1

...worshipping...loving...learning...caring...sharing...

St Margaret’s Church Magazine No 117March 2017

2

Dear Friends,

By the time you are reading thiswe will be in March, whenhopefully the weather is improved.My favourite season is Spring as Ienjoy seeing the new growth thatpushes its way through the deadleaves and hard frost of winter. Ithas been a pleasure to notice thesnow drops in the manse gardenand to see the first of the daffodilspushing their heads up throughthe hard ground in anticipation oftheir cheery, yellow blooms.

I am looking forward but I have also been reflecting on the past few weeks.We have had a busy few weeks before Christmas with services in all five CareHomes in the parish. This year each resident received a Christmas carddesigned by the children of Monday Club. We were pleased to be invited toparticipate in Christmas services in all three primary schools and Ruth visitedall the classes in Carleton nursery with a Christmas story. The chaplaincyteam served free hot drinks at Auchmuty High School, courtesy of GROW,during the last week of term which was well received by pupils and teachers!There were Christmas parties at Toddlers group and at Monday Club, each ofwhich had over 50 children present and many adults enjoying them too! This isonly some of what happened in the weeks leading up to Christmas – it was abusy time! Well done to all who organised and made the parties and all ourChristmas celebrations, including our Christmas services such a success.

At the beginning of January, Mary Cook stepped down as Session Clerk after5 years in post and a further 5 years as depute Session Clerk. We areindebted to Mary for her hard work, diligence, administration skills andwillingness to do all she could to make the life of the church run smoothly. I ampersonally very grateful to Mary for the support she has given to me. I am alsodelighted that Sheila Filsell agreed to be our new Session Clerk and thatCatriona Reidpath is our new Depute Session Clerk. You will find the contactdetails for Sheila and Catriona in the magazine. We are very fortunate to havepeople who are willing and gifted to cover these positions.

With Lent beginning on 1 March, we will be reflecting on the significance of theEaster events in our Lent studies and during the Holy Week services. We arelooking forward to celebrating together on Easter day at a service at10.30am! Please note the time of the service as there will not be services at9.30 and 11am on that day.

3

We are also looking forward to our ‘Building for the Future’ Stewardship eventon Saturday 6 May which is celebrating the life of St Margaret’s in the past, thepresent and our hopes for the future. Everyone is invited and I hope you cancome along. There will tea/coffee, our famous pancakes and lunch availableduring the day.

May God bless you and yours,

Minister:Rev Eileen Miller Tel: 752241 email: emiller@churchofscotland.org.ukMDS Worker:Ruth Livingstone 07988 524016 ruth.livingston@churchofscotland.org.ukSession Clerk:Sheila Filsell 775138 filsellsheila@hotmail.comDepute Session Clerk:Catriona Reidpath 753534 catrionareidpath@blueyonder.co.ukOffice 328162 office@stmargaretschurch.org.ukEditor 750298 emrollo@blueyonder.co.uk

Holy Week ServicesMonday 10th April Service in the church at 7.45pmTuesday 11th April Service in the church at 7pmWednesday 12th April Service in the church at 7pmThursday 13th April Hunger meal in the New Halls at 7pmFriday 14th April Service in the church at 7pm

Easter DaySunday 16th April Early service in Balbirnie Park at 8am (meet in the car park), followed by breakfast in church.

Easter service at 10.30am in the church

4

From the EditorAt the start of the year, as we look forward to our Building For The Futureevent in May, it is good to read about people in our congregation and beyondwho are already giving their “time, talents and money”. To single out just a few,we have, in this spring edition of The Window……..

The time taken by the organisers of our Guild and Good Companionsgroups to ensure those who come along enjoy the fellowship of others.The talented children of Syria who have produced works of art underterrible conditionsThe money collected by Allan McDonagh from his quiz for the Scottish BibleSociety.

There are many more examples to read about, resulting in what I think is amagazine that everyone will enjoy.

Liz

Happy birthday to Nicola Rosswho celebrated her 50th birthday

on 11th February.

5

The ‘Building For The Future’ Event on 6th May.What is it all about?

Our planned event for all the family to enjoy is an opportunity to showcase allthat happens within St Margaret’s and celebrate her links in the community.

Christian Stewardship concerns our response to the gifts of God- how we useall that God gives to us. As Christians, we should seek God’s guidance in howwe use the gifts we have been given. Christian stewardship is ultimately aboutbeing the people God wants us to be, about allowing God to live in us anddirect our lives.

Christian Giving includes the giving of TIME, the giving of TALENT and thegiving of MONEY. It is the giving that enriches the lives of other people, thelives of communities, and the life of the world.

So now you know a bit more about why the event is happening please spend afew more minutes looking at the back cover of this issue to find out more aboutthe day.

Thank you from the Stewardship group.

The stewardship grouphave been busy

organising the event.

6

From Syria With Love….. an Exhibition of Paintings done byChildren from SyriaWe were recently approached by an organisation called From Syria WithLove. They asked if we would like to exhibit 16 paintings which had been doneby children in Syria. The youngsters were aged between 8 and 16 and thepictures were their way of showing what it was like living in a war zone.Fortunately, they had all been relocated to the Lebanon for safety.

We were keen to make these paintings available to view, and we put them upin the church on several occasions at the end of November. This enabledmany people to see them including members of Presbytery. Whist some of thepictures were disturbing in their graphic portrayal of killing and bloodshed, itserved as a powerful reminder that children are being subjected to theseconditions even today.

Although the event was not a fund-raiser we were able to send a contributionto them.

Many thanks for your support.

Brian Johnson , Mission and Outreach Convenor

The Good CompanionsNovember’s activities included silent prayer time in the church and a babyphotograph quiz – it was easy to recognise some of them – the Queen, Elvisand Donald Trump, for example, and some of our own good companions – butmany of them had us “stumped”.

In December, Brian came along and showed us the paintings from Syria. Thefollowing week we held our Christmas carol service in the Church, withreadings and many favourite carols. The year ended with our very happyChristmas lunch, with guests Marjorie Cowie, Ruth Livingstone and little James,who soon discovered he had acquired around 30 new “aunties”

Agnes Stirling

7

8

Financial Report for 2016

St Margaret's has always been a very generous Church and we have risen tomany challenges over the years. We are going to be presented with achallenge in 2017 and that challenge is - can we stay afloat financially?

I feel optimistic that we can, there is a good feeling of togetherness and a realsense of moving forward. Sometimes when faced with the greatest challenge,the best things happen!

The General FundThe offerings in 2016 totalled £43,061 which is down by £1,639 on last year.We have lost a number of our faithful members in 2016 and this has inevitablyhad an effect on our income.

We were able to recover £10,055 in tax from gift aided donations which isbrilliant.

The Use of Premises income this year is £5,351 an increase of £1,070 on lastyear. The proceeds from the pancake bar totalled £2,086 and the income fromfunerals and weddings was £2,720 and increase of £1,335 on last year. Manythanks to the Guild for their donation of £650, the Good Companions for theirdonation of £420 and the Friendship Club for their closing donation of £141they are all very much appreciated.

Many of the expenditure items were similar to last year; the most expensiveitem was the storage container in the car park which cost £1,740. It wasbought to store the gardening equipment which had previously been stored inthe Self Help Hall. The intention is that this is a temporary arrangement untilalternative storage is found.

At the end of 2016 the balance in the General Fund is £629 compared to£4,427 last year. There is little room for manoeuvre and we are going to haveto be very prudent in 2017.

The Self Help Hall / Car Park FundThis fund was opened in 2016 to deal with the demolition of the Self Help Hallin the first instance and then improvements to the car park. The total cost todate of the demolition of the Self Help Hall is £18,308 and we anticipate afurther bill of £432 making a total of £18,740. We have been very fortunate tohave received a grant from the Church of Scotland General Trustees for£15,192 and a grant from Kirkcaldy Presbytery for £1,000. In addition the StMargaret's Mother and Toddlers very kindly donated £2,500 to the fund so allthe costs have been covered.

9

The Building Repair FundDuring 2016 some of the flat roofs were repaired at a cost of £560 and stormdamage to the main church roof incurred an insurance excess of £250. Theend of year balance is £1,129. Two of the flat roofs need to be replaced andone of them is leaking, we hope to have these roofs replaced in 2017 andhave been promised grants totalling £5,100 to go towards the cost.

The World Church FundA very successful auction was held in May and raised the fabulous total of£1,207. Sales of the beautiful hand made cards raised £288. This in turn helpto make the donation of £1,197 to Scots Kirk in Kandy, Sri Lanka . TheFairtrade breakfast in March raised £145 which was sent to the FairtradeFoundation.

The Legacies FundWe were very fortunate to be the recipient of three legacies this year. The firstfrom the late Beth McGregor was for £500 and the Kirk Session agreed that itwould be fitting to use this legacy to pay for the lovely new notice boardsoutside the church. The second, for £1,000 was from the late Jim Keddie and itwas decided that this be put towards the cost of improving the car park. Thethird was from the late Ken Sayer and was for £6,000 it has not yet beendecided how best to use Ken's legacy.

Collections for Third PartiesDespite the financial pressures, St Margaret's were able to support othercharities to the tune of £2,526, most notably the harvest collection of £543which went to A Place At The Table appeal, Christian Aid Week including asoup and bread lunch raised £392 and the wonderful musical The Easter Storyraised £235 for Tearfund and Scot's Kirk Kandy. Through the Compassionorganisation £350 was used to sponsor Sarah, a twelve year old girl fromTanzania.

In addition The Guild raised £390 for the Guild Projects and £175 for theLeprosy Mission, Scotland.

FinallyPlease support the stewardship campaign and review your giving of time,talents and money to St Margaret's. There are challenges but with God's helpthere will be an answer.

A huge thank you to absolutely everyone who helps with any aspect of thefinances and to everyone who gives so generously to St Margaret's, yoursupport is very much appreciated. Jo Wylie Treasurer

The 2016 Accounts will be available on request from 1st April 2017.

10

WAYS AND MEANSAt this time of year we are getting black looksFrom the Treasurer who just can’t balance the booksA window is broken, a carpet is torn.The Treasurer cries in a voice so forlorn,With inflation standing at just two percentThe Church still has to pay heating and rent.So here’s an idea that really makes sense,Next Sunday please drop in an extra ten pence.

“My husband’s ill, I need the Minister”But the phone gives out a sound most sinister.The bill arrived, we couldn’t pay,And TalkTalk took the thing away.And with no more cash in that direction,We’ll never get a reconnection.So here’s an idea that really is thrifty,Next Sunday please drop in just one extra fifty.

Here comes the bride coming down the aisle,Her face is transformed with a beautiful smile.The groom is there too, but his smile is frozen,A colder day they just could not have chosen.But it’s no good standing and shivering and bleating.We just can’t afford to pay for the heating.So here’s an idea that really is sound,Next Sunday please donate just one extra pound.

Now we all know Saint Margaret’s is in financial straits,What, with getting a car park and heating and rates,The Treasurer, paying the bills, is dismayed,And the Minister’s stipend still has to be paid.And what of commitment to Mission and Service?The very thought makes the treasurer nervous.And if Saint Margaret’s is to be a survivor,Donate, please, next Sunday, just one extra fiver.

Agnes Stirling

11

Prayer GuideMarch - May 2017

We hope that you find this prayer guide helpful. You may like to detach it fromthe magazine and use it to pray for our church and community.

If you have particular requests for the next three month guide (June – August2017) please do get in touch with the magazine editor who will pass them on.

12

March 5- 11Give thanks for· Members of the Floral Art Club as they enjoy their coffee morning in the

New Halls, and for all other groups using our church premises during theyear.

Pray for· Our new Session Clerk, Sheila Filsell and her deputy, Catriona Reidpath.

Pray that they will receive all the support they need to perform their dutiesand that they will be able to enjoy the challenges ahead of them.

· Mary Cook who has retired after 5 years as Session Clerk and the 5 yearsbefore that as deputy.

The lent services and study groups that will take place over the next few weeks.

March 12 – 18Give thanks for

The members of the Guild as they work hard to make their coffee morninga success. Give thanks for everyone who comes along to enjoy theirhospitality.

Pray for· The staff and pupils of all our local schools, especially those working hard

in preparation for exams.

March 19 – 25Give thanks for· The bright spring flowers appearing after the dark of winter, reminding us

there is hope for the future.Pray for· All who provide music for our services, praise band, organists, pianists

and keyboard players.

March 26 – April 1Give thanks that· People who cannot manage Sunday morning services are able to come

along to Afternoon communionPray for· The profoundly deaf as they attend the Fife Deaf Church in Kirkcaldy on

the second Monday of each month.· The blind, who can receive a newsletter in large print, Braille or audio from

the Fife Society for the blind.

13

April 2 – 8Give thanks for· All of our friends and families, for the companionship and support they

give us.· The hard and rewarding work done by Ruth Livingstone as she continues

to settle into her work with us at St Margaret’s.Pray for· Those who are alone, whose families are unsupportive. Pray that they will

know the love of Jesus.· Those who are in hospital, care homes or nursing homes.· Members of St Margaret’s Church as they attend the Stated AGM.

April 9 – 15In Holy WeekGive thanks for· All of the Holy Week services and for those who take part in them.· The ministry team, especially Eileen.Pray that· In our suffering we may come alongside Jesus, “a man of sorrows and

acquainted with grief” Pray we will be able to bear our grief with grace anddignity, as your Son did.

April 16 – 22Give thanks and rejoice!Christ the Lord is risen today.Alleluia!Give thanks for· the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and pray for a deeper

understanding of what it means for each of us to follow Jesus.

April 23 – 29Give thanks for· The ladies of the pancake bar and the fellowship offered to the children

and adults who meet at Toddler’s group on Tuesday, Wednesday andThursday mornings.

· The talents of Hannah, who compiles our magazine’s “Celebrations”pages

Pray for· All of our political leaders, for wisdom, justice and compassion, as they

negotiate the implementation of Article 50 that will lead the UK out of theEuropean Union.

· All who help and visit the sick and housebound: elders, pastoral visitorsand neighbours.

14

30 April – May 6Give thanks for· The hard work done over the past few months by our Stewardship team.· The displays, the activities, the food and the short service of worship on

Saturday 6 May as we celebrate God’s faithfulness, all that happens in StMargaret’s and our links with the community.

Pray that· We can all wisely use the gifts that God has given us; time, talents and

money.· Many people will come along on our Stewardship day to learn more about

all of the activities in our church.· We may encouraged to make a greater financial offering to God.

May 7 – May 13Give thanks for· Glenrothes Food Bank and all it has done to help those in need.· The donations made to the Food Bank and to Gilven House by the

members of our congregation.Pray for· Jo Wylie as she attends the General Assembly this week as

Commissioner· “Heart and Soul 2017” in Princes Street Gardens.

May 14 – May 20Give thanks for· Christian Aid Week in its 60th year of collecting for its many causes.

Although we no longer make house to house collections, give thanks thatwe may still make a contribution.

Pray that· Our Age Concern and Good Companions groups; that they may continue

to enjoy the friendship and enjoyment provided for all who attend, whetheras members, helpers and organisers

May 21 – May 31Give thanks for· Our basic needs of food, water, health and shelter.· Those who have recently come to believe in Jesus and have professed

their faith in church.Pray that· The poor, the sick, the refugees – the powerless in the world – may

receive these basic needs.· Those who have yet to come to faith will be helped to come to see Jesus.

15

The Self Help Hall, November 2016

16

Ruth’s News

I am settling in well to my new post and I have survived my first Christmasworking for the Kirk - that was quite an experience! Thanks to everyone whohas prayed for me and offered support in action and in words. I couldn’t do italone! Here’s an update on what has been going on with children and familiesin the church.

Monday ClubWe are using a video series this term called Friends and Heroes. This hasproven to be a favourite of both children and leaders in the past. The seriescovers two bible stories per episode which we will be exploring in our smallgroups. So far, we have learned about Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and theMiraculous Catch of Fish with Peter and his friends.

We have been quiet since returning after the holidays, but this is typical for thetime of year. We have asked parents to volunteer to help in the kitchen on arotational basis and would love to have some members of the congregationinvolved in this too. If you feel you could help, please speak with me and I canlet you know what’s involved.

Schools and NurseriesI have enjoyed working with the Auchmuty High School Pastoral Team of; Rev.Eileen Miller, Ally Stark and GROW worker Oskar Forbes. We have deliveredassemblies to each year group in the school on the theme of ‘A Fresh Start’. Inthis, the pupils have been introduced to the idea of forgiveness.

Carleton Nursery has invited Eileen and me to have a story time with thechildren with a focus on being kind and caring. The first session will focus onthe creation story and how God created man to care for the plants and animals.

ToddlersThe Toddler Group continues to be a fun and caring environment for toddlersand their carers. We are seeing new families every week, many of whom havenot been in the church before, and the ladies in the kitchen do a wonderful jobof welcoming them. Have a look around the local area and on church noticeboards for our new promotional poster.

Worship BagsAfter meeting with the Worship and Education committee at Session, it wasagreed that we would put worship bags in place to be used by childrenattending the 11am and Celebration services. You will see these outside themen’s toilets at the back of the church. Families should feel free to helpthemselves to these, and please let me know how you get on!

17

The Guild On opening the Guild on 8th November, Jean read a verypoignant account of the Fraserburgh lifeboat disaster in1955. Our speaker was Charlie Tulloch of the RLNI. Hetold us about their training and the work done by thevolunteer crewmen.

Entitled “A Love of Walking”, the following week Dr Bob Grant told us of themany walks he has done in aid of Maggie's Centres. During his walks he hasmet many people, most of whom give a donation to this worthwhile charity.

Jan-Karl Querido told us of his work in Ethiopia amongst the blind and partiallysighted of that country. This charity pays for treatments in a hospital run by aband of dedicated volunteers.

Close to St Andrews Day, Saint Margaret’s Guild played host to the otherGuilds and ladies groups in the Glenrothes area. We were entertained byStagestruck who performed a variety of songs from shows staged by GAMAover the years.

Our carol service was a very meaningful one, with members of the committeetelling the old loved story with a different slant. We finished the year thefollowing week with our Christmas lunch.

Agnes Stirling

18

19

Have You Met… Eleanor Macdonald? I was born in Dunfermline. My father moved around a bitas he was a Co-operative bakery manager.  At the ageof 9 we ended up at Guard Bridge. I started work in theoffice of the Guard Bridge paper company when I was15 years old. Then we moved to Montrose and I workedin the office at Sunnyside Royal Hospital. When I was20 I joined the WRAF and trained as a TeleprinterOperator at RAF Cosford, Nr  Wolverhampton.  I thenreturned to my roots, as I was posted to RAF Leuchars -and there was me joining the Air Force hoping to seethe world! After a break to have my family I retrained oncomputers in 1985 and the following year ended up inFife Council’s Elections Office working in Law andAdministration.  I was there until 2005.

I have lived in Glenrothes for 40 years. When we moved here  my daughter,Caroline was 5 years old and my son was 2 weeks old.  He was Christened inSt. Margaret's church. Caroline is now married, lives in Glasgow and has twochildren. Ian is single and lives in Kirkcaldy.

It was quite lonely for me when I first moved to Pitteuchar. I joined the Mothersand Toddlers Group not long after arriving in town.  I told my mother that Iknew there was a Church in Woodside and, looking at the map, she and I setoff on foot via Beaufort Drive, Warout Road and then round by St. Paul's to St.Margaret's - a long trail!!!  On the way back I saw the shortcut through thewoods and said to mum "lets follow this path and see where it takes us". Thatcut about 2 miles off the journey.  I met people at the Pancake Bar whom I'veremained friends with 'till this day.

I joined St. Margaret's in 1977. My parents were faithful members too whenthey moved here from Alloa in the year 1990. I started attending the Altyre Hallservices around that time.  That was the first of me knowing my friend JoyAllan who took the service occasionally. Years later the two of us visitedSaman and Dhammi in Kandy, an experience we will never forget.  It wasgood to live amongst the local people and be protected by Saman and his staffat the Church. Saman had to warn me several times about the dangers - thewild dogs which roamed in packs, the "cute" packs of monkeys, the dangerouselephants at the sanctuary for orphaned elephants. The church services wereabsolutely packed and there was an invitation to the congregation to staybehind to see slides of St. Margaret's.  Everyone stayed!!!

I was, as most people know, Editor of St Margaret’s magazine for 3 years;  Ialso have been on on the World Mission and Outreach Committee for 10 years.

20

21

22

Flower ListThanks to the following people who provided the flowers in the church in recentmonths:

Paul Turnbull, Jean Hampton, Jo Wylie, Margaret Dick, Elsie Duncan,Liz Rollo and Jean Butchart.

Also thanks to those who contribute through the Flower Fund Box and also tothose of you who donate a potted plant for the 9.30 service each week.

During Recent Months...We celebrated the baptism of...04.12.16 Reuben Dryburgh-Cook son of Emma and Graham Dryburgh-Cook

We were sorry to lose...30.12.16 Euphemia Peebles, Woodburn Road

who is now at peace with her Lord

+++++++

Scottish Bible SocietyWe would like to thank everyone who took part in our recent generalknowledge quiz. The winner was Moira Mantle who received a Christmashamper. The money raised from the quiz was £100 and is going to a project

“Bread and Bread” meaning the provision of basic needs plus God’s word.

In the past year Jordan has welcomed more than 7000 Iraqi refugees from thecrisis happening in Iraq with ISIS. The Bible Society in Jordan has beenhelping the Iraqi Christians that have fled and left everything for their faith.There are three main groups being helped which are Jordanian, Iraqi andSyrian families. They are helped in three ways:

Refugee families are helped each month with basic needs such as mattresses,pillows and food packages.

Refugee students are helped to enrol in schools.God’s Word is provided with the target initially being 1000 bibles, 5000 Nts,

5000 Bible portions

Allan McDonagh, Glenrothes SBS action group

23

Events in St Margaret’sHere are some of the many activities that go on in and around St Margaret’s.You will find more details about them in the “What’s On?” booklet that you canpick up in the Church. That is also where you will find who you contact to geteven more information.

On Sundays we have:

Services at 9.30 and 11am, but on the first Sunday of each month there is justone service at 10am.

We have shorter afternoon Communion services twice a year.

Services for the elderly take place in the local care homes.

The Monday club is for children of primary and pre-primary school age

For younger children with their adults, the pancake bar provides pancakes, tea,coffee and juice,and plenty of space for chat and play. It is open 3 morningseach week.

We have study groups and prayer meetings.

There is a work group that helps look after the buildings and grounds. Theymeet on Monday afternoons.

The Guild meets every Tuesday evening.

Also on Tuesday evenings, throughout most of the year, our walking groupcovers 3-4 miles, with lots of chat.

Good Companions, a club for the elderly, meets on Wednesday afternoons.

Run by Age Concern, the day centre provides lunch and a day out for elderlywho come by assessment.

Our ministry team, in partnership with GROW are chaplains to local schools

Friendship ClubIt is with a great deal of sadness that we have to tell you that the FriendshipClub has ended. The numbers have been falling over the last few years, and,with no younger members coming to join us, we felt that it was time to call ahalt. Such a pity it had to end like this after 45 years!

A Date For Your DiaryOn Friday 10th June there will be a concert in the church with Bruce Daviesand the Markinch Community Choir, proceeds in aid of "Pass It On Trust" and

"Leading Change in Uganda" , both empower young people through education.

24

Saint Margaret's Parish Church of Scotland, Glenrothes - Scottish Charity SC009845

SATURDAY 6TH MAY10AM-3.30PM

PANCAKE BAR & REFRESHMENTS

ENTERTAINMENT FACE PAINTING

CHILDREN'S PLAY AND GAMES

A SHOWCASE OF ALL THAT HAPPENS INST MARGARET’S AND CELEBRATING HER

LINKS IN THE COMMUNITY