Magazine - Liberton Kirk...cold callers and questionnaires, and when people’s reactions to statistical information tend to range from avid interest to suspicion and even hatred

September 2010 1 December 2012 page 1

Magazine

December 2012

January 2013

No 617

‘Our aim is to draw closer to

God and to each other, so that, through us, He can

make known to all people the joys and challenges of

following Jesus’ Vision

Statement 2009

libertonkirk.net

2 Liberton Kirk Magazine No.596 Page 2 Liberton Kirk Magazine No.617

page Bethany 8 Bible Marathon 19 Bible Readings for the month 6 Cafes 22 Caring Christmas Trees 8/9 Change of Address form 34 Christmas Service details back cover Congregational News 13 Crèche Rota 21 Crossword 14 Crossword - November answers 34 December Dairy 16 Elder’s Sunday Duties 21 February Diary 19 Flowers 15 Francesco Ghirxi 20 Fresh Start 7 & 9 Guild News 7 Higgs Boson 23 January Diary 17 Liberton Kirk Halls Availability 25 Liberton Names and addresses 35 Life and Work 12 Messy Church 13 Minister’s letter 3 Mortonhall House History 26 Neighbourhood Scheme 33 Our page 5

Places for People Scotland 24 SEECAT events 13 Senior Citizens 12 Souper Sunday 11 Street Pastors 10/11 Student Hospitality 11 Take time to Pray 2 Useful ‘phone numbers 33 Try Scrabble 20 Web Addresses 33 Welcome Desk Rota 15 Youth Report 4

Adverts Alan Johnstone Plumber 3 1 Bluebird Care 30 Capricorn 32 Cello Lessons 27 Happy Pets 27 HCC Electrical 29 Home Instead 32 John Cameron Blacksmith 28 Julie Bell Piano Care 29 Lemon Squeezy Driving School 30 Local Garden Services 27 Soup Pot 28 Toddlers Groups 31

page

Take Time to Pray

Web Address www.libertonkirk.net Scottish Charity Number SC011602

of compassion, You sent Jesus to proclaim a time of mercy reaching out to those who had no voice, releasing those trapped by their own shame, and welcoming those scorned by society.

us ambassadors of reconciliation. Open our ears that we may listen with respect and understanding. Touch our lips that we may speak your words of peace and forgiveness. Warm our hearts that we may bring wholeness to the broken-hearted and dissolve the barriers of division.

the work of your Church and renew us with the Spirit of your love. Help us and all people shape a world where all will have a place, where the flames of hatred are quenched, and where all can grow together as one.

, restore and strengthen us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Page 2 Liberton Kirk Magazine No.617


One of the main reasons I love a candle is because its flickering flame is so beautiful and yet so vulnerable – it can so easily be put out. It is for this reasons that candles and Christmas go so well together. Listen again to these words of Graham Kendrick.

Like a candle flame, flickering small in our darkness Uncreated light shines through infant eyes Stars and angels sing, yet the earth sleeps in shadows Can this tiny spark set a world on fire? God is with us, Alleluia Come to save us, Alleluia, Alleluia Jesus is the vulnerable face of God

– ruler of all creation, yet small and helpless in a manger. From him the light of hope shines out in the dark-ness, offering us a choice – either ac-ceptance or rejection. To reject him is to turn back to the darkness. To ac-cept him is to accept the possibility of his light spreading through our lives and his hope burning ever brighter in the world around us.

Yet this light shall shine from our lives, Spirit blazing As we touch the flame of his holy fire God is with us, Alleluia Come to save us, Alleluia, Alleluia

May the Light of the World shine ever brighter in your life throughout the season of Advent and beyond, into the year to come. With much love

From the Minister

We live in the age of research, when we are constantly bombarded by cold callers and questionnaires, and when people’s reactions to statistical information tend to range from avid interest to suspicion and even hatred. But here is one statistic that has the potential to perplex us all.

Why is this so, when electricity

provides all the light we need at the flick of a switch? Is it because we long for a simpler age, when the only source of light available was one that flickered in the darkness? To anyone who had to live through the blackouts of the 70’s, (when coal shortages caused by the miners’ strike led to power shortages on a nationwide scale), you will know just how boring this was. If all you have is candle light, then you can’t see very well, you can’t do all that much, and if you are not

careful, you will strain your eyes into the bargain. No, it’s not for sentimental reasons, or for practical ones that we love candles, it goes far deeper than that. John

Drane, the main speaker at this month’s annual conference for churches

in South East Edinburgh, came up with a much better reason. He thought it was more to do with the sense that the candle flame has a ‘life of its own’, not dependant on anything else. This, he suggests, is why its glow has the ability to quieten and comfort, inspire and encourage, and lift our spirits.

From the Minister

What’s so special about candles?


Youth Report from Andy

It is such a delight to see how seriously some of our teens are taking the idea of regularly reading their Bible and trying to understand it for themselves. Since returning from Powis Young Life camp in July, Alex has helped to co-ordinate two new Sunday evening Bible Studies. We call them Connec-tions Groups. The boys meet in McDonalds and the girls meet in Andy and Nyree’s house.

The other great joy of these groups is that they are run with the help of all local churches, so the maximum number of young people can benefit from the momentum many of them started to build over the summer. The Young Life study material that Alex has sourced for us is relevant and very encouraging.

Our Sunday Morning Crazy Crosses group, for young people aged 11-14 is on fire just now! We have created our own programme for the term by letting the members ask their hardest questions. They have been TOUGH and DEEP! And as leaders have answered, as best we can, our young people have engaged so well with topics such as Creation, The Trinity, and Do we still see miracles?

Now we have set THEM the challenge- a multi-media presentation on what they have been studying. Let’s see what they have learnt. We can’t wait to show you the results, so watch out in the Kirk Halls!

It’s been amazing to see how well pupils at Gracemount High School have re-sponded to the return of the weekly lunch hall quiz there. We find this such a great way to mix with hundreds of pupils and catch up on their news. All 50 quizzes are snapped up every week. We usually get most back from pupils and staff. All are anxious to win a Young Life sports drinks bottle!

The quiz is going so well in Gracemount that we are going to launch a test quiz in Liberton, making the most of their newly refurbished social area. Please pray that this develops as positively, as we don’t know so many pupils

there this year.

Preparations are well under way for our Christmas Services and Parties- Yay! I love the Peace Light Service, run by the Scouts. If you’ve been, you’ll know the special atmosphere generated by the light from Bethlehem and by the expectant families that demon-strate their dedication to the cause of world peace. If you haven’t been yet- come and dedicate yourself to a


wonderful cause by taking part in a gently but moving act of worship. Christingle - I may show my home movie about how to make a Christingle again this year. Whether or not I do, it’ll be a gem in your family Christmas crown!

Sometimes when people tell you

a story, it doesn’t really mean as much as it would if you could see it for yourself. St Francis of Assisi had often preached about that very first Christmas in Bethlehem with the animals round the manger and the baby lying on a bed of straw. But he wanted the story to come alive for his congregation. In the year 1223 he had a brilliant idea and planned a very special surprise for Christmas Eve.

Instead of the sermon in church, Francis led the people to a cave. There, to their amazement, was a manger set out with a doll in it, and all around were real animals who watched while Francis told the old story with a new meaning, because people could now see it for them-selves. The idea grew each year, soon they used a real baby in the crib (an orphan with no home be-cause someone would then willingly take in the ‘Christ-baby’). And still today, churches and homes every-where put up their cribs, and wonder anew at the story of God come down to earth, a child like us.

A nice present to make for someone you love. Cut strips of paper out of Christmas wrapping paper. Each strip 6" (15 cm) long and 3/4" (2 cm) at the widest part. Cut these strips into long triangle shapes so that the tip of the paper is narrower than the base. Put widest end of the paper strip onto a knitting needle or pencil and begin to wrap it round itself. When you get close to the end, add a very small dab of glue and press it down. Slide the bead off the knitting needle. Repeat. Let the beads dry. Thread the beads onto string or yarn and then tie to make a necklace. You can also make longer lengths into garlands to decorate the Christmas tree. Use plain colours or the shiny pages of magazines to make beads for all year round.

A snow mobile.

Fear of Santa


Bible Readings for November

Week beginning 6th January 2013

Psalm 96: 1-13 Isaiah 42: 10-17 Acts: 16: 16-35 Ephesians 5: 15-21 Colossians 3: 12-17

Week beginning 16th December

Luke 2: 1-7 Luke 2: 8-14 Luke 2: 15-18 Luke 2: 19-20 Isaiah 61: 1-3 John 14: 6-11 Philippians 2: 5-11

Week beginning 23rd December

Luke 2: 21-24 Luke 2: 25-35 Luke 2: 36-38 Luke 2: 39-40 Exodus 13: 1-16 Luke 4: 1-13 Luke 4: 14-21

Week beginning 13th January

Psalm 78: 1-7 Matthew 26: 26-30 John 13: 31-38 John 15: 9-16 Romans 13: 8-14 Ephesians 6: 1-9 1 John 3: 16-24

Week beginning 9th December

Judges 6: 1-10 Judges 6: 11-19 Judges 6: 20-26 Judges 6: 27-30 Judges 6: 31-35 Judges 6: 36-40 Hebrews 11: 32-40

Week beginning 2nd December

Psalm 33: 1-22 Isaiah 9: 1-7 Isaiah 11: 1-9 Luke 1 1-25 Luke 1: 26-38 Romans 8: 18-39 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

? Week beginning 30th December

Luke 2: 41-46 Luke 2: 47-48 Luke 2: 49-51 Luke 3: 21-23a John 2: 13-17 2 Corinthians 5: 17-19 Revelation 5: 1-10


Psalm 51: 1-15 Isaiah 40: 9-18 Ezekiel 18: 23-32 Joel 2: 12-13 Matthew 5: 1-16 2 Corinthians 4: 1-18 Hebrews 4:12-16


Jeremiah 31 Matthew 26 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 2 Corinthians 3: 1-18 Hebrews 8: 10-13 Hebrews 12: 1-17 Hebrews 12: 18-24

Week beginning 3rd February

Joshua 24: 14-27 Psalm 16: 1-11 Jeremiah 10: 23-25 Jonah 2: 1-10 Luke 10: 25-37 John 3: 1-21 1 Corinthians 15: 1-23


Guild

On Monday 3rd December our speakers are Ruth Davies and Linda Wright who will be talking about the Missing Generation 20-40.

Wednesday 12th December is the afternoon Christmas Party, followed on Monday 17th December by the evening Christmas Party. We begin the new year on Monday 7th January with Jane Freshwater’s talk entitled A Walk Through the Botanics. On Wednesday 16th January Olivia Giles – Prosthetics for African Children – will give a talk entitled 500 Miles, and on Monday 21st

January, Veronica and Geoffrey Craig will be telling us about their experiences Raising a Family in Japan. On Monday 4th February Carol Finlay will speak on one of the National Guild Projects Out of Africa into Malta Blythswood Care Christmas shoebox appeal

We had an excellent response to the Shoebox Appeal, thanks in no small way to your generosity. Thank you for joining us in the fun of wrapping, packing and sending gift-filled shoeboxes to children and

adults in need. By filling a box you give a uniquely personal gift of practical aid to a stranger in need – and you bring a smile, too, as they realise that someone cares for them. We hope to take part in this Appeal again next year to bring the joy of Christmas to children and adults in the poorest parts of the world.

As the next magazine is not until next February, this is prior notice that our will be held on from 10 am

to 12 noon. Moira Cocksedge

Fresh Start

I am delighted to let you know that has volunteered to be

the new co-ordinator for Liberton Kirk with Fresh Start. Jacqui is Kathleen Donald’s daughter-in-law and was very keen to take up the post, as Kathleen had been the Kirk’s first co-ordinator. Jacqui is very approachable and I know she will carry forward the great reputation we have for providing large quantities of good quality goods. She will take up her duties from January 2013. I ask you all to support her as well as you have me over the years. My thanks go to Sylvia Bennett has agreed to organise the linen packing group which continues to meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Please pick up a copy of the Annual report from the welcome desks – there are lots of interesting articles. Finally, I thank you all so much for the wonderful donations which you have given to Fresh Start and, as Brucy says,” Keeeeeeeep giving”.

Catriona White >Jacqui Donald, 440 2373, Mob 07960 704 816, Email [email protected]

W o r k i n g t o e n d h o m e l e s s n e s s


Bethany

As winter approaches again we all wonder how cold and wet it will be, but for most of us the weather is not much more than an uncomfortable nuisance something to be faced when we head outside for a while and to be looked at on the TV when we are warm inside our homes. However

for those who have no home the weather becomes a major factor and something to be feared. Fortunately for these people there are a number of agencies working to relieve their situation and not just in

the winter. Liberton Kirk is closely associated with the which started in Edinburgh

in 1983. Its aim is “Giving homeless and vulnerable people hope and a future”.

and the Edinburgh City Mission run a Care Van in Edinburgh 363 nights of the year, providing

soup, rolls, coffee and tea and is staffed entirely by volunteers from churches around Edinburgh. The Liberton Kirk co-ordinator for this is Adrian de Luca (contact details on next page) and he organises a team each month for this purpose, and volunteers are always welcome. Then, from November to April,

organises a Night Shelter where rough sleepers can get a hot meal and bed and breakfast. City Centre churches provide the space for this on a rotat-ing basis, and around 80 churches in and around the city provide catering teams to prepare and serve the evening meal. Liberton Kirk has been asked to provide a catering team on Wednesday January 9th 2013. Anyone interested in joining this should contact the co-ordinator Geoff Craig (contact details below). �� The first ever opened its doors for a two week trial

over the Christmas period in 1996. It’s been going strong ever since! �� There were two life-saving Care Shelters run by over the winter

2011/12 in Scotland; one in Edinburgh and the other in Aberdeen in part-nership with Aberdeen City Council.

�� The Edinburgh shelter costs around £110,000 to operate for five months, funded by voluntary donations, charitable trust fundraising and

sales alone.

The Tree Order Hotline is 0845 111 8733, and the lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Trees can also be ordered online

through the website: www.caringchristmastrees.com. There are six collection points in Edinburgh, including Cameron Toll.

Order yours now


if you want to collect on Friday 7th/Saturday 8th December, is 12 noon on rd

If you want to collect on Friday 14th/Saturday 15th December, the deadline is 12 noon on th .

and other agencies work the year round to help vulner-able people move forward, and great support is given to such people to find accommodation and to access skills which help them move out of difficult circumstances.

For example Edinburgh charity was established in 1997 to provide a range of services that support the re-settlement of homeless people in the community. Liberton Kirk folk already

provide regular support to this charity through the donation of all kinds of household items and in sorting and preparing kits for the homes. Fresh Start also provide a decorating service called the ‘Hit Squad’. This con-sists of teams of volunteers who work alongside new tenants to decorate up to two rooms in their home. The tenant chooses the colour scheme with all paint and equipment provided by Fresh Start. This is an invaluable service as it helps to make the new tenant feel more comfortable in their new home and hopefully use their new decorating skills to paint more rooms. To achieve this Fresh Start's decorating service is now recruiting for new volunteers. All you require is basic DIY skills and heaps of enthusiasm to help folk who have endured homelessness and are moving into their own tenancies. If you are able to spare time during the working week and want to make a last-ing difference in someone’s life please contact Fresh Start: tel 0131 476 7741. For more info go to www.freshstartweb.org.uk Geoff Craig

: Adrian de Luca, tel 666 0357, email: [email protected]

Geoff Craig, tel 664 5115, email: [email protected]

www.caringchristmastrees.com

supplies and kit preparations: Jacqui Donald, tel 440 2373 Mob 07960 704 816, Email [email protected] ( see page 7 ED) Fresh Start decorating service: tel 476 7741 www.freshstartweb.org.uk


Street Pastors

May I update you on one aspect of the partnership between Street Pastors (SPs) and local congregations?

Street Pastors are on the streets to “listen care and help”, working in an unconditional way. We seek to respond to the needs of people by listening, and if individuals require more help than can be offered that night, by referring them to the agency appropriate to the need they express, e.g. housing, or Citizen Advice.

The good news of Jesus is at the heart of what we do and why we do it, though not at the forefront of what we say. People frequently express a spiri-tual need or ask questions about the Christian faith; more than can be met on the street. With some the presenting issue is a need to “belong”, with others it may be an unfortunate experience of church, others will cringe never having been inside a church, while still others require someone who is aware of apologetics. All need an ongoing experience of the love of God in Jesus.

With such folk we wish to follow the same referral pattern by referring them to the appropriate agency - local congregations. While each congregation is different, it is important that those referred will feel welcomed and be looked after appropriately.

We do value people remembering us in prayer. Also if there are any mem-bers of your congregation who may be interested in becoming Street Pastors do mention it to the coordinator. Printed below are some personal reflections on the value of Street Pastors. We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely, Sandy Gunn, Director

I have found Street Pastors helpful as a way . . . . . . of representing Jesus in the public arena at a time when secularists seek to marginalise Christians. Street Pastors represent Jesus on the streets. They show God’s love, helping to change the image folk have of the Chris-tian faith. . . . of bringing together Christians of all denominations. While all too often interdenominational events are meetings, in SPs they actually meet and learn from each other . . . of training Christian to listen care and help. - As SPs never raise the Christian faith, there can be no question of proselytising. But because peo-ple do not feel “got at” and see that we are there for their sake, they regu-larly ask spiritual questions, in which case SPs answer in a way which is both appropriate to individual needs and authentic to the gospel, both gracious and memorable. . . . of resourcing congregations - Sometimes it is thought that para-church organisations drain resources from local congregations. Far from detracting from local congregations, SPs work in partnership with them, providing training and experience which is of great value in the ongoing life and work of congregations. It is infectious operational in-service. It helps praying folk realise that while mission is global it is also local!


. . . of learning to depend on God operationally - Prayer before going out on the streets and the knowl-edge that specific people are praying mean a great deal. It is an exciting privilege to sense God working in and through us.

[email protected]

Student Hospitality for Overseas Students

The number of students who applied for the Hospitality scheme this year is overwhelming. Indeed, over 550 students applied.

Unfortunately, we were unable to find a host/host family for all of them but we did manage to find hosts for around 70 students. Our icebreaker event was on 9 October and I am pleased to say it was a great success! Hosts and students had a great time!

Ideally, I would like to organise another icebreaker event for semester 2 but I need to find enough new hosts (at least 20 to 30). At the moment I only managed to get around half a dozen new potential hosts, and I am not sure I will manage to get enough host on time for the start of semester 2.

The Hospitality scheme offers local “hosts” to help new students settle into life at the University and in a new country, and requires as little or as much time commitment as you’re willing to give. This can range from weekly meet-ings over a coffee or a meal with a student(s), helping them to get involved with any interests you may have, or even having them round to your house for a Christmas meal during the festive period.

www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/student-life/hospitality I am currently reviewing our Host application form and should get the up-

dated version available really soon. If we do not manage to get enough new hosts for semester 2, we would still

love to have you on board for next academic year! I look forward to hearing from you, if you would like to help with this scheme.

If you would like any more information on what the scheme entails, do please let me know, regards,

Laurianne Giteau, The Presbytery of Edinburgh, 10 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AA, 0131 225 9137 - 07825 53 57 57

Will you help to change the World a

spoonful at a time ?

Liberton Kirk will once again have a on 3rd February in aid of the Church

of Scotland’s HIV Programme. A soup and bread lunch will be available in the Recreation Hall at 12.30pm – put the date in your diaries


The December issue contains articles on

From Texas to Taiwan, Christians tell us how they celebrate Christmas. Christmas reflec-tions from the Moderator and Ron Ferguson.

An introduction to Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland

The Scottish churchman who signed the American Declaration of Independence.

Jackie Macadam meets a Fort William minister with a gift for intricate model making.

A Church of Scotland gathering to pray for peace in Syria

John R Hume considers the merits of the High Kirk in Dunoon.

In the final part of his series examining those mentioned only once by Paul, the Rev Billy McMillan considers Persis.

Concluding his series on Jesus’ welcome, Robin Hill turns to the Gospel of John and thirst for life in Christ.

The Very Rev Dr James Simpson ponders the significance of our latent yearnings.

all the regular columnists, letters, reviews and crosswords – all for just £1.80

View from the Pew is your chance to have your say on anything relevant to the Church of Scotland – and we pay £100 to your church if we use it. Send 550 words to Life and Work, 121 George Street, EH2 4YN or email to [email protected]

Senior Citizens Club

We look forward to meeting members and friends on Thursday afternoons from 2 to 4 pm in the Anderson Hall, Kirk Centre, Kirkgate. (Doors open at 1pm).

entertains us on 6th December, and on 13th we have our Christmas Party, with at the piano. Our New Year Party is on 10th January, and on 17th, we welcome for a return visit. We hold our Burns Dinner on 24th January, with entertain-ment from , and look forward to hearing from the

on 7th February. A warm welcome awaits senior citizens and their friends at our meetings. Mrs P Grant, President.


If you have any items of interest about members, or their friends, that you would like to share, please pass details to the Editor, for inclusion

in the Congregational News section of the Magazine.

Congregation News

Only one item this month, and I am sorry to have to record the death of , Inch View Care Home, Gilmerton Road. My sympathies go out to all his relatives and friends.

CALLING ALL FAMILIES! The first Messy Church of the new year will be held on

Saturday 26th January, from 4pm to 6pm in the Kirk Centre. If you know any young families who don’t come to church on Sundays and who might perhaps find

Saturday teatime easier to manage, please let them know about Messy Church. There will be flyers on the Welcome Desks in the new year. Ruth Davies 664 3608 (MessyChurch Logo © BRF 2012)

SEECAT Events

The full programme for the year up to summer 2012 for South East Edinburgh Churches Acting Together is on an orange card, available for anyone interested from the Welcome Desks in church. Events coming up in the next two months are given below:

We sing carols to shoppers at Morrisons in Gilmerton Road on Saturday 22nd December from 12 noon to 1pm. Come and join in!

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is usually held across Britain between 18th and 25th January, and our dates are as follows:

Monday 21st January, 2pm at St. Barnabas’, 4 Moredun Park View Tuesday 22nd January, 7pm at St. Catherine’s Wednesday 23rd January, 2pm at Liberton Northfield Thursday 24th January, 7pm at St. Gregory’s, Walter Scott Avenue

The Monday to Wednesday services last about half an hour. The Thursday service (the main get-together) will be a little longer and will be followed by refreshments. If you can’t go to the services, please pick up a green prayer card from the Welcome Desks in January, and follow the scripture readings and prayers for the week at home. The theme for the week is “What does God require of us?” Ruth Davies (tel. 664 3608)


Across 1 The blind receive sight, the — walk’ (Luke 7:22) (4) 3 Got (Philippians 3:12) (8) 8 Leave out (Jeremiah 26:2) (4) 9 Castigated for using dishonest scales (Hosea 12:7) (8) 11 Weighty (1 John 5:3) (10) 14 ‘Now the serpent was more — than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made’ (Genesis

3:1) (6) 15 ‘Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot — God’ (Romans 8:8) (6) 17 Because Israel lacked one of these, tools had to be sharpened by the Philistines (1 Samuel

13:19) (10) 20 In his vision of the two eagles and the vine, this is how Ezekiel

described the latter (Ezekiel 17:8) (8) 21 Rite (anag.) (4) 22 Nine gigs (anag.) (8) 23 ‘The eye cannot say to the — , “I don’t need you”’ (1 Corinthians

12:21) (4) Down 1 ‘Flee for your lives! Don’t — — , and don’t stop anywhere in the plain!’ (Genesis 19:17) (4,4) 2 Principal thoroughfare (Numbers 20:19) (4,4) 4 ‘The tax collector... beat his — and said, “God have mercy on me, a sinner”’ (Luke 18:13) (6) 5 ‘The zeal of the Lord Almighty will — this’ (2 Kings 19:31) (10) 6 ‘The day of the Lord is — for all nations’ (Obadiah 15) (4) 7 Specified day (Acts 21:26) (4) 10 Deadly epidemic (Deuteronomy 32:24) (10)

Crossword

The Bible version used in the

crossword is the NIV.

Crosswords reproduced by kind permission of BRF and John Capon, originally published in Three Down, Nine Across, by John Capon (£6.99 BRF).

12 Roman Catholic church which has special cere-monial rights (8)

13 Tied up (2 Kings 7:10) (8)

16 In his speech to the Sanhedrin, Stephen described Moses as ‘powerful in speech and — ’ (Acts 7:22) (6)

18 ‘Although he did not remove the high places, — heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life’ (1 Kings 15:14) (4)

19 Tribe (Deuteronomy 29:18) (4)


Welcome Desk

Church Rotas

2nd December Kate Henderson 664 3397 John Gooday 664 6792 Maureen Horn 666 0080 9th December Tom Baxendale 666 1371 Jessie Burns 664 4193 Linda Haggerty 664 3352 16th December Margaret Goldie 258 1996 Grant Cook 664 1581 Pip Edmonds 666 2588 23rd December Christine Logan 664 4165 Lindsay Young 664 3067 David Colley 663 3757 30th December Evelyn Ogilvie 6641171 Louise Ogilvie 448 2544 Jane Thomson 664 1512 6th January Chris Young 664 6615 Ann Morgan 672 2063 Jill Snowden 07823 335585 13th January Sally Cuthbert 664 3479 Jean Wilson 666 0368 Janette Marren 664 2884 20th January Fiona Knight 672 1041 Netta Rough 664 6504 Helen Colley 663 3757 27th January Bill Mercer 664 2152 Eleanor Grieve 672 2478 Margot Brandie 664 1367

Web Address www.libertonkirk.net Scottish Charity Number SC011602

Flowers

2nd December Mrs Margaret Burns, Yewlands Crescent 9th December Mrs Helen Whyman Gracemount Avenue Mrs Dorothy Parr, Buckstone Hill in memory of Grandma G and James Whyman 16th December Mrs Nancy Wallace, Gilmerton Road in memory of Jim Wallace 23rd December Flower Group 30th December free

6th January Mrs Betsy Hawley, Alnwickhill Park 13th January free 20th January Flower Group 27th January Mrs Judy Weston, Longformacus Road in memory of Elsie Weston Jean Gray 258 2081 Convener


December 2012 diary

Saturday 1st 10am – 12noon Guild Christmas Coffee Morning @ LKC. 10.15am – SEECAT Quiet Morning at Liberton Northfield.

nd

(with Scots Communion) (with Crèche & BBC )

Theme: The courage to hope (Isaiah 35) Preacher: Ruth Davies 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room

4.00pm – Open Air Carol Service in St Andrew’s Square

Monday 3rd 10.00-12noon – Monday Café Tuesday 4th 10.00-12noon – Coffee Shop

3.00pm – Pram Praise for Christmas in the Small Hall 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe

Wednesday 5th 10am-12 noon – Coffee/Home baking at the Soup Pot

12 noon-1.30pm – Soup/Sandwiches at the Soup Pot 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe 7.00-8.00pm – Minister available @ Libbi’s Cafe 8.00pm – Gathering for Praise in the Kirk

Thursday 6th 7.00pm – Alpha closing party

th

(with Crèche, Sunday Club, CC & BBC) Theme: The courage to test God (Judges 6.1-40) Preacher: John Young 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room

Preacher: Mike Ramsay Monday 10th 10.00-12noon – Monday Café Tuesday 11th 10.00-12noon – Coffee Shop

6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe Wednesday 12th 11.00am – Pram Praise for Christmas in the Small Hall 2.15pm – Afternoon Guild Christmas party

6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe` 7.00pm – No Vestry Hour 7.00pm – Annual Memorial Service in the Kirk

Thursday 13th 2.00pm – Senior Citizens Club Christmas Party


th Theme: The courage to let go (Luke 2.1-20) Preacher: John Young

(with Crèche) 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room

Theme: The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9.1-7) Preacher: David Hill

Monday 17th 10.00-12noon – Monday Café 7.30pm - Guild Christmas Party

Tuesday 18th 10.00-12noon – Coffee Shop 2.30pm – Carol Service @ Guthrie Court 3.00pm – Carol Service @ Guthrie House 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe

Wednesday 19th 2.30pm – Carol Service @ Braid Hills Nursing Home 7.00pm – No Vestry Hour 7.30pm – Service of Lessons and Carols in the Kirk

Saturday 22nd 12noon-1.00pm – SEECAT Carol Singing @ Morrisons

rd @(with Crèche)

Theme: Jesus dedication (Luke 2.21-40) Preacher: John Young 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room 2.30pm – Carol Service @ Liberton Hospital (with SEECAT)

th

(bring an orange)

th

th @ (with Crèche) Theme: Jesus at the temple (Luke 2.41-52) Preacher: Ruth Davies 10.00am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room No Evening Worship

January 2013 th @ (with Crèche)

Theme: What does it mean to be successful? Preacher: John Young 10.00am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room

(meet at the Kirk and bring a candle/ lamp/ torch)


Monday 7th 10.00-12noon – Monday Café Tuesday 8th 10.00-12noon – Coffee Shop

6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe

Wednesday 9th 10am-12 noon – Coffee/Home baking at the Soup Pot 12 noon-1.30pm – Soup/Sandwiches at the Soup Pot

6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe 7.00-8.00pm – Minister available @ Libbi’s Cafe 8.00pm – Gathering for Praise in the Kirk

th @(with Crèche & BBC)

Theme: What does it mean to be just? Preacher: John Young 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room

@ Theme: Meet the disciples - Nathaniel

Preacher: Andy Chittick Monday 14th 10.00-12noon – Monday Café

7.30pm – Kirk Session meets in the Wilson Hall Tuesday 15th 9.30am – planning meeting @ LKC

10.00-12noon – Coffee Shop

3.00pm – Pram Praise in the Small Hall 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe

Wednesday 16th 2.30pm – Service @ Braid Hills Nursing Home 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe 7.00-8.00pm – Minister available @ Libbi’s Cafe

th @ (with Crèche, Sunday Club, CC & BBC)

Theme: What does it mean to be faithful ?? Preacher: John Young 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room

@ Theme: Meet the disciples – Matthew Preacher: Nikki Kirkland

** st th **

Monday 21st 10.00-12noon – Monday Café Tuesday 22nd 10.00-12noon – Coffee Shop 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe Wednesday 23rd 11.00am – Pram Praise in the Small Hall 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe


7.00-8.00pm – Minister available @ Libbi’s Cafe 8.00pm – Gathering for Praise in the Kirk Thursday 24th 2.00pm – Senior Citizens’ Club Burns Dinner

Saturday 26th

th @ (with Crèche, Sunday Club, CC & BBC)

Theme: What does it mean to be human? Preacher: John Young 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room 2.30pm – Service at Liberton Hospital (with SEECAT)

@ An evening with Paul Friend

Monday 28th 10.00-12noon – Monday Café Tuesday 29th 10.00-12noon – Coffee Shop

2.30pm – Service @ Guthrie Court 3.00pm – Service @ Guthrie House 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe

Wednesday 30th 6.00-9.00pm – Libbi’s Cafe 7.00-8.00pm – Minister available @ Libbi’s Cafe

February 2013

rd ( see page 11 )@ (with Scots Communion)

(with Crèche & BBC) Theme: Towards 2015 – Why are we here and where are we

going? Preacher: John Young 10.20am – Prayer Time in the Elders Room

@ Meet the disciples – Thomas Preacher: Derek Jardine

Bible Marathon

On the internet I found the site "Read the Bible in one year in Chronological Order". I thought it was a good idea to follow that plan, and with the year end approaching I can say it was worth while. To read, for example, about King David at the same time as the Psalms by David makes a lot of sense, and I do recommend giving it a go, if you have been considering reading the whole Bible. The web address is: http://www.fbcj.org/Documents/ BibleReading-1Year-Chronologically.pdf Marie Louise


Try Scrabble Are having a Christmas social evening and would be delighted if you could join us for a mince pie. It’s a great opportunity to find out about

the fun we have in Kirk Centre, on Wednesday evenings. Come and see if scrabble might be for you in the New Year while

enjoying a cuppa at

Wednesday 12th December 7-9pm. For more information please contact Marie Macgill on

0131 258 9052 or [email protected]

Try Scrabble

Francesco Ghirxi

Five years ago our eyes were opened (or should that

be “our ears”?) to just how much sound our electronic organ could produce!

Francesco (from Malta) arrived at Liberton Kirk in 2007, as

a student in organ performance at Napier. Since then we have not only enjoyed his grand virtuoso voluntaries (particularly at the end of the 9.30 services) and his rousing hymns, but also his beautiful sensitive playing at appropriate times, notably at the Annual Memorial Service.

He has been an important part of the Lessons and Carols service as both organist and singer, and has played in concerts and at special events, and given recitals on church open days.

Having obtained his degree, Francesco is now heading for pastures new, and looking to develop his musical career. We give him our very best wishes for that, and hope that he will

be able to continue using his gifts in some way to God’s glory. In these last five years Francesco has been a worshipping, praying and caring part of our congregation, and a blessing to all of us.

Thank you Francesco – we will miss you!


Door Duties 9-30am service east east area Tom Baxendale Sally Cuthbert Rosie Carmichael West west area Fiona Knight Pearl Kelly Eric Brown north plate Bill Mercer Alasdair White Christina Young

11-00am service west extreme west Mary Davidson Sylvia Bennett Mary Davidson east extreme east Bill Robb Helen Sutherland Helen Colley north centre west Christine Johnson Jeannie Robinson Brenda Lamb front gate centre east Sandy Hutchinson Chris Brandie John Gill Gallery west gallery west Alan Lonnie Rink van Dijke Jill Niven &west plate Gallery east gallery east Eleanor Grieve Janet/Rodger Philp David Colley

Any elder unable to attend must arrange a substitute. Alison Walker 664 3631

Crèche 2nd December Carol Perry 9th December Gillian Grant 16th December Family Service - NO crèche 23rd December No Crèche 30th December No Crèche 6th January Jenni Thomasi 13th January Zoe Ross 20th January Nyree Chittick 27th January Ann Shepherd (Ann Shepherd 664 4756)

Watchnight Service Elders Duties

East Door Susan Jardine Derek Jardine West Door Chris Brandie Jean Wilson Linda Skinner North Door Christina Young Church Betty Boyle Chris Boyle

Christmas Day

East Door Fiona McKnight Sheila McBryde West Door Rink van Dijke Jill Niven North Door Edith Barrowcliffe

No offering will be taken up at this service

but there will be a retiring collection

No offering will be taken up at this service All duty elders should

help to count the Christingle, Watchnight and Christmas Morning

retiring collections


Kirk Centre Cafes

A lively and varied selection of cafes run from our Kirk Centre halls. All are suitable for meeting with friends and colleagues, are child friendly and great for grabbing something to eat, a snack or a drink.

(apart from bank holidays) There is a chance to have a coffee or tea and a chat in a cosy friendly atmosphere. There is also a trolley laden with home baking which is very tempting!

Why not pop in and have a cup of coffee and a biscuit!

Morning coffee available with scones, tea breads and tray bakes.

. . . Tasty home-made soup (choice of two) and great sandwiches.

A sample menu is: Soup – £2 Adult, 50p Child Rolls – Ham and Salad £1.50 Sandwiches – Egg mayonnaise, cheese and tomato etc - £1.50 a round Tea/Coffee/Biscuit - £1

More details on our Facebook page www. facebook.com/SoupPotLibertonKirk

Libbi’s is a relaxed cafe where you can meet friends for a cuppa, have a meeting, read a book, study for exams or wait for the kids while they’re at Brownies or Cubs. Libbi’s has a great selection of muffins, flapjacks, brownies and tray bakes. As well as a choice of hot chocolate, teas, coffee and milkshakes.

Soup Pot

Libbi’s

Cafe

See page 28 for further

details of The Soup

Pot


The Higgs Boson: Does the 'God

Particle' dispense with God?

There was great excitement last summer when scientists at CERN (the Geneva-based European Organization for Nuclear Research) announced that they had at long last discovered some evidence of the elusive 'Higgs boson'. This long-disputed particle – or one very close to what was predicted – had been detected in the £2.6 billion Large Hadron Collider and hailed as the most important discovery in physics for many decades. The boson particle had been postulated in a short paper as long ago as 1964 by Peter Higgs. It has also occasionally been dubbed the 'God particle', and one of the senior scientists on the project, Professor Lawrence Krauss, made his own head-lines by saying that humans are now "replacing metaphysical statements with em-pirically verifiable knowledge" and that "the particle is now arguably more relevant than God." What are religious believers to make of all this? First, the expression 'God particle' was never meant to say that it represented or substituted for God. It is in fact a mutated version of a somewhat irreverent nick-name, born of frustration that no-one could find 'the goddam particle.' Second, the Krauss's second statement is at odds with his first, since the second is in fact meta-physical speculation! What does he mean by "more relevant than God"? The particle certainly helps us understand better how the universe works. But it has nothing to say about why there is a universe in the first place, or why it should be congenial for the study of particle physics. Certainly the principles of internal combustion help us understand the workings of the car engine. Yet who would claim that in-creased understanding and appreciation of that mechanism somehow removes the need for a Henry Royce to be involved in designing the engine of the first Rolls-Royce car? Professor Rolf Heuer, the Director-General of CERN, gave a rare UK lecture at Heriot-Watt University at the end of August. Peter Higgs was in the audience and joined the speaker on the platform afterwards for a Q&A session. Among other questions, the 'God question' came up, and both men were quite clear that the discovery of the particle had nothing to say about disproving the existence of God. Indeed far from thinking that the "God question" is removed from the table by the recent discoveries, CERN hosted a high-level seminar in October to facilitate a dis-cussion between physicists, philosophers and theologians. Lawrence Krauss put the atheist view, but also present was Oxford mathematician and philosopher of sci-ence Professor John Lennox who put a counter view. Summing up the discussions, Professor Heuer said: "There's also a need for us naive scientists to get a little bit educated about what other people in philosophy or theology think went on before or around the Big Bang." Reprinted from The Church of Scotland “Society, Religion and Technology” Project newsletter > [email protected]


As people are living longer than ever before, with life expectancy an average of 78 for men and 82 for women, but many in fact reaching their 90s, it’s in-creasingly important that resources, infrastructure and attitudes are adapted to facilitate a physically, mentally and socially active life for older persons in Edinburgh. That is, thinking of age bio-logically rather than chronologically; of people as individuals whose circum-stances are unique, rather than being typecast by a number.

As part of Edinburgh City Council’s “City for All Ages” and “Live Well in Later Life” programmes,

working in conjunction with Volunteer Centre Edin-burgh, have launched a new Community Connecting service in the Southeast and Northwest of the city. Community Con-necting aims to help alter perceptions of older people while providing support to those over 65 who have become socially isolated to re-access and enjoy their local community. This isolation could stem from any number of sources: a recent bereavement, relocation, or a health concern, for instance, all of which find correlates in a loss of confidence, self-esteem and motivation, as well as a de-cline in physical and mental health.

Individuals can be referred to our ser-vice by health and social care profession-als, neighbours, friends or relatives, as well as self-referrals. They will meet with Community Connectors from Places for People to talk about what it is they have previously enjoyed doing – as well as to discover new opportunities, to finally fulfil that lifelong dream, or to unearth an unexpected talent.

Individuals will be matched with a vol-unteer from their community, who will be supported by Volunteer Centre Edin-

burgh. Volunteers will be police checked, and have undertaken tailored training, emphasising the effects of isolation, dementia and mental health awareness, and the importance of equality and diversity. The volunteer will help their match to achieve their goals, working together for a four month period.

This free service aims to see im-provements in people’s confidence, esteem and sense of independence; to assist people to be not just “in” but “of” their communities, making links that will be sustainable beyond the formal volunteer relationship.

In this way, that which seems small, such as using public transport inde-pendently, is actually very big, being a foundation from which people can

access and begin to

connect with their

community. It’s reciprocal, too, as community gains strength and trust from diversity. The young and the old, people of all abilities and needs, as well as all cultural and experiential back-grounds coming together to share spaces and stories.

To briefly illustrate this: As part of raising awareness of our service, I re-cently attended a light exercise class at Portobello Community Centre and was greeted by a vibrant group of women over 60 who enthused not only about the exercise but the sense of belong-ing, continuity and variety that the class brought to their lives. The tradi-tional, embodied community network found here revealed also, contrarily, the opposite. The people I spoke with


Although the various halls within the Kirk Centre (directly opposite Liberton Kirk) are used extensively throughout the week by uniformed organisations and by others, both Kirk and Community, there are spaces available at certain times each day (Mon - Fri). While we receive enquiries for single events/meetings, we would welcome en-quiries for regular use, e.g. autumn, winter, and spring terms, for small and lar-ger area halls. Such enquiries should be submitted to our Church Secretary, by email to [email protected], or by letter to Mrs Jacqui Tait, Liberton Kirk Centre, 28 -30 Kirkgate, EH16 6RY. Please give the name of your present/possible group, your activity, likely numbers attending, and the first date re-quired; also details of age group (children, youth, or adult), and whether weekly or monthly bookings are required. Unfortunately, not all requests can be accommodated; but we would still be pleased to receive an initial enquiry. JT

could all identify someone they knew who they felt could benefit from the support of a community connector. Someone, that is, that might otherwise be consigned to a hospital bed, a care home, or, worse, neglected altogether. As Community Connectors it is our goal to remove the idea that age is a barrier and to extend people’s active, independ-ent lives as long as possible

To make this happen, and to encour-age people to think in empowered,

imagina-tive ways,

we’re also creating a commu-

nity map of the Southeast and North-west postcode areas of Edinburgh so as to compile and present a live database of facilities, resources, infrastructure, ongoing events and key people in that

community that will become available to all.

If you feel that you or anyone you know could benefit from our service, or have any relevant information you’d like to share about your community, please contact the Service Manager, Roy Henderson, on 558 3728 or email:

community.connecting @placesforpeople.co.uk

Moreover, if you have 2-3 hours a week to spare, and would like to volunteer with our service, please contact Gwen James at Volunteer Centre Edinburgh on 0131 225 0630 or email:

gwen.james@ volunteercentreedinburgh.org.uk


Mortonhall House and Estate

The earliest records show that the Mortonhall estate was owned by the St. Clairs of Rosslyn, and later they passed for a short time to Mr Alexander Ellis, who in about 1635, sold the estate to John Trotter. He was a rich merchant, and died in 1641 aged Eighty-one, and was buried in Greyfriars Churchyard where his tomb carries a Latin inscription of which I have a translation. He left 4,000 Merks to Edinburgh town charities, 2,000 to St. Paul’s Hospital, and a larger sum to Trinity Hospital. He also built two chambers in the college of Edinburgh, for two bursars of philosophy, and 700 Merks to the town of Lanark. He married Janet, eldest daughter of David McMath of that Ilk, an ancient family from Dunfermline, and they had five sons and four daughters. He was succeeded by his son and name-sake who was 2nd Baron of Mortonhall, and he was on the Committee of War for Edinburghshire in 1648. He married Janet Morrison and they had two sons and eight daughters, and he died in 1651. He was succeeded by his eldest son in 1652 who later that year became a benefactor of The College of Edinburgh, and he died in Malta unmarried in 1665 aged twenty-six.

He was succeeded by his brother Henry Trotter who married Marion, eldest daughter of Sir Alexander Dalmahoy, and died in 1685 aged forty-two. His son Henry became 5th Baron of Mortonhall, and he married Elizabeth Wilkinson of County Durham, and he died in 1718 aged fifty-one. He was succeeded by his son Henry the 6th Baron, who in turn was succeeded by his brother Thomas 7th Baron who died in 1793 leaving six daughters and three sons. The two eldest sons inher-ited, John died in 1804, and Henry in 1838, with neither leaving an heir. The third son Lt. General Alexander Trotter married Margaret Katherine Fisher in 1793 and had two sons and two daughters, but died in 1825. Richard the eldest son suc-ceeded his uncle Henry. Brother Lt. General Thomas Trotter of the Scots Greys was killed at Waterloo on 18th June 1815. Sister Margaret married Lord Cuning-hame, a judge of the Court of Session in 1813, and sister Joanna married Rev. John Morell Mackenzie in 1838.

Richard Trotter 10th of Mortonhall was Convener of Midlothian, chairman of the Parochial Board, and an elder at Liberton Kirk. Born in 1797, he married Mary, daughter of General Sir John Oswald, G.C.B. of Dunnikier, and he died on 27th December 1874, leaving sons Henry, born in 1844, John Oswald, born 1849, and three daughters. Henry the 11th Baron was a Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and married the Hon. Eva, daughter of Lord Gifford on 24th May 1866, and had three sons and one daughter.

Two of the sons died in the first World War, Lt. Colonel Edward Henry Trotter D.S.O. of the Grenadier Guards, on 8th July 1916 aged 44, and Captain Reginald Baird Trotter of the Cameron Highlanders on 9th May 1915 aged 41.

The present mansion house was built very close to the site of the original house in 1796, and has a nearby family burial ground. Here In more ancient times, a fort or stronghold stood surrounded by water with access via a drawbridge. The current house lies in a wooded part of the estate, and is surrounded by gar-dens and lawns. The house was turned into flats some time ago, and the Trotter family live in one of them, also the family still have an interest in the Caravan Park. John Rennie, November 2012, [email protected].


TREAT YOURSELF to CELLO

LESSONS this autumn!

From enthusiastic qualified teacher

Beginners of all ages welcome

Instruments available for trial

For more information, tel. 0131 664 3119

Happy Pets is a small holiday service. We offer: sittings, homeboarding and dog walking

(in specified areas in Edinburgh). We adapt to pet’s needs Don’t wait any longer!

Call us or send us an e-mail.

We look forward to hearing from you. :)

With over 40 years greenkeeping and landscaping experience, I can bring a wealth of knowledge and

high quality workmanship to all your garden maintenance needs

Contact John Gallagher 07828 874 603 0131 477 6973

for a free estimate - Today

YOUR NEW GARDEN MAINTENANCE COMPANY


JOHN CAMERON BLACKSMITH - WELDER

FOR PERSONAL PROMPT SERVICE

WROUGHT IRON WORK CAST IRON REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS

GATES AND RAILINGS SECURITY GRILLS WINDOW BARS

41 BLACKFORD GLEN ROAD, EDINBURGH EH16 6TP tel :0131 664 9101

e-mail : [email protected]

Morning Coffee 10am to 12 noon

Soup and sandwich lunch 12 noon to 1:30pm

Carrot and Coriander, Lentil, Tomato, Courgette etc

Egg and Cress, Cheese and Tomato, Ham and Salad, etc

th


Need a small electrical job done? Extra socket required?

Light switch moved? No job too small!

Contact Harry Johnson on:

07932 603968

Julie Bell FdA BA (Hons) BSc (Hons)

Key Piano Care �� All aspects of piano care �� Tuning, regulation and repair. �� French Polishing �� Evening and Weekend Appointments Available

Tel: 0131 663 6672 Mobile: 07840 703249 Email: [email protected]

Address: 34 Woodburn Street, Dalkeith. EH22 2EN


Lemon Squeezy Driving School Learning to drive? Lemon Squeezy is the easy learn to drive system. From sitting in the driving seat for the first time all the way to passing your test, we’ll make it easy every step of the way. Already passed your test but haven’t driven for a while? Book some refresher lessons and we’ll soon restore your confidence. We’ll even give you your first 2 hour lesson at half price. What are you waiting for? Book your lessons today! Tel: 07961 095 607 Email: [email protected] www.lemon-squeezy.co.uk

Standard Rate Adult £22/hour Student £21/hour Block of 10 Lessons Adult £210 Students £200


Toddler Groups in LIBERTON KIRK

HALLS Tuesday Group 1.30-3.30pm Organiser: Laura Robb

07815 951658

Wednesday Group 10.00am–12 noon Organiser: Janice Blackley 0131 478 9971

or contact Liberton Kirk Office 664 8264

Alan Johnstone Plumbing & Heating

* Central Heating systems * Boiler Change over * Bathroom Installation * Kitchen Appliances * Fires * Servicing of all Gas heating & Appliances * Any leaks and General plumbing repairs . . . . .

FREE ESTIMATES 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL-OUT SERVICE

33 Liberton Gardens, Edinburgh, EH16 6JU Tel: 0131 258 3534 Mobile: 07866 632234

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.alanjohnstone.net

222499


capricorn FLORIST

has moved to

94 Mayfield Road Edinburgh EH9 3AF

Our telephone number is still

0131 658 1969 Local, National & International Deliveries


Neighbourhood Scheme

If you need help with shopping or with small jobs,

please contact Morag on 664 1458.

Editors note Material for the

issue should be in my hands

The deadline for the issue is

Information can be left in my box in the Offering House on any

Sunday, or sent to me at 8 Fairmile Avenue, 477 9156,

email to g @blueyonder.co.uk.

More useful numbers

BT Faults 0800 800 151 Virgin Media faults 0845 454 1111

(151 from a Virgin landline) Electricity - power loss 0845 2727 999 Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Scottish Water 0845 601 8855

Police Howdenhall 0131 666 2222 Police Oxgangs 0131 441 1518 Police HQ 0131 311 3131

Royal Infirmary (all depts) 0131 536 1000 Sick Children’s Hospital 0131 536 0000 NHS24 08454 24 24 24

Edinburgh City Council 0131 200 2323 Clarence (Road Faults) 0800 23 23 23 Council Special Uplift 0131 529 3030 Council House Repairs 0131 200 2345 Scottish Government 0131 556 8400

First Edinburgh - Buses 08708 72 72 71 Lothian Buses 0131 555 6363 Train Times / Enquiries 08457 48 49 50

Websites �� Liberton Kirk www.libertonkirk.net �� Church of Scotland www.churchofscotland.org.uk �� Bethany www.bethanychristiantrust.com �� Bethany Christmas Trees www.caringchristmastrees,com �� Fresh Start www.freshstartweb.org.uk �� Healing Rooms www.healingrooms-scotland.com �� Mission Aviation Fellowship www.maf-uk.org �� City Council www.edinburgh.gov.uk �� What’s on in Edinburgh eventsedinburgh.org.uk �� Edinburgh Leisure www.edinburghleisure.co.uk �� Scottish Executive www.scotland.gov.uk �� Train times www.nationalrail.co.uk �� Bus times lothianbuses.com �� Bus tracker (city bus times) www.mybustracker.co.uk or, from your mobile . . mobile.bustracker.co.uk �� Airport arrivals www.edinburghairport.com �� Weather information www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/HOME �� Road traffic information www.trafficscotland.org


Change of Address If you have moved house recently, or are about to move, please fill in the address slip below and either hand it to your elder, or mail it to the Roll Keeper, Gary Ross, Liberton Kirk Office, 30 Kirkgate, Edinburgh, EH16 6RY Thanks very much Name (s) OLD Address

NEW Address NEW Telephone

Moving date

November crossword

Please note that the inclusion of an adver-tisement in the Magazine does not imply a recommendation - they are provided for information only. Contacts made with

advertisers are done at your own risk and no liability will be accepted by Liberton Kirk.

I would like to wish all

readers a very Happy

Christmas and a

prosperous

2013.

ED

September 2010 35 December 2012 page 35 December 2012 page 35

Hours of Services : 9-30am and 11am

Services are recorded from time to time for distribution to the housebound. It may be possible to record a service on a one-off basis. Please contact

John Young or Ruth Davies if you have a special request. The Minister is usually available in the McDonald Room at the Kirk Centre,

on Wednesday evenings between 7pm and 8pm. Appointments can be made by telephone to see him at other times,

but please note that he is available on Fridays.

Liberton Kirk - names and addresses

Minister: Rev JOHN N YOUNG, PhD MA BD(Hons), Liberton Manse, 7 Kirk Park, EH16 6HZ. Tel 664 3067. email: [email protected]

Reader: Mrs Ruth Davies, 4 Hawkhead Grove, EH16 6LS. Tel 664 3608. email: [email protected]

Pastoral Support Worker: Mr Ray Bain, 43 Hawthornvale, Newhaven, Tel 477 4785, Mobile 07982 241 598

Youth Worker: Mr Andy Chittick, 15 Gilmerton Dykes Terrace, EH17 8LU. Tel 468 0326

Student Youth Worker: Mr Alex Richards, Tel 07969 647 848, email: [email protected] Session Clerk: Mr Christopher Brandie, 1F1 20 West Savile Terrace, EH9 3EA

Tel 668 1850, email: [email protected] Deputy Session Clerk: Mr Rink Van Dijke, 21 Kirk Park, EH16 6HZ,

Tel 664 2178, email: [email protected] Treasurer: Mrs Judy Weston, 28 Longformacus Rd, EH16 6SE. tel 664 5684. Freewill Offering and Deed of Covenant Treasurer: Mr E J Brown, 14

Liberton Drive, EH16 6NN. Tel 664 5008 Editor of the Magazine: Mr John C Gill, 8 Fairmile Avenue, EH10 6RN,

Tel 477 9156, email: [email protected] Organist: Francesco Ghirxi, email: [email protected] Sunday Club Secretaries: John and Linda Skinner 12 Alnwickhill Terrace

Tel 258 2889 Church Officer: Mr William Mearns, 30 Kirkgate, EH16 6RY, Tel 664 4779. Convener of Visitors to the Elderly: Miss Morag Fowlie, 7 Gilmerton Station

Road, EH17 8RZ, Tel. 664 1458 Hall Secretary and Church Secretary: Mrs Jacqui Tait, Church Office, Kirk

Centre, Kirkgate, EH16 6RY. Tel 664 8264. email: [email protected]

Please note that there is a letterbox at the Office door, if Jacqui is unavailable

36 Liberton Kirk Magazine No.596 Page 36 Liberton Kirk Magazine No.617 Printed at The Dolphin Press, Tel 01592771652 www.dolphinpress.co.uk

This service will be held on Wednesday th , at 7pm in the

church, and it is especially for people who have lost someone dear to them, either recently or a while ago, and find the thought of Christmas celebrations without them difficult. Please come along if you feel the service would be helpful to you, or if you would like to support those who come just by being there. Everyone is welcome. There will be a cup of tea afterwards for anyone who wishes to stay.

The second morning service on Sunday th , starting at 11am will be an all-age service and the young people of our church family will be involved. All their families (and the rest of the congregation too!) can join in the celebration.

The choir specially formed for the occasion has been practising hard since the middle of November, and will be singing some lovely carols. You will be able to join in singing some well-known hymns and everyone will hear the Christmas story from the time of creation onwards in readings from the Bible. This traditional service is on Wednesday 19th December at 7.30pm, and is followed as usual by seasonal refreshments!

On Sunday, rd , we are in the Anderson Hall in the evening (7pm) for the “Big Carol Sing”. Why not ask your neighbours and friends along for a good sing and some mince pies and shortbread afterwards?

This service, at 4 o’clock on , is particularly suitable for young children and families, but everyone is welcome. If you want to make a Christingle, (a reasonable size, not a small one like a Clementine). It’s usually busy, so come early, particularly if you need a parking space!

We’ll sing carols together from 11.15pm and the service will start at 11.30, leading up to the very first chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus at midnight, the start of Christmas Day.

Our Christmas Day Service starts at 10.30am, and children are invited to bring one of their new toys with them.

th

There is one all-age service at 10.30am.

All service details also on line at www.libertonkirk.net

Data/Publisher/LibKirkDec12.pub Published 2nd December 2012