Banchory Devenick & Maryculter-C

The Last Sunday in October: Oct 29th (BD – 10am)
First Sunday in November: Nov 4th (MC – 11:30am & 5pm)

Together in God’s Providence “I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. [Jer. 29:11-13]

Bryan Anderson wed Martha Ferguson, an American artist working in Scotland, in Banchory Devenick Church, on August 11th. L to r: Martha’s Father Charlie; Bryan’s Mum Margaret; Martha and Bryan, Martha’s mother, Joe. Bryan’s Father, Tom, died just over a week before, so joys and sorrows were blended.

A ‘Quinquennial Visitation’ sounds like a visit from the Spanish Inquisition and nobody ever expects them, as Monty Python reminded us! However, this strange term just means a five-yearly inspection and it is very much expected. The ‘QV’, as it is familiarly called, was led by the Rev. David Stewart of the South Church, Stonehaven, and Rev. Ronnie Gall, of Laurencekirk, with 2 elders to add practical experience. They met with me, the Minister, and with the Board and Session, each in an informal atmosphere, as a written report had already been presented to them, along with copies of our accounts. Teas were provided by the ladies of the Guild.

The QV report to Presbytery is positive: it commends the congregation and office-bearers for the spiritual health of our congregation, recognising that we are leaner, fitter and far better-provided for than ever, regularly delivering surpluses that we can now use to hire a youth worker, and maybe a secretary. Our congregation is seen to be growing in real terms, through our increasing commitment. The sad and disappointing days when inactive and disaffected members did not understand nor want to understand the Living God, are fading. We grieved when few responded to our sincere pleas, but we accept that it is by God’s grace, not casual inclination, that folk are saved: we also know kirks once forced folk to join minus conversion.

The Word of God preached, and sacraments truly administered, amongst sincere Christians in holy love, create God’s Church, for He is Creator not us. My greatest desire is to have every soul whom God sends to us converted and discipled in His Word. By faithfulness in worship, Bible Study and Prayer, fellowship and house groups, Alpha and taking part in activities or outreach, our souls and hearts grow.

I am proud of God’s people for showing the QV that Jesus’ love empowers us to grow inside and reach out to this parish in His Name. Whether people believe or not, they should know Jesus is our Lord: it is our responsibility to face them with Him. For on their response to Jesus and His work in His Church here on earth will rest the answer to the question of how they will spend eternity: in Heaven or Hell.

I pray that everyone in this parish, every man, woman and child, will trust in Him.

33 years – where has the time gone? However, when former pupils arrive to enrol their own children, you do realise that you have been in the job rather a long time!

History: It began in 1974 when I joined Culter Primary staff, having completed a post-graduate course in nursery education. The field was very new in the county, for although Aberdeen City had a long history of nursery provision, Culter was one of the first of four schools in the shire to include nursery classes. We were to provide education for three and four year-olds who lived in the catchment area.

The nursery was staffed by two teachers and two nursery nurses, providing 80 part –time places. Parents were invited to apply for a place on a first-come, first-served basis, the criteria being that the child had passed its third birthday and was toilet-trained. Demands was soon so great, the time to go on the waiting list was birth!

For young children in the 1970’s, nursery was often their first experience outwith the home circle: many tears were shed, both by parents and children as they parted on the first day. However, with the range of attractive activities, and the support of sensitive adults to encourage and reassure, a happy routine was soon established.

As Grampian Region took over both city and shire, parents outside Culter began to seek provision. We then became a facility open to Cults Academy’s catchment area and age, then, became the criterion for entry. It was at this time that we had the privilege of working with families from Banchory Devenick and Maryculter and it was amazing the amount of friendships formed in nursery which were held onto during primary years and were ultimately established in Cults Academy. As Grampian Region dissolved, we once more returned to shire and city authorities but now Culter Primary and its nursery were within the new city boundary and, sadly, our contacts with the children of Aberdeenshire afterwards diminished.

Blessings and Babies: I have been truly blessed to have been granted the health and strength to enjoy such a rewarding career. I benefited from working alongside fellow professionals, made life-long friends from the very supportive parent body of Culter School and thoroughly enjoyed contacts with play groups and primaries.

Have children changed over the years? Certainly, their experience of the world has greatly increased: children will usually have attended several social groups, now, prior to starting nursery: it encourages confidence and greater independence.

The basic needs of young children, however, have never changed. They require a safe, secure environment where they may feel valued and respected, whereby they can develop skills which will enable them to reach their full potential in the future.

Kathleen has retired as Nursery Head, respected and honoured by all her colleagues, with many expressions of deep gratitude and affection from all her wee charges and their parents: we wish her, as a cheerful witness to God’s love, joy in retirement. BG.

Love Your Child: If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn; if a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight; if a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy; if a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty; if a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient; if a child lives with encouragement, he learns, confidence; if a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate; if a child lives with fairness, he learns justice; if a child lives with security, he learns to have faith; if a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself; if a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world. Dorothy Law Holte

Being a part of the Banchory-Devenick house group gave me the chance to get to know some very special people and make real and lasting friendships. When you are among friends, it is the perfect environment to raise questions informally and take time in following through on wherever that will take you. Of course we do not have all the answers but using the other members of the house group as a sounding board certainly helps me to explore my questions and gain a different perspective. Being a Dad and holding down a demanding job consumes most of my waking hours: hosting the house group makes getting here and looking after the kids easier. There is also the opportunity to catch up with people, to find out what is happening both in the Church and wider community. Most importantly, however, our journey has helped me to change the way in which I look at the Bible; less as a book to read mechanically but more a living word where each chapter has meaning, wisdom and truth in abundance - something that good is worth taking a little time over. Richard Britten.

I have been privileged to lead Maryculter House Group during Christine's illness. We all miss her leadership and friendship and are praying she will soon be well again. The following are comments from some who attend the House Group and I agree with all, especially "you never feel your contribution isn't worthwhile."

"The size of the House Group means you get to know and trust other members easily. I couldn't pray out loud as part of a group otherwise. We all learn together and share ideas as we read the Book of Mark; you never feel your contribution isn't worthwhile. It never fails to amaze me just how much can be learned and gleaned from every single verse. Joyce and Christine in the Maryculter Group manage to keep us from straying too far off at tangents (usually)! I always feel somehow refreshed by the end of the meetings." David Fowler

"I enjoy our house group. Meeting in such a group gives us the opportunity to read and discuss the bible together. It’s amazing how much we can all input to just one verse. It’s helpful to get different opinions and ideas. As well as praying together, we share and receive support in a safe, trusting environment." Joyce Lamb

"The house group has been a great way for me as a relatively new Christian and new church member to get to know people much better and grow in knowledge and faith in a very comfortable and relaxed environment. This is an excellent way to increase the sense of community within the church." Bryan Anderson

Anne Massie very kindly opens her house (Kirkton Cottage at the end of Poilston Road) for our meetings and she supplies us with a welcome cup of tea and lovely home baking. I think her comment, albeit short, speaks volumes - "I enjoy the House Group for the fellowship, easy learning and understanding of the Bible."

I hope that our comments will encourage you to come along to the House Group where you will be made very welcome. Joyce Mackintosh

Ladies’ Bible Study Group: The Ladies Bible Study has met in Banchory-Devenick and Maryculter-Cookney for more than 20 years. The meetings are now in ‘Glenburnie’, Maryculter (The old manse). Every 2^nd Tuesday morning in school term time we meet at 10am for coffee and start our study at 10.15. Our present study is in Thessalonians and we use Geared for Growth booklets to help us. The meetings are very informal and all ladies are welcome to join us. Details? Call Ruth - 01224 733120.

Bryan at work: see collage above, centre frame, on left, looking towards the camera.

In our last newsletter, I wrote of a forthcoming trip to South Africa, with Habitat for Humanity, seeking your support and donations. We raised ca. £3,500 with help from BDMC Church, congregational members, other friends and BT colleagues – enough for half a house! In late May I set off, and flew to Cape Town to meet my fellow volunteers. The house-build was in Mfuleni - a township of 20,000 people, most in cardboard and corrugated tin shacks, 40 kilometres from Cape Town.

There were 120 volunteers - 70 from the UK the rest from USA and South Africa, and we split into 12 teams to build 12 houses - although the Habitat way is that we were there to help build a community, not just houses! Habitat does not believe in handouts - it encourages people to build a community with volunteer support and encouragement on a principle of 'sweat equity' where families commit their labour to work on their own - and others’ - houses. We later learned that our work had inspired the local community so much that with the additional funds we had raised and their hard work, they went on, after we left, to build another 20 houses.

Teams were a mix of people who had travelled together, and gone individually. One of the teams was entirely made up from members of Pitmedden Church – so this area was well represented! I joined with eight other individual travellers from the UK – five women and four men, with Helen the youngest at 25, and Molly the oldest at 74! With Leizle, our young crew leader, a South African volunteer, John our deaf, non-English speaking Habitat builder (it made life interesting!), a trainee builder from the community and the Ntontela family and friends, we began with a flat bed of concrete on the Monday, and by the Friday we had built a house!

The house has two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom - our challenge was to build external and internal walls, roof, windows and doors. In the weeks after we left, the builders did the finishing and snagging. The professionals come in to do plumbing and electrical work as and when a family can afford it. The Tuesday after we had left, however, there were terrible storms and floods in the Cape and as a result many of the families moved in despite their houses not being finished.

Each year as more people are moved from shacks to proper houses, the incidence of TB and similar diseases is dropping: these projects are clearly making a difference to the community. The difference to the individual families is beyond words however. These are incredibly hard working, decent people who just need a break it is so easy for us to give. The reception we received, the way we were all welcomed into their homes, the spirit within that community were a lesson to us all, and one I shall never forget. In the middle of the week Archbishop Desmond Tutu, patron of this project came to speak to us. He spoke of God’s tears when he looks down on the world at Darfur, Zimbabwe and such places, but he went on to say - “Then God looked down on Mfuleni and he smiled …….” In stature, he was very small perhaps, but Desmond Tutu was a giant of a man - he was awesome!

A trip like this is something any of us can do - an experience of a lifetime, and one which enriches your life beyond measure. The next build in Mfuleni takes place from 6-14 September 2008! If you’d like to see and hear more, I will be giving a talk to the Church Guild on Monday 5 November or check out all the projects that are ongoing around the world on: http://www.habitat.org/eca/.

Our evening services are held each Sunday between 5.00 and 6.00 pm in the upper lounge of the Maryculter Church Hall Extension. These are informal services of worship and are usually lively gatherings for all the family, with the opportunity for all, both young and old, to participate in the service, in a variety of ways:

The use of the Sunday Schools collection of maracas, tambourines and drums during appropriate hymns.
All joining together to read God’s word aloud.
Operating the Sound System.
Designing and displaying the slides with the words for the readings and the hymns – it frees our hands for the drums and tambourines!

All in all it’s a relaxed, informal and fun way for all ages to worship God and share fellowship. So why not come along and give it a try? Volunteers are being sought to take turns at managing the sound system and multimedia presentations – full training if desired will be given! Can you play a musical instrument or lead in any of the hymns? We have a guitar and an electronic keyboard just waiting to be used if you don’t have your own! For further details call Bruce: 01224 735776.

Page 6

What example will you give?

There are little eyes upon you,
and they're watching night and day.
There are little ears that listen,
take in every word you say,

There are little hands all eager to do anything you do,
and little hearts all dreaming of the day they'll be like you.

There are little minds all certain,
You're the wisest of the wise.
In the little ones who love you,
no suspicions ever rise.

They believe in you devoutly;
they note all you say and do;
they plan to live their life your way,
when they're grown up, just like you.

There are wide-eyed, little watchers,
who believe you're always right,
and their ears are always open,
while they’re watching day and night.

You are setting an example, Mum

- and Dad - in all you do,
for those little ones who're waiting
to grow up and be like you.

If you lead your kids to Jesus,

(for they’ll be what you will be),

then they’ll learn to follow Jesus

and find Peace, Eternally.

[Anon]

Page 7

John McCafferty on Stewardship: Part 1

I first became involved with Stewardship after I became an elder in Banchory in 1981. Elders are asked to consider the way they might serve the Lord within His Church and it seemed to me that “use of money” was an area where I could “add value”. As a Financial Planner, I spend my business life urging folk to make the best use of money. Whether savings plans, pensions, investments or tax planning it is about making money work harder, to create more of it. Those two things did seem to be something the Church needed so I started with that idea in my service.

There are two sides to Christian Stewardship. First, there is the matter of givings – how much is the right level of giving and how regularly and efficiently are they given? Secondly there is the question of how money is used – locally, nationally, internationally or, too often, not at all! As that indicates a two-part series, in this newsletter issue, I will concentrate on “giving” and the next time on “spending”.

There isn’t a ‘right’ level of giving unless we start with “tithing” (10% of income) – which is biblical, but not embraced by very many in the Church. The Church of Scotland’s guidance is that it should be “proportionate” and if you want a starting point consider 3% of your net (of tax) income i.e. £3 per week for every £100 of income (or £24 per month for every £1000 of take home pay ). Whether you give to the Lord at that level, or some other, is your decision, but there arise two other important points. Church expenses happen every week whether you attend Church one Sunday or not you need to use a system to make sure your givings are regular. Monthly Bank Standing Orders are proving most attractive at the moment: weekly Freewill Offering envelopes are available for those who would rather use these. In addition, if you are a taxpayer, you should use a Gift Aid facility: the Government accepts your givings come from your after-tax income and will give the tax back to the Kirk – if you just ask them to ! [By the way, occasional lots of change in the plate is neither proportionate nor regular, and it’s certainly not tax-effective!]

Some worry that “somebody will ken what I give” if they use a regular method of giving but that person but there is only one, the Gift Aid convenor who claims the tax back and she is sworn to secrecy and has no idea of anyone’s income anyway, so nobody sits in judgement. (If I may be cheeky: if anyone worries that some one will know what they’re giving they’re probably not giving enough!) Therefore we are only trying to get folks’ private kirk givings to be a] proportionate; b] regular; c] effective and d] tax efficient! If you want to talk to me about any of this, my number is on the back page. I’ll say more about where the money goes next time!

Schools’ Work in the Parish

Powerpoint rules! Talks in Lairhillock School are now being done by powerpoint presentation on smart boards. This slide shows Ur of the Chaldees, from which Abraham was called by God to go to Canaan (Israel). The entire exciting story looks better on powerpoint! Other topics include Joshua and Jericho, David Livingstone in Africa and the Feeding of the 5,000. Assemblies are continuing too, there and at Banchory Devenick. Still most popular is a final blessing prayer where the children pray too!

Page 8

The Breakfast Fellowship

by Pete Thorne

“We are gathered here” at Maryculter Kirk Happy Lounge at between 8:00am and 9:30am on Saturday mornings. It is a gathering of like minded men, interested in putting the World to rights, ridding it of all Pestilence, Famine and Homelessness, discussing how the Government could run the country better for us, with spiritual guidance thrown in. All this, a couple of rowies, cup of tea and it’s, with a couple of fattening rowies, in the beautiful back drop of Maryculter (the Kirkton of) and as if that’s not enough!, in the personal company of Bruce “Rev” Gardner, Pete “Lips” Thorne[1], Bryan “Hans Christian” Anderson and others. Occasionally we get out and dig holes and spread chuckies for a laugh.

Well we’ll see you all soon, go on you know you want to come even if it’s only for a nosey! Contact Pete at: pete@gfisecuritysystems.orangehome.co.uk

[1] A reference to the intrepid Pete’s increasingly successful attempts to learn the saxophone.

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ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ (from p. 1)

1]116 years 2) Ecuador 3) Sheep (and Horses) 4) November [Julian Calendar] 5) Squirrel fur 6) Dogs 7) Albert 8) Crimson 9) New Zealand 10) Orange (of course!)

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

The new facilities at Maryculter, and especially the Happy Lounge, continue to be a place of peace for children. Last year, the little ones raised money to buy goats and worms (no, not goats WITH worms!) for the Third World. This year, there is a plan to raise money through the Soup and Sweet, at Harvest, and the Soup and Cheese, at Remembrance, to go towards a well or waterhole, a vital blessing.

In Banchory Devenick, the expected sale of the now-defunct Ardoe Hall will help us to fill the coffers for the outreach centre at Banchory Devenick Church, which will see Bill McGregor and a team of elders and members creating an imaginative new hall facility, with Sunday School upper floor, at the back of BD church, with only the minimum of pew loss. The new hall will also include a meeting area and a modern kitchen and vestry with disabled toilet and storage. Pray for this project.

Page 9

“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings…” (Psalm 8)

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A Mummy tells her little girl who is struggling with a bottle cap that she won’t open it as it is child-proof.
The wee one whispers: “Mummy how does it know it’s ME?”

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Watch out for the next enthralling news BDMC letter in the Spring 2008!