If it feels like we’ve turned a corner with the weather, in some way it also feels like that with staffing within the church. The last few months have been quite difficult in this area, particularly when we didn’t have anyone to replace Frances when she left in January. I was grateful that Frances continued to take responsibility for JAM until just before Easter, before going out to Germany, and that Alan Duffin and others stepped in to take on additional responsibilities. With the new staff appointments we have made, and one more to make within the next month (more of that later in the magazine) I am hopeful that all of the work will continue to grow and develop positively.

It has also been great though to see the number of people who have been willing to get involved in the work as volunteers. Particularly in our children’s and youth work, where we currently have enough volunteers for all our groups and activities. It is encouraging to see this commitment to the next generation. [Speaking of commitment, it was good at the BB Display Night to celebrate the contribution that Beatrice Ralston has made to succeeding generations of boys. A presentation was made to Beatrice as she stood down as leader in charge of the Boys’ Brigade Junior section after more than 26 years. So for those starting off – you have a long way to go!]

In our partnership with Newton though, things haven’t developed far, despite this officially starting in November. With the appointment of a Church Development Worker to serve at Newton from July, I am sure that new groups and opportunities will begin to develop there. One or two people have already spoken of a willingness to help with some of the new work which might start at Newton – and if you might be interested in this, it would be good to hear from you.

We will also be planning our Holiday Club for young people over the next few weeks – this year with a sporting theme. Encouraging our young people to think about the kind of commitment that is needed in all kinds of areas in life – but especially in our commitment to Jesus. The Holiday Clubs over the last few years have always given us a positive opportunity to impact the lives of the young people who come along, and we look forward to that again this year.

In all this though, important that we keep our eyes fixed on what is important. Helping others to discover a living faith in Jesus, and nurturing one another in our walk with him. That as a faith community in Loanhead, our life together may speak of the love of Christ and draw others in.

As we will explore later in the year in our Stewardship Campaign, we all have a part to play in that, and a contribution to make. As Paul notes when he writes to Christian friends in Corinth:

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do. The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.”

Children’s & Youth Worker

Kevin Avis has been appointed as Children’s Worker (15 hours/wk) from April. He will be introduced to the congregation on Sunday 25th May, but has already begun working in Loanhead and Paradykes Primary schools, and has taken over leadership of JAM.

in his early 20’s, Kevin completed a year of training with International Christian College in 2005/06, and has been working part-time with the Salvation Army as a Children's Worker in Gorgie. He is combining that work with the work amongst 8 to 14 year olds that he will be responsible for in Loanhead. Kevin describes his interests as "meeting my friends over a coffee or going out in a big group. I also enjoy eating out, trying new food and going to the cinema."

Young Adult Worker

Jo Love was appointed as Adult Outreach Worker (8 hours/wk) from March. Jo has a wide experience of church and community work, having worked within the Church of Scotland in various posts since completing training as a deacon in 1991. In autumn 2007 she graduated in teacher training and then spent six months with the Iona Community Youth Team. Jo is combining her role at Loanhead alongside some supply teaching.

Church Development Worker (Newton 32 hours/wk)

Christopher Anderson has been appointed as Church Development Worker at Newton. Christopher is completing training at International Christian College in Glasgow, and will take up his post when he completes his studies in July.

Pastoral Assistant (Loanhead 8 hours/wk)

To compensate for the minister’s time commitment at Newton, the central church have agreed to employ a pastoral assistant 8 hours a week at Loanhead. Interviews will be held in early June.

Jonathan Fraser

Jonathan Fraser has completed his studies in America, and will start as assistant minister at Inverness: Hilton at the beginning of June. This is a full time placement as part of his final training for ministry. A service of affirmation is planned at Penicuik: North on Sunday 22nd May 7 p.m. to affirm God’s call on Jonnie, and to pray for both Jonnie and Susie as they move on.

Membership of Congregational Board

Morag Wilson and Bruce Ball, both of whom have joined the church recently, have agreed to join the Board and were appointed at the Board meeting in April. Mitchell Flockhart has also agreed to join the Board, with her appointment to be confirmed by the Board in June.

Summer Holiday Club

We are looking forward to running a Holiday Club for youngsters again this summer. The dates this year are 4th to 4th August – with a group for Primasry school youngsters in the moening, secondary school, youngsters in the evening. If you would like to help please speak to Graham Duffin, Alison Notman or Gayle Jones.

Soul Survivor – Youth Event

The youngsters from the church’s youth group are planning to attend a Christian youth event called Soul Survivor, sharing with thousands of young people from all over the UK, from 25th to 29th July. They will be camping for the time they are away and cooking for themselves. (Well, Jane Duffin will be cooking – but the camping bit is true!)

Report from Alan Duffin

My 9 months as a volunteer is now coming to an end and has passed so quickly - I can’t believe it is over already. Well, the past 9 months have been really enjoyable.

I have been doing the lunch-time Xplorers groups in Paradykes Primary on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and more recently on Thursdays, taking over from Frances with the Primary 7’s. I have had lots of fun working with the kids in P5, 6 and 7, doing lots of games and crafts – but, more importantly, looking at the Christian faith with short DVD clips and talks. I would like to say a “thank-you” to all the helpers who have been a tremendous support at the Xplorers. Thank-you.

I have also been involved in Paradykes helping out with a P.E. teacher from Lasswade who comes in on a Wednesday. I have loved doing this, and this has re-ignited my desire to become a PE teacher. Alongside this I have helped out with Paradykes football team with Mr Smith – taking them to tournaments and doing training, which has been great. Just spending time in something both the kids and I enjoy – football!

I have been helping out on a Friday with a SFA coach who has been doing a coaching session with the P7’s. I have learnt a lot from working alongside him – and been surprised by the number of dry Fridays we’ve actually had!Most recently I have been running a football club after school at Paradykes, and a combined group at Loanhead/ St. Margaret’s. This has involved doing some football coaching , linking it with life skills from a Christian perspective. With around 14 attending each of the groups, this has been great.

One of the groups I have really enjoyed is the Xplorers group we set up for 1st years. The young people have been interacting loads with the topics and saying lots about wht they think and feel about Christianity, which has made it a joy to do.

My final area of work has been with JAM on a Friday afternoon – doing talks, games and just getting to know the kids which has been great.

I have really enjoyed working for the church and am glad I have had the chance to do so. I will hopefully be able to keep up with some of the work as I go to study at college.

Alan Duffin

Footnote:

Alan omitted to mention a major task he has helped with this year (and has hated!) – moving the seats in the church for activities during the week and back for Sunday morning services! He has turned his hand to whatever has needed done, and it has been great to have had his input this year, particularly through a period of staff changes. He has built up good relationships with the youngsters and volunteers, and we look forward to his continued involvement.

The Ceilidh which we had in February was a super night. The floor was never empty, so that speaks for itself as to how good the band was playing. About £600 was raised for the funds.

The Quiz night in April wasn’t as busy as we had hoped it would be, but those that attended enjoyed themselves and we raised £158.

The Gala Day is the next big project on Saturday June 28th. Many hands make light work, so help is needed for teas and stalls.

The Church Outing will be on Saturday 23rd August. The venue is still to be decided.

Please remember the rota for Sunday morning teas. Help is always appreciated.

Sheena Ormiston

PASTORAL CARE GROUP

As the Group continue with their work in and around the community, please remember them in your prayers.

Our Afternoon Tea on the 21st April was well attended and was very much enjoyed. We had Rickie Hart entertaining us once again and thanks to all who helped in any way. If you know of anyone who is ill, in hospital, has a special birthday or anniversary and would appreciate a visit from a member of the group, please let us know. We also send cards or flowers.

Our last meeting before the summer break is on Wednesday 18th June at 2.30p.m. in the church hall. If you would like to join us, please come along. You will be made very welcome. The Peace of Christ be with you all.

Ann Saunderson

THE GUILD

Our Knit-In/Bring-and-Buy Sale evening in March was not only to raise money for charity. It gave members an opportunity to have a good natter.

The World Day of Prayer this year was held in Rosslyn Chapel. The Meetings in April were very interesting - Hamish Coghill – Faces of Edinburgh, then off to Saudia Arabia with George Scott describing what it was like to be a Christian there. It was very difficult having to worship in secret.

Our AGM followed and Margaret Thomson will be our Convener again for the 2008 – 2009 session. We have had a very good mix of subjects this session with some very interesting topics.

On the 6th of May, our last meeting of the session, – we had our Floral Tea. We were entertained by Helen Anderson and The Cantare Singers. Members are now looking forward to our outing on 31st May to Alnwick Gardens. The Guild will resume on the first Tuesday in October.

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

The following is a teaspoonful of the above and comprises “Bloopers” which appeared in Church Bulletins.

“Ladies don’t forget the Rummage Sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.”

“Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.”

“Miss Charlene Mason sang, “I will not pass this way again”, giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.”

“For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs”

“Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.”

“At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.

“Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.”

“The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.”

“Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7p.m. Please use the back door.”

“The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon”

“The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the Church basement Friday 7p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

“Weight Watchers will meet at 7p.m. at the Free Presbyterian Church. Please use the large double door at the side entrance.

MUM AND TOTS

Catriona and Gayle are again holding sessions for pre-school children - £1 per child in the big hall. These sessions will run on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th July. Snacks are available to purchase on the day.

You don’t have to be a Mum to come along, Grannies, Dads, Carers or Babysitters are very welcome too!

Look forward to seeing you then!

Catriona and Gayle

PARISH REGISTER

Funerals

23rd February 2008 Alex Robertson
25th February 2008 Diane Selkirk
6th March 2008 James Stables
12th March 2008 Sandy Watt
13th March 2008 Ann Sutherland
14th March 2008 Jenny Walsh
18th March 2008 Peter Laing
20th March 2008 Jean Armstrong
27th March 2008 June Gray
7th April 2008 Robert Phillips
11th April 2008 Alice Anderson
12th April 2008 Albert Hunter
1st May 2008 Jimmy Robertson
5th May 2008 Max and Ben McLaren
8th May 2008 Helen Ferguson

From the Session Clerk

“Summertime, and the Living is Easy” – Perhaps easy for George Gershwin to write, but is life really any easier now than it was in 1935 as he wrote these lyrics? Increasingly wealth in the developed countries around the world hasn’t helped the poverty stricken areas - did the Make Poverty History campaign of 2005 really make any improvement? We are beginning to enjoy some summer weather but could we live easily with a climate of constant heat and sun? It’s often refreshing to feel a cool breeze or have the land freshened up with a rain shower unlike countries like Burma who experience extremes of weather with disastrous consequences. As I write this to you we are preparing for Christian Aid Week. The money raised in this week is invaluable to this Organisation who earns 70% of their money from donations from you and me. I hope you were able to help or donate something. If not, logon to www.caweek.org - you can make your pledge there.

Closer to home, I am pleased to report that our Kirk Session members are in good heart and continue to consider how we can work to shape our future. Some attended the National Gathering at Ingliston run by Church without Walls. From the 150 or so churches represented, each had their own story to tell; from knocking down their buildings to how they are reaching their local communities. Each were similar in their aim – how to attract, encourage and grow their congregations. As we know there is no easy answers to any of these questions but the recognition that church must fit into the lives of others and not to expect them to fit into our framework may be our starting point. I would urge you to pray for our Session as we continue to explore this along with our children and youth worker, Kevin and also Jo who has undoubtedly a huge task in reaching out to the young adults in our community.

Soon enough again we’ll be commencing our split summer services during July and August. So depending on your choice of service I may not see many of you until September. I hope you enjoy the summer and have some easy living.

With kind regards.

Gayle

MORNING PRAYER
Give me the strength to meet each day with quietwill
Give me the faith to know you are my Shepherd still
Give me the light to find my way when shadows fall
Be my steady guiding star
FATHER OF ALL

Sainsburys Active Kids Vouchers

The Guides are again collecting these vouchers and hope to beat the 2,750 total raised last year! There is a box at the back door where vouchers can be deposited, or leave them in the Guides pigeon hole.

CHURCH FLOWERS

I would like to thank Ann Saunderson who deputised for me at Easter, when she supervised the decoration of the church in my absence. I would also like to thank everyone who donated flowers, money and time that weekend.

There are some slots on the calendar that need filling, so if you have an anniversary, or a date you would like to remember, or would simply like to have flowers put in Church, please get in touch.

Shelagh Jenkins
0131 440 0641

JUNIOR CHURCH
It is almost the end of another session of Junior Church. This time of year has come round very quickly again.

With so many School holidays in this part of the year the numbers each week have fluctuated but we always have our core group who are there every week.

Can I take this opportunity to thank Laura and Stephanie for helping Louise with the youngest group. Our numbers there have risen considerably this year and it has been too much for one to handle.

We have not held a Sunday School picnic now for the last two years due to low numbers instead there has been the chance for us all to take part in the Church outing to Yellow Craigs in August.

Our Prizegiving to mark the end of the session is on Sunday 15th June this year and it is to be hoped the children will manage along to some of the early Summer services which are all family based.

Best wishes for a good Summer for all at Junior Church.

Margaret Hurst

CHRISTIAN AID

A big thank you to all who collect every year, with nary a grumble – without your support Christian Aid would be unable to help and improve life for people in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries.

At the time of writing the amount collected this year is unknown.

BOARD NOTES

The Board agreed to co-opt Bruce Ball, David Ralston and Moran Wilson and following the meeting Mitchell Flockart as Board Members.

Lighting at the front of the church – Contact has now been made with the Church Lighting Expert and we await developments.

The Board agreed that the loft insulation should be renewed in the Manse and are looking into the possibility of obtaining a grant.

FROM THE TREASURER’S CHEST

It was good to hear that in the Budget that the Gift Aid Tax Relief rate was not reduced as anticipated from 28p to 25p. I believe that the reprieve is for three years.

**

You will notice that the weekly offerings total in the order of service is increased by £167 per week to cover the members who give monthly by Bankers Order. The number giving in this way is increasing. It saves scrambling around for change on a Sunday morning and it also benefits the Church as we do not have any missed Sundays! If anyone wishes to start giving by Bankers Order, I have the forms.

**

An anonymous donation of £200 has been received to be put towards the installation of the fire alarm system.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The two marks of a Christian are – Giving and For-giving…….!”

The journey that began in November 2006 still has hurdles to pass, the fundraising continues. The ‘final mile’ is in sight but just as difficult as the first. Still to be funded are the staff room, new kitchen facility and our last hurdle in assisting the cost of getting a group of young people from here in Scotland to Kenya in February 2009 to participate in the official opening and also to work with the children of Oloolua.

Distance should be no hurdle to the Christian fellowship this Project has nurtured and developed in so many Young People. The Project targets from day one were to make a significant impact on the lives of both the young people of Oloolua as well as the young people of Bonnyrigg, Livingston and Loanhead Boys’ Brigade.

‘It Can Be Done’ and with your help ‘It Will Be Done’
www.projectstedfast.co.uk