ST. LEONARD’S-IN-THE-FIELDS CHURCH
PERTH
Minister—Rev. James K. Wallace M.A.,B.D.,S.T.M.
[Manse Tel: 621709]
Church Secretary—Wendy Lindsay
Church Office:
Open Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9.00 a.m.- NOON
[Office Tel: 632238]
[e-mail: office@stleonardsinthefields.co.uk]
How many shopping days till Christmas? I'm scared to count! I'm sure I can't be the only person who thinks that the year has come and gone far too quickly; when the shops start displaying Christmas items in July or August, it's quite off-putting and could make one wonder just what it's really all about. We know, though, that it is a very special time for all of us - and it's a time for caring and remembering folk who maybe won't feel that they have much to celebrate.
We think especially of members of the armed forces who will be very far from home - keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers; remember also those who have been wounded in service - they need our prayers too.
Let us all hope for a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to come.
Dalene Radin
Editor.
Deadline for February edition is 28th January.
STOPPRESS:
Christian Aid
Soup and Bread Lunch – The collection on the day (29th November) came to £748.20 (£88.20 of which was from Gift Aid). Many thanks to all for such a generous contribution. Thanks also to Linzee Lindsay and the ladies who organised the event.
Letter from the Manse
Dear Friends,
We had guests for the festive season a year or two ago. Our good friends (a family of four) arrived a couple of days before Christmas and stayed with us till just after New Year. It was a delight to have them. We had great meals together, we talked late into the night and we laughed a lot. Before they arrived, however, the anticipation of their visit made for some busy weeks. I had a list – a long list! – of jobs that had to be completed before they came. There was the usual decorating, of course, with the precarious hanging of lights. Then there was extra shopping, cooking and a freezer to fill (okay, okay, I did not do all this alone!). There was also a range of DIY tasks: minor repairs and maintenance which had gone undone until now but which suddenly became urgent as we thought about our visitors. On my way to and from work I seemed to visit the hardware shop just about every day. Busy, busy, busy. I’d like to say that my focus was sharp...some might say that I went a bit daft.
Each year at this time I feel a pastoral responsibility to help those who become over-burdened by pre-Christmas busyness. I must give them permission, I think, to opt out of the collective insanity which seems to grip us. Too easily we find ourselves running in all kinds of directions, not celebrating the season but allowing stress to overwhelm us. Much of this mood is commercially driven. Perhaps it also has to do with our own notion of the “perfect Christmas”, an unattainable ideal.
And so I invite you to mark the season of advent. Its four Sundays slow us down. They may provide some anchor points for a month when we simply feel swept along by a rip tide. Advent is a time of waiting and longing. It is a time of preparation too. But these preparations are not about decorating or the frantic search for gifts. We are to get ready for the reign of God in all its fulness. We are to prepare our own hearts. And we are to make the world the kind of place our Chief Guest requires. When the time comes I’ll be glad to wish you a merry Christmas. For now I hope you may catch the spirit of the advent season. Wait! Watch! Get ready! Lo, your king comes to you.
Sincerely,
Jim
Christmas Services
This is the first Christmas season in which St. John’s and St. Leonard’s have shared a minister. Obviously he can’t be in two places at one time! The two kirk sessions have agreed that Jim should conduct the watchnight service in St. John’s this year, while St. Leonard’s will have a visiting minister to lead their worship. On Christmas Day there will be a joint service in St. Leonard’s-in-the-Fields at 11.15AM. All are welcome.
Christmas Visits
IT is nearing that time of year again!
Senior members of the congregation are visited on a regular basis by our team of pastoral care visitors – but always at the Festive season. We would appreciate hearing from others who would be willing to make visits during December – in pairs as usual, taking a small gift.
As happened last year, visitors will be able to make their own arrangements, calling either during the day or in the evening.
The visits should be made by, Monday, December 21, when an evening of fellowship is to be held in the hall beginning at 7.30pm.
We are hoping to have friends of St Leonard’s in the Fields with us, providing some musical entertainment. Mince pies, tea and coffee will be served, followed by carol singing to which ALL members of the congregation are invited.
Please put this date in your diary now!
The Pastoral Committee would like to take this opportunity of thanking all visitors for their help during this year, and it hopes it can rely on your continuing support during 2010.
The Pastoral Care Committee members are:-
Evelyn Robertson 01738-625312
Beryl Smeaton 01738-639364
Pat Giles 01738-625805
Carol Concert
PACT (Perth Action of Churches Together) have their annual carol concert in the Concert Hall at 7.30PM on Sunday, 13 December.
Reader-in-Training
Gordon Brown, a reader-in-training within the Presbytery of Perth, will be joining us on attachment from January – June of the new year. Gordon is a retired civil servant and lives in Crook of Devon. Mr. Wallace will act as his supervisor during the placement which will involve him in leading worship regularly and preaching several times. He will also have some pastoral duties. Readers can be a great resource for the church and we are glad that Mr. Brown will be completing his training at St. John’s and St. Leonard’s – please give him a warm welcome.
Remembrance Sunday 8 November 2009
Remembrance Sunday 2009 was observed in St Leonards in the Fields Church on 8 November. A congregation of around 200 persons attended the service conducted by the Right Reverend Dr Jim Simpson.
The Act of Remembrance began with Dr Simpson reading the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John Macrae. The Two Minutes Silence followed, with Willie Coupar reciting the lines from Laurence Binyon, “They shall grow not old” and concluded with Bob Sutherland delivering the Kohima epitaph “When you go home tell them of us.”
Dr Simpson then presented wreaths in respect of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force to Ian Christie, a Normandy veteran, to Willie Coupar, who served in the South Atlantic, and to Gerald Lane MBE, a holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The wreaths were then laid below the War Memorial and Dr Simpson said a short prayer.
Willie Coupar gave the Old Testament reading from Deuteronomy Chapter 4 and Bob Sutherland, who had served at Salerno in the Italian Campaign, read the New Testament passage from 2nd Peter.
Dr Simpson then delivered a most appropriate sermon on the theme “Lest We Forget” and the service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
The St Leonards service, whilst not on the scale of St Johns, was a moving recognition of past losses and an acknowledgement of the continuing sacrifice of our service men and women in recent and current conflicts.
Willie Coupar
Christian Aid
Life and Work – Payment is now due for next year’s Life and Work magazine. Please pay your magazine Visitor or hand it to me. (£19.50)
Christmas Carols at Dobbies Garden Centre on Saturday 19th December. The singing begins at 11.00 am. For more information see the notice board. Please come and support the Christain Aid Committee.
Christian Aid Fundraising Quiz Night – Friday 29th January 2010 in Letham St Mark’s Church Hall at 7.00 pm. Teams of up to 4 people @ £5 per person. For more information see notice board.
PARISH GROUPING CEILIDH
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came to the ceilidh and helped to make it such an enjoyable occasion. A special thanks to the poets in our congregation who entertained us so well. Also the ladies who made floral arrangements for the tables and tablet to go with the tea and coffee.
We are very pleased to be able to report that we were able to give a donation to Blythswood.
In due course we hope to have photographs which were taken at the ceilidh on the Parish Grouping web page. To access the Parish Grouping web page go into our own web page at www.stleonardsinthefields.org and select 'Parish Grouping'. Then click on the 'St Matthews Parish Grouping web page'. Sounds all very complicated but if I can do it - anyone can! If you do not have access to a computer and wish to see the photographs or other information on the web page please let me know on Tel. 635881.
Mary Wright
Notes from the Kirk Session
Conference for Office bearers
The Session agreed that we should have a half day conference on the afternoon of Sunday 28th February to allow us time to discuss some matters in depth. This will be held at an outside venue and will include a light lunch as part of the fellowship. The Session Clerk and 2 others will form a sub group to look into possible venues and possible topics for the conference ,and report back to the January Session meeting. All ideas on venues and topics would be welcome.
Christmas Services
the Session agreed that our collections at the Watchnight and Christmas Day Service be donated to Christian Aid.
The Session Clerk is looking for 3 volunteers to do the Doors and Church Officer Duties on Christmas day. Please contact David Combe if you can help.
Souper Sunday !0th January
The Kirk Session agreed to a proposal that we should participate in fundraising for the Church of Scotland’s World Mission project to help those with HIV/Aids. To raise funds we are having a Bread and Soup lunch in the hall after the service. For those with access to the internet, more information can be found on the Church of Scotland website at www.churchofscotland.org.uk/appeals/hivaids/hivsunday.htm
David Combe Tel: 633452
Sunday Coffees
As the end of the year approaches, I would like to thank everyone who has helped to serve coffees on Sunday mornings. The new Rota for 2010 is hanging in the kitchen and it would be wonderful to see new names appearing on it to assist the loyal members who perform this duty week after week. Please feel free to add your name to a Sunday of your choice.
L. Lindsay.
The Friendship Club
November 4th 2009
Our meeting today was a lively affair as we delighted in the sounds of The Dunkeld Bell Ringers. Heather McLean and the seven ladies of the ensemble played a variety of tunes which had us tapping our feet and singing along.
November 18th 2009
Our speakers today were Sandra and Andy, carers from Rannoch Road Care Centre, who told us about the work they do with clients attending the Centre. It was obvious to us that Carol and Andy greatly enjoy their work and the companionship and services they provide to clients enriches their lives. We all enjoyed their talk.
Next meeting
December 2nd 2009
We are delighted to have the entertaining U3A choir with us at our meeting and welcome everyone to come along and enjoy a musical afternoon.
Christmas Lunch
Tuesday 15th December
Our Christmas lunch this year will be at the Salutation Hotel. Please meet at 12:00 for a 12:30 start. If you are interested in joining us for our Christmas celebration please contact a committee member.
WORLD MISSION
SOUPER SUNDAY
'Souper Sunday' is a fund raising day promoted by The Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS Project. The aim is, that on Sunday 10th January 2010, churches all over Scotland - and all over the world - will mark Souper Sunday. It is hoped that all church members will become more aware of the many issues surrounding HIV, in particular the good nutrition needed to allow HIV medical treatment to work. Souper Sunday will offer a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for a wide range of HIV initiatives at home and overseas. This special day has been endorsed by The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
L. Lindsay.
Sunday Fun Club Christmas Party
Although we don't normally get together during the school holidays, the Fun Club will meet on Sunday 20th December. Following Church, all our children are invited to the hall until 2pm, for our Christmas Party. Any child who has attended Fun Club, or is connected to the Church family, is very welcome. Please let Lorraine know on 01738 447429, for catering purposes, if your children will join us.
We will return to our normal meetings on Sunday 10th Jan 2010. Have a Happy Christmas, from all at Fun Club!
Lorraine Russell
Tea with Her Majesty
One of our senior members, Mrs Tibbie Scotland, received a very special gilt-edged invitation this autumn. In recognition of her contribution to the War Effort serving in the Women’s Timber Corps, she was invited along with some 90 former Land Girls to join Her Majesty the Queen for tea at Buckingham Palace.
Now 85, Tibbie was just 17 when she signed up for the Women’s Timber Corps to work as a “Lumber Jill” in the forests of Scotland; and gruelling, back -breaking work it was, felling trees, sawing logs, sharpening saws and operating heavy machinery, the timber required for pit-props, telegraph poles, coffins, etc. The girls toiled in all weathers but still, as Tibbie says with characteristic spirit and twinkling eyes “At the weekend,we’d put on some paint and go off to dance.”
On October 21st, the former Land Girls, some on walking sticks and frames, took their places at beautifully-set tables in the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace. While they enjoyed an afternoon tea of dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes, the Queen and members of the Royal Family ( The Duke of Edinburgh, the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Alexandra and Princess Michael of Kent) joined them at their tables for a chat about their experiences. Her Majesty sat by Tibbie and showed not only a keen interest in her personal memories but also a great admiration for her efforts and those of her fellow “Lumber Jills” during war-time.
What a wonderful way to pay tribute on our behalf to these heroic “girls”.
Thank you Ma’am.
Alison Smith
Burns Theme Evening Tuesday 19 January 2010
McDiarmid Park
After the very successful Burns Evening held at McDiarmid Park in January 2009 your Social Committee has organised a similar event to be held on Tuesday 19 January 2010.
This time it will be less formal, starting at 7.30pm with haggis, neeps and tatties followed by coffee and shortbread.
There will then be an audio visual presentation by Mr and Mrs Jim Cormie entitled “A Red Red Rose” in which the colour and variety of Scotland’s flowers will be set to a background of Burns’ songs.
It promises to be a grand evening, and at a cost of only £10 per head, you are warmly invited to come along and give it your support.
Tickets will be on sale shortly and cheques should be made in favour of St Leonards in the Fields. To be sure of securing your place/places do book early as there is a ceiling of 100 persons for the event.
The committee look forward to welcoming you on the evening
Willie Coupar
Social Convenor
DIARY FOR DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010
December
Sun 6th Second Sunday in Advent. Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace
Church Duties (6) Wyn Craig. Church Officer – Alastair Smith. Reader – Ian McMillan
Sat 12th Jambouree Choir Concert in St Leonard’s- in-the-Fields Church at 7.30 pm
Sun 13th Third Sunday in Advent. Morning Worship at 11.15 am with Rev. James Wallace Church Duties (7) Iain Grant. Church Officer – David Wright. Reader – Iain Grant
Tue 15th Friendship Club – Christmas Party in the Salutation Hotel 12.00 for 12.30 pm.
Sun 20th Fourth Sunday in Advent. Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace
Church duties (8) Marian Anton. Church Officer – Beryl Smeaton. Reader – Bill Radcliffe.
Fun Club Christmas Party in the hall, following Church until 2pm. All children connected to Fun Club, or the Church Family, are welcome. RSVP Lorraine (447429) for catering purposes.
Mon 21st Christmas Visits culminate with An Evening of Fellowship in the hall at 7.30 pm. Music, Carols with tea, coffee and mince pies. See magazine for details.
Thur 24th Watch night Service in St Leonard’s -in -the –Fields at 11.30pm with Rev. Peter Thomson. Mulled wine and mince pies served in the hall from 10.30 pm.
Fri 25th Christmas Morning Worship at 11.15 am with Rev. James Wallace.
Sun 27th Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (9) Ed Miller. Church Officer – Jim Granger. Reader – David Lindsay
January 2010
Sun 3rd Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (10) John Pringle. Church Officer – Rosemary Combe. Reader – Willie Coupar.
Wed 6th Friendship Club – Bring and Buy at 2.30 pm.
Sun 10th Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (1) Bert McDonald. Church Officer – Iain Grant. Reader – Sandy Baxter
Souper Sunday – See magazine for details.
Sun 17th Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev James Wallace. Church Duties (2) Alastair Smith. Church Officer – Sandy Cameron. Reader – Tom Robertson.
Mon 18th Kirk Session meeting at 7.30 pm (Please note change of day).
Tue 19th Burns Theme Evening in McDiarmid Park at 7.30 pm. Haggis Supper with entertainment from Mr and Mrs J. Cormie. See magazine for details.
Wed 20th Friendship Club – ‘Fiddlers’ at 2.30 pm.
Sun 24th Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (3) Les Buick. Church Officer – Ed Miller. Reader – Jean Coleman.
Thur 28th Closing date for Magazine copy.
Sun 31st Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (4) Jackson Robb. Church Officer – Ian McMillan. Reader – John Pringle.
February
Tue 2nd Congregational Board Meeting at 7.30 pm.
Wed 3rd Friendship Club - Perth Film Makers – 2.30 pm
Sun 7th Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (5) Lorraine Russell. Church Officer – Wilf Bainbridge. Reader – Donald Macgregor.
Sun 14th Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (6) Wyn Craig. Church Officer - Lynne Mitchell. – Reader – David Combe.
Tue 16th Congregational Board Meeting at 7.30 pm.
Wed 17th Friendship Club - Mrs Booton : Her Life - 2 pm
Sun 21st Morning Worship at 11.15 am – Rev. James Wallace. Church Duties (7) Iain Grant. Church Officer - Pat Giles. – Reader – Beryl Smeaton.
Rev Roy and Dr Jane Dodman
78, Barbican Road
Kingston 6, Jamaica
Email: royjanedodman@hotmail.co.uk
Dear Friends,
When we went to the supermarket towards the end of the first week of November, we were surprised to see the staff putting up the Christmas decorations – Christmas still seemed such a long time away. We expect, however, that your shops have been decorated for many weeks now and that you have been encouraged to do your Christmas shopping early.
As we prepare for Christmas, we think of the special worship services in which we will be taking part. We thought we would share with you something of some special services that we have taken part in recently.
On October 11, I, Jane, attended the 125th Anniversary Service at St John’s United Church in Hannah Town. This was a memorable service for many reasons. St John’s is where the Mel Nathan Institute began and where our Jamaican journey began. We have vivid memories of the celebrations for the 100th Anniversary of St John’s in 1984, a year or so after our arrival in Jamaica. On that occasion, I was a member of the church choir – we had hoped to have 100 voices for the centenary choir – we didn’t quite make it, but we made enough noise for 100 voices! This time, I was delighted to see a number of people who were special to us during our years in Hannah Town.
I had an interesting country service the other Saturday as a colleague was away when there was a funeral at his church. I filled in as I know the congregation well. Again I wished I had my camera with me at the right time as the burial was in the ‘family-plot’ across the river from the church. It would have been a two or three mile walk along the river bank to the bridge so they put down sand bags across the river and the mourners and I jumped from one sand-bag to the next. Clearly the coffin bearers could not do this and so they took off shoes and socks, rolled up trouser legs and marched across the river. I thought of the ark crossing the Jordan! The excitement was not over as the coffin still had a difficult journey up a very steep and narrow track to the grave.
The variety of the worship ministry was further highlighted when on November 22nd I preached at a service at St Stephen’ United Church in Kingston for the start of the celebrations for IUC week. This was broadcast on the radio.
We hope the events we have shared help to prepare your thinking about the message and meaning of Christmas and the hope the birth of the baby brings.
We are looking forward to Christmas time as a family. David (our son) and Vicky are expecting their first baby in the middle of December and we are planning to spend Christmas Day here in Jamaica with Mary and then we will fly to England, arriving early on Boxing Day morning.
We send our best wishes for Christmas and the New Year and hope that you will find peace and happiness with family and friends.
Jane and Roy