PILRIG St PAUL’S CHURCH FEBRUARY 2015

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Regular activities:

Sunday - Children’s activities from 10.50am, creche for younger children and activities based on the Church calendar for those of school age - just come along and speak to our welcome team.

- The choir (Colin Grey 07901 556 217 or at Church on a Sunday)

Tuesdays - The Guild 2.00pm see page 1 for dates and details (Irene Wexelstein 476 1385)

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts 5 3/4 - 14 years

The 5th Leith Scouts Edinburgh North East Broughton Primary gym hall contact Evelyn Torrance 552 1657

For Rainbows, Brownies and Guides please send all enquiries to www.girlguiding.org.uk . We have two groups associated with Pilrig St Paul’s

THERE ARE MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES HELD ON OUR

PREMISES, SEE THE NOTICE BOARD IN PILRIG STREET (MIDDLE ENTRANCE)

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RENT OUR PREMISES, PLEASE

CONTACT psp.halluse@gmail.com

ALL ARE VERY WELCOME AT ANY OF OUR SERVICES AND EVENTS

Sunday, February 1 11:00am Sunday Worship Sunday, February 8 11:00am Sunday Worship Tuesday, February 10 2:00pm The Guild

Around Old and New Leith Saturday 14th February The Guild Coffee Morning Sunday, February 15 11:00am Sunday Worship Sunday, February 22 11:00am Sunday Worship

Favourite Hymns Service Tuesday, February 24 2:00pm The Guild

Prestonpans Tapestry, talk by Alan Johnston Every Tuesday and Thursday – Open doorway 11am-1pm for tea, coffee and a chat, or some quiet time in the sanctuary Every Wednesday – Foodbank distribution. See page 4 Providing Flowers in Church 1st February Alex and Nancy Fleming 8th February Hilda Winton 15th and 22nd February Flower fund. Please speak to Aileen Fraser about a date if you would like to contribute flowers. DON’T BE A VICTIM OF FRAUD see the presbytery article on page 14 See page 18 about stewarding at the General Assembly.

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PILRIG St PAUL’S

WELCOMES YOU

FEBRUARY 2015

From the Minister

Dear All,

In the shadow of Auschwitz, a flamboyant German industrialist named Oskar Schindler grew into a living legend as he saved more than a thousand Jewish workers from the holocaust by sheltering them in his factory. The story of his transformation from a business man into a compassionate angel of mercy was captured in the novel by Thomas Keneally, which was later made into the highly acclaimed and award winning movie Schindler’s List.

Towards the end of the film there is a scene where Schindler is getting ready to leave the factory for the last time. The Jewish workers he sheltered present Oskar with a ring and he begins to weep saying, “I could have saved more, if only I had worked harder. I could have saved more.” It’s then that the workers tell him what’s inscribed on the ring. It’s a verse from the Talmud - “He who saves the life of one person saves the entire world.”

At the start of a new year the Church recalls the story of Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan. It is a sign of a new beginning for him. He literally buries himself in the water and arises as a new man. He hears God’s confirming voice. His career, his future, his life giving ministry, all unfold from this point in his life onwards as he begins to live out the role of God’s servant as described by the prophet Isaiah - “Here is my servant… He will faithfully bring forth justice… a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement and from the dungeon those who live in darkness.” (Isaiah 42: 1 – 7)

Baptism for Jesus was the symbol of his commitment. It was his awareness that “to save the life of one person is to save the entire world.” Throughout his ministry Jesus committed himself to whoever he was with at any moment in time – from the woman at the well to a tax collector up a tree, from fishermen in their boats to people in the street. Jesus touched the lives of individuals and in so doing he saved the entire world.

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We are the baptised followers of Jesus and as such we share his ministry in our world. Sometimes we can look at our world, with all its problems and all its suffering, and think that they are too much for us to make a difference. But if we can say; “Today I have touched one person graciously, I’ve made his/her world better, I’ve listened to, I’ve encouraged, I’ve brought some peace, some hope, some joy, to some one,” then today you have saved the entire world, and you are living out your baptism in Christ. May 2015 be a year of blessings for you and may you embrace the daily opportunities to save the world in the name and example of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Shalom Mark

Relish! I’m thinking about starting a fundraising project to make relish and jams for sale at the church and I need a supply of clean, empty chutney and relish jars (150-250g) with lids to put the products in. If you have any suitable jars, please bring them along to the church for me. If you’d like to join in this enterprise by helping make products, growing fruit and vegetables or sharing recipes, please speak to me. I also need someone with graphic design skills to design a label for the jars so if anyone would like to do that, please get in touch. John Innes 07563 248722 or john.innes@gmail.com

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The food bank is

designed to help individuals and

families in crisis through the

provision of emergency food

supplies. Local care professionals

in the Leith area refer people, with

a food voucher, to the Foodbank

centre where they are given their

food supplies.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE MORE HELPERS,

EITHER FOR A WEDNESDAY 4.30-6pm IN

THE OPEN DOORWAY, OR DRIVERS, FRIDAY

AM

URGENTLY REQUIRED FOODS - UHT MILK,

TINS OF MEAT AND FISH, RICE, JAM,

CUSTARD AND TINS OF FRUIT AND VEG.

THANK YOU!

For further information, please

contact Roy Eprile.

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THE DONATIONS

BASKET IS IN

THE VESTIBULE.

Marjorie McArthur In December last year we lost one of our loved and loving Church family when Marjorie McArthur passed away. Marjorie’s chirpy presence in Church on a Sunday leaves a heartfelt gap for us all. For many years she shared the pew she sat in with her sister Frances and sister-in-law Lottie. She was always willing to help out in Time to Talk and regularly volunteered to take part in any activity during the service. Marjorie or Madge as she was fondly known was a great ‘sport’ and always had a sense of fun about her. There was, of course so much more to Madge than that with her long and faithful connection to her Church. A Sunday School Teacher for many of us and leader of the Junior Sunday School she helped generations learn about our faith and provided a fun environment for all. She was a valued and active member of the Guild over many years and also served on the Congregational Board playing her part in the running of our Church. Together with her husband Joe, Madge ran the Lunch Club that was a great success over the years bringing people together over a hot lunch. Again though, there was so much more than just a hot meal. The opportunity to socialise and meet up with friends was appreciated by all those who attended. Madge carried on running the Lunch Club for a further ten years after her husband Joe passed away. This was just one way Madge contributed to the life of our Church - in her quiet way with hard work and dedication, never looking for the well deserved praise and recognition. Many of us also enjoyed meeting Madge, as it meant receiving the latest Avon catalogue or order! We said our farewells to Madge on the 19th December where her family paid a loving, heartfelt and amusing tribute that was delivered by one of her grandsons Andrew, who closed with the following words.

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“Grandma was always willing to lend a hand, wherever and whenever it was needed. She was a great friend to many and great fun to be with. She will be sorely missed by us all.” Our thoughts are with Madge’s family, Madge and the late Al, Frances and John and Joan. Her grandchildren Laura, Steven, Andrew and Alison and great granddaughter Rhona are also in our thoughts and prayers. The following quote was used by Mark to describe the loss of one of our Church family and really says it all.

“When Angels travel, the sun shines.”

Linda Gill, Marjorie’s family and friends

Message from Marjorie’s family We would like to thank everyone who has been a friend to Mum over the years. The Church was an important part of her life and she really valued the friendship she found there. It has been overwhelming to have so much support, help and kind thoughts from everyone since December. Mum spent much of her life being active in the Church and so we were pleased to have the guidance of Mark Foster who also conducted a comforting and supportive service for us. Madge, Frances and Joan

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From the Clerk’s Desk We have had an exciting few months in the Kirk Session with the ordination of three new Elders (Linda Gill, Maria Croall and Aileen Fraser) and the admission of Alex Fleming (who is already an ordained elder). So welcome to all four people, we look forward to your contributions at Kirk Session and to the many aspects of church life. I’d like to thank Evelyn Torrance for her generous donation of the artificial Christmas Tree you would have seen for the first time in the Church this Christmas. I’m sure it will get many years of use and as it doesn’t drop needles or need cut up and disposed of it will be a relief to those who had to clean up after a real tree. Thanks also to everyone who helped with all the services throughout the Christmas season, and especially the Minister Mark Foster and Organist Colin Gray who put in so much work to make them all happen. It’s a busy time of year in the church and I hope everyone was able to take some time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and step away from the commercial hubbub. We raised £530 from the retiring offerings at the Christmas services and the money has been added to church funds to help with the work of the church at home and abroad. Thanks to everyone who contributed, especially the large number of visitors we saw over Christmas. John Innes Session Clerk THE MAGAZINE

There is plenty of variety and information this month. Thank you to all who have helped to make it so. May I have articles for March by 15th February, please?

Catriona Blackwood

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CONGRATULATIONS

Many congratulations and Best Wishes to Mary Currie on her 90th Birthday on 2nd January

THANK YOU

Thanks to all at PSP for the beautiful bunch of flowers, prayers and messages of support from the Congregation and the Minister after Jimmy's right knee replacement operation. He is really doing well and the Physio is very happy with him. Thanks once again to all. Jimmy and Moira Fergie

Thank you for the beautiful flowers I received, they were a lovely surprise. Karen Wood Dot Swanston says thank you for the Christmas gift and to Eric Fisher for visiting with it. My sincere thanks to the minister and all my friends of the congregation for the lovely flowers and cards I received during the recent loss of my dear sister Marjorie. Thanks to Catriona – I did find our wee chat helpful. France Chambers Dear Maria, Thank you so much for all of your hard work looking after and helping us with all the dance events. And thanks to everyone at Pilrig St Paul’s. A most wonderful place! Susan Many, many thanks for the lovely bunches of roses which I received from the Church in recognition of my 60 years in scouting. Evelyn Torrance.

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Thank you for the beautiful flowers. They were a lovely surprise. Pat Murray

Just a few lines to say “Thank you” for the lovely flowers received after the service on Sunday 23 November, which were much appreciated. Alex and Nancy Fleming

Thank you for my Christmas gifts from the Church. Chris Whelan

Thank you to the congregation for the flowers we received. Also for the Christmas present. Joyce and Charlie Forman

Thank you all for my lovely Christmas gift and to Margaret Cameron for lovely flowers. All the best to you all in 2015 “Bunty” Munro.

Thank you to my friends in Pilrig St Paul’s Church for the gift I received via Eric Fisher Sybil Muir

Thanks to all for the lovely gift I received at Christmas, it was a great surprise and thanks to Ella who brought it to me. Maisie Ritchie

Murdo and Joy MacLeod wish to say ”thank you” for the lovely house plant received from the Guild and delivered by Maureen – also the lovely gifts of chocolate from the Minister and Congregation and delivered by Ian at Christmas time. Regrettably we missed the Christmas Services, and other Services since then, due to age related health problems and it is encouraging to know that we have been in your thoughts. May God bless you all

Many thanks for the lovely flowers I received on St Andrew’s Day – they were much appreciated. Margaret Cameron

Thank you so much for all the gifts you gave me for Christmas. They were a lovely surprise and most enjoyable, especially the mince pies – a favourite of mine. Yours sincerely, Georgie Murray.

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Many thanks for the lovely flowers you gave us at Church on Sunday. They’re beautiful and a warm reminder of the love and support you have all shown us over the past two weeks, which have been difficult for us all. Kindest regards, Frances and John Thank you for the beautiful flowers you gave us. It was very kind of you and we really appreciate your kindness at such a sad time. Mum was very fortunate to have so many good friends at Church and we are eternally grateful for that. Madge and Joan

Please see the notice board outside the Session Room for the full content of the cards received.

PRAYER CORNER Margaret Cameron and family Jack McArthur Jim Fergie Jim and Jean Tait Isabel Hannay Helen Grieg Matthew Green Frances Chambers Agnes MacAuley Betty Lauder and family Evelyn Turner Isabel Fyfe Lorna Burke Pat Murray and family Murdo and Joy MacLeod Charlie and Joyce Forman Mary Currie Please inform Roy Eprile of any changes to be made, so that we can keep the prayer list up to date.

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Pastoral Care Team Mark Foster - Minister Catriona Blackwood – Elder and Magazine Editor Christine Edington Ella Gilfillan Linda Gill – Elder and Pastoral Care Team Leader Cathy Purdie Fiona Rankin – Elder Jeanette Sime – Elder and Roll Keeper Jennifer Stark - Leader Leith Churches Outreach Project The Pastoral Care Team wish you a very Happy New Year and all the very best for 2015. A new year always provides an opportunity to ‘tidy up’ in readiness for the year ahead. That could mean tidying out in your home as I have done. A tough few days getting in and about all those drawers and cupboards that had become ‘jam packed’ full over the course of 2014. I am feeling good to have everything in place and tidy, even all the new items that arrived over Christmas! So with everything clean and tidy in the house I am now ready to face the challenges of 2015 what ever they are!! A new year is also a time to ‘tidy out’ your head and make plans for how you want the coming year to pan out. That takes a different sort of energy and for me, also takes a bit longer to land. So far I have decided to focus my energy into finding work in the Third Sector as a consultant/contractor. I have registered with specialist agencies and had several meetings with people already active in the sector so fingers crossed something lands soon. Also, there are some new year resolutions that tend to feature on an annual basis – cook and bake more new recipes, read more, take more exercise - let’s see how well that goes.

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This Year Is Yours by Alfred Lord Tennyson

God built and launched this year for you;

Upon the bridge you stand;

It's your ship, aye, your own ship,

And you are in command.

Just what the twelve months' trip will do

Rests wholly, solely, friend, with you.

Your logbook kept from day to day

My friend, what will it show?

Have you on your appointed way

Made progress, yes or no?

The log will tell, like guiding star,

The sort of captain that you are.

For weal or woe this year is yours;

Your ship is on life's sea

Your acts, as captain, must decide

Whichever it shall be;

So now in starting on your trip,

Ask God to help you sail your ship.

What are your hopes and aspirations for 2015? Can we be of any help to you in our work in the Pastoral Care Team? Please let us know if you or someone you know would benefit from a visit, a phone call, a card through the post or some flowers delivered. Remember that we are looking to set up telephone catch up sessions, a book group that would also be available to those who are housebound and if you or someone you know would like to join either of these please let us know.

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We would also encourage you to think about joining our team. We are looking to expand and introduce new people with new ideas into the team. If you are interested please call me or we can arrange to have a chat in person if you prefer. Indeed anyone in the team would be happy to chat with you about the work of the team. As the new year gets going the team will be meeting to finalise our plans for the year which we will of course share with you as the year progresses. Thank you to Fiona Rankin for her insight into Pastoral Care last month. We will continue bringing you views from the team this year. Watch out for the first of these next month. Linda Gill Pastoral Care Team Leader 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk Our member and former Board member, Frank Fallon, died towards the end of last year. Many of us remember his interest in, and loyalty to, his friends in the Church, his attention to detail at meetings and his immaculate appearance, particularly on Remembrance Day. Catriona Blackwood

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The Presbytery Office has issued information on frauds that have been brought to their attention over the last few months. We felt it would be a good idea to share the main points with the congregation. I am sure most of us are aware of them but it is always good to get a reminder of the common ones.

DON’T BE A VICTIM OF FRAUD SCAMS Calls from a “Computer Company” You receive a call from a fraudster, using a computer company name, advising that you have a problem with your computer and they can fix it for a small fee. They will ask you to click on a link on a website or email and this allows them to take control of your computer. It is at this stage they can put a virus on your computer. You will also have handed over your bank card details to make the payment. Unfortunately, they will take more than one transaction from your bank account. They may keep you on the phone for a couple of hours to prevent you from stopping your bank cards while they use them. If you receive a call then say “no thank you” or “I don’t own a computer” and hang up. Beware, they are persistent and persuasive. Courier Scams You will receive a call from a fraudster pretending to be from the bank, police, government department or other large organisation, advising they are looking into fraud on your account. They may even suggest that you call the number on the back of your card to verify the call. They keep the telephone line open and play a recording of the dialling tone, so you are in fact still on the line to them.

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You think you have called the bank and therefore feel comfortable in providing all the necessary information they require to use your bank cards or online banking. On occasion they may send a courier round to collect your bank cards and/or ask you to withdraw considerable sums of money.

If you receive a call then tell them you will call a known bank number and hang up. Do use the number on the back of the card but wait for a period of time to ensure the line is closed or even better use another telephone either landline or mobile if possible.

Investment Fraud Fraudster will phone you and try to sell you investments that will lead to huge financial gains while in fact they are worthless or do not even exist. They use information that may sound like they are from a genuine investment company and may even use a genuine investment company name. They can also phone you on a few occasions so that they can build a relationship and gain your trust.

Either say “ No thank you” or say you will seek independent / legal advice before making an investment.

Phishing Emails An email apparently from a bank arrives requesting you to update your details. A genuine bank will not ask you to put passwords, pin numbers or personal information in an email. The scammers normally request you click on a link and by doing so you may be downloading a virus on to your computer. Recently there have been emails about a “purchase” that you are alleged to have made and it asks you to click on the link to see more details regarding the purchase. As you do not recognise the purchase you want to know more therefore you click on the link and download a virus. These emails will always quote a high street company to lure you into thinking they are genuine requests.

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If you receive any emails that you are not sure about do not click on any links – do not open any suspicious email in the first instance. Run your virus software to ensure no viruses have been downloaded.

These are some of the newer common scams but there are more which have been around for a long time and you can find out more about these in the Metropolitan Police "Little Book of Big Scams" which can be found on their website. There is also a printed version available in the Open Doorway.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. If in doubt, don't reply. Bin it, delete it, hang up. Contacted out of the blue - be suspicious. Never send money to anyone you don't know. Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card. Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN. Computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help fix your computer. Tell others about scams and report if you are a targeted. Keep your computer virus checking software up to date.

Keep in mind that fraudsters are professionals and they will have done some research, so may have information that would imply they know a lot about you when in fact they do not. They will also be very persuasive and may contact you again.

If you are a victim of a scam then report it to your bank if relating to bank issues.

Jim Byers, Treasurer of the Presbytery of Edinburgh

Thanks to Mark Wexelstein for putting this into a more concise form for the magazine.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

16 to 22 May 2015: Can You Help?Stewards play a significantly important role to ensure that many of the backup services, in support of

the General Assembly, operate in a highly efficient, welcoming and friendly manner.

Throughout the week of the General Assembly some 300 stewards help to cover over 1,000 different

duties. Each ‘shift’ generally lasts for about two hours and it is up to each steward as to how often they

wish to help – some only have time to help on one occasion, whereas others travel considerable

distances to help as often as they can.

With so many tasks to undertake we are always seeking new volunteers and we are still short of

our required target for 2015.

If you think you might like to help us then please get in

touch for more information. Your help would be very

greatly appreciated.

Current stewards who have not received the

usual communication by now are also

encouraged to contact me.

William Mearns, Chief Steward

Phone: 0131 667 1522 or 0780 801 1234

Email: william@mearns.me

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Do you know someone who would appreciate being remembered in our prayers each Sunday, a visit, a phone call, a card in the post or perhaps some flowers from us? Please provide the details below and put this card into the box in the Open Doorway or contact: Linda Gill on 669-7409 or helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk Postal address: Linda Gill, Pastoral Care Team Leader, Pilrig St Paul’s Church, 1B Pilrig Street, Edinburgh EH6 5AH Member's Details Name .................................................................................................................... Address ............................................................................................................... Phone number................................................................................................. Please choose from the following, which you think would be most appropriate. You can tick more than one option Remembered in our prayers each week ……. Visit to their home ……. Flowers from the Service ……. Phone call........ Card posted to their home…….

Would you like to help with this? Yes / No (If you select yes please also provide your contact details) ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................. Pilrig St. Paul's Church SC007277

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MINISTER Rev Mark Foster minister.psp@gmail.com (332 5736) SESSION CLERK John Innes (07563 248722) pilrig@btinternet.com THE CONGREGATIONAL BOARD CLERK Aileen Fraser (07936 716 765) ASSISTANT CLERK Maria Croall (07747 071 545) CORRESPONDENCE to: pspcongragationalboard@gmail.com The Clerk to the Congregational Board Pilrig St Paul’s Church, 1B Pilrig Street, Edinburgh EH6 5AH TREASURER Mark Wexelstein (665 6881) mark.wexelstein@googlemail.com ROLL KEEPER Mrs Jeanette E. Sime - (552 9652) PASTORAL CONVENER Mrs Linda Gill (669 7409) helpinghands@pilrigstpauls.org.uk SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOR Mrs Catriona E.W. Blackwood (554 6183) cewblackwood@tesco.net PROPERTY CONVENER Eric Fisher (552 8982 HALL LET GROUP psp.halluse@gmail.com ORGANIST and CHOIRMASTER Colin Grey (07901 556 217) SUNDAY CLUB LEADER Mark Wexelstein (665 6881) mark.wexelstein@googlemail.com CHRISTIAN GIVINGS CONVENERS Mrs Ella Gilfillan - (661 2281) Mrs Irene Wexelstein - (476 1385) MAGAZINE Editor - Mrs Catriona E.W. Blackwood - see above Distribution - Mrs Margaret Cameron - (554 2139) Scottish Charity no. SCO07277 www.pilrigstpauls.org.uk www.leithchurchesforum.org.uk also on facebook

OUR WHEELCHAIR ENTRANCES ARE IN PILRIG STREET