Inter-denominational Church 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 The Manse, Skene Tel/fax 01224 743277

Email: iainuthomson@googlemail.com Dear Friends, This will be my last magazine letter as minister of the parish and I’m struggling to know what to write! First a big and heartfelt thank you to all those people who have supported and encouraged me over the years that I’ve been minister here. I’ve certainly been privileged to have been the minister in this parish since 1972 and am grateful for the friendship Christine and I and our family have received. Many people have been asking me if I’m looking forward to retirement. That’s a hard one as I have yet to experience what it will entail! The Church of Scotland did provide Christine and myself with a pre-retirement conference some two years ago – but the reality of retirement will come to us after the end of March! Will my golf improve then? Will we take up new hobbies and interests? I know plenty folk who enjoy retirement and who are living full lives, so it will be another exciting challenge. Our work can often define us but beyond work, there is the more important matter of who we are, our personality. Many years ago, I was at an in-service training course which was somewhat boring. The leader threw in the question “what is your ambition in life?” - and looked straight at me. The first thing that came into my head (how boring can I get) was – “to grow old gracefully!” So I’ll take that as my challenge – to grow old gracefully. I don’t want to turn into a grumpy old man! I hope to achieve that ambition of growing (old) gracefully. To be graceful would be fine, but how to be graceful? Part of being graceful is to be found I believe in being grateful, grateful to people, grateful to God. I have thanked you for your friendship and I thank God for His graciousness and love. I would want to remain ever grateful. Another part of being graceful is to be found in relying on the grace of God given to us in Jesus and through His Spirit living in us. We can grow in grace, when we accept and experience God’s grace and love towards us. That divine grace does not cease when we retire. So trusting in God’s grace, I hope to grow in graciousness. It is a union with Christ that at any age we can grow in grace. But enough of me. I wish you God’s grace and blessing, that you will know His love surrounding you. With kind regards and thanks. Yours sincerely, Iain U. Thomson

NEW MEMBERS We welcome to the Congregation the following new members: Mrs June Taylor, 34 Braecroft Avenue, Westhill Mr Eric and Mrs Sheila Shepherd, 16 Brimmond Drive, Westhill Mr Euan Bruce, 18 Dunecht Road, Westhill Mr Graeme and Mrs Amanda Henderson, 17 Carnie Drive, Elrick Mrs Hazel Stewart, 55 Westdyke Avenue, Westhill Mr Simon Davidson, 35 Arnhall Drive, Westhill Miss Karen Wallace, 15 Westfield Gardens, Westhill Mr Graeme and Mrs Lisa Brockie, 39 Callum Crescent, Kingswells Mr Craig Hendry, 39 Fare Park Drive, Westhill Miss Ruth Chisholm, 15 Meadowlands Drive, Westhill Mr Kieran Rorie, 9 Meadowlands Avenue, Westhill Mr Alan Reid, Granview, Skene Mr Steven J Burnett, Cairnfield, Skene Mrs Kirsteen Knight, Russets, Garlogie Mr Robert and Mrs Rachael Anderson, Brockwood Park, Blackburn Miss Erin Saddler, 5 Glebe Terrace, Kirkton of Skene Mr Magnus and Mrs Samantha Reid, 6 Mosside Court, Westhill Mr Steven Burnett, 53 Broadstraik Drive, Elrick Mr Kenneth MacBeath, Schoolhouse, Lyne of Skene Miss Shona MacBeath, Schoolhouse, Lyne of Skene BAPTISMS It has been our pleasure to welcome to our Church Family by Baptism: Shannon Jamieson, 210 Sheddocksley Drive, Aberdeen John Alan Kinnon, Craiglea, Inverurie Madeline Rose Durham, c/o 7 Broadstraik Crescent, Westhill Georgina Beatrice Durham, c/o 7 Broadstraik Crescent, Westhill Lewis Graeme Henderson, 17 Carnie Drive, Elrick Josh Owen Henderson, 17 Carnie Drive, Elrick Abbie Louisa Henderson, 17 Carnie Drive, Elrick Rorie James Martin, 5 Lawsondale Drive, Westhill DEATHS We remember with thanksgiving those who have died recently, and we offer their relatives our prayerful sympathy: Mrs Louise Taylor, 13 Blackhills Court, Westhill Mr Malcolm McFarlane, 42 Arnhall Drive, Westhill Mr John Sim, 38 Bloomfield Place, Aberdeen Mrs Nan Scott, Kildona, Skene Mrs Patricia Paterson, 23 Kinmundy Avenue, Westhill Mr Ian Ainslie, 6 Leddach Gardens, Westhill Mrs Jessie Rutherford, 3 Crombie Wynd, Westhill Mrs Catherine Milne, Thorngrove House, Aberdeen Mr Maxwell McLean, 30 Hillotop Drive, Westhill Miss Nora Ewen, 56 Cromwell Road, AberdeenMrs Mrs Edith Brown, Broomhill, Lyne of Skene Mr Gordon Sutherland, Jesmond Care Home, Bridge of Don

VESTRY HOUR Vestry 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 WORSHIP Each Wednesday from 7.15pm to 7.45pm there is a service in the Chapel of Trinity Church. VIEW FROM MONYMUSK MANSE Hello from Monymusk. I am sure that I will soon know the road and miles down to Skene very well over the next few months as I have been appointed by Gordon Presbytery to be the Interim Moderator in the vacancy at Skene and will take over as minister when Mr Thomson retires at the end of March. I am looking forward to working with the folk at Skene as they begin what will be a very difficult task of finding a replacement for Mr Thomson. After so many years change will be difficult for some but it is part of life and from what I have seen there is a lot of life in Skene Parish. My work among the folk at Skene will be primarily that of chairing meetings, of the Kirk Session, and Congregational Board and as an advisor to the Nominating Committee together with a little bit of pastoral support and I will be greatly helped with the appointment of a locum minister to take the day to day running of the church in Rev Matthew Rodger. Together with Miss Marion Stewart your deacon, they will be responsible for much of what is done in the form of “ministry” with the able support of the elders and office bearers of the congregation. I do wish you well and I can be contacted at any time through email, or telephone call, I am sure my details will be circulated with this newsletter. Euan Glen, Interim Moderator Rev Euan Glen can be contacted as undernoted:

Telephone 01467 651470 E-mail minister@monymuskchurch.org.uk

TRANSPORT TO CHURCH It 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. Sheena Swinhoe (tel 740883) organises the Trinity Church Crèche while information on the crèche at Skene Church can be had from the Minister. AFTER SERVICES TEAS/COFFEES Teas and coffees are served each Sunday after the service at Trinity Church and on the last Sunday of the month at Skene Church. Thanks to all who help and all those who support us. We can always do with more helpers, so if you would like to become part of a happy group please contact either:

Trinity Church Ann Findlay 741591 Skene Church Margaret Mearns 740176

CHURCH FLOWERS If 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. STATED ANNUAL MEETING The Stated Annual Meeting of the Congregation to elect members to the Congregational Board will be held after the services on 20th March in both Churches. STATED ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND REPORT All Scottish charities are required to submit an Annual Report and Accounts to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, and copies of this will be available for our members at some point in March onwards once the accounts have been approved by our independent examiner. If you would wish a copy of the report and accounts these will be available after Church Services or from the Church Office. Members wanting a copy sent to them should contact the Church Secretary on (01224) 742512. SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS UPDATE Thanks to everyone who helped fill the ‘Smarties’ tubes.We were able to send £700 to support the work of the BibleLands charity. BibleLands supports partner organisations who provide healthcare for some of the Middle East’s poorest people. From hospitals offering front-line medicine in the midst of conflict, to primary care services reaching isolated villages and refugee camps, our partners offer hope to those who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment. We support schools and vocational training centres that allow children and young people from disadvantaged families to gain a good education and become able to earn a living. Several of our partners support people with special needs in a region where disability often results in marginalisation We support partners who work with whole communities in the Middle East, improving living conditions, ensuring everyone has access to clean running water and helping people find ways of generating an income, so that every family can ultimately become self-sufficient. Check out www.biblelands.org.uk for more information Sunday School Programme Feb – April 2011 January: Sunday School & GRID looked at the Life & Times of David, the shepherd

boy who became king and learned about God’s protection and guidance. February: Philemon & Jonah. March: Jesus challenges us/ Counterculture Shock! April Dates for the Diary 3rd & 10th April No Sunday School/ GRID 17th April Palm Sunday ( All-Age Worship) 24th April Easter Day ( All-Age Worship) WORSHIP DURING LENT For a number of years we have joined with our friends in the Roman Catholic and Scottish Episcopal congregations for a short act of worship followed by a soup lunch during the Fridays in Lent. This pattern is continuing this year with the first occasion being Friday 11th March at 12noon in the Chapel at Trinity Church, and on each Friday thereafter up to and including 15th April. All are welcome to attend these services.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER: 17th – 24th APRIL On Palm Sunday, there will be an all-age worship in both Churches and then during the week there will be services (as shown in the ‘Dates for Your Diary’ section) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Holy Week. On Easter Sunday – 24th April – you are warmly welcome to join in our Easter Day Worship in Trinity Church at 10.00am and Skene Church at 11.15am. Also on Easter Sunday we are planning to have our Easter Songs of Praise service in Skene Church at 6.30pm.

A THOUGHT FOR EASTER.... A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. Sadly he died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father grieved deeply for his only son. Just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out his package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.' It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. The soldier had captured the personalit y of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.' The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.' But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $200, $100?' Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the Real bids!' But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?' Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. 'We have $10, who will bid $20?' 'Give it to him for $10', someone shouted. 'Let's see the masters.' The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel.. 'Going once, twice,- SOLD for $10!' A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!' The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.' 'What about the paintings?' 'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!' God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?' Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE! Marion Stewart

THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER This Year the World Day of Prayer will be held in Midmar Church, on Friday March 4th at 7.30pm. all are welcome to attend. The service was written by the women of Chile. Ann Findlay 741591 CHRISTIAN AID WEEK: 15th – 21st MAY Preparation for Christian Aid Week is a priority item at this time of year, particularly the organising of the house-to-house collections throughout our community. Once more we are appealing for volunteers to help in this – dropping in a Christian Aid envelope to each house in a street then returning to collect these. If you can help in this way, please give your name to the Church Office or sign the sheet on the notice board at both Churches. We cannot emphasise enough the important contribution such volunteers make to the work of Christian Aid. Most of the people who receive an envelope are happy to give to Christian Aid in this way, so it is vital that we get enough volunteers to cover the whole of our parish. Could you spare a couple of evenings to help us that week? We’d be grateful for your help. Even if you normally take part, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP THIS YEAR; by doing so it makes it easier for the organisers. DISCOVERY GROUP We 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 TRAIDCRAFT Our trading last year was very good, considering the recession, so thanks to all those who support us, at Trinity, Skene Churches, as well as the Catholic congregation, our next big venture is the coffee morning, details below, at which there will be a variety of stalls.

ECO/TRAIDCRAFT

TABLE TOP SALE to be held in

Trinity Church on Saturday 5th March

from 10am-12noon Tickets £1

inclusive of Coffee and Biscuits

Hope to see you there any enquiries Ann Findlay 741591

REVEREND IAIN U. THOMSON – RETIRAL As most of you will already know Iain is due to retire on 31st March 2011. This event certainly marks the end of an era in the life of Skene Parish and of the community of Westhill in general. Iain’s ministry in Skene has been remarkable in so many ways. He has committed his entire working life to the Parish of Skene and the caring loving support he has given to all the parish has been of a very high standard. His leadership through the years has left future generations with a new manse, a new assistant/deacons house and a new church at Trinity which has been subsequently extended. A number of events as undernoted have already been planned to mark Iain’s retiral: Sunday 20th March 2011 Songs of Praise in Trinity Church at 7.00pm A warm invitation is extended to our friends from the Roman Catholic and Scottish Episcopal Congregations to join us on this evening for an informal service enjoying Iain and Christine’s favourite hymns and readings. Wednesday 23rd March 2011 Service of Thanksgiving in Skene Parish Church at 7.30pm On this date in 1972 Iain was Inducted as Minister for Skene Parish – 39 years ago. As he enters his 40th year at Skene we recognise his love, service, dedication and care not only to the church but to the community as a whole. Friday 25th March 2011 The Kirk Soiree – An Evening of Entertainment This will be held in Trinity Church at 7.30pm. During the evening a presentation will be made to Iain and Christine. Please Note: Tickets have been made available for this event in order to help manage the limitations on seating capacity and assist with catering arrangements. If you have obtained a ticket and can’t now manage to go – or you are providing entertainment - would you please return your ticket to the Duty Elders at the church door on Sundays or to the Church Office as there is still a demand for places. Sunday 27th March 2011 Iain’s Farewell Services at Trinity and Skene The time of the Service at Skene Church has been changed on that day from 11.15am to 11.30am to offset any delay there might be in leaving Trinity that morning. Teas and Coffees will be served in the Milne Hall after the Skene service. Retiral Gift We are aware that most members of the Church and many who have no connections with Skene Parish Church may wish to be associated with a Retiral Gift for Iain. Contributions may be made in the following ways:

a) at the Royal Bank of Scotland (Westhill Branch) sorting code 83-28-40 - quoting account no 00628615 ‘Skene Parish Church Rev Iain Thomson Retiral Fund’

b) in a sealed envelope headed ‘IUT Retirement’ and handed in

• at the Sunday Services in both churches • to the Church Secretary at Trinity during office hours • if you would like someone to collect your envelope please contact the Church

Secretary (tel: 742512)

THANKS FROM GORDON I wish to thank all members of Skene Church congregation for contributing to my presentation on my retiral after 39 years as Session Clerk. Gordon F. Argo EVER WONDERED WHAT HAPPENS TO USED STAMPS?

First they are sorted and any damaged ones removed. They are then trimmed if necessary and sorted into UK or overseas stamps. Next they are graded according to the franking, lightly or unfranked etc. Sometimes the backing paper may be removed.

UK stamps are sorted either into 1s t class, 2nd class or mixed bags. These are then sold to dealers or even on Ebay. On average a kilo bag will fetch £3. More

unusual stamps will obviously fetch more.

Thanks to all those who faithfully pop their used stamps into the recycling boxes at Trinity and Skene. GUILD NEWS We are glad to see some new members joining us on the 2nd Monday of the month in Trinity Church hall, at 7.30pm. We would also like to see some men joining us (we don’t bite). I would like to thank all those who made the effort to come to the Coffee evening and Fashion Show in November, it was an extremely cold night and very icy. Guild members also went along and entertained at Blackhills Court on the 26th Dec. along with some of the fireside members, and were made very welcome. Our members will have had the meeting on Feb.14th with Mr Don Carney looking at our Ancestors. On March 8th our A.G.M. there will be a talk from Dr. Dee Rasalam, on Friends of Vellore, in April we have a Floral Art demonstration and in May we will be entertained by the Spectrum Singers Contact Ann Findlay 01224741591 with any queries PARISH FRIENDS We 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 Meets 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 MOVERS AND SHAKERS If 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

ABERDEEN ORPHEUS CHOIR. Aberdeen Orpheus Choir will perform in Skene Parish Church on Friday 13 May at 7.30 pm. All proceeds will go to Christian Aid. Tickets will be available for sale during April and May and may be obtained from the Church Office or Margaret Mearns, tel. 740176. Do come along to what promises to be a wonderful performance AND bring your friends. Margaret G. Mearns ACTION GROUP Many thanks to all those who supported our Coffee Morning in November, a total of £950 was raised. Thanks must also go to Margaret Mearns for the £143 she raised through her General Knowledge Quiz. We also had a ‘Guess the cost of the Hamper’ competition, this raised £171. The winner of the Hamper was Jackie Buckland with the nearest guess of £82.01; the actual cost was £82.73. Due to adverse weather and road conditions we decided to cancel the Christmas Parties but another date has been arranged for the 18th and 19th March for an evening of entertainment with the usual refreshments served, although there will be no Christmas Cake!!!. Invitations will be delivered in the next few weeks to church members who are 65+. If you do not receive an invite by the end of February please call the Church Office for more information. Our next Coffee morning will be held on Saturday the 23rd April in Trinity Church commencing at 10a.m. Tickets will go on Sale at the end of March, available from any member of the Action Group or from the church office. If you wish to know more about the Action Group or you would like to help this group in any way please feel free to contact us. Carol Green (co-ordinator) tel: 741965

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TEAS We resumed on 12th January after the Christmas break. There will be no Teas on April 6th and 13th due to the Easter Holidays – and then we go through to 29th June. I should like to share the acknowledgement we received from the Church Treasurer for the cheque for £150 we gave at Christmas: “On behalf of the Congregational Board I would like to thank Wednesday Teas for their most generous donation of £150. As requested the money has been added to the offering from the Christmas Eve Services and a total of £855 has been sent to World Mission Council to support the work of David and Rebecca Morton, Nkhoma Hospital, Malawi. Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved with Wednesday Teas for their generosity, commitment and hard work in supporting the work of the Church throughout the year” We have noticed in recent weeks that there seems to be fewer people, especially young people, coming to Wednesday Teas. We wonder if this is due to the re-scheduling of the time the children get out of school. It may be that we should consider altering slightly the time of opening of the coffee shop. If anyone has a view on this please give me a ring. Eliz Gray – Co-ordinator tel 740414

CROSSREACH Thank you to those who supported the work of Crossreach by buying a `Circle of Care` calendar. About 10,000 were sold, in total, across Scotland! I hope to widen the ordering time and availability in the future. The web shop is available throughout the year (www.crossreach.org.uk/shop) offering small gifts for birthdays and special days as well as at Christmas. Meantime for keen gardeners I have a Suttons Fundraiser Seed and Plant Catalogue, if anyone would like to order their requirements for the warmer spring days. Ann Stewart Tel. 741656. MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT Over the year 2010 the Skene Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support has raised a total £15,668. The money was raised by holding a coffee morning, ceilidh, sponsored walk, house- to- house collection and stalls at various events. Generous donations were also received from private parties, sponsored events and individuals. The next fund raising event will be a house- to-house collection, in the Westhill, Skene and Echt communities. Volunteers are required to help with this collection. If you can spare some time, no matter how little, your help would be gratefully appreciated. A fashion show, by Bon Ton, Cults will be held in Dunecht Village Hall on Tuesday, 26th April at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £8/person and will include refreshments. Tickets will be available from committee members. Thank you to all who have made the past year so successful by giving your time, commitment and generous donations to Macmillan Cancer Support. Please contact Kath on 01330 860226, if you wish to help fund raise, in any way. Kath MacBeath (Skene Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support) M I L N E H A L L - K I R K T O N O F S K E N E With the support of Aberdeenshire Council the Milne Hall has had some much needed decoration and repairs recently. This hasn’t prevented the hall being used, with a highlight being another successful Hogmanay Ceilidh. Regular activities open to everyone; continue to be available in the hall;

• A Social ‘Tea Dance’ Group meets on Tuesday afternoons 2-4.30pm. • Skene Indoor Bowling Club meets on Tuesday and Friday evenings. • For P1 – S1 children, the Youth Club meets on Thursdays 6-7.00pm to the end of

March. • Swedish style exercise class suitable for all fitness levels 7.30 – 8.30pm every

Thursday. Upcoming Events at the Milne Hall:

• 7.00pm Monday 7th March 2011 - The hall Annual General Meeting. • 7.00pm Monday 14th March - Prize Bingo. £1 adults, 50p children. • 7.30pm Wednesday 27th April - Scottish Accordion Group concert. £5 adults, £2.50

children. The 2011 Kirkton of Skene Gala & Cartie Races will take place on Saturday 25 June. Now a popular local event, regular and new stallholders should contact the organiser Elaine Freeman on 01224 742804. Anyone interested in getting more information, buying a cartie or sponsoring the event can also contact Elaine.

Steve Cole

AN EVENING AT THE MUSICALS – TUESDAY 1ST MARCH A light hearted Evening at the Musicals featuring singing group Friends in Harmony will be held at Trinity Church Westhill at 7pm on 1st March. Funds raised will go to help fund an expedition to Malawi where church member Eva Will will be helping take 40 young people to complete project work this summer. Tickets cost £5 including refreshments can be obtained from the social committee or at the door. ECO CONGREGATION

The year 2011 has been declared the International Year of Forests, by the United Nations, to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Forests are an integral part of global sustainable development. According to World Bank estimates, more than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. The forest product industry is a source of economic growth and employment, with global forest products traded internationally in the order of $270 billion.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that every year 130,000 km² of the world's forests are lost due to deforestation. Conversion to agricultural land, unsustainable harvesting of timber, unsound land management practices, and creation of human settlements are the most common reasons for this loss of forested areas.

According to the World Bank, deforestation accounts for up to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. FAO data estimates that the world's forests and forest soil store more than one trillion tons of carbon – twice the amount found in the atmosphere.

The World Bank estimates that forests provide habitats to about two-thirds of all species on earth, and that deforestation of closed tropical rainforests could account for biodiversity loss of as many as 100 species a day.

We, in Scotland, are lucky to have so much woodland and forest around us. Much of the forest in Scotland is well managed and great care is taken by the relevant authorities to ensure that this is sustainable. In this year of the Forest, why not go out and enjoy our forests. There are many walks and recreational areas not far from where we live – the Arnhall Moss, a conservation area, or Carnie Woods to see the red squirrels or try Kirkhill

Forest to mention only a few, right on our doorstep. Get a copy of the book, In and Around Aberdeen – 25 Walks by Robert Smith for other suggestions. And if you are a bit more adventurous, check out the websites below and chose a forest walk, biking track or orienteering course near you.

http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/nescotland/ http://www.forestry.gov.uk/aberdeenwoods http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/ScotlandAberdeenshireAberdeenWoodsKirkhill http://www.bestwalks.com/Freewalks/aberdeen.htm The Eco Group

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP If 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) 1st SKENE GIRLS’ BRIGADE We have started this session with about 30 girls. We have no waiting list and we are open to all girls from P1-S6, we meet in Trinity Church every Monday from 6-7.30pm/8pm for older girls. We are now practising hard for our competitions which are held in February and also our Annual Open Night which is to be held in Trinity Church on 28th March. Any enquiries please call Mrs Fiona Cumming (Captain) on 741576 1st SKENE BOYS’ BRIGADE During the bad weather in the weeks leading up to Christmas the Company Section boys delivered over 2,000 Xmas Cards around Westhill and Skene which had been posted in our boxes at both Trinity and Skene Churches. The funds raised from that, along with over £1,000 generated by the senior boys ‘bag packing’ in a local store will be used to support outdoor activities over the spring and summer, including our annual camp. Across the three sections of the company the boys are meantime engaged in a wide variety of activities, with the older age groups focusing on completing outstanding award work and participating in Battalion competitions. Over the next couple of months the boys will participate in cross country running, 5-a-side football, table tennis, swimming, and mountain biking competitions. A number of mountain biking outings, including a night cycle through a forest are also being planned. Gavin Fraser recently completed a Queens Badge residential course at Cullen and is on line to receive the award at the end of the session, while another three boys are almost half way through the 2 year programme. In addition, 12 boys have almost completed the programme for the Presidents Badge and should receive these at the Junior and Company Section Parents Evening on Friday 1 April. The Anchor Boys Parents Evening will be held on Friday 13 May. Looking ahead toward the summer, the Family BBQ will be held at Kirkton of Skene on Sunday 29 May and we will depart for our Annual Camp near Aviemore on Friday 1 July. The Boys’ Brigade caters for a wide variety of age-ranges and in 1st Skene Company we participate in a wide range of activities. Anyone wishing specific information should contact any of the sections leaders listed below.

Section

Age-range Meeting O-in-C

Anchor Boys Primary 1 - 3 Friday 6.30 – 8 pm Trinity Church Hall

Ann Hudson 740080

Junior Section Primary 4 - 6 Friday 6.30 – 8 pm Westhill Academy

Dave King 745017

Company Section Primary 7 upwards Friday 7.30 -10 pm Westhill Academy

Donald Struthers 742262

Donald Struthers - Captain (742262)

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: February 2011 27th Joint Service in Trinity Church at 10.00am after which the Nominating Committee will be

elected. There will be no Service in Skene Church that day. The Service will be conducted by the Rev Euan Glen, Interim Moderator.

March 2011 1st An Evening at the Musicals in Trinity Church 7.00pm 4th World Day of Prayer Service at Midmar Church 7.00pm 5th ECO/Traidcraft Coffee Morning in Trinity Church 10am-12noon 6th Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Trinity Church 10am & 7.00pm 8th Kirk Session Meeting in Trinity Church 7.15pm 11th Start of Lenten Services/Lunches in Trinity Church (see article) 12noon 13th Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Skene Church 9.30am, 11.15am & 6.30pm 14th Guild Meeting in Trinity Church 7.30pm 18th Action Group Senior Citizens Concert (1) in Trinity Church 7.00pm 19th Action Group Senior Citizens Concert (2) in Trinity Church 7.00pm 20th Songs of Praise in Trinity Church 7.00pm 23rd Service of Thanksgiving in Skene Church 7.30pm 25th The Kirk Soiree in Trinity Church 7.30pm 27th Iain’s Farewell Service in Trinity Church 10.00am 27th Iain’s Farewell Service in Skene Church 11.30am 28th Girls Brigade Open Night in Trinity Church - April 2011 11th Guild Meeting in Trinity Church 7.30pm 17th Palm Sunday Services in both Churches - 20th Holy Week Service in Trinity Church 7.30pm 21st Holy Week Service in Skene Church 7.30pm 22nd Good Friday Service in Trinity Church 7.30pm 23rd Action Group Coffee Morning in Trinity Church 10.00am 24th Easter Worship for all ages in both Churches - 24th Easter Songs of Praise in Skene Church 6.30pm May 2011 9th Guild Meeting in Trinity Church 7.30pm 13th Aberdeen Orpheus Choir in Skene Church 7.30pm 15th–21st Christian Aid Week - CHURCH OFFICE The office at Trinity Church is staffed by our secretary, Rosanna Rorie on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.00am to 12noon. A message can be left for Rosanna on the answering machine (01224 742512) or you can e-mail her at: skeneparish@mail.com. CHURCH WEB SITE Have you visited the Church Web Site yet? – if not - you’ll find it at : www.skeneparish.com Group representatives and organisers are reminded to submit any updated news or notice of events for the diary section to the church office.

LETTING OF FACILITIES AT TRINITY CHURCH Information on booking Trinity Church should be directed to the Letting Convener, Elizabeth Gray. (tel 740414). THE MAGAZINE Material for the next edition of the magazine must be in by Monday 2nd May 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 MAGAZINE The 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 PARISH OFFICE-BEARERS Minister: Finance Committee Clerk & Gift Aid Convener: Rev. Iain U. Thomson M.A. B.D. Mr James Menzies The Manse, Skene 9 Hillside Crescent, Westhill tel: 743277 tel: 742415 Deacon: Boys’ Brigade: Marion Stewart Mr Donald Struthers Kirk Cottage, Skene 9 Gullymoss View, Westhill tel: 743407 Tel: 742262 Email: deacon.skeneparish@mail.com Session Clerk: Girls’ Brigade: Mr Malcolm Christie Fiona Cumming 23 Dunecht Gardens, Westhill 44 Shaw Circle, Westhill tel: 740100 tel: 741576 Email: sessionclerk.skeneparish@mail.com Clerk to the Congregational Board Letting Convener: Mrs Lesley Reid Mrs Elizabeth Gray 34 Dunecht Road, Westhill 25 Brimmond Drive, Westhill tel: 740737 tel: 740414 Emai: clerktoboard.skeneparish@mail.com Treasurer: Church Secretary: Mrs Fiona Robertson Mrs Rosanna Rorie 10 Hilltop Gardens, Westhill tel: 742512 tel: 741776 Email: skeneparish@mail.com Email: treasurer.skeneparish@mail.com Finance Convener: Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages: Mr David Duguid Gordon House, Inverurie 21 Shaw Circle, Westhill tel: 741552