Summer 2008

Minister
Rev Alistair Murray
60 Kenneth Street
INVERNESS   IV3 5PZ
Tel: 01463 234756

 

 

 


Pastoral Letter

                          June 2008

 

My Dear Friends

 

At the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in May this year a report by the Mission and Discipleship council began by stating. ‘There are many reasons for the existence of the Church. One of these is to be the bearer and proclaimer of the Good News of what God has done and is doing, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.’ It really made me think about what do we want for Trinity? What we believe we are about here in Trinity? At the recent Presentation of the Stewardship programme one of the speakers mentioned that Trinity historically was three Churches, that at one time they were growing Churches now it was one Church called Trinity. This happened over Thirty years ago.

It is important that we know what we are about and what we intend to do. As a Church we need to focus on our purpose and with God’s help do our best for him. It is very important that people feel they belong and want to be a part of our Church. If people don’t wish to be involved that is there choice they should tell us and not leave it for others to try and guess if they want to belong.

One writer has said that a religion that works makes a person a participant rather than a spectator. I do hope that you will want to become more involved in the work here at Trinity that we might witness a growing Church rather than a dying Church. I am personally grateful to a loyal band of workers who try their best to ensure that the community around us has a place of worship, that they can belong to. We should hold on to the things that are precious as we could have them so easily taken from us and indeed lose them.

Let us each be sure of the purpose of Trinity Church here, I believe it is to enable people to find a real and living faith in Jesus Christ.

                                                              Yours in His Service

                                                             Alistair Murray

 

Kirk Session

  We celebrated Communion on 23rd March, when 119 members communicated and we were delighted to welcome 2 visitors at this time.  We were also delighted to welcome two members to the congregation at this communion season, Mr Allan and Mrs Janet MacDonald from Foyers who joined us by restoration.

  At the March meeting of Kirk Session 20 Elders were present and apologies were received from 5 elders.   It was reported that the Quinquennial Visitation had taken place and a copy of the Report  would be presented to Inverness presbytery at the April meeting.  (See separate item)

  Mr I. MacDonald reported that The Stewardship Programme preparations were well under way and everything would be completed by Monday 31st March for the next meeting with Mr. Gray and the Stewardship Visitors.

  Rev. A. Murray reported that the Church record books had been inspected at the Presbytery Meeting held in Trinity Church Hall and that were found to be correct. Rev. A. Murray also reported that the Church had received  95% of the cost of Church floodlighting through the Merkinch Partnership.

Rev. Murray hopes to have the Rev. Dr. Martin Johnston who has Church of Scotland responsibility for Urban Priority Areas and Noel Mathias, Priority Areas Development Worker come to Inverness for a week-end and meet with The Elders regarding engaging with the Community. Rev. Murray hopes that Rev. Dr. Johnston and Mr. Mathias will lead a Sunday Service later in the year.

  On behalf of the Kirk Session I would like to wish you every blessing.

  Iain Macdonald   (Session Clerk)

 

       

 

 

QUINQUENNIAL VISITATION INVERNESS TRINITY

  Deliverances:      

  1. Presbytery receives the report of the Quinquennial Visitation to Inverness Trinity and thanks the convener and his team for their diligence. 

  2. Presbytery notes that this is its first Visitation since Rev Alistair Murray was inducted to Inverness Trinity. He has to be congratulated on the first class leadership which has enabled him to give direction to strategies which will fruitfully enhance the mission of the Church in this Inverness Parish.

3. Presbytery congratulates the Minister on his links with the community through School Chaplaincies and the Merkinch Partnership which augers well for developing relationships between Church & Community.

  4. Presbytery notes that Trinity Church is at present looking to appoint a Parish Assistant and reiterates the need for such an appointment needs to be made as soon as possible.

  5. Presbytery congratulates the Congregation on its increasing Christian Liberality and its present planned Stewardship Programme for 2008 with the assistance of Mr. John Gray of the Board of Stewardship and Finance.

  6. Presbytery is greatly encouraged by the opportunities given through Morning and Evening Services and a Mid Week Fellowship Meeting to meet the spiritual and educational needs of members and adherents.  This is complemented by a Sunday School, Youth Group, and Youth Organizations which meet the needs of the younger members of the Church family.

 

 

 

Church of Scotland Ministries Council

 

.

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT - MAY 2008.

 

  We are now four months into 2008 and proceeding with the Stewardship Programme. A substantial number of members of the Congregation took advantage of attending the presentations on 22nd, 23rd and 24th April 2008 we hope that they received an insight into the work of the Church both at local, national and world wide, also how the money that goes to Edinburgh is spent. Most of it is coming back to congregations in the form of Ministry costs and providing services such as residential Homes, Rehabilitation Centres and Homes for those suffering from Dementia in Inverness and the north

.   In the present climate of reports of reducing membership we have to make every effort to increase the involvement of all who claim Trinity Church of Scotland, Inverness as their church. This is the prime objective of any stewardship programme. The more people that become involved the lighter the task of fulfilling the commission given to us to spread the Good News of the Gospels in our parish area.

   The figures for income from offerings are:

                      2007                                                  2008
                  £5,056.46               F.W.O.                £4.930.64 
                  £9,678.40              Gift Aid              £10,762.26.
                 £2,424.63            Open Plate             £2,178.17.   
               £17,159.49.                                        £17,871.67.

An increase of £712.18.

  While any increase is commendable we are relying on the success of the stewardship programme to stabilise our financial position and enable us to control costs by increased practical help with fabric repairs to enable costs to be kept low.

   Again we must emphasise our gratitude to all who continue to support the work of the Church by their presence and financial support.

 

                                                                        M.G. Ronaldson,

                                                                        Convener,

                                                                        Finance Committee  

                                                                   

 

FUND RAISING

 

The Summer Fete will be held on Saturday the 7th June at 2.00pm, in the Church Halls.  There will be the usual stalls, also this year there will be a Car Wash.

We look forward to your continued support for this event

  There will be a Jumble Sale in August, date to be confirmed.

  Norman McDonald

 

PASTORAL CARE

This is an appeal for ladies and gentlemen in the congregation who have an hour or two to spare each month.

Our congregation is ageing and the number of housebound is also increasing dramatically. These people have been faithful to the life of the Church in the past and it is time for us to be faithful to them now and visit them for a chat and to see how they are.

You will only be asked to visit someone in your own area with an introductory visit with their elder.

If you feel that you would like to join our team of dedicated visitors and bring friendship to someone’s life then please contact Rev. A Murray or Mr. H Nelson.

 

 

 

3rd Inverness Girls' Brigade

MOTTO: "Seek, Serve and Follow Christ"

 The Explorers have been learning about the different parts of the GB badge and their meaning. The girls made thumb pictures of people who are important to them. They also potted a Busy Lizzie plant as a Mothers' Day gift and made cards for Easter.   Many of the Explorers took part in a Teddy Bear Picnic which was organised by the Division. The event took place on Saturday 1st March at East Church. The girls, and their teddies, took part in various games, crafts, listened to stories and sang songs. A great afternoon was had by all children and adults!!

     The Junior Section had a trip to Pets at Home. The girls were given the chance to hold and pat lots of animals and spend some money which was burning holes in pockets! As part of  “Community Service" we had a visit from the police and 3 dogs, and their handler, from the dog section. The talk was informative and the girls saw the dogs in action. Five Primary (7 girls) attended the Divisional Junior camp which was held this year at Roy Bridge from the 25th to 27th April. On the Saturday it was a trip on the train to Fort William to go swimming and ten pin bowling. Then, of course, it was off shopping to spend their money! The girls also took part in games, quizzes, crafts and sports. It was a good weekend and the girls were enthusiastic and well behaved.

     The Brigaders have been “Cooking with Things". The lovely smells of freshly baked scones and muffins made for mouth-watering Monday nights. The girls have also been helping out the Explorer and Junior sections as part of  “Using God's Gifts".  The Brigaders put together a booklet as Trinity's entry for the Fraser Trophy competition. The girls put in a lot of effort and the finished booklet looks really good.

      Trinity Church hosted the annual Divisional Service on Sunday 9th March. There was a good turn out of girls and we all enjoyed the wonderful sandwiches and baking afterwards.

      All sections are now preparing for Parents Night which will be held in Trinity Church hall at 6.45pm on Monday 19th May. All friends, family and members of the congregation are invited to come along.

      A games night has been planned for Monday 26th May, which will be our last night for this session. We start back on Monday 1st September!!

       The Divisional AGM is to be held in the hall on Wednesday 4th June. Some members of the Explorer and Junior sections will be taking part.

 

                                                       Dates for the Diary

Monday 19th May

Parents Night

Monday 26th May

Games Night

Wednesday 4th June

Divisional AGM

Monday 1st September

New session starts!

 The Officers

 

 

FUND RAISING  

The Summer Fete will be held on Saturday the 7th June at 2.00pm, in the Church Halls.  There will be the usual stalls, also this year there will be a Car Wash.

We look forward to your continued support for this event

  There will be a Jumble Sale in August, date to be confirmed.

  Norman McDonald

 

TOGETHERNESS AT TRINITY

 

The Stewardship Programme has reached the stage where the Visitors are calling to collect your individual Response Sheets.   The Committee will meet on 23rd June to assess the Visitor Feedback and ensure that requests are followed up.  The Committee will produce a report for a final meeting with Mr John Gray on 25th August.

 

 

 


AFTER CHURCH TEAS

The "After church Teas" have been most successful generating lots of fellowship and fun (judging by the laughter each Sunday). Approximately 50/6 0 members come round for tea or coffee after the morning service which is most encouraging.

  A big thank you to all the ladies who give of their time to prepare and serve the teas and of course do the washing up! A special thank you to Calum and Chrissie MacAulay who keep us well supplied with tea.

  The teas will cease at the end of June and recommence in September. New rotas will be issued after the school holidays in August and any ladies (or gentlemen) wishing to assist with the teas will be most welcome - just let me know before mid August. Have a lovely summer!

 

Isabel Morrison  

 

Be thankful for today

 

Be thankful for the present; appreciate what you've got. Forget the days of long ago; be happy with your lot.
And as you look around you and see how others fair,
Be thankful for your comforts; be thankful for your care.
Allow yourself a little dream of happy younger days,
Of hopes and plans you cherished' as you wandered through life's maze.

  But never dwell at length upon these days now long since gone,
Today is more important for you and everyone.
Your friends, your home, your interests all mean so much it's true,
Living for the present will safely see you through.

And what about the future, people have been heard to say,
But why worry about tomorrow, tomorrow's another day.
So let us see those shoulders back and smile upon your face,
The feeling of well being as you tackle life's fast pace.
Remember these few friendly words, as you go on your way,
Be thankful for the present, be thankful for today.

DATES TO NOTE

Saturday 7th June

Summer Fete

Sunday 8th June

Family Service & Sunday School Prizegiving

Wednesday 11th June

Kirk Session Meeting

Sunday 15th June

Communion Services Togetherness at Trinity Thanksgiving Service

Friday 20th June

Togetherness at Trinity last date for Responses

Monday 23rd June

Stewardship Committee Meeting

Wednesday 27th August

Congregational Board Meeting

 

 


 

TRINITY CHURCH – PRAYERS FOR HEALING

 

Prayers for Healing will now be held after the Evening Service on the following Sundays:

Sunday1st June 2008

  Please come and experience the Healing Power of Jesus

  MERKINCH SINGING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

 

 

We offer our congratulations to the Singing for Pleasure Group who have entered the BBC Last Choir Standing Competition and have successfully got through the first stage and are into the last twenty five. We wish them continued success in the next stage on 1st and 2nd June 2008.

 

 

 

 

OFFICE BEARERS’ DUTY ROTA

 

18th & 25 May 2008

  1. Mr M.G. Ronaldson.   2. Mr M.A. Ronaldson.    3. Mrs A. Davidson.   4. Mrs I. Morrison.
 5. Mr D. Taylor   6 Mr H. Abbott

  1st & 8th June 2008

  1. M. H.A. Chisholm.      2. Mr H. MacLean.          3. Mrs I. MacKie.         4. Mrs J. MacKenzie
 5. Mrs P. Chisholm.

  15th & 22nd June 2008

  1. Mr R. Fraser.                2. Mr N. McDonald.       3. Mrs L. McDonald.   4. Mr J.S. Malcolm
 5. Mrs H.E. Malcolm.

  29th June & 6th July 2008

  1. Mr D. MacKay.             2. Mrs J. MacKay.          3. Mrs S.M. Grant.        4. Mrs M. Macrae.
 5. Mrs R. King.

  13th & 20th July 2008

  1. Mr K. Bamborough.     2. Mr H. Nelson.              3. Mrs A. Stewart.         4. Mrs K. MacPherson
 5. Mr M.D. MacPherson.

  27th July & 3rd August 2008

  1. Mr T. Jones.                    2. Mr D. McIntosh.          3. Mrs C. Bell               4.Mrs S. Denoon.
 5. Mrs Donna Clark.         

  10th & 17th August 2008

  1. Mrs M. Grant.                2. Ms S. Hardie.               3. Mr I. Thomson.         4. Mr I. Stewart
5. Mrs. P. Murray.

 

No. 1 Recorder,                Nos. 2 & 3 Gift Aid,              Nos. 1, 4, & 5 Door Duty.

 

 Office Bearers on Door Duty will bring the Offering forward during the singing of the first Hymn.

 

ALL OFFICE BEARERS ON DUTY ARE REQUIRED TO ASSIST WITH THE COUNT AFTER BOTH SERVICES. The numbers have been reduced on each rota and increased to eight groups

 

IT IS NOW ESSENTIAL THAT ANYONE WHO IS UNABLE TO DO DUTY IN THE MORNING OR EVENING TO ARRANGE COVER AND ADVISE THE RECORDER OF THE CHANGE

 

 

 

 


CHURCH REGISTER

                                                   "Let the children come to me"

March

9th          Morgan Brodie MacLean               Lower Kessock Street
                        Ava Brodie MacLean                      Lower Kessock Street            

             April

20th        Kyle Gordon Anderson                  Castle Heather Road

 

“What God has joined together”

        April
           18th        Claire E. MacDonald   &   Brian J. McCutcheon        Inverness

 

"I am the Resurrection and the Life"

                         

March
                  7th       Mrs Catherine (Kay)  McBean                 Ach-an-Eas  Care Home
                15th     Mrs Thomasina (Tommy) Williamson     Elmgrove Nursing Home

April
                 17th      Mr James McFayden                                  Shore Street

May
                 1st        Mrs  Mary Munro                                        Royal Ness Court

 

 

SESSION CLERK                          CLERK TO BOARD                          TREASURER
Mr. I. Macdonald                         Mrs. I. Morrison                                 Mr. H. A. Chisholm
24 Croft Road                                5 Telford Avenue                              18 Dunain Road
INVERNESS                                  INVERNESS                                        INVERNESS
IV3 8RS                                          IV3 8HT                                               IV3 5LP
Tel: 223238                                    Tel: 232824                                          Tel: 238139

GIFT AID
FWO TREASURER                                                                                  CHURCH OFICER
Mrs. M. Grant                                                                                           Mr. W. A. Fraser
29 Braeside Park                                                                                       33 Benula Road
INVERNESS                                                                                              INVERNESS
IV2 7HL                                                                                                      IV3 8EH
Tel: 792908                                                                                                Tel: 235368

 

Church Telephone: 221490

Notes

    1. Please notify any case of illness to the Minister, Session Clerk or District Elder so that the Church can keep in touch.
    2. Changes of address should be notified to Mr. R. Fraser, Roll Keeper,15 Castle Hill Park, INVERNESS, Tel: 794129
    3. Communion Dates:
                                    March 23rd  2008
                                    June 15th 2008
                                    November 4th 2008

Morning Communion – 11.00am
Afternoon Communion – 5.15pm
Thanksgiving Service – 6.30pm

 

"We aim to be a welcoming fellowship, proclaiming in worship the gospel of Jesus Christ, ready to serve with compassion the needs of the community."

Trinity Church is a registered Scottish Charity (SC015432)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Home Page