Mission and Discipleship Council e-news Edition No 24, August 2008 Welcome to e-news! We appreciate receiving material for inclusion, with the aim of providing information on events, resources, websites etc that may be of interest to church leaders throughout Scotland. We recognise that some of the Conferences and Events listed are outwith Scotland, but consider it important to keep you abreast of what is happening elsewhere and to offer you the opportunity of accessing additional information through website links. The intention is to be ecumenical, both in content and readership, so please forward e-news to friends and colleagues who may also find it helpful. If introduced to e-news by someone else forwarding it to you, please contact us and we will add you to our distribution list. If you would prefer to be removed from our distribution list, please e-mail “UNSUBSCRIBE E-NEWS” to sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk We’d like to draw your attention to Page 6 of this edition, which gives important information from Postwatch Scotland (the independent customer watchdog for postal services) on proposed Post Office closures. Please read and, if appropriate, respond. Conferences and Events NITEKIRK Retreat from the noise of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe into the NiteKirk, billed as ‘a place of stillness, space to contemplate/meditate/pray, with silence/music/art, a place of welcome, a pause on your journey’. There will be art installations in the Kirk and various singers, choirs, solo instrumentalists and poetry readers will contribute to the sense of sacred space. At 10.30pm there will be a community liturgy and prayers will be said at midnight. 2-8 August, 8pm – 12.30am, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh (Fringe Venue 131). For further information, contact Fiona Fidgin on ffidgin@cofscotland.org.uk To discover more about the vision that lies behind this project, visit www.natkirken.dk/english.htm SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE – EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE EVENTS: * The Man Who Planted Trees Puppet State Theatre Company’s inspiring and comical adaptation of Jean Giono’s eco-story masterpiece is billed as an “unmissable Edinburgh Fringe show for age 7–adult”. 2–24 August (not Mondays), 3pm (55mins), £7.50/£5.00. For further information, visit www.puppetstate.com * Kidnapped: When Kilts Were Banned Two actors take an action-packed journey through RL Stevenson’s ‘Kidnapped’ story. A tale of high adventure, friendship, falling out and growing up – all in the days when kilts were banned – suitable for age 8–adult. 5–24 August (not Mondays), 5pm (45mins), £6.00. To book for both of the above events, taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, contact the Storytelling Centre box office on 0131 556 9579 or reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com For full details of all Fringe shows taking place at the Storytelling Centre, plus other family events for autumn, visit www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk FAITH v ATHEISM DEBATE The New Europe should prefer the New Atheism This is billed as a high-powered head-to-head between Christian apologist John Lennox and ‘new atheist’ Christopher Hitchens – a discussion between a scientist who thinks God is great and a cultural commentator who doesn’t, moderated by James Naughtie. 9 August, 11am – 12.30pm, Usher Hall, Edinburgh. Tickets £10 (£5 for students and school-aged). For further information, visit www.businessmattersedinburgh.com/other-events/ To book, call 0131 473 2000 or visit www.eif.co.uk MASTERCLASS: SHAPING A PROGRAMME To tell one story well is an achievement, but to deliver a storytelling session with variety and pattern is an art. Master storyteller David Campbell will lead a masterclass on the challenges and skills of programme-making. 23 August, 1.30-4.30pm. MASTERCLASS: THE STORYTELLER AS ENTERTAINER Is there an elusive ‘something’ that turns a storyteller into an entertainer? Is it style, character, experience? Michael Kerins, Glasgow’s own international storytelling ambassador, shares his distinctive approach and skills. 24 August, 1.30-4.30pm. For further information on these two events being held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, contact 0131 556 9579, reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com or visit www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk/events/event_retrieve.asp BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SUNDAY is an opportunity for churches to hold a special service to affirm support for the young people and school staff in their local community, and to pray that they will see God at work in their schools. 31 August. For further information and resources, visit www.suscotland.org.uk/prayer SYNAGOGUE OPEN DAY As part of ‘European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage’, Garnethill Hebrew Congregation in Glasgow will be open to the public. This is Scotland's oldest and grandest surviving synagogue, built in 1879. The new premises of the Scottish Jewish Archives will be officially opened as part of the event, and the Jewish Male Voice Choir will perform at 2pm. 7 September, 1.30-4pm, 129 Hill Street, Glasgow G3 6UB. EXPLORING ELDERSHIP is a residential conference for new and prospective Elders, to explore the current vision of the role and expectations of the Eldership. 12-14 September, beginning at 6.45pm on the Friday and finishing with lunch on the Sunday. Carberry Tower, Musselburgh. Cost £150 for single en-suite rooms. For further information, contact Robin McAlpine at rmcalpine@cofscotland.org.uk RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY Migration is a fact of life and every community increasingly reflects more of the diversity of humankind. At many points in the Bible this reality is celebrated in the promise of a banquet to which all the peoples of the world are invited. Resources available for 14 September take up this theme and offer biblical connections and theological themes, questions for discussion, prayers and worship suggestions, activities for young people, suggestions for community events and links to topical challenges. For further information, contact Claire Hurley on 0207 654 7254, Claire.hurley@ctbi.org.uk or visit www.ctbi.org.uk/93 CONTEMPORARY STORYTELLING: THEORY AND PRACTICE This new professional development qualification combines two residential weekends with an individual project inbetween. It is designed for all those in the arts, in education, interpretation and tourism who use storytelling methods and skills in their professional work. Validated by the SQA, the course is a collaboration between the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Newbattle Abbey College. 19-21 September 2008 and 15-17 May 2009, Newbattle Abbey College, Dalkeith. £450 in total for both weekends. To book, contact 0131 663 1921 or office@newbattleabbeycollege.co.uk For further information, visit www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk/events/event_display.asp?id=2303 BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY is an initiative to rekindle church-going among people who have given it up. Members of a congregation invite friends they haven’t seen in church for a while to come to a service with them and the church makes an effort to be especially ‘user friendly’ to visitors. 28 September. For further information on the Back to Church Sunday Scottish Network, contact lindseysanderson@acts-scotland.org or visit www.acts-scotland.org/events/2008events/backtochurchsunday08.shtml THE QUAKER WAY is the title of the latest in the series of Occasional Seminars on the Ecumenical Movement run by ACTS. It will provide an opportunity to explore the origins and practices of Quakerism and to experience the silent, unstructured Quaker Meeting for Worship. 2 October, 10.30am – 4.30pm, Scottish Churches House, 1 Kirk Street, Dunblane FK15 0AJ. £20, including lunch. For further information and to book, contact 01786 823588, reservations@scottishchurcheshouse.org or visit www.acts-scotland.org/downloads/events%20details/quakerway.doc WE DON'T DO GOD – How to avoid losing faith in your community project is the title of a Community Mission Training Day from Livability (the new face of John Grooms and The Shaftesbury Society). Questions to be answered include: Why do some Christian organisations lose their edge? Does receiving secular funding always dilute spiritual purposes? Are there churches that have kept the flame burning? 2 October, St Matthias Church, Burley, Leeds LS4 2DZ. £10 including buffet lunch. Booking is essential. For further information, contact David Arscott on 0113 350 8070, darscott@livability.org.uk or visit www.livability.org.uk A HOME FOR ALL – the voluntary sector contribution is the title of Scottish Churches Housing Action’s annual conference. The main speaker will be Stewart Maxwell MSP, Minister for Communities and Sport, who will address the issue of the substantial role played by the voluntary sector in tackling Scotland’s housing problems, particularly homelessness. 3 October, 10.30am – 1.15pm, followed by lunch. Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. For further information and to book, contact Valerie Sparling on 0131 477 4500, val@churches-housing.org or visit www.churches-housing.org/news.php?id=103 ONE WORLD WEEK (OWW) has changed from pursuing a development education agenda with the Christian Churches and has broadened its perspectives to involve people of many faiths, cultures and ethnicities in its events, management and preparation of resources. OWW is non sectarian and non political. 19-26 October. Suggestions for working together with people of many faiths and cultures can be found at www.oneworldweek.org/content/view/37/48/ A report of a pilot project, ‘Building Local Bridges Together to Address Shared Global Concerns – Pointers for One World Week event organisers for involving people of many faiths in developing OWW events’, can be downloaded from www.oneworldweek.org/images/stories/Layout13.pdf SESSION CLERKS’ CONFERENCE A residential conference for new and prospective Session Clerks. 24-26 October, beginning at 6.45pm on the Friday and finishing with lunch on the Sunday. Carberry Tower, Musselburgh. Cost £150 for single en-suite rooms. For further information, contact Robin McAlpine at rmcalpine@cofscotland.org.uk THREADS The second Local Ecumenical Partnership Gathering will feature workshops, stories and seminars on a pattern of church for today. Those taking part will include The Right Rev Bruce Cameron, The Very Rev Dr Sheilagh Kesting and the Local Collaborative Ministry Team. 1 November, 10am, The Wynd Centre, Oakshaw Trinity Church, Paisley. For further information and to register, contact Lindsey Sanderson on 01259 222361 or lindseysanderson@acts-scotland.org Resources A COMMON WORD BETWEEN US AND YOU document by 138 Muslim scholars * To read a response by Rowan Williams, visit www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/media/word/2/j/A_Common_Word_for_the_Common_Good.doc * Above Us And Between Us Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) has produced a resource for churches and individuals who wish to explore the issues raised by ‘A Common Word…’, develop relations between Christians and Muslims at a local level and deepen awareness of issues between the two religions amongst Christians. Visit www.ctbi.org.uk/CDLBB/302 ADVENT IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS This resource is now available from Action of Churches Together in Scotland, and contains Bible readings, prayer suggestions and hymns to focus/meditate on. Groups may download or purchase a copy to reproduce at source. To download, visit www.acts-scotland.org/downloads/publications/advent08.pdf Hard copies may be ordered (15p each including postage) from Shona Paterson on 01259 222362 or shonapaterson@acts-scotland.org FAITH AND WORSHIP is the title of the Church of Scotland ‘worship on the web’, providing a wide range of prayers, reflections, poems, songs, drama and other worship material. Included are the popular Pray Now and Starters for Sunday, along with Prayer Focus, Thoughts for the Day and Worship in Scots. To view the full range of resources, visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/ RACIAL JUSTICE Resource materials are now available for use at times of the year other than Racial Justice Sunday, including Black History Month (October), Advent (December) and next year’s summer holiday season. Under each heading, there is a menu of worship materials, sermon ideas, discussion questions and suggestions for practical responses to the issues raised. In addition to a 32-page booklet, a wealth of additional resources – including prayer cards, flyers and posters – is available. For further information, contact Claire Hurley on 0207 654 7254, Claire.hurley@ctbi.org.uk or visit www.ctbi.org.uk/93 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND DIARY 2009 An indispensable guide to the year ahead, this offers all you would expect from a diary with a clear and easy-to-use layout, plus many additional features including vital dates in the Church calendar, Scottish public holidays and weekly passages for reflection, from poetry to Bible commentary and prayers to proverbs. £8.99. Available to order from 22 August at www.churchofscotland.org.uk/shop/catalog/ Rural Church GOD’S OWN COUNTRY is a practical resource for rural churches. Prepared by the Church of Scotland for use by all Christian denominations in Scotland, the aim is to affirm, encourage and inspire rural Christian congregations to feel confident in their role as faith-sharers in the local community. The easy-to-use resource pack – designed by rural people for rural people – contains a Community Value Toolkit with a wide range of supporting discussion material and project ideas. £6.99, including postage. For further information and to order (payment can be made by credit card or cheque), contact Sheila Reeves on 0131 225 5722, sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk or order online at www.madstuff.biz VALUE ADDED CHURCH – the role of the church in rural community life is the title of the Mission and Discipleship Council Rural Church Conference, which will consider how rural congregations can impact on their communities and also provide an occasion to share together, which previous attendees have found extremely useful. Besides speakers, the programme will include a choice of workshops, and the Regional Development Officers will lead worship and provide chaplaincy. Presbyteries have been invited to send a specific number of delegates, and additional places are available for any other paying participants at a subsidised rate of £55. 31 October – 1 November, lunchtime-lunchtime, Tulliallan Police College, Kincardine-on-Forth. For further information, contact Sheila Reeves on 0131 225 5722 or sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk To download a registration form, visit www.resourcingchurches.org.uk/downloads/conferences-and-events/74.html Vacancies / Help Required YOUTH FOR CHRIST are currently recruiting for their Year Out programme and have a number of opportunities for young people aged 17-25 with a passion to share their faith via Youthwork, Sports or Creative Arts. For further information, contact Linda or Alan on 0141 552 5111 or visit www.yfcone.com Trusts/Funding BREBNER BEQUEST provides funding for local youthwork projects. GLASGOW & WEST COAST MISSION provides funds for the promotion of Christianity in needy districts of West Highlands and Gaelic speakers in Glasgow. Enquiries and requests for application forms for the above trusts should be directed to Rev Douglas Nicol, dnicol@cofscotland.org.uk or his PA, Mrs Eva Elder, eelder@cofscotland.org.uk PARISH DEVELOPMENT FUND All over Scotland there are congregations who have found that they are able to do what they never thought they could do because of money which they have received from the General Assembly through the Parish Development Fund. For further information, contact Amy Norton on 0131 225 5722, anorton@cofscotland.org.uk or visit http://churchofscotland.org.uk/councils/pdfund/index.htm Some Websites to Explore www.glasgowchurches.org.uk Glasgow Churches Together was formed in 1988 as part of the Glasgow Garden Festival celebrations, and continues as an ecumenical forum and focus for activities. www.iona.org.uk The Iona Community is a dispersed Christian ecumenical community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship. www.nightchurch.org.uk NightChurch is an initiative of Exeter Cathedral and the Diocese of Exeter. It is “a growing bunch of friends trying to follow Christ in a messy world”. www.putyourfaithinaction.org Faith in Action (also known as “Don’t go to church Sunday”) is a 4-week, church-wide campaign in America that creates “an outward focus and a heart to serve”. Faith in Action culminates in a Sunday when regular services are cancelled and the entire congregation engages in service projects in, and with, the community. For information on a trial of this initiative in the Portsmouth Diocese of the Church of England, contact tim.jessiman@ntlworld.com www.scriptureunion.org.uk for the latest resources to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. FINALLY … Please forward details of future events and resources/websites to highlight for inclusion in the September 2008 edition of the Mission and Discipleship e-news, by Friday 29 August 2008, to Sheila Reeves at sreeves@cofscotland.org.uk Post Office Closure Programme Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire 44 proposed closures and 7 proposals to replace post offices with outreach services Post Office Ltd’s 6-week public consultation on post office closures in Ayrshire, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire, commenced on 22 July 2008. Post Office Ltd has proposed the closure of 44 branches in this area, replacing a further 7 branches with outreach services. This will leave in place 247 post offices continuing to serve customers in the plan area. Here are Postwatch Scotland’s initial views on the proposals and their role in the weeks ahead. Post Office Ltd’s public consultation in this area covers the following Westminster parliamentary constituencies: Airdrie & Shotts; Ayr, Carrick & Cumnock East; Central Ayrshire; Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill; Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East; East Kilbride, Strathaven & Lesmahagow; Inverclyde; Kilmarnock & Loudon; Lanark & Hamilton; Motherwell & Wishaw; North Ayrshire & Arran; Paisley & Renfrewshire North; Paisley & Renfrewshire South; Rutherglen & Hamilton West. Eleven weeks before the start of public consultation, Postwatch Scotland received Post Office Ltd’s plans for this area on a confidential basis. They scrutinised these and commented on their proposals. As a result of this engagement, Post Office Ltd has amended the list of post offices it is proposing to close in this area. As prescribed by the United Kingdom Government, their focus was on whether Post Office Ltd’s proposals met the minimum access criteria for post offices, which aim to ensure communities are within a reasonable distance from a post office. They also examined whether local factors such as public transport arrangements, relevant topographical features, demographics and the impact on the local economy had been properly considered. Following their scrutiny of the proposals, Post Office Ltd has made a number of adjustments to the plan, which Postwatch Scotland welcomes. However, they still have some concerns. (Full details can be found in their letter to Post Office Ltd which is on Postwatch Scotland’s pages of www.postwatch.co.uk). Their final position will be informed by customers’ responses to Post Office Ltd. They are therefore keen that customers express their views on these proposals. Postwatch Scotland wants customers and their representatives to express their opinions about all Post Office Ltd’s proposals. In particular, they urge representatives and customers to give their views to Post Office Ltd on how they will access alternative post offices in the event of Post Office Ltd’s proposals going ahead. In particular they would suggest that they provide Post Office Ltd with factual information about the impact for them of increased distance to travel and the availability of public transport to reach alternative post office branches. They also want customers to give their views to Post Office Ltd about the ability of remaining post offices to accommodate the increased numbers of customers in the event of Post Office Ltd’s proposed closures. Postwatch Scotland will be working throughout the consultation period to ensure the exercise is meaningful. Post Office Ltd should use the consultation as an opportunity to engage with customers to set out clearly the proposed changes, and be responsive to feedback. Likewise, Postwatch Scotland will be working to encourage customer participation to be constructive, as this will help secure a better outcome for customers. At the end of the consultation period, they will write to Post Office Ltd to set out their final view. This letter will be publicly available on their website www.postwatch.co.uk Postwatch Scotland hopes you will be able to give your views on the proposals to Post Office Ltd. This can be done by writing to National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM or emailing consultation@postoffice.co.uk If possible, Postwatch Scotland would be grateful if you could also provide them with a copy of your response, either via email to scotland@postwatch.co.uk or by post to: Tricia Dow Postwatch Scotland 9-10 St Andrews Square EDINBURGH EH2 2AF