Kirk Matters. Euan Glen. December 2015 In this Issue: Christmas Traditions

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1 Kirk Matters Monymusk Church Newsletter: Issue 12 Christmas Traditions Our Christmas starts with a family trip to Blairdaff to choose a Christmas tree. This is never an easy decision but eventually we settle for one and a delivery date is agreed. We delay putting the tree up until about 2 weeks or so before Christmas. We never want it too early because it just fills up the house and if not cared for the needles begin to fall before twelfth night. Once the tree is up parcels slowly begin to appear underneath in preparation for Christmas morning. As some of you know I have never fully grown up and I still get quite excited over Christmas. So after I have conducted the Christmas Eve Watchnight service and enjoyed a cup of tea and mince pie in Cluny church hall I shoot home so that I can open one present before turning in for the night. Christmas Day starts with bacon croissants while we open the gifts that Santa has left us before heading out for the family Christmas day service. When we return it s all hand to the pumps It s always seemed funny to me how traditions can come to be thought of as always being there. What we do at Christmas or Easter or birthdays or whatever becomes a tradition. We have certain family traditions that have evolved over the years about our Christmas celebrations. I wonder what yours are like? to get ready for the extended family Christmas dinner, the Manse being the largest family house able to cater for 9 or 10 of us. When the family arrive more presents are opened and shared and then we sit down to Christmas dinner All traditions grow and develop over the years as ours have done. However no matter what your family traditions are or will be one thing is certain. There would be none of them save for a child born in manager whose birth we celebrate in our own familiar ways. Behind it all, whether you acknowledge it or not, is the birth of Christ. As the angel said : I m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide. A Saviour has just been born in David s town a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. In our traditions let s share the good news of Jesus birth. May you be blessed this Christmas. Euan Glen CONTACT US: Minister: Rev Euan Glen The Manse euanglen@aol.com Tel: St Ninians www: Monymusk AB51 7HF News: kirkmatters@live.co.uk December 2015 In this Issue: Church Family News 2 Presbytery News 2 Social & Fundraising Events 3 Celebrating Christmas in Monymusk Church 4 Advent Bells 6 Aberdeen Cyrenians 6 Community Events 7 Noticeboard 8 A special welcome to all who are spending their first Christmas in Monymusk. This issue highlights events taking place in the church and community over the festive period. We hope to see you at some or all of them. Find out more on our website and facebook page, and on posters on the shop and church noticeboards. Please let us know if you would like to join our mailing list for news of future events. Newsletter printed by Timepieces, Kemnay

2 Church Family News Page 2 Family announcements Weddings Congratulations to Lucy & Martin who were married in Monymusk church In Loving memory Eric Beaton Sunday School News Harvest The children joined in the harvest celebrations in church and then went into the hall to think more about Harvest and to prepare and deliver gifts for the older people in the village and members a little further afield. We hope the hyacinths grow and flower well. Thanks to the elders in the church for donating the delicious strawberry and raspberry jam. Remembrance day Sunday School learned about the poppy and why we wear it to remember the men and women whose names are on the War Memorial. We made a poppy wreath as our remembrance of the brave people who died. We also sowed poppy seeds. Look out for them in the village next summer! Presbytery News The Gordon Presbytery meeting at Monymusk Church on 3rd November was opened by Moderator, Malcolm Christie The Overture amending the Ministers and Deacons in Civil Partnership Act (Act ) was debated. After discussion there were 18 votes for approval and 28 votes against. The Presbytery Clerk will forward this decision to the Church of Scotland. Rev Stella Campbell from the Finance Committee brought deliverance to Presbytery to approve the allocation of 3000 from the Ministry and Missions Allocations fund to both Monymusk Parish Church and Cluny Church (total 6000) towards the replacement kitchen at the manse. This will reduce ministry costs for the 2 congregations in The next meeting will be held at Inverurie West Church Tuesday 1st December 2015 at 7.30pm. Nkhoma News The amount of knitting and sewing has doubled since last year because more people are getting involved and is now shipped to Malawi by the Raven Trust. The latest shipment included a nearly new computer and large printer donated by an office upgrading their equipment, and a sterilizer and instruments donated by Alford surgery. The boxes are delivered to Ekwendeni hospital in the north of Malawi, from where they will be taken by lorry to Nkhoma hospital in the south. The people there are extremely poor and at the moment in particularly dire straits. David and Rebecca s most recent letter tells us that the hospital has not received the funding they should get from the government. Many people have no food because last year there was a famine and this year in March there were floods in the south which washed away crops and livestock. The majority of people are subsistence farmers, which means they just grow enough to eat. So if the crops fail or are washed away there is no food. It s hard for us to imagine isn t it? Please pray for the people of Malawi and the work of Nkhoma hospital. Read David and Rebecca s latest letter on the News page of our website: on

3 Social and Fundraising Events Page 3 Summer Garden Party Towards the end of the summer the two churches got together to hold a vintage tea party, complete with bunting, in the garden of Alasdair and Susan Reid s home. Despite a disappointing summer we were lucky that the weather on that afternoon was perfect, warm and still. We were able to sit out in the garden to enjoy delicious scones and cakes whilst the children played games. Many thanks to everyone who helped on the day and to those who baked for the teas. Thanks also to those who came along on the day, and very generously donated 692 which was shared equally between Monymusk and Cluny churches and World Vision's Nepal Earthquake appeal. Fashion Show A fashion show featuring Fashionista of Oldmeldrum and Pear Tree Hat Hire was held in September. Guest were welcomed with a glass of sparkling Prosecco. Katie Robertson introduced Anne Brand and Elaine Penny of Fashionista who compered the event. On the catwalk, seven charming models showed Autumn/Winter fashions to great advantage. Music and ambient lighting by Gordon added atmosphere to the event. Racks of clothing were available for the audience to examine more closely and to try on and many were keen to take advantage of this. There was also a Fashionista table selling bags and jewellery, a range of hats for hire by Pear Tree Hats and a Fairtrade stall selling sustainably produced foodstuffs. This was a very popular event with tickets sold out! A total of 572 was raised for each congregation. Manse Open Day Members of Monymusk and Cluny congregations enjoyed a time of fellowship at the manse after the joint service in November, taking the opportunity to view the refurbished kitchen and utility room. This completes the major upgrading works at the manse. Many thanks to Euan and Anne for their hospitality. Seasonal Fundraising Monymusk Tea Towels On sale now at 5 ideal Christmas stocking fillers. Designed by Robin Worsman for Monymusk Church, this unique tea towel depicts the history and community of Monymusk. Available in blue, burgundy and black from any committee member or Monymusk Post Office Production of Christmas wreaths will start shortly. Orders being taken now. Only 12.50!

4 Page 4 Celebrating Christmas Carol Singing Weds 16th December, 7pm. Community Carol singing around the tree in Monymusk Square led by Bon Accord Silver Band. Family Nativ Sunday 20th De All are welcome to the story of The service will b party tea i David Lecore Mulled cider, hot chocolate, sausage and vegetarian rolls and mincemeat pies on sale from 6.30pm. A collection will be taken for Aberdeen Cyrenians. mainly Tuesdays 1 A candle burning brightly can cheer the darkest night. These candles tell how Jesus came to bring light to a dark world. Please bring an orange. In December will have a Chr

5 in Monymusk church Page 5 ity Service cember, 9.30am join us as we tell esus birth. e followed by a n the hall. Carols and Readings by candlelight Sunday 20th December, 7pm The Cluny and Monymusk Choir together with Cluny Church Children s Choir will lead this candlelit service Followed by mulled wine, spiced apple juice and mince pies served in the Hall. Donations for World Vision welcome. Christmas Family Services music pm all our songs istmas theme. Christmas Eve: We invite everyone to celebrate Christmas in our candlelit service in the church at 7pm. Christmas Day: Joint service in Monymusk church at 10.30am. The children are invited to bring gifts from Santa.

6 Advent Bells John Betjeman Page 6 ABERDEEN CYRENIANS Money collected at the Community Carol Singing will be donated to Aberdeen Cyrenians. The charity supports homeless people throughout the year with their immediate basic needs and also helps them to move on in their lives by addressing problems with health, drug dependency, mental illness and finding accommodation. Christmas is their busiest time of year with increasing numbers of people asking for support to get basics such as food and toiletries. Each year they put together shoeboxes filled with practical items like a new hat, scarf and gloves, toiletries, sweets, and a small gift such as a notebook, diary or a set of playing cards. For those sleeping rough a small first aid kit, mini sewing kit and a wind-up torch are included. The Street Alternatives services will open for a three week period from mid- December through until the first week of January, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. to provide a threecourse hot meal, showers and laundry facilities to those sleeping rough. Around 25 are catered for each session. I'll tell a tale to you to prove The way in which God works by love. I'll call the man Emmanuel Seed - He did not hold with any creed, He never went to church on Sunday, His Sunday was the same as Monday Except that he could read of crime And lie in bed till dinner time. He was a decent friendly type Who liked his pint and liked his pipe. Emmanuel's vicar was a man Of guile. He had a clever plan. He said to him, "Emmanuel, That you're a joiner I know well. I wonder now if you would jib At helping me construct a crib? I want a model of a stable, And make it quickly as you're able To be in Church by Christmas day For when the children come to pray." Emmanuel thought, "Well, that is funny: He isn't asking me for money, He asks me just to use my hands. If that is all that he demands, I'll have a try. I'll thatch it too. I'll show him just what I can do, And then he'll know the likes of we Who don't believe are good as he." He made it. "My! you've done it well, We're mighty pleased, Emmanuel," Said Harry Hawke, the people's warden. "It's better than our Easter garden. Why don't you come and see it lit With all the figures put in it?' Emmanuel said he wouldn't mind, He'd come if so he felt inclined. He came not once, but twice or thrice. He thought church services were nice, And soon he thought them more than that. "Now what's the vicar getting at? I know that I have been baptised, I'm darned if I'll be catechised Like any kid." But, truth to tell, The bishop confirmed Emmanuel. Emmanuel's still a pleasant type Who likes his pint and likes his pipe But now our friend Emmanuel Seed Is buttressed by the Christian creed And still the friend of all in need. This tale is only told to prove A way in which God works by love. Seed built a stable for the Lord - The Christian faith was his reward.

7 Community News and Events Monymusk Thrift Shop Monymusk Thrift Shop recently reached the milestone of raising over 100,000, and plans to celebrate this with an afternoon tea party, with free teas, coffees and home baking, on Saturday 23rd January. Look out for more details on notice boards and in the Thrift Shop. The shop opened for one week after Christmas in 2009 to raise funds towards refurbishing the Village Hall and became so popular that it has continued for almost 7 years. A team of 20 or so volunteers under the direction of Lorna Pole run the shop, which is based in the Post Office, on Thursday and Friday mornings. They serve teas, coffee, homebakes and good cheer as well as recycling clothes, pictures, kitchen equipment, collectables and more. Once the target of just under 70,000 for refurbishment of the Village Hall had been achieved the team decided that, after keeping back enough of the takings to maintain the Hall, all profits would be distributed to charitable causes. The first significant donation was 10,000 towards the Playpark improvements, and 10% of each year s takings given to a nominated charity in 2015 this was the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Local groups are invited to apply for funding and requests are considered at meetings held on a quarterly basis. Successful applicants include: Alzheimer's Research, Disasters Emergency Committee (Nepal), Monymusk Playgroup, Monymusk Senior Citizens and the Quilters Group. In the run up to Christmas the Thrift shop is open on Saturday mornings when it is handed over to local groups in support of their fundraising efforts. Monymusk Senior Citizens Christmas lunch Monymusk Hall - Saturday 5th December at 1pm. Open to anybody in the Monymusk/Blairdaff area aged 60 years and over. If you are new to Monymusk or your invitation hasn t arrived please contact secretary Euan Glen on to be added to the mailing list. Monymusk Arts Trust Concert Series 3pm in The Arts Centre 17th January : Pistons & Pipes Chamber music featuring our 1816 chamber organ 18th February: Kenneth Steven & Friends Music and Poetry 20th March: Nova Scotia Jazz Band Monymusk Post Office and Thrift Shop Christmas Opening times Monymusk Post Office and Thrift Shop will be open on Saturdays 28th November, 5th & 12th December from 912am. Monymusk Church will be serving tea, coffee and homebakes on 12th December and invite you to join us. Monymusk Cinema 19th December, 7.30pm The Holiday A romantic comedey starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. Two women swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local man and fall in love. Doors open at 7pm. Enjoy a glass of wine or an ice cream whilst watching a slideshow of local photographs.

8 Christmas Services and Community Events Page 8 Sat 28th Nov 9-12am 5.30pm pm Monymusk Post Office and Thrift Shop open. Teas and homebakes in support of Monymusk Guides Grand Christmas Lights Switch On Family disco in Monymusk Hall Sun 29th Nov 9.30am Morning Worship in Monymusk church Tues 1st Dec Sat 5th Dec Sun 6th Dec Tues 8th Dec Sat 12th Dec pm 9-12am 1pm 10am 6pm pm 9-12am mainly music in Monymusk Hall Monymusk Post Office and Thrift Shop open. Teas and homebakes will be served. Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch in Monymusk Hall Joint Service in Cluny church Family Christingle Service in Monymusk church mainly music in Monymusk Hall Monymusk Post Office and Thrift Shop open. Teas and homebakes in support of Monymusk church Sun 13th Dec 9.30am Morning Worship in Monymusk church Tues 15th Dec pm mainly music in Monymusk Church and Hall Weds 16th Dec 7pm Carols in the Square with Bon Accord Silver Band Sat 19th Dec Sun 20th Dec Thurs 24th Dec 7.30pm 9.30am 7pm 7pm 11.30pm Monymusk Cinema: The Holiday Doors open at 7pm. Wine and ice cream available. Family Nativity in Monymusk Church Followed by Christmas Party refreshments in the Hall Service of Lessons and Carols in Monymusk church followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Hall Family Christmas Eve Service in Monymusk church Traditional Watchnight Service in Cluny church Friday 25th Dec 10.30am Joint Family Christmas Day Service in Monymusk Church Sun 27th Dec 10am Joint Family Service in Monymusk church Sun 3rd Jan 10am Joint Family Service in Cluny Church Monymusk Parish Church of Scotland: Scottish Charity No. SC