Banff Special Edition October 2016 Banff & King Edward Parish Churches
Dear Friends in Banff and King Edward, There is a standing joke in my house between Billy and I about the difference in our reading material. It goes back to when we were first married and I enthusiastically quoted swathes out of a book about the Lewis Revival whilst Billy educated me as to the evils of Hitler. Anyway, the saga still goes on and the latest book I have been subjected to quotes from is an autobiography of Kenny Dalglish (I am imagining David becoming interested in my article at this point)! Dalglish was relating his experience as a Liverpool player and he commented on the family atmosphere of the club. He said that it was a 'community within a community. He spoke of how happy the Club was and the community spirit between the players and all the staff. Following matches they would meet for soup and banter and Dalglish says it was a vital aspect of the club. To quote, I ve heard it said that it was easy for Liverpool to look after players because of the success they had, but it was the other way about. Liverpool achieved that success because of the way they looked after people. As Christians in 2016 we may think that we have a harder job sharing the good news of the gospel than they did in Bible times, this is not really true. It is inevitable that sharing the gospel will be difficult in any age, as the gospel is at odds with society and often our human lifestyle. The church that Jesus founded was itself at odds with society. The Jewish society of the time was deeply religious and very legalistic. Salvation depended on rules and laws. It was a driven life that made acceptance by God dependent on a good performance, and this inevitably made those who thought they were achieving that quite judgmental of others. 1
But the early church Jesus founded flew in the face of this because it was a bit like Liverpool Football Club it achieved growth because it put people first. It was based on relationship, not religion; and a life filled by the Spirit, not a pious quest for achievement as the Pharisees pursued. In Vera s letter last month she also highlighted the need for this family atmosphere and support and building each other up it is a pastoral truth that spans all generations. Paul, himself a devout Pharisee and teacher of the law, went on to explain in his letters that the purpose of the law had not been to show men s religious worth by how good they could be, but to prove to them that without God s grace they would always fall short. In this new and less formal community, it was the ones who knew they were not as 'good' as the 'religious' ones that came to this place of grace where they found deep joy and happiness. Jesus loved them unconditionally, and they became part of this family-style community centered round meals, friendship, prayer and a personal relationship with God. It was less about what they had to do and more about what they could celebrate, and this is what the outsiders saw changed lives, joy and the kind of community within a community that Kenny Dalglish so appreciated at Liverpool. Of course culture has changed. Younger generations may not respect institutions, formality and officialdom as much as they did post-war, but when we read through the stories of the early church we see that this is not out of step with the gospel and could bring great freedom as we get out of the box in our mission. Are we prepared for that to happen? Are we prepared as Christians to move out of our comfort zone for the sake of bringing Jesus to those who do not know him. Today s young families are not all that different to ones years ago. They still need support and friendship, and it is our mission as a church to be there for them, to be this kind of community where people come first. 2
I suppose it goes without saying that I was subjected to more than one quote from Dalglish s autobiography, and the other story that caught my attention was the foreword from Alex Ferguson. Ferguson referred to him when, later on, Dalglish became manager of Blackburn Rovers, saying that Dalglish encouraged his players in a big way. Each time he went into the changing room, he told his players that he would not change them for any other players in the country or in the world. He would tell them you have my confidence. Sir Alex said that the players took this on board and it caused him a big problem every time Manchester United played them. Why? Because they were so resilient, they never gave in, they snatched goals and matches because they never gave up. They knew that their manager had confidence in them. I believe that it is vitally important for us to show children, young people and young families that we have confidence in them; in fact it is important for everyone. The Pharisees were known for their judgmental attitude and no-one could make their grade, but Jesus had a different way. I recently read a very sad story told by Philip Yancey in his book What s So Amazing about Grace?. He tells of a young prostitute who was at the lowest ebb in her life and with nowhere to go and no-one to talk to she confided in a friend who did not really feel they had the resources to help her, so they made a suggestion... they suggested that she go to the Church. The young woman looked alarmed and exclaimed Why on Earth would I do that, I need to feel better, not worse! The poor, the broken and the outcasts did not hang around with a man who made them feel less Jesus made them feel more. He met them where they were at and he showed them how to get further along life s road by letting them know that they were worth him sacrificing his life to ensure their relationship with God his Father. That's how much confidence he had in them, and in us. 3
Paul tells us how each person has gifts, and people need encouragement and support to use these gifts, and that often means sensitivity and grace on our part as we try to be that 'community within a community' that Jesus intends. I pray that as I work among the young and also the not-so-young I can play my part by reflecting Jesus to people who have never met him, so they may want to know more of his love and find joy in worshipping and serving Him. With love in Christ Lillian
We invite you to join us at our MONTHLY LUNCHES we offer a choice of fresh soups and puddings. Thursday 6th October Lunch Thursday 10th November (Note change of date) Thursday 1st December (Christmas Lunch) Lunches are served from noon 1.30pm It would be great to see you. ALL WELCOME We had a lively and fun September Messy Church. It was great to see so many folk of all ages enjoying the crafts, activities, games and singing and sitting chatting over supper. We heard the story of The Oak Inside the Acorn a book written by Christian author Max Lucado. The message of the story is : God made one version of you, so be the best you that you can be! Everyone enjoyed a selection of autumn and harvest crafts. Some of the craft work will decorate the hall for our Harvest Lunch. MESSY CHURCH DATES: 28th October and 2nd December. Come and join us!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 Don t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. - Robert Louis Stevenson. Point to Ponder Breaking news. Bad news. Heartbreaking news. Murder. Cruelty. Abuse. Neglect. Terrorism. God overlooked people s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to Him, for He has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30, 31. NLT)
AUCTION OF TRACTION ENGINE AND THRESHING MILL Mike and Leona Foote have again been busy in their workshop this time building a traction engine and threshing mill. The models will be auctioned to raise funds for Banff Parish Church. This is the third model they have donated to raise money for the church. Previously a Land Rover and a Combine both raised a three figure sum. This year the model comprises of two motorised parts, the engine and the threshing mill. The models, which will be auctioned as one lot, can be seen in action on the church Facebook Page (Banff and King Edward Parish Churches) and bids can be left by private message or by telephoning the church office on 818211 or email: janetsimpson@banffparishchurchofscotland.co.uk The models will be part of the harvest table display in the church on Sunday 2nd October and again in the church for Banff Primary School harvest service on Friday, 7th October. 7
FRIENDSHIP GROUP The Friendship Group meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm in Banff Church Hall. An opportunity to catch up with old friends and get to know new friends! The Friendship Group is for anyone in the church and the wider community, male or female, town or country, young or less young; all are welcome We look forward to seeing you. For further info call Pat on 815737 or Janet at the Church Office 0n 818211 Date for your diary! KAGA EVENING IN BANFF PARISH CHURCH HALL on Wednesday, 26 th October at 7pm. Anne Forbes from the Kaga shops in Turriff and Fyvie will be bringing along handbags, gloves, umbrellas, jewellery and gifts for us to look at, try and hopefully buy. She has lots of new stock to bring along for us. The perfect opportunity to treat yourself or to buy early Christmas presents. It s a fun evening with models giving you the opportunity to see how things can be put together. There will be homebakes, tea or coffee, raffles and a sales table. Tickets cost 4 from group members or you can pay at the door on the evening. Donations of homebakes or items for the sales table would be greatly appreciated. 8
See our FaceBook page for dates 7 8.30pm Banff and King Edward Parish Churches The two Youth Drop-in taster sessions held before the holidays were great fun and enjoyed by the young folk who came along. The badminton and wii games were popular as were the make-up and nail sessions. If you know anyone in S1- S3 do let them know about the drop-in evenings. CAN YOU HELP HOME-START? Home-Start is a nationwide registered charity which supports families who have at least one child under the age of five years. To us, every family is special and we respond to each family s needs through a combination of home visiting support, group work and social events. Home-Start Deveron are looking for volunteers who are willing to offer a couple of hours a week to help families in the Banff area. Home-Start offer free training including child protection and courses on mental health etc. If you would like to find out more please speak to our Children and Family Worker, Lillian Brown. Tel/Text 07484090127 9
Diamond Couple and Golden Wonders! Congratulations to Alice and Pat Hay and Diane and Alexander (Sandy) Cumming who recently celebrated special wedding anniversaries. Alice and Pat celebrated their Diamond (60 years) anniversary on the 16th August with a lunch-time celebration in the Fife Lodge Hotel where they were joined by family and friends from Banff and beyond. Diane and Sandy celebrated their Golden (50 years) anniversary on 5th,August and also celebrated the occasion with family and friends in the Fife Lodge Hotel. Pat and Alice Hay Sandy and Diane Cumming
WHERE THERE S A WILL With the Church so lively at present it may be thought that all in the garden is rosy. In fact the Church is facing a financial crisis in around two to three years time. We are currently living off the generosity of the late Miss Grigor, whose legacy partly funds the Children and Family Worker and has funded various improvements in the Church. The balance is reducing very quickly. In around two to three years time, without significant further funds, we will not be able to afford our Pastoral Worker, our Children and Family Worker or even a Church Secretary. We will not be able to afford attractive colour printing. There is always a deficit on general fund. Please consider leaving a legacy to the Church in your will. We will use it wisely. If you are in the Inheritance Tax band your legacy will be tax free. GIFT AID I think most tax payers in the Congregation gift aid their donations. That produces around 10,000 per annum, around 12.5% of our income. If you do pay tax and aren t gift aiding please ask me for a form. There is no commitment, as contributions can be stopped or reduced at any time. Trevor Leuty (Treasurer) Be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, tolerant of the weak, because someday in your life you will be all of these. ~George Washington Carver~
Saturday, 5th November 10am - Noon BANFF PARISH CHURCH HALL TEA~~COFFEE~~FRESH PANCAKES~~SCONES SALES TABLES, RAFFLE, CRAFTS, etc. Pay at the door or tickets are available from Elders and other church officials. We would be delighted if you could donate items for the sales table or for the hamper raffle prize please speak to Maureen Kaczmarek (814217) or Pat McLennan (815737). We would particularly appreciate donations of home baking, craft items, chocolate (boxes, bags, bars, anything chocolate!), plants and non perishable items for the hamper. Monday: Tuesday: Banff Parish Church Hall 10th 14thOctober 10 11.30am ALL ages welcome, please bring an adult Sessions are free, snack and juice provided Autumn Activities Under 5 s Play Wednesday: Tots and Toys Thursday: Friday: Puppets Playtime Fun with Music Contact Lillian on 07484 090127 e-mail lillianbanff@gmail.com
YOU can make a difference! Blythswood Care provides practical help, love and support for those in need. Whether through filled shoeboxes at Christmas, relief and development aid or social projects for young and old. With support of ordinary people like you, Blythswood can achieve extraordinary transformations in peoples lives. SHOEBOX APPEAL 2016 In 2015 Blythswood collected and distributed 116,576 shoeboxes. The boxes were distributed in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. If you would like to give hope to someone in need this Christmas please think about filling a shoebox. There are leaflets at the back of the church with checklists of suggested items needed with a few highlighted items which are more urgently needed e.g. toothbrushes, toothpaste, hats, scarves, gloves, soap etc. Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the church on Sunday mornings or to the church hall on Thursday afternoons between 2-4pm by the 6th November. The shoeboxes will be collected by Blythswood from the church at the beginning of November.
COFFEE AND COMPANY Banff Church Hall - Thursdays 2-4 pm Open to anyone in our community who would like to pop in for a cuppa and a chat and/or game of dominoes. All ages welcome BLYTHSWOOD - If you are unable to take goods to the Blythswood containers in Banff or Macduff, please contact Ron Smith 815440 STAMPS KNIT-IN for PEACE. Thanks to all who have been busy with their knitting needles over the summer, particularly to those who responded to our plea for knitted socks. Dates for our Knit-In s are 15th October and 19th November all in Banff Church Hall from 10am- 1pm. All Welcome. For further information contact Lynne on 01466 781135 Our used stamps are now given to Cancer Research. This is such a worthwhile cause. There is a box at the back of the church for your stamps. Leave a half centimetre of envelope around the stamp when you cut them out. Book Club The Book Club meet in Banff Kirk Lounge on the last Thursday of each month. This month we have been reading The Tiger Ladies by Sudha Koul. We will be reading Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson for our meeting on the 27th October. Everyone is welcome to join us for this informal 19 time.
Banff and King Edward Parish Churches Christmas Meal The joint congregational Christmas meal will be held in Banff Church Hall on Friday, 9th December at 6pm for 6.30pm. Further information will be included in the Bulletins and in the next Bridge magazine. Service of Remembrance The service of remembrance organised by Banff Churches Together will be held on Sunday, 13th November in Banff Parish Church. Laying of the poppy wreaths will be at 10.15 at the war memorial on Castle Street followed by the service in Banff Parish Church at 10.50 am. Thanksgiving of Talents Service There will be a Thanksgiving of Talents Service on Sunday, 23rd Oct. when we will thank God for the gifts and talents He gives us all, and say thank you to all our volunteers who use their talents so willingly. FOOD BAG MINISTRY There are people in our community who, for whatever reason, may be going through a difficult time. Some families are having to choose between food and heating can you help? There is a box at the back of the church if you would like to donate items. Food should be non-perishable and well within sell-by date. If you would like to donate but can t come to church please speak to your elder or call the church office (818211) 9
TO DUNK OR NOT? A heated topic of conversation at the church fellowship supper is worth bringing to your attention.. A local session clerk who shall remain anonymous, spoke up strongly about the delights of dunking, steeping and slurping, and most at the table agreed, but there was much debate about what and how! All agreed that dunking [ or steeping ] ginger snaps in tea or coffee is good; digestive or rich tea biscuits are ok, but can be messy; and most disagreed with Great British Bake Off judge, Paul Hollywood, that Jaffa cakes can be dunked. The table largely agreed with Mcvitie s who say Jaffa cakes are not for dunking, but one local minister s wife[ again anonymous] argued that dunking Jaffa cakes in drinking chocolate could be good. What are your views? To help, Wikipedia suggests that Dunking releases more flavour from confections by dissolving the sugars, while also softening their texture. Dunking can be used to melt chocolate on biscuits to create a richer flavour. A biscuit is porous and, when dunked, capillary action draws the liquid into the interstices between the crumbs. Simple! The most popular biscuit to dunk in tea in the United Kingdom is McVitie's chocolate digestive. While modern day dunking has its origins in 16th century naval history, it wasn't until the 19th century and the emergence of afternoon tea in the early Victorian era that Britain began to regard biscuits as something dunked in tea; a British custom that was later exported around the globe, albeit with different attitudes in each country Historically in British high society, but opinion has changed over the years. In the British comedy-drama film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Judi Dench as one of the main characters, explains dunking to her new employer during an interview "lowering the biscuit into the tea and letting it soak in there and trying to calculate the exact moment before the biscuit dissolves, when you whip it up into your mouth and enjoy the blissful union of biscuits and tea combined." Please note this is not to be confused with the other meaning of dunking which was the ordeal by water associated with witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries: when an accused who sank was considered innocent, while floating indicated witchcraft. The Session Clerk is not advocating that as the new method of choosing church elders! This church fellowship discussion then progressed to the delights of slurping your tea out of the saucer, as done by Granpa Broon. The anonymous session clerk said it definitely tastes better that way! What are you views?, To dunk or not; to steep or not; to slurp or not?
We remember with sadness, the following members who have died and those whose funerals were conducted on behalf of King Edward and Banff Parish Churches Mrs Eleanor Swinhoe, Banff. Mr Ian Edwards, Lanerick, Sandyhills Road. Mrs Margaret Wood, Banff. Rondy (Ronald) Clark, Banff Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ministry of Flowers We are grateful to the following who will donate flowers to beautify Banff Church during October 2nd October 9th October 16th October 23rd October 30th October Mrs Gillian McRae Mr & Mrs Ron Morrison Mrs Maureen Kaczmarek Mrs Isabel Cook & Mr & Mrs Will McKay Mrs Joan McDonald Flower Convener : Mrs Pat McLennan (Tel: 815737) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOVEMBER BRIDGE MAGAZINE DEADLINE for submitting information and articles is 16th October The November Bridge will be a King Edward Special edition. The Magazine will not be available until Sunday 6th November. Please give some thought to articles you would like to submit. Email articles to mbrown452@btinternet.com (include Bridge in the subject line) or hand them to Margaret Brown. 21
BANFF PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND - Charity No SC015501 Minister: Rev David I W Locke MA M.Sc., BD Tel: 01261 812107 email:davidlockerev@yahoo.co.uk Pastoral Assistant: Vera Lumsden Tel 07890865931 Session Clerk Mr Andy Taylor 812092 Discipleship Co-ordinator Mrs Moira Gess 815147 Outreach/Worship Co-ordinator Mrs Moira Gess 815147 Fellowship Co-ordinator Mrs Rosie Blanchard 861029 Service Co-ordinator Communion Elder Mr Charlie Smith 815782 Safeguarding Co-ordinator Mr Charlie Smith 815782 Roll Keeper Mrs Alice Hay 815902 Sunday Club Contact Mrs Lillian Brown Church Officer Mr Gordon Mustard 861545 Property Convenor Ron Smith & Ian Cameron 815440 812716 Hall Keeping Team Contact Church Office 818211 Magazine Editor Mrs Janet Simpson 843221 Organist Mr Stephen Pratt 833113 Church Secretary Mrs Janet Simpson 843221 Life and Work Convener Mrs Moira Ingram 812393 Flower Convener Mrs Pat McLennan 815737 Congregational Board Clerk Mrs Irene Tewnion Treasurer/Gift Aid Convener Mr Trevor Leuty 821282 FWO Treasurer Mrs Moira Gess 815147 Congregational Board Chairman Mr Jim Buchan Church Office janetsimpson@banffparishchurchofscotland.co.uk 818211 KING EDWARD CHURCH - Charity No SC015077 Session Clerk Mrs Margaret Brown 821316 Roll Keeper Mrs Nancy Simpson 01888 568602 Treasurers Mr Albert Hay & Mrs Sandra French Fabric Convener Mr Eric Wilson 832951 Church Officer/Hall Keeper Mr Frank Schapitz 821123 Organist Mrs Eleanor Wilson 818240 Flower Convener Mrs Isobel Smith 821348 Guild President Mrs Eleanor Wilson 818240 Hall Committee President Mrs Jayne Pirie 821680 22
Banff and King Edward Parish Churches Banff Parish Church - Charity No. SC 015501 King Edward Parish Church - Charity No. SC 015077 Minister: Rev David I W Locke MA M.Sc., BD Tel: 01261 812107 email:davidlockerev@yahoo.co.uk Children and Family Worker: Lillian Brown Tel 07484090127 Pastoral Assistant: Vera Lumsden Tel 07890865931 Church Office 01261 818211 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sun Oct 2nd 9.30am KE Harvest Thanksgiving/Come to Church Sunday Followed by Harvest Tea in the hall for Tearfund Sun Oct 2nd 11am Banff Harvest Thanksgiving/Come to Church Sunday Tues Oct 4th 2.15pm Service in Doo cot View Followed by Harvest Lunch in the hall for Tearfund Tues Oct 4th 7pm Friendship Group in Banff Church Hall Thur Oct 6th Noon-1.30pm Monthly lunches in Banff Church Hall Fri Oct 7th Banff Primary School Harvest Service Tues Oct 11th 3pm Service in Airlie Gardens Weds Oct 12th 7pm Craft Night in King Edward Hall Sat Oct 15th 10am-1pm Knit-In for Peace in Banff Church Hall Tues Oct 18th 7pm Friendship Group in Banff Church Hall Tues Oct 25th 2.30pm Service in Banff Care Home Weds Oct 26th 7pm Craft Night in King Edward Hall Weds Oct 26th 7pm KAGA Evening in Banff Church Hall Fri Oct 27th 5pm Messy Church in Banff Church Hall REGULAR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Sun 10.45 am Sunday Club in Banff Church Hall Weds 1.30-3pm Coffee n Crèche in Banff Church Hall Weds 3pm-4.45pm High Street Gang in Banff Church Hall Thurs 2pm-4pm Coffee and Company in Banff Church Hall