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Eileen Wilson (Guild Contact Person) |
SUMMER 2011 |
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Pastoral Letter June 2011 |
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Minister Rev Alistair Murray 60 Kenneth Street INVERNESS IV3 5PZ Tel: 01463 234756
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My Dear Friends I write this letter thinking the world is a cruel place; indeed life can be so harsh and cruel. When we experience loss, at whatever level, it is hard. We often hear about tragedy happening around us and we can feel so helpless. This has been a difficult year for us as a Church facing up to change, some of which is beyond our control. I am reminded of words of scripture that says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever”. This doesn’t mean that God is against us or against change, rather He is involved constantly within change. The Bible calls on us to Repent and be converted, which simply means change has to take place within. |
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Kirk Session
We celebrated Communion on 24th April when 108 members communicated.
At the March meeting of Kirk Session 21 Elders were in attendance and apologies were received from 4 Elders.
The Future Focus Teams for Worship, Youth and Community reported latest progress and developments. See Future Focus item for more detail.
The Roll Keeper reported that there are currently 263 Members and 235 Adherents on the Roll.
The Presbytery Elder reported on the various committee reports including a report on the work of the Street Pastors in Inverness. It was further reported that Presbytery met on 25th March 2011 to acknowledge the closure of Moy Church as a place of worship.
The Pastoral Care leader advised that there is still a need for an additional visitor.
Liaison Visitors reported on visits to The Choir, Messy Church, The Guild and Anchor/Company Sections of the Boys’ Brigade.
Iain Macdonald (Session Clerk) |
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HIGHSEAS HOLIDAY CLUB IS COMING!!!!
Come and be apart of this great week!! Aug 1st - 5th from 10.00am - 12:15pm. Open to all children entering Primary 1-7. There will be games, singing, drama, bible adventures, crafts, lots of fun!!! We need help with this too! If you can volunteer for any or all of the week we would greatly appreciate it! We need craft people, games people, snack makers, decorators, crew leaders!! The more help the better!! If you can help us call Heidi 07949628877!!
TRINITY CHOIR
We all thoroughly enjoyed a time of fellowship, tea and cakes at our last meeting recently before the summer break. A great big thank you to all singers, including Iain Todd, for their dedication, commitment and support in coming to the choir practices each Thursday (at times in really awful weather!) and still giving it 'laldie!'. We would welcome more singers of mixed ages to join us and lead the praise each Sunday. Contraltos and Tenors especially needed for part- singing. Also, if you play a classical instrument, feel free to bring it along and accompany the singers, even for a few services throughout the year. If singers don't read (staff) music, tuition can be available (one to one, or in groups) and practice Tapes/Cd's are available for all voices (SATB). New Session begins Thursday 15th September at 7.15pm. This first meeting will be a Welcome/Social event taking place in the Hall. Please speak to Myra (organist) for an informal chat. Many thanks.
Come along to practice on Thursdays and Sing, Play and Praise at Trinity!
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Trinity Church Guild
Our AGM and Pot Luck Supper concluded a very enjoyable and successful Guild Session. Also during the winter months we have all been knitting squares and on our topic night and afterwards we succeeded in making 32 blankets for the orphanages in Malawi – for which their Trust, here in Inverness, were delighted. We had such good fun making them and they are for such a worthy cause that we will probably try to do more for next year. We had a most entertaining evening at the opera, having High Tea at the Palace Hotel first (we do like our food). We are planning to take advantage of the Church Mini-bus and go for a day trip to Banff to see Duff House - and of course coffee and lunch The summer Rally this year is at Fort George on June 7th where the Padre, who will be conducting the service, is Seoras Mackenzie Son-in-law of our Guildswoman Agnes Riddle As I write this, I am organising a committee meeting to make up the syllabus for 2011-12 where our theme will be, "Called to walk humbly with God" and I hope and pray that this session will be equally enjoyable and successful. |
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Trinity Future Focus
Last autumn Trinity Church held a ‘Future Focus’ conference. We spent the day reflecting on what God wants us to be and do. At the end of that day we felt challenged to review and explore three areas of the church’s life:
ü our engagement with the wider community; ü our work with children and young people; ü our worship times together.
So, for the last six months working groups have been busy reflecting on these areas and seeking input from people within the congregation (e.g. through the worship questionnaires) and from others.
On 14th May, these groups met together to celebrate all that has come out of this process and to agree how ideas should be taken forward.
Plans include: ▪ Developing variety and wider participation in worship; ▪ Involving young people in music and community projects; ▪ A new website and new signs to raise awareness of the church; … and much more …
There are small things (e.g. name badges for those on welcome duty) and big projects (e.g. exploring ideas for developing the buildings and staff). There is something that you can be involved in.
On the 30th May an Open Meeting was held in the Church Hall. The meeting was well attended and everybody learned about the work of the groups. Everybody was encouraged to think about how they could contribute to the Future Focus of Trinity Church. The meeting approved the forward planning Future Focus and a first meeting has been agreed for Wednesday 8th June in the Church Hall at 7.30pm. The Congregation are encouraged to attend.
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3rd Inverness Girls' Brigade MOTTO: "Seek, Serve and Follow Christ" |
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In March, Highland Division held their annual service in Ness Bank Church. It was a lovely service and Shantelle and Shona read very well in front of the congregation. Kirsty was presented with her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award at the service. Since then she (and Ann!) have completed a Gold Practice Expedition and the real hike is scheduled for June 10th -13th. Best wishes to all.
Many thanks to all who attended our Parents’ Night on Monday 4th April. The girls enjoyed taking you on a tour of our GB year and enjoyed the award presentations at the end of the evening. A big “well done” to all the girls who worked hard throughout the year to earn their badges.
Six Juniors attended the Divisional Camp at Badaguish on 29th April – 1st May. It was a great weekend of weather and fun. A get-to-know-you session on Friday night was followed by a day out to Landmark on Saturday which proved very popular! Saturday evening was a praise session conducted by the Rev. Prof. McGowan and all the girls sang very well. The craft sessions and Easter Egg hunt also proved very popular.
We held two successful Open Evenings on Monday 9th and 16th of May. It was great to see 10 new girls enjoying our “come and try” nights as well as many of our current members. We hope to see all back with us when we restart on Monday 5th September 2011.
(The Officers)
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The Boys' Brigade 6th / 7th Inverness Company
The Maggies bike and hike took place as I reported in my last article, we were lucky with the weather although it turned very cold through the night. We received a very complimentary letter from the Maggies centre thanking us for our work at the three stations.
At the morning service on 15th May we were delighted to be able to ask Rev Murray to present Staff Sergeant Robert Taylor with his Queens Badge. Robert has worked very hard to gain the award, having had to do a minimum of 30 hours each on service to the Company and service to the community, and take part in a programme of physical and skills training showing commitment and a progression in standards. Having completed that the book had to be verified and signed off before Robert attended a completion course to have the award authorised by the Boys’ Brigade.
Our Annual Display and Awards Presentations took place on 27th May when Mr Iain Todd was our Inspecting Officer. All three Sections took part in the evening, two boys were promoted from Anchors to Juniors and three boys were promoted from Juniors to Company. The Boys received the badges they earned during the session.
The Company is now closed until after the summer holidays, and will restart for session 2011 – 2012 hopefully 2nd Friday in September. However Mr Jimmy McIntosh is currently waiting for medical advice and may be incapacitated for some time. He may have to leave the Junior Section if his treatment does not go well. We all wish Jimmy and Mary and the family well and pray for a good prognosis.
We were saddened to hear of the death of Mrs Heather Fraser. Bill and Heather were regular members of the staff at our Company Camps. We remember Bill and the family at this time.
Mike Ronaldsonn Captain.
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Trinity Church Flower Rota June – October 2011
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Date |
Name |
Date |
Name |
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19th June 11 |
Vacant |
4th September11 |
Vacant |
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26th June 11 |
Vacant |
11th September 11 |
Mrs S MacIntosh |
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3rd July 11 |
Mrs R. King and Mrs M McRae |
18th September 11 |
Mr W Milne |
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10th July 11 |
Mrs M Ross |
25th September 11 |
Mrs J Mackay |
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17th July 11 |
Vacant |
2nd October 11 |
Mrs I MacDougall |
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24th July 11 |
Mr I & Mrs D Beaton |
9th October 11 |
Mr & Mrs C Jones |
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31st July 11 |
Vacant |
16th October 11 |
Miss S M MacKenzie |
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7th August 11 |
Mr & Mrs J Mackenzie |
23rd October 11 |
Mrs M Ritchie |
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14th August 11 |
Vacant |
30th October 11 |
Mts S Cumming |
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21st August 11 |
Vacant |
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28th July 11 |
Mrs C Johnstone |
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If you would wish to put flowers in the Church on a Sunday there are some vacant dates available. Please add your name to the Flower Calendar in the Vestibule or contact Mrs Kathleen MacPherson.
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OFFICE BEARERS’ DUTY ROTA
12th & 19th June 2011 1. Mr D. MacKay. 2. Mrs J. MacKay. 3. Mrs S.M. Grant. 4. Mrs M. Macrae. 5. Mrs R. King.
26th June & 3rd July 2011 1. Mr K. Bamborough. 2. Mr H. Nelson. 3. Mrs A. Stewart. 4. Mrs P. Muray 5. Mr C. MacFadyen.
10th & 17th July 2011 1. Mr T. Jones. 2. Mr D. McIntosh. 3. Mrs C. Bell 4.Mrs S. Denoon 5. Mrs D. Clark.
24th & 31st July 2011 1. Mr I A Wilson 2. Mrs E Wilson. 3. Miss S M MacKenzie. 4. Mr R Livingstone 5. Mrs M. Grant
7th & 14th August 2011 1. Mr M. A. Ronaldson. 2. Mrs J. MacKenzie 3. Mrs A. Davidson 4. Mrs I Morrison 5. Mr D Taylor
21st & 28th August 2011 1. Mr M.G. Ronaldson 2. Mr H MacLean 3. Mrs I MacKie 4. Mr H A Chisholm 5. Mrs P Chisholm
Reserves: Mrs M. Grant, Ms S. Hardie
No 1 Recorder; Nos 2 & 3 Gift Aid; Nos 1, 4 & 5 Door Duties
ALL OFFICE BEARERS ON DUTY ARE REQUIRED TO ASSIST WITH THE COUNT AFTER BOTH SERVICES.
Note:- Office Bearers on door duty should lock the Door, REMOVE THE KEY, sit at the back of the Church during the service to ensure the front door is re-locked should anyone require to leave.
IT IS NOW ESSENTIAL THAT ANYONE WHO IS UNABLE TO DO DUTY IN THE MORNING OR EVENING SHOULD ARRANGE COVER AND ADVISE THE RECORDER OF THE CHANGE.
NOTE: The Recorder is responsible for arranging for two of the team to do Aisle Duty on Baptismal Sundays.
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CHURCH REGISTER
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Let the children come to me”
April 10th Rose Helen Margaret Munro Bishop’s View
May 15th Evie Ann Green Highfield Ave |
“I am the Resurrection and the Life”
March 26th Mr William Paterson Maple Drive
April 20th Mr Andrew Fraser Rosehaugh Road
May 1st Mr William Murray Glenalbyn Cottage 5th Mr Norman McDonald Ashton Road 14th Mrs Joan Ireland Newton Place, Kirkhill 18th Mrs Heather Fraser Benula Road |
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PARISH ASSISTANT SESSION CLERK CLERK TO BOARD Mrs Heidi Hercus Mr. I. Macdonald Mrs. I. Morrison Findon Cottage 24 Croft Road 5 Telford Avenue NORTH KESSOCK INVERNESS INVERNESS IV1 3XF IV3 8RS IV3 8HT Tel: 731837 Tel: 223238 Tel: 232824
GIFT AID TREASURER FWO TREASURER CHURCH OFICER Mrs. M. Grant Ms Sandra Hardie Mr. W. A. Fraser 29 Braeside Park 5 Boath Terrace 33 Benula Road INVERNESS NAIRN INVERNESS IV2 7HL IV3 8EH Tel: 792908 Tel: 235368
Services
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. Application for the use of Halls must be made to Halls Convenor Mr Ken Bamborough, Tel: 241458
4. Communion Dates: June 19th 2011 November 6th 2011
Morning Communion – 11.00am Evening Communion & 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 of Scotland is a registered Scottish Charity (SC015432)
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My Dear Friends I write this letter thinking the world is a cruel place; indeed life can be so harsh and cruel. When we experience loss, at whatever level, it is hard. We often hear about tragedy happening around us and we can feel so helpless. This has been a difficult year for us as a Church facing up to change, some of which is beyond our control. I am reminded of words of scripture that says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever”. This doesn’t mean that God is against us or against change, rather He is involved constantly within change. The Bible calls on us to Repent and be converted, which simply means change has to take place within. To follow the way of God can be difficult but we follow not alone, as Jesus promised to be with us always. In the experience of loss we need that assurance for the journey in life that we take, which brings us face to face with change. Life itself is full of changes, some that we may try to resist but cannot. I know looking back can help us understand that at particular points in our lives we can see the hand of God; well that same hand is there for us in the future. The cost we have to pay is to trust, we trust God for what has past but also for what has to come. We each are not immune to loss and difficulty or even for that matter change, but it is how we deal and cope with it that makes a difference. The important thing is allowing God to work in us to help us in the process of change, for the Church exists to give glory and honour to God. We give God glory by upholding the memory of those who have gone before us and together continuing to press on with the work. The difference between the sprinter and the marathon runner is that the finish line appears quicker for the sprinter, but the training and preparation are just as arduous. We at Trinity in spite of change and loss are in it for the long haul and we should not lose heart. Those who would resist change are like those who resist the change that the Gospel message calls for. We do not follow Christ to do as we please or get what we desire. The disciples followed Jesus because He made a difference to their lives. The journey we are each called to, can sometimes feel like a trek and not a leisurely walk. If we could choose, we would all choose the leisurely walk. What we need to do now at Trinity is encourage each other for the demands of the journey. It is God who equips us for the journey. Let us play our part and use the gifts that God has given each one of us for the up building of His Church. Yours in His Service
Alistair Murray
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