With Easter being early this year it feels as though we have just finished with all the hectic activity of Advent and Christmas and already we are approaching Lent and then Holy week and Easter.
My study in our present home overlooks a field. During the five years that we have lived here, I have watched the changing of the seasons with interest. This change which goes on year after year with the newness of spring following the darkness of winter. By the time you read this I will have carried out my first Baptism and first wedding at St Margaret’s and we will have moved into the manse at Potters Park. Like the arrival of the new leaves in Spring time, there is a reawakening in the congregational life of St Margaret’s and it is a joy to see it!
I know after the recent cold spell many of you are simply longing for the sunshine and warmer weather which will come with Springtime. As this issue of the Link is the last one before Easter Sunday you will find a lot of information about what is planned to celebrate the central date in the Christian calendar. There will be activities both old and new so that more than ever before, there will be something that you can take part in if you want to. For example there is a dawn vigil planned for Easter Sunday morning – I will be there watching the sun come up over Forfar Loch at 6:30 am please feel free to join me as we commemorate the moment that the women visited the tomb of our Lord and discovered that he had risen. For those who like their devotions at a more civilised hour, there will be the usual 08:00 service at the Loch followed by breakfast back at St Margaret’s.
There will be an Easter egg hunt followed by the 11:00 service. I know that many of you go out for lunch on Easter Day but, we are trying something new for this year, a “bring your own lunch”. The idea is that you bring your own food and that we get together after the service for lunch and enjoy a time of family fellowship.
During Holy week there are a wide range of activities planned including a big screen showing of film the BBC series The Passion over four nights at the church. Details about this and other events are given elsewhere in this issue.
This Easter once again, we move from darkness into the light as the darkness of the sacrifice made by our Lord turns into the brilliant light and joy of the Resurrection let us celebrate it with joy in our hearts.
I invite you to join us on this journey.
Your friend and minister
KIRK SESSION REPORT
The following are the figures of St Margaret's Roll attested at the January Kirk Session.
Roll as at 31st December 2008 880 members
Members Admitted
By profession of Faith -
By certificate 4
By resolution of Kirk Session 2 Add 6
Members removed
By Death 21
By Certificate 14
By Removal - Deduct 35
Total Roll as at 31st December 2009 851 members
A tribute to Mr William Fraser a former elder of St Margaret's who passed away on Tuesday 29th December 2009 was read out at the start of the last Kirk Session meeting by the Session Clerk.
The tribute had also been read out at his funeral at which our deepest sympathy was passed on to his family.
The Annual Stated meeting of St Margaret's will take place on Sunday 21st March 2010.
It was agreed by Session that the afternoon sitting on Communion Sunday in April and October be withdrawn. Session felt that there was ample opportunity with the first Sunday of the month Communions for anyone to attend if unable to come to the April and October Communions. The numbers attending the afternoon sittings has dropped considerably over the last few years
Maureen Fenton.
Session Clerk.
All office bearers please note:
The next Task Group meeting night is on Tuesday 9th February at 7.30 p.m. when the business of the individual groups will be attended to.
The next meeting of Congregational Board is on Tuesday 9th March at 7 p.m. followed by Kirk Session at 8 p.m.
AD/BC THE BREAKFAST CLUB FOR TEENS
The Breakfast Club for our secondary school children called AD/BC. (they named it themselves) is held every Sunday morning at 9.30 a.m. and Bill Reid and Evelyn McPhee are there to try to debate many topics of the Christian Faith with our youngsters. At the moment they are small in number but big on enthusiasm. If there’s anyone out there who is at secondary school and would like to know more about what happens on a Sunday morning then come along and a bring a friend too!!!!!!! Our teenagers have very definite ideas about what they would like to see happen in the future with their club so come along and have your say too.
SOUPER SUNDAY – was a super day for the congregation. It was a day when we set out to think in worship about the Church of Scotland’s project for HIV/AIDS which sets out to help some of the millions afflicted by the disease and to raise some money for the project. The service was led by the worship group using the theme which was being shared with many congregations throughout Scotland on that day and it highlighted the horrendous nature of the disease.
After worship there was a delicious soup and pudding lunch which was enjoyed by about 80 who packed the hall and only left when the food was almost finished! The lunch was organised by our Mission and Outreach group and it raised some £439 for Angus Presbytery’s target to raise £10,000 for the project. The group are most grateful to all who helped with the lunch and thank all who attended for their support. They will run another such lunch before the end of the year, so look out for the information.
CH 4 SING – A - LONGS As you know we are now using Church Hymnary 4 for worship – which contains many hymns which may be new to us. To let us practice some of these new hymns we are holding a series of ‘sing-a-longs’ so that when we come to sing them on a Sunday morning they are sung with gusto! These sessions will be held on the last Sunday of the month – 28th. February, 28th. March, 25th. April, and 30th. May. They will start at 6.30 pm and last an hour so, please put the dates in your diary and come along with your friends to swell the singing.
If anyone wants to buy their own copy of the hymnbook please speak to Muriel or Gavin Drummond who will get them for you.
WEEKDAY WORSHIP Please remember that there are opportunities for worship on Wednesday and Friday. On Wednesday the Wednesday Worship Fellowship meets for a short informal service at 10.30 am followed by coffee and lots of chat. Then on Friday at 6.30 pm we have our reflective evening worship with readings, music and time for meditation – a peaceful way to start the weekend with God. Coffee is also provided before and after the service.
All are welcome at both services and we will be delighted if you can make them known to any friends who might appreciate the opportunity for worship.
CHRISTIAN AID Our Harvest Thanksgiving special collection was earmarked for Christian Aid and this added to the money collected week by week at the Wednesday Worship fellowship raised £672. This has allowed us to purchase through the Present Aid scheme:
- a well, which will provide fresh water for a village, to save the women having to trek miles to a fresh water source. This will go to a village in Kenya, which seems appropriate as we have built a link in Kenya through Marjorie Kerr.
- 3 taps which will be installed in houses providing, for the first time, running water in the house.
- 2 goats
- 3 pigs.
The certificate we received from Christian Aid and the cards for the gifts are displayed in the hall. Thanks to all who have contributed to this collection which has allowed us to help improve the lives of some people in the developing world.
Gavin Drummond
GUILD REPORT
The Christmas Meal at the Zoar Inn brought the first part of our syllabus to a close. Due to the inclement weather our first meeting of 2010 had to be cancelled.
Jan 20 Home and Away Video Show –
Feb 3 Speaker – Rev David Logan
10 Fair Trade – Mrs Sheila Dunphy
24 Joint Meeting – Interfaith (3 guilds) in Lowson Parish Church – 7.15pm
Mar 10 Theme – To Act Justly
Mr Sandy Jessop - retired Sheriff of Aberdeen
24 A.G.M. – Christian Aid Stall
31 Closing Night – Taste & Try with In House Entertainment
A Date for your Diary is Saturday 13 February – Guild Coffee Morning – Tickets £1.50 which includes Coffee & Pancake. Tickets can be obtained from Committee Members.
If any of the meetings are of interest to you please come along at 7.30pm and a warm welcome awaits you.
Rhona Sinclair
Secretary
SENIOR CIRCLE
Our last meeting for 2009 was on 14 December when members enjoyed their Christmas Party with a meal at the Panmure Hotel Edzell and entertainment was by Dave Jenkins. We were joined by our guest for the afternoon Rev Douglas Lamb who was our Locum Minister.
Our first meeting of 2010 was cancelled on 11 January due to the bad weather and so we had our New Year Party the following week on the 18th with guests David Nicoll and Bill Hutcheson on the accordion.
On 25 January we welcomed Mrs Ann Brown and the children from Langland’s School who entertained us with Scottish dancing, songs and recitals.
Elizabeth Ross
WIDOW’S GROUP
The Widows Group meets on the first Monday of the month in the lower hall. We would be delighted to see you, so please join us for a chat and a cup of tea orcoffee.
Alice McLaren
SPECTRUM
Spectrum ladies’ choir begins a new season on Monday 8th February and is looking to add to its numbers to allow for some flexibility at times when not everyone is available. Whether you would like to join right away or whether you would like to try it out for a few weeks to see if it is for you, you will be made most welcome. There are no auditions and you do not have to be able to read music. For our material we draw on both faith songs and popular music.
In the last year Spectrum has performed in Carnoustie, Arbroath and Edzell, as well as to other local town and church groups. We were also pleased to play a major part in the Advent Songs of Praise held in the church to mark Guild Week. We don’t neglect the social side of things and occasionally enjoy a night out. Certainly whether eating out or singing, we have lots of fun together.
We meet at 7.30 on Monday evenings normally in the Session Room. If you would like more details please do not hesitate to get in touch or alternatively just come along on the night.
Helen McLeod
463082 helen.mcleod@virgin.net
NURTURE GROUP - Soup Lunches
Due to the Lent lunches in St Margaret’s in February the next “Soup Lunch” date will be 2 April. Come along and enjoy a plate of home made soup and a cuppie in good company.
All are welcome!
Margaret Spalding
CHURCH FLOWERS
Hope you all had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year. I would like to thank the ladies who did a grand job with the Christmas display in December. We had a little help from ladies outwith our flower arrangers and thank you very much for your help.
Nobody came forward to help with some duties regarding the flower calendar. I am looking to increase the distributors and flower arrangers. Please phone me
If you can help. My number is in the directory at the end of the magazine.
Ann Menmuir
FACT REPORT
Fact Committee meeting was held on Thursday 21 January 2010.
Arrangements for the Lent Lunches are as follows:
Owing to the frost damage in St John’s Hall it will not be available the year.
A request has been made for the use of St Margaret’s Hall during this period.
19.2.10 East & Old Church to Supply and Serve
26.2.10 Lowson Memorial “ “
5.3.10 St Margaret’s “
12.3.10 St John’s “ “ “
19.3.10 St Fergus “ “ “
Lent Studies have been arranged as follows:
The venue for all the studies is East & Old Church Session Room at 7.30pm –
23.2.10 Rev Andy McCafferty
1.3.10 TBA
11.3.10 Rev Dr Karen Fenwick
18.3.10 Rev John Davidson
23.3.10 Captain James McCluskey
Easter – Christian Witness in the centre of the town to
be arranged for the afternoon of 26/3/10 – Friday
before Palm Sunday.
If permission is received from Angus Council, a small
pancake or other item in an appropriate doyley to be
distributed to the public.
Christine Battes
SUNDAY TRANSPORT
More volunteers are needed to help with the Sunday transport. This involves collecting and taking home some of our less mobile and elderly members for Sunday Worship.
Depending on the number of volunteers we have it would involve you driving once every 4 or 5 weeks on a rota basis. This service is much appreciated by the users. If you can help or wish more information please contact David Nicoll on 465631.
PADRE JONNY
Our minister David, is a civilian chaplain at RAF Leuchars during his spare time (what spare time? –David) and it was there that he met the new military chaplain Rev. (Squadron Leader) Jonny Wylie.
In November Jonny was informed that he was going to be sent on detachment to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.
David thought that the congregation may be prepared to pray specifically for Padre Jonny and so invited him to take part in a service during which he told the congregation what his role would be. He and his fellow chaplains are now prayed for every week. Jonny has already sent home two quite harrowing e-mails about his work and the conditions at Camp Bastion. Our prayers are a great source of support to Jonny, and the other padres, as they minister in very trying circumstances.
Please speak to David if you would like any further information.
OUR CONTINUING LINKS WITH MERU, KENYA
Two more staff from Grove Academy, Dundee went out to Meru last October to forge closer
relationships with Meru School and St.Stephen’s Church. Apart from working on projects
that had been started when Marjorie and Sheila had visited in 2008, they initiated some
new ones. Mharaid Berry is an English teacher and her class has been corresponding with
a class in Meru by letter. She has also started teaching African poetry at Grove and the
English department in Kenya is looking at some contemporary Scots poems. Jill Munro
is a Principal Teacher of Guidance and she teaches Personal and Social Education. She
was interested to find out about HIV/AIDs in Kenya and interviewed pupils there to find
out what their perceptions are. We are continuing to explore weather in both areas in
Geography and to find out about how climate change is affecting both Scotland and
Kenya. An exciting new venture is the selling of jewellery. The boys in Kenya are
making bracelets and necklaces from recycled paper which they then send to our
Young Enterprise group to sell. The profits from the sales go back to Meru to pay
for the education of street children who otherwise could not afford the tuition fees.
The first lot of jewellery that Mharaid and Jill brought back was snapped up very
quickly but more will be sent soon. I hope to bring some to church one Sunday
to let you see and purchase.
The next part of the exchange will take place in May when 2 more Meru staff will
come to Dundee. Hopefully they will have time in their packed itinerary to visit
St. Margaret’s. They would then be able to report back on the further progress
of the kindergarten. The photo attached to this article was taken in October
when the foundations were being dug.
The other photograph is of Mharaid and Jill "handing over" our donation towards the building works.
I received a Christmas card from Rev Elijah Mwirigi with the following message which I thought I would pass on to you.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you for your love witnessed by your many communications. It is our joy
to note your concern for us all. May God bless you at all times. We treasure the fellowship. Pass our love to your church. St. Stephens Church is always thankful of your support." With love from Elijah and Priscilla.
May we all remember them in our prayers as they continue the building work and the efforts they are making for the children in St. Stephen’s Parish.
BLACK WATCH PARADE FORFAR
10 DECEMBER 2009
As the Black Watch parade through our town today,
a tear from my eye I did wipe away.
Because it’s to brave men and women like these,
that I am free to come and go as I please.
A life in a land where I can speak free,
A land where there’s no oppression or tyranny,
And so I give thanks to the soldiers passing my way,
for doing their duty come what may.
So Dear Lord on this December day,
I come to you with my prayer to say,
Look after our troops, so that they may
come home safe to us one day.
They give their life, sight, limbs and for some
their sanity, it cannot be found.
So on this day I give my thanks,
To the men and the women who serve in the ranks.
Mary Coyle
This poem was written after Mary watched the parade
in Forfar to mark the return of The Black Watch from Afghanistan
SUNDAY CLUBS
Our Sunday Clubs are for all tots to teens especially primary school children. There is a varied programme where fun is coupled with learning in a way that children can follow. Our Clubs could do with a number boost also, so parents with children of school age please bring them along and fulfil the promises you made when you had them baptised. Grandparents too are invited to bring their grandchildren along to our clubs where Mrs Sheila Crichton and assistants will make everyone most welcome. The more the merrier!!!!!!!
SUNDAY CRECHE
Our Sunday Crèche is designed for babies and tots who are too young to attend Sunday Clubs.
The Crèche lets parents come to church knowing that their little ones will be looked after in a safe environment whilst having fun. Please bring them along and have peace of mind that if they don’t settle someone will come into the church for you. Our Crèche runs each Sunday all year.
All of these clubs are run by responsible adults who have been through the Child Protection disclosure system of the Church of Scotland.
RETIRAL OF LINK EDITOR
The sincere thanks of the entire congregation must go to Mr Colin Stewart who has been the editor of The Link magazine since October 2005 and has decided as of the end of last year that it was time to close up his computer keyboard. Collating all the material for The Link from various sources within the Church is not an easy task as well as filling in the blank pages and we have had varied and newsy magazines over the years. Thank you again Colin and we hope that you enjoy your retirement.
We now need to thank Ian Ross who has agreed to be our new Link editor. Ian is our web-master so it seemed a natural progression to take on the Link. He will be ably assisted by Margaret Reid and Joan Ross who will gather all the information that is required. You can contact Ian & Joan on 463186 or email them at joanandian29@yahoo.com and Margaret on 460800. Good luck Ian.
IONA – SEPTEMBER 2010
We have been fortunate to have been offered 8 places at the MacLeod Centre of the Iona Community from Saturday 11th September to Friday 17th September this year.
The cost per adult, including full board is £276.00, which includes an optional £2 per day levy to allow those on low incomes to attend. The only other costs are travel costs and personal spending money.
David, the Minister will be holding an information meeting about this shortly but it is essential that you let him know of your interest as soon as possible.
WORSHIP DIARY
|
7 February |
11am |
Morning Worship (Short informal Communion at the close of this service) |
Rev David Logan |
|
|
Wednesday |
10 February |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
12 February |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service to start the weekend |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Sunday |
14 February |
11am |
Morning Worship |
Rev David Logan |
|
Wednesday |
15 February |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
17 February |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Sunday |
21 February |
11am |
Morning Worship |
Rev David Logan |
|
Wednesday |
24 February |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
26 February |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Sunday |
28 February |
11am |
Morning Worship |
Rev David Logan |
|
Wednesday |
3 March |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
5 March |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Sunday |
7 March |
11am |
Morning Worship (Short informal Communion at the close of the service) |
Rev David Logan |
|
Wednesday |
10 March |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
12 March |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Sunday |
14 March |
11am |
Morning Worship |
Rev David Logan |
|
Wednesday |
17 March |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
19 March |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Sunday |
21 March |
11am |
Morning Worship |
Rev David Logan |
|
Wednesday |
24 March |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
26 March |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Sunday Palm Sunday |
28 March |
11am 6.30pm 7.30pm |
Morning Worship Easter Songs Film - “The Passion” |
Rev David Logan |
|
Monday |
29 March |
7.30pm |
Film – “The Passion” |
|
|
Tuesday |
30 March |
7.30pm |
Film – “The Passion” |
|
|
Wednesday |
31 March |
10.30am 7.30pm |
Midweek Worship Film – “The Passion” |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Thursday |
1 April |
7.30pm |
Maundy Communion |
Rev David Logan |
|
Good Friday |
7.30pm |
Service of Quiet (Note change of time) |
Rev David Logan |
|
|
Sunday
Easter Day
|
6.30am 8am
11am |
Dawn Vigil Joint Service of Worship at St Margaret’s Inch (meet at North Loch Car Park at 7.45am to walk to the Inch) Breakfast back at the Church Hall. Morning Worship (Short Informal Communion at the close of the service) followed by Family Lunch “Bring your own lunch” |
Rev David Logan |
|
|
Wednesday |
7 April |
10.30am |
Midweek Worship |
Members of the Worship Group |
|
Friday |
9 April |
6pm |
Short Reflective Service |
Members of the Worship Group |
WEEKLY OFFERINGS
Weekly Offerings at a level around £1,620.00 are required to cover our commitments for the work of the Church.
DIRECTORY
| Minister | The Rev. David Logan | Office - 464424 |
| Session Clerk | Maureen Fenton | 464424 |
| Clerk to the Board | Alastair Napier | 464382 |
| Treasurer | David Adam | 461260 |
| Gift Aid & FWO Convener | Diane Roy | 468185 |
| Roll Keeper | Christine Battes | 463294 |
| Organist/Choir | Ron Walker | 463916 |
| Sunday Clubs | Charles Jarvis | 464868 |
| Flower Convener | Ann Menmuir | 464981 |
| Hall Convener | David Arnot | 462608 |
| Church Officer | Liz Ross | |
| Guild | Rhona Sinclair | 464063 |
| Friendship Visitors | Norma Seaton | 463730 |
| Senior Circle | Liz Ross | |
| Widows Group | Alice McLaren | 465327 |
| Transport | David Nicoll | 465631 |
| Webmaster | Ian Ross | 463186 |
| Link Magazine | Margaret Reid/Joan Ross | 460800/463186 |
| Link Editor | Ian Ross (email joanandian29@yahoo.com | 463186 |
CHANGES TO THE ROLL
| Deaths | ||
| 1 December 2009 | Mrs Esther Dear | 45 Graham Crescent |
| 21 December 2009 | Mrs Isabella Reid | Windyedge Residential Home |
| 28 December 2009 | Mr William Fraser | 70 Dundee Road |
| 1January 2010 | Mrs Irene Moir | 29 Laurelbank |
| 10January 2010 | Mrs Irene Fleming | 34 Strathmore Court |
| 10January 2010 | Miss Gertrude Reid | 42 Lordburn Place |
| New Member | ||
| By Certificate | Mr Martin Mowbray | 54 Glenclova Terrace |
FLOWER ROTA
February March
7 Roslyn Roebuck 7 Helen Niblock
14 Jean Smith 14 Dorothy Bruce
21 John Murray 21 Rona Kettles/Ian Taylor
28 Alice Ross 28 Jim Farquhar/Alice Smart
Arranger Kathleen Low Arrangers Dorothy Mitchell/Diane Robertson
Distributor Moira Adam Distributor The Collie Family
Ann Menmuir
Flower Co-ordinator