REID MEMORIAL CHURCH E-MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020

REID MEMORIAL CHURCH E-MAGAZINE FRONT PAGE: Image: Liz Reid CONTACT INFORMATION

MINISTER REV. ALEX McASPURREN [email protected] Tel. 667 1623

SESSION CLERK Mrs ELIZABETH CLARK [email protected] Tel: 667 6705

ROLL KEEPER Mrs LINDA FARRER Tel: 667 5129

CHURCH OFFICE ANSWERPHONE IN OPERATION Tel: 662 1203 EMAIL [email protected]

ELDERS IN CHARGE OF ELIZABETH & GRAHAM CLARK COMMUNION ARRANGEMENTS [email protected] Tel: 667 6705

MISSION DEVELOPMENT MICHAEL McMULLIN WORKER [email protected] 07444 082 627

SUNDAY DUTY ROSTER SHEILA CAPEWELL

TREASURER JUDITH SMEATON Tel: 662 0149 [email protected]

MAGAZINE EDITOR Mrs LINDA FARRER Tel: 667 5129 [email protected] Graphics and design by DAVID WHITE

ORGANIST Dr MARTYN STRACHAN Tel: 339 3217 [email protected]

HALL BOOKINGS Mrs JOYCE ROSIE [email protected] Tel: 667 2527

SAFEGUARDING COORDINATOR ANNE BLACK [email protected] Tel: 447 4149

CLERK TO THE Mrs SUSAN MACKAY Tel: 667 0910 CONGREGATIONAL BOARD [email protected]

ORDER OF SERVICE INTIMATIONS DAVID WHITE [Currently suspended] [email protected], by Wednesday morning please.

FACEBOOK @REIDMEMORIAL [REID MEMORIAL CHURCH, EDINBURGH] THE SOUND OF SILENCE DEAR FRIENDS, Our congregation is beginning to take the first tentative steps to gathering for worship on a Sunday. That got me to thinking about the things we will be leaving behind on this phase of our journey out of lockdown. For some of us lockdown will have been a time of challenge or struggle. Familiar activities may have been left undone, familiar places left unvisited, and familiar faces left unseen. For many this has not been an easy time. For some, though, lockdown may have brought with it opportunity. The space left by people, places, and activities left behind may have become an opportunity to do other things. I wonder how many of us saw previously unfinished tasks completed. I wonder how many saw new things taken up in the space now available so to do. What about you? The location of the manse is on a busy side street that is not far from a couple of busy road junctions. In the year since moving in it has seldom been quiet. Lockdown changed that. The roads and pavements have been quieter; the air has been cleaner; the sun, when it appeared, seems to have been brighter. These are not the figments of a romantic imagination, but scientifically observable facts. These ‘missing’ things have left something almost solid – silence. It’s a silence that is almost concrete in nature; it’s a silence that I have seldom experienced before. Silence can be terribly disquieting, especially if you are not used to it. Yet silence may also be enriching. It is good for both head and heart; it is good for the soul too. Silence has an enormous spiritual value, and a place in the Christian > > tradition. It is in silence that we most clearly hear the ‘still, small voice’ of God. It is in silence that we most clearly hear the workings of our own minds. These, together, may feel threatening yet with time they may also be liberating and enlivening. As we regather on a Sunday we may find the absence of singing to be almost a silent experience for us; it will be strange but may give us space to reflect. We may find ourselves asking ‘just why is it we choose to sing in church?’ This form of silence may be uncomfortable however like more thoroughgoing silences it will have its value. In the spaces where once we sang, we will now be able to listen. Perhaps we will hear in this the busyness of our own minds; perhaps we may hear the voice of God calling to us. Perhaps the call will be to “be still, and know that I am God.” Yours in Christ, ALEX

FEEL THE TUG Have you ever wondered how you can be certain about who and what God really is? One Christian put it this way: ‘I’m reminded of the story of the little boy who was out flying a kite. The wind was brisk and large billowing clouds were blowing across the sky. The kite went up and up until it was entirely hidden by the clouds. Then a man came by and asked the little boy what he was doing, staring up at an empty sky. ‘I’m flying my kite,’ he replied. The man replied: ‘What kite? How can you be sure it is still there? You can’t see a thing.’ The little boy agreed that he could see nothing, ‘but every little while I feel a tug, so I know for sure that it is still up there and is connected to me!’ When it comes to God, you don’t need to take anyone else’s word for it. You can find Him for yourself by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. Then you too will know by the warm wonderful tug on your heartstrings that though you can’t see Him, He is up there, and that He lives in you. You are connected! OPENING FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP Reid Memorial will be open for Sunday worship from 30th August 2020. The day that the church is open for individual prayer and contemplation will change to Wednesdays from 3pm to 4pm. To comply with current guidelines from the Scottish Government and the Church of Scotland, a number of changes have been necessary. Some people who have been shielding may decide that they do not wish to return to church for the time being. You are asked not to attend if you feel unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms of Covid19. > > NUMBERS: we are restricted on how many may attend to maintain physical distancing.

QUEUING: will be in an easterly direction along West Savile Terrace and you may be required to wait outside in inclement weather.

MASKS: we are obliged to wear face-coverings. Exceptions exist for folk with certain health conditions. Additionally, the minister, readers, etc, are permitted to remove theirs while leading worship.

HAND SANITISER: please use the sanitise at the entrance and exit from the sanctuary.

DURATION: services will begin at our usual time (11:15am), and last for around 30-35 minutes.

TOILET FACILITIES: will not be available, except in an emergency.

VENTILATION: one of the control measures dictates that doors must be left open therefore the Main Sanctuary temperature may be cold.

TRACK AND TRACE: you will be asked to give your name and contact number when you enter the Main Sanctuary.

SEATING: you will be directed to a seat by the people on door duty.

SINGING: there will be no singing, though there will be music.

BIBLES: these, along with hymn books, have been removed from the pews. Readers will have to bring their own Bible to worship.

SOCIALISING: sadly, you are encouraged to leave immediately after the conclusion of the service. No tea and coffee will be available after the service.

LEAVING: please leave the Main Sanctuary by the north door as directed. Those with reduced mobility remain seated and leave by the entry door.

COLLECTION: facilities for givings will be available at the entry and exit points. 16th SEPT NINIAN BISHOP OF GALLOWAY, APOSTLE OF THE PICTS Ninian was a Celt who was born about 360, in southern Scotland. He was remarkable for two things: he was almost certainly the first man in Scotland to live in a little white stone house, and also the first to preach the gospel to the Scots. Just as remarkable: becoming the apostle to the Picts was intimately connected to him even having a white-washed stone house, instead of the usual wooden hovel.

Ninian had not always stayed in Scotland, but had travelled to Rome to study, and then on to Gaul, where he had spent time with St Martin of Tours. Martin’s monastery was called Loco Teiac (little white house), and it seems that when Ninian returned to Scotland to preach the gospel, he wanted something similar. And so, it was that Ninian built his little white house, called Ad Candidam Casam, and began sharing the Gospel with the Picts who lived in Whithorn and Galloway. This was the region north of the old Roman wall – where Roman rule had never been established.

Ninian seems to have been very effective, for it is said that, like Patrick (a generation later) and Columba (a century and a half later), he helped form the character of Celtic Christianity. And throughout southern Scotland, there are still many churches which bear their names. JOHN HENRY NEWMAN (21 FEBRUARY 1801 – 11 AUGUST 1890)

He was an English theologian and poet, first an Anglican priest and later a Catholic priest and cardinal, who was an important and controversial figure in the religious history of England in the 19th century. Newman was also a literary figure: his major writings include the Tracts for the Times (1833–1841), his autobiography Apologia Pro Vita Sua (1865–1866), the Grammar of Assent (1870), and the poem "The Dream of Gerontius" (1865), which was set to music in 1900 by Edward Elgar. He wrote the popular hymns "Lead, Kindly Light", > > "Firmly I believe, and truly" (taken from Gerontius), and "Praise to the Holiest in the Height" (taken from Gerontius). Ten years ago, this month Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was canonised as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. These lines are from his great work ‘The Dream of Geronitus’, and have become a very well-loved hymn... PRAISE TO THE HOLIEST IN THE HEIGHT Praise to the Holiest in the height, And in the depth be praise, In all his words most wonderful, Most sure in all his ways. O loving wisdom of our God! When all was sin and shame, A second Adam to the fight And to the rescue came... And in the garden secretly, And on the cross on high, Should teach his brethren, and inspire To suffer and to die. Praise to the Holiest in the height, And in the depth be praise, In all his words most wonderful, Most sure in all his ways... ABBEY’S ‘BLACK JESUS’ STIRS UP A STORM

REVD PETER CRUMPLER is a Church of England priest in St Albans, Herts. (see ReidOn... June 2020). Here he offers a personal reflection on a new painting in St Albans Cathedral. ‘A large-scale painting of the Last Supper depicting Jesus as a black man has sparked controversy and heated debate in the UK and around the world. I reckon that is no bad thing. In fact, it could be really positive. St Albans Cathedral, 20 miles north of central London in leafy Hertfordshire, has installed the painting – on show until 31st October – to “stand with the Black Lives Matter movement to be allies for change – building a strong, just and fair community where the dignity of every human being is honoured and celebrated, where black voices are heard, and where black lives matter.” The installation is a striking piece of art and it’s provoking strong reactions – just as good art should do. People are responding with a wide range of opinions. Many have welcomed the artwork, but others are outraged, accusing the Abbey of pandering to a ‘political correctness’ agenda. Some have described it as seeking to be ‘trendy’ and riding on the bandwagon of a popular movement. Built on the site of an ancient shrine to Saint Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, the Cathedral has been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. It stands today as a thriving centre of worship, of community and of hospitality for thousands of pilgrims who visit the Cathedral each year. The painting’s artist, Lorna May Wadsworth, said: “I cast Jamaican-born Tafari Hinds as my Jesus to make people question the western myth that He had fair hair and blue eyes. Not everyone shares the artist’s perspective. A Facebook post from the Abbey promoting the installation drew 400 comments within an hour, as people from around the world hotly argued the case for and against the artwork. One person responded: “The church has not changed the colour of Jesus; they have decided to put on show a piece of art that happens to depict Jesus as black. Let us hope it just gives people a chance to question things they have always just accepted as being right.” Other comments were more critical, with a typical response, “More shameless pandering to Black Lives Matter, bringing trendy identity politics into what is supposed to be the traditional church.” People may object strongly to Lorna May Wadsworth’s artwork, or they may welcome it. Either way, it provokes an important debate about the role of race in our society and how we have depicted Christ in western culture. The Abbey has stirred up a storm, but maybe that’s the only way for ingrained attitudes to be challenged, and new perspectives formed.’ EDINBURGH DIRECT AID IN BEIRUT

Bordering Palestine and Syria, Lebanon has been struggling for years to cope as host to the greatest proportion of refugees in the world. But in this past year, it has endured a series of unimaginable catastrophes: currency collapse, political turmoil, rocketing inflation and unemployment, the coronavirus pandemic - and now the Beirut explosion, with the loss of 200 lives, 500 hospital beds & 300,000 homes. Edinburgh Direct Aid, together with German NGO Green Helmets, has brought in a team of Syrian refugees trained in construction at their vocational training centre in Arsal in north east Lebanon to contribute to the relief effort in Beirut. > > They are based in Karantina, a poor residential area near the site of the blast, where many homes have been severely damaged. Many of their occupants worked at the port, and may have lost not only friends & relatives, but also their jobs, due to the extensive damage to the port. The team is using its specialised skills to replace doors and windows, shore up houses and build temporary shelters. To help EDA to help Beirut, donate by phone 0131 552 1545, donate online at www.edinburghdirectaid.org & select ‘donations – cash’ or send a cheque payable to ‘Edinburgh Direct Aid’ to EDA, 29 Starbank Rd, Edinburgh EH5 3BY. Please note this appeal is for cash only, not for clothes or other supplies. We are currently unable to ship in any goods to Lebanon. Proceeds from this appeal may also be used for the work of the EDA/GH construction team in Arsal, a Lebanese town of 35,000 hosting 50,000 Syrian refugees, building shelters for particularly impoverished refugees. - ANN THANISCH

Chart-topping Lebanese musician and singer Mika is mounting a live-stream concert on 18th September for charities involved in supporting Beirut. Tickets here ALL IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

IT WAS 400 YEARS AGO, on 6th September 1620, that 102 English Puritans (now known as the Pilgrims) set sail aboard the Mayflower from Plymouth, for a new life in America. 150 YEARS AGO, on 20th September 1870 that Rome was captured. Italian forces defeated the Papal States and captured the city of Rome at the end of the wars of Italian Unification. The Papal States were dissolved. Rome was annexed, and it became the capital of Italy in 1871. 125 YEARS AGO, on 28th September 1895 that Louis Pasteur died. This French biologist, microbiologist and chemist was one of the main founders of the field of medical microbiology. Best known for originating the pasteurization of foodstuffs to eliminate micro-organisms that cause disease. Pasteur saved the French beer, wine and silk industries and developed vaccines against anthrax and rabies. 65 YEARS AGO, on 22nd September 1955 that Britain’s first independent television channel, ITV, was launched. It ended the BBC’s monopoly. Regional franchises were rolled out across the whole country by 1965. 60 YEARS AGO, on 27th September 1960 that Sylvia Pankhurst, suffragette leader, died. 50 YEARS AGO, on 19th September 1970 that the first Glastonbury Festival was held, at Worthy Farm near Pilton, Somerset. About 1,500 people attended (compared to 135,000 today). It became an annual event from 1981 and is now the world’s largest greenfield festival. The first festival was billed as the Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival. 40 YEARS AGO, on 22nd September 1980 that the Solidarity movement was created in Poland, with Lech Walesa as its leader. It was the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc. 25 YEARS AGO, on 3rd September 1995 that the auction site eBay was founded (as AuctionWeb). 20 YEARS AGO, on 17th September 2000 that Paula Yates, TV presenter (The Tube, The Big Breakfast) died of a heroin overdose, aged 41. Wife of the musician Bob Geldof, and the daughter of Hughie Green, host of the talent show Opportunity Knocks, though she did not discover this until late in life. 15 YEARS AGO, on 24th September 2005 that the IRA decommissioned its last remaining weapons in front of independent inspectors.

CAP LAUNCHES CHURCH RESOURCES PAGE Christians Against Poverty has launched a new web page to help church leaders who may be feeling daunted during the pandemic. The page will “share our knowledge and experience to help your church provide crucial support to your community at this desperate time.” The charity promises that in the coming weeks, “we will be adding resources that draw on the experience of hundreds of our partner churches, as well as CAP's own knowledge and expertise. The page will provide details of: • Information on Government and industry support • Signposting to organisations providing additional specialist support, for individuals and churches • Practical advice on how to serve those in need in our community, starting with its new project, Pathways out of Poverty. Go to https://capuk.org/coronavirus/resources-for-churches For more background, visit https://capuk.org/connect/keep-up-to-date/ blog/launching-our-church-resources-page 1st SEPTEMBER DRITHELM VISION OF THE AFTERLIFE Drithelm is the saint for you if you have ever wondered what lies beyond death or have had a near-death experience. He was married and living in Cunningham (now Ayrshire, then Northumbria) in the 7th century when he fell ill and apparently died. When he revived a few hours later he caused panic among the mourners and was himself deeply shaken by the whole experience. > > Drithelm went to pray in the village church until daylight, and during those long hours reviewed the priorities of his life in the light of what he had seen while ‘dead’. A celestial guide had shown him souls in hell, in purgatory, in paradise and heaven... suddenly the reality of God and of coming judgement and of what Christ had done in redeeming mankind became real to him, and his life on earth could never be the same again. Next day he divided his wealth into three: giving one third to his wife, one third to his sons, and the remainder to the poor. He became a monk and went to live at Melrose, where he spent his time in prayer and contemplation of Jesus. Drithelm’s Vision of the after-life is remarkable in that it was the first example of this kind of literature from England. It was so early: seventh century Anglo-Saxon England! On a lighter note, Drithelm can also be a saint for you if you didn’t get abroad this summer, but ventured to swim instead off one of our beaches: he used to stand in the cold waters of the Tweed for hours, reciting Psalms.

A GRAIN OF SAND AT A TIME This autumn, do you feel overwhelmed with all the things that you need to get done? Then think of your life as an hourglass. There are thousands of grains of sand in the top of the hourglass; and they all pass slowly and evenly through the narrow neck in the middle. We are like that hourglass. When we start in the morning, there are hundreds of tasks which we feel that we must accomplish that day. But if we do not take them one at a time and let them pass through the day slowly and evenly, as do the grains of sand passing through the narrow neck of the hourglass, then we are bound to break our own fragile physical and mental structure. Do not attempt more than God designed you to do. ‘ALL BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO DO MISSION’ My name is Stefanie Conradt and I am a PhD student in Practical Theology at St Andrews University. In my work I am studying and evaluating the nature of mission and how mission is done in traditional churches. My overarching question is how traditional churches can be empowered and more, what younger churches can learn from congregations such as Reid Memorial. As a practical theologian I am convinced that through reflection on a specific faith-experience, actions can be considered and assessed in order to discern how to change them for the better and what this for the better looks like. These past months I had the privilege of working together with some members of your congregation. Some of you joined me on my research journey and together we reflected upon mission and how mission is lived out in Reid Memorial. Instead of rewriting this experience in this article, I would like to give you an opportunity to become part of it. I invite you warmly, dear reader, to join us on this journey by reflecting upon the questions that came up during our conversations… How would you define mission? What makes mission successful? How do you see mission lived out in Reid Memorial? Thank you for journeying with me and God’s blessing for your future path and for your quest as you discern what you believe by reflecting on what you are actually doing. LONDON ‘MORE RELIGIOUS THAN THE REST OF THE

COUNTRY’ SAYS NEW REPORT Wikipedia Dutch Image: Debot at London is more religious than the rest of the country, according to a new report published by the think tank Theos. The report ‘Religious London’, shows that Londoners are significantly more religious than people living elsewhere in Britain, and the capital’s Christians are far more ethnically diverse. The polling shows that most Londoners are religious (62 per cent identify as religious compared to 53 per cent across the rest of Britain outside London), religious Londoners were 48 per cent BAME (Black, Asian, minority ethnic) compared with just 27 per cent of non-religious Londoners. Christianity was significantly more ethnically diverse in the capital - 31 > > per cent of Christians in London are BAME compared with just two per cent across the rest of Britain outside London. One in four Londoners attends a religious service at least once a month compared with 1 in 10 in the rest of Britain outside London. Religious Londoners are twice as likely as religious people in other parts of the country to attend a service twice a month or more (31 per cent vs 15 per cent). 56 per cent of London Christians pray regularly compared to 32 per cent of Christians in the rest of Britain. Christian Londoners are also more likely to say that they will donate to a charitable initiative than non-religious Londoners (76 per cent vs. 68 per cent); that they would help their neighbours with a simple task than non-religious Londoners (92 per cent vs. 86 per cent); and half of Christians (49 per cent) and non-Christian religious adults (53 per cent) say that they are likely to volunteer regularly for a local charitable initiative, compared to 40 per cent of non-religious Londoners. The report argues that London's leaders and policy makers should take more account of religious communities and their significant role in providing social welfare across the capital. Savanta ComRes, who conducted the polling, interviewed 2,023 British adults aged 18+ online between 17th -20th January 2020 and 1,005 London adults aged 18+ online between 17th - 23rd January 2020. The ‘Religious London’ report is available at: https://www. theosthinktank.co.uk/research/2019/02/19/religious-london WHAT DID LOCKDOWN LOOK LIKE FOR ME?

As most people stayed at home, I was out more often than usual. Let me explain. As many of you know, I’m involved with two of the Edinburgh City Mission Basics Banks. A larger number of clients needed to use the food bank and the amount of food being donated increased dramatically. Bags and bags of food were transported in my car to the food banks, much of it was given by the customers of supermarkets. Some weeks this amounted to four or five trips. We sorted it into date order and placed it on shelving. On the day before the clients arrived, bags were made up ready to be collected. Many of the clients were shielding, so the food had to be delivered, some of it in my car. At its peak, the number of clients increased threefold from our pre Covid19 numbers. Every day, I tried to fit in a peaceful and calming walk, often to Waitrose to buy food for our meals. I enjoyed these walks in the deserted streets and I discovered many paths and roads that I hadn’t walked before. I spent a lot of that time thinking and praying. As Alex says “be still, and know that I am God.” My sojourns with Street Pastors stopped and I missed my Saturday nights out on the town. I talked to my fellow Street Pastors on the phone or by Zoom but it’s not the same as the camaraderie we feel as we walk the streets in our quest to listen, help and care for anyone who needs us. Initially, I spent a lot of time on the phone and internet cancelling our planned holidays. Sadly, a special holiday in France with my sisters and their family couldn’t take place. On a brighter note, my sister decided to stay a 59-year-old for an extra year, and we’ll celebrate her 60th birthday next year. My attendance at church services increased, although not in a physical sense. On Sunday morning, I made myself comfortable, logged onto my laptop and watched services that were being streamed live or had been recorded on Facebook and YouTube. I would sit with my feet up, with a cup of coffee by my side, my Bible to follow the readings and my hymn book for singing along. Some Sundays I would watch three or four. Of course, I’d go to the Reid Memorial webpage and catch up with that too. All in all, for me, lockdown wasn’t such a bad experience. I feel blessed that I was able to help the people who needed the food banks, many volunteers who would have liked to offer their help were unable to do so. I enjoyed the quietness of the streets and the comfort of the Sunday worship at home. I’ve got a lot to look forward to; planning holidays with my husband, Dave, and with my sisters, and getting back onto the streets with Street Pastors. LINDA FARRER NOW EVEN MORE PLASTIC There is growing concern in the Government, among campaigners, and among scientists over how coronavirus has sparked an increase in single-use plastics. Not only are millions of disposable masks and gloves now ‘out there’, but there has been also a huge increase in disposable cutlery, sachets, and containers. One study by University College London (UCL) - estimates that in the UK alone, if every person used a single-use face mask every day for a year, it would create an additional 66,000 tonnes of contaminated waste, and 57,000 tonnes of plastic packaging. Two UK environment ministers, Lord Goldsmith and Rebecca Pow, have said: “We are actively thinking across the Government and NHS whether we can safely reuse PPE and we are aware of other countries who have begun looking at the potential to decontaminate and reuse it.” Scientists warn that it could take up to 500 years for polypropylene face masks to degrade. Meanwhile, according to some estimates, 129 billion masks and 65 billion plastic gloves are being used each month worldwide. IT’S A SMALL WORLD I rent a cottage along with a few friends in the middle of nowhere - on the Glen estate near Innerleithen. It is an amazing place, miles away from everyone, the little cottage has no electricity but is a wonderful place to be. I was there last weekend with another couple, as we had decided to do some decoration. Things were going smoothly when a crowd of walkers could be seen on the opposite hill, they gradually made their way towards our place. As the group, perhaps 20 or more, and one dog came closer, I recognised the person with the dog. It was Sara Embleton, and just behind her was Brian! They were with members of the congregation of Innerleithen / Traquair and Walkerburn church, where Sara is a locum minister now. They were on a walk to raise funds to repair bridges in Malawi, which had been washed away in recent floods making it impossible for people to access many necessary services and local children to get to school. Innerleithen church have made a connection with this place in Malawi and were keen to help them at this difficult time. Once I got over the shock of seeing them in the middle of the hills like this - I was keen to give them a donation towards their project. We had a lovely chat, they are both well, (as is the dog), and wanted me to pass on best wishes to you all. It’s a small world! Who would have thought I would meet a group of 20 out in the hills, never mind folk I knew, to help others so far away. I thought you would be interested in my story. Keep safe! See you soon, I hope. SUSAN MACKAY REID MEMORIAL PRAYER GARDEN

Do you need some quiet time, by yourself or with a loved one? The Reid Memorial Prayer Garden is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life. As you walk round the prayer stations, you are transported to a quiet, peaceful reverence. The road noises disappear and there is a great stillness, offering time just to stand and read the placards or sit and enjoy the flowers, the beauty of nature and the architecture. The garden is open to everyone to spend as much or as little time as they wish. As Alex says in his opening letter “be still, and know that I am God.”

The next issue of REIDON... will be October. Please send Linda any articles or notices by 18th SEPTEMBER - see page 2 for contact details.

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