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...worshipping...loving...learning...caring...sharing...

St Margaret's Church Magazine No 123 September 2018

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Dear Friends,

I hope you were able to enjoy the summer sunshine this year whether you went away on holiday or stayed at home. Geoff and I were island hopping in the Outer Hebrides on the CalMac ferry to the beautiful islands of Barra, Uist, Harris and Lewis. We were fortunate to visit in July during the prolonged spell of warm, sunny weather because on the islands there can be

extremes of weather, sometimes in one day!

The islands are very beautiful and peaceful, but this has not always been the case. As we visited the historic sights and museums, we learned more about the land clearances, Nordic invasions, the fights between clans, the landing of Bonnie Prince Charlie on Eriskay which led to the Battle of Culloden. The history is full of battles and there have been many challenges to islanders to maintain their way of life. But in 2006, South Uist, together with neighbouring Benbecula and Eriskay, was involved in Scotland’s biggest ever community buyout. The people invested in their island to secure their island’s future.

Perhaps we can learn something from the islanders at a time when there is a lot of doom and gloom in the papers and news about the future of the Church. There is a true story about two women, in their 80’s, one of them was blind, who went to church in Barvas, on the island of Lewis, who did just that…….

In the early 1950’s, after WWII, the women were concerned that there were no young people coming to church anymore, many had moved away or hadn’t come back after the war. They were concerned for their church, so they wanted to do something about it. The women decided to pray every Tuesday and Friday night at 10pm, for God to bring more people. They sometimes prayed into the early hours of the morning. After a time, they told their minister who joined them in prayer along with 7 office bearers so now there were 10 people praying.

The group decided to ask a minister called Duncan Campbell to come over from Edinburgh to preach at some evening services and the result was very

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unexpected – 300 people turned up that Sunday evening, another 600 were at the door of the church when the service ended, including many young people who had been at a youth event, another 400 people had gathered at the police station waiting for the minister to come over to speak to them…The outcome of prayer was the well documented revival in Lewis and many people on that island are part of church today because of two women who invested their time and energy in prayer!

Prayer is the best way we can invest ourselves in the future of the church. Many of us are counting our steps with step counters or Fitbit devices telling us how active or inactive we are in a day! There is no question that keeping physically active is good for our health but keeping spiritually and prayerfully active is also good for our health, our relationship with God and good for our church!

Yours,

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From the Editor

Another quiet summer period………..or so I thought when I first started to think about what was to be included in this magazine. Then the articles appeared and started to compete for space. We have been far from quiet! The shared summer services with other Glenrothes churches have once again been popular and busy, the holiday club filled the church with children, leaders and helpers, the occasional drop-ins for a “chat and a cuppa” got off to a good start. We have been celebrating the 20th birthday of the Monday Club and the 70th birthday of our town. As we look forward to another busy year in the life of St Margaret’s, I hope you will enjoy reading about some of the activities of the past few months.

Ruth is now off on maternity leave and we wish her, Ross and James well as they await the birth of their new baby.

Our love and best wishes to you all.

Ministry Team: Rev Eileen Miller Tel: 752241 email: emiller@churchofscotland.org.uk Session Clerk: Sheila Filsell 775138 filsellsheila@hotmail.com Depute Session Clerk: Catriona Reidpath 753534 catrionareidpath@blueyonder.co.uk Office 328162 office@stmargaretschurch.org.uk Editor 750298 emrollo@blueyonder.co.uk

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Harvest Thanksgiving

As we move into the season of Autumn, it is a time when the farmers will be gathering in the last of the harvest will be gathered and think about giving thanks to God for his generous provision to us. Harvest Thanksgiving is on Sunday 4th October and donations of dried and tinned foods will be collected and given to the Foodbank, Gilven House and Y projects. There will also be an opportunity to make a monetary gift to benefit an overseas project.

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A harvest Quiz adapted from a quiz in BBC Magazine, Sept 2013 (Answers are on page 22)

1. When peas are harvested, how long do farmers have to get them from the field to the freezer to maintain maximum freshness?

A 30minutes B 2.5hours C 6.5hours D 12 hours

2. A harvest Moon is the full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox, when night and day are equal in length. What is the name for the full Moon that comes after it?

A Hunter’s moon B Deer-mating moon C Red-plum moon D Full beaver moon

3. In a much-celebrated April Fool's spoof in 1957, the BBC filmed "spaghetti crops" being harvested. In which country did it claim the crop was grown?

A Switzerland B Italy C Turkey

4. Crop Over is the name for the Harvest Festival in which country?

A South Africa B New Zealand C Barbados

5. What is special about the harvest mouse?

A World’s smallest rodent B Has a prehensile tail C Can only be found in Yorkshire D All of theses

6. Many apple varieties are harvested in the UK, but why did a Granny Smith apple grown in Devon make the news in 2009?

A Was half red and half green B The world’s largest apple C Looked like it had the face of Jesus to the centre

7. In ancient Greece and myth, who was the goddess of the harvest?

A Dionysus B Ceres C Demeter

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Let’s Celebrate!

Samantha Ross and Stuart Thomson were married in St Margaret’s in July. Congratulations to the happy couple! Their beautiful flowers were donated to the church and they were distributed to many people.

Happy Birthday to Jennifer Brown who was 18 in August.

Bill Warrender and Marguerite Smith recently reached their 80th birthdays. Best wishes to both of them.

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A Visit to the Scottish Parliament

The invitation read “Dress code – Informal/Smart”. I was very surprised when an envelope bearing the logo of the Scottish Parliament dropped on my mat. I had been invited by Jenny Gilruth MSP to attend a function in the members’ dining room to celebrate Glenrothes’ 70th Anniversary.

Wearing my best summer skirt and top I set off with Betty Menzies, Jean Butchart, Wilma Craig and Joy Allan to our parliamentary destination. The coach dropped us off in the precincts of the Scottish Parliament. We had a bit to walk, and the cobbled streets did not help those of us with sticks or walkers.

Reaching the Parliament building we had to go through a security check and then into a large foyer where we were given an identity tag. At last we reached another foyer outside the members dining room. An usher told us there were drinks and food inside. Having obtained some sustenance, we found our seats. Spotting other familiar faces, we were able to chat and catch up on the news. The young guides in the building were most helpful and polite, and, as an added bonus, from the dining room we had a magnificent view of Salisbury Crags.

Before the speeches, the pupils of the three high schools entertained us with music. Later two children from Rimbleton Primary School cut the Anniversary cake.

At 6pm, Jenny took to the rostrum and welcomed the company who had come from Glenrothes. She then introduced Nicola Sturgeon, our First Minister. Ms Sturgeon gave us a potted history of Glenrothes, starting with the failure of the Rothes mine and the subsequent change over to light engineering industries. She wished Glenrothes well for the future. A short poem about Glenrothes was read by Ian Nimmo-White. This was followed by Chantal Mrimi who told us of her escape from war torn Congo. She and her two sons have now settled in Glenrothes and she says they all love the town and its friendly people. Finally, Sir Robert Balfour, Lord Lieutenant of Fife, read a message of congratulations from the Queen, who wished us well for the future.

We were very grateful to Linda Ballingall, who had organised the whole afternoon. She told us of the first tentative meetings of the old Glenrothes Development Corporation. On a screen we saw photographs of the folks who were in at the “birth” of the New Town. Some “weel kent” faces were there, including our own Ben Mills, former Lay Missionary at St Margaret’s.

Agnes Stirling

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The Car Park - A Financial Update Since the last magazine was published we have received many donations towards the cost of extending the Car Park, including some dedicated birthday gifts. The Car Park Funds presently have a balance of £6,411 and this includes a second payment from the Co-op Local Community Fund. We are very grateful to the Co-op for supporting our project, to date they have donated £1,970 towards the cost of the extension. The total cost of the extension is expected to be in the region of £40,000 , We have been promised a grant from the Church of Scotland General Trustees but there is still a lot of fundraising to be done.

We are actively seeking financial aid from several trusts but this is a huge project for us to undertake. Many thanks to everyone who has donated to the Car Park Fund, your support is very much appreciated.... please look out for fundraising ventures in the future.... but if we want a car park which adequately serves our church and halls we must rise to the challenge!

The Co-op Local Community Fund

The Co-op will be supporting the extension of the Car Park until the middle of October, so it is not too late to vote. If you are a member of the Co-op you can vote by phoning the number on the back of your membership card, 0800 023 4708 or visiting the website www.coop.co.uk/membership and choosing St Margaret's Car Park.

Thank You!!!

A huge ‘thank you’ to the following 8 young people who have helped out at Monday Club for many years. We are grateful for all you have contributed to the children of Monday Club and we hope you enjoy the gift cards that were presented to you as a token of our appreciation.

We wish Lynsay, Hollie, Jenny, Jessie, Lauren, Eilidh, Sarah and Callum every success as we follow the next step in their careers and we hope to see you back at Monday Club!

Lynsay Wright Lauren Kyle Hollie Clunie Eilidh Shepherd Jennifer Brown Sarah Thomas Jessie Davie Callum Shepherd

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Prayer Guide

September - November 2018

We hope that you find this prayer guide helpful. You may like to detach it from the magazine and use it to pray for our church and community.

If you have particular requests for the next three month guide (December 2018 – February 2019) please do get in touch with the magazine editor who will pass them on.

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September 1- 8 Give thanks for

• The work done in all of the Holiday Clubs held in the churches in Glenrothes, including our own.

• The warm, dry sunny summer of 2018 and for the cool, refreshing rain of the autumn.

Pray for

• Kirk Session meeting on 4th to make wise and prayer-filled decisions

• The Session conference on the 8th as plans for the next three years in St Margaret’s are discussed. Pray that God will give a real unity of purpose, and His wisdom and vision for the future shape of our church.

• The Church of Scotland’s first Equip for Sports event on the 8th, encouraging our churches to use sport as a way of connecting with their communities.

September 9-15 Give thanks for

• All of the clubs and interest groups that have existed in Glenrothes over the past 70 years.

• The work done by the ladies in our pancake bar. Pray for

• Our maternity cover Congregational Support worker that she will quickly settle in to her new role.

• The leaders and helpers of the Monday club. Pray for enthusiasm and confidence as they work with the young people.

• People who are unable to come to church but look forward to keeping in touch with St Margaret’s, welcoming those who deliver their magazines.

September 16-22 Give thanks for

• Churches Together in Glenrothes. Give thanks that our Mission and Outreach committee are being helped by God to take part in the planning of events for Churches Together.

• The money given to St Margaret’s when people go through our website to shop online.

Pray for

• Our minister, Eileen, and all who take part in our services

• The Guild as they start their year with a celebration of Holy Communion. Sept 23-29 Give thanks for

• The GROW Trust (Glenrothes Outreach Worker) and the work being done, along with our chaplaincy team, in local schools.

• Our teachers and companions in faith: parents, godparents, friends, ministers, those who have listened to us when we confided in them.

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• The staff, volunteers, management group and young people associated with the ‘Y’ as they celebrate the 60th birthday of the ‘Y’.

Pray for

• The work of the Red Cross around the world, especially in places of greatest danger.

• The work of our partner church, the Scots Kirk in Kandy. September 30-October 6 Give thanks for

• “All God’s gifts around us”, for the beauty of our surroundings and for those who work to protect the environment.

• The food, toiletries and other items donated on Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday, and throughout the year.

• Dorothy Agnew, who regularly delivers our donations to Gilven House. Pray for

• All who work with young people through projects run by the ‘Y.’

• All who volunteer and work in the Glenrothes Foodbank.

• The people who come along to our afternoon Communion service.

• The staff of Gilven house, and pray that the girls will feel welcome and comfortable there during their stay.

October 7–13 Give thanks for

• Our old friends, for their companionship and trust over the years.

• The teachers and other staff in our local schools. Pray for

• The residents and staff of our local Care homes and for our monthly visits and services in the homes to be an enriching experience

• Those who have lost partners and loved ones in the past few months and who are struggling to adapt to what is a new stage in their lives.

October 14-20 Give thanks for

• The technical/sound team as they perform their important duties in the church each week.

• Our homes, wherever they may be.

• The donations of flowers and plants which decorate the church and new halls during services on Sundays

Pray for

• Revival in Scotland of a spiritual awakening of our need for God.

• Pray that many will realise the importance of prayer in any revival and make a commitment to pray daily for our families, church and communities.

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October 21-November 3 Give thanks for

• The emergency services

• All the teams providing and serving tea and coffee after Sunday morning services and at other events throughout the year

Pray for

• The 700 people in the Glenrothes area who have dementia, and pray that their carers will receive the help and support they need.

• Those who live alone and are lonely. November 4-10 Give thanks for

• Our friends in our twin city of Boblingen.

• The fellowship enjoyed by the members of the Good Companions club.

• The joy of music Pray for

• The group from St Margaret’s attending a Church of Scotland Pastoral Care Conference in Dunfermline on Saturday .Pray that they will be stimulated to reflect upon their care for others as well as themselves.

November 11-17 Give thanks for

• All who gave their lives during the first world war, and in all other wars since its ending one hundred years ago. May we never forget the sacrifice they made.

• Our food, water and good health Pray for

• Our representatives in the Scottish and UK Parliaments, may they make wise decisions that keep us safe and free from danger.

November 18-30 Give thanks for

• All the opportunities we have to share the gospel with family and friends.

• The comfort and companionship of our pets. Pray for

• Pray for our next Messy Church on 24th November, for the volunteers and families to enjoy coming to learn more about the Bible in a fun and relaxed environment.

• All of the members of the World Council of Churches, founded 70 years ago.

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Church Flowers

St Clair Vet’s Advert

After Sam and Stuart’s wedding in July, their flowers were distributed to eleven people – people who had been bereaved, people who were ill, people going through difficult times. All of them sent their thanks.

We try to make sure that the flowers displayed in the church each Sunday are delivered to people who need them, and we know how important they are to those who receive them.

But if we don’t know, or if we are not told, then people may not get the support and prayers they need.

So please help us. Tell Sheila Filsell or Irene Ure if you know of anyone who needs to know that we in St Margaret’s care about them.

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Animals in the Bible

Whales, serpents, doves, deer, sheep, locusts, donkeys……. just some of the hundred or so animals you will find mentioned in the Bible. Some, like the Leviathan, Hoopoe and Behemoth are difficult to identify, but here are a few you may recognise – only one Bible reference per animal, though some of them are mentioned more than once:

Dog Matthew 15:26-27

Ant Proverbs 6:6

Fish Luke 24:42

Worm Mark 9:48

Ape 1 Kings 10:22

Bee Judges 14:8

Deer Deuteronomy 12:15

Lizard Leviticus 11:30

Flea 1 Samuel 26:20

Fox Matthew 8:20

Wolf Isaiah 11:6

Leech Proverbs 30:15

Pig 2 Peter 2:22

A recent article in “The Tablet” talks about how, throughout its history, Christianity has honoured animals as part of God’s creation. Often they are depicted as friends of saints (John the Baptist and a lamb, for example) and often the saints are seen to care for animals (St Francis of Assisi and birds, St Cuthbert and the eiderducks of the Farne Islands are just two of these). Animals are even divine symbols: Jesus is the lamb of God, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

We can probably safely assume, then, that God is an animal lover!

(But can anyone find a reference to the domestic cat in the Bible?)

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Our Partner Church in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Our partner church is the Presbyterian Church (known as the “Scots Kirk”) in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The minister, Rev Saman Perera, has visited us several times, once with his Youth Leader and once with his wife. So far we have only had two go there from St Margaret’s, ten years ago. It would be greatly appreciated if two of our younger people could go out on our behalf (and I am sure our Mission and Outreach committee could help with the expenses.) Any volunteers?

The following is a brief summary of the recent report that we have received from Saman, and I am sure you will also enjoy looking at some of the photographs he sent, printed on the back page of the magazine. We should remember them all in our prayers, and thank God for the wonderful ministry there.

Church Services – conducted every week, with youth and children’s participation on the second and fourth Sundays. There are Bible Studies, Sunday School, youth work and ecumenical activities in the town and also out at Kakirawa where we in St Margaret’s help finance the salary for the mission leader, Brother Jayantha. Sadly, Brother Jayantha’s wife passed away in March. Please pray for him as he struggles to deal with the loss of Anny.

The Church Guild comprises men and women who are committed to the well-being of the church family. Activities include holding a bazaar to raise funds.

Like ourselves, they have church repairs and maintenance costs – we are talking about Rs2.6million, for which they have had to take out a loan payable over 5 years (Rs4,5000 monthly), a lot of money, bearing in mind salaries are low. In addition to “normal” maintenance, heavy rains last May caused partial damage to a building due to a landslip, and, in November, in Pupurassa/ Galaha, a newly built place of worship was attacked and damaged – this was repaired and they were able to have their Christmas programme.

They have a Prison Ministry, and , at Christmas they were able to donate money to buy sanitary items for the use of inmates. They are members of the Prison Welfare Society which helps them serve the prison community in a meaningful manner – monthly worship with Holy Communion is one opportunity.

Very happily, Saman and Dhammi have become grandparents with a baby boy, and enjoying their new status in the company of little Keshan. Please remember them all in your prayers as God blesses them, and us in the Mission and Outreach Committee.

Joy Allan

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Summer Events

At our first “drop-in” in July This group photograph, taken at the Good Companions Thanksgiving Lunch includes a very happy Greta Ramsay (3rd from right)

Thanks to the Holiday Club leaders and helpers who made the event such a success

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New Town Blues by Agnes Stirling

Circa 1982/84 various clubs in Glenrothes held an exhibition in Lyon Square displaying their work, yet in my work, week after week folk were telling me they were going away from Glenrothes, packing up ,leaving. Why? BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO DO IN GLENROTHES. I wrote this poem “New Town Blues” which first appeared around that time in the St Margaret’s magazine:

Be a radio “ham” or a dancer with grace

In some club in Glenrothes you’ll soon find a place.

Or sing out with G.A.M.A. there’s an audience to face.

BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO IN GLENROTHES?

With the Rambling Club you could go on a hike,

Archaeologists study an old Pictish dyke,

There’s a dog training class for an unruly tyke,

IT’S MORE DEAD THAN ALIVE HOLE, GLENROTHES.

You could join with the Rotoract if you’re nor too old,

The age limit’s twenty eight years, I’ve been told,

To raise funds for charity they’re quick and they’re bold.

I’M GLAD TO BE LEAVING GLENROTHES.

For the younger ones there’s the Scouts or BBs

Girl Guides, Girls Guildry and clubs such as these,

Whilst Operation Friendship has links overseas.

AINT NOTHING TO DO IN GLENROTHES.

With the Paraclan Club you can jump from a plane.

Do you fancy a pigeon? Someone will explain.

Enthusiasts show off their wee model train.

SO IT’S GOODBYE FROM ME TO GLENROTHES.

If you come from Australia or Malta or Rome,

From far away places from over the foam,

Multi-national club is a real home from home…..

AYE, BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO IN GLENROTHES?

There’s golf and there’s football, that’s just for a start.

With canvas and paints you can study some art.

So if you get out of your chair and take part,

YOU’LL FIND PLENTYTO DO IN GLENROTHES.

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Mission Rescue This year at holiday club we welcomed around 40 children each day. They have taken the role as undercover spies to discover God’s Rescue plan for Moses and the Israelites enslaved in Egypt. The children have learned the story of Moses through different arts and craft activities, games and storytelling.

The craft activities have included making snake sock puppets, burning bush candle holders and red sea bottles.

They have engaged in the story through the intelligence centre and the interactive skits performed by Agent X (Ruth), Agent Y (Linsey) and the Spy Chief (Oskar).

Throughout the week the children have enjoyed creating spy gadgets and solving mysteries around the church by learning different passwords to discover the Bible Verse in order to unlock the safe at the end of the week. This has encouraged the children to develop their problem solving skills and to work together as a team.

The theme song ‘Mission Rescue’ has made the children enthusiastic each morning as they have learned the routine which provided them energy to start the day.

Overall, Mission Rescue has given the children further knowledge of God and the story of Moses in a fun and active way.

Lynsey and Jenny

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Can you solve the spy chief’s clues?

The Good Companions

We finished the year with a Thanksgiving Lunch in July and look forward to meeting again in September. Here we are with our guests.

They look forward to meeting up again in early September.

Drop in for a Cuppa and a Chat!

During the summer, when groups like the Good Companions and Guild were not meeting weekly, occasional drop–in sessions were introduced. Just a short time for meeting, having a cup of tea and a biscuit, and, most importantly, having a chat and catching up with each other’s news. Numbers turning up were small, but the afternoons were very enjoyable. Hopefully they will be repeated.

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Flower List

Thanks to the following people who provided flowers in the church in recent months:

Jean Butchart, Betty Menzies, Anna Cameron, Joy Allan, Betty Malcolm, May Docherty, Kath Kerr, Agnes Stirling, Moira Christie.

Also, thanks to those who contribute through the Flower Fund Box and also to those of you who donate a potted plant for the 9.30 service each week.

During Recent Months…

Joined by transfer… 06.06.18 Andrew Thomson

Joined by resolution… 06.06.18 Tommy Moore

We were sorry to lose… 15.05.18 Mamie McKinnon, Woodside Road 13.07.18 Greta Ramsay, Gilmour Court

Answers to Quiz on page 6

1. It is 2.5 hours. This is so the maximum sugars and vitamins are retained.

2. It's hunter's Moon. (Deer-mating, red-plum and full beaver Moons are Native American full Moon names, according to the Farmers' Almanac).

3. It's Switzerland. Narrated by Richard Dimbleby, Panorama's spaghetti-tree spoof showed a family from Ticino in Switzerland carrying out their annual spaghetti harvest. The spoof is believed to be the first time television was used to stage an April Fool's hoax.

4. It's Barbados. Its origins can be traced back to the late 1700s, when Barbados was one of the world's largest producers of sugar. At the end of the sugar season, there was always a big celebration. It is still a huge event in the country.

5. It has a prehensile tail, which means it is capable of gripping. The long, hairless "limb" aids climbing.

6. It was half red and half green – a rare genetic mutation

7. It's Demeter, also known as the goddess of grain, agriculture and fertility. Ceres is her Roman equivalent. Dionysus is the Greek god of wine,

Your Score: 0 - 3: Wilted, 4 - 6: Could be fresher 7: Cream of the crop

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What’s On?

Regular Events at St Margaret’s

On most Sundays, we have services at 9.30 and 11am, but on the first Sunday of each month there is just one service at 10am.

Services for the elderly take place in the local care homes.

The Monday club is for children of primary and pre-primary school age.

For younger children with their adults, the pancake bar provides pancakes, tea, coffee and juice, and plenty of space for chat and play. It is open 3 mornings each week.

We have study groups and prayer meetings.

There is a work group that helps look after the buildings and grounds. They meet on Monday afternoons.

The Guild meets every Tuesday evening.

Also on Tuesday evenings, throughout the year, our walking group covers 3-4 miles, with lots of chat.

Good Companions, a club for the elderly, meets on Wednesday afternoons.

Our ministry team, in partnership with GROW are chaplains to local schools.

An Afternoon Communion

on Sunday 30th September at 2.30pm

This is a short service especially suitable for those who are no longer able to come to morning worship. There will be refreshments after the service

Harvest Thanksgiving Service

on Sunday 4th October at 10am

Donations of dried and tinned foods will be given to the Foodbank, Gilven House and Y projects.

Messy Church, for young children and their families

on Saturday 24th November

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Photographs from Kandy In the church Church Guild Bazaar

Landslip

Saman and Keshan

Harvest time

St Margaret's Parish Church of Scotland, Glenrothes - Scottish Charity SC009845