Friends,
I get the feeling that the world is holding its breath! We’re waiting for something! As a Christian and a preacher, I’d like to think that the world is holding its breath waiting for Advent, Christmas and the gospel that we’re planning to preach over the next few weeks. However, it is more likely that the world is holding its breath waiting to see what it will be like when Donald Trump finally becomes President!
Was the first-century world holding its breath waiting for the coming of the Messiah? Perhaps some individuals had a sense of hope and expectancy; people like Simeon and Anna are heralded in the story as waiting, full of faith and hope, to see Messiah. By and large, the world went about its business, quite unaware of the momentous events taking place in Bethlehem! The Son of God came into the world quietly and hidden to most people. Only a few held their breath, waiting, and were rewarded.
Advent means ‘coming’ and there are two senses in which the church celebrates that idea. The first is the idea with which we are probably more familiar, that we tap into the expectation of Jesus’ coming as a child in Bethlehem. The second sense is largely forgotten by the Christian Church, the idea that Jesus is coming again to the world, trailing clouds of glory, and coming to judge the world. It hasn’t happened yet and generally the church has forgotten that Jesus promised He would return. We have lost that sense of expectancy and we no longer hold our breath, waiting! That’s a pity!
The early Christians had quite a struggle on their hands. They had to fight to keep their identity professing “Jesus is Lord”; the Roman Empire proclaimed “Caesar is Lord” and anyone who would not join in with that declaration was made to suffer. Many Christians became martyrs for their faith, losing their lives because they would not renounce their faith; Jesus was too important to them. Lots of churches struggled to meet: they met in secret places; they communicated with one another by coded messages. Surely this new faith would never survive!
Not only did the church survive but it grew. The Christian faith spread to new places; the Christians grew in their understanding of Jesus and in their trust of Him. Far from being suffocated by their culture, the Christians engaged in mission, telling others about Jesus; they met together for worship; they prayed together; they listened for God’s word together. The church grew stronger, the faith spread. They did all of that, holding their breath, expecting Jesus to return.
There is something in our culture that looks to suffocate religious faith of all kinds. Again, we are the missionary church, needing to discover a sense of mission, and to rediscover the vitality of worship, the value of prayer, and the sheer importance of meeting together with other Christians. Still in the background is Jesus’ promise that He will come again! Are we holding our breath, expecting?
Jean and I wish you a happy Christmas and a new year full of grace and hope.
Jim
Treasurer's News
Accounts for 2016: Excluding any figures for Shaping the Future, I have estimated that there will be a small deficiency between Income and Expenses in our Accounts for this year. However, if we do increase our Givings over the next few weeks we might just make ends meet. Let’s see if we can do it!
Shaping the Future: Very generous donations to fund this project have already been given by many members and non-members and they are very much appreciated. However, despite these donations plus income from a legacy, the sale of the church house, several charitable trusts and a fundraising event we still have a considerable way to go if all the planned work is to be completed. This can be an expensive time of year but please think about making a donation towards this project which will enhance and improve the facilities for the whole community.
Christmas Fayre: One way to improve our financial position is to support the fund-raising stall at the Christmas Fayre (Sat 17 Dec. Midday to 2.00pm). Please look out any presents you have been given in the past but never used or good quality items that you have and you no longer require. Jewellery, toiletries, children’s toys, good books and nick knacks are all acceptable. Take note, we do not want ‘jumble’ but good quality new or nearly new items to sell as ‘last minute Christmas presents’ at the Fayre. Please bring these items along to Church or contact me (453-4029) so that I can pick them up from you.
R Douglas Buchanan, Treasurer
COMMUNITY BIBLE EXPERIENCE
“There is only one way to read the Bible!” Do you think so? Some of us have been discovering that there is more than one way. Community Bible Experience is an initiative of the Scottish Bible Society that was introduced to us in September by Adrian Armstrong, Head of Bible Engagement with the Scottish Bible Society. From then, some 35 people took the book, and our Church Wednesday Bible Study has become “The Book Club” where we have read the whole New Testament in 8 weeks and discovered lots of things we hadn’t seen before. There are still a few copies of the book left; if you want to know more speak to Mr Dewar.
Jim Dewar
GUILD OF FRIENDSHIP
Since September, the Guild has met six times, with good attendances each time. Topics have included the National Library, Quilting, Recycling and the Tent of Nations. Also we enjoyed an excellent recital by musicians from “Live Music Now”.
Our membership stands at 42, slightly fewer than last year. We have two more meetings before Christmas, and a good programme planned for the New Year. The programme is on our notice board in Hall 2, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Elaine Wilson, Joint President.
SHAPING THE FUTURE – BUILDINGS
Shaping the Future – Buildings Update, late November
The work on the buildings project has begun!
The very first part of the project is underway, with workmen clearing away part of the church garden next to the bus stop. Over three to four weeks in November/December, the builder will be creating a new path from the central gate, removing the three steps at the south-west corner of the site. This path to the front of the church will create easy access for wheelchairs and buggies (and those who prefer not to use the steps). It will also allow all to access the church building and halls during the next stage of work in early January when the toilets are being refurbished and Hall 1 upgraded.
Following the Congregation and Session meetings held in September, it was agreed that the project would go ahead in phases: 1. Toilets, 2. Hall 1, 3. External Access, 4. Church Vestibule, 5. Back of Hall 1, 6. Sanctuary.
The Project Group then consulted the architect and builder and a plan was agreed which would reflect this order of events. To maintain a step free access to all areas of the Church buildings during the refurbishment, some external access work would be required ahead of the preferred order. Consequently, the ramped access at the front and east side of the Church will be built first (as described in the first paragraph, above).
The toilet and Hall 1 refurbishment will take place in January ‘17. This area will be sealed off for around three to four weeks, with limited access and a reduced number of toilets in the building. The windows in Hall 1 will be replaced and the improved heating for Hall 1 and the toilets will be installed. Both areas will then be decorated.
The rest of the external access at the rear and east side of the building will be started as soon as the builders are sure that there is safe access to the whole building. Also, drainage and water routes will be investigated/installed for the church vestibule toilet. This external work is weather dependent but, hopefully, will take place in January/February.
Stages 1 – 3 should, therefore, be completed by March. Further Updates on a Sunday and in the next Church News will keep you informed about progress and the plans for phases 4-6.
Andrew Watson
on behalf of the Project Group
Halls Cleaning
Checking and tidying the halls are the main duties of the cleaning teams, and this is continuing, carried out by teams of two, taking a turn every eight weeks. On occasion a bit of sweeping or hoovering is required, as some groups do not clean up as thoroughly as they are asked to do. On the whole, the halls are kept in good order, ready for use.
A few new volunteers would be welcome, as often members would like to give up after several years' service. Anyone interested should get in touch with me.
Elaine Wilson
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The first Breakfast Meeting of Session 2016/17 took place on Sunday 23rdOctober with Michael Merriman and Ian Aitken leading a discussion on the topic “Pressures of Life with many we know- How can we help as a Church?” Michael reminded the men of 5 previous discussions concerning changes in society and in Christian congregations. Ian highlighted recent changes in behaviour in society through home-based entertainment and use of computers, laptops, etc., replacing real friendships and making people feel more isolated. Greater use of cars and public transport can add to less and less personal connections. With people living longer, family members scattered away from parent’s home base, many personal issues, and an increasing secular society, how can we help as a Church?
The discussion that followed highlighted that there are different social networks with different challenges for the Church to build relationships with people from these different groups. It was suggested that the Kirk structure with many Committees and Courts is a drawback to finding solutions to this problem. Also, the increasing amalgamation of Church Communities does not seem to be addressing the “how”. The challenge to the Men’s Fellowship and others in the Church is to find a way to reach out to the different groups within the community and build relationships that will bring people to God and Jesus Christ and enable them to recognise that we can all be “people belonging to God”..
At the time of writing, we look forward to the next Breakfast Meeting on Sunday, 27th November when Ken Richards will give a talk on the topic “The Isle of Arran – God’s creation of Scotland in miniature”.
The Nurture Team are now planning a Men’s Dinner for a date in February/early March 2016.Anyone wishing more details about the Fellowship Meetings or have suggestions concerning speakers or format please speak to Ian Aitken or Michael Merriman, both members of the Nurture Team.
Nurture Team
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2 v 9,
Fresh Start
There are booklets at the front of the Sanctuary with information about FreshStart'slatest project. These are updated quarterly so please feel free to take them.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support this year and in particular, Marilyn Godon for her guidance and help.
Marjorie Hope
Girlguiding Juniper Green
Winter Update
Hello everyone! I’m Fiona and I recently took on the role of Harlaw Division Commissioner within Girlguiding Edinburgh. The Division covers Juniper Green, Currie, Balerno, Ratho and over the summer we welcomed four units from Sighthill into the Division.
We’ve been doing various exciting activities in Juniper Green since the term restarted. The Rainbows have been collecting items to put together some shoeboxes to send to boys and girls in other countries this Christmas time.
My Brownie unit went on their first ever pack holiday in August to the Brownie House at Stanemuir where the theme was Roald Dahl. We did lots of crafts, got messy making chocolate bars and made caves that the BFG Giants would have been proud of!
Jean’s Brownie unit went on an adventure to Tesco in Colinton where they took part in the Farm to Fork activity. They learned about how the food they find on the supermarket shelves is produced and got to try some healthy snacks (including prunes!) and had a great time in their High-Vis tabards.
Some members of the Guide unit went on a Division Camp to Fordell Firs where they took part in activities like grass sledging, climbing and abseiling. The Young Leader at the Guides, Kayleigh, did a fantastic job performing in this year’s Gang Show at the Kings Theatre – she was brilliant!
We held our fundraising coffee evening in October with different games stalls, home baking, a tombola and crafts that had an eco-friendly theme – they were all made from recycled materials, including making bags and brooches from t-shirts. We raised an impressive £515 from this evening and the chocolate quizzes that were available in church. Thank you to everyone who came along and took part or completed a quiz.
Our congratulations also go to Sandra Gibb who was awarded her badge for completing 20 years of service to Girlguiding at the Annual Review in November. Here’s to the next 20! A big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers in Juniper Green who do a brilliant job helping to run the units and giving the girls a great time.
Fiona Elliot
SHOEBOXES
On Wednesday 9th November 150 wrapped, filled boxes were delivered to the Blythswood Edinburgh sorting base. What a fantastic effort this is from the congregation. THANK YOU ALL – to everyone who contributed boxes, paper, goods, money and time - it was a real team effort!
Goods and boxes were collected during September and October; boxes were wrapped by 6 ladies of the wrapping squad at the manse table at the end of October; 10 folk filled the boxes on 7th November and then they were off. At the checking station I was asked how we managed to get all our boxes to be the right size, well wrapped, labelled and banded! When I explained our system and the squads we used, I was told that our boxes would not need to be checked…hooray. Into each box will be placed a book for children, or a calendar for adults in the language of the country to which they are going, though this year I forgot to ask which country that would be! In addition to the boxes I handed over a sizable sum of money to go towards their transportation to Eastern Europe.
As you prepare for Christmas and open your gifts on the day can I ask you to spare a few minutes at some point to remember all those who will be recipients of these precious boxes. The wrapping paper and the boxes will be kept and the contents delighted over. They are filled with what we consider necessities plus a very few additional items. We do not know the names of the folk who will receive the boxes but God knows them and holds them in His hand. Pray that the boxes will bring a smile to faces and that through His might and our endeavours folk may be lifted out of the poverty which makes these boxes a necessity. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself”…whoever that neighbour might be and whatever his name.
Jean Dewar
The Green Strollers
As the walking calendar draws to a close, we look back on a successful, but sometimes, challenging year.
Our latest adventure was in October when 25 strollers set out for an extended four day weekend in Melrose.
Autumn had arrived in all its glory and the weather was excellent. It was a chance to walk in beautiful surroundings, explore the countryside and enjoy the company of old and new friends. It was also a chance to have fun and discover new skills.
One final walk around Musselburgh and Portobello, then it will be time for our annual Strollers meal and also time to set out a calendar of events for next year.