Church Magazine - 163 - October 1997
Dear Friends - Minister's Letter
Diana - a view from the pew
Open Door - Points for Prayer
With a song in my heart
Friendship Hour
In Brief
Services in St George's - and other
events
Riga Report
Do you pay tax?
The scale of the impact the death of the Princess of Wales had upon so many millions of people surprised even the most experienced of Royal watchers and media observers, as the whole country - not to mention other parts of the world - literally came to a standstill on the day of her funeral.
No doubt there are many things which could be said about the tragedy and its aftermath, but one thing is certainly true: These last weeks have provided an interesting window into the spiritual state of our nation.
One short letter of the many hundreds that appeared in the national newspapers encapsulated the heart of the matter in a single sentence: "Sir, is it not a sad reflection on our society that all shops will be closed today (Saturday) for Diana, but not tomorrow (Sunday) for God?" Indeed. An eloquent reminder that the respect and worship once lovingly accorded to the Lord Jesus Christ is now lavished largely upon idols made in our own image - the "icons of the 20th century" of whom Princess Diana was, apparently, chief.
The great outpouring of grief and emotion was in some ways deeply moving, of course, and it is right that we should seek to mourn with our fellow men and women, and share in their grief. But one could not help being struck by the helplessness - and hopelessness - of so much of it. People did not know what to do, or how to react, hence the recourse to the endless bunches of flowers forming "shrines" that are still being cleared from the streets all over the world. They seemed to be searching for a comfort that remained agonisingly elusive.
For suddenly the comfortable illusion of a world devoid of any thought of the eternal - a world in which many people today manage to live most of the time - had been shattered by the intrusion of the harsh reality of death. The implications of this death could not be avoided because at every turn it was there, on everyone's lips, on every television program, in every newspaper. It had to be faced.
And so, paradoxically, even churches normally scorned and shunned were opened by popular demand as people searched desperately for ways of coping with this sudden jolt to their thinking, this sudden intrusion of eternal realities into their conscious thought.
Why so? The Bible says "God has set eternity in the hearts of men...;" and when forced to by moments of crisis, that sense of the eternal is awoken. But when men and women have shut God out from their lives, or filled his place with gods or goddesses of their own making, they remain lost, hopelessly wandering. As the verse goes on "...yet they cannot fathom what he has done from beginning to end." (Eccl 3:11). And they cannot be comforted, for their only conclusion when faced with life's many ups and downs is that of the wisdom teacher in summing up life without a knowledge of God at its centre: "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless" (Eccl 1:2). And so they come, and gather in churches, and in parks, they light candles, and leave flowers and teddy bears. But they are still lost, and wandering, and helpless; and they are not comforted.
The Lord Jesus once sat on the Mount of Olives looking across the valley to Jerusalem and wept over the hopeless blindness that kept the crowds of people enslaved in meaningless religious ritual, and stopped them from finding real peace and joy and comfort in the Son of God whom they refused to recognise.
"I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest".
Could this perhaps be the lesson we as the Church are meant to learn from all this?
Yours,
William Philip
Assistant Minister
During the week following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, I met two kinds of people. The first were those who found themselves surprised at how readily the tears came, who went to see the flowers, perhaps even laid some. The second were those who had their tickets for the Scotland-Belarus game and who couldn't understand why the match had to be rescheduled and what all the fuss was about. I must say that I was in the first group - I was never one for football anyway!
Oh, and there was a third kind. There were some who viewed the growing respect and the increasing admiration for our departed Princess as some new form of idolatry. That this apparent worship of a human being in all her admitted faults was something somehow un-scriptural or un-Christian.
As the nation watched the images of all the deeds of Diana, or at least those which had reached the camera's eye, the Bible verse which came to my mind was from Philippians - "whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is attractive, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, think on these things."
The most enduring picture that I saw was of a home video of Diana's visit to someone and their family living in just an ordinary house. I didn't catch why she made the visit, she was late because she couldn't find the house, but she found herself a seat on the settee and chatted so naturally to the family. She brought hope and laughter and beauty into a situation where before there had been unhappiness and despair.
It seems to me that what I was watching was a living icon. Icons have long since fallen out of fashion in our modern Presbyterian church. The idea of worshipping something carved from wood or stone, or a beautiful painting, rather than the risen Lord, is not something to be encouraged! And yet the early church didn't worship these things, they used them to help them focus on the reality of the God who is with us.
Our children today understand icons. They find them on their computer screens. They are small stylised pictures that you point and click at, and up comes your favourite game or whatever. Our children don't confuse icons with the real thing - but they don't ignore them either.
I believe that in our loss of Diana, Princess of Wales, we all have lost someone who was a demonstration, an icon, of what one person could do. She never claimed to be perfect or to be able to solve all the world's problems. But she did do what she believed she had to do - to do what was right, to bring hope, to fight for the downtrodden, - to do what she could.
I also believe that what we have seen, over recent weeks, has been a genuine spiritual awakening within our nation. Funerals are very often times when those who have been bereaved re-examine their spiritual values and beliefs. It is my view that this historic event has shaken a whole nation, and people throughout the world, into re-examining our own motives and our attitude to the poor, the homeless, the victims of war and of AIDS.
Diana has indeed become an icon for us. The challenge, to those who would name Jesus as Lord, is to build on this spiritual awakening, for us to help to point the way to the one who is the great Healer - the one who can wipe away every tear.
George McLeod
(the above appeared in a slightly shortened form in the printed
magazine)
Open
Door - Points for Prayer
Muriel Collie
With a song
in my heart
During the last war the BBC used to broadcast programmes like "Music While You Work" and "Worker's Playtime"; programmes that encouraged folk to sing and to lift up their spirits in a difficult period of their lives. As a result, many folk learnt to sing popular songs and, up until today, they still remember the words and tunes! Mrs Fettes was one such person. She would only have to hear a popular song or hymn and she would raise her painful hands and burst into song. Mrs Fettes was a woman of great courage. According to her, there was always someone worse off than she. The pain she experienced was excruciating at times but until the last few years, she always rallied round and was the life and soul of any group. I have memories of a group of us visiting the ARI at Foresterhill and whilst travelling up in the lift singing "The more we are together, the merrier we'll be".
However, there was a serious and concerned side to Mrs Fettes. She took a great interest in Celia Ensum's work amongst the poor children in the shanty towns around Lima in Peru. She prayed for Celia and often asked me to send a gift to "that quine in Peru" - for the "bairnies". The Lord loves a cheerful giver.
Mrs Fettes was loved and cared for by her family and their spouses; especially Win and Harry and Kathleen and Alistair who were treasures and did all that they could help, and make life more comfortable for Mother.
Catherine Evans
Friendship Hour
Oct 2nd - Story Time with Helen Stewart.
Oct 9th - Led by Cathie Aberdour - our missionary partner.
Oct 16th - Focus on Tear Fund with Val and Tony Martin.
Oct 23rd - Led by Nita Cruickshank (Rhona's mum).
Oct 30th - Slides and Talk on the Holy Land by Mary Ross.
Nov 6th - Rev and Mrs Jeffrey - talk and sing-along.
Nov 13th - Led by Cindy Skinner of S.I.M., Pakistan
Nov 20th - Story Time with Alice Harper.
Nov 27th - Talk and slides on Latvia by Rev Shirley Fraser.
Sarah Clare Laing, daughter of Rob and Clare (and sister of Rory) was baptised on Sept 21st.
We extend our sympathy to the family of Harry and Win Armstrong, in the loss of Mrs Alexina Fettes (see Tribute above) and to Margaret James and her family, in the loss of Margaret's husband Malcolm, who used to attend church very regularly with her until his illness prevented that. We also express our sympathy to the family and friends of one of our oldest members, Mrs Margaret Gray, who died suddenly at home, before she could move into sheltered housing. She will always be remembered as a very gracious Christian lady, who had a great sense of humour and who gave so much of herself to others. She enjoyed several Friendship Hour Holidays in Crieff, when she was the "dominoes champion". Until she was no longer able, she, like her friend Mrs Fettes, loved attending our services.
Several members or associate members have been on the move. Ruth Foster has found accommodation in Edinburgh where she is training to be a primary school teacher. Claire Wilkinson has also started work in the Crown Office in Edinburgh. Andrew Randall is glad to have found a flat to rent, in anticipation of his marriage to Kay Murray on Oct 17th (in Macduff Parish Church). Dr Eileen Mackie is now working in Glasgow and Dr Pam Ewen in Inverness. Also on the marriage front: congratulations to Eric Lightly on his marriage to Sheena McDonald and Zelie Appleton on her marriage to Richard Pippiett.
Also on the move are Mark and Penelope Wallace, with Eleanor and Andrew. Mark and Penny came to St George's separately, and became deeply involved in its life ... and then in one another's lives! They have both served as elders; Mark has led the Junior Church in the past year; Penny has led the Parents and Toddlers Group and both have filled so many other spaces. They will be very much missed, but we wish them God's richest blessings as they settle as a family in Nottingham, where Mark has secured a research post.
Another of our Associate Members, Eileen Smith, has completed her M.Sc. and so she moves on too, with our warm good wishes.
After a break in August which included some time in Hong Kong, Rhona Cruickshank is back in Zheng Zhou, but studying Chinese at a different centre. She'll have some new colleagues too.
Sammeh Gabriel from Egypt has spent the summer in Saudi Arabia with his family, but will be starting at University in Cairo this autumn. Our good wishes to him and also to Hazel Fraser and Joanne Miara as they begin college courses shortly.
Ken Jeffrey, who was our Summer Assistant for 3 weeks has written up an excellent report of his survey within Tillydrone - we are delighted that Ken has been appointed to work part time in Bridge of Don Church Extension Church, with Graham Black.
Congratulations to Tony Stephen, the leader of the Banchory-Seattle group who made such a different to our Halls this summer. Tony got engaged to Fiona Charles from Bucksburn on Aug 18th, 3 days after he and the team had left St George's. A well kept secret!
When Catherine Evans left, Helen Moffat took over the organising of the volunteer cleaning of the church on Saturday. Thanks to Helen for taking on this task, which she has now passed on to Kenny and Aileen Williamson. We still require more assistance, especially when there is a fifth Saturday in a month.
Shirley Fraser will be on holiday from Nov 7 - 13 and Willie Philip will be on holiday from Nov 15 - 22.
With the start of our Alpha Course on Sept 25th, the House Groups will not be meeting. We have also changed the dates of the Wednesday Midweek Fellowship Meetings for the coming few weeks to Oct 1, 15 and 29; Nov 12 and 26; Dec 10. Do please come a join us at 8 pm on these evenings and also on a Sunday at 10 am in the vital work of prayer.
Musicians. When Kay moves to Edinburgh after her wedding, our need for more musicians will become even greater. We do thank everyone who has helped in leading our worship. Not only do we require more keyboard players to share the Sunday services rota, but we also need someone (keyboard or guitar) to play for Meadow Court services (third Sunday of each month at 3 pm).
In response to calls for the Church of Scotland to provide more support for ministers and their families, the Board of Ministry is launching a 24 hour helpline which will give Manse families access to telephone counselling support from Oct 27, 1997. However, this helpline is only part of the answer. Ministers, their spouses and children sometime need someone to talk to face to face. Often this needs to be someone who is far removed from the local situation. If you would be prepared to be considered for inclusion in a directory of professionally qualified counsellors, please send your details to Rev John Chalmers, Depute General Secretary of the Board of Ministry, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN. Enquirers will be contacted directly and will not be committing themselves to any more than receiving further details. If you have any questions or queries about this Scheme please phone John Chalmers on 0131 225 5722 Ext 309.
St George's Prayer Chain. If anyone would like more information on joining this, please contact Mrs Mary Ross. Forthcoming Events
Sun Oct 12 11.15 Cathie Aberdour (our missionary partner in Brazil),
followed by fellowship lunch.
Sun Oct 19 11.15 Harvest Thanksgiving with a fellowship lunch. Gifts of
flowers for housebound members and money gifts for the work of TEAR fund
Sun Oct 26 11.15 Baptism at the morning service.
Sun Nov 9 10.50 Remembrance Sunday Service with retiral offering for the
Earl Haig Poppy Fund.
Sun Nov 23 11.15 Girl's Brigade Dedication during the service.
Other Events
Sat Oct 11 9.30 am - 1 pm Book Fair in Langstane Kirk.
Sat Oct 11 - Mon Oct 13. Scripture Union Weekend for children, at Kilravock
Castle. There has been a huge demand for places! Remember to pray for Jackie
Ringan and her team which will include George McLeod and Mary Mumo from
St George's. We hope that an S.U. group will begin in Donbank Primary School.
Sat Dec 6 10 am - noon Instant Neighbour Fayre in Queen's Cross Church,
followed, from 1 pm - 3 pm, by "Promise Auction".
"And Betty, please tell Jane that the photos I took have come out well". Those were my words to Betty Smith, our former Summer Assistant (who is now minister of St Mark's Drumchapel) as she got ready to follow in my footsteps in a visit to Jane Howitt in Riga, Latvia. Some of you met Jane when she spoke at our midweek fellowship. Jane is a Church of Scotland minister who is working full time with Scripture Union in the Baltic States, based in Riga. It was great to see the city and to be able now to picture Jane ... in her flat .... at the market .... on the trolley buses ... at the post office to open her mail box ... at her Baptist church ... at the campsite near Salolus ... with her people. I was privileged to meet Jane's two co-workers in Latvia; Edgars (who is pastor of the Baptist Church where she worships, and who is writing daily Bible reading notes for S.U.) and Daiga (who like Edgars, works part time for S.U.). These are certainly days of opportunity for the peoples of Latvia and other former Soviet Countries after the tragic years of oppression and restrictions in terms of worship and Christian witness. Let's not neglect to pray for Jane and her colleagues in that vital work.
Shirley A. Fraser
Do you pay tax?
If so, why not think about taking out a covenant to make your giving to the church more effective? If you can agree to give regularly to the church then we can claim back 25 pence from the Inland Revenue for every pound you give, at no extra cost to yourself - can we say fairer than that?! Why not discuss this with Muriel Collie, our covenants organiser. Please also continue to remember our financial problems at St George's; here are a few facts to bear in mind: we face a deficit of around £13,000 at the end of this financial year; it costs around £800 per week to run the church. Please pray this over and be prepared to become involved in the answers to your prayers!
Alan Duncan (Stewardship Promoter)
St George's-Tillydrone Church magazine is edited by Alan
Duncan. Submissions are welcome by email, on disk or on paper (in that
order of preference). Copy date for the next magazine is 23 November 1997.
Thanks to Kay Murray, Ray and Sandy Hepburn and Dorothy Irvine and Jackie
for regular help with photocopying, folding etc. Web site mastered by George
McLeod .