Church of Scotland Geneva

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1 Church of Scotland Geneva Newsletter Autumn 2009 Keeping the tock ticking... Clockmakers will tell you the only way to keep a mechanical clock going is momentum: keep the weights spinning, the pendulum swinging, and the hands will continue to mark time as they should. Most people may only pay attention to the clock when its bells ring out, or when they need the information it can offer, yet the silent movement continues all the time. And, without those parts working constantly behind the scenes, the whole thing would very quickly grind to a halt. That image, particularly appropriate in Switzerland, also works as a metaphor for the life of the church. Most people in our community pay very little attention to the church, put off by its past inconsistencies or distracted by their own busyness. Other than the big religious festivals or a time of great personal need, it simply sits harmlessly on the street corner. However, those on the inside, understand that the church s existence cannot be taken for granted; that it only continues thanks to the willingness of people who actively serve it day in and day out. Where do YOU fit into the workings of our church? Not that the church should be compared too readily with any other voluntary organisation. The vital work behind the scenes is carried out for profound reasons by people seeking to respond to the call of God in their lives. The motivation for keeping the church ticking over is a great and glorious one, proclaiming and demonstrating God s love for all his people. Yet without the people who are willing to give of themselves for the glory of God the church would have slowed down and seized up a long time ago. Like the workings of a clock, the work of the church does not always appear glamorous or exciting, and if we lose sight of the greater purpose we might well find it wearisome. The work of welcoming and serving, of teaching and caring, of learning and sharing does not always bring immediate rewards. Then again, immediate rewards were never something promised by our master and founder. Viewed in the perspective of eternity however, the task of keeping the gospel message alive and building a Christian community that can bear witness to it is surely one of the most vital things we can ever do with our time. So let me encourage you to be part of the churches inner movement. There are plenty of jobs that we need people to do, and plenty of other ways to contribute to our mission that we haven t even thought of yet. What you can offer may not look very important, but it will be a vital part of what makes us tick, and of what allows us to have something worthwhile to offer to our wider community. Perhaps it is time for you to consider where you fit into it all. With best wishes, Ian Manson Minister: Revd. Ian Manson, 20 Ancienne Route, 1218 Grand Saconnex Tel/Fax Church Office: 6 ch Taverney Tel: cofsg@pingnet.ch geneva.com Church Bank Account: UBS 279-C Inside this issue: Church activities 2 Good News 3 Treasurer s Report 4 What s AOAC? 4 More than.. 4 Auditorie s 50th B Day 5 Calvin s Litgury 6 Geneva Litgury 7 Georgia on my mind 8 What s On? 9 FairTrade 9 Contact list 10 Special points of interest: Sunday School Bake Sale: 4 October Geneva Voices: 10 October St Andrew s Fair: Saturday, 31 October Auditorie 50th Anniversary: 1 November Cursillo weekend: 5-8 November

2 Page 2 SSSSSSH! Would you like 100 people chatting while they stream past your home on a Sunday morning? Probably not! So let's try to keep noise down when we go to and from the Salle for the sake of our neighbours who live around the courtyard. St Andrew s Fair The annual St Andrew s Fair takes place this year on Saturday 31 October at the Salle Communale in Grand Saconnex. There will be stalls and activities for everyone during the day and the now traditional Ceilidh in the evening. To make the Fair a success we need your help: can you run or help on a stall or assist the committee with the organization? Whatever your talent, your contribution will be appreciated. So please get in touch and make sure the date is firmly in your diary. And if you are travelling, don t forget items for the Scottish and Christmas stalls (advent calendars, Christmas cards, selection boxes, candles, stockings...anything at all. Creche Kathryn Moreno akmoreno@neuf.fr ; The crèche takes place during the church service and provides a safe and friendly environment for children to play while their parents take part in worship in the Auditoire. The crèche is enjoyed by regular church members and visitors alike and is made possible by a team of volunteers. Unfortunately, we ve had to say farewell to several volunteers over the recent months so if you would like to join our ranks and contribute to the wellbeing of our youngest members, please contact me by (akmoreno@neuf.fr ) or by popping up to the Salle one Sunday. Sunday School Kathryn Moreno Our rentreé on 6 September was a good opportunity for the Sunday school children and adults to reconnect after the summer. We had a good turn-out and spent some time playing games to get to know each other and introduce several new children. This term we will be learning about Moses and the people of God, of how God led them to freedom and gave them the Ten Best Ways to Live, and of how the people loved these ten best ways so much that they built an ark so they could carry them wherever they went. : Our Godly Play circle time on our first Sunday back after the holidays. On 4 October we will be holding a bake sale after church in aid of our Sunday school project helping buy shoes for children at the leprosy hospital in Nepal. Do come along and support this very good cause. Finally, we always welcome any offers of help so if anyone out there is interested in learning about the work of the Sunday school and how they could join in, just come and see us upstairs after church or contact Jane Broere. Sunday Morning Fellowship Many thanks to all those who have faithfully provided coffee and tea over the summer, especially with all the extra visitors we've had in connection with Calvin 09 events! Also thanks to Roberta Manson, Alice & Peter Tulloch, Janet Askew, and Eleanor Strittmatter (and others) for the delicious and copious lunches regularly provided for record numbers. The Coffee / Tea rota would welcome more helpers. Please contact me if you'd like to participate in this valuable contribution to our church fellowship. Terry Angleys angleystak@wanadoo.fr ;

3 Page 3 IT S GOOD NEWS WEEK: Weddings: Philip and Ebban Walker (below) were married in Iowa on 24 May; and Kathryn (nee Harvey) and Robert Leeman were married in the Auditorie on 15 August (Rev Jim Sharp who has known Kathryn since she was a little girl conducted the service and David Asbury played the organ). Baptism & Confirmation: This year we have a small group of older teenagers who are going to be meeting together to prepare for baptism and confirmation. The main meetings will take place roughly once a month on a Sunday lunchtime after the Service. Anyone who would like to take part in this should contact the minister. It will be of interest to anyone who wants to think more deeply about their faith and attending doesn t require any sort of commitment to do anything new at the end. Farewell & Welcome: Every summer we have the mixed blessing of welcoming new people into our church community and of saying farewell to others. We can t name everyone who moves on, but we might make a special mention of Ewart McKenzie and his family, who has given up serving in our Congregation Committee and Crèche to move to Manila in the Philippines. Welcome to all who have newly arrived! Caring for One Another Summer holidays are over and the 'church year' is now getting back into full swing. As we become busy again with the many activities that characterize our church community, we have lots of opportunities to meet other members of the congregation, as well as those who may simply be passing through for shorter periods of time. Sometimes, however, in our 'busyness', we are so preoccupied with getting things done that we overlook the important relationships which help us to be a real community. As we 'care for one another', take the opportunity to pause for a moment from time to time to think about, and to pray for, those we work with and come into contact with. Many times, we don't notice that someone may be 'stressed out', either at home or at school or at work. And it's always easier to see who is there rather than who is not; especially in Geneva, where people travel a lot, we may not immediately notice that someone who is usually around is missing - but maybe that's because they are ill at home or in hospital. If, as expected, the flu virus hits us later this autumn or winter, that may keep a number of people away from church. The advice to stay at home if you catch the flu bug is important. But that may mean that some folk will have difficulty in getting in basic supplies. Or simply that they will lose contact with those whom they normally see regularly. Please do keep in mind anyone you may know who may need the extended hand of friendship under these circumstances - the flu can't be caught over the phone or through an message, for example. And please do let the Minister or a member of the Caring for One Another core group (their names are shown below) know if someone is ill so that they too can try to keep in touch, either by a visit if that's appropriate or in some other way. As we continue our Christian walk together into this new 'church year', let us pray for a smooth path under our feet and a firm Hand to hold on to and to guide us. Rev. Jim Sharp, for the members of the Caring for One Another core group: Terry Angleys, David Asbury, Janet Askew, Christine Bunn, Mary Couper, Hazel Griffith, Jean Murray, Eleanor Strittmatter, Rosaleen Walker and Rev. Ian Manson. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

4 Page 4 Treasurer's Report The Church income from Cash & Freewill Offerings for the first seven months of 2009 of CHF 100,916 is approximately 6% higher than the figure for the same period in 2008 CHF 94,986. Total income for this period is CHF 123,191, which is almost 10% up on the previous year's figure of CHF 112,122. Whilst all this is good news, especially as the FWO contributions are 12% above the budget figure, expenditures to end July are CHF 127,218 (5.0% below budget). There is thus as a net deficit for the period to 31 July 2009 of CHF 4,027. Ongoing expenditures continue to exceed income by over CHF 575 per month. Project givings currently amount to CHF 7,600 for Ekwendeni and CHF 3,602 for Nepal Thank you again to all those who have helped the church by means of donations, cash or freewill offerings and in other ways. Robert Walker ( ) Church Account: UBS SA Geneva; IBAN CH C AOAC Association for a New Organ in the Auditoire - rather a mouthful, but then it is to support our singing and worshiping! Have you seen the AOAC newsletter for September 2009? No!!! Then check with Rebecca MacDonald, Secretary for AOAC, or better still go to: auditoirecalvin for more information. By the time you read this, the first AGM will have taken place (15 September) and a trip to visit Bernard Aubertin's organ-building workshop will also have taken place (19 September) -- so don't miss any more opportunities to get involved with this important part of our church life. And whilst you are thinking about speaking with Rebecca about joining the AOAC, remember that fund raising has already started to replace our existing organ with one that will resound throughout our church. Your support big or small is greatly appreciated. Why not become a 'Pipe Sponsor' for a minimum of 100 CHF? IBAN CH M (account no M) More than just Fund-Raising. Over the last two-three years the fund-raising group, a small, fluid group of members of the Congregation who are concerned that we are regularly running at a deficit, started organizing a number of fund-raising activities. These have included a fundraising dinner, a Scottish afternoon tea, a Beetle Drive and a ceilidh. The activities are also to develop fellowship within the Church community and encourage people to reach out to people who are not members of the Congregation. As a new term starts we are looking for ideas that will bring different groups of people in the Congregation together, open our Congregation up to people who are not currently members and, raise some funds. If you have ideas to share or you would like to join in our efforts and organize an activity, please let me or the Minister know. We look forward to hearing from you. Anne Whiteford, on behalf of the Fund-raising Group Another 2009 Anniversary to Remember With all the events and publicity for the 500 th anniversary of Calvin's birth there has not been much time this year to think about another anniversary - 50 years of the Auditoire being used for worship by our congregation. The Auditoire had fallen into disrepair by the mid-20 th century. Through the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, funds were collected, mainly from churches in the USA, to restore the building in the late 1950s. Following restoration, the inaugural service was on 7 June From then on the Auditoire has been our congregation's home. Although English speaking refugees had been granted the use of the Auditoire in Calvin's time with John Knox as minister, the Church of Scotland established a more formal presence in Geneva much later. Records show regular services were held in the Maccabees chapel in the cathedral during the summer months from 1867 onwards. Services were conducted by visiting preachers, mostly from Scotland. Some were there only for one Sunday, others for much longer. By the1950s Geneva's international agencies were expanding and the number of expatriates increased sharply. In response, the congregation was for- (Continued on page 5)

5 Page 5 (Continued from page 4) mally established with a kirk session and the appointment of a resident minister. Initially part time, by early 1960s the minister became fulltime. Minutes of Kirk Session and Congregational Committee have many references to the inauguration of the Auditoire. There were a host of practical matters to be considered: how to cope with the acoustics, would the St Pierre bells disturb worship, the need for an inner door to the Auditoire to cut out noise and cold winds, how to stop the side door banging [Not much change here, noise continues to be a problem, but this time for our neightbours! Ed], buy extra hymnbooks and offering plates for a larger church,... The Salle also required kitchen equipment and furnishings. The service was moved to to accommodate the Dutch service at Initially there was an electric organ, then in 1964 the present organ was installed [See AOAC plans to replace this venerated apparatus oage 4] There was also much discussion about furnishing the Auditoire in a less austere way. In 1959 during the move, Rev Niall Watson s pastoral letter to the congregation said: In the three years I have been in Geneva as your minister we have worshipped in three different places. Inevitably these moves gave our congregation a somewhat impermanent aspect. But we are now home, with all the problems that... settling into a new home bring. It is my earnest prayer that by working together, by strengthening our sense of being a congregation, and by our ever deepening commitment to the work and worship of the Church, we may grow in God's grace, and in our love one for another. May God bless us in our witness and service The years following the move to the Auditoire were indeed a time of great expansion of the congregation once it had settled into its new but historic home. A joint service with the three congregations that use the Auditoire for worship will be held on Sunday, 1 November at when we can give thanks for this special anniversary. Alice Tulloch Georgia on My Mind A 3-month old Caucasian sheepdog puppy they get a LOT bigger! Where do I start? At the beginning is always a good idea! So the beginning for me in this beguiling country was end February I had left the arid, searing, hot, dust blown, armed conflict environment of eastern Chad to spend a few days with husband and children in Geneva before heading off to the bitter cold of a Caucasian winter in Georgia. No, not sweet Georgia Brown in the southern states of north America!, instead the striking environment of a former Soviet country that found independence in 1991 only to be torn asunder by not one, but TWO regions wanting to "go it alone" and be independent. Sixteen years ago, these simultaneous decisions tore apart this little jewel of a country straddling Asia and Europe, leave hundreds dead and thousands displaced. Could it get any worse? Yes it could... Last August tensions rose once again and armed conflict broke out between Russian and Georgia over one of these breakaway regions: South Ossetia. Once again death and destruction abound with thousands more fleeing for their lives. And on 8 September 2009, a series of earthquakes (6 magnitude) destroyed over 1,500 houses in northwest Georgia. In 1994, my organization - the UN Refugee Agency - found itself first trying to help nearly 350,000 displaced people and then a few years later some 9,000 refugees from the second Chechen war in [As I write these words, I recall that 16 years ago I had just started working for UNHCR in Geneva and this was the same time Georgia was being devastated by war - a struggle about which I knew nothing in those days]. Then once again it was involved with the displacement of thousands from the five-day war in August When I arrived in Tbilisi as External Relations Officer in February, one of my first tasks was to report on what UNHCR had done last year to assist all these refugees, internally displaced people and stateless persons in Georgia. That last category of people in need is not a well-known one: Stateless persons This means that no country will recognize you as their citizen!!! But how can this happen?? Remember the story of a political refugee whose papers confirming his status were stolen whilst in transit and who ended up living as a stateless person in Paris airport for nearly two decades? Well it is not fiction! People traveling through the mountainous countryside in this part of the world in search of economic and physical safety can often be caught between different declarations (Continued on page 6)

6 Page 6 (Continued from page 5) of states which require registration to (re)confirm your citizenship. Not present in the right place at the right time? Shame, you've just lost your claim to citizenship of the country in which you were born! Surely this doesn t' happen now-a-days in real life? Just ask over 1,600 people in Georgia who are presently stateless and every time a child is born to them, that child is born stateless! So as you can imagine, we do not lack work! But it is a fascinating operation and each day when I start work, I never know what is going to hit me next. Does that mean that all work and no play makes Jill (or in this case Suzanne) a dull girl! Not on your life!! I discovered the Hash House Harriers operate here. Every second Sunday we visit different areas in or outside of Tbilisi for a two hour run (although a lot of us actually walk!). A pastime known the world over; my first Hash was in Khartoum some twenty years ago with husband Dougie, baby Ross on my shoulders, and daughter Iona walking along side us with Sancio our labrador. It's a family occasion with gentle, silly English rituals no matter what country you are in - try it some time! Monday evenings are singing night and nothing is allowed to intervene! What do we sing? Polyphonic songs sung in Georgian of course (nothing to do with Gregorian chant!!) I m not quite sure exactly WHAT I am singing (and have to accept the translation from our Georgian musical director!!), but it is a time of great fellowship and our singing can't be that bad as we have been asked to open commercial enterprises, engage in fundraising events, and join music festivals! Georgia is an enchanting country: Mountains are everywhere with mediterranean vegetation in one corner, steppe in the other and excellent wine-growing regions in between; countryside that soars to over 5,000 metres in the Caucasian mountains down to the Black and Caspian seas. Former Soviet infrastructure (and mentality) abounds with over 70% unemployment and subsistence farming is a major element in many people's lives. This is intermingled with armed conflict, UXOs, snipers (near the ceasefire lines) and abject poverty which is in juxtaposition to an innate sense of hospitality that will not allow you to pay for dinner, a meal that can go on for hours with different delicacies produced for your delight and constant toasts to the health of one and all (beware the amount of wine / vodka you can inadvertently consume!). This is truly a country of extremes and I am enjoying every minute of it! In fact I have just finished two weekend hikes. One along the Chechen / Georgian border. wonderful scenario, ancient fortified hillside villages, death houses in which plague victims where boarded up to die, an open-air religious meal with a charismatic local shepherd [photo on right] and his family (although being a woman I was not allowed into the hallowed grounds where the lamb was sacrificed), an opportunity to taste fire-roasted sheep's balls for the first time and sing Georgian folk songs with them, and be befriended by the most ENORMOUS Caucasian sheepdog that initially frightened me out of my wits (they are renown as aggressive dogs) before I realized that this one was a gentle as a lamb. The other hike was in Svaneti with the famous Svan towers and fiercesome people. Yes, we work hard here, but we also play hard - come visit and see Georgia yourself, you will not be disappointed. Suzanne Murray-Jones, External Relations Officer, Tbilisi, Georgia John Calvin s Geneva Liturgy Can you still spare a thought on the subject of Calvin? I ve been told that in Hungary, that great Calvinist country, even when you turn on the tap today, there is Calvin bubbling out of it. So here s a story you might find either deadly boring or fascinating depending on your mood. Last April in Budapest for the 150th anniversary celebrations of my Alma Mater, I visited Judith, an old friend and widow of Rev. Dr. Janos Pasztor who died two years ago, and who had briefly taught me in We discussed her late husband s last publication on the subject of changes in the Hungarian reformed Church s liturgy. Apparently Calvin s Geneva liturgy (dated 1542) is not available anywhere in the country whether in libraries or private collections. Could I find a copy for the church in Hungary in this year of Calvin s 500th anniversary? Living near Geneva, this should be child s play! On parting, Judith added it was a shame that one of the most prominent reformed churches didn t even have a copy of Calvin s liturgy. What happened since was an eye opener about the obstacles humble church historians are up against. I first approached a fellow elder who had spent most of her working life at the World Council of Churches. She down-loaded a print-out entitled (Continued on page 7)

7 Page 7 «Calvin s Geneva Liturgy», with useful resources and references, and an indication about a normal (for Calvin) order for Sunday worship. But what about the liturgy itself written by Calvin and printed in Geneva in 1542? Another WCC friend said that the WCC library or bookshop certainly wouldn t have it, but try the Reformation Museum close to the cathedral. They referred me to the Institute of Reformation History at Geneva University. How foolish, I thought, I should have started there in the first place. A polite lady who had worked at the Institute for the last 20 years was unable to help, but she suggested Dr. Francis Higman (Institute s director in the 90s). An acknowledged expert on Calvin, he was the first ever «outsider» to direct the Institute, being neither Swiss nor a theologian. (Let s not forget, all Geneva reformers were foreigners. Calvin himself was a lawyer, not a theologian). He told me to go to the Institute, where a copy of «Forme des Prières et Chants ecclésiastiques, avec la manière d administrer les Sacrements and consacrer le mariage: selon la coutume de l Eglise ancienne» would be waiting for me at the desk. And he provided the key : Calvin s 1542 Genevan liturgy is identical to the prayer book and psalter published in Geneva under the above title. Dead simple. I collected the little book (12 x 9 cm, 184 pages,) with trembling hands... it was a facsimile edition based on the original now in the Stuttgart Library! Dr Higman then told me that to his knowledge the Stuttgart copy is the only one to have survived. There was no point looking for another copy of the original printed in Geneva by Jean Gerard in The prayer book had been meant for daily use by the faithful not for museums or collectors - and contained the text and music of 40 psalms selected by Calvin. They were all used to smithereens, it is a miracle that one survived in Stuttgart. (May Janos Pasztor rest in peace on this account). So, now to find out if copies of the facsimilé edition were still available (50 years later) and, if not, how to produce a reprint. I approached Dr. Setri Nyomi, General Secretary of WRC and the EPG President about who should offer Calvin s Geneva liturgy to the Hungarian Reformed Church in this Calvin Jubilee year. And whilst waiting for a reply, I started looking for the 1959 facsimile edition. Librairie Jullien - specialists in old books, - knew about it but doubted if copies would be for sale any longer. So I subscribed to the Bibliothèque de Genève and borrowed one of their copies. I also approached Dr. Eberhard Zwink, director of Stuttgart Library, about the availability of the 1959 edition, and to obtain their permission for reproduction (if necessary). He told me «the Wurttembergische Landesbibliothek holds an original copy of Calvin s 1542 prayer and hymnbook and they had come across yet another copy in the Henri Arnaud Haus Waldensermuseum in Otisheim!» Henri Arnaud was the Waldensian leader of a group which settled in the Dukedom of Württemberg. Francis Higman was also positive: «It s always of great interest when further copies of a hitherto unique text are discovered; I m delighted to hear of the copy in Otisheim. It could be very significant that the new copy was transmitted by the Waldensians another link between them and the Genevan Reformation.» My very last trip was to the printer with the book borrowed from the library. The only changes made were to produce an enlarged edition (2x) of the original and use the inside title page for the cover. So, finally, what does Calvin s Geneva liturgy contain? A short epistle to the reader is followed by 40 psalms translated by Clément Marot, chosen by Calvin, with music; the Canticle of Simeon; the Lords Prayer; the Apostle s Creed; the Ten Commandments all these with music. The final third of the book sets down the normal order for Sunday worship as follows: (Assembly) Opening sentence Confession of sin The Ten Commandments (sung) Psalm (sung) (Word) Collect for Illumination Lesson and Sermon Prayer of Intercession Apostle's Creed (sung) (Meal) The Lord's Supper Prayer of Thanksgiving Psalm (sung) or Canticle of Simeon (sung) (Sending) Offering for the poor Blessing (Try that on a contemporary congregation!) There are detailed instructions for the Lord s supper, baptism and marriage. The last few pages concern visiting the sick. In conclusion I would like to add (Continued on page 8)

8 Page 8 (Continued from page 7) only that apart from keeping me out of harm s way during the months of May through July all this, with the occasional frustration, and at times resembling detective work, was both fun and rewarding. Now, 10 copies of Calvin s 1542 Geneva liturgy bound in a booklet form, «Forme des prières et chants eccléciastiques», sit on my desk fresh from the printer. Are you still with me or have you fallen asleep? However, if I managed to get you interested, I d be happy to show you a copy. Be ready to brush up your 16th century French. The Reformer Felix Allender As usual our minister spent part of his summer holidays at the Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival in Cheltenham, England. Although this year, he was one of the speakers. The topic was predictable enough Happy Birthday John Calvin Rediscovering the Reformer. The talk, along with many others, is available to purchase from the Festival website - years/2009. WHAT S ON? Geneva Voices The Geneva Voices, a singing group based in Holy Trinity Church, are presenting a programme of Psalms and lecture on the same topic by Prof Francis Higman. Holy Trinity on Friday, 9 October, with the lecture in English; and Auditoire de Calvin on Saturday, 10 October, with the lecture in French. Both start at 8 pm. GAOS Choral Group GAOS Choral Group, Saturday 17 October, 8 p.m., music by Schubert conducted by Peter Billington. Cursillo The next Cursillo weekend will take place at the Cenacle (just off Route de Malagnou) from 5-8 November 2009, starting Thursday evening and ending late afternoon on Sunday. Cursillo is an opportunity to continue our walk with God in an ecumenical setting, since the weekend will be attended by participants from most of the English-speaking churches in Geneva. It is not a "retreat" but rather an opportunity to "advance" in our Christian faith, by spending time together reflecting on what that faith means in our lives. A series of talks, given by lay people and clergy, are followed by group discussions, intermingled with opportunities for worship, meals together, some quiet time - and lots of fellowship and fun too. Find out more about Cursillo, from one of the many members of our congregation who have taken part in a Cursillo weekend, such as Janet and Arthur Askew, Jurg and Eleanor Strittmatter, Terry Angleys, David Asbury and Jim Sharp. Flu Epidemic Like many others the Kirk Session has been making preparations should there be an epidemic this winter. There are common sense measures we can all take like frequent hand washing and using disposable tissues when sneezing and coughing. If you think you have flu please do not come to church or any church meetings! For all those who take responsibility for serving as ushers, coffee servers, etc this applies to you even if you are supposed to be on duty. We would rather cover your absence than risk further spreading of infection. Please also ensure any children who are unwell are kept away from church, Sunday school or creche while they have flu symptoms. In the event of an epidemic in the Geneva area we may not shake hands at the door but we'll still welcome you with a smile! If a flu outbreak occurs we will make alternative arrangements for our communion service to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Until that happens we have been advised that it is safe to continue to use the common cup. Unable to attend church? Don't forget you can catch up with the latest sermon, order of service and other church news on our church website. Caring for each other will be needed more than ever in the event of an epidemic. We can still keep in touch with by phone and and be prepared to ask for or offer help for example delivering essential shopping supplies of medicine, food etc. A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold Ogden Nash

9 Page 9 Fairtrade Church Our Church has now received its certificate to declare that we are part of the Fairtrade Church movement. This comes as a result of our commitment to use Fairtrade products wherever we can, and to promote their use in the life of our community. (Read mone our website: scotlandgeneva.com /fair_trade_ church.htm) Fairtrade Tea A Human Story Thamara Weerasena (43) is married to Sugath Nuwarage (52) and they own a tea farm in Sri Lanka. For years the family struggled to meet their living costs because their tea bushes were neglected and provided little income for the family. The prices paid by middlemen were so low that investing time and money to improve the crops was not worthwhile. Income from Sugath s work as a driver was never enough but Thamara struggled to continue sending the children to school, at times taking high interest loans from banks, pawning her jewellery to pay the interest. The family s circumstance has greatly improved since Small Organic Farmers Association (SOFA) was established. (SOFA, located in the central region of Sri Lanka, was founded in 1997 with 183 farmers. This has since grown to a figure of 1600.They are a dedicated organic farmer group who produce certified Fairtrade tea and spices. Link at /producers/sofa.asp ) Thamara can now sell all her tea directly to Biofoods ( a Sri Lankan exporter, at a Fairtrade price of 31 Sri Lankan rupees per kg (about CHF 0.28), more than double the 15 Sri Lankan rupees per kg (about CHF 0.13) paid by local intermediaries. Fairtrade guarantees that producers receive a minimum price which covers the cost of sustainable production. As a result, Thamara can afford to continue her children s education. On top of the guaranteed minimum price, producers also receive an extra amount of money, the Fairtrade premium, to invest in projects that benefit the whole community. The co-operative decided to use some of the premium to improve their crops. They are growing their new tea plants organically. Thamara is much happier working without the chemicals that used to make her ill and her tea leaf production has increased nearly tenfold. The Fairtrade premium has been used to repair and build new roads around the farms, enabling farmers to transport their crops to the market much more easily. SOFA have also used the premium to provide low interest loans to farmers. Thamara has been able to buy roof sheets and other materials to improve and extend her house. She also used a loan to diversify her crops and started growing spices like cinnamon which she now sells through Fairtrade and receives nearly a third more for her crop than she would otherwise. Fairtrade has helped Thamara feel much more hopeful for her, and her children s future. A reflection Proverbs 31 v.8 9 tells us: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. To those who want to speak up, stand up. Be visible to the world around you, guide the world through your actions and let your voice be heard throughout the chaos of life. Do not be complacent about injustice, but be angry. Campaign for change and yearn for justice. Join together in a passionate communion and ask God for strength, as the gospel of Luke says: For nothing is impossible with God. Pray that through Fairtrade, impoverished farmers can build stability in their own lives, that together we may tip the balance in favour of the poor, that they may see a road out of poverty. Do not be discouraged by failure, but use your energy to persevere. Lord, as in all that we aspire to do, the spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Help us therefore to keep you at the centre of our actions for justice and to continually pray for your strength and guidance to make change happen. Let us not forget that to defend the rights of the poor and needy is your will, therefore we pray that through us may your will be done. Caroline Hughesdon, Fairtrade Foundation

10 Page 10 Noah's Camels Noah was standing at the gangplank checking off the pairs of animals when he saw three camels trying to get on board. "Wait a minute!" he said. "Two each is the limit. One of you will have to stay behind." "It won't be me," said the first camel. "I'm the camel whose back is broken by the last straw." "I'm the one people swallow while straining at a gnat," said the second. "And I am the one that shall pass through the eye of a needle sooner than a rich man shall enter heaven." said the third. "Well, I guess you had better all come in," said Noah, "the world is going to need all of you." Information for the next newsletter? Send it to the Editor: Suzanne Murray-Jones at murrayjo@unhcr.org Contact list Brigadoons Betty Morris Church Flowers Janet Askew Congregational Secretary Anne Whiteford Crèche Roberta Manson Cursillo Eleanor Strittmatter Diary Coordinator Carleen Knowlton-Winch Fiction Bookstall Ritchie Pannetti Free Will Offering Felix Allender Fabric Sub-committee Douglas Murray-Jones Mission Projects Eric Gerelle Newsletter Suzanne Murray-Jones Prayer Network Ian Manson Session Clerk Alice Tulloch St Andrews Fair Kathryn Moreno Sunday Coffee Rota Terry Angleys Sunday Evening Bible Study Ian Manson Sunday School Jane Broere Treasurer Robert Walker Ushers Arthur Griffiths Woman s Group Carleen Knowlton-Winch / Christine Bunn / Website Eric Gerelle News of our Congregation: Anne Bovet, who died in May, was a longstanding faithful member of our church and contributed actively to the Women's group which has dedicated two hymnbooks in her memory. Our condolences to the Bovet family. Don Cooper who died in September, was a faithful member of our church until he retired from teaching in the International School to Edinburgh. He made a great contribution to the musical life of the church. Our condolences to Dorothy and the rest of the Cooper family. Graeme and Meena Clugston are currently in Sydney, Australia where Graeme is receiving medical treatment after having contracted typhoid. We wish him a quick and complete recovery. Ishbel Mackie s farewell tea: Ishbel left Geneva after 40 years that she have learned to call home ' and a city that has occupied a very special place in her heart. The multitude of our heartfelt good wishes will be accompanying Ishbel on her journey to a new relaxing life in Litchfield in England to be near her family and enjoy the company of her nieces and nephews! Ishbel deserves our thanks and appreciation for all the years being a committee member of the Women s Group. It was a super occasion which brought together many women from Church of Scotland of Geneva to wish her farewell to her new venture in England. We will miss her and GODSPEED!!