WELCOME! Large print version

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1 Large print version WELCOME! Hello and welcome to the new-look Guild newsletter! I am thrilled to be the new newsletter editor, taking over from the unforgettable and much-missed Fiona Punton. I will do my very best to honour her memory and take the newsletter forward in the same spirit of excellence it has always been compiled with in the past. We hope that this now bi-annual publication will become even more of a community effort, useful both for existing Guild members and also anyone interested in finding out more about the Guild. We would LOVE to hear your Guild news and updates, so please do get in touch with anything happening. In-between hard-copy newsletters, we re also introducing an newsletter every month to keep anyone who signs up to the list upto-date with the latest happenings in the Guild. Please guild@ churchofscotland.org.uk if you would like to be added to this list. In the meantime, read on for messages from the National Convener and General Secretary, updates from Committees and Council of the Church of Scotland, news from Guilds across the country and much more. Don t forget to enter the competition on page 12, too! We all hope, after reading, you feel uplifted and inspired and ready to spread the word about the Guild and everything it does. Happy reading! Eilidh Eilidh Marks, Gui(l)d News Editor

2 FROM the NATIONAL CONVENER Dear Guild Family, Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you for the support I have received from the National Leadership Team, the National Executive and the Guild staff as I settle into the role of National Convener. There have been a lot highlights and I wanted to tell you of a few of these. I was delighted to represent the Guild at the launch as an independent charity of A Place for Hope, set up by Ministries Council. It was good to hear how much they had valued the help of the Guild s project which had been fundamental to the development of this area of work. At the end of July, I travelled to Malawi with Iain Whyte, General Secretary, and Eilidh Marks, Development Assistant. At Ekwendeni, we attended the Conference of the Umanyano, the Women s Guild of the Church of Central Africa, Synod of Livingstonia. It was wonderful to share the time with 700 women, all dressed in their Guild uniform, and to be part of their uplifting worship, led by their own amazing Guild choirs. We also took part in the Men s Guild Conference at Karonga, where we again received a huge welcome as they celebrated their faith and shared in worship. We look forward to developing our partnership with our friends in that country. In both places, we were moved by the deep faith and spiritual awareness of people which they hold central to their lives, despite the often difficult circumstances in which they live. I was only home a few days when I went to Gartmore House to join the national Youth Assembly. This nonstop weekend amongst the church s year-olds addressed a wide range of issues: climate change, child exploitation, the General Assembly and many other topics. The highlight was a very special communion service in the grounds at midnight. Within the Guild, we enjoyed the Annual Gathering in Dundee. We were delighted to be joined by the Rt Rev Angus Morrison, Moderator and his wife Marion. The day was a celebration of the Guild and our speakers, our project partners and all who contributed to worship and the musical for the day are to be thanked

for their contributions. I look forward to more highlights in the coming months, with the next big event being the Big Sing in Dunfermline Abbey on 20 November.

As Iain, our General Secretary, leads the staff through a period of adjustment and upheaval following a very difficult year, please remember that just four people are offering support to 23,000

3 for their contributions. I look forward to more highlights in the coming months, with the next big event being the Big Sing in Dunfermline Abbey on 20 November. Through all of this, I would ask that you keep the Guild staff in your prayers. As Iain, our General Secretary, leads the staff through a period of adjustment and upheaval following a very difficult year, please remember that just four people are offering support to 23,000 members! As we start the new session, I pray that you will enjoy the friendship and fellowship of your own Guilds as well as those of the whole movement. Remember we are BOLD, we are STRONG, we are the GUILD. Go in peace! Linda Linda Young, National Convener FROM the GENERAL SECRETARY These are exciting times for the Guild. We are at the start of a new strategy, Be Bold, Be Strong! and a new theme Go in Peace. These two titles offer us so many insights into, and reflections upon, the life of the Church of Scotland Guild. At first glance, they seem to contradict each other; the first giving an image of strength, courage and determination and the second conveying a sense of gentleness and quiet. However, there is a real significance in the partnership of these two ideas. It is rightly said that it is easier to be a peace-maker than a peace-keeper. Being a peace-maker can allow us to come to recognise disagreements and to try to put them aside. Being a peace-keeper is about so much more. It is about respect and understanding. It is about being able to hold on to principles and traditions on the one hand and to be open and compromising on the other. As we look ahead to the next few years in the Guild, we have the chance to be bold, strong peace-keepers,

helping our Guild to grow and develop through new ways of working and through innovative service and worship that complement and enhance, rather than replace, what we know and love!

4 helping our Guild to grow and develop through new ways of working and through innovative service and worship that complement and enhance, rather than replace, what we know and love! Our great movement faces so many challenges and opportunities in terms of service, leadership, membership, communications and, in short, mission. These are issues that face our whole church and in which the Guild is well-placed to do what it so often does and take on the role of leader and challenger. This newsletter is the first in a new format and is one element in the working out of the Guild s Action Plan as requested by the 2014 General Assembly and accepted by the 2015 one. One of the main areas of interest in that plan is communication, something that is central to the effective operation and promotion of all that is Guild. The newsletter is clearly part of that, but so are so many other things. In the Guild Office, we see communication as one of our biggest roles and one that involves us in dialogue with Guild members. We hope and intend that we can communicate well, often and clearly with you. We hope also that you will work with us on that process. What we say to the wider Guild is not just about what is happening centrally. It is crucial that we can also be a conduit for information and ideas from and between Guild and Councils. We all have a great story to tell and together we can encourage each other in our work, whilst also enthusing those who could (should?) be joining us in the Guild. Let s forge ahead together, being bold and strong as we go. Iain Iain Whyte, General Secretary

NEWS FROM GUILDS On 6th September 2015, Northfield Parish Church Guild, Aberdeen celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a Songs of Praise in the Church

The Guild organised a collection for a local Foodbank, with four bags delivered the following day.

of over 200 years between them! Jean Forbes celebrated her100th birthday in February, while Bess Florence turned 104 in April.

5 NEWS FROM GUILDS On 6th September 2015, Northfield Parish Church Guild, Aberdeen celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a Songs of Praise in the Church joined by 80 guests. Rene Cowie, Convener at Northfield, paid tribute to all those who had served throughout the 60 years. The Guild organised a collection for a local Foodbank, with four bags delivered the following day. They had also planned to knit 60 Fish and Chip Jumper Sets for babies in Malawi (a Guild initiative throughout Aberdeen for many years) and on the night, a total of 191 sets had been completed. A special anniversary cake was enjoyed on the night and cut by Mrs Louisa Low - a faithful member and office bearer for 56 of the 60 years of the Northfield Guild. Until the end of the last session at Inverurie West Parish Church Guild, the two oldest members could be seen sitting together for meetings with a total of over 200 years between them! Jean Forbes celebrated her100th birthday in February, while Bess Florence turned 104 in April. Jean and Bess fellow Guild members say these wonderful ladies have been so faithful, not only to the church, but to the Guild, lending their grace, experience and humour at all times. Pictured top left: Tea and cake in the Acorn Centre, West Church, Inverurie, (L-R) Ann-Marie Coleman (Co-ordinator), Jean Forbes, and Margaret Harrow (Assistant Co-ordinator). Pictured right: Bess Florence on her birthday. On 15th July 2015, 15 of the members from Balmaclellan and Kells Church Guild, New Galloway and High Carntyne Church Guild,

Glasgow met up for their Annual Lunch in Ayr. Although the two Guilds have had a link for at least twenty years, this was around the 18th Link Lunch.

Since joining the Young Woman s Group in 1965, Elma Afrin has given 50 years of service and commitment to both the Young Woman s Group and St Columba s Guild, Stornoway.

She is also the convenor of local Presbyterial Council and the Guild s delegate on the National Executive Committee.

6 Glasgow met up for their Annual Lunch in Ayr. Although the two Guilds have had a link for at least twenty years, this was around the 18th Link Lunch. These meetings are very special to both Guilds and members hope to continue the annual event for many years to come! Since joining the Young Woman s Group in 1965, Elma Afrin has given 50 years of service and commitment to both the Young Woman s Group and St Columba s Guild, Stornoway. She has been on the committee of the Guild many times including the role of delegate to the special boards and has been the contact person for the last four years. She is also the convenor of local Presbyterial Council and the Guild s delegate on the National Executive Committee. At the Guild s recent AGM, Elma was presented with a long service certificate and a special brooch. Pictured right: Eastwoodhill Guild was delighted to share in the 100th birthday celebrations of Mrs Lena Steven on 13th July She is pictured (centre) with a certificate from the Guild, along with her greetings card from the Queen. Pictured left: This fun picture was submitted by Marna Torrance from Wishaw Cambusnethan Old Guild - we love it! Join in! If you have some Guild news to share, we can t wait to hear from you! You can us at guild@churchofscoltand.org.uk or write to us at Guild Office, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN.

7 More Celebrations! Calder Parish Church Guild, Coatbridge celebrated their 100th anniversary with a slightly belated but very enjoyable lunch with entertainment. Past and present members were in attendance and the combined Guild service was nearly 500 years! Hamilton South Parish Church Guild celebrated their 80th Birthday in February 2015 with a party. Lowson Memorial Parish Church Guild, Forfar celebrated its centenary on 25th March 2015 and Mrs Georgina Taylor (the Guild s oldest member) cut the birthday cake. Strichen and Tyrie Guild celebrated its 80th anniversary. Six ladies were honoured for long service by President Helen Milne: Isobel Kelman (25 years), Liz Inglis (23 years), Hilda Morris (23 years), Mary Knight (22 years), Kathleen Brown (20 years) and Kathleen Duthie (20 years). Isobel Kelman was specially commended, retiring after 25 years as Project Convener and co-ordinator of the annual collection for Royal Blind, Edinburgh (23 years) and collector of used postage stamps for the World Mission Appeal. Rev. Fothergill, Parish Minister, presented the awards. Other News Portpatrick Guild has produced a calendar with beautiful views of Portpatrick, priced 5. Anyone wishing to buy can contact F Maxwell by ing maxwellf@supanet.com or calling All proceeds go to Guild funds. With the closure of Balmaghie Church, the Guild will be joining Crossmichael and Parton Guild. Members are looking forward to new beginnings. From October, the Guild will be known as Crossmichael, Parton and Balmaghie Guild. Brenda Harrison, member at Liberton Guild sent us her Guild s statement which is very bold and strong, and worth sharing!: In our Guild here at Liberton, we wish to invite and encourage all towards a furthering of fellowship, companionship and inclusivity. Our worship through prayer and song is the light but firm framework on which we

build our Guild events, hopefully bringing us closer to one another and to a deeper and more fulling understanding of

Three of the oldest members were presented with long service certificates.

The ladies, seated, are from left: Isobel Geddes, Elsie Murray and Cathy Peterkin.

8 build our Guild events, hopefully bringing us closer to one another and to a deeper and more fulling understanding of our faith and life s journeys. This photograph was taken at Buckie North Guild s opening meeting this year. Three of the oldest members were presented with long service certificates. The service of these faithful members exceeds 180 years all told. The ladies, seated, are from left: Isobel Geddes, Elsie Murray and Cathy Peterkin. At the back are joint conveners Naomi Moir (left) and Kathryn Cowie. Linwood Guild has been holding summer meetings for the past two years with considerable success. This picture show some members with Renfrewshire Provost, Ann Hall, who was the speaker for the evening.

GUILD PROJECTS 2012-2015 Projects Comfort Rwanda,

22 Ministries Council (Priority Areas), Passage from

33 Scottish Churches Housing Action, Julius Project

15 World Mission Council, Out of Africa into Malta

90 Since the beginning of the new 6-project model, we

since 1969, when the projects began, the total raised

Thank you to all whose hard work and dedication have

9 GUILD PROJECTS Projects Comfort Rwanda, Building a Better Rwanda 109, Crossreach, Heart for Art 155, Mary s Meals, Making a difference in Liberia 134, Ministries Council (Priority Areas), Passage from India 108, Scottish Churches Housing Action, Julius Project 130, World Mission Council, Out of Africa into Malta 135, Final three-year total 775, Since the beginning of the new 6-project model, we have now surpassed 4 million pounds ( 4,220,996) and since 1969, when the projects began, the total raised is now 6,014,158! Thank you to all whose hard work and dedication have helped generate these incredible totals, allowing the Guild to impact many lives both in this country and much further afield Projects Find out more about projects by visiting or speaking to your local Project Co-ordinator

10 COUNCILS and COMMITTEES The Church of Scotland s day-to-day policy-making and practical decisionmaking at local, national and international level is organised into six main councils, a number of associated committees and other departments. Read on for some updates - if you would like any further information on anything here, please contact guild@churchofscotland.org.uk. WORLD MISSION World Mission Council has recently produced a report and resources around Gender Based Violence, encouraging all of us to question how we approach issues of gender equality and to urge us to begin to work as a global community of God s people, women and men, to challenge unjust practices, to support one another and to put an end, not only to GBV, but the conditions that foster this injustice. With one of the Guild s projects focussed on breaking the cycle of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - an issue also included in the report, the resources produced on this topic could be useful for Guilds in thinking even more widely about the issue of violence against women. In addition to the report, there is a seven week Bible study comprising reflections, discussion points and prayers. If you or your Guild would like a copy of the report and resources, please contact World Mission Council, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN, call , or world@churchofscotland.org.uk CHURCH and SOCIETY Scotland is changing and we want to make sure that it is changing for the better. In September the Church of Scotland s Church and Society Council launched Speak Out! 10,000 voices for change. Over a four-month period we are asking over 10,000 people from every part of Scotland to tell us about the key issues that inspire or concern them. As a result of what we hear, we will identify up

11 to 6 core themes for our work over the next decade. These will be the issues which, if we address them together, will help to make Scotland a fairer, more equal and more just nation in a fairer, more equal and more just world. We want to hear from churches, communities, organisations, agencies and individuals across Scotland. We are particularly interested in the opinions of those who are the victims of inequality, unfairness and injustice. It s really easy to take part: 1. If you were at the Guild Annual Gathering you should have received a postcard in your pack simply post this back to us with your response. 2. If you would like your Guild to take part as a group, get in touch using the details below and we ll send you as many postcards as you need. 3. If you would like to submit your response online visit: uk/ speak_out/10000_voices For more information contact our Speak Out! Co-ordinator, Fiona Buchanan on or fbuchanan@ churchofscotland.org.uk MISSION and DISCIPLESHIP In 2013 the Mission and Discipleship Council, in partnership with Ministries Council, entered a partnership with Fresh Expressions. Since then we have been working across Scotland to explore, with congregations and presbyteries, how church might grow, not just through expansion, but through multiplication - planting new, or fresh, expressions of church. The journey of a fresh expression begins with listening really listening to God, to the community, and to others in the church. Then it intentionally begins to love and serve in its community, building relationships of trust and connecting people. Within this new community, there is an intention to make disciples, and from this, church begins to form in a way that is appropriate and meaningful. The Guild has both a strong presence in many communities and a deep desire to love and serve, and if there were any stories of groups or initiatives within the Guild that look like they might be on this journey, we would love to know.

12 To find out more, join us at one of our Going for Growth events (check org.uk/events for details), contact Fresh Expressions Development Worker, David McCarthy churchofscotland.org.uk) or see the Fresh Expressions website for lots of inspiring stories (www. freshexpressions.org.uk). DID YOU KNOW...? World Mission Council is on Facebook: Church and Society Council is on Fresh Expressions is on

13 JUST for FUN! Congratulations to Mrs MOIRA RENFREW who has won the competition from the last newsletter edition by correctly telling us that Christian Aid s work began in A bundle of goodies is on its way to you! Would you like to win a goody bag full of Guild merchandise? All you have to do to win is finish this sentence: I like being part of the Guild because... answers with the subject Newsletter Competition along with your name to guild@churchofscotland.org.uk or write to us at: Newsletter Competition, Guild Office, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN. The competition closes at 12 noon on 31st January and the winning response will be printed in the next Newsletter!

14 The Big Guild Wordsearch Guild bold strong Charteris worship serve prayer fellowship fun peace Gathering projects D G O W E G H E C P H H R O J S I F S H Y G A D N N I H G U I L D R E E N I O T E E U E E I A E T J L A R I F R A T N A T O L R P R I N E D T P I R T Y R D E S H G A A T E N I H H R R A E U H T N R F Q N H E R H S I R O F E R E S N E N H I T W R T G T I N J S E R V E U A I H C R P I O W L A A E N F L A B F I R S U A O S A N R G G C T I D L E T V T G U H O U G R S E S T H Q E S O E A B R Y L H D I G G H O S H L C N U W E T O N A P R T E Y N J D N R I W J H S L S A M O P P D G I O O D A I L P E W H E N C H E F T A T D W L R A I P R L T I R A E O R N E R V D Y H T T S L R T N P D C M E G E E P W O C S B A S A E R Y I A R G P L N B X S D E O U P I V R S I E R G S N F Y A R O H L R C E R O S I P G E A N A E G N L T D H I E E N R T A C M I H O T O Y I S I P R A Y E R G I E L S E T R U O S H F S

15 Guild shop! Below are the new items of merchandise for The full range can be viewed at Christmas cards Spiral notebook 2.50 Fold-up shopper 2.50 Button badge 0.50 Apron 3.50 Nail polish 2.50 Piggy bank 2.00 Pen 0.80 Trolley coin keyring 1.50 Umbrella 6.50 Guild t-shirt 5.00 You can purchase items by ing or calling with details of what you would like and where to send it! Invoices will be included with your delivery.

16 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY LEADERSHIP MEETINGS National Executive 9 October November February April June 2016 Conveners & Annual Gathering Planning 2 October October February April June 2016 ACTION PLAN ROADSHOWS Come along to be inspired about the way forward for the Guild! Aberdeen, Oak Cafe, St Marks Church 24 October pm-3pm Edinburgh, 121 George Street 29 October, 1pm-3pm Perth, Bankfoot Church Centre, 19 March 2016, time TBC Hamilton, Hamilton Parish Church Details TBC Dingwall, Ross Parish Church Details TBC OTHER EVENTS Big Sing, Dunfermline Abbey, 20 November 2015 Project Co-ordinators Conference, 28 April 2016 Presbyterial Council Conveners Conference, 2 June 2016 General Assembly, May 2016 Annual Gathering, 3 September 2016 For more details on any event listed here, please contact the Guild office.

17 Images from the Annual Gathering 2015 at Caird Hall in Dundee. Photographs by Kieran Chambers.

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD PROPOSED DELIVERANCE

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD PROPOSED DELIVERANCE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND GUILD May 2016 PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The General Assembly: 1. Receive the report. 2. Welcome the progress made on delivering the Guild s Action Plan 2015-17. (Section 3) 3. Note the change