RosythMethodistChurch StMargaret’sScottishEpiscopalChurch

Contact thenewsletterofthepartnershipbetweenRosythMethodistChurchandStMargaret’sScottishEpiscopalChurch

Issue89February/March2017

2

inpartnershipOurpartnershipisformallyrecognisedasaLocalEcumenicalPartnership,withaconstitutionandCovenantsignedon14June2000

RosythMethodistChurchScottishCharitySC028559www.rosythmethodist.org.ukStMargaret’sScottishEpiscopalChurchScottishCharitySC028426www.stmargaretsrosyth.org.uk

Minister: RevDrHelenJenkins 01506842333CoordinatingSteward: DavidSalthouse 01383889212PastoralSecretary: GwynethKirby 01383624779ChurchCouncilSecretary: SandraWilson 01383415885Treasurer:DaveWard 01383414944

Rector: RevAlisonCozens 01383732654VestrySecretary: SandraYoung 01383415021Treasurer: *GordonPryde 01383860450

ourregularpatternofworship Sundays(except4th) 9.30am SungEucharist (occasionally9.15am—seediarypagesfordetails) 11.00am MorningWorship (includingSundaySchool) 1stSundays:(startingMarch) 6.00pm “Sunday@Six” 4thSundays:Worshiptogether 9.00am Breakfastand“MessyChurch”(duringtermtime) 11.00am JointCommunionService

whereto indusOntheroad:ourpostaladdressisQueensferryRoad,Rosyth,Dunfermline,KY112JH,andyou’ll indusatthejunctionofQueensferryRoadandWoodsideAvenue.ThisisashortwalkfromRosythRailstation.Thecarparkisbehindthechurch.Localon-streetparkingislimited,butthereismuchmoreparkingspaceatthejunctionwithParkRoad.

* An asterisk indicates a change since the last issue

3

Contact NewsletteroftheMethodist—EpiscopalianlocalecumenicalpartnershipinRosyth

Issue89:February/March2017

ContentsContents..................................................................................................................................PageNoFromtheEditor’sdesk...................................................................................................................4Consultationonthenameofourbuilding–HowardKirby............................................4IntroducingRevDrMichaelPaterson–MichaelPaterson.............................................5Enquirycorner–theEditors...........................................................................................................5What’scomingup–SandraYoung........................................................................................6-7CentenaryCelebrations–GwynethKirby...............................................................................8TheAnniversaryservice&AnniversaryAppeal–DaveWard&HowardKirby....8Worlddayofprayer2017–MaryKidd....................................................................................9Makingmusic–SandraYoung..................................................................................................10Givingtocharities..........................................................................................................................11 ByTriangleCoffeeShop–DaveWard............................................................................11 AletterfromMalawi–SandraYoung.................................................................11&32 ChristmasQuiz&AFC,WaterAid–JeanHall..................................................11&29FellowshipNews............................................................................................................................12 Welcomeandchurchfamilynews–SandraYoung.................................................12 EDWJ–JackFowell..........................................................................................................12-13 Coffee,cakeandcraftgroup–JeanHall........................................................................13 WednesdayFellowship–MaryKidd...............................................................................13Somechangestoourworshippattern–SandraYoung................................................13DiaryDates–SandraYoung...............................................................................................14-19Godvotesforus–MichaelPaterson...............................................................................20-21OneMinuteplease.........................................................................................................................21ImaginingBaptism–AndrewLetby.................................................................................22-25CircuitCollaboration–AnAnnouncement.........................................................................25TheChallengeoftheCovenant–DavidChillingworth............................................26-27YoungpeopleinRosyth–GwynethKirby............................................................................28Ourtripacrossthepond–DaveandMandyWard...................................................28-29Puzzlepage–DaveWard............................................................................................................30Editor:HowardR.Kirby12OvertonCourt,PitreavieCastle,Dunfermline,KY118TYE-mail:editor@rosythmethodist.org.ukAssistantEditor:DaveWardDiaryEditor:SandraYoungClosingdateforApril/May2017issue:Tuesday21stMarch2017

4

Haveyourealisedthatthenameofourbuildingisananomaly?Itscurrentname,‘RosythMethodistChurch’showsthatitiswhereMethodistsworship,notwhereEpiscopaliansworship.Shoulditbechangedtosomethingmoreneutralbutneverthelessacceptabletobothchurchesandthecommunity?TohelpanswerthatquestionaconsultationprocesshasbeenagreedbytheMethodistLeadershipTeamandtheVestry.The irststageistoinvitesuggestionsfrommembersofVestryandChurchCouncilastothe

building’sname(thepresentnamestillbeinganoptionofcourse);thesecondtoreducethesetoashort-list;andthethirdtoinviteallchurchmembersandthevarioususersofthebuildingtoindicatetheirpreferredchoiceintheshort-list.TheoutcomewillthenbereportedtotheJointVestry/ChurchCouncilmeetingon27thAprilforadecisiononanychangeinthenameofthebuilding.Note:anychangeinnamewouldbeanameforthebuildingonly.Thetwochurchesretaintheirownname.. HowardKirby

FromtheEditor’sdesk

Consultationonthenameofourbuilding

‘Change’hasbeenaconstantlyrecurringfeatureinCONTACToverthelastyearorso,whetherinsermons,articles,oreditorialoverviews.Forthetwochurchesinourpartnership,long-termchangessuchasdecliningandageingmembershipmeanweneedtoconsiderandtryoutnewwaysofdoingthings;thatishowMessyChurch,Sunday@SixandtheTriangleCoffeeShopdeveloped.Thequestion‘canwedomoretogether?’hasarisenandinhisarticle‘Lookingforward…‘(intheAugust/September2016issue)AndrewLetbysaidthatitwasabravequestion,as‘askingitcouldleadinallsortsofunexpecteddirectionsandweneedtobereadytofollowthepromptingofGod’sSpirit’.Asreferredtothere,

andinAlisonCozens’article‘Onworkingtogether’(inthesubsequentissue),thereisasmallgroup,whichhasnowtwicemetwithAndrewandBishopDavid,thatisexploringnewwaysofworkingtogether.TheirproposalsdoofcourseneedapprovalbyVestryandChurchCouncil.Someideasmayhaveimplicationsthatmakeitdesirabletohavewiderconsultation.ExamplesfromelsewhereincludetheCityofEdinburghMethodistChurch’sconsultationonthenameoftheirnewCafeandthecurrentconversationsintheCircuitaboutapotentialmergerofCircuits(seepage25.)Belowyouwillindoutwhyandhowconsultationonapossiblenewnameforourownchurchbuildingisproposed.

5

MynameisMichaelPatersonandIamdelightedtohavebeeninvitedtoleadworshiponceamonthatStMargaret’s.Iwaslicensedforministryin1982.SincethenIhaveheldfulltimepostsinparishministry(Glasgow,Birmingham,Stonehaven,ArbroathandEdinburgh),theologicaleducation(Cambridge)andhospicechaplaincy(London,AirdrieandEdinburgh).Thesedays,myministryportfolioincludesheadingupanationalprojectinvalues-basededucationandre lectionforNHSScotland,runningtwodiplomacoursesinsupervisionandsupportingthoseinministrythroughpsychotherapy,spiritualdirectionandpastoralsupervision.IhaveclosetieswiththeMethodistChurchfrommytimeasDirectorofPastoralStudiesintheCambridge

TheologicalFederationandamcurrentlyengagedinrollingoutanationwideprogrammeofsupervisionandsupervisiontrainingforMethodist’sDistrictChairsandPresbyterssoworkingecumenicallyisnothingnewtome.Inmyfreetime,Iplaythepianoandwritepoetry.Whentimeallows,IindulgemyaddictionofwalkingtheSantiagoPilgrimTrailthroughthehillsandvalleysofthesouthofFranceandtheplainsofCastilleasfarasSantiagodeCompostela.ItisanaddictionIhavefedannuallyfortwentyyearsandforwhich–thankGod-nocureseemstohavebeenfound.Perhapsyouwillhearaboutitinoneofmysermons!Ilookforwardtogettingtoknowyoubetteroverthenextfewmonths.MichaelPaterson

IntroducingRevDrMichaelPaterson

EnquirycornerTheEditors’wayofdealingwithoccasionalenquiriesConnieSymehasposedthefollowingquestion.‘HowcanIletfolkknowthatIhavethingsIdon’tneed,ingoodcondition,whichIwantpeopletotakefrommeandmakeadonationtothechurch?’Shesaysitwouldbeawastetoputtheminarecyclingbin,andthechurchdoesnotrunitsowncharityshop.Comments

please to the Editors.Mean-time–withoutsettingaprecedent-youcouldhelpresolveConnie’simmediateneedbycallingheron419494;thearticlesavailableareahaversack,aslowcooker,2Thermosflasksand2tinsofglosspaint.

6

IntheDioceseStAndrewsWestAreaCouncilmeetsonWednesday22Februaryat7.30pminStPaul'sChurch,Kinross.TheAreaCouncilisveryfortunatetohaveBishopDavidastheguestspeakertotalkaboutcurrentissuesintheScottishEpiscopalChurchandinparticularCanon31(onmarriage)onwhichthehousesofclergyandlaitywillbevotingattheGeneralSynodinJune.ThisisanopenmeetingandallwhoareinterestedinhearingwhatBishopDavidhastosayaremostwelcometoattend.Weareusuallyverygoodatsupportingspecialeventssorepresentationfromuswouldbeappreciated.ChangesinSundayeveningworshipatLochgelly.MargaretDineleyhasletAreaCouncilmembersknowthatsheisintroducingPraiseandWorship,anewinformalserviceofworshiponaSundayevening.onSunday26February,followedbyrefreshmentsandfellowship.Margaretishopingthatthisnewservicewillappealtoallagegroupsbutmayhaveanappealtoyoungerfolks.Theplanistoholdthisserviceonthe4thSundayofeachmonth.[Ed:Thiswon'taffectourownSunday@SixasfromMarchwewillchangefromthefourthtothe irstSundayofthemonth].2017Gathering.Planninghasstartedforthisyear’sDiocesan

GatheringintheCathedralonSaturday27May.Itwillbea‘handson’eventledbyJohnBelloftheIonaCommunity,withavarietyofworkshops.Pleasesavethedateinyourdiariesnow.Furtherdetailswillappearinduecourse.InScotlandDistrictOpenmeetingonclimatechange:'Notinourbackyard–Notintheirmarketgarden'Monday20Februaryat7.30pm,atStirlingMethodistChurch,QueenStreet,StirlingFK81HLTheRevWalterAttwoodextendsaninvitationtoararechancetolistentoandspeakwithapersonwhoisattheforefrontoftheeffectsofclimatechange,DrJuliaEdwards,aMethodistmissionpartnerworkingwiththePaci icCouncilofChurchesasaclimateresearcherandplanner.Themeetingisbeingco-hostedbyStirlingMethodistChurchandFriendsoftheEarth–Stirling.Themainspeaker,DrJuliaEdwards,hasverymuchahands-onjobasmuchofherworkinvolvesworkingwithcommunitiesaffectedbyadverseweatherevents.Thisincludesplanningforandassistingwiththerelocationofwholevillagesfromcoastalareas,andinsomecasesabandoningverylow-lyingislands.Suchmovescanbeaconsiderabledistanceaway.Thesemigrationsareentirelyduetoglobalwarmingcaused

What’scomingup….

7

bytheburningoffossilfuelsintheindustrialnorth.AfterthetalktherewillbeaquestionandanswersessionandanopportunitytodiscussaresponsefromthisareaandcountrytotheurgentandincreasingneedsofthevulnerablepeopleofthePaci icIslandsandelsewhereintheworld.TheplightofthesepeopledependsverymuchontheplanningdecisionswemakeintheindustrialcountriesandinScotlandthatincludesthedecisionthathastobemadeon'fracking'.SowhenthenewClimateChangeBillisintroducedintheScottishParliament,willitbeboldenoughinitsaspirationstoagaingivealeadtootherlegislatorselsewhereandencouragethemtofollowthiscountry'sexample?Alongwiththeseissuesthereisalsotheneedtoincreaseourinvestmentsinthegenerationofrenewableenergyandotherinfrastructureprojectsthatreducetheamountsofgreenhousegasesthatwepushintotheatmosphere.Thisisanimportantmeeting,andanopportunitytoshareyourviewsonthisgrowingglobalcrisisandtheplanstoattempttominimiseitsadverseeffects.[Ed:JuliaEdwardswillbetheguestspeakeratWednesdayFellowshipon22Februaryat2.15pm.Allinterestedareinvitedtoattend.]

DistrictSafeguardingSupportDayAtStirlingMethodistChurchonSaturday25March(startingwithcoffeeat10amandendingat3.30pm)thefocuswillbeonincreasingawarenessofsafeguardingguidanceandpoliciesfortheMethodistChurch.Sometimewillbespentconsideringwhichgroupsandindividualshaveresponsibilityforspeci icaspectsofsafeguardinganditishopedtoexploregoodpracticeguidanceinworkwithchildren,youngpeopleandvulnerableadults.Asusualtherewillalsobeanopportunitytoraisespeci icquestionswithourDistrictSafeguardingOf icer,DonaldUrquhart.Safeguardingisawhole-ChurchresponsibilityandsoDonaldisencouragingattendancefromarangeofof iceholdersandinterestedparties,includingmembersofchurchcouncilsandchurchandcircuitstewards,aswellaschurchandcircuitsafeguardingof icers.Tea,coffeeandbiscuitswillbeprovidedonthedaybutpleasebringapackedlunch.TobookaplacepleaseemailFiona( iona@methodistchurch.plus.com)attheDistrictOf ice. SandraYoung

8

BythetimethatyoureadthisouryearofcelebrationswillhaveendedwithourFinalFlingonSaturdayevening–aceilidhatParkgateCommunityCentrewithover60peoplecomingalongtoshareinaneveningoffun.Aittingwaytobringawonderfulyeartoitsclose!WillweeverforgetourServiceofCelebrationledbyTheRevdDrLordLeslieGrif iths,withtheChurchcompletelyfull?AndhowdidwemanagetofeedallthosepeopleaftertheService?Whatawaytostartouryearofcelebration.Andwhatayearithasbeen!Exhibitions,talks,walks,musicalevents,abarbecueandaquiz.Wehopethateveryonehasfoundsomethingtoenjoyduringtheyear.Iamsogratefultoeveryonewhohastakenpartinanyway,eitherasavisitortoaneventorasahelper.

Noneofitwouldhavehappenedwithoutalargeteamofhelpers–sometakingontheresponsibilityoforganisinganevent,othersbakingandservingrefreshments,andthosewhoshiftedtablesandchairsandwashedupendlesspilesofdishes.AndI’msurethateachoneofyouhasatleastonepieceofmerchandisetoremindyouoftheyear–somethingelsewhichhadtobeplannedandorganised.Soahugethankyoutoyouall–itmayhavebeenaMethodistCentenarybutthetwocongregationsworkedtogetherasonetomaketheyearasuccess.Sowhatdowedonowthattheyearisover?Well,injustafewweekswewillbecelebrating101yearsofMethodisminRosyth!Wemaynotbecelebratinginquiteasbigaway,butletuscontinuetowalkandworktogetherinasmanywaysaspossible.GwynethKirby

CentenaryCelebrations Gwyneth Kirby reflects on the 12 months of celebra on

TheAnniversaryserviceandAnniversaryAppealYes,wemarkthe101stanniversaryofMethodisminRosythonSunday5thMarch,whenwearepleasedtowelcomeRevRobertMortontoleadourworship.AsusualwemakeourAnniversaryAppealatthistime,andtheaccompanyingenvelopeinvitesyoutoGift-Aidyourdonation.AswewouldnotbeabletopayourCircuitAssessmentifwehadtorelyonlyonnormalweeklyincome,the

anniversaryappealisanessentialpartofourincome.(With49Methodistmembers,theaveragecostofourCircuitAssessmentpermemberis£45permonth.)Ourgroups/organisationswhocontributetoourpropertyrunningcoststhroughthisappealareparticularlyaskedtoconsiderreviewingwhattheygive.DaveWardandHowardKirby

9

WorldDayofPrayer2017Ihopeyouarelookingforwardtothe

WorldDayofPrayerserviceonFriday,3Marchat2pm.TheCatholicchurchofStJohnandStColumbaisthehostchurchthisyear.ThisyeartheservicehasbeenwrittenbythewomenofThePhilippineswiththetheme‘AmIbeingunfairtoyou?’Asyouprobablyknow,WDPisaglobalmovementrootedinlocalcommunities.Itisnotjustaonehouroraonedayactivitybutanecumenicalyear-longprocessrootedinprayerandactsofsolidarity.Thisyear,2017,werejoiceintheecumenicalparticipationofmanychurchesinScotlandintheWDP,inthisits130thanniversaryyear.ThereissomethinguniqueaboutWorldDayofPrayer.Yes,itfollowsthesameserviceonthesamedayastherestoftheworld;yesitencouragesalltoattendaserviceinyourcommunity,men,womenandyoungpeople;thedifferenceisinthepreparationforthatservice.Thecommitteemeetsin121GeorgeStreet;wehaveAreaPreparationDaysandGatheringswhenpeoplesharetheirideasandthentakethembacktohelpinlocalpreparationsforthe irstFridayinMarch.ScottishCommitteeMissionStatementAsrepresentativesofthechurchesinScotland,andmembersofaworld-widemovementofChristianwomen,weworktopromoteprayerfulliving

andworshipformen,womenandchildrenandtoraiseawarenessofthelivesandconcernsofothersthroughouttheworld,especiallythosewhowritetheservice.WeencouragewomentoplanecumenicallyforWorldDayofPrayerservicesandfacilitatethembythepreparationofmaterialsupportiveoftheannualinternationalthemeandcountry.(LocallythiswascarriedoutinRosythinJanuary.)Throughtheseactivities,wegenerateresourcesinsupportofChristianliteraturedistribution(theScottishBibleSocietyandFeedtheMinds),aswellasprojectsgivingpracticalhelptopeopleinthewritingcountry.FactsaboutThePhilippines.Didyouknowthat…….?• TheCapitalcityManilaisnamedafterthewhite lowerswhichgrowonmangrovetrees• Of iciallanguagesareEnglishandFilipino–with8majordialects• Itisaworldleadingproducerofcoconuts,otheragriculturalproductsincluderice,corn,sugarcane,porkand ish.• 94%ofthepopulationareChristian–duetotheSpanishin luenceinthecountry’shistory.• Itconsistsof7,107islands.Nowthatyou’vereadyourhomework,welookforwardtoseeingyouattheChurchofStJohnandStColumba.MaryKidd

10

ComeandSing.ThenextComeandSingWorkshopinaidofWaverleyCareiswithworld-renownedchoralcomposerandconductor,BobChilcott,atCuthbert'sChurch,EdinburghonSaturday11Februaryfrom10amto4.15pm.SandraYounghasdetails.DunfermlineGilbert&SullivanSociety'schoiceforthisyear'sshowisRuddigore(orTheWitch~sCurse)andyoucanseeitattheCarnegieHallfromWednesday22toSaturday25February.OurownGwynethKirby,AnnDulyandJoanBellarepartofthechorusofbridesmaidsbutMartinTarr,sadlyisindisposed.Forfurtherdetailsseethepostersondisplay.FortheirSpringConcertDunfermlineChoralUnionwillperformHandel'sMessiahonSaturday55Marchat7.30pmintheVineCentre,Dunfermline.Guestsoloistsare:EmilyMitchell(soprano),FrancesMcCafferty(alto),RobertForrest(tenor)andIvorKlayman(bass).Thiswillbeapopularconcertsopleasegetyourtickets(£12(standard),£10(concession/student),£5(U18)early.TalktoGwynethKirby,MaryKidd,MyraTarrorJoanBell.KingdomSingersareholdingtwoconcertsatlocalchurches.OnWednesday15Marchfrom7.30pmto9.30pmyoucanhearthematStNinian'sChurch,AllanCrescent,Dunfermline,KY114HEandonWednesday5Aprilfrom7.30pmto9.30pmatStMargaret'sParishChurch,Touch,DunfermlineKY114JJ.

MakingMusic Ifyouareinterestedinattendingeither,seeAnnDulyfordetails.KirkcaldyOrchestralSocietyhavechosen‘FortyFavourites-theBestBitsandHits’asthisseason’stheme,with“TheMainBits”fortheirSpringConcert.Theirverydemandingprogrammeis:RhapsodyinBlue(withguestpianist)byGershwin;Overtureto'Candide'andDivertimentoforOrchestra,Bernstein;EnglishDances(set2)Arnold;OrkneyWeddingwithSunset,MaxwellDavies;Pops'HoeDown,HaymanandFanfareandFugato,Gourlay.JohnGourlayisanoboistintheorchestraandcomposescontemporarymusic.TheFanfareandFugatoisbasedonthewellknowntunetoAuldLangSyne.Thetwoperformancesare:on17Marchat7.00pmintheHallatDunfermlineHighSchool;andon19Marchat3.00pmintheOldKirkinKirkcaldy.SeeAdrianMassonfortickets.TheScottishChamberChoir'snextconcertisEinDeutschesRequiemonSaturday25MarchinOldStPaul'sEpiscopalChurch,39JeffreyStreet,EdinburghEH11DH,at7.30pm.TheprogrammeisdevotedtoJohannesBrahms'withthechoirperforminghisNeueLiebeslieder,JohnGardner©sBrahmsinspiredWaltzsongsandBrahms'GermanRequieminthecomposer'sownarrangementforchamberchoirandpianoduet.MartinTarrhasfurtherdetails.

11

ByTriangleCoffeeShopThesuccessofTrianglesCoffeeShoplastyearledtonearly£4,000beingraised.Withhalfear-markedforexternalcharitiesandhalfsharedbetweenourtwochurches,theteamsnominated iveCharitiestobene it.These,andthechequesIsentoutonbehalfofbothchurches,were:£400toCHAS£400toLeonardCheshireDisability(RosythDayCentre)£400toFifeSANDS(theStillBirth&NeonatalDeathcharity)£400toHaitiHelp£533.14totheDisastersEmergencyCommittee(YemenCrisisAppeal)andincludesNovember’sSundayTea-bartakingsinresponsetothatAppeal.)Aspeci icappealtocustomerson30thSeptemberhadalsoraised£359.93forMacmillanCancerSupport.SeealsoourCharitiesnoticeboard.DaveWardAletterfromMalawiThoseofuswhowerefortunatetoattendtheHarvestSupperlastSeptemberwereentertainedandinspiredbyPatriciaRobertswhotoldusofherChristianmessageofloveandrespectforthoselessfortunatethanourselves.PatriciawasabouttoleaveonacharitablevisittoMalawiandourretiringcollection(anddonationsnextday)enabledustogiveherchequesfor£300tohelpfundsomenewprojects.

WearedelightedtohavereceivedaletterofthanksforourgenerosityfromFrFocusChikweya,apriestwhomPatriciamentionedthatshewasvisiting.Thisisreproducedonthebackcover.Itisgratifyingtoknowthatourcontributionhasbeenputtogooduse.ValLeslieismakingaprayerblanketwithover150crotchetsquares,whichwhen inishedwillgotoMalawi.DetailsandaphotooftheprayerblanketwillappearinafutureeditionofContact.WelldoneVal.SandraYoungChristmasQuizandAfCThankstoallthosewhosupportedActionforChildrenthroughtheChristmasQuiz,whichraised£45.Theanswersareonpage29,andthewinnerwasSueMassonwithallanswerscorrect.Afurther£55wascollectedforAfCthroughdonationsandTeaBagsforChristmas.ThankyoutootothosewhogivethroughLeagueofLightboxes:theseraised£250.76in2016.WaterAidWelldone‘MessyChurch’folk:togethertheyraised£100.34forthischarityusinghomeboxes.Thankyoutothechurchfamilywhosupportouryoungchurchthroughouttheyear.JeanHall

Givingtocharities

12

WelcomeWearedelightedthattheReverendDrMichaelPatersonwillbewithusonthesecondSundayofthemonthuntilJune,whenhisexperimentalperiodofministrywillbereviewed.Michaelhaswrittenashortintroductionabouthimselfonpage5.AnnieHughes,amemberofStNinian'sCathedral,Perthisa irstyearordinationcandidateattheScottishEpiscopalInstituteandonplacementwithRevAlisonuntilEaster.Annieisinterestedinhowtheecumenicalpartnershipworksandhaslearnedsomethingofourhistoryfromasmallgroup,shehasvisitedTriangles,takenpartinMessyChurchandattendedourjointservice.Anniewillbearoundagain;ifyouseeherpleasetalktoher.WewelcomeMichaelandAnnieasweremembertheminourthoughtsandprayers.OnthemendMartinTarrisonthemendafterhisrecenthipreplacement.Heisfrustratedatnotbeingabletousehiscomputerandhislackoffullmobility,thislatterdif icultymeanshewillbesorelymissedinDunfermlineGilbert&SullivanSociety'sperformanceofRuddigore.SimilarlyfrustratedisEvelynKennywhoishavingtoobeydoctor’sordersandstepbackfromengagementsand

Fellowshipnews fromdriving.Offersofliftswouldbeappreciated.WewishMartinandEvelynwellandcontinuetoprayfortheirrecovery.ChangingtheguardAtStMargaret'sVestrymeetingon24JanuaryAlanTaylorrelinquishedtheroleofTreasurerafter10years.AlanhasworkedtirelesslyforStMargaret'sandthehealthy inancialstatethechurch indsitselfinislargelyduetohisprudenceandwiseinvestmentsovertheyears.Tomarkhisretirement,ValLeslie,aslayrepresentative,presentedAlanwithacardandabottleofhisfavouriteIrishmaltwhiskeyasatokenofourappreciationandthanks.WearedelightedthatGordonPrydehaswillinglyagreedtobeourtreasurerandwewishhimwellinthepost.SandraYoungEDWJWhenyoureadyour‘CONTACT’magazineyouwillhavenoticedthatinthecentrepagesthedatesofforthcomingeventsinourchurchlifeandinsomanywaysweareabusychurch.Youwillhavenoticed,too,thatthereisanentry,onceafortnight,listedasEDWJ.Theseinitialsstandfor‘EveryDaywithJesus’–aseriesofdailyBiblereadings;andtheEDWJgroupmeetforcoffeeorteaandchatbeforewediscusstogetherwhatwehavereadduringthepreviousfortnight.

13

Ifyouwouldbeinterestedtoknowmoreaboutthis,haveawordwitheitherMaryKidd,MaryDempsterorJackFowell. JackFowellCoffee,cakeandcraftgroupFollowingourChristmasbreak,ourcraftgroupresumesonTuesday7Februaryfrom7.30to9.30pm.Allarewelcometothisgroup. JeanHallWednesdayFellowshipThe irstmeetingthisoftheSpringsession(on8February)willbeadevotionaloneledbyHilaryHenderson,oneofourMethodistLocalPreachers.Detailsoflatermeetingsareonthenoticeboardsinthecrushhall,CONTACTandthesyllabuseachmemberwillbegiven.Mythankstoallthosewhogivetirelesslyoftheirtimetoensurethesmooth-runningoftheorganisation.Itmeanswecansupportsomeoftheorganisationsthatarehelpingmakeourworldabetterplace.OneoftheseisHaitiHelp.FollowingLouDavidson’stalklastsummer,wehadilledacoincollectingboxtohelpbuythechildrenintheorphanagenewexercisebooks,pencils,rubbersandrulers;andhavesinceprovidedasecondbox(withover£34).Thecharitywasmostgratefulandgraciouslyadded$100.TheysentthemoneyatChristmassothatitemscouldbepurchasedlocallyatthestartofthenewschoolterm.Wehopeto illathirdboxintheweeksahead.

Don'tforgetthatMessyChurchisnowat9.00amonthefourthSundayofthemonth.Onlythedatehaschanged–everythingelseremainsthesame.Thiswillbefollowedat11.00amwithourjointmonthlycommunionservice.Toaccommodatethischange,Sunday@Sixwillmovetothe irstSundayofeachmonth,startingon5March,whenat6.00pmwehaveanopportunitytocelebrateDewiSant(orSaintDavidtothenonWelshspeakingmembersofthecongregations).Sowhynotjoinusforanewstartandbringyourfriendstowhatshouldbeworshipwithadifference.[Ed:TherewillbenoSunday@SixinFebruaryduetothechangetoMarch].SandraYoung

Somechangesinourworshippattern

Severalmembershaveexpressedtheirgratitudeforthelovely‘MaryMade’birthdaycardstheyreceived;manythankstoMaryDempsterforcreatingthese.OurcongratulationstootohonorarymembersJohnandRosemaryCowell,wholastOctobercelebratedtheirPlatinum(70th)WeddingAnniversary.That’syetanothertelegramfromtheQueen!Readers–dofeelfreetojoinus,evenifit’sonlyanoccasionalvisitwhensomethinginterestsyou. MaryKidd

14

DiaryforFebruarytoearlyApril2017

Sunday5FebruaryEpiphany5 9.30am SungEucharist RevProfessorOliverO'Donovan 11.00am MorningWorship RevHelenJenkins DavidSalthouse(WorshipLeader)Monday6Feb 7.30pm EcumenicalStudyGroup,RosythParishChurchTuesday7Feb 10.00am EDWJGroupmeetsinMaryKidd’shouseatLimekilns 7.30pm Coffee,CakeandCrafts-amonthlyeveningcraftclubrunbyJeanHallandfriends 7.30pm WorshipLeadersandLocalPreachersmeetingatCEMCWednesday8Feb 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: Openingmeeting–DevotionalwithMrsHilaryHendersonFriday10Feb 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm ChoirpracticeSaturday11Feb 10.00am ComeandSingwithBobChilcott till4.15pm InaidofWaverleyCare.AtStCuthbert'sChurch,LothianRoad,Edinburgh,EH112EP(seepage10)Sunday12FebruaryEpiphany6 9.30am SungEucharist RevDrMichaelPaterson 11.00am MorningWorship MrsJanePeersMonday13Feb 7.00pm PropertyCommitteeMeetingWednesday15Feb 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: BillTullochentertainsFriday17Feb 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm ChoirpracticeSunday19FebruaryEpiphany7 9.30am SungEucharist RevAlisonCozens 11.00am MorningWorship MrsHilaryHenderson

15

DiaryforFebruarytoearlyApril2017Sunday19Feb 3.00pm ServiceatOrchardheadHouse 7.00pm ComplineatStFinnian'sChurch,Lochgellyledby RevDrMargaretDineley.Followedbyrefreshmentsinthehall.AllwelcometoattendMonday20Feb 7.30pm 'Notinourbackyard–Notintheirmarketgarden',ameetinghostedbyStirlingMethodistCouncilandFriendsoftheEarthStirlinginStirlingMethodistChurchaboutclimatechangeimpacts MainspeakerDrJulieEdwards,achurchmissionpartneroftheMethodistChurch(Seepage6forfurtherdetails)Tuesday21Feb 10.00am EDWJGroupmeetsinMaryKidd'shouseatLimekilnsWednesday22Feb 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: GuestspeakerJuliaEdwards,MissionarytoSuva 7.30pm StAndrewsWestAreaCouncilmeetingatStPaul's,Kinross.BishopDavidwilltalkaboutcurrentissuesfacingtheSEC.Allinterestedarewelcometoattend(seepage6)Friday24Feb 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm Choirpractice

Sunday26FebruarySundaybeforeLent 9.00am MessyChurchandBreakfast 11.00am JointCommunionService RevAlisonCozens Traidcraftgoodsonsaleaftertheservice Note: Sunday@Sixrestartson1stSundayinthemonth 7.00pm PraiseandWorshipatStFillian'sChurch,Lochgellyintroducinganewalternativeinformalwayofworshipandfollowedbyrefreshmentsinthehall. Allwelcometoattend(seepage6fordetails)Monday27Feb 7.30pm (tbc)EcumenicalLentStudyGroupatRosythParishChurch(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary)

16

DiaryforFebruarytoearlyApril2017Tuesday28Feb 7.00pm StMargaret'sVestrymeetwithBishopDavidinthesmallloungeWednesday1Mar

AshWednesday 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship:AshWednesday–Lentthoughts 7.30pm SungEucharistandImpositionofAshes RevRossKennedyFriday3Mar 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 2.00pm WorldDayofPrayerServiceatStJohnandStColumbaRosyth(seepage9) 7.00pm ChoirpracticeSunday5MarchLent1 9.30am SungEucharist RevAlisonCozens 11.00am MorningWorship RevRobertMorton 101stAnniversaryofMethodisminRosyth(seepage8) 6.00pm Sunday@Six"DewiSant"celebratingStDavid (notenewSundayinmonth)Monday6Mar 7.30pm EcumenicalLentStudyGroupatRosythParishChurch.(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary)Tuesday7Mar 10.00am EDWJGroupmeetsinMaryKidd'shouseatLimekilns 7.30pm MethodistChurchCouncilmeetsintheChurchLounge 7.30pm Coffee,CakeandCrafts-amonthlyeveningcraftclubrunbyJeanHallandfriendsWednesday8Mar 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: Guestspeaker/demonstratorJackieDavidsononglasspaintingFriday10Mar 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm Choirpractice

17

DiaryforFebruarytoearlyApril2017Saturday11Mar 9.30am DiocesanSynod,StNinian'sCathedral,Perth 7.30pm DunfermlineChoralUnionSpringConcertHandel's“Messiah”.TheVineCentreDunfermline(seepage10fordetails)

Sunday12MarchLent2 9.30am SungEucharist RevDrMichaelPaterson 11.00am MorningWorship tbc 7.00pm TaizeserviceforLentatStFillian'sChurch,LochgellyledbyRevDrMargaretDineleyandfollowedbyrefreshmentsinthehall. AllwelcometoattendMonday13Mar 7.30pm EcumenicalLentStudyGroupatRosythParishChurch(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary)Tuesday14Mar 7.00pm StMargaret'sVestrymeetsinthesmallloungeWednesday15Mar 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: Tobeadvised 7.30pm ConcertbyKingdomSingersatStNinian'sChurch,Dunfermline(seepage10)Friday17Mar 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm Choirpractice 7.00pm KirkcaldyOrchestralSociety“TheMainBits” DunfermlineHighSchool.TicketsfromAdrianMasson(seepage10fordetails)Sunday19MarchLent3 9.30am SungEucharist RevAlisonCozens 11.00am MorningWorship tbc 3.00pm ServiceatOrchardheadHouse,Rosyth 3.00pm KirkcaldyOrchestralSociety"TheMainBits" OldKirk,Kirkcaldy.TicketsfromAdrianMasson(seepage10fordetails)

18

DiaryforFebruarytoearlyApril2017Monday20Mar 7.30pm EcumenicalLentStudyGroupatRosythParishChurch(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary)Tuesday21Mar 10.00am EDWJGroupmeetsinMaryKidd'shouseatLimekilnsWednesday22Mar2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: JanBenvie–ExpressionsoffaithFriday24Mar 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm ChoirpracticeSaturday25Mar 10.00am DistrictSafeguardingSupportDay to3.30pm StirlingMethodistChurch(seepage7fordetails) 7.30pm ScottishChamberChoirConcertEinDeutsches

Requiem OldStPaul'sEpiscopalChurch,39JeffreyStreet,Edinburgh(Seepage10fordetails)Sunday26MarchLent4 9.00am MessyChurchandBreakfastMotheringSunday 11.00am JointCommunionService tbc Traidcraftgoodsonsaleaftertheservice 7.00pm PraiseandWorshipatStFillian'sChurch,Lochgelly followedbyrefreshmentsinthehall.AllwelcometoattendMonday27Mar 7.30pm EcumenicalLentStudyGroupatRosythParishChurch(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary)Tuesday28Mar 7.00pm ThejointsmallecumenicalgroupmeetsWednesday29Mar 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: Guestspeaker:MichelleRussell,LeprosyMission,ScotlandFriday31Mar 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm Choirpractice

19

DiaryforFebruarytoearlyApril2017

Sunday2AprilLent5 9.30am SungEucharist RevAlisonCozens 11.00am MorningWorship tbc 6.00pm Sunday@Six(tbc)Monday3Apr 7.30pm EcumenicalLentStudyGroupatRosythParishChurch(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary)Tuesday4Apr 10.00am EDWJGroupmeetsinMaryKidd'shouseatLimekilnsWednesday5Apr 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: AlanTaylor“WithGreatPleasure” 6.30pm Circuitmeeting..AtCityofEdinburghMethodistChurch 7.30pm ConcertbyKingdomSingersatStMargaret'sChurch,Touch(seepage10)Friday6Apr 9.30am TriangleCoffeeShopintheCrushHall onwards tea,coffeeandhomebaking 7.00pm ChoirpracticeProvisionalDiaryforHolyWeek

Sunday9AprilPalmSunday 9.30am SungEucharist RevDrMichaelPaterson withdistributionofpalmsRetiringcollectionforBishopDavid’sLentAppeal 11.00am MorningWorship tbc withdistributionofpalmsMonday10Apr 7.30pm EcumenicalLentStudyGroupatRosythParishChurch(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary)Wednesday12Apr 2.15pm WednesdayFellowship: HolyWeekCommunion RevHelenJenkinsMaundyThursday 7.30pm HolyCommunion RevHelenJenkins

20

ProvisionalDiaryforHolyWeek(cont)

Theysayaweekisalongtimeinpoliticsandsomeweekslongerthanothers.Butattheendofthe irstweekofthenewyear,aweekthathasseenVladimirPutinandDonaldTrump,TeresaMayandNicolaSturgeonallhittheheadlines,Iamsureanyoneofthemwouldgiveanarmoralegtohavetheheavensopenandthedivinesealofapprovalresound:‘Youaremyson,mybeloved.Youaremydaughter,mychosenonemyfavourrestsonyou.’Especiallyifthedivineannouncementcamewiththerejoinder:‘Listenandtakeheedtherestofyou!’Today,thefeastoftheBaptismoftheLord,istheChurchcalendarequivalentofelectiondayforapresidentoraprimeminister.Inafewshortdays,wehavegonefromJesusinthemangerreceivingbirthday

presentsfromthewisemento,Jesus,thedeterminedadult,comingtobebaptizedbyJohnintheRiverJordan.ThewholesceneisscandalousespeciallyforanewGodkeentolaunchhiswinningcampaignontheworldstage.HereisJesusthespotlessone-comingforadetox;Jesustheall-powerfulone-needingahelpinghand;Jesusthesinlessone-uptohisneckinhumansin;Jesustheholyone-wadinginthescumanddebrisoftheworld.Andyetit’shere-whenJesusiscaughtlikeabirdinanoilslickthattheheavensopenandtheFather’svoiceresounds:‘Thisismysonthebeloved,withwhomIamwellpleased’.Idon‘tknowaboutyou,butsuchalowkeyeventwithJohntheBaptistandadoveastheonlyrecordedwitnessesisnotexactlythewayIwouldhave

GoodFriday tbc Service(Detailswillappearonweeklyjointsheetandwebsitediary) Note TherewillbenoTriangleCoffeeShoptodaySunday16AprilEasterDay 9.30am SungEucharist RevAlisonCozens andblessingofthePaschalCandle 11.00am HolyCommunion tbc 3.00pm ServiceatOrchardheadHouse

GodvotesforUs! A sermon by the Rev Dr Michael Paterson on The Bap sm of the Lord, 8 January 2017

21

expectedGodtocasthisvoteandrevealhisfavouredcandidate.SurelyifGodhadhiredacampaignpublicistHecouldhavechosenabettermediaopportunitytobellowaffectionately‘That’smyboy:Iamsoproudofhim!’likewhenhemadethewine lowatCana;orwhenhewithdrewtheparalyticsdisabledbadge;whenhefedthe5,000andofferedsecondhelpingsorwhenhebroughtLazarusbackfromthedead.Butno!Despitethethrillfactorandtheensuingpublicity,GodtheFathershowednointerestinsuchdisplaysofholypowerandofferednopressconferenceonthoseoccasions.Infact,throughoutthewholeofJesus’lifewenevergetapeepoutofheavenexceptattwolowkeyevents:hisBaptismandhisTrans iguration.Andatbothwegetthesamemessage:‘Thisismyson,thebeloved,withwhomIamwellpleased.’Andso,iftheBaptismofJesusisthetheologicalequivalentofelectiondayforapresidentoraprimeminister,whatkindofGoddowe indourselvesdealingwith?Whatkindofpoliciescanweexpecttosee?Isaiah43offersussomeclues:AGodwhoisinterestedinuspersonally,whodoesn’tjustcanvassourvotesbutknowsusbyname.AGodwhopromisestobewithuswhenwefeeloverwhelmedor indourselvesdrowninginthethingslifethrowsatus.AGodwhowon’trunawaywhenwegetoverheatedbyourownegos.AGodwhoknowsthescrapeswegetinto,thewrong

turningswetakeandblindalleyswefollow.AGodwhowadesrightinwhenweareoutofourdepths–notshoutingwordsofcondemnationorwhispering‘Itoldyouso’-butbellowingforalltohear:‘That’smyboy,That’smygirl,Mybelovedonwhommyfavourrests.’TheGoodNewsisthatinJesus,wearedealingwithaGodwhohasturnedthetablesand,despiteallourshortcomings,actuallyvotesforUS!Agodwhotellsusthatwearechosen.ThathedelightsinusandthatourmiddlenameisBeloved.Andsotodaywearefacedwithachoice:togoonrejectingourselves,tyingourselvesinknotsandworryingaboutoursinfulnessortoacceptGod’sverdictthatwearewinnersnotabunchoflosers,thatwearebelovedandchosenandthathedelightsinus.Thepollsareopen.It’stimetocastyourvoteanddiscoverthetruemeaningofbaptism.MichaelPaterson

Oneminute,pleaseWhatdidJesussay?“Watchandpraysothatyouwillnotfallintotemptation”Matthew26:41

22

Imaginingbaptism

A sermon by the Rev Andrew Letby on The Bap sm of the Lord, 8 January 2017 Readings:Acts8:14-17;Luke3:15-17and21-22 Twoimages:"TheBaptismofChrist"byPietroPerugino,1483:

andcontemporary‘tourist’siteofBaptismnearTiberius,Galilee:

FormanyyearsIhavelookedatRenaissancepaintingsofeventsfromthelifeofChristandstruggledwiththeimages illedwithc.15thItaliannoblemenandEuropeanscenery illedwithcastles.MorerecentlyIhavecometounderstandthatthepainterswereseekingtotherootthestoriesintheircontemporarycontext.

ThesitenearTiberiusisequally‘unrealistic’butIthinkdoesmuchthesame.ForaplacethatismorestagesetthanhistoricallocationIwouldsayithadastrangelymovingandspiritualatmosphere.WhenIvisitedtwentyyearsagoonethinginparticularhappenedwhichhasstuckwithme.Iwasleadingachurchpilgrimagegroup.FromaboveIobservedanelderlybrotherandsisterfrommypartywadingintothewater–andbaptisingeachother.Theydidn’tsaymuchaboutitafterwards–butitclearlyhadbeenabigdealforthem–andsomethingunbeknowntometheyhadplannedlongbeforethetrip.(Infact,itwasalmostsolelyforthismomentthattheyhadmadethejourney)Ididn’treallyunderstandtheirmotivationorwhethertheyreallyhadaconsciousunderstandingofwhattheyweredoing.Idoknowitcamefromtheheart.Youngandinexperienced,IwasconcernedIwouldgetintotroubleforallowingthistohappen.Iamsomewhatmorere lectiveonitallnow!ManyyearslatertheMethodistChurchgotitselfintoacharacteristictheologicaltussleovertryingto indawayofdealingwithpeoplewhoexpressedasimilarsenseofneeding

23

todo‘something’toexpressamomentorexperienceofparticularcommitment.Muchoftheargumentwasaroundwhetherwatercouldbeusedinsomewayintheresultingceremony.(Wegetveryjumpyabouttheideasomeonemightintentionallyorevenunintentionallybebaptisedtwice.)TheMethodistChurchrecognisesthatsomewhohavebeenbaptizedhavegrownawayfromtheChristianfaithbuthavediscoveredafreshtheclaimofChristontheirlivesandhavefeltthecalltorepentance.TheylongtorededicatethemselvestoChristbyrenewingtheexpressionoffaithassociatedwithBaptismandcon irmation.TheMethodistChurchalsorecognisesthedeeppastoralneedsofthosewhowishthereaf irmationofBaptismalFaithtoincludethesignandgiftofwaterassociatedwiththesacramentofBaptismIttookourFaithandOrdercommitteeseveralyearstodeviseanauthorisedliturgy(andgetitacceptedbythechurch’sgoverningbody,Conference)–whichincarefullycraftedwordsandcarefullymanagedsymbolism–purportstodowhatthatbrotherandsisterfoundawayofdoingwithinthemselves.IhappentothinkthatthehonestyandtherawnessofthatmomentwasprobablymorerealanddemonstratedadeepersenseofGodthanthestylisedliturgywhichresultedfromaparanoiaaboutoffendingGod’ssensibilities!

IalsothinkithelpsusgainasenseofbothourGospelreadingandthesnippetofearlychurchdevelopmentrecordedinActs.WhenJohnbaptisesJesusintheJordanitisineffectacommissioning,amomentofmakingreadyforthetaskwhichliesahead.Baptisminthewateroffersasymbolofwashing,cleansing,refreshing–butitisassociateddirectlywiththeenablingpoweroftheSpirit.Thisismomentilledwithpoweranddynamism.Lukedescribestheconsequencesinprettyuncompromisingterms–thisisthemomentwhenJesusiscommissionedandequippedtoturnupsidedowntheacceptedorder.Thisbringswithitthepossibilityofjudgementwherethereisinjusticeandhypocrisy(thechaff)–aswellasbeinglifegivingwherethereishopeandgoodness(thewheat).Withinthis,itisimportanttonoticethatthisisnotjustaboutJesus–Lukedescribes‘allthepeople’beingbaptised–indeedheimpliesthatismoreimportantthanJesus’baptism–‘Jesusalsowasbaptised’–notthemaineventevidently.But,ourcultureandtraditionhavereducedBaptismtoasortofnamingceremony,apieceoffolkreligion–andledusawayfromunderstandingthatChristianBaptismisamomentoftotaltransformation.Wetendtospeakof‘christening’–andweconjureupimagesofbabiesinwhiteout its.(oneof250babies‘bookedin’forBaptism)

24

Indoingsoweforgetthat‘christening’impliesbecominglikeChrist.Wetendtotakea‘job-done’attitudetoBaptism–anendinitself.Somehow,weneedtoresistsuchawayofunderstandingwhatisreallyasymbolofnewlife, illedwithenergyandpossibility.Itisnotjustaboutbeinggivenaname,butaboutbeingtransformed,andamomentwhenbytheSpiritthosewhoarebaptisedarecommissionedtoobedient,faithfulservice,tofollowthepathblazedbytheuniqueSonofGodThetask,likethattaskcon irmedforJesusatbaptism,hastodowith‘establishingjusticeinourfamiliesandcommunities,withbeingoflovingservicetoallpeopleandalighttothenations.’Whenwejumponafewyearstothelifeoftheearlychurchwearegivenanillustrationoftheimportanceofallthis.WeoftendescribethefestivalofPentecostasthebirthdayofthechurch.Theeventswerecall50daysafterEasterareofsomethingamazinghappeningtothebelieverswhowereinJerusalem–theoutpouringoftheHolySpiritenablingthemtounderstandoneanother’slanguagesandleavingthemexuberantandfranklyabitunruly.Ofcourse,thatsoonsettleddownandaswereadtheActsoftheApostles,wehearhowthe irstChristiansinJerusalembegantoformintoa

communitywhichworshippedandatetogetherandwhohadanin luenceonthosearoundthem.These irstChristianswereofcourseJewswhowereconvincedJesuswasthelong-promisedMessiah.Importantly–thiswasnottheonlyplacethatthingsbegantohappen–fundamentaltothePentecoststory(thebirthofthechurch)wasthattravellersfromfarandwidewerewitnessestoit–andtheytookthestoriesbacktotheirhomes.Asothersheardwhathadhappenedtheycametobelievethattheministry,deathandrisingofJesuswasimportantandtheybegantoseektofollow‘TheWay’.Evidentlytherewasagroupin(importantly)nonJewishSamariawhohadcometobelieveandhadallowedthemselvestobebaptised(weassumebywater).ThegroupinJerusalemheardofthisbutsawtheshortcominginwhathadhappened.Thesefolkswereonlypartwaytowardbeingtruefollowers.TheyneededtoexperiencethebaptismofSpirit.Theyneededtheenablingpowerwhichwouldreallytransformtheirattitudes,theiractions,theirunderstanding.Thereportingofthisinthehistoryofthechurchisparticularlysigni icantinthatitmakesquiteclearthatthe‘goodnews’thegospelwasauniversalgift.Allpeople,allnationscouldbeknownasGod’sown–andreceivemercy,forgivenessandnewlife.

Imagining baptism: Continued from page 23

25

Thisofcoursedemandsanactiveresponseandwillingnesstobetransformed.Godreachesouttous–thequestionforusis,‘dowehavethedesireorthecouragetorespond?’Thisisnotapassivereceiving–butacommitmenttoliveinanewway.Sometimesthatwillsetusatoddswiththosearoundus–asweseektopromotevaluesoflove,hope,tolerance,peace,self-sacri ice.Aswestandupforthepowerlessandtheunlikeable–acceptthosewhoarenotlikeusandresistthetemptationtotaketheeasywayout.2016wasastrangeyear,inwhichitoftenfeltthattheacceptedrulesofglobalpoliticswerebeingrewritten.Weawaittheconsequencesinanewyear,butitseemstomethatkeyto

howwemoveforwardiswhetherwerememberthatourcallingis ightforthesevaluesineverywaywecan.Wewhohavereceivedthetransformingpowerofwaterandspiritcannotbesweptalongonatideoffearorintolerance.Re lectingbacktomyfellowtravellersandtheirsymbolicmomentintheJordan,Ithinktheyunderstood–probablybetterthanmostofus–thepossibilityandnecessityofcommitment.Itwasmorethanamomentofritual–itwasasignofrealcommitmenttooneanother,toGod–itwasthanksgivinganditshoutedtotheworld–wearereadyforwhatGodwantsofus…Amen. AndrewLetby

‘Apaperhasbeenpreparedtofacilitatediscussion.ItcontainsaproposalwhichwillbebroughttotheSpringCircuitMeetings[Ed:oursison5thAprilatCEMC].CopiescanbeobtainedfromtheChurchStewards.‘Thepaperwillbediscussedindetailatforthcomingchurchcouncilmeetings[Ed:3thMarch].MinistersandCircuitStewardswillbehappytodiscusstheproposalandanswerquestionsintheinterveningperiod.’

Circuitcollaboration—anannouncementRevAndrewLetbyaskedthattheannouncementbelowbewidelyconveyedacrosstheCircuit.‘InlightoftherecommendationsoftheAutumnSynod*of2016,themembersoftheLeadershipTeamoftheEdinburghandForthCircuithavebeeninconversationwiththeLeadershipTeamoftheCentralScotlandCircuit,seekingto indwaysofdevelopingclosercollaboration.TheseconversationsveryquicklyraisedthepossibilityofmergingthetwocircuitstoformanewcircuitalongthelengthoftheForthValley.*[Ed:forareportontheAutumnSynodseeOctober/November2016issueofCONTACT,p22]

26

ItwasastrangeexperiencetobeinAmericatwodaysaftertheelectionofDonaldTrump.IwasonchurchbusinessbutAlisonandIaddedadaytovisitWashington.OneofmyfriendsremindedmelastnightthatIwrotethatIlookedatthedaiswhichwasbeingbuiItfortheinauguration-withaslightsinkinginthepitofthestomach.Americafacesdeepproblemsaboutpoverty,aboutrace,abouteducationandmedicalcare.Butangryleadershipwillnotsolvethem.ItisaspiritualfailureInthemaking.IampartofthegenerationwhichlivedthroughtheNorthernIrelandTroubles—Iwas18atthestartofit.Whentheviolenceended,itseemedtotimetogo.Anothergenerationwascalledtobuildanewkindofpeacefulsociety.Andtheyhavefailed.Entrencheddivisionshavenotbeenaddressed.Imaginativegestureswhichwoulddissolvethehurtsofhistoryhavenotbeenmade.Itisaspiritualfailure.OneofmystrongestmemoriesisofbeingatameetinginBelfastaddressedbyDesmondTutu.Itwasagatheringofcommunityworkers—thekindofpeoplewhowouldhavehadlittletimeforchurches—believingperhapswithsomejusti icationthatthechurcheswerepartoftheproblemratherthanthesolution.ArchbishopTutuarrivedandhis irstwordswere,'youneedtounderstand—itisamatterof

spirituality'.Hewasaf irminghisdeepbelief-whichIshare—thatwhilethechallengeswhichwefacemaybemattersofpolitics,administration,vision.Attheheartofitalltheyaremattersofspirituality.Whetherinnationsorinfamilies,inchurchesorincommunities,progressdependsonanunderlyingspiritualitywhichbringsintoplayloveandgenerosity,sacri ice,givingandforgiving.Anditalsodependsonafeelingthat,whatevermaybe,wearenotmastersofourownship.IhavealwaysbeenattractedbytheMethodisttraditionoftheCovenantService-indeedwhenIwastheRectorofacongregation,Iusedelementsofitregularly.TheMethodisttraditiongivesthisasagifttothewiderChristiancommunity.ThewordsresonateinourheartsIwillinglyofferallIhaveandamtoserveyou,asandwhereyouchoose.GloriousandblessèdGod,Father,SonandHolySpirit,youaremineandIamyoursAndofcourseasweconsiderthenextstepsintherelationshipbetweenMethodistandEpiscopaliancongregationshere,weareexploringnotjustafriendship,notjustapartnershipbutinsomesenseaCovenant-thekindofrelationship

ThechallengeoftheCovenantAsermonbyTheMostRevDavidChillingworthattheCovenantServiceandJoint

Communionon22ndJanuary2017,withCelebrantRevDrDavidEaston

27

whichenergisesandenrichesthosewhocommittoit-thekindofrelationshipwhichmakesofallofusmorethanwecanbeonourown.For:'InthisCovenantGodpromisesusnewlifeinChrist'That'swhatthewordsofintroductiontotheCovenantpartofourworshipsay.Wehaveheardthescriptures.MosesreadsthebookoftheCovenantandthepeoplesay,'AllthattheLordhasspokenwewilldo,andwewillbeobedient'AndJeremiahsays:‘Iwillputmylawwithinthem,andIwillwriteitontheirhearts;andIwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople’AndPaulsays:‘Donotbeconformedtothisworld,butbetransformedbytherenewingofyourminds’AndintheGospelofMatthew,Jesuscallsdisciplesandtheyfollowhimimmediately.Theyrecognisehiscallontheirlivesandtheycommitwholeheartedly,completelyandatonce.Peopleareshyandhesitantaboutcommitmentstoday.Theyarecautiousaboutsigningupforanything-churches,voluntaryworkorindeedmembershipofpoliticalparties.Peopledon'tliketheideaofbeingboundorunderobligation.Theyprefertobefreetodowhattheywantwhentheywant.TheCovenantcommitmentwhichweundertakeisboundlessand

unconditional.Wearenotjustpledgingabitofourtimeandsomeofourenergy,wearepledgingeverythingwithoutholdingback—itisunconditional.‘IwillinglyofferallIhaveandamtoserveyou,asandwhereyouchoose.GloriousandblessèdGod,Father,SonandHolySpirit,youaremineandIamyours.Mayitbesoforever.Letthiscovenantnowmadeonearthbeful illedinheaven.’Weusethewordvocation-peoplehearitasbeingaboutpeoplewhofeelcalledtoministryandpriesthood.Weareseeingaresurgenceinthat-maybeitarisesfromthespirituallyaridlandscapeinwhichwelive.Butitisn'tjustaboutthoseindividuals-vocationisforeverydisciple,everybaptisedpersonandforchurchesandindeedforcommunities.AndthewholepointoftheCovenantServiceistoremindusthatwecannotknowwhattheLordrequiresofus-unlesswecommitourselveswholeheartedlyandwithoutreservationasdisciples.OtherwiseweshallbenegotiatingwithGod.AndweshallneverdiscoverwhatDesmondTutudiscovered-thatitisallaboutspiritualityintheendInthisCovenantGodpromisesusnewlifeinChrist.Wegivetotallyofourselves.ButwegainthespiritualricheswhicharethegiftofGodtohisfaithfulandobedientdisciples.DavidChillingworth

28

WereyouthereonChristmasEvetowatchtheall-ageNativity?If,likeme,youmissedit,thenyoumissedarealtreat.Afterseveralweeksofhardworkandlotsoflineslearnedthechildren(andthegrownups!)didusproudonceagainandputonawonderfulperformance.Itisgettingincreasinglydif iculttogetallthecasttogetherforrehearsals–infact,ChristmasEvewasthe irsttimethateveryonehadbeeninthesameplaceatthesametime–butthatdidn’tseemtoaffecttheperformance.Withinminutesoftheplay inishingIreceivedaphotoofthe inaltableauonmyphonewhichmademefeelverymuchpartofthingseventhoughIwashundredsofmilesaway.Sowelldoneeveryoneforallyourhardwork.ItwasworthitintheendandI’mveryproudofyou.TheSundaybeforetheNativityplaywehadgreatfunatourMessyChurchChristmasparty–lotsoffood,gamesand,ofcourse,avisitfromSantawith

asackfulofpresents.ThankyouSantafor ittingusintoyourbusyschedule.MessyChurchwasbackonthe4thSundayinJanuary(Don’tforgetthechangeofSunday!).WethoughtaboutJesussaying“Iamthelightoftheworld“.Ibetyou’veneverseencandlebiscuitsbefore!Therewerecraftsusingallsortsofdifferentsourcesoflightandevenastoryaboutfourcandles(Youhavetobeofacertainagetoappreciatethehumourthere!).WemeetagainonSunday26FebruarywhenwewilllearnaboutJesustheGoodShepherd.Don’tforgettolookatourlatestbannerhanginginthecorridor,depictingfourofthemiraclesofJesus(whichwelearnedaboutlastyear).ThankstoJeanforputtingallourworktogetherinsuchalovely,colourfulway. GwynethKirby

YoungpeopleinRosyth

Ourtripacrossthepondandsomesurprises!OurexcursiontoUSAcommencedonThursday10thNovemberwithakindlygivenlifttoEdinburghAirportforour lighttoJFK,NewYork.Havingcheckedin,breakfastedandbrowsedthroughthevariousshops,weboardedandwerejustgettingcomfortableforthe lightwhenarathersurprisingannouncementcamefromourPilot.“Myapologiesasour

lightmap,whichisneitherrequirednorused,isoutofdateandunfortunatelybylawwemustcarryanuptodate lightmap”.Thisdelayedour lightby45minutes!Sevenhourslaterwearrivedsafelyinthebigapple,andweregladthatwehadarrangedassistanceuponarrivalatJFK.Thisgaveusprioritythroughimmigration,baggageclaim,customs

29

ChristmasCarolsQuizJeanHallprovidestheAnswers

andcheck-inforourconnection lighttoDallas,Texas,inafractionofthetimeitwouldotherwisehavetakenusinsuchahugeairport.AnotherdelayoccurredbeforedepartureforFortWorth,Dallas,whereweweremetbyouroldestson,whowithhisfamilylivesinFlowerMound(population66,000),a20minutedrivefromDallas.Thefollowingdayweattendedouryoungergrandson’sschoolforashortconcertinwhichheplaystheviolin.WeweresurprisedhowpatriotictheAmericanschoolsare:everymorningallstudentshavetopledgeallegiancetothe lagoftheUnitedStatesandTexas.Wesawbothourgrandsonsinactionintheirchosensports.Lewis,theeldest,isakeentennisplayerandverygoodforhisageandbuild;MaxhastakentoAmericanFootballandislovingit.Inour irstweekwevisitedtheStockYards.ThisisthetraditionalsideofTexas,hometotheRodeo,saloonbarsandLongHornCows.Intheshopswehadtoworkoutcosts,asthemarkedpricedoesnotincludethecompulsorysalestax.BackinFlowerMound,weweresurprisedthatallfrontgardenslookedthesame;thiswasbecauseofacoupleofstrangelaws:frontgardensmusthaveatleast2treesanditisillegaltohangwashingout,frontorback.Foursurprisessofar!DaveandMandyWard

Seepage11fortheprize-winnerandamountraisedforActionforChildren.1)OlittletownofBethlehem2)Awayinamanger3)Silentnight,holynight4)Ocome,allyefaithful5)Littledonkey,littledonkey6)Infantholy,infantlowly7)Harktheheraldangelssing8)Dingdongmerrilyonhigh9)Itcameuponthemidnightclear10)GoodkingWenceslaslookedout11)Godrestyemerrygentlemen12)Isawthreeships13)The irstNoel14)Angels,fromtherealmsofglory15)Onthe irstdayofChristmas16)OnceinroyalDavid'scity17)Thehollyandtheivy18)HowfarisittoBethlehem19)LittleJesussweetlysleep20)Inthebleakmidwinter21)Untousachildisborn22)WewishyouamerryChristmas23)Borninthenight,Mary'schild24)Seehimlyingonabedofstraw25)Whileshepherdswatched26)Comeandjointhecelebration27)Girlsandboysleaveyourtoys28)Gotellitonthemountain29)DoyouhearwhatIhear30)Seeamidthewintersnow

30

Newpuzzles1)Aneasyonetostartwith:whatisunusualaboutthefollowingsentence?‘ThequickbrownFoxjumpsoverthelazydog.’2)Considerthefollowingstatements.‘FionaJacksonmarriedAlanSmithonFriday20thJanuary2017at1430intheafternooninRosythParishchurchScotland.’‘AliceWexfordmarriedAlanSmithonFriday20thJanuary2017at1430intheafternooninRosythParishchurchScotland.’Howcanboththesesentencesbetrue?3)SatatatableinaPubareafather,amother,ason,adaughter,abrother,asister,twocousins,anuncleandanaunt,ifoneofthembuysaroundofdrinks,whatistheleastamountofdrinksyouhavetobuytogiveeveryoneadrink?Pleaseexplain!4)Johnnumberseverypageofhis100pagebook,howmanytimesdoeshewritethenumber8?

PuzzlepageWithpuzzlesfromDaveWard

AnswerstoDec/JanpuzzlesA1)Becausetheclockstrikesonceat1o’clockandeveryquarter-hourthereafter,themaximumamountoftimethemanwouldneedtowaitwouldbe1½hrs.Thatwouldariseififheheardtheclockchimeonceat12.15.After6morechimes(every¼hourupto1.45)hewouldknowthattheclockwouldstriketwicenext,at2o’clock.A2)Giventhatajudgehasallowedaprisonertomakeonestatement,suchthatifthestatementistruehewillbehanged,butifitisfalsehewillbeshotbya iringsquad,thestatementthatsecuredhisreleasewas:‘Iwillbeshotbya iringsquad’.Worktherestoutforyourself.A3)ThetimepiecewiththemostmovingpartsisANEGGTIMER!A4)Tomakethesum5+5+5=550correctwithjustonestraightline,youaddadiagonallinetothe irstplus.tomakethe‘+’intoa‘4’.Thus,itbecomes545+5=550.

[Ed:AChristmasQuizwasalsoarrangedbyJeanHalltoraisefundsforActionforChildren.Theanswersaregivenonpage29,andtheoutcomeonpage11]

31

ContactpointsandmeetingtimesThislistsupplementsthelistofformalcontactsgivenontheinsidecover,andisfortheactivitiesandorganisationsrunbytheMethodistChurchCouncil,StMargaret'sVestry,andbyaf iliatedbutindependentorganisations.

ChurchactivitiesMethodistGiftAidenquiriesto StuartFowell 01383823936 Stuart.Fowell@tbtinternet.comPropertymatters&lettingenquiries: MartinRogers 01383415458 martin.rogersl3@talktalk.netStMargaret'sChoir SueMasson 01383824887 susan.masson@btinternet.comStMargaret'sGiftAidenquiriesto GordonPryde 01383860450 gordonpryde@btinternet.comSundaySchoolandMessyChurch: GwynethKirby 01383624779 gmkirby@hotmail.comToddlers’Group(Wed/Fri0930–1100) ElaineLambert 01383417071 elaine.lambert1@sky.comTraidcraft MyraTarr 01383723989 myra@mtarr.co.ukWednesdayFellowship(Wed1415–1600) MaryKidd 01383872332 cmarykidd@btinternet.comOrganisations meeting

inourpremisesParahandiesDisabledClub(Mon0930–1400) PeterMerckel(sec) 01383822940 peter.merckel@yahoo.co.uk

ScoutGroupGroupScoutLeader seeMartinRogers 01383415458 martin.rogers13@talktalk.netBeaverScouts(Tue1730–1830) DavidSinclair 01383410255 davidgraeme31@yahoo.co.ukCubScouts(Tue1830–2015) MartinRogers 01383415458 martin.rogers13@talktalk.netScouts(Fri1900–2115) AlanConnery 01383731391 scouts_13th_ ife@btinternet.comExplorerScouts(Fri1900–2115) GaryDewar 01383411938 gary.dewar@sky.comGuideUnitRainbows(Mon1800–1900) SusanWarren 01383414355 susarren@aol.comBrownies(Mon1800–1930) NicolaByrne 07956005996 NicolaByr44ne86@hotmail.comGuides(Thu1800–2030) LindaWallace 07455213809 6throsythguides@gmail.com* Anasterisk indicatesa change since the

lastissue(ineithermeetingtimeorcontactdetailsorboth)

32

CONTACTon-lineYouwill indthisissue,andmanypreviousissuesofCONTACT,onthearchivepagesofbothofthechurchwebsites,whereyouwillgetthebene itsofcolourwithouttheextraprintingcost.OurnextissueGratefulthankstoallthosewhohavecontributedtothisissue.ThenextissuewillbepublishedinearlyApril,sopleasesendusyourcontributionbyTuesday21st

March2017.Youcansendittoeditor\ rosythmethodist.org.uk.

TheletterfromMalawi

Forcontext,seethearticleonpage11abouttheletter