The Link. Spring The Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford

Transcription

1 The Link Spring 2012 The Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford

2 Office Bearers in the Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford Minister: The Rev. Dr. Stuart D. B. Picken 3 Millhill Crescent, Greenloaning, FK15 0LH Tel: ARDOCH Session Clerk: Mrs. Pearl Meldrum, Tel: BLACKFORD Session Clerk: Mr William McLaren Tel: Depute Session Clerk: Mr Bob Aitken Tel: Treasurer: Mr Roy Spiers Tel: Church Officer: Mrs. Nancy Dawson Tel: Organist: Mrs Fiona Lowson Choirmaster: Mr. Bob Rae Sunday School Leader Mrs Ann Gordon Tel: Safeguarding (for protection of vulnerable groups) Mrs. Joyce Wighton Tel: Depute Session Clerk: Mrs Fiona Lowson Tel: Treasurer: Mrs Jeannette Barr Tel: Church Officer: Mrs Jacqui Crawfurd Tel: Tel: Tel: Sunday School Superintendent Mrs Shona Stewart Tel: Safeguarding (for protection of vulnerable groups) Mrs Jeannette Barr Tel: Intimations and articles for inclusion in the Summer edition of The Link by 26 June 2012 to pearl@pearlmeldrumtraining.co.uk 2

3 FROM APRIL SHOWERS TO APRIL FLOWERS Seeing the daffodils reminded me of the old song about April showers and the flowers that follow. Flowers are gifts of God in nature that have so many wonderful roles to play. They brighten up our rooms, our gardens, and we give them to people at times of sadness, joy, celebration, and congratulations. I append four quotations about flowers, all of which have a simple message. None can have a healthy love for flowers unless he loves the wild ones Forbes Watson ( ), Reporter for the Products of India at the India Office, London, who began his career as a physician in the Bombay Medical Service and became an authority in the botany of India. In the hope of reaching the moon, men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet. Albert Schweitzer ( ) a theologian and minister at St. Nicholas Church in Strasbourg, a world authority and exponent of Bach s organ works, who trained in medicine and opened a clinic for the poor in Lambarene in modern Gabon, financed by his concerts. In joy or in sadness, flowers are our constant friends." Kakuzo Okakura ( ), Japanese thinker and author of The Book of Tea. I perhaps owe having become an artist to flowers." Claude Monet ( ) founder of the French Impressionist school of art. These people were touched by the power of the flower. It is a good tradition that the Sunday service flowers and the message that they bear go to someone we hope will be blessed by them. Finally here is an old Celtic prayer for those looking for brightness and hope at this Easter time: As the rain hides the stars As the autumn mist hides the hills As the clouds veil the blue of the sky So the dark happenings of my lot Hide the shining of your face from me Yet, if I may hold your hand in the darkness It is enough, since I know that Though I may stumble in my going You do not fall Wishing you a blessed Easter Your friend and Minister, Stuart D B Picken 3

4 ARDOCH CHURCH GUILD What does the Lord require of you?...called to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8) The months of January and February saw a good response from members for a new experiment of lunch meetings, with the speakers, from 1 to 3.30 pm. In January we had a tour of the Great Wall of China; in February we heard of the work of the Scripture Union and in March we were joined by six other guilds to hear about the work of The Sandpiper Trust. Our Christmas concert helped raise funds for us to send money to our Project Partners. We were also able to purchase new curtains for the Church Hall - it looks lovely! The new curtains that augment the newly painted hall have been much admired by all and the Kirk Session is extremely grateful to the Guild for its generosity in providing these. Guild Open Night Thursday 01 March

5 Guild Afternoon Tea with Violins - 29 March The ladies, while enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, were joined by 20 children from Braco School with their music teacher, Fiona Chalamanda and their violins. A noisy but very enjoyable hour followed when the children entertained us with a very varied performance. It was good to see so many mums and dads accompanying the children, and tea and cakes were enjoyed by all. Our closing meeting with the AGM was held on 5 th April when the guest speaker was Alistair Stewart from The Mission Aviation Fellowship from Madagascar, one of our Project Partners. It has been a busy, very varied and successful 2011/12 session and we hope new members will join us when we re-convene in October. Ann Spiers President Ardoch Church Choir On 5 th February, to commemorate the 60 th Anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth 11, we sang O Sweet and Blessed Country, music by Gustav Holst. On Easter Sunday the joint choirs of Blackford and Ardoch sang a favourite piece, Behold The Man, music by Jimmy Owens. The Ardoch and Blackford Choirs joined together at the Good Friday Service at Blackford to sing "For Me". 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings for a sing-along. Anyone interested in joining Ardoch choir please come along on Thursday evenings at You will be made very welcome. Blackford Choir meets on a Wednesday evening at 7.30pm for a sig-along. Ardoch Church Scottish Country Dance Group Our session concluded with a very successful dance in the Village Hall when we were joined by dancers from neighbouring clubs (and further afield) and enjoyed the music of Ian MacCallum s Band. Once again, at our weekly classes, Angus McIver has led us through a wide variety of dances while Cath Petrie has played a wonderful selection of tunes. At our Burns Evening, we danced, enjoyed a supper and were entertained by our own members, Susie and Stuart Robertson. Their songs, guitar and flute playing were much appreciated. A theatre outing to Pitlochry is planned for June and the new session will begin in September. Charles Robertson 5

6 . ARDOCH PARISH CHURCH FINANCES The last article I wrote for the Link was in September 2011 when I explained the general situation in relation to funding the Church and its activities. This article looks in more detail at the financial outcome last year. Before going into details I must record my personal appreciation to all of you who give of your money, time and talents in supporting the Church and its activities. Fund raising involves a lot of time and energy in organising and running the events together with the giving of monies by those who support these events. In 2011 we had a number of very successful events and activities including the Pot Luck Suppers, the Silent Auction, the Duck Race and the sale of Christmas cards. Overall at the end of the year our expenditure exceeded our income by 4,431 but having said that, there were some exceptional circumstances. We spent 13,470 on extraordinary repairs and maintenance which included repairs arising from snow damage, replacing the frame to one of the Church windows, a new boiler with fuel storage tank and a new roof to the boiler house. 5,800 of that cost was covered by an insurance claim and a loan from the Energy Saving Trust. Our income from donations, charitable activities, fund raising, bank/deposit interest and investment income was down by 800 on Additionally we sold some of our share holding bringing in 6,783. Taking everything into account income was 54,163 and expenditure 58,594. One type of giving which cannot be included in the accounts is that which is given in kind. The list is to some extent indeterminable but includes raffle prizes, food and drink for the Pot Luck Suppers, soup and sandwiches, teas, coffees and home baking, flowers for decorating the Church, printing of advertising material, etc., etc. Whilst we would not wish to kill the goose that lays the golden egg the giving in kind is an area which it is felt could be developed. We would also wish to raise special funds towards small regular expenditures. Examples of past expenditure which might be covered by giving in kind or contributions towards special funds are the annual clearing of gutters, the redecoration of the Church Hall, provision of additional fixtures/fittings, organ/piano maintenance, printing and stationery, FWO envelopes, paper towels and cleaning materials. If you feel you would like to help in this way then please consult with your Elder. Roy L Spiers Ardoch Church Treasurer 6

7 Ardoch Outreach Team Outreach Lunches have finished now until November. We had a most enjoyable five months in the winter and the bonus was the absence of snow. January and February had a Burns and Valentine theme respectively, when we munched into Lilian s homemade oatcakes and romantic treats. Easter came early in March when it was an all yellow affair and we were treated to Easter cakes and Marrion s scrumptious meringues. A big thank you to the soup makers; Liz, Irene, Barbara, Pearl, Alex and not forgetting Pat s Portuguese Prawn! and to our customers who freely donate enabling the Outreach Team once again to distribute gifts at Christmas. Attention!! The lunches are not confined to old folk. All ages would benefit from the companionship and laughter which is our theme tune. Contact for Lunches is Joy on Visiting Team: Anyone wishing a visit please contact Charles on Christian Aid Week - Braco and Greenloaning There will be a house-to-house envelope collection between 13th and 19th May, Please give generously and gift aid your donation if you can. Help with the collection is always much appreciated - if you can help please contact me on Pat Aitken (Christian Aid Week Organiser). Christian Aid Week Blackford - 13th -19th May. Please give generously when the envelope is put through your door. Poverty has many levels and we are fortunate to live in a country with a welfare state and a national health service!! Could collectors please let me know in plenty of time if you are unable to collect a district for me this year as it gives me time to try to find a replacement. New volunteers are always welcome!! The commitment is roughly 2 hours per YEAR!! Tel: Thanks, Jeannette Barr. Mind Bender Anagram of Presbyterian Answer at bottom of page 10 7

8 Blackford Fundraising Burns Supper On 24 January 2012, we held our annual Burns Supper, again very well attended, with friends travelling from Airdrie, Stirling and Dunoon to join us. After our haggis supper we were well entertained by talented speakers and singers. An excellent raffle rounded off the evening. Many thanks go to all who donated prizes and helped in so many ways. 551 was raised for church funds. Blackford Whist Drive This was held on 8 March 2012 in the Bowling Club. 70 players enjoyed an evening of rainbow whist, followed by sandwiches and cakes. The raffle was again awash with prizes. Our sincere thanks go to the generosity of all who come and support us each year. First equal; Dorothy Benzies, Blackford and Jean from Dunblane, Second; Rhona Johnston, Auchterarder, Third; Scott Menzies, Auchterarder. The consolation prize went to Dennis Proctor, Auchterarder Again thanks to everyone who helped and supplied food. 524 was raised for church funds. Sunshine bags will be distributed throughout the village from the week beginning Monday 2 April. Coffee Mornings resumed on 6 March and will continue on the first Tuesday of every month until 2 October. We look forward to welcoming you all again. I would like to thank all the dedicated ladies who do so much to help with our fundraising throughout the year, and a special mention to Billy McNair. What would we do without him? He is always there and so willing, carrying the goods from the church to the Bowling Club, setting and washing up, a true gentleman. A special thank you again to the President, Stewart McNaughton and the Bowling Club Committee who so willingly give us the use of the clubhouse, since we have outgrown our church hall. Lexa McCallum, Blackford Ways and Means Convenor 8

9 Blackford Holiday Clubs Our November and February Activity days brought together the usual mix of church members, secondary pupils, primary pupils and others to spend the day together looking at more stories of Jesus. The Xpedition Force graphics and its use of Matthew's Gospel together with the "Miracle Maker" DVD telling some of the stories of Jesus from the eyes of Jairus's daughter helped shape these days and we enjoyed the usual mix of games, stories, crafts and songs. There's still a great magic about the lunchtime episode from the "Miracle Maker" when peace settles throughout the whole place - and then we enjoy the energy and activity of the afternoon all the more. There will be no Holiday Club on Monday 16th April as we're just back from an SU Holiday but the Xpedition Force gets one last outing from the bell tower as part of the Easter Assemblies where we'll join Jesus and his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane and listen to what is happening. Blackford Hot Chocolate Club We're suddenly a year old, having started in March 2011 and we never even had a cake!! March 2012 was our first normal gathering of this year. In January we took the risk of having a "Whatever the weather BBQ" in what turned out to be a beautifully clear calm winter's evening; February gets slightly tangled up with mid-term holidays so we met on the Wednesday evening after we had spent most of the day together anyway at the Primary Holiday Club. That was a movie night with popcorn along with the Hot Chocolate tucked away in the fellowship area while the choir rehearsed next door - a truly multi-use building! March (with 15 present) brought us back to a typical night of pool, table tennis etc. but the game to illustrate our input on God as Director revealed again how the disparate groups are gradually getting closer together and engaging with each other; a real answer to prayer. Bible study group There are now 10 folk who try to make it to the Bible Study on Tuesday evenings though we've never all been there on the same evening - 9 is our top score at time of writing and also the number of chairs in the room we use, so we have a very happy challenge coming some day soon. This "term" has been about the book of James and after a slow start of busy Tuesday evenings, we've really got our heads down during March and have met every week before the Easter holidays. Look out for one final subject change to see us up to the summer holidays. 9

10 Scripture Union Holidays As the Ardoch Guild saw back in February, Scripture Union Scotland runs a wide range of holidays for children in P5 to S6. The Easter programme will not be available when this goes to print but there are seven weeks of school holidays to fill over the summer and several holidays each week. Jane and Gordon will again be missing the Holiday Club service to lead and cook for the Creative Arts Holiday for secondary pupils with an interest in music, dance, drama, art, sound & light and related skills or with an aversion to the outdoor activities that characterise so many of the other holidays at Glenshee, on Arran, beyond North Berwick, near Aviemore or just over the hill at Lendrick Muir. Look out for brochures in the churches and consider if that's what your grandchildren or neighbours need to be steered towards. It's so much better than having them hanging around the house. Food for Thought When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, my flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow! Jeannette Barr Anagram on page 7 = Best in Prayer 10

11 BLACKFORD CHURCH ACCOUNTS 2011 As a full set of the accounts runs to 12 pages I thought it might be helpful to give a brief outline of our finances. I will willingly supply a full set of accounts to anyone who would like them. The accounts are inspected by independent examiners and are approved by the session before being forwarded to OSCR which is the regulatory body for charities in Scotland. Our receipts for this year were This includes all of our offerings, legacies, donations and tax recovered ( 4582) from gift aid. It also INCLUDES all of our fund raising events. Fund raising for 2011 amounted to Our payments for the year were This includes payment towards minister s stipend, heating and lighting, printing and stationery, buildings insurance, share of expenses for the manse, wider work of the church and, of course, fabric repairs and maintenance. We spent 5948 on repairs last year, mainly to the roof. It costs more than 1000 to fill the tank with oil. As you can see from the above figures we were able to keep our accounts "in the black" by a very small margin. Our fundraising throughout the year is not an added bonus but a pure necessity in order to make ends meet. I would ask you all to think about your contribution to the church. If you are a tax payer we can claim 25p from the inland revenue for every pound you contribute. I can supply freewill offering envelopes (whether you pay tax or not) which means you contribute every week whether you are present or not. We have some investments which have been slowly accruing over the years and details of these can be seen in the full set of accounts. They would only be used in exceptional circumstances and hopefully never to "make ends meet" for general week by week running costs. I hope this gives you some idea of the amounts needed just to keep our church functioning from year to year. Jeannette Barr, Blackford Church Treasurer. 11

12 2012 Ardoch Blackford 06 May GUILD George Miller 13 May Margaret Ferguson Fiona Lowson 20 May Mrs J Moore 27 May Pearl Meldrum Annette Ford 03 June Joan McLaughlan Cathie McLaren 10 June Stuart Brannen Rita Marshall 17 June Nancy Dawson Eva Bradley 24 June Gillian Scott vacant 01 July Jacqui Crawfurd 08 July Gertrude Wilson 15 July vacant 22 July vacant 29 July Moira Hay Many thanks to all who help both on Sundays and at the various displays. The Church flowers are always much appreciated by both members and friends in the Parish. As you can see from the chart above there are a few unfilled spaces on the Flower Rota, so if you would like to add your name for a particular Sunday, then contact Ardoch - Nancy Dawson, or Jenny Kemp, Blackford - Julie Shankland on

13 Reading List 2012 Ardoch Blackford 06 May Ann Spiers Jacqui Crawfurd 13 May Alex Anderson Shona Stewart 20 May Pearl Meldrum Sheila Macdonald 27 May Peter Scott John Graham 03 June Christine Souter Julie Shankland 10 June Dorothy Johnston George Miller 17 June Phyllis McLeod Annette Ford 24 June Muriel Smith Jeannette Barr 01 July Willie McLaren 08 July Jane Roy 15 July Gordon Roy 22 July Eva Bradley 29 July Sue Crorie For Ardoch; contact Pearl Meldrum on or For Blackford; please contact Jacqui Crawfurd (tel or in order to find out what lessons you are required to read towards the end of the week when you are reading. If you are unable to keep your lesson reading commitment, please try to find somebody else on the list to take your place. If you are unable to find anybody please let me know on John Graham 13

14 Below are a few howlers from other Church Magazines to make you smile; - At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practise. Sunday morning sermon: 'Jesus Walks on the Water'. Sunday evening sermon: 'Searching for Jesus.' Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. SERVICES FORWARD PLANNER May 06 Communion Blackford am Ardoch am May 20 United Service Blackford 10.00am Summer Services all at 10 am July 01 Blackford July 08 Blackford July 15 Blackford July 22 Blackford July 29 Ardoch Aug 05 Ardoch Aug 12 Ardoch Aug 19 Ardoch Normal Service Times resume on Sunday 26 August Blackford am Ardoch am 14

15 FORTH COMING EVENTS IN 2012 Ardoch Summer Sunshine Club 2012 Advance notice that the Summer Sunshine Club will be held on Monday, 23 rd, Tuesday, 24 th and Wednesday, 25 th July in Ardoch Church Hall from 10.30am until 3pm each day. All children attending primary school this session are welcome for lots of fun, games, craft, drama and Bible stories. Refreshments provided but bring a packed lunch. Further details from Liz Irene Ardoch Church Guild In this the 125th year of the Church of Scotland Guild movement, Ardoch Parish Church Guild are pleased to be hosting the Summer Meeting of Perth Presbyterial Council Guilds on Thursday, 7th June at 7.30 pm in Ardoch Church. There will be a special guest speaker - to be announced in due course. Further details will follow so keep a look out in your Sunday Order of Service and for notices. Perhaps we ll have our picture in Life and Work again!! 15

16 Easter Morning Service, 8 th April 2012 Blackford Old Church on the Hill Twenty nine members from Ardoch and Blackford gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at this early morning service very ably led by Gordon Roy. Check out the websites for more information on Ardoch and Blackford Parishes and for forth coming events Ardoch Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland Charity No.SC Blackford Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland Charity No.SC