THE BRIDGE Magazine of Ellon Parish Church

A u t u m n 2 0 1 9

In response to the love of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) we seek to be a people of meaningful faith, meaningful community and meaningful witness. Matthew 22:34-40

Recognising our identity as the family of God, we worship God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength.

Managing our resources, using our gifts in service and nurturing our relationship with God and each other in love and humility.

Teaching what Jesus commanded, going where Jesus tells us to go and loving all our neighbours in our church, parish, country and world.

OurVisi nVision

What it meansMeaningful Faith Meaningful Community Meaningful Witness

ELLON PARISH CHURCH : WORSHIP

ELLON PARISH CHURCH

Sundays | 10:30am | Ellon Parish Church | Family Worship | includes children’s activities | Fellowship afterwards including Fairtrade Tea & Coffee, butteries and bakes. SLAINS KIRK OF ELLON PARISH CHURCH

1st & 3rd Sunday | 9:15am | Collieston Community Centre | Family Worship | includes children’s activities | Fellowship before including Fairtrade Tea & Coffee and home bakes. CONNECT

1st & 3rd Sunday | 7pm | Kirk Centre Upper Room | Contemporary Worship | video | discussion | Fairtrade filter coffee, tea and home bakes throughout. 4:30 INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE

2nd Sundays | 4:30pm | Ellon Parish Church | Worship | Bible story | choice of activities (art, discussion, challenges, interviews…) | prayer | Fellowship before including Fairtrade Tea & Coffee and home bakes | finishes with light dinner SOUL SOUNDTRACK

4th Sundays | 7pm | Kirk Centre Upper Room | interview | music | Fellowship before including Fairtrade Tea & Coffee and home bakes

ELLON PARISH CHURCH : PRAYER

FRIDAY MORNING PRAYER

Alternate Fridays| 7:15am | Ellon Parish Church | worship | liturgy | prayer | all welcome | Fairtrade tea & coffee

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER

Sunday | 9:45am | Ellon Parish Church | prayer for those leading the service | all welcome to join in this prayer time

PRAYER BOX

Always available | Under the sign outside Ellon Parish Church building

PERSONAL & PASTORAL PRAYER

If you or a loved one, or someone you know, would like pastoral or prayer support, we will be delighted to offer this either through prayer on a Sunday morning, or by visiting your or their home to offer support. Please speak to Alastair, your elder or Edith in the Kirk Centre Office. Confidentiality is always respected.

ELLON PARISH CHURCH : CHILDREN

TWINKLE STARS (During 9:15 @ Collieston Community Centre & 10:30 @ Ellon Parish Church) 0 years – pre-school children | Sundays | 10:30am | Ellon Parish Church & | story | songs | free play | crafts | snack | fun | friendship

STAR SQUAD (SUNDAY EDITION) (During 9:15 @ Collieston Community Centre & 10:30 @ Ellon Parish Church) P1-S1 | 10:30am | Sundays | story | songs | crafts | puzzles | chat | snack | fun | friendship

STAR SQUAD (WEDNESDAY EDITION)

P1-P5 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | Wednesdays | games | songs | craft | Bible story | snack | fun | friendship

CARDBOARD CAFÉ

babies, toddlers, parents, carers | 9:30am – 11:30am | Fridays | snacks | story | songs | crafts | play | Kirk Centre Slains Hall

ELLON PARISH CHURCH : YOUTH

ILLUMINATE

P6 – S2 | 6:15pm – 7:15pm | Thursdays | games | chat | Exploring the Bible | fun | friendship| Kirk Centre 1ST ELLON BOYS’ BRIGADE fun | adventure | faith exploration | challenge | friends | games

Anchor Section | P2-P3 |5:30pm–6:30pm | Wednesdays | Kirk Centre Slains Hall Junior Section | P4-P6 | 6:30-8:15pm | Wednesdays | Kirk Centre St Ternan’s Hall Company Section | P7-S4 | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | Thursdays | Kirk Centre Senior Section | S5-S6 | 7:30pm-9:30pm | Thursdays | Kirk Centre Captain: Dennis Chalmers | dennischalmers1@sky.com 1ST ELLON GIRLS’ BRIGADE seek | serve | follow | friendship | crafts | games Explorers, Juniors & Brigaders | P1-S6 | 6:30pm-8:00pm | Fridays | Kirk Centre St. Ternan’s Hall Captain: Calaidh Reid | ellongirlsbrigade@gmail.com

Call 01358 725690 for more info. on any of our groups. All leaders and helpers for our work with young people have been approved by the Kirk Session and are PVG checked.

MUSINGS FROM THE MINISTER

Our Parish Minister Rev Alastair Bruce reflects on the summer that’s been and our journey through autumn

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2 The garden at the Manse transforms at this time of year, not through any work of us (though Dennis does a marvellous job of cutting the grass for us and more recently Sandy and Ian, we are so grateful for you!), but just through the natural changing of the seasons. The boys find their field of green turns to a sea of autumnal oranges and browns as the leaves fall, great for playing in! But this season is short, we see the glimpses of winter coming in the now splashes of red as the holly trees burst with berries. It seems not long ago that we were decorating the Kirk Centre ready for MegaQuest Holiday Club at this year’s

Kirk Fest. What a colourful week with a great variety of indoor, outdoor, fun, friendship, community building, blessing. The summer brings such adventure: Ellon Gala, holiday club, beach days...well a wet afternoon in Collieston community centre and another in the Kirk centre, acoustic cafe, cardboard cafe, Lego Communi-teas, Kirk Fest Ceilidh, holidays, the pedal car race (well done to our BB and to our Men’s group...I can tell you it’s harder than it looks!) and before we know it the sun is cooling, the leaves are turning and the harvest is safely home. With the changing of the seasons we’ve been exploring “adaptive challenge” in a recent sermon series; finding ourselves in uncharted territory and looking for our True North to guide us. The Church of Scotland faces many

challenges just now and Ellon Parish Church is no exception. But in these often uncertain times socially, politically, financially, we have a rock to hold, a True North to follow: our God to trust. In our Ellon Parish Church Evenings we have introduced on the 4th Sunday of the month “Soul Soundtrack”. At the first one we interviewed Neil Henderson hearing some of his life and faith journey through the songs that have been the soundtrack at key moments of his life; in times of certainty and times of struggle. What a blessing to get to know each other more and be inspired by God journeying with each of us in celebration and in sadness, in certainty and in doubt, in sunshine and in struggles. The

soundtrack in the Manse recently has been dominated by Irish Christian band “Rend Collective” and their new kids album “ Sparkle, Pop, Rampage”. In this album we are reminded that in uncharted territory, in uncertainty, in times of struggle or change “My God is the king of the giants, my God is the king of the lions, my God is the king of the creatures of the deep and my God is the king of me.” And “You (God) are my True North”. In whatever “season” you find yourself, I pray you know the steadfast, unchanging, unconditional love of God. As you see the beauty of His creation in the turning of the seasons may you know you are a part of that creation; fearfully and wonderfully made; known, loved and treasured.

ELLON PARISH CHURCH MEN’S GROUP

Neil Henderson, tells us that Ellon Parish Church’s new Men’s Group is an opportunity to meet new people, learn new things, and is open to everyone.

Ellon Parish Church Men’s Group held their first Men’s Breakfast at the Kirk Centre on Saturday 8th June when thirteen of us enjoying a time of laughter, chat and fellowship, not to mention the great bacon rolls prepared by Iris Murray. The Men’s Group breakfast, meeting on the second Saturday of the month in the Kirk centre Coffee Shop, is open to all. It brings together men of any age, and is an opportunity to meet and enjoy each other’s company. The Men’s Group is also getting together one evening a month when we will enjoy a range of different activities. The First of these took place on Thursday 19th June when we held a Murder Mystery Tour of Old Aberdeen. Once completed,

we returned to Ellon and, for those who wished, retire to the Tolbooth for some well-earned sustenance. We have since enjoyed a walk to visit Slains Castle with some superb views, we cooked stunning stovies for the Kirk Fest Ceilidh in the summer and our next adventure is taking us to see Peterhead Prison. A real highlight so far has been representing the Church in Ellon Pedal Car Race, many thanks to all our cheering fans! We placed well and plans are afoot for next year. We’ve a few more trips before the year is out, see our flyer for details and join us for our regular breakfast. It’s been great getting to know each other.

ELLON PARISH CHURCH EVENINGS

Michelle McCombie shares her experience at Connect Evening Service

I’ve attended a couple of Connect services now. I’ll admit that I didn’t pay much attention to them to start with as when I saw it advertised as “contemporary worship” I rather embarrassingly mis-interpreted that as for kids, the youngsters or something that I’ve since discovered it very much isn’t! Now that I’ve discovered it is most definitely for all ages, for all people, I’ve attended a few more.

7pm on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month sees a smaller group meeting to experience worship in a different way to that which we usually, traditionally, experience on a Sunday morning. The format sees us gather over tea and coffee, continue with songs and prayer and then watch a video on something topical. Then the group breaks into smaller groups to discuss the video: what we thought of it, any particular experiences folks

have, any queries we have that others might answer or help explore. Each discussion group has a leader, usually from Ministry Team, to help give pointers and questions if the conversation doesn’t flow naturally,

although that wasn’t a problem in any of the groups I’ve been in! We may have wandered off topic, for example we were discussing the resurrection in our group and ended up down a route of discussing how some people in our society today may feel excluded, where physically or emotionally they feel they don’t fit in or belong. Perhaps they don’t conform to stereotypes, whether real or assumed, or somehow just feel different and how the church can be helpful or harmful in that. Having recently taken part in the Alpha Course, so challenging myself a little and definitely learning a lot, what I like about the Connect format is that you get a chance to chat through different subjects or areas of your faith which maybe you’re intrigued

about or not sure about and learn from others. Or as above, taking the principle of God’s acceptance of us all in our varying guises and how we should be accepting of others – and talking about how we do that in a meaningful way, in practice daily. Particularly if you are early on in your

faith journey, or a wee bit unsure, it’s important to know that the ethos of Connect and the discussion groups in particular is very much that it is a safe space for all. There’s a good mix of people at Connect, for some people they

are augmenting their Sunday morning service, others it might be their only service of the day. Some folk seem to be regular attendees, others pop in as it suits them. So you land up meeting and speaking with “new” people all the time. And there’s filter coffee, scones and home bakes to further entice you!

…if you’re early on in your faith journey,

or a wee bit unsure…Connect…is very much…a safe

space for all…

COFFEE AND CRAFT

2nd Thursday of the Month | 2pm – 3:30pm

Coffee and craft takes place in Ellon Parish Church once a month. It’s an opportunity to get together to share what’s been happening in the week and to do some craft work together. It’s open to anyone who happens to like crafting projects whether they are young or just young at heart. Bring your latest project with you, or admire the work of others! …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………

COFFEE AND CHAT

Last Friday of the Month | 2pm – 3:30pm

Coffee and chat takes place in the Slains Hall in Ellon Parish Kirk Centre once a month on a Friday at 2pm. It’s open to anyone who would like some company and a cuppa. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………

COMMUNI-TEAS

Every Second Wednesday | 1:30pm – 3pm All are welcome for coffee, tea, and home bakes in Ellon Parish Church every second Wednesday. It is free for all, and is a place where people of any age can come together. Come with friends to catch up or to meet new ones, or just to enjoy the space with a cuppa and a scone in the middle of the week. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………

FOR MORE INFORMATION: info@ellonparishchurch.co.uk or 01358 725690

Ellon Parish Church Drama Group presents

At the Ellon Kirk Centre, Station Road, Ellon

Tickets on sale

NOW at the Kirk Centre Coffee Shop

(Open: Tues – Sat, 10am – 4pm)

and at Wednesday rehearsals (7.45pm – 9.30pm) in Kirk Centre

Adults - £6 Children (up to Primary 7) - £4 For group bookings call Shona 07866 067736

All other enquiries call Ann 07851 720203

No refunds or discounts given

Saturday 30th November at 1.30pm Sunday 1st December at 2.30pm and 6pm

Monday 2nd December at 7pm Tuesday 3rd December at 7pm

This amateur production of “Peter Pan “is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH LTD a

Concord Theatricals Company

By J.M.Barrie

POINT TO PONDER

Conor Fegan, who covered Nicola Bruce’s Maternity Leave, talks about the importance of community.

As I came to the end of my time in Ellon I found myself thinking about what I have seen and learned over my nine months in Ellon Parish Church. The thing that comes back to me over and over again is the blessing that is community. Without community we cannot claim to be Christian. Our power to impact the society around us would be dramatically reduced. But when we live in community and understand the value of having a faith family around us – we can move mountains. Questions remain however: what is the point of this community? Who is part of it? Who can we leave out?

Simply put, being a Christian is not an easy task, and it cannot be done alone. Being a Christian means entering into community with each other and with God. We are called to be together, to worship together, rejoice together, grieve together and ultimately, to grow in faith and life, together. This community is here as a result of Jesus’ words and actions. He called it into being. It is here to help, support and guide us. Like any family, there are always going to be problems, disagreements, and break ups. There will also be reconciliations, times of great joy, and an understanding, that no matter what, you will always be part of it.

We are here to spread the Good News, we are here to ensure that every person knows that they are loved, wanted, seen, understood and recognised. We are here to bear witness to the fact that Jesus’ love extends to everyone, nothing disbars you from the Grace of God – you are God’s own beloved child. Because of this the idea that anyone can be left out is dangerously inaccurate. God did not create us to live in bubbles only speaking to those who agree with us, look like us, behave like us, talk like us, or love like us. God created us to stand out, not just to fit in. We are individuals and we are loved because of that, not despite it. God loves us because of our faults, our disabilities, our sexualities, our fears, hopes and desires. And as a Christian community we must love each other in the same way.

At the heart of our faith is a supreme, all-encompassing declaration of love from the creator of the Universe. We have

been chosen and welcomed into a community that stretches throughout the past, present and future. It is eternal. It is without boundary or want. And each one of us has the power to bring a little bit of this to each person we meet and each situation we are in. There is no space for discrimination, snobbery, fear, or complacency. We cannot exclude people due to our preconceptions or prejudices. God has called everyone.

Saint Paul tells us: ‘there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.’ (Galatians

3:27-28). God doesn’t see our differences, we are all unified and made equal in Christ. We are here to support and serve each other. It doesn’t mean that we are all supposed to be the same, it means that God’s love isn’t qualified by your wealth, or your public image, the way you speak or anything else. God’ love is the same for all of us. If you take this remarkable life changing news to heart your life will be changed.

… At the heart of our faith is a supreme, all-encompassing

declaration of love from the creator of

the Universe …

THE EPC WALKING GROUP has had a successful year enjoying weekly walks around Ellon.

This is the first year when a few Wednesday walks have had to be cancelled because of wet weather. Apart from that we all enjoyed our walks when the weather was good.

The last walk was on 18th September and the final get-together was for a meal in the Corn Kist which was very much enjoyed by all.

Walks will restart again in the spring of 2020.

THE BB COFFEE MORNING AND CHRISTMAS CARDS Coffee Morning | Saturday 7th December | 10am-12noon |

Card Delivery | 10am-12 | Donations for Delivery Ellon Addresses Only

Dec 7th & 8th 14th & 15th

Over 2000 years ago, a man, who was God, died on a cross because he loved us so much. He had the power to do whatever he wanted, he didn’t have to die, he chose to. He rose from the dead, for us. He declared that we are the beloved children of God and that God had called each one of us by name. God has done all of this for us. And in return we have a duty to live as Jesus to us to. He told us to love God, each other and to support and nurture each

other in the Christian community. By doing this we can change the world, move mountains, and worship God. The community of Ellon Parish Church continues to grow and change. It is important, however, to never take that for granted. We need to continue to work and develop new ways to care for each other, to reach new people, and make sure that Jesus remains at the heart of everything we do.

ELLON PARISH CHURCH COFFEE SHOP

Janet Adie, Volunteer and Management Committee member, speaks about the Kirk Centre Coffee Shop and its place in the church and community.

Recently Iris and her team completed another successful year of trading in these challenging economic times. At times we need to be reminded of the aim of the Coffee Shop started 23 years ago: “Enhancing and promoting fellowship, Social Interaction, and the work of the Church of Scotland among the people and visitors to the town of Ellon”

So what does this mean in 2019? Well promoting fellowship is a big aim for us, not only between our staff – both paid and volunteers, but among our customers too. We hope customers find it a welcoming place to visit whether

with friends or on their own. Regular customers enjoy meeting up with friends to pass some time. Or others like or grab a quick cup before or after a medical or hair appointment for example. At times carers and family members or clients like to come in and have some social time away from their every day cares, before returning to the hustle and bustle of life.

Walking groups use the Coffee shop as a welcome break space, and community led groups are regular visitors too. All like to see and remark on the art work and crafts displayed by talented local artists. Commission from sales of these are donated by the Coffee

Shop to the Church for ongoing community work, so everyone wins We aim to provide wholesome food, largely made fresh on the premises, at a reasonable price, and a staff and customer loyalty scheme is offered too as everyone likes a treat at times. Families are well catered for either in the main coffee shop, or for larger gathering in the St Ternan’s Hall. It is just perfect, with play materials

available to keep our little ones busy, while the big ones catch up with news and gain support from each other. This last year we have introduced monthly special offers which helps to encourage new customers and reward our loyal clientele – we all like a bargain don’t we? We also provide the lovely scones and butteries served on a Sunday at Church and the scones and fine pieces for Cardboard Café on a Friday. We were also pleased to be asked to be involved in the latest Communi-Teas venture linked with Ellon Academy. Our staff and volunteers are a diverse group from many walks of

life and beliefs, but all are linked by a common bond of wanting to work together to help others, and enjoy times of fellowship together over a bowl of soup or a plate of macaroni and cheese at the end of their shift. Many friendships have been formed in this way over the years and new members are always welcomed to help in the coffee shop or behind the scenes in the kitchen if folk are more comfortable there. We are proud to

offer work experience opportunities for youth organisations, school and college students and those wishing to return to work after a break for

whatever reason. All are welcome. The coffee shop has been ably lead by a Board of Directors, a Management Committee and of course Iris our Manager over the years. New members are always welcome as we want to change and adapt to the changing needs of our Community. New ideas are always welcomed, so what are you waiting for – Come and join us!!!

… staff and volunteers are a

diverse group but all are linked by a

common bond...to help others …

RAG BAGS FOR EPC

Please continue to bag up any old clothing, shoes and handbags for recycling. These can be left in the green bin at the bottom of the stairs in the Kirk Centre. The church receives 40p per kilo for these.

We no longer collect household linens but if you have good quality linens then please offer them to the Nearly New Sales Team.

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CRISP PACKETS FOR HELIMED 79

Help Ellon First Responders support the new Helimed 79, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance that’s coming to Dyce Airport in 2020 to help provide life saving emergency care to the people of the North East! Recycling your crisp packets will reduce waste and earn charitable donations for this good cause. ......................................................................

COLLECTION STATIONS Designated collection containers are now in the entrance to the Kirk Centre. Check the posters for what goes where!

TERRACYCLE

Ellon Parish Church has teamed up with Terracycle to take part in a number of their recycling programmes. We receive a donation by weight of what we send towards our work across Ellon Parish: ELLA KITCHEN PROGRAMME: This collection accepts any brand of baby food pouches including plastic caps, and kiddy snack packet from any brand which Terracycle will separate into their components and recycle them into new creations! COLGATE RECYCLING PROGRAMME: This collection accepts any brand of toothpaste tubes and caps (you don’t need to wash them out but squeeze out as much as possible!), any brand of toothbrush, toothpaste carton, toothbrush outer packaging and any brand of electric/battery toothbrush heads. SWEET WRAPPER RECYCLING PROGRAMME This collection accepts any brand of sweetie pouches, multipack outer plastic packaging, plastic choc block wrappers, individual chocolate bar wrappers

Girls’ Brigade Scotland is a registered charity N

o SCO 109080

1st Ellon Girls Brigade

All girls and young women are welcome at Girls’ Brigade no matter who they are, where they’re from. Our members come from diverse backgrounds but what is important is that each girl is unique and has the opportunity to learn, make friends, try new challenges and grow into strong confident young women during their GB experience.

Friday evenings (term time) | 6:30pm - 8pm | Ellon Parish Kirk Centre Explorers (P1-3) | Juniors (P4-7) | Brigaders (S1-S6)

Contact: Calaidh Reid (GB Captain) on ellongirlsbrigade@gmail.com

SCRIPTURE UNION CAMP

Elena Noble, recently baptised at Ellon Parish Church, tells us about recent adventures at SU Camps

Hello, my name is Elena Noble and I attended two SU camps. This is my experience. When I got to my first SU Camp In May in Alltnacriche I got my dorm (which if you have a friend going you can ask on a letter you put in to be in the same dorm which is great) which are amazing. We then played a fun game, had supper and went to bed. There are lots of fun and exciting activities to do like wall climbing, zip lining, hill walking and more. The food was also brilliant. We also got a “Dear Theo” book because that’s what we were studying. You also do not have to be a Christian. It was a very good use of money.

On my second SU camp I went to

Lendrick Muir in the summer. It was the same routine but more activities like tree climbing, raft building (with actually going on the water!) , canoeing, kayaking, the giant swing (which you and another person and in a harness then other people pull on a rope which brings you higher than Ellon Parish Church!) and more. You may also have a day trip I got to go swimming and shopping. You also may have to help with the dishes but it is worth it! I am also getting ready for another camp in the October holidays. I had an amazing time on my SU camps and excited for another one! More info on SU groups & camps: www.suscotland.org.uk

ELLON PARISH CHURCH BASICS BARN

Nicola Bruce shares some recent developments of the Ellon Parish Church foodbank.

When we came to Ellon Parish Church we found once a month a shopping trolley would appear in the church. As folks gathered for the service it would become fuller and fuller with all sorts of foods and toiletries and during the service was brought to the front along with the offerings plates. This collective offering would be prayed over thanking God for His provision and praying for wisdom for it’s use. Offerings of money I’ve seen in every church – gifts towards the ongoing work of the church or “tithes” giving a portion of income to the life and work of the church, but a shopping trolley was a new one to me! Turns out this was the monthly donations to Ellon Parish Church Foodbank. It was started by our Mission group and Tina, one of the volunteers, explained to me, “we just quietly help folk that are needing a hand”.

Our foodbank, recently named “Basics Barn” gives help to any who find themselves in need of a hand regardless of faith, background, circumstance. With an estimated 1 in 4 children in Scotland recognised as living in poverty, Scotland’s wages rising at a lower rate of inflation, the downturn in the oil industry, difficulties in agriculture...we’d be foolish to think Ellon is exempt from needs. For some, a glitch puts them into a time of need: shifting of benefits system, glitch in a pay system, caught in a debt cycle, dip in the housing market coupled with redundancy can leave folks trapped in accommodation they can’t afford, relationship breakdown, unexpected expense, sudden change in circumstance....the list goes on. What we know is that whether it’s on the surface or not folk find themselves struggling. More folks that you think, closer to you than you imagine. But did you know, we can help?

“We know folks have needs, and we know we can help, it’s just a matter of getting the help to the folks who need it!” This was said by one of our volunteers when Basics Barn first started and it was said again recently. In response to the love of God, Ellon Parish Church seeks to be a people of meaningful faith, meaningful

community and meaningful witness. Ellon Parish Church is a generous church willing to help where help is needed. But do folks know we can help? In the aftermath of the flooding in Ellon in 2016 our community rallied to support folks affected and very much among them were generous and loving folk in Ellon Parish Church. Seeing that generosity to find what folk need first hand gave me hope for our church and it’s ability to care for our community. Folks are willing not just to give food, but to support in whatever folks need. It was no surprise to me to see a Comfort Cupboard appear in the entrance to the Kirk Centre this summer. This is a nation wide initiative giving folks access to essentials they may not be able to afford, particularly in schools. Having a resource in school is great, until it’s the school holidays! So we now have a Basics Barn Comfort Cupboard, available whenever the Kirk Centre is open (which is a lot!) and to whomever finds themselves with a

need. It could be food, toiletries, sanitary items, pencils, the essentials so many of us take for granted. But what about a family that find themselves short of school uniform? Or the extras like a painting apron? What about the couple suddenly facing redundancy and unsure if they are allowed to ask for help? Surely that’s for other people?

Well between our Nearly New Sale and Basics Barn we are here to help. So how can you find us? Or where can you point folks? Well, Edith in the Ellon Parish Kirk Centre office can connect you: 01358 725690 or

info@ellonparishchurch.co.uk or if it’s a weekend you can text 07711223100. The Comfort Cupboard is available whenever you see the Kirk Centre doors open and a new initiative is coming on Saturday 9th November and 18th January with a Basics Barn stall at our Nearly New Sale. The stall will have information as well as food and toiletries available on an “honesty box” policy: give what you can afford. We all need help from time to time in different ways. So if you find yourself needing a hand or if you find a friend needing a hand get it touch. We’d love to hear from you and we’d love to help. Tear out the Basics Barn advert from this magazine and pass on!

…we know folks have needs and we know we can help,

its just a case of getting the help to

the folk that need!…

Ellon Parish Church is an artistic and creative place. Not only do we have beautiful and quite unique stained glass windows, a variety of musical styles but also wonderful flowers. Every Sunday morning there are at least 2 vases or arrangements of flowers in the church to enhance our worship. But did you know these are also part of our Pastoral Care Ministry? After the service members of our Flower Team wrap the bunches ready for delivery to folks in times of celebration and of sadness. A team of deliverers take turns to take the flowers out around the parish and beyond, depending on the needs that have been identified by Rev Ali. and our Pastoral Care team. We receive cards of thanks letting us know how much it has meant to people to be remembered, known and cared for by this aspect of our ministry. Flowers can be a blessing.

You can be involved in this ministry! The flowers are given by folks on a rota basis, most annually, often on a chosen date near an anniversary or time that is special to them, others are happy to pick any open date. We find to keep up with pastoral needs it would be great to have one more bunch/vase full per week. Would you like to give a bunch? We also have opportunities for deliverers so if you fancy a Sunday drive to be a blessing then delivering flowers is a great way to do it! Do you have a flare with flowers? Our Flower Team decorate the church at Christmas, Easter and Harvest, accompanied this year by our Girls’ Brigade and EPC Fairtrade Team. New members are always welcome! Interested? Let us know 01358 725690 or info@ellonparishchurch.co.uk

ELLON PARISH CHURCH FLOWER MINISTRY

Funerals:

Margaret (Greta) McIntosh William (Bill) Anderson Arthur Brown Stuart Norman Ritchie William (Bill) Davidson Rose Malcolmson Albert (Abbie) Middler David (Dave) Carnegie Lesley Wright Elsie (Ann) Beverley Victor (Icker) Robertson David Reid

Baptisms:

Freya Vanda McDonald (Daughter of Sarah Dingwall & Ian McDonald) Elena Noble (Daughter of Ian and Jillian Noble) Ian Noble New Members: Ian & Jillian Noble

FLOWER MINISTRY

Many thanks to the following for providing flowers since spring to enhance our worship and to bring the comfort of the light of Christ to those in need of support, or with whom we are celebrating:

Mrs P Argo, Mrs N Fraser, Mrs S Beaton, Mrs E Middleton-Booth, Mrs M Ironside, Mrs M Gibson, Mrs E Walker, Mrs M Colvin, Mrs F Grant, Mrs K Thomson, Mrs M Morrison, Mr A Doak, Mrs P Smith, Mrs L Paterson, Mrs D Keith, Mrs S Fraser, Mrs G Gray, Mrs C Bartlet, Mrs J Adie, Mrs J Jones, Mrs M Burnett, Mrs P Morrison, Mrs J Forrest, Mrs A Anderson, Mrs M Duncan, Mrs G Gillan, Miss A Gammack, Mrs M Smith, Mrs M Clarke, Mrs D McKinnon, Mrs M Cantlay, Mrs K Riddell, Mrs A Forster, Mrs M Stevenson, G Burgess & Son, Ms L Smith, Mrs I Shearer, Mrs E Douglas, Mrs C Bartlet

Rosaline Mortimer Johann Davidson Roselin (Rosie) Walker Elizabeth (Betty) Arthur Gladys Skene Margaret Penny Sheila Ann Thomson Robert (Robbie) Noble Alan Hutcheon Gray Alan Harry Gray Michael Pendrick Smith Catherine (Cathy) Urquhart Muriel Middleton Findlater

Agnes (Nessie) Montgomery Edith McHardy Walker Lawrence Smith Meikle Margaret Mutch Gillian Yvonne Rowat Mabel Robertson Brian Smart Allan Gordon Murray Catherine Bruce Eleanor Joan Rowat

CELEBRATION OF LIFE Jesus says: “I am the way and the truth and the life”

CONTACT DETAILS

MINISTRY TEAM

Rev Alastair JS Bruce | Parish Minister | c/o The Kirk Centre, 4 Station Rd, Ellon | t. 01358 723787 | e. abruce@churchofscotland.org.uk | Days off: Saturday and Monday

Peter Cross | Parish Worker (Ministries) | The Kirk Centre, 4 Station Rd, Ellon | e. pcross@churchofscotland.org.uk | t. 01358 725690 | Days Off: Saturday and Monday

Pam Adam | Parish Worker (Children and Families Development) | The Kirk Centre, 4 Station Rd, Ellon | e. padam@churchofscotland.org.uk | t. 01358 725690 | Working days for Ellon: Thursday, Friday and Sunday

Nicola Bruce | Parish Worker (Mission Development) | The Kirk Centre, 4 Station Rd, Ellon | e. nbruce@churchofscotland.org.uk | t. 01358 725690 | Working days: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Rachel Burns| Director of Music | c/o The Kirk Centre, 4 Station Rd, Ellon | e. directorofmusic.epc@gmail.com | 01358 725690

KIRK CENTRE

Edith Walker | Administrator | The Kirk Centre, 4 Station Rd, Ellon | e: info@ellonparishchurch.co.uk | t. 01358 725690 | Working hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 12noon & 12:30pm – 2:30pm