Frequently Asked Questions
If you haven't been to this church before you may wonder what to expect if you do pay a visit. Hopefully these FAQs will answer most of your queries. Please feel free to send an email if you want to know more.
Who is Jesus?
Click on the link below to learn who Jesus is!
www.ccci.org/wij.
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What time and where are the services held?
We normally have a service on a Sunday; these are the first, third & Fifth
Sundays at MaryCulter and the second & fourth Sundays at
Banchory Devenick Kirk at 10.30
am.
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What happens in the services?
It varies from week to week, but 'relevant' 'relaxed', and 'enjoyable' are words that we hope describe what goes on! We tend to use a variety of modern and traditional songs and hymns. There will be prayers and a reading from the Bible, and a sermon based on the Bible reading.
Twice a year we celebrate communion in the morning and evening, but monthly
informal communion services are planned in the evenings.
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Do I have to wear my 'Sunday best'?
Most people dress casually for our services, but you are free to wear whatever you prefer, whether that's a suit or summer shorts, posh dress or dungarees.
Banchory Devenick and Maryculter are relaxed kirks and we want people to feel comfortable when they come.
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What about people with disabilities?
Wheelchair access is very easy, as there are no steps to negotiate provided
you enter through the front gate. Large print songbooks are available if
required (please ask). Both Kirks have an induced hearing loop system.
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Do you believe small is beautiful?
Our rural congregation is quite small and we are a friendly and
non-threatening group, but there will be many more present on special occasions.
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What about my children?
Our 'Family Services' are all-age occasions, so the children and adults will stay together for the whole service. On other Sunday mornings there is a
Sunday School with different age/ability groups, and after the first 10-15 minutes the children will go to their various groups. Everyone who works with children has gone through an
Enhanced Disclosure check.
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Will there be a collection?
Yes there will be, as we believe this is an important part of our worship and commitment. However, we are pleased to welcome visitors and do not want them to feel under any pressure to make an offering. Many of our Members give via bank standing orders, so they and visitors can simply let the collection plate pass by without feeling awkward.
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Do you serve refreshments?
Yes - tea, coffee, squash and a variety of biscuits are available (and if it's a special occasions, you may even get some cake!). The refreshments are free, although some people choose to make a donation. Be our guest.
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What happens if it's a communion service?
Communion, or the "Lord's Supper" as we usually call it, normally happens in the latter part of
a communion service. We use individual glasses and bring the bread and wine around to where people are seated. We welcome all who
are in communion with any branch of the Christian Church, worshipping One God as
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to eat and drink with us.
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Will the Minister be there?
Our Minister usually preaches every service. On other occasions (holidays
etc...) the services are led by a visiting preacher or Minister.
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I'm having my reception in a local hotel. Can I have my wedding in the Parish Church?
Yes, by arrangement with the local Minister, Rev Donald Walker.* Contact him
via the church office on 01224 735983 or email
thechurchoffice@tiscali.co.uk.
A special 'Wedding Pack' outlining the services and usual requirements for your wedding can be sent by post, email or downloaded
here. (This pack can be viewed in it's printable form by going to
the View/Print layout menu on the toolbar of Word).
[NB: There is no business connection between Rev Walker and the local hotels, and he receives no personal fee for his services,
which are given freely, as the Parish Minister.]
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Is there car-parking space?
At Banchory Devenick there is parking on the roadside at present, although a
car park is planned soon. Maryculter has a large car park at the rear of the
kirk.
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How do I find the Kirks?
Banchory Devenick Kirk is situated just off the Lower Deeside road approximately
2 miles from the Bridge of Dee. For
more detailed instructions, there's a
map here.
Maryculter Kirk is situated in the village of Kirkton of Maryculter itself, which is approximately
6 miles out the Lower Deeside road from the Bridge of Dee. Turn left opposite
The Old Mill Inn, go left at the next turn, go past the main entrance to Story
Book Glen and up to the top of
the road, the Kirk is on your left. The car park is further up and around to the
left at the end of a private road.
For more detailed instructions, there's a map here.
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How can I find my ancestors from Maryculter/Banchory Devenick and from the N.E. of Scotland?
We do not hold onto our old records but give them to those who make better use of them, such as the Church of Scotland Archives and responsible family history groups. In that way, people like you can gain easier access to materials important for your family research.
For example, the ABERDEEN AND NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY is dedicated to family research and has online resources. (It also has premises in King Street, Aberdeen, Scotland itself). It produced a CD-ROM of Maryculter Parish Records, on sale at around £9 (around US$17, exclusive of shipping and handling) which has entries from 1690-1855 displayed in orginal documents. The Society also sells a range of sources of information, for both members and non-members. You can browse their resources online (and even join the ANEFHS) at their website: http://www.anesfhs.org.uk/
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What does North-East Scots Dialect look like, when written?
A Sample Rendition of Genesis, Chapter 1 translated by Bruce Gardner.
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2005 Goforit Associates All Rights Reserved.