Inverkeithing Parish Church News. Inverkeithing Parish Church News. June June 2014

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1 Inverkeithing Parish Church News June 2014 Inverkeithing Parish Church News June 2014 Dear Friends, As the weekend of our Looking Back to Look Forward Stewardship Weekend draws near, I wish to express our thanks to the team who have worked so hard to bring it into being. It is wonderful that our congregation is embracing the Church s call to look to our commitment to keeping gospel alive in Scotland by supporting the Church s Mission. At the General Assembly this week we have heard of the ongoing commitment of many faithful people who, despite the pressures that face the whole church, are in their places and taking their part in the struggle to maintain our witness. At the same time we hear of the looming manpower and resources crisis that is affecting virtually every congregation in the country. Huge changes are going to take place over the next few years in the way in which ministry will take place that will require courage and steadfastness from all who are involved in ministry. You can help by maintaining a positive attitude to worship, to service, to the ministry of kindness and encouragement of those who serve in so many ways and by continuing to support all of the people in our congregation who need you to be in your place for them. I would particularly ask for understanding and patience in the area of Minister: Rev. Colin Alston Tel Session Clerk: John C.P. Belford Tel Dear Friends, As the weekend of our Looking Back to Look Forward Stewardship Weekend draws near, I wish to express our thanks to the team who have worked so hard to bring it into being. It is wonderful that our congregation is embracing the Church s call to look to our commitment to keeping gospel alive in Scotland by supporting the Church s Mission. At the General Assembly this week we have heard of the ongoing commitment of many faithful people who, despite the pressures that face the whole church, are in their places and taking their part in the struggle to maintain our witness. At the same time we hear of the looming manpower and resources crisis that is affecting virtually every congregation in the country. Huge changes are going to take place over the next few years in the way in which ministry will take place that will require courage and steadfastness from all who are involved in ministry. You can help by maintaining a positive attitude to worship, to service, to the ministry of kindness and encouragement of those who serve in so many ways and by continuing to support all of the people in our congregation who need you to be in your place for them. I would particularly ask for understanding and patience in the area of Minister: Rev. Colin Alston Tel Session Clerk: John C.P. Belford Tel

2 pastoral ministry. It is my desire to get to know all of our members both those who worship regularly and those who don t. This takes time as there are nearly 400 members within the two congregations and it is not possible to accomplish this quickly or easily as each week contains meetings and preparation and tasks which have to be attended to in both congregations. Each week I hear of folks who face health issues or require a hospital visit and I seek to respond with a visit if that is specifically requested. Some folks like to keep their health matters private and may not wish a visit. If you want a pastoral visit for any reason, including just getting to know you, please phone me directly or give someone your contact number (especially if your number is not listed by BT) with a specific request and possible time frame so that I can make an arrangement promptly. The Biblical principle is laid out in James letter: Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14). In the same way that we call for an appointment or visit from the doctor it is important to let me know directly by phone or , and I will respond immediately to arrange the soonest possible visit. Please help me to minister to you effectively, don t rely on secondhand messages, and please give me a clear indication that you wish a visit and it will be both a privilege and a pleasure to come to you. Yours in Christ s Service, Colin pastoral ministry. It is my desire to get to know all of our members both those who worship regularly and those who don t. This takes time as there are nearly 400 members within the two congregations and it is not possible to accomplish this quickly or easily as each week contains meetings and preparation and tasks which have to be attended to in both congregations. Each week I hear of folks who face health issues or require a hospital visit and I seek to respond with a visit if that is specifically requested. Some folks like to keep their health matters private and may not wish a visit. If you want a pastoral visit for any reason, including just getting to know you, please phone me directly or give someone your contact number (especially if your number is not listed by BT) with a specific request and possible time frame so that I can make an arrangement promptly. The Biblical principle is laid out in James letter: Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14). In the same way that we call for an appointment or visit from the doctor it is important to let me know directly by phone or , and I will respond immediately to arrange the soonest possible visit. Please help me to minister to you effectively, don t rely on secondhand messages, and please give me a clear indication that you wish a visit and it will be both a privilege and a pleasure to come to you. Yours in Christ s Service, Colin Thank You Margaret Morgan says a huge thank you for cards, flowers, prayers and good wishes during her stay in hospital. Thank You Margaret Morgan says a huge thank you for cards, flowers, prayers and good wishes during her stay in hospital.

3 Easter Eggstravaganza The Fund Raising group would like to thank everyone who supported out Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday 12 th April was raised for church funds. Veda and Girls. Children s Church Annual Picnic The Children s Church leaders have organised the annual picnic for Saturday 28 th June from 2pm to 4.30pm. This year we have decided not to travel far but to go to the Ballast Bank. We have booked the hall and have open space available outside for games, races and other activities. Everyone is welcome to come along and join us even if you can only stay for a short time. As in previous years we would invite you to bring along some picnic food to share. We look forward to you joining the children and leaders for an afternoon of fun. Easter Eggstravaganza The Fund Raising group would like to thank everyone who supported out Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday 12 th April was raised for church funds. Veda and Girls. Children s Church Annual Picnic The Children s Church leaders have organised the annual picnic for Saturday 28 th June from 2pm to 4.30pm. This year we have decided not to travel far but to go to the Ballast Bank. We have booked the hall and have open space available outside for games, races and other activities. Everyone is welcome to come along and join us even if you can only stay for a short time. As in previous years we would invite you to bring along some picnic food to share. We look forward to you joining the children and leaders for an afternoon of fun. Date For Your Diary Saturday 2nd August - Highland Games We will have two tea tents. ( lots of help required ) Watch out for further details in next months newsletter. Date For Your Diary Saturday 2nd August - Highland Games We will have two tea tents. ( lots of help required ) Watch out for further details in next months newsletter. Soup and Pudding Lunch in the church every last Wednesday of the month from pm. Price 4 including Tea/Coffee. Soup and Pudding Lunch in the church every last Wednesday of the month from pm. Price 4 including Tea/Coffee.

4 Points from the last Kirk Session meeting Points from the last Kirk Session meeting Looking Back to Look Forward : Members will by now have received the invitation to the week-end of events on 6 th to 8 th June. A great deal of preparation and planning has gone into this week-end and the Session hope that members will make every effort, where possible, to attend. This is part of the national church initiative and could be a defining period in the life and future of our congregation. Fund Raising : Mrs. Johnston reminded the Session that one of our major fund raising events, i.e. the Highland Games, is nearly upon us. Last year proved quite difficult for those manning the tea tents during the period of the games and more assistance is required. In the event that this is not forthcoming then serious consideration will have to be given to whether we can continue to undertake this event. The fund raising group will shortly be seeking volunteers. Please consider if you can give even a short period on the day. The two tea tents along with other tents for games day are supplied by the Boys' Brigade Company. The Company section is very small and again assistance is urgently required not only for the erection of the tents on the morning of the games but also with the taking down of the tents when the day is over. We would ask that anyone who is able to assist with this part of games day to contact the Company Captain, Jackie Pope. (Tel ) Looking Back to Look Forward : Members will by now have received the invitation to the week-end of events on 6 th to 8 th June. A great deal of preparation and planning has gone into this week-end and the Session hope that members will make every effort, where possible, to attend. This is part of the national church initiative and could be a defining period in the life and future of our congregation. Fund Raising : Mrs. Johnston reminded the Session that one of our major fund raising events, i.e. the Highland Games, is nearly upon us. Last year proved quite difficult for those manning the tea tents during the period of the games and more assistance is required. In the event that this is not forthcoming then serious consideration will have to be given to whether we can continue to undertake this event. The fund raising group will shortly be seeking volunteers. Please consider if you can give even a short period on the day. The two tea tents along with other tents for games day are supplied by the Boys' Brigade Company. The Company section is very small and again assistance is urgently required not only for the erection of the tents on the morning of the games but also with the taking down of the tents when the day is over. We would ask that anyone who is able to assist with this part of games day to contact the Company Captain, Jackie Pope. (Tel )

5 Children's Church: Due to the expanding age range of children within children's church some changes have recently been made in the meeting places on a Sunday. However to allow planning for the school year 2014/15 there is an urgent need for additional helpers. This work is vital to the future of the congregation and therefore if you feel you could be of assistance please speak to Janet McCauslin who is the chairperson of the children and young peoples group. These are a few of the main points from our last Kirk Session meeting where we hope that members will be able to assist. John C P Belford, Session Clerk Children's Church: Due to the expanding age range of children within children's church some changes have recently been made in the meeting places on a Sunday. However to allow planning for the school year 2014/15 there is an urgent need for additional helpers. This work is vital to the future of the congregation and therefore if you feel you could be of assistance please speak to Janet McCauslin who is the chairperson of the children and young peoples group. These are a few of the main points from our last Kirk Session meeting where we hope that members will be able to assist. John C P Belford, Session Clerk Flowers in Church Those putting flowers in the church over the coming weeks are : Flowers in Church Those putting flowers in the church over the coming weeks are : Jun.1 st Veda Johnston / Ina Davies Jun.1 st Veda Johnston / Ina Davies June 8 th Heather Hynd / Anne Gallacher June 8 th Heather Hynd / Anne Gallacher June15 th Moira Lamont / Ada Hutcheson June15 th Moira Lamont / Ada Hutcheson June22 nd Christine McPherson June22 nd Christine McPherson June29 th Joan More June29 th Joan More July 6 th Heather Hynd / E Houston July 6 th Heather Hynd / E Houston

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8 I Love My Job I love my job. I love the pay! I love it more and more each day. I love my boss he is the best! I love his boss and all the rest. I love my office and its location. I hate to have to go on vacation. I love my furniture, drab and grey And piles of paper that grow each day! I think my job is really swell, There s nothing else I love so well. I love to work among my peers, I love their leers and jeers and sneers. I love my computer and its software; I hug it often though it won t care. I love each programme and every file, I d love them more if they worked a while. I m happy to be here. I am. I am. I m the happiest slave of the firm, I am. I love this work. I love these chores. I love the meetings with deadly bores. I love my job - I ll say it again, I even love those friendly men. Those friendly men who ve come today, In clean white coats, to take me away!!!! Dr Seuss I Love My Job I love my job. I love the pay! I love it more and more each day. I love my boss he is the best! I love his boss and all the rest. I love my office and its location. I hate to have to go on vacation. I love my furniture, drab and grey And piles of paper that grow each day! I think my job is really swell, There s nothing else I love so well. I love to work among my peers, I love their leers and jeers and sneers. I love my computer and its software; I hug it often though it won t care. I love each programme and every file, I d love them more if they worked a while. I m happy to be here. I am. I am. I m the happiest slave of the firm, I am. I love this work. I love these chores. I love the meetings with deadly bores. I love my job - I ll say it again, I even love those friendly men. Those friendly men who ve come today, In clean white coats, to take me away!!!! Dr Seuss