The Link. Summer 2017

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1 The Link Summer 2017 The Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford Ardoch Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland Charity No.SC Blackford Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland Charity No.SC005594

2 Office Bearers in the Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford Minister: Revd. Mairi Perkins, Ardoch Manse, Feddal Road, Braco Tel ARDOCH Session Clerk: Mrs. Pearl Meldrum, Tel: Depute Session Clerk: Mr Bob Aitken Tel: Treasurer: Mr Roy Spiers Tel: Church Officer: Organist/Choirmaster: Mr. John Duncan Sunday School Leader Mrs Ann Gordon Tel: Safeguarding (for protection of vulnerable groups) Mrs. Joyce Wighton Tel: BLACKFORD Session Clerk: Depute Session Clerk: Treasurer: Mrs Jeannette Barr Tel: Church Officer: Mrs Jacqui Crawfurd Tel: Organist: Mr John Duncan Sunday School Superintendent Mrs Shona Stewart Tel: Safeguarding (for protection of vulnerable groups) Mrs Jeannette Barr Tel: Intimations and articles for inclusion in the Autumn edition of The Link by 24 September 2017 to 2

3 Pastoral Letter Dear Friends, Spring has drawn to a close and summer is now upon us, although at times the weather has been anything else but summer. Summer is always a season of celebration when we all appear more relaxed and ready to try new things, take time to spend with family and friends, and often go away on holiday. I was delighted to see so many children and family members in church for the end of term services in Ardoch and Blackford, to say goodbye to pupils moving on to high school, teachers retiring, and new pupils starting school. There have been galas and duck races and for Blackford the highlight was the re-opening of our church after four long months of repair. It was a wonderful day supported by over 140 people. The support from the elders, congregation, community and our linked charge of Ardoch has been over whelming. It is always a pleasure to join together for our summer worship. 10am in Blackford in July and 10am in Ardoch for August Both churches will be hosting their annual holiday clubs in July and August so look out for details. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supports what our two churches do in the communities as they reach out to spread God s word and love, to welcome and support, to care, to help and to offer friendship, Have a lovely summer God Bless Mairi ARDOCH CHURCH GUILD - GO IN LOVE Our Guild Session ended on 6 April which included our A.G.M; our Committee remains the same for next year. We have had a successful year of interesting meetings and speakers. We have continued with our tea/coffee after church services and these have been well supported. Thank you to everyone who has helped us so willingly each week. We had an enjoyable trip recently to Blair Castle near Pitlochry for our Annual Guild Outing. Seventeen of us left Braco on a Sweeney s coach in torrential rain. On arrival at the castle we had an informative introductory talk and then an interesting tour of the castle. After a very nice lunch we toured the lovely gardens 3

4 and the weather remained fine but as we reached the bus the weather broke so we were very fortunate throughout our visit there. Thanks to Eric Ayre, Jim and Scott Dawson and Douglas Lindsay for their help in the painting and erecting of the new notice board at the church gates which is a vast improvement on the old one. With the help of a generous donation from Ardoch Development Trust towards it, we now hope to contribute to the dishwasher for the kitchen. The Guild Conference will be held again in the Caird Hall, Dundee, on Saturday, 2 September 2017, from 10.30am. 3.45p.m, with a lunchbreak at 12.30pm There will be a Guild Shop and Book Stall in the hall. This is always a really great meeting and we have four tickets available, so anyone wishing to go please contact Anne ( ). Travel arrangements to follow. We are now working on the syllabus for next year when the theme is Go in Love. The Dedication Service will be on Sunday, 1 October, members to meet in the hall at 9.45am. and enter the church together. Please wear your Guild badges on the day. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, 5 October, at 1 p.m. with a Soup & Sandwich lunch preceding the Speaker. All the meetings throughout next Session will be held at 1pm except for the Christmas Party which will be at 7.30p.m. on 7 December. Again thank you to everyone, Guild members and congregation, for all your help at our meetings and Sunday teas. I look forward to welcoming our Guild members back again and any visitors and new members who would like to join us for the new Session Anne Walker, President. Outing to Blair Castle 4

5 Ensuring A Safe Church for All The Church of Scotland wants to ensure a safe church for everyone. The wholeness and wellbeing of each individual is very important and the Church seeks to safeguard the welfare of all people who come into contact with the Church and its services. It does this through congregations and the Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service working together. So, what is Safeguarding? Safeguarding is about protecting children and adults at risk from harm and abuse and also about responding appropriately if it does happen. The church tries to minimise the risk of harm occurring and, by offering training and support, make sure that if it does happen, it will be recognised and the correct action will be taken. It is the responsibility of everyone within the fellowship of the Church to try to prevent harm and we will always seek to reduce risk. In both Ardoch and Blackford congregations we have a number of people who have been through checks and joined the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme and have undertaken safeguarding training. We are very grateful to all of them as without that commitment we wouldn t be able to run the many events and activities that our members and communities can take part in and enjoy, safely. Each congregation also has a Safeguarding Coordinator. If anyone has any questions or concerns about safeguarding they can contact their Coordinator. The Safeguarding Coordinators are: Joyce Wighton (Ardoch) Jeanette Barr (Blackford) The Safeguarding section on the Church of Scotland website has lots of useful information, publications, and guidance; Ardoch Scottish Country Dance Group Our session ended in March with a successful dance in the Village Hall where we were joined by dancers from other clubs. Alan Ross Band provided the music. Some members joined the Kinbuck class for their end of session dance in Kinbuck Hall. We held a social evening in May when Jen Copeland arranged a selection of dances which was followed by a lovely supper. Another catch up social evening is planned for the 25th July and our new session will start in September. Charles Robertson. 5

6 GREAT KEIR BURN DUCK RACE 2017 Race Winners Race Winners Under 4 Sophie McArthur Dee Campbell Baby Nolan Emma Penman Adult Female 1 Barbara Scott Marrion Dawson Mia Bickerton (the cat) Girls 4-8 Boys 4-8 Girls 9 15 Boys 9 15 Linda Janse Isla Robertson Ellie Boyd Caitlin Innes Harrison Kerr Ethan Roy Aidan Janse Callum Robb Megan Hewgill Morven Hay Heidi Meldrum Ava Cameron Finlay Jack Simpson Derek Taylor Cameron Lawrence Adult Female 2 Adult Female 3 Adult Male 1 Adult Male 2 Adult Male 3 Laura Turnbull Dorothy Johnston Lesley Pringle Ann Gordon Margaret Glencross Pamela Masson Nick White Kieran Nolan Ronnie Taylor Ronald McNeill Donald Gordon Bill Lyons Peter MacFarlane Alan Mitchell Dave Cantwell The Stewardship and Fundraising Team would like to thank everyone involved in making the Duck Race on Sunday, 18th June such a great success. To everyone who donated prizes, those who helped (and there were many) in the preparation and tidying up of the field and burn, the catchers and chasers who didn t mind getting wet feet, prize givers, stall holders, BBQ chefs, photographer, preparing of flyers and posters. Such a great effort by all helped raise a superb total of

50 was raised at the Spring Sale on 20th May.

7 Anticipation Ready to catch Stewardship and Fundraising We have recently had a couple of good fundraising events. With the superb support and donations from the congregation and community a grand total of 1, was raised at the Spring Sale on 20th May. The Duck Race on Sunday 18th June was again very successful and raised a superb total of Grateful thanks to everyone for everything Maureen James, Stewardship & Fundraising Team Co-ordinator 7

Christian Aid Week 2017 House-to-house Collection, Braco and Greenloaning Very many thanks to all who contributed and to all the collectors for their time and effort. The total given was 1443.

8 Christian Aid Week 2017 House-to-house Collection, Braco and Greenloaning Very many thanks to all who contributed and to all the collectors for their time and effort. The total given was of which was Gift-Aided. This helps those affected by war and natural disaster and also helps some of the poorest in the world become self-sufficient. Pat Aitken - Christian Aid Organiser. Blythswood Shoebox Appeal Pat and Ann are delighted to welcome Margaret Burke onto the team, another pair of hands to help with filling and checking boxes. We will be in touch in the Autumn. Ann Spiers Ardoch Outreach Team We are pleased that Mrs Heather McDonald has joined our team which will now make four angels. This will certainly keep Charles on his toes!! More information on the community lunches will be given in the Autumn edition. Contact is Joy on Ardoch Pastoral Care Anyone wishing a visit from the team should contact 0utreach Co-0rdinator, Charles Robertson on Property Report Thanks to the work of Scott, Jim and Eric the front of the Church has been given a make-over with the laying of fresh stone chips and fixing of the block paving. The external seats have been cleaned and painted. After a delay of approximately 3 weeks the certificated roof trusses for the extension are in place, the Velux windows and rain water goods have been fitted therefore allowing the roof slates to be fixed making the extension weather tight. This will allow internal works to proceed. The remaining programme for new windows to Session House and Kitchen can also be carried out by a different contractor. The external repairs to the Church roof can hopefully proceed to enable the internal walls to be repainted. Mr Tony Perkins and Mr Eoghan Perkins have recently been welcomed to the Property Team Bob Tannahill Property Co-ordinator 8

Ardoch Messy Church Donkeys were the main attraction at our last Messy Church before the holidays! Our families were invited by Fiona and Murray to see their rescue donkeys at Mid- Cambushinnie Farm.

We enjoyed seeing the bulls and the cows and their calves, collecting eggs was good fun and we found tadpoles in the pond! Another highlight was climbing into the new tractor.

Ardoch Holiday Club Calling all children in Primary 1 - Primary 7: come and meet Professor Potty and his time travelling machine! Meet characters from Biblical times and the present day.

9 Ardoch Messy Church Donkeys were the main attraction at our last Messy Church before the holidays! Our families were invited by Fiona and Murray to see their rescue donkeys at Mid- Cambushinnie Farm. We all agreed that the donkeys were stars as everyone had a chance to stroke and brush them. We enjoyed seeing the bulls and the cows and their calves, collecting eggs was good fun and we found tadpoles in the pond! Another highlight was climbing into the new tractor. Everyone enjoyed a picnic in the barn, had a great time playing games and finished with a story and a prayer. Ardoch Holiday Club Calling all children in Primary 1 - Primary 7: come and meet Professor Potty and his time travelling machine! Meet characters from Biblical times and the present day. Lots of activities, games, craft, music and fun! 17th-21st July from 10am- 12noon in Ardoch Church Hall. Names to Liz , Irene or ardochyouth@gmail.com Blackford Fish Of The Sea Quiz Many thanks to Alex Anderson Braco for making up the quiz, and to Jacqui Crawfurd for photo - coping the quiz and to you all for your donations. 150 was raised for church funds Winners - 1st equal George Majury, Dunblane Calum Fletcher, Dunblane Lexa MC Callum, Blackford 9

Blackford Holiday Club As mentioned in the previous issue, we'll be spies taking on Mission Rescue in August, working through God's rescue of his people through Moses and now through Jesus.

10 Blackford Holiday Club As mentioned in the previous issue, we'll be spies taking on Mission Rescue in August, working through God's rescue of his people through Moses and now through Jesus. Our team meeting started the creative juices going for crafts, games, snacks and activities based on Moses in the bulrushes, seeing the burning bush, the plagues and the eventual rescue through the Red Sea. We're also excited to see how we teach the stories, the songs and the impact of God's determination to save his people. Registration forms have gone out through the school and will be in the Village Store or at the church and they are also on the church website. Blackford Hot Chocolate Club Like most other Blackford activities, we've been shaped by the restricted access to the church this term. In May we had a dozen teenage guys in the church helping with the clear-up. It was remarkable to see their shock at what had happened and the ways that they expressed it as well. After a "glorious second place" in the Gala Treasure Hunt (avoids setting the course for next year) we're looking at another couple of activities before so many of these young people join us as "Yellow T-shirts" for the Holiday Club. Blackford Bible Study We've found more than we could have asked or imagined in the Apostles' Creed. When we start back in the autumn we'll be picking up that series where we left off with this Good Book Company series. Good times and seats always available to meet with Jesus round the fire. BLYTHSWOOD APPEAL 2017 Having received a letter from Blythswood made me realise that soon we will be wrapping and packing boxes for this year s appeal - so when you are shopping buy and extra tube of toothpaste or bar of soap etc. to put in the box in the church. We also lost a lot of wool due to the damage caused in the church so are in need of balls of wool for our "knitters" to continue making jumpers, hats, gloves and scarves for the shoe boxes. If you would like to help with the knitting or can help us out with wool please contact me on Shona Stewart 10

11 As treasurer I would like to thank those of you who have increased your regular contribution to the church. I would also like to thank everyone who has made a one off donation. The repairs and negotiations with the insurance company are ongoing and we will inevitably find that we will have extra expenses as one insured job necessitates a further job being carried out which is not covered by the insurance. I would ask all of our members to give some thought to this matter and if you have not increased your regular offering for a number of years, and can afford to do so, please consider increasing it now. Both regular attenders and occasional attenders expect the church to be warm, clean and maintained and this can only be done by everyone contributing. Thank you. Jeannette Barr Many thanks to all those who have helped over the past months with the work to get the church ready for the re-opening on the 4th June - little did I know when i took on the job as property convenor at the end of last year what was in store for me!!! but with the help of fellow elders, the congregation and people in the village we worked together and the end result is amazing. There are still a few "bits and bobs" needing done and will hopefully be completed over the summer months. Shona C. Stewart, Property Convenor Sheila & David Macdonald would like to invite you to a strawberry tea at Sheiltigh, Stirling Street, Blackford on Sunday, 30 July at 2pm, to raise funds for Blackford Church. All welcome, come and enjoy an afternoon of tea, home baking, friendship and entertainment. Entry by donation. Sheila Macdonald Blackford Church will be holding a Bring and Buy for children s books, games, toys etc. on Saturday, 12 th August, 10 am to in Blackford Kirk Session Room. All welcome. Details from Bruce Tarbet, Tel United Family Services at 10am Blackford - all Sundays in July Ardoch - all Sundays in August Normal Services resume on Sunday 3 September 1000 at Ardoch and 1130 at Blackford 11

12 Reading List 2017 Ardoch Blackford 06 Aug Muriel Smith Sheila MacDonald 13 Aug Peter Scott Gordon Roy 20 Aug Sue Crorie Jane Roy 27 Aug Mike Boxer David MacDonald 03 Sept Dorothy Johnston Bruce Tarbet 10 Sept Alex Anderson John Graham 17 Sept Christine Souter Laura Peacock 24 Sept Phyllis MacLeod Jeannette Barr 01 Oct Pearl Meldrum Shona Stewart 08 Oct Roy Spiers Thelma McNaught 15 Oct Liz Paterson Jacqui Crawfurd 22 Oct Bob Aitken Laura Peacock 29 Oct Ann Spiers For Ardoch; contact Pearl Meldrum on or For Blackford please contact Jacqui Crawford Tel who will give you your readings. Should you have difficulty meeting your commitment and unable to find a replacement please let me know on Tel or jag_annfield@hotmail.com

The Link. Summer 2016

The Link. Summer 2016 The Link Summer 2016 The Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford Ardoch Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland Charity No.SC000139 Blackford Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland