The Link Autumn 2013 The Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford
Office Bearers in the Parishes of Ardoch and Blackford Minister: The Rev. Dr. Stuart D. B. Picken 3 Millhill Crescent, Greenloaning, FK15 0LH Tel: 01786-880217 ARDOCH Session Clerk: Mrs. Pearl Meldrum, Tel: 01786 880396 BLACKFORD Session Clerk: Mr William McLaren Tel: 01764 682458 Depute Session Clerk: Mr Bob Aitken Tel: 01786 880310 Treasurer: Mr Roy Spiers Tel: 01786 880300 Church Officer: Mrs. Nancy Dawson Tel: 01786 880589 Organist: Mrs Fiona Lowson Choirmaster: Mr. Bob Rae Sunday School Leader Mrs Ann Gordon Tel: 01786 880590 Safeguarding (for protection of vulnerable groups) Mrs. Joyce Wighton Tel: 01786 880606 Depute Session Clerk: Mrs Fiona Lowson Tel: 01764 682760 Treasurer: Mrs Jeannette Barr Tel: 01764 682825 Church Officer: Mrs Jacqui Crawfurd Tel: 01764 682340 Tel: 01764 682760 Tel: 01786 880411 Sunday School Superintendent Mrs Shona Stewart Tel: 01764 682221 Safeguarding (for protection of vulnerable groups) Mrs Jeannette Barr Tel: 01764 682825 Intimations and articles for inclusion in the Winter 2014 edition of The Link By 22 December 2013 to pearl@pearlmeldrumtraining.co.uk Ardoch Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland Charity No.SC000139 Blackford Parish Church of Scotland Charity registered in Scotland Charity No.SC005594
Link Greetings Autumn 2013 Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness was how the English poet of nature, William Wordsworth described the autumn season and indeed that has been true of autumn this year. The dew and mists have made fields wet, and, as everyone who has a garden knows, lawns difficult to cut. In spite of the weather, nevertheless we are coming into the harvest season. Harvest presents its own annual challenges to our farmers, because farming depends so much on weather. But while we may have our problems, and however much things may be difficult for us, there are others who are much worse off than we are. The Old Testament recorded in Israel s history, seven years without rain, as a result of which people were dying of starvation and drought. Both the prophets Elijah and Elisha knew of this first hand. Elijah provided flour and oil for the widow of Zarephath (I Kings 17:8-16) at the time he predicted a great drought. Other parts of the world, such as the African continent, East and South East Asia, or South America face identical problems. That is one reason why Christian Aid and the overseas work of the Church of Scotland is active and so important and why we support agencies such as these. Hunger and thirst have haunted humanity through the centuries like images engraved on the mind. The author of the Book of Revelation (7:16) noted that the elect of God who had endured suffering will hunger no more, nor thirst anymore, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat. These were humanity s worst enemies. Jesus, in St. Matthew 5:6, taught us that those who hungered and thirsted after righteousness would be filled. He reminded us that there is also a hunger of the human soul to be taken into account. Psalm 42 begins by describing the heart panting for the water brook as a model for the human souls thirsting for God. These images of hunger and thirst should evoke compassion on our part for others, but remind us that the ultimate need of humanity is for God. From his mercy to us, our mercy to others should be extended, and through showing that compassion, the life of the world can be enriched, and we can be filled with the joy that giving and serving alone can bring. So when you cast your eyes on the fields around us, be thankful, and think on these things. Your friend and Minister, Stuart D B Picken
Ardoch Church Guild Whose we are, and Whom we serve A Fellowship to Build GUILD PROGRAMME FOR 2013/2014 2013 7 th November at 7.30pm Speaker: Wendy Gudgeon, My Catering Company & Career 14th November at 7.30pm Annual Whist Drive in Ardoch Church Hall 5 th December at 7.30pm Christmas Party - Blair Bells & Ardoch Church Choir 2014 9 th January at 1.00pm Speaker: Marjorie Paton National Convenor Church of Scotland Guild 16 th January Lunch Outing Riverhouse Restaurant, Stirling 6 th February at 1.00pm Speaker: David Johnstone Guild Project: Mary s Meals 13 th February at 1.00pm St Valentine s Cream Teas - Entertainment Bob Rae & children violinists with Fiona Chalamanda 6 th March at 1.00pm Open Meeting Speaker: Alison Dowe, Dobbies Talk/Demonstration of Spring bulbs & Hanging Baskets 3 rd April at 7.30pm Speaker: Rev Scott Burton - his book Holy Whitewater Office Bearers Session 2013-2014 Summer 2014 Outing to be arranged President Anne Walker 880709 Secretary Maureen James 880338 Treasurer Dorothy Johnston 880402 Committee Barbara McLaren 880509 Joan McLaughlan 880305 Sheila Murray 880834 Irene Robertson 880947
Ardoch Guild Summer Outing It was a beautiful day on 8 th August, 2013, when 16 Guild members headed to Dunkeld for our annual outing. After lunch, some of us went on a prebooked tour of Dunkeld Cathedral which was really interesting. Others visited the Birnam Art Exhibition at the Duchess Anne and most of us enjoyed the variety of shops in the village. Sweeney s provided the transport and we returned home via the Sma Glen after a very enjoyable day. BLYTHSWOOD CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL (ARDOCH) Christmas-decorated boxes and leaflets are now available for collection from the Vestibule. The return date to the church hall is Saturday 9 November from 10 am to 12 noon. Braco and Greenloaning schools are also participating. Any queries, please contact Ann (880300) or Pat (880494).
Ardoch Summer Sunshine Club 2013 An Awesome Holiday Club ran for three days this week in Ardoch Church Hall. An enthusiastic gathering of around 20 children, (including a visitor from Malawi) enjoyed looking at the awesome miracles of Jesus. We turned water into wine, healed the sick and raised Lazarus from the dead! The children enjoyed water games, wrote in Braille, learned of the problems of blindness and made awesome spectacles! We planted in unusual containers (awesome floral displays?) made grass heads (will the hair really grow?) played awesome games! Many thanks to everyone who helped in any way, especially Sue for her enthusiastic Zumba routines and Anne W for preparing such awesome snacks. Outreach Team Community Lunches will be on the last Friday of each month with the exception of December. The dates are October 25 th, November 29 th, December 20 th, January 31 st, February and March 28 th at 12.15pm prompt. December lunch will have a raffle. The donations received enable the team to hand out gifts at Christmas within the community. Anyone wishing information please contact Joy on 880328 The Pastoral Team continue their work and if anyone wishes a visit please contact Charles on 880 947. Ardoch Church Choir meets every Thursday at 7.30pm. Anyone wishing to exercise their vocal chords please come along and join in the singing under the baton of Mr Bob Rae. The Ardoch Auction on Saturday, 14 September raised 2,358.83 for church funds. A big thank you to the Stewardship Team and auctioneer, Bob Robertson, for their hard work and to all those who participated. Blackford Coffee Mornings I can t believe as I write this report that we have now had our last coffee morning of 2013. Another very successful year and thanks must go to all members of our team of helpers, bakers, plus the loyal support we have each year from our friends who come along each month. The total sum raised this year is 1784.65. Special Raffle Our thanks to everyone who donated special prizes and bought tickets. This raised 110.
Joint Services I would like to thank the ladies who donate baking and help out at the teas after the United Church Services every year. The Strawberry Tea This is now the third year of this popular event and it has gone from strength to strength. A lovely afternoon was spent at the home of David and Sheila MacDonald. The combined choirs of Ardoch and Blackford delighted the visitors under the leadership of Bob Rae on the piano, and the Blackford Pipe Band never disappoints us. We are most grateful to all the performers for giving up their Sunday afternoon to come along. Thanks to everyone for digging so deep into their purses to help raise the magnificent sum of 1228.20 for church funds. A special thank you to David, Sheila and family for opening their immaculate garden and to all the helpers who donated baking, tombola prizes etc. A thank you also to Audrey for Find the Flea on Fluffy and to Willie for the Picture Quiz. Lexa McCallum, Blackford Ways and Means Convenor Ardoch and Blackford combined choirs at Strawberry Tea Blackford Carol Singing round the village on Sunday, 22 nd December will leave the Church Hall at 6.30 pm.
Alex Anderson, Ardoch was prompted to write following a service on Sunday 15 September 2013 when our Minister, Stuart remarked before we sang the old Russian National Anthem during the service that there was a strong connection with The Tzar of Russia and the Royal Scots Grays so this item may be interesting to our readers. My son Rev. David Anderson became an Army Chaplain some years ago. His first Regiment was the Black Watch. He served in Northern Ireland and later Afghanistan. During his attachment to the Black Watch he preached in Ardoch on one occasion. He was reassigned to serve with the Signals Regiment of the Armoured Corps in Germany and later was reassigned to the Royal Scots Grays in Germany. He is at present doing a tour with the RSG in Afghanistan. He recently sent me an item called Prayer Matters which he assembled for use with the RSG in Afghanistan and commended them for our use in Ardoch if suitable. Prayer Matters for the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Scotland Forever by Lady Butler The Collect of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Almighty God, whose blessed Son, Jesus Christ, gave us a perfect pattern of service, give us grace that we, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, may be second to none in following his example, swifter than eagles to overtake his enemies and serve thee in thine everlasting Kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
General Prayer Concerns Pray for all caught up in conflict, of whatever kind. Pray particularly for the peoples of Syria. Pray for the people and the peace of Afghanistan as we journey towards Transition. Pray for success for their fledgling institutions, and that some ongoing order may continue to overcome chaos. And that with peace and order, prosperity and blessing might follow. Pray for the peace and the justice of the world. Pray particularly for those who would be our enemies. Pray for the safety and the general wellbeing of those who are involved in Her Majesty s Armed Forces; and that they may continue to be a force for good in the world. Pray for those who are deployed on operations across the globe, particularly those working to bring peace with justice in Afghanistan for now. Pray for those recovering from their injuries and those grieving the loss of loved ones because of recent conflict. Pray for those in the Chain of Command for strength and wisdom and guidance in the onerous task of leading and managing others. Pray for our young soldiers during this period of Deployment to Kabul. Pray for their families, who have the difficult task of sitting-out the time of the operational tour. Pray for those in the support systems of Welfare and Healthcare. Pray for our Chaplains that we might continue to be enabled and find opportunities of reminding people of their infinite value in God s eyes and of sharing something of the peace of Christ wherever we are called to be and to serve. Amen
2013 Ardoch Blackford 03 November GUILD Anne Finnie 10 November Dorothy McCrae Remembrance Poppies 17 November Irene Robertson United Service 24 November Sheila McGregor Nan Keir 01 December Moira Ramsay Cathy McLaren 08 December vacant Helen Gardiner 15 December Christmas Tree vacant 22 December Christmas Tree Donations 29 December Christmas Tree Margaret Errol 2013 05 January Christmas Tree Jacqui Crawfurd 12 January vacant Julie Shankland 19 January vacant Eva Bradley 26 January vacant Mrs W Shaw The flowers are distributed after the services to the sick and housebound and are very much appreciated. 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. The Ardoch 2014 flower calendar will be available in the vestibule at the beginning of January and perhaps you would like to add your name for a particular Sunday. Contacts:- Ardoch; - Nancy Dawson, 01786 880589 OR Jenny Kemp 01786 880260 Blackford; - Julie Shankland on 01764 682279
Reading List 2013 Ardoch Blackford 03 November Dorothy Johnston David MacDonald 10 November Alex Anderson Sheila MacDonald 17 November Pearl Meldrum Gordon Roy 24 November Muriel Smith Jane Roy 01 December Irene Robertson George Miller 08 December Christine Souter John Graham 15 December Peter Scott Jeannette Barr 22 December Ann Spiers Bruce Tarbet 29 December Bob Aitken Shona Stewart 2014 05 January John Souter Jacqui Crawfued 12 January Liz Paterson Julie Shankland 19 January Mick Boxer Fiona Lowson 26 January Roy Spiers Eva Bradley For Ardoch; contact Pearl Meldrum on 01786880396 or email pearl@pearlmeldrumtraining.co.uk For Blackford; please contact Jacqui Crawfurd (tel. 682340 or Email FluffyBrains@aol.com) in order to find out what lessons you are required to read towards the end of the week when you are reading. Ardoch and Blackford Parish Churches Websites www.ardochparishchurch.org and www.blackfordparishchurch.com
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