St Columba s. Scottish Episcopal Church Largs June 2016 ! 1

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1 St Columba s Scottish Episcopal Church Largs June 2016 Jesus said, By this will everyone know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 1

2 The Scottish Episcopal Church is a self-governing province of the world-wide Anglican Communion. This is a family of over 70 million Christians in more than 160 countries. Our nearest relations are the Church of England, the Church in Wales and the Church of Ireland. Through the Porvoo agreement we are also in full communion with many other branches of the Church. St Columba s in Largs, is one of over 60 Episcopal congregations that work and worship within the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway. We are part of Ayrshire Region and our neighbours include congregations in Ardrossan, Dalry, Irvine, Troon, Kilmarnock, Prestwick, Ayr and Maybole. The area covered by St Columba s includes Largs, Skelmorlie, Fairlie and West Kilbride and ecumenically we play a very active part in Largs Churches Together. Sunday: 8.00am Said Eucharist SERVICES AT ST COLUMBA S 11.00am Sung Eucharist (Choral Matins on second Sunday of the month) 6.30pm Evening Prayer (check noticeboard for details) Refreshments are served in the hall following the 11.00am service Wednesday: 10.00am Said Eucharist (Scottish Liturgy 1970) Festivals and Saints Days as announced The Daily Offices of Morning Prayer (8.00am) and Evening Prayer (5.00pm) are offered publicly in church on most weekdays. Please check the church noticeboard for details. The church building is also open for private prayer on most days. Visit our website: largs-church.co.uk 2

3 Dear Friends, This month sees us go once more to cast our vote. This time it is to decide on whether or not we should remain part of the European Union. I wonder just how many once in a generation referenda it is possible to be invited to participate in No matter how we vote, though, it is vital that we exercise our free and hard-fought democratic right to do so. By the 23rd of June you, like me, may feel tired of the constant bombardment of the pros and cons of political argument. What has come to me through all of this is the truth that, despite all our intentions, strategies and plans, our future can never be foreseen completely. Each day is a fresh start, with many possibilities; one in which we are once again invited to enter and make of what we will. The story of Columba our patron, who s festival we keep this month, was no different in this respect to ours. At the beginning life seemed straightforward enough, but the circumstances he became embroiled in turned it into a very dark place indeed. Columba became venerated as a saint of the Church, not because of what life dealt him; but rather because of the way he responded to circumstances that often spin out of his control. He didn t shut himself off in despair; rather he sought God and his guidance and, in the end, went to serve him in a new way and in a very different place than the one he could ever have imagined. His willingness to seek God s face, and to be guided by him into the unknown, made him the source of great blessing to many who otherwise would not have come to hear of God s love for us in Christ. Encouraged, then, by Columba s example and aided by his prayers, may we seek to love and be faithful to our Lord no matter what our future holds for us. Yours in the faith, Gordon 3

4 Year s Mind Please remember before God those who have died and whose year s mind falls in June 1 st Brian Warren 5 th Margaret Cuthbertson 8 th George Watson 13 th Joan Angus, Joyce Riddett 16 th Alan Estill 22 nd Barbara Mullins, Sheila Phillips 23 rd Frank Perry 24 th Lillian Maxwell, Edna Ramsden, Isabella McGowan 30 th John King From the Registers Funeral Mrs Pat Fox - 10 May 2016 Engagement Announcement Chris and Jane Evans are delighted to announce the engagement of their younger son Rorie Evans to Charlotte (Charlie) Miers. Thank you Many thanks to those who turned out to help with the deep-clean of the church building on Saturday, 14 May. Your hard work is much appreciated. Thanks, too, to those who turned out on such a wet day to help out at our Car Boot Sale on Saturday, 21 May. Despite the pouring rain we raised a welcome 600 for our church and two charities. 4

5 Crossword Puzzle (see solution on page 16) Across 1 Infant (4) 3 Minister in a school, hospital, etc. (8) 9 Where shipping comes to rest (7) 10 Religious images (5) 11 Church service (3,2,7) 13 Die (6) 15 Prophet, Elijah's successor (6) 17 Getting ready beforehand (12) 20 Jewish spiritual leader (5) 21 Four of these in the New Testament (7) 22 Face to face (3-2-3) 23 The Virgin is often depicted in this colour (4) Down 1 The way John the Baptist died (8) 2 Cap (5) 4 To distress the mind or to plough (6) 5 Quality of those who are ordained (12) 6 Severe pains (7) 7 Birds' home (4) 8 Sacrament often performed in childhood (12) 12 Generosity or open-handedness (8) 14 Story with a moral (7) 16 Beginning (6) 18 Perfect example (5) 19 Liveliness, sparkle (4) 5

6 Dates for your diary 31 May pm Intercessor s Training 6 June pm Summer Mission Planning 9 June pm Patronal Festival Eucharist and Social 18 June pm pm Regional Picnic by the Prom 24 June pm Fundraising Angel Drive night 4-8 July am noon Children s Summer Mission Stetsonville 10 July am M.A.P. review with Bishop Gregor 13 July pm Book Group 16 July am Car Boot Sale NRSV Some people have asked what version of the Scriptures we use in our services. We read from the Revised Common Lectionary and the translation use, in common with all other main Christian Denominations, is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). This is the most accurate of all modern translations and manages to stay true to the original text without becoming incomprehensible to those of us who hear it read. Some of you may already own a copy of this translation, but I know it would be useful for all of our readers, as well as other members of the congregation, to have their own copy for personal use. I am happy to order copies for those who would like to buy one. They are not terribly expensive and can usually be obtained for as little as about 15. Please let me know if you would like to buy one. They also make the perfect gift for anyone you know who might appreciate one 6

7 Training Evening for Intercessors It is some time now since our intercessors had the opportunity to gather together and reflect on what is done and explore ways in which this might be developed. I invite all of our intercessors to come to a training evening. This will take place in the Rectory at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 31 May. This will be chance to encourage and share good practise with one another and I hope you will make every effort to come along. Many thanks, The Rector Regional Picnic by the Prom In a change to the pattern of previous years, members of the Ayrshire Region will be invited to St Columba s to share in a social event. This will take the form of a picnic and will include an opportunity for us all to worship together too. Please SIGN UP NOW on the list in the church porch. It is important to have a good idea of the numbers we can expect on the day. This event will take placed on Saturday, 18 June from 2.00pm pm. Bring your own picnic - tea and coffee will be provided. 7

8 M.A.P. Review This summer sees the ending of our fourth year of involvement in the Mission Action Planning process. Members of the Mission Action Planning Group will meet soon to reflect on what has been achieved and to arrange for the forthcoming review. Bishop Gregor will come to our congregation for worship on Sunday, 10 July, and we will stay on for our annual M.A.P. Review meeting in the hall following the service. Smile please You may have noticed that we display photographs of members of our congregation on the church board in the hall. This initiative was undertaken some years ago now and the pictures could do with being updated. Photographs of new members of the congregation would be a welcome addition to those already shown. There will be an opportunity to have yours included over the next few Sundays following the 11.00am service. Please speak to either the Rector or to William about this. The Rector STETSONVILLE This year s children s Summer Mission has a Wild West theme. In Stetsonville we are all pioneers - blazing a new trail. Each day we will hear stories of those who were pioneers for God. The Holiday Club is free and open to all children 8

9 who are already attending Primary School. There will be fun, games, crafts, stories, line-dancing, quizzes and drama. The Summer Mission takes place from 10.00am (high)noon from Monday, 4 - Friday, 8 July. Remember to tell any children you know that they would be very welcome to attend this exciting adventure. A planning meeting will be held in the Rectory at 7.30pm on Monday, 6 June. The Rector Angel Drive A retro fundraising fun night with a difference is planned for later this month. If you ve ever been to a Beetle Drive, then you ll know how to play at an Angel Drive. It s fast and furiously exciting as you throw the dice as much as possible to get the numbers required to complete your angel picture. This event will take place in the church hall from 7.30pm on Friday, 24 June. Donations of raffle prizes would be very welcome and tickets (at 5) will be available soon. 9

10 Our Patronal Festival Eucharist will be celebrated at 7.00pm on St Columba s Day (Thursday, 9 June). Refreshments will be offered in the Rectory following the Eucharist. To help with catering, please sign your name on the list in the porch and indicate if you can bring along something savoury or sweet. The Rector Patronal Festival Vestry Notes The Vestry took the following decisions/actions at their meetings on 26 April and 8 May 2016: Rose Oliver: The Vestry opened proceedings with a prayer, remembering recently deceased Rose Oliver, Vestry member, and her family and giving thanks for her creativity and drive and for the contribution she made to our Church. HeartStart- Ten members of the congregation had attended the recent HeartStart refresher training and a donation of 50 had been made to HeartStart. It was noted that the cost of a defibrillator, including a protective cover, was 1,300. Training Intercessors- Training has been arranged for Tuesday 31 May at 7.30 p.m. in the Rectory. Church Attendance Survey- The Scottish Church Census will be undertaken among all the churches in Scotland on Sunday 8 May It was noted that this was a Matins Service where attendance was generally 10

11 lower that for the Sung Eucharist so the figures may not be a fair reflection of normal attendance. Church Organ- The organ was being tuned on 4 May. Stained Glass Window- A hole in the South facing wall stained glass window had been picked up at the quinquennial inspection and its repair would be included in an action programme once the quinquennial report was to hand. Monday Toddlers Group-. Numbers attending had recently increased and it had been decided to put off until the summer consideration of raising the age for attendance to 4 years with an area to be set aside for babies. Flag Pole- No one in the congregation had responded either way to the suggestion that a flag pole be erected in the Church grounds at a cost of around 300. It had been established that Planning consent would be required due to the Church being B Listed bringing the cost to around 500. It was agreed to continue discussion to the next meeting to afford Vestry members an opportunity to canvas opinions from members of the congregation. Congregational Awayday to Rosslyn Chapel- The proposed date of 17 th September for the Awayday clashed with the Golden Jubilee as Priest of Revd Alex Griffiths. It was agreed to change the date of the Awayday to 10 September. The Rector to put up a notice in the Church porch for those interested to sign up so that numbers for catering and transport could be identified. Use of Hall for Emergencies- The Largs Resilience Group had requested use of the hall as a Rest and Reception Centre in the event of a local community emergency. The Vestry agreed to accede to the request and to add a condition into the Conditions of Hall Use stating that in the unlikely event of a local civil emergency the Hall may be requisitioned for use as a Rest and Reception Centre. Appointment as Interim Priest- The Rector reported that Bishop Gregor had appointed him from the beginning of June as the Interim Priest in charge of St. John s, Greenock during its vacancy and advised of the implications of the appointment which should have minimal impact on his work here at St Columba s. Property: Vestry/Organ Roof It was agreed to accept the quotation of 4,176 including VAT from Breen Roofing, this being the most favourable quotation received and they had undertaken work in the past on the 11

12 main roof. The work will proceed once Chris has completed detailed planning thereof. Quinquennial Survey This was carried out on 22 March, report to follow. Electrical and PAT Testing Completed on 4 March. Two minor recommendations made and follow up action was in hand to rectify them. Hall cooker Bracket still required to be fitted to prevent it tipping forward. Fire Risk Assessment Church Two recommendations. Details passed to William for action. Hall Six recommendations, mostly based on managing our facility to ensure all fire precaution measures remain operational. Details passed to William for action. Churches Funding Fair, Edinburgh Chris intends to attend this free event on 20 May to find out potential sources for grants for repairing churches etc. Property convenor No progress had been made with Volunteer Scotland so he will be advertising in the local paper and on Facebook to see if this generates any interest. Treasurer- Chris had previously circulated a reports on Receipts and Payments against the Budget for the year to 9 April and on Gift Aid and Investment Sub-Committee recommendations. The Receipts and Payments report to 9 April showed a surplus of 30, but regular giving is down by some 4,000 and when bequests of 25,250 are removed this reduces the figure to 4, Fortunately, expenditure is down by some 11,200 but this figure will rise when the vestry/organ loft roof is repaired. Gift Aid- Chris has recently submitted applications to HMRC for Gift Aid (covering the period 1 September April 2016) for 17,868 and Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme (covering the period 6 April April 2016) for 6,396. Investment Sub-Committee- The Investment Sub-Committee comprising of Chris Evans, Eileen Binns (in place of Peter Robertson), John Lamb and 12

13 Norman Veriod met on 18 April to update themselves on the church s portfolio, which showed a market value of just over 132,000. After hearing Chris on the Group s recommendations and on further advice from Speirs & Jeffrey it was agreed to (a) invest up to 7,500 in Artemis Global Equity Income Fund and (b) sell our holding of 2,103 in the Co-operative Bank 11% Notes Stewardship Campaign- A report by Chris had previously been circulated detailing the background and effect of previous stewardship campaigns on financial contributions which had increased following the 2013 Increased Giving Campaign but had been offset to some degree by rising costs. The Vestry agreed that no action be taken until the end of the financial year on 30 August when the situation could then be assessed and the matter taken to the Congregational AGM thereafter as required. Social/Fundraising- A recent Car Boot Sale had raised 1,196. The next one on 21 May clashes with the Christian Aid Coffee Morning so some helpers may not be available. The next social event William is organising is an Angel Drive in June. Congregational Matters- Recent changes to the Congregational Roll were noted. The disappointing attendances at Services and Study Groups during Lent and Holy Week were discussed and it was agreed that the Vestry Awayday in November should consider what might be done to make Lent and Holy Week events more accessible. Mission Action Plan- The Book Group and Meditation Group are progressing well and quotes from a landscape gardener and two others will be sought with a view to work starting on the labyrinth in September, after the last Car Boot Sale. Bishop Gregor will come for our annual MAP Review on Sunday 10 July. Anniversary Booklet- A booklet to mark the 140 th anniversary of the Church is being compiled by the Rector and Heather Upfield. The proposed content of the booklet will cover all aspects of Church life from its early days to present with the Preface be written by Bishop Gregor. The deadline was Wednesday 26 October when Bishop Gregor would launch the booklet and also bless and open the labyrinth. The Vestry welcomed the steps being taken to mark the anniversary and thanked those contributing to the publication. Ascension Day Service- The Regional Council have agreed not to hold a Joint Ascension Day Service but instead each Church had been asked to make their own arrangements. Our Church will hold a Said Eucharist on Thursday 5 May at 7.00 p.m. 13

14 Regional Picnic- Our Church will be hosting an Ayrshire Regional Council picnic on Saturday 18 June from 2 to 4 p.m. The Rector, Linda and Ray to plan the event. Surplus Sign Case- Clark Memorial Church are disposing of a sign board and had offered it to us. It was agreed to accept the board and use it to advertise the labyrinth. Church Deep Clean- The Vestry will undertake a deep clean of the Church including the altar and surrounds on Saturday 14 May from 10 a.m. and recorded their thanks to Eleanor Witt who kindly cleans the Church on a weekly basis. Patronal Day- The Patronal Day Service on 9 June at 7 p.m. will be followed by a social in the Rectory. Finance Meeting- The Finance Meeting due to be held after the morning Service on 25 September will be held instead in the Rectory on Tuesday 27 September at 7 p.m. Worship Leaders: Ray and Linda Young were authorised over 3 years ago by the Bishop as Worship Leaders and carry out this role in services at local nursing homes. Their authorisation now needs to be renewed and the Vestry agreed to this and to record their support in the Minutes in accordance with the Diocesan process. Ray and Linda will be participating in training for Worship Leaders in June. Largs Rotary Club Car Boot Sale: It was agreed to give Largs Rotary Club the free use of the Church Hall and grounds on Saturday 6 August 2016 for their annual Car Boot Sale to raise funds for local charitable purposes. Vestry will next meet on Tuesday 5 July 2016 at 7 p.m. to be followed by a social. Ray Young, Vestry Secretary Welsh Hymns Our hymn books are scattered throughout with hymns of Welsh origin, although many of the hymn words were written by English lyricists. It is a worthwhile exercise to do a little research on the origins of these 14

15 fine hymns which have certainly entered and remained in our worship to this day. Can you imagine a wedding in church without Love Divine, All Loves Excelling sung to either popular Welsh tune either Blaenwern or Hyfrydol? Could any stadium, before a Welsh rugby international game, sound such a battle cry as resounds in Bread of Heaven that well known phrase in Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah? Yes I know that modern thinking is now in favour of the word Redeemer instead of Jehovah, therefore changing the meaning of the line, but you can catch my meaning should you choose to listen closely to the Welsh singing their own wonderful hymn. Many people sing the older version out of pure affection. Revivalists and Methodism swept through worship in Wales in the mid to late th 18 century, among the prominent poet composers being William Williams ( ) and Richard Mills. Metrical Psalms, many composed by the Archdeacon of Merioneth, Edmynd Prys, also became popular. Methodism separated from the Anglican church in 1811 and saw the appearance of many Welsh folk tunes as hymns. A good example of this is Rhuddlan, meaning a red bank. We see this tune 3 times in our own hymnal, in particular number 580 Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour. It is listed as being extracted from a source named The Musical Relics of Welsh Bards. How often do we sing tunes such as: Hyfrydol (cheerful) pronounced Hoofroodol, Ton Y Botel (Thy strong word) used in hymns such as O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, also Ar Hyd Y Nos or All Through the Night. One tune in particular, beloved of organists, because of the many organ variations written for performance, is Rhosymedre written by a Welsh Anglican priest and named after his parish. You can find this hymn at number 424 in our hymnal with the words by no less than Charles Wesley. To write concisely for this magazine means that I have forsworn much in the way of true depth of research. I find myself exercised by the 15

16 history of many of our great, and not so great, hymns. We have a wealth of musical worship in our tradition and it is a source of great pleasure for me to play these hymns on many Sundays in St Columba s. The hymn from Welsh sources are particularly lovely in that the poetry has produced the best in those who have sought to compose so many worthy hymn tunes. Colleen Anderson - Director of Music Crossword Puzzle solution (from page 5) B A 2 B Y 3 C 4 H A 5 P L 6 A I 7 N E E 8 C A R G E H A R B O U R I Across: 1 Baby, 3 Chaplain, 9 Harbour, 10 Icons, 11 Act of worship, 13 Expire, 15 Elisha, 17 Prearranging, 20 Rabbi, 21 Gospels, 22 One-on-one, 23 Blue. Down: 1 Beheaded, 2 Beret, 4 Harrow, 5 Priestliness, 6 Agonies, 7 Nest, 8 Confirmation, 12 Largesse, 14 Parable, 16 Origin, 18 Ideal, 19 Brio. 10 C O N S E E N R E N T A C T O F W O R S H I P D I W T E L E X P I R E E L I S H A D A M O I R 19 B R 17 P R E A R R A N G I A T I E D E A B B I 21 G O S P E L S I L O I S A S O N E O N O N E 23 B L U E 18 N 12 G 16

17 1: Gregor, our Bishop June Prayer Calendar 2: Those leaving School for employment or further education 3: All Carers 4: Local Industry 6: The Cathedral Chapter 7: Vacant Charges 8: The College of Bishops 9: (St Columba of Iona) Our congregation 10: Members of General Synod 11: (St Barnabas the Apostle) Holy Trinity & St Barnabas, Paisley 13: Local Charities 14: The Anglican Centre in Rome 15: Visitors to Largs 16: Our families 17: Those we find it difficult to love 18: The churches of Ayrshire Region 20: The newly married 21: The recently bereaved 22: (St Alban, first martyr of Britain, c.250) The Church of England 23: All who vote 24: (Birth of John the Baptist) The recently baptised 25: Our neighbours 27: Local Schools - teachers and pupils 28: Those who will come to our Children s Summer Mission 29: (St Peter & St Paul, Apostles) Our Clergy 30: All holidaymakers 17

18 Please check these rotas and note if you are included. Please feel free to swap with others to ensure duties are covered for all services. Services and Rota for June 2016 Day Services and Sunday readings Duty at Sunday 11.00am Wednesday, am Said Eucharist (1970) Sunday, am Said Eucharist 11.00am Sung Eucharist 6.30pm Evening Prayer 1 Kgs:17:17-24; Gal 1:11-24; Lk 7:11-17 Wednesday, am Said Eucharist (1970) Sunday, am Said Eucharist 11.00am Choral Matins 6.30pm Evening Prayer 2 Sam 11:26-12:10, 13-15; Lk 7:36-8:3 Server: William Clark-Ferguson Reader: Alison Jones Intercessor: William Clark-Ferguson Reader: Joan Hutton Intercessor: Alison Jones Wednesday, am Said Eucharist (1970) Sunday, am Said Eucharist 11.00am Eucharist Together 6.30pm Evening Prayer Isa 65:1-9; Lk 8:26-39 Wednesday, am Said Eucharist (1970) Sunday, am Said Eucharist 11.00am Sung Eucharist 6.30pm Evening Prayer 1 Kgs 19:15-16, 19-21; Gal 5:1, 13-25; Lk 9:51-62 Server: Chris Evans Reader: Aubery McCance Intercessor: Frances Robertson Servers: Alice & Vicky Reader: Gill Beresford Intercessor: The Rector Wednesday, 29 Peter & Paul 10.00am Said Eucharist (1970) Readers for July rd: May Kidd, 10th: Elspeth Robertson, 17th: Jennifer Fitzgibbon, 24th: Tim Johnston, 31st: Ken Hinshalwood 18

19 Diocesan website: Bishop The Rt Revd Dr Gregor D. Duncan, Bishop s Office, Diocesan Centre, 5 St Vincent Place, Glasgow, G1 2DH. Tel: bishop@glasgow.anglican.org The Clergy Rector The Revd Gordon B. Fyfe, St Columba s Rectory, Aubery Crescent, Largs, KA30 8PR. Tel: gordon.fyfe@virginmedia.com Associate The Rt Revd Dr Idris Jones, 27 Donald Wynd, Largs, KA30 8TH. Tel: idrisjones43@hotmail.co.uk The Vestry Elected by the congregation to work with the Rector in the administration of the church. Meets in January, March, September, November and as required. Chair Rector Secretary Ray Young Treasurer and Lay Representative Chris Evans Rector s Warden Linda Young People s Warden Vicky Johnston Members Gordon Hodgson Eleanor Witt Jane Evans Elsie Hinshalwood (Alt Lay Representative - Hilary Moran Tel: ) Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Confessions by arrangement with the Rector Scottish Charity Number SC The deadline for the July/August magazine is Sunday 19 June. magazine articles should be sent to gordon.fyfe@virginmedia.com Printed and published by St Columba s Episcopal Church, Aubery Crescent, Largs KA30 8PR The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Rectory or the Vestry 19

20 Life at St Columba s Director of Music Colleen Anderson Property Convenor Vacant (Contact Rector) Fundraising Committee William Clark-Ferguson Protection of Vulnerable Groups Linda Young Appointed by the Vestry and approved by the Bishop Mothers Union Hilary Moran Church Hall Diary May Walker Deals with hall bookings Flowers Audrey Hodgson Sidesmen Vicky Johnston Christian Aid Nessie Rankin Jane Evans Representatives on inter-church Christian Aid Committee Regional Council William Clark-Ferguson Intercessions Rota Frances Robertson Altar Servers Alice MacDonald Readers Rota Rector If you would like to join any of the above, please see Frances, Alice or the Rector Largs Churches Together Nessie Rankin Eleanor Witt Press Officer Hilary Moran Junior Church Linda Young Health & Safety Officer William Clark-Ferguson Pastoral Visitors in the congregation Eileen Binns (Coordinator, tel: ) Elsie Hinshalwood, Joan Hutton and May Kidd 20