Chalmers Memorial Church Newsletter
September  2006

Dear Friends,

Giving Priority to Children?

Children’s work needs leaders. The difficulty in finding sufficient leaders appears sometimes to be a national characteristic. Churches of all sizes regularly struggle to have enough people to run an adequate children’s programme and those who do volunteer can be among the least supported in the church.

As we prepare for the re-start of our children’s and young people’s groups, it is good that we think about the above statement which is taken from a book I commended last magazine, Evangelism-which way now?, in which co-authors Mike Booker and Mark Ireland compare and contrast various approaches to mission. Even if we have managed to convince ourselves that we have neither the gifts nor the time to engage in children’s outreach (I’m sure most of those who do the work could easily come to the same conclusion, were it not for their commitment), we can and should all support those who do this important work on behalf of the rest of us, even if it is only by showing our appreciation and          giving      encouragement. 

We are fortunate to have a very loyal, hard-working and committed band of people sustaining our congregation’s work with children and young people – in the Crèche, Sunday School, Rock Club, Rock Solid, Youth Club and Boys’ Brigade, not forgetting the Brownies and Rainbows who, whilst not affiliated to our            congregation,  meet  in  our  Hall.
We never have too many leaders. We never ever seem to have even enough. We are frequently short when someone has to be off for any reason. It would be great if we had a rota of volunteers willing to offer help on Sundays, Saturdays or during the week, perhaps on an occasional or even a job-share basis, so that the strain might be eased on those who do the work week by week. One thing every one of us can do to make our leaders feel appreciated would be to speak to any or all of them, to enquire how the work is going and to ask if there is anything that you or the rest of us can do to help. If nothing else, by this small thing you will let them know someone is interested and you might be surprised to discover from them that there is something you can indeed do to help.

It was after Christine Baines, Leader of our Sunday School, mentioned to me last May that there was a need for more helpers in the crèche as some of the youngest are still in prams and require individual attention, that I thought of another passage from the most helpful book referred to above. It challenges those who take decisions and allocate resources in the field of education as much as it does those of us who are engaged in the mission of the church:
Our society suffers from a strange type of snobbery which accords higher status to those who have least opportunity to influence people. Put at its starkest, a university lecturer (who works with
 people whose characters are already formed) is accorded higher status than a primary school teacher (working with people who may be far more open to change), who is in turn viewed as more important than a nursery nurse (who may have the potential for the greatest influence of all three). Seeping into churches, such an attitude means that work with children is undervalued…The priority given to children by Jesus is sadly not always shared by his contemporary followers. If work with children is being squeezed out, there may be a case for taking some long, hard looks at other church activities that are doing the squeezing.

If we take the above words to heart, it could mean that in volunteering to help at the crèche we could be offering ourselves for one of the most important positions in the church! Close behind in importance would be to volunteer to help in any of the other children’s or young people’s groups! 

It was Jesus who said:  Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me…For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest.

As for the least important position in our church and the person(s) meriting least attention, I think I’ll maybe just leave you to work that out for yourselves….!
BOB.

PASTORAL COVER
Rev. Robert Simpson (01875 810308) will provide emergency pastoral cover from 6th September (Wednesday) until 22nd September (Friday) inclusive.

MINISTER Rev. Robert L Glover,
Braemar Villa, 2 Links Road,
Port Seton Tel: 812481
E-mail: rlglover@btinternet.com
(Please respect Monday as the Minister’s day off)

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms….with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  
													1 Peter 4: 10 11 

Prayer Thoughts

 Lord; You are so good to us and we offer You our gratitude and praise for every one of the gifts that You give us and for Your total forgiveness and new life through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Give us the strength to use our gifts for your honour and glory.   Amen.

Pray God will bless all the planning of the “Get Together Team” that has been going on during the summer and that the meal to be held on 29th September will be a success.    Pray that through the Training Session the Visitors will feel confident to go out in God’s strength to invite folks to attend.

Remember in prayer Mr Glover as he prepares for services week-by-week as well as keeping up with the many tasks with which he is faced.   

Pray for all in the Church who work with young people that after the summer break they may feel really refreshed and eager to take up work again in the various youth organisations.

Give thanks to God for the work that has been going on throughout the summer on Wednesdays – the Lunch Club, Coffee and Chat and Family Prayer Time.   Pray for all who have been coming along that they may have felt something of God’s love reaching out to them.

Please remember also those known to us who are sick, bereaved, lonely or undergoing difficult times that they may find God truly can supply all their need.

Pray for the leaders of the country that they may be given wisdom to deal with the terrorist situation that has arisen.

Child’s Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help all the children who are suffering so much because of war.   Amen

Sunday School
There are a group of young people from the Rock Club going to Whithaugh Park 8-10th September
 for a weekend away. Please pray that God will guide our young people as they have a fun time!

FUNERALS
On 15th June            Stephen PORTEOUS, 
				        24 Inglis Avenue
On 22nd June   Mrs  Betty THOMSON, 
             Cockenzie House (formerly 6 Johnston Terr)
On 30th June    Mrs  Wilna BAXTER, 
				42 Thomson Crescent
On 6th July       William(‘Eekie’) DONALDSON, 
		           1b Prestongrange, Prestonpans
On 19th July      Mrs Elizabeth (Lizzie) CAMPBELL,  				         Cockenzie House
On 19th July      Mrs Marion (Maisie)  SMITH, 
					16 Castle Walk
On 27th July      Mrs Susan SHARP, 
				         18 Gosford Road

EDITOR'S   NOTE
My thanks to all who have contributed to the September issue of the Church Newsletter
The next issue will be available on
Sunday 15th October 2006
Articles for this edition should be with me by
Sunday 1st October
If you would like to E-Mail news you can contact me on: chalmerschurch@btopenworld.com 
or by phone on 819471
Sheila Bulloch

	

HOME COMMUNIONS
Members who through illness or disability are unable to attend either of the forthcoming morning or evening communions and would like communion brought to them on the afternoon of Sunday 29th October are invited to speak to their Elder in the first instance.

   

The first meeting of the new session   
will be on Thursday 21stSeptember
                          at 10a.m. in Longniddry Inn. 
The speaker will be Isobel McCausland
            All Welcome

.

A  GROUP FOR ENQUIRERS?

The helpful book discussed on our front page makes the point that many people reflect the modern tendency to be loosely attached to organisations rather than formally join, believing without seeing any need to belong to the Church.

Whilst we would not want to pressure anyone in a direction for which they are not yet ready, we do want to encourage those folk who are very much part of our congregation but not yet members to consider changing their attachment into a commitment. 

We would also urge all who are members to think of any folk they know within their own circle of family and friends who might be encouraged to take the first step of enquiring what membership of the Church entails. If we have sufficient enquirers, we would arrange an informal series of meetings tailored to their needs (and questions!) in the autumn. 
Please do think about this vital matter in relation to the people you know and might be able to encourage. The first step for Enquirers is to speak to the Minister or any elder.  						       		          R.L.G.

NEW CUSHIONS

At the start of the 11am Service on 23rd July there was a simple act of Dedication of the new PEW CUSHIONS made possible by a generous bequest from the late Nettie Johnston together with gifts made at the time of John and Alice Thomson’s Golden Wedding Anniversary. There were also dedicated new CUSHIONS for the seven COMMUNION CHAIRS in the Chancel, made by Nan Adams, Ann Anderson, Mary Clements, Elizabeth Glover, Mary Gordon, Anne Johnstone, Bettine Robertson. Thanks were expressed to those who made these gifts possible by their generous gifts of money, to those who used their artistic talents and also to those who gave their time and labour in the considerable work of preparation. 

          Get Together!
Have you had your 
invitation to our Family Meal? 
If not a visitor will be calling in the next few days. To help with our catering it would help if you can complete the reply slip and return to your visitor when they visit you. The meal will be an opportunity to ‘Get Together’ and find out more about our Church. We look forward to seeing your there.

New Journeys Now Begin by Rev. Tom Gordon
You may remember Tom’s first book, ‘A need for living’ which he has made available to us in the past. Tom has had a second book published. It is called ‘New journeys now begin’ and it is a book about grief and loss to help people who are bereaved. It contains insights into the bad and good of the bereavement journey as well as stories of people who have faced various aspects of grief and loss, and has numerous poems and prayers to give guidance on how we might face the ups and downs of our own life and faith. The cost is £10.99, and Tom will be happy to talk to anyone about the contents of the book and can bring copies of the book to the church if anyone would like to buy one.
‘We found the poems especially moving and helpful’ Bob and Elizabeth Glover.

Thanks
We would like to express our very sincere thanks to all for the many flowers, cards and good wishes received on the occasion of our Golden Wedding.  A special thanks to all friends and family who joined with us on the day to make it such a memorable occasion for us. Looking back we give thanks to God for the way He has been with us throughout these years and for the many blessings that have been ours.					                               Alice and James Hood

Mary Johnston would like to express her thanks for the many flowers and cards received along with the thanks of the whole family to Mr Glover and members of the congregation for their loving support during the recent sad bereavement of Wilna Baxter. Many thanks also to the Guild for providing the tea.

We would like to thank everyone for their kindness to us all on the death our dear sister Maisie.
												  Margaret and Katie

An easy way into Bible Study -
'Living the Gospel’
Five Tuesdays on ‘The Beatitudes' 
Beginning on 31st October at 7.30 p.m. 
in the Hall/Church.
No previous experience of Bible Study necessary.

Your district Elder is for ALL year
Your district Elder and/or Deacon, as you are no doubt aware, tries to visit you at least six times a year; not just to deliver your Newsletter but also to maintain a close relationship[ between the Church and all it’s members. We know it’s not always possible to call when you are in, even when we call a few times we may still miss you.
You can speak to your Elder or deacon whenever you would like to about any matter. You don’t have to wait until they bring the next Newsletter why not keep a note of their details and contact them if you need to.

MINISTER
Rev. Robert L Glover
Braemar Villa
2 Links Road
Port Seton
Tel: 812481
e-mail: rlglover@btinternet.com
(Please respect Monday
 as the Minister’s day off)

Emmaus
As many of the ‘regulars’ will be involved in the forthcoming Stewardship Programme, Emmaus will not be starting at the beginning of October as planned originally. It’s hoped that those who enjoyed Emmaus will join us at ‘Living the Gospel’ on Tuesdays from 31st October. (See above) 

Services and Meetings

Sunday 
10:15 a.m. All-age Family Worship (in Hall) 
Followed by Sunday School & Rock Club
11.00 a.m.     Morning Worship (with Crèche) 
5:30 p.m.	Choir Practice
6:15 p.m.	Evening Worship
7:30 p.m.	Rock Solid Club (every 2nd week)

Monday  
7:15 p.m.	The Guild (Oct - March)

Tuesday 
7.30 p.m.	Emmaus 
		(weekly on dates advertised)

Wednesday  
Welcome Wednesday 
9- 11.30a.m.	Coffee Time (1st)
12-2p.m. 	Chalmers Lunches (3rd)
10 - 11a.m.	Prayer Time (last)
5:00 p.m.	Rainbows
6:30 p.m.	Boys Brigade – 
		Anchor boys and Junior Section
7:45 p.m.	Company Section (Sept. - June)

Thursday     
5:00 p.m.	Rainbows}
6:30 p.m.	Brownies } (Sept. - June)

Saturday      
7.30 – 9a.m	Prayer Breakfast (last of month)    
6:30 – 7:45 p.m Youth Club for 8-10 yr olds
8.00 – 9:15 p.m Youth Club for 11yrs + 
			(meets every 2nd week)
OUR WORSHIP – Special dates to note

Sunday 8th October  
                     10.15 a.m. & 11 a.m.  Rev Bob GLOVER
         6.15 p.m. Evening Worship: Rev Tom GORDON

Sunday 15th October 
                 10.15 a.m. All-age Family Worship                   
                 11.00 a.m.  With Infant Blessing
				        Rev Bob GLOVER
          6.15 p.m. Evening Worship Duncan MORGAN

Sunday 22nd October  
                   10.15 a.m. & 11 a.m.  Rev Bob GLOVER
                                          6.15 p.m. Rev John KNOX

Sunday 30th October  
                    10.15 a.m. All-age Family Worship     
                    11.00 a.m. HOLY COMMUNION 
with THANKSGIVING for Responses to the recent  
                                               Stewardship Programme.
               5.00p.m.   Short Service at Cockenzie House                                   
                6.15p.m. Evening Worship followed by 
                  brief celebration of HOLY COMMUNION

(Please Note: Evening Worship resumes on 24th September until the end of May.

MINISTER	SESSION CLERK   			CLERK TO DEACONS COURT
Rev. Robert L Glover 			Mr John Murdoch    			Mr Ian Bulloch
Tel: 812481				Tel: 812469 				Tel: 852717
TREASURER				 ACCESS to the HALL contact		BEADLE
Mrs Janet Farquhar 			Mr Tom Donaldson			Mr Duncan Morgan
Tel: 811863				Tel: 812023				Tel: 812071
FLOWER CONVENER		ORGANIST		 		PRAYER SECRETARY	
Miss Mary Clements			Mrs Pamela Zenati 			Mrs Alice Hood
Tel:  812241 				Tel: 813641 				Tel: 812191
			    Please recycle this newsletter and care for the earth as God intended 

	

				    

					    

				       

Sunday 10th September    
		10.15 a.m. & 11.00 a.m.  Ian BULLOCH

Sunday 17th September   
	     	10.15 a.m. 	Ian BULLOCH 
		11.00 a.m. 	Rev Bill BROWN

Sunday 24th September 
	      (NB: No 10.15 a.m. Service this Sunday)
                          11.00a.m. All-age Family Worship: 		HARVEST THANKSGIVING with a 
                     difference –  Songs, a Quiz and Film! 
      Gift will be donated to Edinburgh City Mission
                       5p.m. Short Service at Cockenzie House
                    6.15p.m.  HARVEST PRAISE 
				with M & F Trades Band

Sunday 1st October         
		10.15 a.m. All-age Family Worship
                        11.00 a.m. GUILD DEDICATION and 
                                           BOYS’ BRIGADE Enrolment
                         6.15 p.m. Evening Worship 
             ‘A Return Trip to Bolivia’ with music from Taize.

The Minister will be the preacher at all services except where indicated.)