The Kirk Session at St John’s & Kings Park church has set up a Pastoral Care team from members of the church congregation.
A co-ordinator is appointed to work with the minister and this person then relays information to the other care team members.
The idea is that each team member has between one and three persons to visit every 6 – 8 weeks, just to see how they are getting along and have a chat with them.
Most of the people on the list cannot attend church for different reasons so it is a way of keeping in touch with them and providing some company if they are in the house alone.
If for any reason they wish to contact the minister the team will arrange this for them.
When the team member visits, if no one is in, a card with the care team members name and phone number is left in case the person would like a chat over the phone or to request a more suitable time and day to revisit.
The pastoral care team meet up every couple of months to discuss how the visiting is going and to update team members on any new information needed.
IT’S THRILLINGLY EASY TO MAKE FOLK GLAD
A FRIENDLY SMILE OR A WORD OF CHEER
A BIT OF PATIENCE WHEN LIFE IS DREAR
A LITTLE HELP OR A LISTENING EAR
AND WE’VE BROUGHT NEW JOY TO A HEART ONCE SAD.
Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10
If you know anyone that would appreciate a visit please get in touch with either Keith or Avril Hay.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
GUILD MEETINGS AND EVENTS PLANNED
Thursday 2nd December at 2:00 pm
Mrs. Lawrie will talk on her visits and experiences in the Philippines, a presentation that promises to be highly interesting and enjoyable.
Thursday 16th December at 7:30 pm
As a follow up to the very successful show he gave last year, Mr. Bill Prentice will present a compilation of entertaining “Old Time” films.
In addition, there will be a Secret Santa – and mince pies and coffee.
Thursday 13th January
Guild Night Out to the County Hotel
Thursday 20th January at 7:30 pm
Bertha Walker will be visiting with a selection of vintage clothes. Come along and see if you recognise some of them!
Thursday 3rd February at 2:00 pm
Rev. Keith Mack will give a talk on this year’s theme: “What Does The Lord Require of You – To Have Mercy”.
May we wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and please join us at any of our meetings. You will be made most welcome.
Sheena Henderson, Secretary
Mrs. Lawrie will talk on her visits and experiences in the Philippines, a presentation that promises to be highly interesting and enjoyable.
Thursday 16th December at 7:30 pm
As a follow up to the very successful show he gave last year, Mr. Bill Prentice will present a compilation of entertaining “Old Time” films.
In addition, there will be a Secret Santa – and mince pies and coffee.
Thursday 13th January
Guild Night Out to the County Hotel
Thursday 20th January at 7:30 pm
Bertha Walker will be visiting with a selection of vintage clothes. Come along and see if you recognise some of them!
Thursday 3rd February at 2:00 pm
Rev. Keith Mack will give a talk on this year’s theme: “What Does The Lord Require of You – To Have Mercy”.
May we wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and please join us at any of our meetings. You will be made most welcome.
Sheena Henderson, Secretary
Monday, 15 November 2010
GUILD INFORMATION - NOVEMBER 2010
Our new Guild Session got off to an excellent and enjoyable start in October with a fundraising event for the Church Repair Fund when Helen Anderson and her Choir ‘Cantare’ entertained us.
The meetings and events planned for November are as follows:
Sheena Henderson
Secretary
The meetings and events planned for November are as follows:
- On 4th November at 2pm, major John Houston from the Salvation Army will give a talk on the work of the organisation.
- On 18th of November at 7.30pm, a speaker from the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) will give a presentation titled “Mission Run – Madagascar”. Our Guild has chosen to support MAF as our project this session.
- On Saturday 20th November, the guild Coffee Morning in aid of Church Funds will take place from 10am – 12 noon. Admission is £2, with a selection of home baking and coffee. There will also be a Bring and Buy stall.
- At the beginning on Guild Week on Sunday 21st November at 11am, Guild Members will conduct the Guild Dedication service and at the end of Guild week on Sunday 28th November after the service, the Guild will provide lunches. A 3 course lunch with coffee will cost £4 (children £1), with the proceeds going to the Guild Project.
Sheena Henderson
Secretary
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
GUILD OPEN EVENING – 14 OCTOBER 2010
There Guild would like to invite you to an open evening on Thursday 14 October. Entertainment will be from Helen Anderson & Cantare, followed by a light supper.
This will be a most enjoyable evening and tickets (£5) can be obtained from Guild members.
All proceeds are going to the church repair funds so please support this event.
If you require any further information please contact Sheena.
Sheena Henderson
Secretary
This will be a most enjoyable evening and tickets (£5) can be obtained from Guild members.
All proceeds are going to the church repair funds so please support this event.
If you require any further information please contact Sheena.
Sheena Henderson
Secretary
Monday, 6 September 2010
CONGREGATIONAL BOARD VACANCY
A vacancy has arisen on the Congregational Board on appointment to the Kirk Session of Arthur Tinsdale.
The Board is responsible for running Church business such as finance and matters to do with property.
Anyone wishing to share in this vital work, or who knows of anyone who might be suited, is invited to speak to either Andrew Brown or Alistair McNeill.
The Board is responsible for running Church business such as finance and matters to do with property.
Anyone wishing to share in this vital work, or who knows of anyone who might be suited, is invited to speak to either Andrew Brown or Alistair McNeill.
ALPHA AT ST JOHN’S - 2010
The team are gearing up for our next Alpha Course, in the Autumn. The course starts with a Guest Dinner at the Bistro in Dalkeith Country Park on Monday 20th September, with the course itself starting on 27th September.
Here is a quote from a guest who attended in 2009,
“This Course clearly has the power to change people’s lives… by allowing…quality time to think about God and be receptive to the idea that He might actually be real!”
Please consider whether this Course might be for you, or for a family member or friend. Most importantly, please pray for the Course, that it may used by God for His purposes in our community and church family.
For more information please contact Keith or the team at the numbers on our church Alpha posters.
Here is a quote from a guest who attended in 2009,
“This Course clearly has the power to change people’s lives… by allowing…quality time to think about God and be receptive to the idea that He might actually be real!”
Please consider whether this Course might be for you, or for a family member or friend. Most importantly, please pray for the Course, that it may used by God for His purposes in our community and church family.
For more information please contact Keith or the team at the numbers on our church Alpha posters.
CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY
St John’s and King’s Park’s first CAP Money course has just finished and was judged to be a real success! There are plans to run another course in the autumn. Places on the last course were all taken very quickly so don’t delay in booking a place on the next one when the dates are announced.
The CAP Money Course uses an easy to use budgeting method, designed to make your money work more effectively for you.
If you would like to know more about CAP at St John’s and King’s Park, speak to Helen Martin.
The CAP Money Course uses an easy to use budgeting method, designed to make your money work more effectively for you.
If you would like to know more about CAP at St John’s and King’s Park, speak to Helen Martin.
HOLIDAY CLUB 2010
This year’s SEASIDE ROCK event in August was a great success! We had a fun week exploring the life of Peter through arts and crafts, drama and teaching.
Peter was an ordinary fisherman who dropped everything to follow Jesus and each day’s teaching was to show the kids how we too can also follow Jesus in our daily lives.
Keith and Neil taught us a memory verse with actions each day and led us in worship songs, beach warm ups and games.
We had 55 to 60 primary age children attending each day, with a celebration family evening on the last day which was well attended by parents and kids alike.
Our team leaders did a fantastic job in engaging with the kids in their team and delivering each day’s teaching in a fun way assisted by all our helpers!
A big thank you to all the team members who give up their time to make the week a success! Another big thanks to Pat and all the kitchen volunteers in the kitchen and to those who made donations of juice and snacks.
HEATHER CARTLIDGE
Peter was an ordinary fisherman who dropped everything to follow Jesus and each day’s teaching was to show the kids how we too can also follow Jesus in our daily lives.
Keith and Neil taught us a memory verse with actions each day and led us in worship songs, beach warm ups and games.
We had 55 to 60 primary age children attending each day, with a celebration family evening on the last day which was well attended by parents and kids alike.
Our team leaders did a fantastic job in engaging with the kids in their team and delivering each day’s teaching in a fun way assisted by all our helpers!
A big thank you to all the team members who give up their time to make the week a success! Another big thanks to Pat and all the kitchen volunteers in the kitchen and to those who made donations of juice and snacks.
HEATHER CARTLIDGE
BOYS BRIGADE
The Boys brigade are seeking men and women willing to offer some time on a Friday evening to support the organisation (previous involvement is not necessary).
Those interested should contact Alan Hall.
Those interested should contact Alan Hall.
MESSAGE FROM KEITH - SEPTEMBER
Just as there are physical signs that we are getting older, there are signs that show we are getting better. Rather than becoming more crotchety, intolerant and unloving, the mature follower of Jesus grows better at forgiving, loving and caring.
Growing older is a continuation of the journey to become more like Jesus, which means that as time goes on, our heart and attitudes should increasingly resonate with and reflect the compelling character and winsome ways of our Saviour.
So as we grow older, let’s embrace the opportunity to become spiritually more like Jesus. Our friends will notice that we look better with age.
Don’t just grow older – grow better as a follower of Jesus.
Your friend and minister,
Keith
Growing older is a continuation of the journey to become more like Jesus, which means that as time goes on, our heart and attitudes should increasingly resonate with and reflect the compelling character and winsome ways of our Saviour.
So as we grow older, let’s embrace the opportunity to become spiritually more like Jesus. Our friends will notice that we look better with age.
Don’t just grow older – grow better as a follower of Jesus.
Your friend and minister,
Keith
ST JOHN’S AND KING’S PARK BABY AND TODDLER GROUP
On Fridays during school terms at 10-11.30am this group meet in the large hall of St John’s and King’s Park Church.
Please make sure that mums, dads and carers of babies and toddlers know that they are very welcome.
For further information please contact Donna Mack.
Please make sure that mums, dads and carers of babies and toddlers know that they are very welcome.
For further information please contact Donna Mack.
Friday, 20 August 2010
HEALING ON THE STREETS – TRAINING WEEKEND
As part of the outreach into the community churches in Edinburgh are invited to consider joining this initiative.
They will be holding a Training Weekend for anyone interested to attend on Friday 27 August at 19:30-22:00 and Saturday 28 August 09:00-12:00 followed by going onto the streets to gain experience in the afternoon from 13:00-15:00.
All church members are invited to come along.
If you are interested or require more detail, please contact David Hart on 0131 476 6640 or email info@almondvineyard.co.uk
They will be holding a Training Weekend for anyone interested to attend on Friday 27 August at 19:30-22:00 and Saturday 28 August 09:00-12:00 followed by going onto the streets to gain experience in the afternoon from 13:00-15:00.
All church members are invited to come along.
If you are interested or require more detail, please contact David Hart on 0131 476 6640 or email info@almondvineyard.co.uk
WOMEN WALKING WITH GOD CONFERENCE – MARCH 2011
Details of next year’s conference at EICC can be found at http://www.womenwalkingwithgod.co.uk/Lou Fellingham, and Phatfish are leading the worship sessions and the key speaker is Amy Orr-Ewing.
The cost is £48 (or £30 concessions) and runs from 8pm to 10pm on Friday 4 March and 9am to 10pm on Saturday 5 March.
Bookings can be made from 1 August 2010.
There is a group from St Johns and Kings Park attending and if you’d like more details please speak to either Heather Cartledge or Rona Combe.
BABYSITTING
We would like to produce a babysitting list so we can offer practical help to Mums and Dads in church.
Could you help in any way?
Please contact Keith Mack or Claire Donaldson on 0131 660 4517.
Could you help in any way?
Please contact Keith Mack or Claire Donaldson on 0131 660 4517.
Monday, 1 March 2010
THE VISION SUPPER
On Friday 9th October last year the church held a Vision Supper in the Large Hall. The event was intended to give members of the congregation an opportunity so say what they thought was done well, and what could be improved in the day to day life of St John's and Kings Park Church.
Those attending were also asked what their vision was for the Church and what they would like to see happen over the next five years.
Around ninety member of the Church attended and enjoyed a convivial evening, opened with an entertaining introduction by lan Drever and chaired by Kim and Norrie Kristoffersen. In church circles this was a fairly innovative event and those attending certainly entered into the spirit of the evening by making a large number of contributions. The mood at the end of the evening was very positive and there was a strong feeling that this should be the first in a series of events, occurring perhaps every two years.
The contributions have been analysed and responses grouped into areas of work to be taken forward, Indeed some of the straightforward matters have already been responded to.
The analysis was considered by Kirk Session on Monday 1st February and the following agreed.
There was a number of requests that the Church should be more spiritual, that there should be more prayer & more prayer opportunity. There was also a request for more Bible study. This has been referred to the Worship Committee.
There was a suggestion that a greater level of pastoral care (support for the sick and elderly) should take place and this will be considered by the new district teams and the Minister.
Members clearly enjoyed congregational participation in services and there was a call for more. There were suggestions for a greater range in styles of services and a greater range in music. Session recognised that the Minister was the final arbiter in the style and presentation of services but asked the Worship Committee to examine these issues, and Keith agreed to consider the outcome.
It was also clear that there is a range of views held on many issues, none more so than the manner in which musical praise is presented at Church services. There was a desire for a range of music, there were some who preferred traditional hymns, and there was also solid support for the praise band. There were several proposals that the choir be enhanced, and indeed that was a substantive item on the agenda at Session on 1st February. The outcome was that Alistair McNeill, with assistance, will look at ways in which the choir can be enlarged both in size and contribution.
Some of the contributions from members suggested an enhanced role for elders. The proposals were not specific but the Eldership Committee has been tasked with looking at the matter.
There were also several calls to develop contacts in the community and engage in outreach work. While quite a lot of work is already being done in this area, the Outreach Committee has been asked to take these proposals away and consider them.
The single largest number of suggestions were for refurbishment of the Church estate and this will be considered by The Congregational Board.
Another common theme was communication and the importance of keeping members and the local community informed about what the Church is doing was recognised and, while this is a matter for everyone, it was aqreed The Session and The Congregational Board should be particularly aware.
Several contributors felt that there was a need to reconsider our level of giving and that we should find ways to increase our level of fund raising. The Session recognised the enormous effort of several members in fund raising over the past year but also acknowledged that this will have to be enhanced, particularly in light of the level of maintenance work currently ongoing. In addition, if the hopes for refurbishment are to be realised a considerable fund raising effort will have to be undertaken. This matter will be referred to The Congregational Board, but there was a general view that if this level of fundraising is to be achieved the whole Church will need to be involved.
Having listed the actions to be taken it is important to report that there was a most positive buzz on the night and while the main issues are outlined above, several other messages were clear. For example there is strong support for the way The Church attracts young people to its services and positive commendation for Keith and his style of ministry.
There was a risk that this unusual event could have resulted in a negative outcome. This was most certainly not the case and what we must do now is take the issues forward and report back on what action is required.
Finally, this is an opportunity for The Eldership Committee to thank the many for their contributions.
Thank you.
Andrew Brown
Those attending were also asked what their vision was for the Church and what they would like to see happen over the next five years.
Around ninety member of the Church attended and enjoyed a convivial evening, opened with an entertaining introduction by lan Drever and chaired by Kim and Norrie Kristoffersen. In church circles this was a fairly innovative event and those attending certainly entered into the spirit of the evening by making a large number of contributions. The mood at the end of the evening was very positive and there was a strong feeling that this should be the first in a series of events, occurring perhaps every two years.
The contributions have been analysed and responses grouped into areas of work to be taken forward, Indeed some of the straightforward matters have already been responded to.
The analysis was considered by Kirk Session on Monday 1st February and the following agreed.
There was a number of requests that the Church should be more spiritual, that there should be more prayer & more prayer opportunity. There was also a request for more Bible study. This has been referred to the Worship Committee.
There was a suggestion that a greater level of pastoral care (support for the sick and elderly) should take place and this will be considered by the new district teams and the Minister.
Members clearly enjoyed congregational participation in services and there was a call for more. There were suggestions for a greater range in styles of services and a greater range in music. Session recognised that the Minister was the final arbiter in the style and presentation of services but asked the Worship Committee to examine these issues, and Keith agreed to consider the outcome.
It was also clear that there is a range of views held on many issues, none more so than the manner in which musical praise is presented at Church services. There was a desire for a range of music, there were some who preferred traditional hymns, and there was also solid support for the praise band. There were several proposals that the choir be enhanced, and indeed that was a substantive item on the agenda at Session on 1st February. The outcome was that Alistair McNeill, with assistance, will look at ways in which the choir can be enlarged both in size and contribution.
Some of the contributions from members suggested an enhanced role for elders. The proposals were not specific but the Eldership Committee has been tasked with looking at the matter.
There were also several calls to develop contacts in the community and engage in outreach work. While quite a lot of work is already being done in this area, the Outreach Committee has been asked to take these proposals away and consider them.
The single largest number of suggestions were for refurbishment of the Church estate and this will be considered by The Congregational Board.
Another common theme was communication and the importance of keeping members and the local community informed about what the Church is doing was recognised and, while this is a matter for everyone, it was aqreed The Session and The Congregational Board should be particularly aware.
Several contributors felt that there was a need to reconsider our level of giving and that we should find ways to increase our level of fund raising. The Session recognised the enormous effort of several members in fund raising over the past year but also acknowledged that this will have to be enhanced, particularly in light of the level of maintenance work currently ongoing. In addition, if the hopes for refurbishment are to be realised a considerable fund raising effort will have to be undertaken. This matter will be referred to The Congregational Board, but there was a general view that if this level of fundraising is to be achieved the whole Church will need to be involved.
Having listed the actions to be taken it is important to report that there was a most positive buzz on the night and while the main issues are outlined above, several other messages were clear. For example there is strong support for the way The Church attracts young people to its services and positive commendation for Keith and his style of ministry.
There was a risk that this unusual event could have resulted in a negative outcome. This was most certainly not the case and what we must do now is take the issues forward and report back on what action is required.
Finally, this is an opportunity for The Eldership Committee to thank the many for their contributions.
Thank you.
Andrew Brown
Thursday, 25 February 2010
CLAN Gathering 2010
JESUS – THE FACE OF GODThe themes for CLAN Gathering conferences tend to be quite deliberately general in nature to allow for a variety of approaches from a variety of speakers and worship leaders. The theme for 2010, “Jesus – The Face of God” may seem to fit that pattern. What could be a more general “theme” for a Christian conference than “Jesus”? However, I feel that this is a specific theme and an urgent one for us to consider together. SCOTLAND NEEDS TO BE SHOWN JESUS CHRIST!
Many Scots, both believers and non believers, have heard of Jesus but need to see Him. I am delighted to invite you to CLAN Gathering to see the living God in the face of Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever. It is my prayer that through anointed worship, led by Kathryn Scott, David Ross and others, and through teaching from many people including John Arnott, Jackie Pullinger-To, Allan Scott, more Christians and churches appear in Scotland that look like Jesus Christ.
May many within this land for which we pray say what Job said to the Lord, “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you”!
KENNY BORTHWICK (Chairman/CLAN Gathering)
KENNY BORTHWICK (Chairman/CLAN Gathering)
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
ANNUAL STATED MEETING 2009/10
The Church Annual Stated Meeting will take place after Morning Service on Sunday 28th March. Copies of The Accounts for 2009 should be available for collection by members of the congregation a fortnight beforehand.
Ken Bentley
Ken Bentley
GUILD INFORMATION – FEBRUARY 2010
Guild Topic – To Act Justly
On Thursday 4th February at 2pm, Rev. Keith Mack will give a talk on the Guild Topic, ‘To Act Justly’. Please come along and join us in the Church Hall where you will be made most welcome.
Guild Project Fundraising Event
Our Guild Project Fundraising Event will take place on Thursday 18th February at 7:30 pm when The Showstoppers will entertain us with "Songs From The Shows". This promises to be a very
entertaining evening and a light supper will be served after the show. Tickets, priced £5, are available from Guild Members. All are invited.
SSPCA Presentation
On Thursday 4th March at 2pm, we will be treated to a presentation on the work of the SSPCA. Please come along and bring your friends.
Sheena Henderson, Secretary
On Thursday 4th February at 2pm, Rev. Keith Mack will give a talk on the Guild Topic, ‘To Act Justly’. Please come along and join us in the Church Hall where you will be made most welcome.
Guild Project Fundraising Event
Our Guild Project Fundraising Event will take place on Thursday 18th February at 7:30 pm when The Showstoppers will entertain us with "Songs From The Shows". This promises to be a very
entertaining evening and a light supper will be served after the show. Tickets, priced £5, are available from Guild Members. All are invited.
SSPCA Presentation
On Thursday 4th March at 2pm, we will be treated to a presentation on the work of the SSPCA. Please come along and bring your friends.
Sheena Henderson, Secretary
Monday, 15 February 2010
DALKEITH INTEGRATION TEAM - DALKEITH CHURCHES & RICHMOND HOPE WORKING TOGETHER
As in past years, the support from Dalkeith Churches & Richmond Hope in 2009 has been tremendous and gratefully received by Dalkeith Integration Team and the many families we support.
With the kind donations of money, food, gifts and clothes from Dalkeith Churches & Richmond Hope our families benefited greatly this Christmas. More than 35 children & young people received a Christmas present from these donations & we were also able to support many families with extra food supplies.
As well as this 15 families received a food parcel, some of which included household essentials and toiletries. All these kind donations have made a huge difference to many families.
Your continued support has given so much joy and support to a lot of children and families in the Dalkeith area and we hope we can continue to work toqether in the future!
Heather Ritchie
With the kind donations of money, food, gifts and clothes from Dalkeith Churches & Richmond Hope our families benefited greatly this Christmas. More than 35 children & young people received a Christmas present from these donations & we were also able to support many families with extra food supplies.
As well as this 15 families received a food parcel, some of which included household essentials and toiletries. All these kind donations have made a huge difference to many families.
Your continued support has given so much joy and support to a lot of children and families in the Dalkeith area and we hope we can continue to work toqether in the future!
Heather Ritchie
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