Inter-denominationalChurch Magazine

Would you be interested in advertising in our Church Magazine in 2011 or do you know someone who might be? Then please get in touch!

The Magazine goes out 4 times a year in the months of February, May, August and November.

We hand-deliver to 4,700 households in Westhill

Please contact: Rosanna,

Church Secretary,Trinity Church, Westhill Drive, Westhill, AB32 6FY

Tel: 01224 742512

e-mail: skeneparish@mail.com

www.skeneparish.com

SKENE PARISH CHURCH Scottish Charity No. SC009462

15 Meadowlands Drive Westhill

Aberdeenshire AB32 6EJ

Dear Friends,

Amazingly I have completed one month as your Locum. It seems but an instant since April Fool’s Day. I have appreciated the warmth of the welcome which has been shown to me by all with whom I have come into contact. Thank you for your kindness.

The purpose of a Locum is to fill the space created by a vacancy until such time as a new appointment may be made however long this may be. You will, I am sure, keep the Nomination Committee in your prayers. The Committee has no easy task, and needs the support of the whole congregation.

There is a sense that all things and people have a purpose. Jesus tried to make clear to people that his purpose was to know and do the will of God. Fulfilling that purpose brought about misunderstanding, conflict, suffering and ultimately crucifixion. Jesus was clear that everyone should have a similar purpose. He recognised that this would take people down many of the same paths which he walked, and would cause them to share much of the same kind of opposition that he endured. It is perhaps, not surprising then to find people having difficulty in accepting his view that happiness is to be found in sharing his purpose.

You will remember that the word ‘blessed’ used in the Beatitudes in the Authorised Version of the Bible is called ‘happy’ in modern translations. You will remember that in the Beatitudes the poor, the hungry, the peacemakers, the persecuted are described as being ‘happy’. Here is something of a paradox. Those who would be happy are those who are open to suffering. Those who are happy are those who serve. It is hard to believe that this is to be the way we are to live. But surely no more difficult to believe than God should come into our world in the person of Jesus and suffer death to show how great is his love for us; that life in all its fullness should come through death. But that is the message of Easter, that joy, happiness comes through service even unto death, and that happiness will continue through resurrection to new life. We are to live, die and live again for that is God’s will, that is the way of Jesus, that is the purpose of God.

The purpose of your Locum is to serve you. Please do not hesitate to ask me to serve if you think I can. I will be ‘happy’ to do so.

Yours sincerely

Matthew A. Rodger

VESTRY HOURVestry Hour is held in Trinity Church each Wednesday from 6.00-7.00pm. to arrange baptism, weddings, etc. or to offer support to anyone seeking help.

MIDWEEK WORSHIPEach Wednesday from 7.15pm to 7.45pm there is a service in the Chapel of Trinity Church.

SUMMER SERVICESDuring the school holidays in July and August we change from our usual pattern of worship in both churches each Sunday to having one United Service.

On the first four Sundays in July - 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th the service will be in Skene Church at 11.15am and then on 31st July, 7th and 14th August, the service will be in Trinity Church at 10.00am.

NEW MEMBERS

We welcome to the Congregation the following new members:

Mr Ronnie and Mrs Cathie Anderson, 1 Westdyke Place, WesthillMrs Elma Douglas, 51 Westdyke Avenue, WesthillMrs Isobel Stronach, 11 Burnland Crescent, ElrickMr Douglas and Mrs Jill Clark, 12 Westwood Crescent, Westhill

BAPTISMSIt has been our pleasure to welcome to our Church Family by Baptism:

Alexander James Reid, 14 Mackie Way, ElrickCharlie James Walker, 55 Carnie Avenue, ElrickNoah Joseph Macklin, 45 Mackie Place, ElrickCharlie Hector Murchie, 22 Roseberry Street, AberdeenJack Robert Stronach, 11 Burnland Crescent, ElrickEvan Alex Willison, 58 Henderson Drive, WesthillNicol Scott Willison, 58 Henderson Drive, WesthillAaron Alexander Lumsden, 6 Meadowlands Drive, WesthillShayne Nathan Duguid, 17 Mackie Place, Elrick

We apologise to the Martin family of 5 Lawsondale Drive for the misspelling of Rory’s name in the February magazine.

DEATHSWe remember with thanksgiving those who have died recently, and we offer their relatives our prayerful sympathy:

Mrs Jessie Harkness, 9 Hilltop Gardens, WesthillMrs Dorothy Milne, 30 Blackhills Court, WesthillMr Gordon Stewart, 42 Brimmond Drive, WesthillMrs Elsie Margaret Reid, 18 Mains Court, WesthillMr William Scott, Grove Care Home, KemnayMrs Ethel Noble, Bungalow, Elrick

WEDDINGSAs they begin their married life together, we offer our congratulations to:

Fiona Gray to Colin Clark, 51 Carnie Avenue, Elrick

SUNDAY SCHOOL & GRID NEWS UPDATEDuring May, the various groups in Sunday School will be looking at the story of King David. Here was a King who made mistakes and when they were pointed out to him, he tried to right the wrongs. King David united the 12 tribes of Israel into a nation and reigned for 40yrs (1010BC-970BC). He wrote many of the Psalms we have in the Old Testament and of course we sing ‘ Once in Royal David’s City’ every Christmas!

In June, the groups will be learning about the Gift of God’s Spirit and hearing about King David’s son, Solomon, who was famed for his wisdom, but was he really all that wise???

The GRID group will be following a similar programme and relating it to life today. Hopefully they will continue to be able to take part in the worship, leading us in prayer and taking up the challenge of drama!

Although there will be no Sunday School during the summer holidays, if you come to Church, you will be able to choose an activity book from the ‘Activity Box’ at the door.

HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB - 8th to 12th AugustMission RescueIt’s that time of year once again when the Churches in Westhill prepare for the Holiday Bible Club. The material for this year is ‘Mission Rescue’ from SU described as .....

‘ a five-day holiday club, for 5 to 11s to discover how God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and how God continues to rescue people today through Jesus. Contains gripping and imaginative storytelling, creative Bible engagement, craft and game ideas, relationship-building opportunities and invites children to get to know God.

It sounds as though it is going to be an action packed week. If you have been before you’ll know all about it and you might like to bring some friends along. If you have never been, then come

along and find out what it is all about!

More information will be available before the end of term.

Dates for the Diary5 June Communion at Trinity 10am12 June Communion at Skene 11.15am PENTECOST Sunday19 June Rev Euan Glen, Interim Moderator leading worship26 June PROMOTION SUNDAY8-12 August HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB

For more details contact Marion Stewart (743407)

TRANSPORT TO CHURCHIt is appreciated that some members may have difficulty in attending Sunday morning Church Services owing to a lack of transport. A “Transport Group” has been established that is willing to transport people to and from Church. Anyone wanting a lift to Church should contact Iain Miller on 741406.

CRECHE Crèche facilities for children ages 0-3years are provided during morning worship in both Churches. Sheila Smith (contact via Church Office 742512) now organises the Trinity Church Crèche while information on the crèche at Skene Church can be had from the Minister.

AFTER SERVICES TEAS/COFFEESBoth Skene and Trinity Churches teas are going great guns with the people staying increasing all the time, if you would like to help, teas at Skene is the last Sunday of the month and Trinity every Sunday. Enquiries to Ann Findlay (Trinity) 741591 or Margaret Mearns (Skene) 740176.

DISCOVERY GROUPWe are a group who meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in Trinity Lounge at 7.30pm. We come together and encourage each other in faith through Bible Readings, videos, speakers, etc. You are not asked to pray, sing or read out loud – come along and simply listen and enjoy the fellowship.

Please do not feel you have to come every week, we will be delighted to see you whenever you can make it. As we said, these meetings are to encourage one another, and those of us who are there find them challenging and comfortable. For further information please phone: Iain and Dawn Miller 741406 or John and Susan Anderson 743503

LETTER FROM THE REVEREND IAIN U. THOMSON The undernoted letter was written to the Session Clerk on 30 th March and read in Church on Sunday 3rd April – we share it again with you now.

Dear Malcolm,

For one more day I can use the headed notepaper! I write to you as Session Clerk with the request that you will pass on to the Congregation the sincere thanks of Christine and myself for the affection and generosity shown to us as we enter our retirement. A special thanks to the Organising Committee for all their work in arranging the events.

Wednesday’s service and Friday’s Soiree will live long in our memories. The Songs of Praise and the final services on 27 th March were also special occasions for us, made more special by the warmth of the friendship showered on us.

We are most grateful for the generous cheque, SatNav and gifts and cards given to us by the congregation; our new house will be filled with reminders of happy fulfilling years of ministry in the parish.

Thanks to you, the Kirk Session and Congregational Board for your friendship and kindness to us.

Yours sincerely,

Iain U. Thomson and Christine

SKENE CHURCH GUILDThe theme over the last 3 years has been, “What does the Lord require of you” the 1st year was “Called to Act Justly” - this year the theme was “Called to Love Mercy” and next year the last of this trilogy will be “Walk Humbly with God”

We are nearing the end of another session with us being entertained by The Spectrum Group on Monday the 9th of May.

Our next big event is our Summer Fayre which is to be held in Trinity Church on Saturday 4 th of June 2-4pm. We will have a fantastic selection of stalls - New to you, Crafts, Home Baking, Bottle

Stall, Plants, which are in the actual Church and of course the Teas and Coffee held in the back hall, and lounge. Entry to teas is £2 for Adults 75p for Children.

Our session will come to a close with our visit to Kings College Chapel and then somewhere to eat after. In November we have Guild Awareness Week and we are to hold a Coffee Morning on Saturday 26th from 10.00am to 12noon. Tickets will be £2 each. The committee hope all our members have a lovely summer

If you are interested in joining the Guild and want more information contact Ann Findlay (President) on 741591 or Flora Buthlay (Secretary) on 741186

SKENE PARISH CHURCH GUILD FAYRE

TRINITY CHURCH SATURDAY 4TH JUNE

2-4 PMWIDE SELECTION OF STALLS

WITH COFFEE /TEAS AND HOME BAKESTICKETS £2 FOR ADULTS 75P FOR CHILDREN

HOSPITAL VISITINGIf you or a relative, friend or neighbour are going into hospital please let us know so that a visit can be arranged. You can either contact Rev Matthew Roger (tel: 743184) Marion Stewart (tel:743407) or the church office (tel: 742512).

NEWS FROM THE CHURCH OFFICEThis quarter the Church Office has been busy as ever!

Roll update forms are still coming in and I must thank you for this. Please contact me if you any of your circumstances change – for example, because you move home, get married, have a new email address, telephone number etc.

We have a Lost Property box and you would be surprised at the amount of items that come our way – we have jackets, watches, jewellery etc. If you think you may have left something at Trinity Church then please speak to Barry, Church Officer or myself.

Church News continued……

Christian Aid Week - 15 to 21 May 2011 We have been a little short of house-to-house volunteers this year and therefore you may find that we have not visited your house. If so, you can also donate by going online to www.christianaid.org.uk

If you are a taxpayer please remember to Gift Aid your donation. The UK government's Gift Aid scheme means that, for every £10 you give, Christian Aid can claim an extra £2.50, making your gifts worth more to the communities Christian Aid supports.

Church Website

We are always trying to improve our website www.skeneparish.com and would be happy to hear if you have any ideas. Please also see our new ‘Prayer’ and ‘Diary’ webpages. The Diary webpage keeps you up-to-date with the latest Church events. We also have a webpage called ‘Rev Thomson’s Retiral’ that has a slideshow of the Kirk Soiree.

ContactChurch Office, Trinity Church, Westhill Drive, WESTHILL, Aberdeenshire. AB32 6FY (tel: +44 (0)1224 742512)email: skeneparish@mail.com

I am in the office most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am to 12noon and am always happy to help you with your queries - please check the family news/church website or church door signs for any changes to opening times. Best wishes, Rosanna

CHURCH FLOWERSIf you would like to donate flowers for the Church on a particular Sunday, there is a Flower List in the vestibule at Skene, to which you can add your name, while at Trinity, please contact Margaret Smith (tel 740524) to arrange supply, or add your name to the flower list on the Notice Board at Trinity.

TRAIDCRAFTWe have had a very successful start to the year. The Big Buzz Quiz raised £92 and has been donated to the Eco Group. Thanks to all who participated, especially Margaret Mearns who helped distribute them. The winner pulled out of the bag was a lady in Inverness.

Anyone who would like to order Traidcraft can do so on a Sunday morning in Trinity Church or Skene Church, where there are catalogues available or contact Ann Findlay on 741591.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TEASBy the time you read the May magazine we will have only five weeks of Teas to go before we break for the summer holidays (we finish on 29th June). At this time last year I said

how busy we were; unfortunately, as reported in the last magazine, we are still experiencing a very quiet period mid-afternoon before the children come from school.

If you have not yet been to the Wednesday Teas at Trinity please do come along and bring a friend. You will be made most welcome. We are open from 2-4pm serving teas, coffees and a variety of home bakes.

As in previous years our takings on the Wednesday falling during Christian Aid Week will go to that Charity. We are ever mindful of sharing our good fortune with those less fortunate.

A big “thank you” to all those who continue to support us.

Eliz Gray – Co-ordinatortel 740414

PARISH FRIENDSWe are a group that started through the church commitment programme. We have a list of volunteers who are interested in befriending anyone who is housebound and in need of company. If you are one of those people or if you know anyone needing a little friendly company please let us know. Dawn Miller tel 741406

BADMINTON GROUP – will resume end of AugustThe Group meet in Trinity on a Monday at 7.30pm (except 2nd Monday of month) in the back hall. Spare racquets are available.

All will be made welcome to this social event. Why not give it a go!More details from Alastair Kinnon on Tel 742941

SKENE SINGERSWe are a lively group who meet in Skene Church on a Wednesday night at 7.30pm. We start on the 24th August and will be putting our all into practicing for our concert on Wednesday 21st

December more info later. There is also a Junior Choir held for an hour before we meet.

You don’t need to read music - just enthusiasm and a liking for all types of music, come and see for yourself. Any Enquiries contact Morag Simpson 07818464546 or Ann Findlay 741591

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORTThank you to everyone who supported and contributed to the recent door-to-door collection. The total raised was £2,438. A successful fashion show, held at Dunecht Hall on 26th April, raised a total of £1,400 and we are grateful to ‘Bon ton’ of Cults who provided the outfits and to the ladies who modelled the clothes.

The annual Macmillan walk is on Sunday 29th May between 5.30-7.30pm. Walkers start from the Milne Hall, Kirkton of Skene and walk to Skene School and back. Refreshments are served in the hall and entry is by donation.

Kath MacBeath (Skene Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support)

MOVERS AND SHAKERSIf you have M.S. and are able to get out and about, why not join us for a chat and supper at our monthly meetings, usually held in one of our local pubs.

For more information, please contact: Margaret tel 742929 or Brenda tel 745761

TWINNING WITH KHAYAKHULU CONGREGATION, SOUTH AFRICAFor some time now, our Presbytery Area Grouping, of Skene, Echt & Midmar, has been in discussion with the Church of Scotland’s World Mission Council and a possible twinning with a congregation overseas. There have been various setbacks along the way, but things are now moving and by the time you read this Karen Francis , from the World Mission Council, will have met with us and we will be a step closer to our twinning with Khayakhulu Congregation in South Africa. Like us, the congregation is vacant, but we have been in touch by e-mail, with the Rev N.V. Nonjojo as the Interim Moderator/ Session Clerk—a very busy lady.

Here’s some information about Khayakhulu. Try ‘Google Images’ for more info!Khayakhulu is a Congregation of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Rustenburg, North West Province in the Republic of South Africa. A congregation of about 100 members. P.O.Box 339 Khayakhulu, 2846

The Congregation is composed of about 100 members of which they are affiliated in the following Associations:1.UPWF= Uniting Presbyterian Women Fellowship.2.MCG= Men’s Christian Guild3.Youth Fellowship is another Association that we have in the Congregation4.IYZA is an Association for Girls

The Church is based in a purely rural, poverty-stricken area and the community is ravaged with the HIV pandemic. The Church has embarked on a small Project of instituting a vegetable garden so as to supply nutritious fresh vegetables to those who still can afford to prepare them for themselves. There is also a soup kitchen that we have developed so as to feed some of those few families who cannot make ends meet.

Our wish for the twinning is that we are able to learn from each other and most probably share with each other in whatever expertise we can best share. Exchanging ideas and resources of various forms is what we are looking forward to exploring.

We believe that twinning is not based on who contributes what but what we both can offer to make this relationship a true and fulfilling one. e.g. exchange of ideas, personnel (getting people from your side to come and learn community development in a rural setting like ours and those can be hosted by the congregation), we are also open to suggestions.

Commitment and financial assistance are the problematic areas that we would point out at this moment and time. Our Projects are somehow experiencing some hiccups as they rely on adhoc sponsors.

Marion Stewart

SOCIAL COMMITTEEBy the time you read this two events will have been held – the ‘Musical Evening’ with the Orpheus Choir at Skene Church and the ‘Ask the Panel’ in Trinity.

The committee have a number of other events in the planning – so keep your eyes open for the adverts and announcements in the Family News and on the church website. These include a ‘Pampered Chef’ evening on 15th June at Trinity and a further ‘Musical Evening’ at Skene later that month.

Plans are in hand to repeat the successful Aberdeen International Youth Festival evening at Trinity late July/early August.

If you would like further information or would wish to help in any way in the social committee – please contact Eunice Rodger – tel:743184

1st SKENE GIRLS’ BRIGADEWe finished for this session on Monday 28th March with our annual Open Night where the girls’ received their badges and put on a Display for parents and friends, followed by teas and home bakes. The minister Rev Iain U. Thomson was presented with a clock and

card from the Officers and Girls to mark his retirement.

We will be enrolling after the summer break on Monday 22nd August.

Any further info please call me, Fiona Cumming, on 01224 741576 / 07792 471199

1st SKENE BOYS’ BRIGADE The formal phase of the session concluded on Friday 1st April with the Junior and Company Sections ‘Open Night’. During the evening, our retiring Chaplain, Rev Iain Thomson presented Gavin Fraser with the Queens Badge, the highest award in the Boys’ Brigade. In addition, the Presidents Badge was presented to twelve senior boys, Grant Copland,

Matthew Cole, Ross Gauntlett, Ross Horgan, Patrick Kelsey, Kenneth MacBeath, Grant Riddell, Calum Ross, Dylan Roughton, Grant Scott, Daniel Skinner and Adam Warren who will now

commence the Queens Badge programme. The Anchor Boys’ session also concluded with their Parents Evening held in Trinity Church Hall.

The retiral of Rev Iain Thomson and his service to the church and community during his ministry at Skene Parish Church has rightly been celebrated. For our part, Iain was key to the founding of 1st Skene Boys Brigade in 1977 and has

retained an active link with the company since then, serving not only as Chaplain but also for a period as the Captain. Therefore we were delighted he and Christine joined us for one ‘final’ open night where the officers and boys marked his service in an appropriate manner.

With badge work completed, both company and junior sections continue to meet and participate in a programme of indoor and outdoor activities, including mountain biking and sailing. We also took a group of company section boys to participate in two legs of the Scottish Cross Country Mountain Bike Competition where they all performed commendably against top quality competitors.

The session finishes with the Annual Camp at Badaguish near Aviemore from Friday 1 – Saturday 9 July and 30 boys will be attending this week of outdoor activities. These high numbers say much for the popularity of this event amongst the boys.

The next session commences with enrolment, between 7 pm-8 pm on Friday 26 August at Trinity Church. There are no ‘waiting lists’ and new boys will be most welcome. This is followed on Sunday 28 August by the annual family BBQ at Kirkton of Skene to which the boys and parents from all three sections are invited.

The Boys’ Brigade caters for a wide variety of age-ranges and in 1 st Skene Company we participate in a wide range of activities and requests for information on specific sections should be directed to the appropriate officers-in-charge.

Section Age-range Meeting O-in-C

Anchor Boys Primary 1 - 3 Friday 6.00 – 7.30 pmTrinity Church Hall

Ann Hudson 740080

Junior Section Primary 4 - 6 Friday 6.30 – 8 pmWesthill Academy

Dave King 07896 528188

Company Section Primary 7 upwards Friday 7.30 -10 pmWesthill Academy

Donald Struthers 742262

Donald Struthers - Captain (742262) ECO CONGREGATIONBuzzin’ into Summer

As summer approaches, changes are happening all around us. Our gardens, the countryside and hedgerows are all coming alive again after a hard winter. Birds, bees, wasps and even the odd butterfly are busy all around us.

Bumblebees are endearing and familiar insects. The sound of bees buzzing from flower to flower is part of a summer’s day - the "sound of summer". Sadly, changes to farming have not been kind to our bumblebees. In the last 70 years two species have become extinct and others have declined dramatically. Further extinctions are more-or-less inevitable unless we act quickly to help them.

The reason for these declines is simple. Bees feed on pollen and nectar which they collect from flowers, and there are now far fewer flowers in the countryside. Hedges Shave been removed and marshes drained. Traditionally managed flower-rich grasslands eg hay meadows have been

almost entirely swept away and put to other uses. Over 97% of flower-rich meadows have been lost from the UK!

Imagine a different future, in which our towns and countryside are rich in colorful wildflowers and teeming with bees, other beneficial insects and a diversity of wildlife for everyone to enjoy. Gardens now provide a valuable flower-rich oasis in a bleak landscape. They are now the main stronghold for some bumblebee species. Depending on where we live, and what flowers we grow, we may see up to six or seven bumblebee species in our gardens. Keep an eye out in your garden or park and you'll see several differently patterned types.

Bumblebees have an annual lifecycle. New nests are started each spring by queens. Queen bumblebees are very large, and from February onwards you will see them feeding on flowers like willow catkins, bluebells and lungwort. You might see them flying low over the ground searching for somewhere to start their nests. Some species prefer to nest underground in empty mouse holes, while others nest just above the ground in dense grass or piles of leaves.Once the queen has found somewhere to nest, she collects lots of pollen and nectar and then lays her first batch of eggs. She incubates a bit like a bird, sitting on them and 'shivering' her muscles to produce warmth. When the eggs hatch the white grubs eat pollen and nectar, grow rapidly, and then form pupae (like the chrysalises made by butterflies). A few days later the first workers hatch from their pupae and begin helping their mother, expanding the nest and gathering food. By mid-summer the nests of some species can contain more than 400 worker bees. At this point the queen starts laying both male and female eggs. The females are fed extra food and become future queens. Both males and new queens leave the nest to mate, and the new queens burrow into the ground to hibernate until the following spring. The males, workers, and the old queen die off in the autumn, leaving the nest to decay.

We have applied for our second Eco Award and will be assessed at the end of May. We will update you in the next edition of the magazine and on the website www.skeneparish.com The Eco Group

THE RECORD BREAKERYes, Iain Thomson is a triple record breaker. the longest serving minister at Skene Church

according to parish records dating back to 1574 at the time of his retirement - the longest serving Church of Scotland minister in one charge

having commenced his 40th year at Skene his appointment to serve as Moderator later this year makes him the first person to serve

two terms in that office in Gordon Presbytery

Well done Iain

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUPIf you have arthritis in any form and fancy an occasional evening out, why not join a small group of all ages with similar problems who meet in the Church Hall usually on the first Wednesday of the month between 7.30 and 9.30pm. We have speakers most evenings on various subjects, some medical, some more general – with a cup of tea or coffee and a ’fine piece’ to finish. Come and give it a try. If transport is a problem – or for any other information required –phone Chris (741800) or Norman (740951)

ACTION GROUPOver 230 church members and friends in the over 65 age group enjoyed Spring parties spread over two evenings in March, this was to make up for the cancelled Christmas Parties. The entertainment was supplied by a choir of young people who sang a wide variety of music which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. This was followed by a light supper and to conclude the evening there were some prize winning games.

The Action Group Coffee Morning was held in Trinity Church on Saturday 23 rd April, although the attendance was down we still managed to raise the excellent amount of £880.74

Members of the Action Group were also on duty at the Kirk Soiree to assist with the serving of Stovies, so you can see that we have had a busy few weeks during March and April.

Our next venture is organizing the annual summer outing, which will take place on Thursday August 4th and you will be receiving your invitations during the month of June.

As well as our Action Group, who work hard to make these events happen, we also manage to involve some of the men from the church in the setting up of tables, the pouring of tea at the parties and they even turn out to raise funds at our coffee morning doing a car wash. You all know who you are so thank you very much for your much appreciated assistance.

The Action Group could do with more helpers so if you are interested please give me a call.

Carol Green (Co-ordinator) tel: 741965

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Apart from the Church Services each week (Trinity Church at 10.00am and Skene Church at 11.15am) and the regular meetings of Church organisations, the programme for the next few months is:

June 20114th Skene Guild Summer Fayre in Trinity Church 2.00 - 4.00pm5th Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Trinity Church 10.00am12th Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Skene Church 11.15am14th Congregational Board/Kirk Session in Trinity Church 6.00pm15th Pampered Chef Evening in Trinity Church 7.30pm19th Rev Euan Glen – Interim Moderator – leading worship in both churches -26th Promotion Sunday in Trinity Church 10.00am

July 2011United services will be held in Skene Church on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th 11.15amUnited service will be held in Trinity Church on 31st 10.00am

August 20114th Senior Citizens Summer Outing -

United services will be held in Trinity Church on 7th and 14th 10.00am8th-12th Holiday Bible Club -9th Congregational Board meeting in Trinity Church 7.15pm9th Kirk Session meeting in Trinity Church 8.00pm 21st Area Grouping-Songs of Praise at Dunecht House 3.00pm

LETTING OF FACILITIES AT TRINITY CHURCHInformation on booking Trinity Church should be directed to the Letting Convener, Elizabeth Gray. (tel 740414).

THE MAGAZINEMaterial for the next edition of the magazine must be in by Monday 1 st August 2011. This can be handed in to Donald Wallace, 5 Lawsondale Terrace, Westhill, or to the Church Secretary at Trinity Church Office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, 9.00am till noon.

Material endorsed ‘Church Magazine’ may also be sent by e-mail to doneli@tiscali.co.uk Some editing of material may be necessary, depending on the amount of space available.

ADVERTISING IN THE MAGAZINEThe magazine is delivered throughout the Parish NOT Church members only. A large audience can be reached and the income helps to cover production costs.

To place an advert contact Rosanna Rorie, the Church Secretary at Trinity (Tel 01224 742512) or e-mail her at skeneparish@mail.com

SKENE CHURCH OFFICE BEARERS

Interim ModeratorRev Euan Glen, The Manse, 26 St Ninian’s, Monymusk, InverurieTel: 01467 6514

Locum MinisterRev Matthew A Rodger15 Meadowlands DriveWesthillTel: 743184

DeaconMarion StewartKirk CottageSkeneTel: 743407

Session ClerkMr Malcolm Christie23 Dunecht GardensWesthillTel: 740100

Clerk to the Congregational BoardMrs Lesley Reid34 Dunecht RoadWesthillTel: 740737

TreasurerMrs Fiona Robertson10 Hilltop GardensWesthillTel 741776

Finance ConvenerMr David Duguid21 Shaw CircleWesthillTel: 741552

Finance Committee Clerk & Gift Aid ConvenerMr James Menzies9 Hillside CrescentWesthillTel: 742512

Letting ConvenerMrs Elizabeth Gray25 Brimmond DriveWesthillTel: 740414

Church SecretaryMrs Rosanna RorieTrinity ChurchWesthill DriveWesthillAB32 6FYTel: 742512

Boys’ BrigadeMr Donald Struthers9 Gullymoss ViewWesthillTel: 742262

Girls’ BrigadeFiona Cumming44 Shaw CircleWesthillTel: 741576

Registration of Births, Deaths and MarriagesGordon HouseInverurie