Kirk Matters. Euan Glen. June 2015 In this Issue:

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1 Kirk Matters Monymusk Church Newsletter: Issue 10 Letter from the Manse As I sit down to write this letter the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has just finished. In my role as Presbytery Clerk I am entitled to attend the Assembly when I want to go. This year I decided to give it a miss as I had a wedding to organise at the end of the Assembly week and also because I was concerned that this Assembly would be one where the divisions in the Church would come to the front and be a cause of great distress and I did not want to be part of that. From what I can gather my fears were unfounded. For most of the week the Assembly was in good heart and fine form. The work of the Church of Scotland was explored and some new ideas were discussed. At the start of the week a strategy to recruit new potential ministers from a younger generation was launched. The strategy involves both local encouragements and the use of social media as a way of reaching people. It is estimated that in the next five years around twenty percent of the existing ministers are due to retire. We have to find ways of plugging this gap and so people are encouraged to think about ministry as a career and a calling. I can honestly say from my experience in Cluny and Monymusk that I doubt if I would have ever found a better job. Work in the congregation continues to move along and I am delighted this year to witness the rise in popularity of mainly music. It s so encouraging for me to come along and see the large number of young children and their carers enjoying music and having fun with the mainly music team. I want to record my thanks to all of the team for their dedication and hard work and to all who bake for the teas at mainly music. I do wish you well and if you need to chat about anything give me a call or drop me an and I will happily come to visit you. Euan Glen June 2015 In this Issue: Church of Scotland News 2 Letter from Rebeca Morton 3 Migvie Kirk 4 Old Stones and New Park 5 Social & Fundraising Events 6 Children s Activities 7 Noticeboard 8 Fun and food at mainly music Newsletter printed by Timepieces, Kemnay CONTACT US: Minister: Rev Euan Glen The Manse euanglen@aol.com Tel: St Ninians www: Monymusk AB51 7HF News: kirkmatters@live.co.uk

2 Church of Scotland News Page 2 New Moderator 2015 Rev Dr Angus Morrison has recovered from ill health to take on the role of Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in His church career began when he was ordained in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland in After ministries in Oban and Edinburgh he transferred into the Church of Scotland, became the minister of St Columba's Old Parish Church in Stornoway and is now Minister at Orwell and Portmoak Church. Parish Rev Dr Morrison is married to Marion who is a primary school teacher in Fife. The couple have four children between the ages of 16 and 29. Presbytery Update At the Gordon Presbytery meeting in Methlick Parish Church on Tuesday 5 th May 2015, guest speaker Mrs Irene Reid from SACRO gave a very informative talk on her work as a mediator helping to solve problems between neighbours. Mediators are trained and experienced people who help to find a way forward with specific problems that everyone can live with. Many people have found practical and peaceful solutions to problems with their neighbours through using this service which is funded by Aberdeen Council/Aberdeenshire Councils and The Scottish Government and free of charge to users. F.R.O.M. (Famine Relief for Orphans in Malawi) Scotland will be sending their last container to Malawi in June. The January shipment has arrived and as it is winter in Malawi now they were extremely grateful to receive these garments. Future shipments will go out to Nkhoma through the Raven Trust. Items have been sent via them before so we know they get there safely and we have been asked to keep up the good work. Many many thanks to the ladies of Monymusk for all the skirts and knitted items they have provided. Reflections on the General Assembly There was one subject that had the capacity to divide the Assembly this year and that was the legislation to allow congregations to opt out of the traditional position of the Church of Scotland and to call a homosexual minister living in a civil partnership. After some debate the General Assembly approved this and it is now the law of the Church. However the situation has moved on in that same sex couples can now get married and the church did not agree that a married homosexual could be a minister. It is being sent to local presbyteries for further discussion and voting on and will be returned to the next General Assembly. The difficulty for some was they could grudgingly accept civil partnership but not gay marriage. I do not see the difference and would happily have a gay minister who is married to his or her life partner. Euan Glen

3 Letter from Rebecca Morton Page 3 On Saturday 31 January a container was sent off to Malawi. It contained 11 boxes of knitting destined for Nkhoma hospital. The knitting came from various groups and individuals in Gordon area and beyond and included: Jumpers 833 Cardigans 55 Hats 488 Bootees/socks 48 Mittens 19 Baby Blankets 104 Toys/teddies 57 A donation of 10/box is required towards the cost of shipping. Rosemary Legge contacted Rebecca Morton at Nkhoma hospital in Malawi to let her know the knitting was on its way and this is her reply: Dear Rosemary, Sorry for taking a long time to reply. Our internet connections are very fragile. We have had a lot of power cuts due to the flooding down in the south. Anyway it was great to hear from you and the good news of the shipment. Wonderful how the cost of the shipment has been provided. We are down to our last four boxes from the original lot received last June. But the Jones (another missionary couple working at Nkhoma) have just received another 10 boxes via the Ravens Trust. So I think we will have plenty to take us through until the next lot arrive and we are very grateful. We finished the teddies and most of the larger jumpers but we still have some infant clothes and blankets. One thing I might say is that the mittens are not really used very much here. We look forward to the arrival of the shipment and we will send a vehicle to Blantyre to pick them up as soon as we can. Thanks to everyone for the excellent work. I include a couple of pictures. The little girl in pink lost her mum and twin brother but is now thriving with her grandparents thanks to Nicole's help with the infant formula. The mum with the triplets really struggles with making enough breast milk for them all but they also are doing okay. AFRICAN DOLL PATTERN Many thanks to everyone in Monymusk who has been knitting and sewing for the Malawi orphans. There is now a pattern for a knitted African doll which has a little dress and cardigan which can be taken off so that the child can dress their dolly. David and Rebecca say that this would be great for girls who are in hospital as they would have a doll to play with. Children in this area of Malawi do not have any dolls or teddies so those we send are very much appreciated. If you could like a pattern please contact Rosemary Tel , cushnietough@aol.com or download the pattern from the Presbytery web site org.uk Paper copies are also available on the church noticeboard. Love, Rebecca

4 Migvie Kirk Page 4 Migvie Kirk is a gem. If you wish to see it for yourself take the road up the right (south) side of the Tarland Burn from Bridge Street, Tarland and after a mile go right (signed Tillypronie, Migvie) for about three miles. You ll see it on a small rise off the road to the right. Langtan, Nepal Two years ago I sat in the smoky room, reading my book and half listening to the chat of the locals round the stove. A small boy came up to my knee and gazed at the cover of my book. With his grubby finger he traced the embossed title, sounding out each letter in perfect English. No more than eight, he attended the local primary school at Langtang, high in the Himalayan foothills. I wonder where he and his innkeeper family are now. The Nepal earthquake centred just below them and Langtang was badly hit. Please give generously, DEC Nepal Appeal: or tel Not long ago, walking with friends, our route took us past Migvie Kirk. As you approach through the gate of the churchyard there is the Migvie Stone, standing near the foundations of the old kirk. Experts point out several unusual features of the engraved cross and there are round about the cross a variety of Pictish symbols including shears and a horseshoe. On the reverse is a horse and rider. The kirk is always open and movement sensitive lights come on as soon as you enter. Suddenly before you is one of the finest Church interiors anywhere (although it s no longer a Church). Most striking is a cross set obliquely and covering most of one wall. The artworks, windows and seats were designed by Peter Goodfellow, Strathdon. The three beautiful stained glass windows made by Jayne Bayliss bring to life the images from the Migvie Stone. In the middle of the church are four magnificent stone chairs, their sides carved with texts and Pictish Symbols by Louise Gardner. The woodwork is the exceptional work of Gavin Smith and includes carvings on the reverse of the doors and a beautiful table with carved knotwork legs. The Church was restored in 2001 by Phillip Astor of Tillypronie as a memorial to his parents.

5 Old Stones and New Park Page 5 The Story of Bausteous (Boisterous) John The oldest tablet in Monymusk Church is to be found on the wall behind the pulpit. It dates from around 1600 and is in an excellent state of preservation. The wording is clear and easily read and states: J.L. A.F. The monuments of Johne Forbes of Abersnithak. Elspet his dochter ye first vyf of John Lesly, Balcarne who depted Heir also lyis in one graif Agnis Forbes dochter to John Forbes of Finyach second vyf to to ye said John Lesly. George Lesly their young sone who depted. ye 4 of April And in ye same bvriall lyis ye said John Lesly who depted. Anno 1. In more modern English this tells us that the stone is a memorial to John Forbes of Abersnithack and his daughter, Elspet, who died in Elspet was the first wife of John Lesly of Balcarne. John Lesly s second wife, Agnes Forbes of Finziach (now Harthill in Keig) and their young son George Lesly, who died on 4 th April 1590, are buried with John Lesly who died in Perhaps this is the reason John Forbes who erected the monument chose to put the initials of John Lesley and his second wife Agnes Forbes at the top of the stone. In his book, The Church and Priory of Monymusk (1895), Rev. William McPherson writes about John Forbes. He was the son of William Forbes of Abersnithack who married Strauchine the daughter of Strachan, Prior of Monymusk, in By 1542 he had earned the title Bausteous John and was brought to court before the sheriff of Aberdeen accused of wrongly occupying a piece of land belonging to the prior of Monymusk. He was eventually forced to desist and cease from all further occupation of the said lands --- and to remove himself his servants and goods therefrom. Monymusk Play Park Redevelopment The Sir Francis Grant Memorial Garden, otherwise known as Monymusk Play Park has a depleted and somewhat tired set of play equipment, there are no park benches and only 2 picnic tables. A group chaired by Alison Beaton co-opted Neil McArthur some time ago and together they have been fund raising to improve the facilities to appeal to a much wider range of children and adults. Although the original ambitious plan to raise 62,000 may not be achieved, the group has, in a short time, raised over 40,000 and it is hoped to commence the improvements this summer. For more information go to: co.uk

6 Social and Fundraising Events Page 6 Coffee morning Monymusk Parish Church held a fundraising coffee morning in Monymusk Hall on 25th April. The event was very well attended by local people and others from further afield. Tables were busy from am right through to close at 12 noon with a wonderful selection of cakes, scones and biscuits as well as tea and coffee on offer. Garden Party A book stall, plant stall and pocket money toys added extra interest and a lego competition for children attracted a number of entries. Lego models were judged by Rev Euan Glen and so high was the standard that all entrants were awarded prizes! Well done to everyone who took part. Many thanks to all who provided baking, to the helpers who set up the hall, served coffee, washed dishes and tidied up on the day and to the gallant band of dads who cleared away tables and chairs at the end of the morning. 327 was raised for church funds. Monymusk Boulesmasters 2015 The third annual Boulesmasters tournament took place in Monymusk Square on Saturday 30th May. In a re-run of last year s final, local team, Los Boleros, beat the Creoles from Collieston. Carousel Dinner A Guide A Carrousel Dinner is great fun and a quick way to raise money. All participants meet together and are handed sealed instruction of where to go for their first course. Once there and they ve had their starter they are given directions to go to their main course and so on. All participants, usually couples in their homes, prepare and host one course for 6 or 8 people, including themselves and at each course everybody meets a different group of people. We may try this as a joint event with Cluny. There is a cost per person, with the food being donated by the hosts. As well as getting to know other churchgoers, non -members are most welcome to join in. At least 9 couples/houses are needed to make it work, but it is possible to have twice that number. Details to follow.

7 Children s Activities Page 7 Sunday School Easter Activities Easter Sunday 2015 was a beautiful sunny day. We celebrated Easter in church with Mr. Glen and then moved to the hall for special activities including an Easter story 'treasure hunt' and songs. At the end of the service the children rolled their eggs in the Playpark and hunted for chocolate Easter eggs. It was great to welcome all the children and their families. Thank you everybody for the lovely singing and well done for finding all the Easter objects, including the very prickly crown of thorns. Sunday School meet on the second and third Sundays of the month in term-time. The next meeting is on 14th June at 9.30am. Children s Services Services for families with young children are held on the first Sunday of alternate months at 4pm. The services last around 20mins and are followed by juice and biscuits for the children and tea and coffee for the adults. In May Mr. Glen and the children had fun making a sheep and learning in the story of the Good Shepherd. There was a song and prayers about God's love for us. The final Family Service before the holidays will be at 9.30am on Fathers Day, 21st June. All families are invited to join us on this special day which will include the Sunday School prizegiving. Family announcements Weddings Congratulations to Leona and Calum Bernadette and Keith Louise and Mark who were married in Monymusk church, New members Welcome to Cathy Burgess who will shortly join us as a new member. In Loving memory Margaret Gibbon mainly music Monymusk mainly music meets in the Hall on Tuesday afternoons from 1.45 to 3.15pm. We have been pleased to welcome several new families to the group this term and would like to thank the children and their Mums and carers for helping us create a very special and fun time. Our session ends for the holidays on 23rd June with a picnic in the park. Songs, crafts and snacks in June will have a summer holiday theme. New families are always very welcome to join us.

8 Church Services and Community Events Page 8 Sunday 7 June 10am Joint Family Service in Cluny Church Tuesday 16 June 7.30pm Joint Committee Meeting in Monymusk. Sunday 21 June 9.30am Sunday school prizegiving / Father s Day family service Tuesday 23 June pm mainly music end of term picnic Sundays in July 10am Morning Worship in Monymusk Church Sundays in August 10am Sunday 23 August 11am Morning Worship in Cluny Church Praise in the Park, Sauchen, with Granite City Brass Sunday 6 Sept 10am 4pm Joint Service in Monymusk Church Service for families with young children in Monymusk Church Monymusk Arts Trust This summer there is a 'new look' to the Arts Centre with an enthusiastic band of artists and crafters. The notice board and website have more information on the rapid changes throughout the summer. Open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm until 21st September, including NEOS. Church Flowers To help keep our church beautiful we invite donations of flowers. Whether you are a floral artist or simply like to pop flowers in a vase we welcome your contribution. Please add your name to the list at the entrance to the church or phone Dot on Many thanks to all our regular contributors. Senior Citizens Summer Outing Saturday 27th June The bus departs Monymusk at 10am for a mystery trip which includes lunch and an afternoon visit followed by high tea on the way home. The trip is open to anyone over 60 who lives in the parishes of Monymusk or Blairdaff. There is no charge for senior citizens but carers or others going with them are asked to pay. If you are interested in going please contact secretary Euan Glen. Inverurie Bike Ride Sunday 21st June Monymusk is the half way point for the Inverurie Bike Ride. Monymusk Church will serve teas and homebakes to participants and spectators in the Village Hall from 12pm to 3pm. Please contact Susan Reid to offer donations of homebakes or help on the day. Monymusk Parish Church of Scotland: Scottish Charity No. SC