. So when you come to eat your salads; say thank you Henrietta, because you've eaten all the slugs my lettuces look and taste much betta.

Ed. - This year’s lockdown brought certainly lots of inconvenience but perhaps also unexpected bettering off from the environment’s perspective. Francis gave us this rather comprehensive overview of the lockdown’s impact on the environment with particular prayer points.

The effect of Covid on the environment

This is an attempt to describe some of the effects of Covid 19 on the environment here in Scotland. I can only report what I am aware of and 24 even though it is second hand, nevertheless some has been verified by direct observation.

In general the effects of the Covid pandemic on the environment has been positive, but there are also some negative aspects.

The biggest change, has been the relative quiet in the countryside, with wildlife being able to move around more freely, with far less roadkill. This does have a downside in that there has been greater damage from deer. Control of pests has been less effective, so pests like deer and mink have in some places increased. It has however been a boost to red squirrels and also pine martens, increasing their range.

Pollution in the countryside was down as fewer vehicles were about. Even trains and buses had a reduced service further reducing fumes. Reduced flights were a significant reduction in pollution, with the added bonus of fewer vapour trails, overall resulting in cleaner air and increased sunshine, a welcome boost especially to owners of solar panels!

Many people have both had extra time and neglected gardens, so it may not be a surprise that there has been a big increase in gardening especially growing of vegetables. Giving a big boost to the local environment, especially where gardens were planted using grow bags, pots and any other containers to create growing space in otherwise barren concrete yards, balconies etc.

Temporary closure of many companies, along with reduced travel, meant a reduction in ‘carbon footprints’ as well as less pollution, it gives us a chance to maintain a lower carbon footprint in the hope of slowing global warming.

But how as Christians should we be viewing all this, and what opportunities does it open up?

There has been a lot of positive aspects as far as Gods creation is concerned. However should we look to maintain these lower emissions and related reduced carbon footprints? What can we cut out? Maybe we have discovered that exotic holidays can safely be reduced without us being deprived? Maybe less driving on unnecessary trips is manageable?

25 Keep up the gardening, this has the added benefit of healthier food and plenty of fresh air, both of which should help ensure we are healthier! Walking is another good habit, to enable us to enjoy and rejoice in Gods creation, we often found the time during lockdown, with addition benefits to us in a similar way to gardening (as long as we maintain social distancing).

Lockdown should also produce the bonus of reduced risk of other infections like the common cold and flu.

Prayer. How should we then pray? First give thanks for positive effects of the lockdown, then pray for God to help alleviate the negative aspects, and costs.

Pray for our governments both in Westminster as well as Holyrood, that they will make wise decisions, especially regarding God’s creation and His protection. Already the Westminster government has brought forward the banning of new petrol and diesel fuelled cars to 2030. Pray this will be done in both a sensible and achievable way to help the inevitable changeover this will entail, and associated infrastructure and businesses that have to adjust.

Pray for technology to further enable financially sustainable local or micro-energy generation, such as solar and hydro electric.

Pray for inspiration and guidance as to what we can do, to maintain a relatively low carbon footprint, and any other ways to reduce further damage to our environment.

Last and perhaps most importantly, give thanks for all we have, and especially for God’s creation and the joy it gives to many - pray that many will recognise the handiwork of God, in our environment!

Amen.

26 Ways to share in reflection and prayer with Duffus, Spynie & Hopeman Church:

• phone (01343) 614450, where you will find a 15-25 minute recorded reflection. A new reflection is loaded every Saturday night. • search YouTube for “DSH YouTube Channel” to find a 15-25 minute recorded video reflection for each Sunday, and a short midweek video • find Duffus Spynie & Hopeman on Facebook, which has links to the YouTube videos and other posts (or become a Facebook friend of Jenny Adams)

For wider shared worship and Christmas music, we suggest:

• Keith Community Radio (107.7FM / kcr.fm), Sundays 10-11am, a local church service • BBC One Scotland TV, Sundays, “Reflections at the Quay”, “Sunday Worship” and “Songs of Praise”.

Our church buildings are re-opened, within Scottish Government and Church of Scotland guidance, on Sunday mornings. Thank you to everyone who has helped set things up, kept the buildings safe and clean, and kept to guidelines.

We will be open for communal prayer and reflection on Sundays: 13th Dec Hopeman 10am; 20th Dec Duffus 10am; 27th Dec Spynie 10am; 3rd Jan 2021 Hopeman 10am; 10th Jan Duffus 10am; 17th Jan Spynie 10am; 24th Jan 2021 Hopeman 10am; 31st Jan Duffus 10am; 7th Feb Spynie 10am

This will not look or feel like “normal” Sunday worship. We will have limited numbers for each gathering, and you must pre-book with Rev Jenny. Please do not come if you have not booked in advance (which will also be used for Test & Protect).

There’s lots of guidance to follow, and all public health advice applies. Please wrap up well, wear a face covering (if not exempt), and follow directions regarding one way systems, hand sanitising and physical distancing. Please remember that the church is people, not buildings, and this is only one way to connect and worship together.

For the time being, we still cannot offer funeral services in our church buildings - I’m sorry. For hall users, we are doing what we can as guidance is updated. 27 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!