Church Magazine - 168 Aug/Sep 1998
Dear Friends - From the Assistant Minister
In Brief - News of People
Forthcoming Events
Open Door - Points for Prayer
A Thank you - from Elsie
Look at the Cross
Search for new hymns goes on
Cathie Aberdour's letter - Highlights
From the Assistant Minister ...
Dear Friends,
I wonder what you think of the word "martyr". The way we use it today tends to confer a rather negative connotation. 'Oh, he's a real martyr!'— often someone who makes a meal of things, and likes other people to know just how long-suffering they are. But real martyrdom is a much more noble thing.
Recently ten new statues were unveiled at the entrance to Westminster Abbey, each representing someone who was killed, this century, more or less directly because of their Christian faith. They were brave men and women who stood true to what they believed in, and refused to compromise their testimony even in the face of the threat of death. And they paid the ultimate price for that stand.
Even in our age of increasing self preoccupation, when people talk more and more in terms of rights, and less and less in terms of responsibilities, more of what I can get out of life than what I can give to my fellows, we still retain a sense of respect and admiration for such people of unwavering selfless conviction. Perhaps it's because it makes us feel a little better about the human race just to know there are still some who are beyond the tentacles of materialism and self seeking, who cannot be bought at any price. So, we can look at such statues and feel good about ourselves, even though such extremism is something that we personally find a little uncomfortable.
It comes as rather a shock, then, to discover that every single Christian is in fact called to be a 'martyr' for Jesus! The word in Greek means one who testifies, or a witness and it is used all through the New Testament to refer to believers witnessing about Christ, by word and deed, in every area of life. And the Bible simply cannot envisage any believer who would not be a witness, however difficult the circumstances. And, especially in the early centuries of the Church, times of persecution made the circumstances very hard indeed. That is why the word 'martyr' (witness) became associated with death, simply because so many believers refused to stop witnessing even though it cost them their lives.
But, it is almost certainly true that there has been more persecution and martyrdom of believers throughout this century than at any time in the Church's history. In other parts of the world, brothers and sisters in Christ are still dying for their faith in great numbers—just look at Sudan today for one example.
And yet, the amazing thing is that where there is such persecution, and even martyrdom, there the Church is nevertheless growing both in strength and in numbers. As one of the early Church fathers said of the persecutions under the Roman Empire, "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church". We are in a spiritual battle, and God uses such testimony for his glory. As we are reminded in Revelation 12:11, victorious believers in all ages 'overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.' Witness for Christ was all they lived for.
We Christians in the western world today know very little indeed of this kind of costly witnessing. That is perhaps one reason why the Church is in such decline. Since the 'Christianisation' of the Roman Empire under Constantine in the 4th century right up until the middle of the 20th century, we have generally lived in countries whose constitution and laws have largely been built on Christian morality, and we have not had to live in conflict with society, or find ourselves the victims of hostile and antagonistic laws. But now, things are changing with increasing pace.
One of the things we have been seeing in our Sunday evening studies on Contemporary Issues is just how extensively our society is shrugging off its Christian heritage, with the result that being true to the values taught in Scripture, and the beliefs the Church has cherished for nearly two millennia, puts us increasingly on a collision course with the prevailing culture around us. In a climate of increasing hostility towards orthodox Christian faith, inevitably there comes a time when a decision is forced upon us: either to stand up, nail our colours to the mast, and show that we are determined to be true to our God, and his ways, whatever it may cost us—in scorn from work-mates or family, in a lost promotion, in a broken relationship; or to capitulate to the ways of the world, to hide away our light under a bushel, and snuff out our witness altogether.
As yet, in this country at least, we are not faced with issues that demand of us such a stand on principle that may cost us our lives, or even our imprisonment. But with the increasing march of paganism, and the advancing hegemony of pluralism, we dare not glibly think that such a time could never come. Would you and I be able to stand firm if to maintain our integrity and witness meant death were inevitable? Could you be a martyr for Christ's sake? But, that is the price of real discipleship of Jesus: 'Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.' (Rev 2:10).
One thing is for sure: the martyr spirit does not appear out of the blue when the crisis comes. If our faith in Christ will not make small but important sacrifices for the sake of our witness now, it will not rise to make great, momentous sacrifices in the future. If our stand for Christ is not worth the pain of a snide comment, or being the butt of a joke, or losing a job over, or even missing out on our favourite hobby to be with the Lord's people on his day, is it likely that, if the crunch came, it would be worth losing our life for?
Paul says, 'Put yourselves to the test and judge yourselves, to find out whether you are living in faith.' (2 Cor 13:5) It's never a bad thing to review our priorities, is it?
Yours sincerely
William Philip
Congratulations to our student members and associate members on success in their exams, especially to our elder, Tom Sunderland on his graduation as a doctor (he is already an experienced dentist!).
Congratulations to Albert and Dorothy Allan of Bucksburn Nursing Home on the celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary!
We say farewell to several members and associate members too: our best wishes go to Kathy Buchan, a very long standing member who has served as an elder for a number of years. Kathy was also magazine editor before Alan. We also remember Kathy's leadership of children's missions and now wish her God's rich blessings as she settles in a church nearer to her home in Methlick (though her work takes her far afield these days). Thank you Kathy.
We are also sad to say goodbye to Catherine Macdougall who is off to start work in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, as part on her ongoing training in paediatrics. We wish her well. Going even further away to their home in Egypt are Manel Gendy with the boys, Amir and Nahir. They will have left Tillydrone by the time you read this. Atef will accompany the family to Egypt but will return to Aberdeen in late August to complete his PhD. We are so appreciative of all the Gendy's have contributed to St George's, particularly in the way of hospitality and also Manel's beautiful flower arrangements in church which have been her special form of service.
After typing the weekly church notice sheet for 5 years, Marjory Miara has taken a well-earned rest, and Andrew Bromiley has taken on the task. Our thanks to Marjory for all her help.
We note with sadness the death of one of our members, David Adams, and remember his family who live in Yorkshire. We were also saddened to hear of the death of another of our members, Mrs Irene Murray, and remember her husband Lewis in his loss.
Some will remember Paul Beautyman who lived in 2c. He works for the Board of National Mission now and is to be married on Sept 5 to Pauline Neilson in St Cuthbert's Church. Our best wishes to Paul and Pauline!
Markus Manjang, our former Careforce Worker from Nigeria has written recently. He hopes to complete his diploma in accountancy in August and then work for a year before going on to further study. He celebrated his 25th birthday on July 1. He sends his regards to all who remember him
Several members have been going through times of illness or sorrow. One has been our senior elder, Elsie McGregor (see her note below). We also remember in prayer Rev Margaret Garden of Fintray, Keith Hall and Kinellar (and our locum during the last vacancy). Margaret is signed off work as she is undergoing a year of chemotherapy.
In a recent letter, Ron McDowell wrote of his Licensing Service in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. It was a happy evening! David Trimble is a very regular attendee of Harmony Hill Church where Ron is assistant minister for two more years. He is involved in organising a holiday club and setting up young peoples' work with the local Baptist and Church of Ireland churches, among other commitments. He's is enjoying living in his own place: 85 Drumbeg Road, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 9LF.
Jane Fucella wrote from Thailand, while still convalescing after the serious bout of dengue fever that she (and Mike) had. Pray for a return to full strength. Their new pastor, Pastor Pytoon is now in Sivilai and he and his wife are throwing themselves into the work.
Jane Howitt in Riga, Latvia with Scripture Union is in the midst of camp work at Saldus in July and early August. She will have another short trip home to Scotland after the camps.
It was a joy to have Ian and Fay Kirby with Catherine and Alistair in St George's on Sunday 17th May. They return to Bishkek in Krygyzstan on July 14 where they will have a new home and new commitments at a Bible College to look forward to. A school for missionary kids will soon be opening in Bishkek.
John and Lesley Hay (OMF, Japan) had to fly back to Glasgow at the end of June for surgery for Lesley.
Good news for Ken Jeffrey (our Summer Assistant in 1997); he has been accepted as a candidate for the Church of Scotland Ministry (transferring from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland) and will continue with his PhD studies and as part-time Assistant at Bridge of Don: Oldmachar Church.
Sat 15th Aug - Mission Aviation Fellowship will be holding their Flying Day from 11:00am to 4:00 pm. The event will take place at Shempston Farm Airstrip,
Duffus (near Elgin). There will be an opportunity for some to fly with
MAF and for others to visit Merchandise Stalls, meet MAF pilots, see a
MAF Aircraft, watch Video Presentations, enter Competitions etc. Admission
is free. Bring the Family and Friends for an enjoyable day. See MAF Flying Day for more details and directions to the Airstrip.
Training Course – Protection of Children and Young People. A further course is to be held at St Mark's Church on Sunday 6th Sept, 2pm-4.30 pm. This will accommodate those who have not attended training and any new people coming forward to work with children. Please note, should an incident occur, the Church of Scotland will not support you if you have not attended the Training Course. Kathleen Fraser (Co-ordinator)
"Do not
be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil 4:6
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who showed such care and concern for me before, during and after my stay in hospital. Your prayers, cards, flowers and visits were very much appreciated.
God bless you all.
Elsie McGregor
Yes, do look at the Celtic cross at the front of the church next time you attend a service at St George's. It was make by Mac Graham, who worshipped at St George's with his wife Ada for many years. A patternmaker by trade, Mac was a gifted DIY expert. Hardly a week went by when Mac and Ada weren't to be found in the church repairing something. In his late 70's Mac put up the curtain rails in the church hall and Ada and Gladys Mundie helped with the curtains.
Mac hardly ever had to be asked to do a job. He cared for St George's so much that he looked after it as if it were his home. We thank the Lord for Mac's faithful, caring service. As Sassenachs, we learnt a lot about beautiful Scotland from Mac and Ada who walked and climbed all over the country and sailed its coast. Mac was a quiet man and we are thankful that Mac went to be with the Lord quietly. Our sympathy goes to Ada who has lost a beloved, like-minded partner.
Catherine Evans
The Church of Scotland committee working on a revision of the hymn book has received more than 20,000 comments on texts and tunes from 860 different sources. But though the public response was substantial over hymns to be excluded, very few have come up with suggestions of new items to be included, a report out today reveals
This may be due, says the committee, to most users of the third edition of the Church Hymnary, currently in use, having little experience of other contemporary hymnaries
Last year a high level of interest was shown by churches and individuals when the list of proposed "excluded" hymns was presented by the committee. The comments were noted and classified and, says the report, "will be considered in conjunction with new hymns suggested for inclusion
The report, due to come before the General Assembly of the Kirk when it meets in May, expresses disappointment that very few comments were made on the place of contemporary material in the Church's song. "A hymn book, by any definition, is a complicated document, representing among other things the liturgical practice of its users, the theology of the church and the devotional aspirations of the church members", the committee says.
Now it is inviting suggestions for additional texts and tunes for consideration and the General Assembly will be asked to encourage the continuing consultations in respect of new material
Throughout the process of selection, says the report, the words, not the music, are given priority. "The committee is seeking texts which are accessible in their language structure, clear in their words and crafted in such a way as to be relevant both in the contemporary world and in the longer term."
Forty-seven congregations are currently testing hymns.
The cowboy says, "Writing hymns is harder than I thought! I can't think of anything that rhymes with 'Hallelu' except 'Irish Stew' and 'Peek-a-boo'!"Cathie Aberdour's letter - Highlights
This is the day that Scotland plays Brazil in the World Cup. A bunch of Brazilian friends are going to be arriving to watch the game with us. The whole of Brazil stops for this event and if, perchance, you have to go to work, there would be strikes all over if there wasn't a TV right there at work for everyone to watch. Many streets are painted all over with Brazilian symbols. A Scottish friend made sure that I knew which side I was going to be rooting for, and sent me a cute Scottish cap and tee shirt. I'll be all decked out in that along with a tartan skirt as I watch the game – a lone voice yelling for Scotland amidst all the yellow and green of the Brazilian supporters!
And if I survive and the Brazilians don't silence me for ever, then Judy and I plan to leave for White Lake on June 23rd. We plan to stay there for a month and then go on to the Monkey River village for a further six weeks, getting back to Manaus at the beginning of September. We have been sending messages to the Apurina via commercial radio stations, letting them know when we're arriving and asking them to make sure that the airstrips are cleared. We don't know for sure that they will receive them.
Please pray for us during these ten weeks with the Apurina. I'd like to check out the differences in the language spoken by the very primitive Apurina who live an hour's walk into the jungle from White Lake, to see if the same Scripture translation can be used by them. I'd also like to revise our first draft translation of Genesis and have it in one book instead of the various booklets that we have at present. Judy's knee is doing well after her knee replacement surgery in February, but remember her as she climbs in and out of canoes and climbs up into houses on stilts.
Thanks for all your prayers, letters, gifts etc. Bye for now.
In Him, Cathie
Church Telephone Directory
The church magazine in print includes a list of telephone numbers of contact
persons within the church. We do not intend publishing this on our web
site - however if you would like a copy, please e-mail George
and we will gladly send you one.
From the editor...
Many of you submit articles which you have typed on computers. You
then print them off and give them to me. I then type them in again. It
would make my job much easier if you could give me the disks (in any pc
format) and the paper. I'm quite happy to return disks later.
St George's-Tillydrone magazine is edited by Alan Duncan. The church web site is at http://www.ifb.co.uk/~tillybin/stgeorge. Submissions are welcome by email, on disk or on paper (in that order of preference). Contributions may be edited. Copy date for the next magazine is 20 Sept 1998. Thanks to Ray Hepburn, Dorothy Irvine and Jackie Hamilton, for regular help with photocopying, folding etc. Web site mastered by George McLeod at Tillybin.