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April 2011 KNOX’S NEWSLETTER No 279 SC 011361 MINISTER REV Dr NELU BALAJ TEL 873206 SESSION CLERK MRS A MENMUIR, 30 VICTORIA STREET TEL 873542 ASSISTANT MR JOHN LOGUE, 17 GRANGE ROAD SESSION CLERK TEL 874883 CLERK TO THE MR C L MUNRO, 6 HEPBURN PLACE DEACON’S COURT TEL 877509 TREASURER MR J CHALMERS, 39 GALLOWDEN AVE.

TEL 877369 WFO TREASURER MRS Y LOGUE, 17 GRANGE ROAD TEL 874883 GIFT AID MR D J JAMIESON, 6 LOCHLANDS PARK TREASURER TEL 874326 KEEPER OF MRS M SIM, 2 ALVESTON GARDENS COMMUNION ROLL TEL 876880 ORGANIST MRS A MENMUIR, 30 VICTORIA STREET TEL 873542

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Happy are you if you give yourself I am not sure how much of a self-help book fan you are and what value you give to the self-made self-help gurus who promise you that if you follow their latest method, and especially if you buy their latest book, and learn their latest ‘discovery’ you are going to succeed, find happiness and grow in your life. I was never a fan of them, but I do remember picking up a book on self-help when I was in college, which was on how to organise your time. I can say that by reading the book it did not add any new insight or provide me with a silver bullet. I am not sure if that particular book was a hindrance rather than a help; What I needed then was a little more self-discipline and this, a book, can never give you. On my way to see my dad, I read a review of the latest book of the multi-millionaire, best seller self-help guru Paul McKenna, I Can Make you Happy, which as we can see from its title promises to help people find happiness. One of McKenna's main arguments is that happiness is achieved through avoiding. Among other things McKenna promises to make his readers happy if they follow his advice: to avoid friends and people who are unhappy, those who go through a hard time and can’t get their lives together. Your unhappy friends will spend all their time talking about their problems, and your “endless sympathy” will not help you or them. So McKenna says “Cut him or her out of your life entirely”. McKenna goes on to say that one should keep a relationship only if that relationship is profitable in terms of cost benefit analysis. Or in his words “Does this person take my energy up or does she/he/they take my energy down? After I have seen him/her do I feel better or worse?”. So according to this advice if you have a friend who has a problem avoid him or her, if someone in your family is suffering of let’s say, low self-esteem or any other thing just sever your relationship. Let me say that this advice is not just plain wrong but very detrimental to human society and relationships and goes against what we as Christians believe. I write this on

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my way from seeing my Dad who is not well. If I followed McKenna’s advice I should have stayed away from supporting my mum and my family in this most difficult time. For the past few weeks in church we have been looking at some of the values of God’s Kingdom as presented by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, values that are exactly in contrast to what McKenna advises his readers. “I Can Make you Happy”, what a title, but if people follow it’s disastrous advice we will end up with a selfish, cruel, unhappy and society. Jesus says happy are those that give themselves to others.

Nelu

Hello Friends, It has been quite busy here since the last newsletter. Unfortunately sadness has come to the manse family when Nelu’s father died on March 10. It is always devastating when you lose a member of the family, especially when they are so far distant. Our deep felt sympathy is with them all. The Rev. George Hastie has very kindly lead our Services for the past 2 Sundays, and Ministers in the town have covered for Nelu. The mother/toddler group is doing very well. The attendance good and the parents delighted with the facilities. Very soon we hope to purchase a shed which will help with the storage of their toys. Easter will soon be with us and this year it has been decided to have a labyrinth in the Church during Good Friday 22 April and Saturday 23 April.

The Church will be open on Good Friday 22 April 10am------6pm and Saturday 23 April 10.30am----3.30pm

for viewing and quiet reflection. Coffee/Tea will be served in the hall. A very happy Easter to you all

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FROM THE DEACON’S COURT The Annual Business Meeting was held on Sunday 20th March after the Morning Service, Rev. Dr. N. Balaj chaired the meeting and opened with Prayer. Statement of the congregations’ finances for 2010 duly approved by the Trustees (i.e.; Elders and Deacon’s) and independently examined by Mr. James Peterson were presented by Mrs. Brenda McLeod, treasurer at that time. She thoroughly explained the accounts and gave comparison with the previous year. Dr. Balaj thanked Mrs McLeod for all the work she had done throughout the year and thanked her & Mr. Paterson for the great amount of time spent on preparing the accounts. Retiring Deacon’s Gloria Ecob, Tom Ecob and Pam Black were thanked by the Minister for their work and support. They were nominated and elected to serve for a further three years together with Alistair & Dennis Vannet. Office bearer’s and members who had helped and supported the work of the Church during the year were also thanked by Dr. Balaj. PRESENTATIONS Presentations were made by Mrs Menmuir, Session Clerk to Brenda for her excellent work over the past seven years, particularly over the difficult time of the introduction of the OSCAR regulations. To Jim for all his work as independent examiner of the accounts to OSCAR standards. NEW TREASURER Mr. Jim Chalmers was appointed by the Deacon’s Court to be the church treasurer from 1st JANUARY 2011 NEW CHURCH LIGHTING A series of coffee mornings over the last few weeks, each one run by an organisation of the church has been held to help pay for the new lighting. The objective of new lighting is to illuminate the church sufficiently for Worship and other functions and to enhance the architecture and the subjective features such as the trusses, pillars and windows. It is hoped to have further coffee mornings and proposals for two concerts are in hand. A coffee morning run by the elders and deacon’s will be held on Sat 30th April. Margaret Sim is the convener, please contact her if you wish to help. C. MUNRO

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Church Register

DEATHS WILLIAM LUCAS, ANTIQUARY HOUSE. (M) ELIZABETH MENMUIR, MONKBARNS. (M) DAVID NEIL MARTIN, LITTLE CAIRNIE. (KP) ANN ALLAN, 34 OGILVIE PLACE. (M)

NEW MEMBER MRS LESLEY BALAJ, ST VIGEANS MANSE. CHRISTIAN AID WEEK The Christian Aid Coffee Morning will be held in the Town Mission from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday 21st May. Please come and enjoy a coffee and walk around the stalls. Our stall is books, Crafts and Jewellery items. Boxes will be at in the Church for donations from April 10th and Coffee Morning tickets from Gloria from 17th April. Thanking you for all the help and support.

Gloria Wednesday Club

The Wednesday Club had a Coffee Morning on Sat 5th March. Which was a great success raising the great sun of £444. This will go towards the Church’s new lighting. The Club hope to have an outing on Wed 17th May and then will close over the Summer. News on the starting time for next season will be posted soon.

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DOOR DUTIES Office bearers to welcome you to worship are :

Please arrange for another office bearer to take over duties if unable to attend. FINANCIAL STATEMENT JAN/FEB INCOME £ EXPENDITURE £ WFO 4,622 MINISTRY&MISSION 3,074 PLATE 149 PRESBY DUES 477 BUS FARES 74 SALARIES 653 LIFE&WORK SUBS 226 BUS HIRE 90 CHURCH MAG 95 HERALD 156 COFFEE MORNING 702 G B BUSINESS 72 HALL RENT 944 LIFE&WORK MAGS 260 CHRISTMAS CARDS 17 WEBSITE 27 HSE/KEEPING MATLS 4 FIRE EXT SERVICE 180 SLATER (D PIPES) 924 LIGHTING FITTINGS 7,484 K/SESSION SPEAKER 50

_________ ________

6,812 13,468

Apr-10 KITTY MILNE & LENA STEWART May-15

DENNIS ROBB & MICHAEL CHRISTIE

17 MARTIN McLEOD & GLORIA ECOB 22

JOHN CHRISTIE & JUNE ROBERTSON

24 MARGARET SIM & JOY JAMIESON 27

YVONNE LOGUE & JIM CHALMERS

May-01 ERIC MILNE & TOM ECOB Jun-05

LIZ CRERAR & JOYCE REDMAN

8 RUTH McCORMACK & NESSIE SPINK 12

LIZ AIKEN & ISABEL BELL

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Knox’s Church Guild

Annual Spring

Fayre Knox’s Church Hall

Saturday 16th April 10.00a.m – 11.30a.m

Home baking, Book stall, Lucky parcels etc.

From The Balaj Family. This last month has been quite a difficult month for us, knowing how ill Nelu's dad has been. This time has been made greatly easier knowing of so many people who care for us and that so many are thinking and praying for us. This has been greatly appreciated. Not only have people been thinking and praying for us but we feel truly privileged by the many kindnesses shown to us through offers of help to take Nelu to the airport or kids to different activities when our house has been reduced to one parent. We are among the people who 'give themselves to others.'

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At our Annual Stated Meeting on Sunday 20th March. The Treasurer for the last 7 years. Gave her last

Annual Accounts to the Congregation. Brenda McLeod was presented with

Floral Arrangement & a Gift Voucher by Alice Menmuir

(Session Clerk) on behalf of the Elders, Deacons and Congregation

Lesley

Thank you

In acknowledgment for his services as,

Independent Examiner of the Church Accounts, Jim Paterson was

presented with a Gift Voucher and his wife

Margaret was presented with a Posy of flowers at The Annual Stated

Meeting

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Readers Duty Roster 3rd April – 3rd July 2011

April 3rd 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 John 11: 1-7, 38-44

Alistair Vannet

April 10th Ezekeil 37: 12-14 John 11: 1-7, 38-44

Isobel Bell

April 17th Palm Sunday Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 Matthew 21: 1-11

Moonyean Taylor

April 24th Easter Sunday Jeremiah 31:1-6 Matthew 28: 1-10

Alison Cook

May 1st Acts 2: 14a, 22-32 John 20:19-31

Alison Christie

May 8th Acts 2: 14a, 36-41 Luke 24: 13-15

Ruth McCormack

May 15th Acts 2: 42-47 John 10 1-10

Gladys McCrae

May 22nd Acts 7: 55-60 John 14 :1-14

Mike Christie

May 29th Acts 17: 22-31 John 14 15-21

Dennis Robb

June 5th Acts 1: 6-14 John 17: 1-11

Margaret Sim

June 12th Pentecost Acts 2: 1-21 John 20: 19-23

Eric Milne

June 19th Genesis 1:1-2:4a Matthew 28:16-20

Liz Aiken

June 26th Genesis 22:1-14 Matthew 10: 40-42

Alistair Vannet

July 3rd Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49 Matthew11:16-19, 25-30

Isobel Bell

Knox’s Church Website This is a new website, with all information relating to

Knox’s Church in Arbroath. www. knoxschurch .org

The website is being maintained by Alistair Vannet so if you have anything you would like to share with us and be

inserted into our website let us know.

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THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND MINISTRIES AND MISSION CONTRIBUTIONS 2011

The information below shows how the contributions from your linked congregations are used to support Parish Ministries, Mission and renewal, and general support and services provided for congregations and the councils of the General assembly, please note that cost of your minister is not what he/she is paid. This cost is the total for stipend and employer’s national insurance and pension contributions, and is based on a minister with ten years’ service. Congregations: Contribution ARBROATH ; KNOX’S £28,077 ARBROATH St VIGEAN’S £43,099 £71,176 Parish Ministries (86%) £61,211 The cost of minister in your parish is : £39,600 Your contribution to the cost of ministries in other parishes and training of ministries is:

£21,611

Mission and renewal (6%) £4,271 This supports the Church’s work in resourcing congregations for Christian education and outreach, in caring for the vulnerable in society, in partnership churches in some of the poorest parts of the world, and in providing a Christian perspective on the social, political and moral issues of today.

Support and Services for Councils and Congregations (8%) £5,694 This provides financial, legal, procedural, safeguarding and other services, and meets the cost of the General Assembly and Moderator.

Please note that Ministries and Mission Contributions only provide part of the total funding required for the work of the Church listed above. A fuller picture is given in the leaflet 2011 Ministries and Mission, which is available free to all congregations. I hope that this helps you to understand Ministries and mission Contributions and shows you are enabling the sharing of the gospel through the money your congregation sends through the Church Offices to all parts of Scotland and beyond. Yours sincerely Gordon D Jamieson Head of Stewardship.

301781

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The Guild annual Spring Fayre will be held in theThe Guild annual Spring Fayre will be held in theThe Guild annual Spring Fayre will be held in theThe Guild annual Spring Fayre will be held in the Church HallChurch HallChurch HallChurch Hall on Saturday 16th April from 10 am to on Saturday 16th April from 10 am to on Saturday 16th April from 10 am to on Saturday 16th April from 10 am to 11.30 am.11.30 am.11.30 am.11.30 am. There will be the usual stalls There will be the usual stalls There will be the usual stalls There will be the usual stalls includingincludingincludingincluding Home Baking, Books,Home Baking, Books,Home Baking, Books,Home Baking, Books, Lucky Parcel, etc.Lucky Parcel, etc.Lucky Parcel, etc.Lucky Parcel, etc. We would be most grateful for any contributions We would be most grateful for any contributions We would be most grateful for any contributions We would be most grateful for any contributions towards the stalls.towards the stalls.towards the stalls.towards the stalls. The Guild bus trip this year will be on SatuThe Guild bus trip this year will be on SatuThe Guild bus trip this year will be on SatuThe Guild bus trip this year will be on Saturday 7th rday 7th rday 7th rday 7th May.May.May.May. The bus will leave the Church Hall at 12 noon, The bus will leave the Church Hall at 12 noon, The bus will leave the Church Hall at 12 noon, The bus will leave the Church Hall at 12 noon, stopping at Dobbies just outsidestopping at Dobbies just outsidestopping at Dobbies just outsidestopping at Dobbies just outside Perth for a break Perth for a break Perth for a break Perth for a break then on to the Perthshire Visitor Centre at Bankfoot then on to the Perthshire Visitor Centre at Bankfoot then on to the Perthshire Visitor Centre at Bankfoot then on to the Perthshire Visitor Centre at Bankfoot finishing off with High Tea there at 4.30 pm.finishing off with High Tea there at 4.30 pm.finishing off with High Tea there at 4.30 pm.finishing off with High Tea there at 4.30 pm. There There There There are still some places are still some places are still some places are still some places availableavailableavailableavailable on thon thon thon the bus.e bus.e bus.e bus. If you If you If you If you wowowowould like to come along (male or uld like to come along (male or uld like to come along (male or uld like to come along (male or female) please female) please female) please female) please speak to Liz Aiken or any of the committee speak to Liz Aiken or any of the committee speak to Liz Aiken or any of the committee speak to Liz Aiken or any of the committee members.members.members.members. We would like to say a big thank you to our loyal We would like to say a big thank you to our loyal We would like to say a big thank you to our loyal We would like to say a big thank you to our loyal members who have given us their support during the members who have given us their support during the members who have given us their support during the members who have given us their support during the 2010/2011 year and wish you all a happ2010/2011 year and wish you all a happ2010/2011 year and wish you all a happ2010/2011 year and wish you all a happy and y and y and y and healthyhealthyhealthyhealthy spring/summerspring/summerspring/summerspring/summer....

Have you information you would like to share. Please get in touch with Anne Murray or Martin McLeod.

And we will do our best to insert it in the next Church Magazine.

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Toddlers Group

“There's a brilliant toddlers group at Knox's,” said one mum to another. Then another mum said it to another and so it goes on, the word is out that Toddlers is brilliant. From the first week, when we had 15 children turn up, to now when we have begun the registration process, knowing that once this is done that we will sadly need to have a waiting list, toddlers has been a success. Our community was really needing a toddler group and both churches have stepped in and offered a service to our parish. Working together both Knox's and St. Vigeans, not to mention the toddler group committee, has really paid off. The volunteers have done a marvellous job, working so hard to make the group run smoothly and ensure a friendly atmosphere. When snack is prepared the volunteers are to be found out chatting with the carers and playing with the toddlers. We have volunteers that have taken on organising art and crafts and others that just help the carers get coats off etc. If you would like to join our happy band please come along on a Thursday morning between 9.15 and 11.30am. All are welcome (including men).

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ANNUAL PLANT SALE Saturday 28 May 10.am - 11.30am Knox’s Church

hall. Home baking, book stalls etc.

Entry £1 including tea/coffee. We hope you will come along and bring

your friends Donations of items would be greatly appreciated in order to make this a successful fundraising event.

ANGUS GLENS WALK IN ARBROATH On Saturday 4 June, to celebrate Year of the Light, there is to be a short walk, beginning at the Signal Tower Museum. Learn about the

history of the Bell Rock, the harbour and the bird life of the area. the tour lasts approx 2 hours. Telephone

07736640951 to register or visit Angus Council's website for more walks.

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Here’s a Lighthouse for you to Colour-in

Did you know that this Did you know that this Did you know that this Did you know that this year we are celebratingyear we are celebratingyear we are celebratingyear we are celebrating the 200the 200the 200the 200thththth Anniversary of Anniversary of Anniversary of Anniversary of the building of the Bell the building of the Bell the building of the Bell the building of the Bell Rock Lighthouse.Rock Lighthouse.Rock Lighthouse.Rock Lighthouse. So here is a quiz all So here is a quiz all So here is a quiz all So here is a quiz all about the Lighthouse. about the Lighthouse. about the Lighthouse. about the Lighthouse. Answers below don’t look yet ---

1. How far out at sea from Arbroath is the bell rock?

2. What is another name for the rock?

3. How high is the lighthouse? 4. How long did it take to build? 5. How many workmen were employed to build it? 6. One horse was used to transport all the cut stones, what was its name?

Word List can you find the words

basket bunny candy chocolate color dye

Easter egg fun hunt roll

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