Over the past few months I’ve been doing some work with different congregations across the Presbytery through the Presbytery Planning process. As I have done that, I’ve met with some who are struggling and having to make decisions about the closure of church buildings – but also with others who are planning exciting new developments. The difference can sometimes be quite stark.

I was reminded of a quote from Tony Campolo a few years ago: “If the 1950’s return, the church is well placed to have a significant impact.” Of course, the point is that we are in the early part of the 21st century and we need to ensure that the shape of church life, witness and worship is relevant to today’s culture. Unfortunately the pain of working through that will be too much for some congregations – but for those who do work through it, I believe there are exciting opportunities ahead. Opportunities to see communities, families and individuals transformed by the love and grace of Christ.

In Loanhead we have made a start to that reshaping in many different ways and I look forward to what God has for us in the future. I hope you do too.

In Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah talks of a testing time to come, yet says:

11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

We need to seek God for what lies ahead.

Talking of what lies ahead … in case you haven’t noticed, Christmas lurks just round the corner! Always a busy time for us in the church – but a good time as we share together. Not something to miss out on and I hope that you are already planning to share with us in some of the events and activities of the coming two months!

I always find myself caught up in the excitement of the youngsters for whom Christmas still holds a magical quality – but I also have a sense of the deep significance of the Christmas story that we should never lose sight of. Something which does not pass as the lights are taken down and the Christmas tree is packed away. The truth of a God who is committed to loving us – and who came among us as one of us that we might know and experience his loving touch.

May your Christmas celebrations be rich and full this year, and may the lasting joy of knowing the peace of Christ sustain you.

With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

The group has been able to provide support to a small number of families and individuals, but is keen to extend its activities and is therefore considering partnering with other support charities and organisations to increase the level of involvement in our community. We are also hoping to arrange activities around Christmas, a time of year which can be particularly difficult for some families.

If you know of anyone whom the group could support, please speak to Louise Ferguson, Roberta Lunn, Caroline Hunter, Val Watt, or Audrey McLaren.

With thanks for your continued prayerful support.

At the end of October we had a fun evening with our "Auction of Promises" which raised over 1300.00 for church funds. Thanks to everyone who offered "promises", without whose generous offers of time, talent and expertise the event would just not be possible. (Promises ranged from the making of banoffee pies to the making of wills and many points in between!!) Thanks also to everyone who bid for the various lots and supported us with their attendance on the evening.

Our next event is the annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 26 November,10.00-12.00 in the church. There will be lots of Christmas goodies for sale, Santa will be in his grotto and there will be teas, coffees and mince pies in the hall. Do come along and support this event.

Please remember to tell me if you no longer pay tax. And – if you start again, let me know if you want me to reclaim under Gift Aid.
Thanks, Angela Stewart, Gift Aid Treasurer.

Thank you to all who give to the church using the WFO envelopes.
Your new envelopes for 2012 will be delivered to you with your December Contact magazine. They are in a pale blue box and I suggest you put the remaining envelopes for 2011 into the front of your new box, - then you will only have one box to keep.
Thanks Angela Stewart.

All units are very busy. 1 Brownie unit and the Guide unit being full and operating a waiting list with the other Brownie and Rainbow units having healthy numbers which is fantastic.

Al the girls that have moved up units have now completed their induction and have made their promises and they are settling into their new units. We have been busy with making crafts and learning new songs.

The Brownie packs held a parents night had a film night. They also went along to the Soft play at The Kabin for a fun night out.
They are now getting ready for Christmas with making crafts , a trip to the panto at the Brunton Theatre and finishing up with a Christmas Party in December.

The Guides too are getting ready for Christmas and they are already making preparations to go to Camp in February.

All units are taking part in the Church Christmas Fayre with a variety of activities and stalls.

We are also preparing for the Loanhead Guide Reunion which is being held in February anyone who is interested in attending this event please contact Margaret Robertson on 07866096362.

Margaret Robertson
District Commissioner

Always good to start an article with good news .After some recruiting I am pleased to say all three sections of the Company have seen a rise in numbers. It certainly gives you a boost when you see the Company numbers on the increase, especially nowadays when you are competing against so many other things.

All three sections are now well into their programmes and will have a busy couple of months coming up with events, training courses and competitions all on the horizon.
The Anchor Boys have 16 boys on the roll and are in their programme of craftwork, baking and games. They are now also making plans for their Christmas party.

The Junior Section have 17 boys on the roll and are also in their programme of badgework, activities and games. They are hoping to organise a weekend at Craggan Outdoor Centre in May next year.
The Company Section now have 25 boys on the roll which includes 10 first year boys.We have also welcomed Troels Einarson, from Denmark to the Company. Troels is studying at Dalkeith High School on a student exchange and will be with us until June next year.

The boys will be participating in Company and Battalion competitions soon as well as enjoying the Friday night club in the Church Hall. We have also started 9 boys in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at either bronze or silver level. It is also pleasing that 4 of our younger members of staff will be undertaking their Youth Leader Training this month.

As Captain, I can safely say the 1st Loanhead Company is one of the biggest companies in the Edinburgh, Leith & District Battalion and will continue to strive to offer the boys and young men in our charge every opportunity to broaden their horizons and help them gain the experience as they progress through their lives. As a member of the congregation you can feel rightly proud that Loanhead has a strong active BB Company in it’s community.

If you wish any further information on the 1st Loanhead Boys’ Brigade please contact me on 440 0906 or by email jp.ralston@btopenworld.com

Jim Ralston
Company Captain

From a treasurers point of view it is great to have had the recent Back to Church and youth dedication services where the offerings were much higher than an average week. I wonder how many of you have thought to invite those folk back again. With our annual Christmas services coming up it may just be an opportunity someone needs ......

But for now......