ST. LEONARD’S-IN-THE-FIELDS CHURCH
PERTH
Minister—Rev. James K. Wallace M.A.,B.D.,S.T.M. [Manse Tel: 621209]
Church Office:
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12.00 NOON—3 p.m.
[Office Tel: 632238]
EDITORIAL
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What an exciting, exhausting month this has been! All the preparations for the arrival and induction of our minister came to fruition - without any apparent major disasters!
Our debt of gratitude to everyone who "made it all happen" by way of a variety of skills and enterprise, is enormous. Mr. Wallace still looks a wee bit shell shocked - and who can blame him! We have set out on a new and challenging journey and, in the words of the song, "This could be the start of something big!" The clear message was there in the praise sung on Sunday - did you spot the theme?
All people that on earth do dwell; One more step; Look forward in faith; Brother, sister, let me serve you - and Guide me O thou great Jehovah. There is a song for everything, I believe - but maybe that's just my musical wit! Let's travel willingly and confidently together into whatever the future holds for us.
Dalene Radin, Editor.
Please note magazine deadline for June/Aug issue is: Thursday 28th May
MAY MAGAZINE LETTER FROM OUR LOCUM MINISTER
Dear Friends,
Our new minister, Jim Wallace, and his family have moved from New York to Perth. No one could be more understanding of the difficulties of a move across the Atlantic than my wife, Jean, and myself. We moved from Oklahoma City via New York to Edinburgh when our older son, Malcolm, was five. We were returning to where we met while I was doing my post-graduate M.Th. at Edinburgh University. Here is another parallel with Jim Wallace who did his S.T.M. in New York.
When I completed the degree Jean and I were married, and went to the States where I served churches in Texas and Oklahoma. I had studied history at Austin College, the oldest liberal arts college in Texas, and had considered a career in journalism before entering the ministry. I then completed the B.D. course at Austin Presbyterian Seminary and served a church in Oklahoma before going to Scotland. My experience was so positive that I was happy to return with my family and seek a charge here.
Now we in St Leonard’s and St John’s look forward to Jim Wallace’s ministry in cooperation with the other city centre churches. Having attended meetings with the representatives of the four churches, I know there is a good spirit and willingness to work together. At the united Easter evening service in St Matthew’s I told of two American Indian children who had experienced a church youth group at their children’s home, joining in play, activities and worship. Later, when relatives took them for the Easter holidays, they insisted on going on the Sunday to the youth group’s church. Surprised youth members asked, “What are you doing here?” The children replied, “This is where we belong!” Let our worship and activities together lead others to feel that sense of belonging.
Sincerely,
Sidney Coleman
MAY MAGAZINE LETTER FROM OUR INTERIM MODERATOR
Dear Friends,
I was once asked, “Have you ever worked, or have you always been a minister?” How do you answer a question like that? How also do you respond to a comment like, “What a great life the ministry must be, working only one day a week.” I was tempted to reply, “You are right. Prior to ordination it took me a long time to write a relevant sermon, to think out a children’s address, to match the hymns to the theme of the service, to think out prayers that would express the varying needs and longings of a congregation, but after you are ordained you can achieve this by just getting up an hour earlier on a Sunday.”
Your new minister and I both did post-graduate study in Union Seminary in New York, gaining a master’s degree in theology--an S.T.M. (I was a student in New York before Jim Wallace was born!) When my father was asked what the letters S.T.M. stood for, he would often reply, tongue in cheek--Saturday to Monday! Nothing could be further from the truth. The ministry is no sinecure. You are expected to fill the role not only of preacher and pastor, but youth worker, marriage counsellor, public relations expert, educator and administrator. At times I almost teetered on the brink of exhaustion, for I soon discovered that a pastor cannot be effective unless he or she is affected.
At the beginning of my ministry I naively thought I would be like the Lone Ranger riding around on a white horse, single-handedly responding to cries for help, and righting wrongs, leaving little silver bullets behind, to let people know I had been on the job. But I soon learned that no minister ever accomplishes much without the help and support of an awful lot of church members. Ministry is a team effort. If Mr Wallace is to accomplish in Perth what I believe he would like to accomplish, he is going to need your encouragement and whole-hearted commitment.
James A. Simpson
INDUCTION EVENING
It was difficult to find a parking place anywhere near the church on the evening of Wednesday 22nd April! Hordes of people making their way towards the main doors to make sure of a seat for a very special event - the induction of the Rev. Jim Wallace to the linked charge of St. John's Kirk and St. Leonard's-in-the-Fields. A packed church, with the joint choirs of the two churches ready to go - and the Presbytery lined up in the vestibule and the scene was set for what was a new beginning, in more ways than one. The organ began and the procession of Presbytery made its way to the Chancel. After a warm greeting from the Moderator, Rev. Derek Lawson, the church resounded to hundreds of voices singing the opening hymn, sung to the tune "Highland Cathedral." Prayers, readings and a sermon followed and we all stood to say the Apostles' Creed. The formal pattern of proceedings then took place and, after Mr. Wallace signed the Formula, we sang what we have since learned was the hymn requested by Mr. Wallace - O God of Bethel! by whose hand. When the induction process was completed, we as the two congregations promised to welcome, support and encourage Mr. Wallace and to share in the responsibilities for Christian witness and service; we also promised to give of our time, talents and money for the work of the Church in the world. The final praise reflected that message - "For my sake and the Gospel's, go" and the benediction ended the service.
A welcome buffet was arrayed in various areas of the building - and what a super spread had been prepared by ladies of the two congregations! The "social" part of the evening began with speeches of welcome from Dr. Simpson, Hendry Lindsay and Rev. Scott Burton ( we'll always remember the "Little and Large" quote, Scott!); presentations were made to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace by Bill Wilson (St. John's Kirk) and Beryl Smeaton (St. Leonard's in the Fields). There then followed, after Mr. Wallace's reply, addresses by Rev. David Munro and Rev. George Lind on his behalf which inevitably included some highly amusing stories - and even very funny jokes! A sincere vote of thanks was given by Rev. Sidney Coleman before the benediction which ended a very moving and exciting evening, with the promise of good times ahead.
Induction Service Thank You
I have received many favourable comments about the Induction Service and Social afterwards. This success is due to the many, many volunteers who came and helped, - you are due a really big THANK YOU. I have also sent a note of thanks to St. John's for their excellent cooperation and support.
Many of those I spoke to as we were clearing up remarked how much they had appreciated the members of both congregations working together - I would echo these remarks and hope this augurs well for the future of our linked congregations.
David Combe"
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Someone said that a congregation expects the
following of a minister?
The strength of an ox
The wisdom of an owl
The harmlessness of a dove
The industry of a beaver
The versatility of a chameleon
The vision of an eagle
The hide of a rhinoceros
The perspective of giraffe
The disposition of an angel
The endurance of a camel
The bounce of a kangaroo
The tenderness of a shepherd
The devotion of a mother
The writer then added, ‘Even if a minister had all these
qualities, I suspect he might well still not please everyone!’
The Friendship Club
March 25th Guest speaker We were delighted to welcome Councillor Alexander Stewart to our monthly meeting. He gave a very interesting talk, sharing some of the things he has done in his life and very varied career. A lively questions and answers section followed his talk. Thanks go to Councillor Stewart for an enjoyable afternoon.
April 2nd Annual General Meeting Our AGM began with reports from the President and Secretary. Following those the Treasurer’s report was given by the President as our treasurer, Betty Ewan, was unable to be with us. The following financial decisions were made with the approval of the members
£100 to Church
£50 to flower fund
Expenses and postage to Secretary
A donation to be given to the Library for the Disabled, Mill Street. This money to be given from the small change collected at the meetings.
We then had elections and the committee were re-elected as follows
President – B. Donaldson
Vice President - C. Gibson
Secretary – B. Gruar
Treasurer – B. Ewan
Tea Convenor – E. Hosie
Tea Committee – J. Swan, J. White, M. Smith
Pianist – J. Fairweather
At the end of business the President thanked the Committee and members for their loyal support and help to the Friendship Club.
There then followed a delightful indoor picnic where plenty of goodies and treats were shared. A great success!. Special thanks to Mary Wright for her decorations which created a lovely Spring atmosphere. Our afternoon concluded with Songs of Praise. This was led by Jen Fairweather who, as well as playing beautifully, informed us of why the selected hymns had a special place in the hearts of the members who asked for them. A truly wonderful afternoon!
The President closed the meeting by wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer.
Saturday 18th April
Theatre Outing Our visit to ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ in Perth Theatre was enjoyed by all who attended and we were greatly impressed with the performance. After the show we enjoyed a super High Tea in the theatre restaurant.
Meetings will resume in September 2009
The Feed the Minds Committee sincerely thanks the members of the congregation who generously supported their recent Coffee Morning at which £1,100 was raised.
Alison Smith
Christian Aid Dates For Your Diary
Coffee Morning North church Hall from 10 am – 11.45 am. All the usual stalls will be there and donations for these stalls will be welcome.
Saturday 9th May
Christian Aid Week. Collectors are required to help with the house to house collection. New collectors are required.
Sunday 10th May – Saturday 16th May
Forth Road Bridge Cross
Saturday 20th September
Home Collecting Boxes and Gift Aid Envelopes are also available.
Envelopes are also available for recycling inkjet cartridges and old mobile telephones.
It is hoped that there will be good support for the above events and if you can help, please contact Evelyn Robertson – Telephone 625312
The Geneva Connection
To celebrate the 500th anniversary of John Calvin, Cappella Nova will present a concert of Psalms and spiritual songs from 16th century Scottish, French and Swiss sources. The Scottish Plainsong Choir will take the "church part" in some vigorous 16th century Scottish Psalms and some items will have their first performances in modern times, Cappella Nova will be familiar to some of you who may have seen Phil Cunningham's "Grace Notes" programmes on TV earlier this year.
The concert takes plaec in St. John's Kirk on Friday 15th May at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £13.50 and £10.00 (concessions £9.50 and £7.00)and are available from Horsecross (0845 612630) and online at www.thebooth.co.uk