MURRAYFIELD PARISH CHURCH MAGAZINE issue 542 2020 · MURRAYFIELD PARISH CHURCH MAGAZINE Issue 542 May 2020 Scottish Charity 005918 ﬁeldparishchurch.org.uk BE OPEN TO THE LEADING

MURRAYFIELD PARISH CHURCH MAGAZINE issue 542 2020

Scottish Charity 005918 www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk

Magazine May 2020

http://www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk

MURRAYFIELD PARISH CHURCH MAGAZINE Issue 542 May 2020


BE OPEN TO THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT

The second chapter of the book of Acts in the bible describes the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles in Jerusalem. This event is known as Pentecost (or sometimes Whitsun) and in the calendar it falls 50 days after Easter. Before the descent of the promised Spirit it appears that the disciples-becoming-apostles didn’t really know what to do. After appearing to them following his resurrection Jesus had departed. They must have been wondering ‘what now? what happens next? what should we do?'These questions - ‘what now?’, ‘what happens next?’, what should we do?’ - are on the minds of many in relation to the current situation of lockdown. People are hoping that the restrictions will ease, but at the same time are nervous about how to behave. The questions will also, in due course, pertain to the way church congregations function. Perhaps we have some inkling of what might lie ahead in the measures adopted in the last week or two in Germany. There church buildings have re-opened but with no singing, with seats spaced out, with masks being worn.The disciples before Pentecost, unsure what to do, turn to God in prayer, they yield themselves to God. When the Spirit comes they are taken down many new and surprising roads, and they are equipped by God to step into the new. In the face of many uncertainties, with many unknowns hanging over the shape of church, with fears about the impact of the Coronavirus on congregations, the posture adopted by the disciples serves as a helpful image. Please pray for the church and be open to the leading of the Spirit who often leads in unexpected ways. Your minister Keith




Keep Sunday special. Short online reflections available to view online every Sunday

www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk/video

KEEPING SUNDAY SPECIAL


http://www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk/video

http://www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk/video

MURRAYFIELD PARISH CHURCH MAGAZINE issue 542 May 2020


Christian Aid week is not going ahead in its usual form this year. The corona virus pandemic is BOTH preventing us from doing our usual fundraising AND greatly increasing the needs of the people in the poorest countries of the world for all the services provided by Christian Aid.

Your donations and support over the years have been greatly appreciated – Murrayfield Churches Together (MCT) has regularly given over £6,000 from the House-to-House collection, Joint MCT Service and Lunch. Over the years these donations have enabled Christian Aid to work with their partner organisations in numerous developing countries to improve the lives of the globally most disadvantaged people.

The Christian Aid website states: ‘As this virus spreads across the world, love rises up in response.You’ve already shown incredible kindness to your neighbours. Now is the time to reach out to your neighbours both near and far. Your love protects from storms, from drought, and now from coronavirus. Your love protects our global neighbours battling the spread of this illness. Your love protects. With soap, clean water and medical supplies.

By supporting us this Christian Aid Week, you can reach out and protect more of your neighbours today.’

CHRISTIAN AID




There are several ways you can donate to support the work of Christian Aid.

1 https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week

2 By telephone: Call 020 7523 2269

3 By text: Text GIVE to 70040 to donate £5

4 By post: Send a cheque (made payable to Christian Aid) to: Christian Aid, 35 Lower Marsh, LONDON SE1 7RL. Include your name, address, Post Code, and whether you would like to include Gift Aid. Please note that cheques will take longer to process than usual because of changes to working arrangements caused by the corona virus lockdown.

MCT Committee: Liz Sudlow, Anne Ostrowski, Marjorie Guthrie, Christina Webster, Norma MacDonald, Lesley Webster, Judith Scott


https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week

https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week



Dear all

On behalf of the Ecumenical Day Care and Support

Women Project I would like to acknowledge and

thank you for the receipts of an equivalent £1,200 from MCT family Edinburgh towards support of the women during these tough times of covid-19 which has continued to cause a lot of fear, uncertainties, disruptions and panic in all our households. This support will go a long way in providing food packages and soap to the families we care for, beginning with the elderly and those with compromised health and pre-existing conditions like HIV/AIDS. I have identified a shop where all our staffs, elderly and most vulnerable members of our program will be picking up food stuffs when available and any other support that may come our way. At the moment Kenya has 172 confirmed cases which we hope and trust that it will not exponentially grow in the coming two weeks.

The government has introduced curfew in the night and has restricted a lot of movement. Ngong is a restricted zone at the moment. We are moving within our region but we cannot move outside the region. People have been encouraged to stay home but it’s difficult as most people live each day at a time from their casual work. Schools are closed, no gathering, no church services and people are already in despair.

AN ECUDARE UPDATE




My family have been my greatest support over this period (Daniel, Andrew and Debbie). They have been packing bags and bags of food stuffs for the families while I do the errands.

We are praying and trusting that God in His own grace will keep us secure and safe. Once again may God bless you for walking with Ecudare Kenya and for all y o u r fi n a n c i a l s u p p o r t , y o u r p r a y e r s a n d encouragement that you have continued to share with us.

We can’t thank you enough! Every blessing to you all. I’m praying for you (MCT family, our friends and partners in the UK) too that God will watch over you and spare you from this deadly disease.

Love and prayers

Esther Wanjohi




QUEST ONLINE

Quest members are meeting on Sunday evenings on Zoom to explore the Youth Alpha Series. There is also a fortnightly ‘quiz and challenge’ event on Thursday evenings for P6 upwards 7-8pm. If you would like more information, please contact Andrew [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]




FAMILIES

At the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak we saw rainbows popping up in our community as a sign of hope. Did you see our Virtual Rainbow Bag? Fun Rainbow activities to share with children. You can access to Rainbow Bag on the link below https://www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk/assets/uploads/newsletters/Virtual_Rainbow_Bag%21.pdf

A big thank you to Julia and Beverley for the S club materials that they send out weekly. We have loved seeing photos of the children getting involved at home. Please keep sending. If you‘re not on the mailing list and would like to receive S Club activities please get in [email protected]

S CLUB AT HOME

https://www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk/assets/uploads/newsletters/Virtual_Rainbow_Bag%21.pdf











TOTs at home is a fun twenty minute video to share with pre school children. Hear all about ‘Hugless Douglas ‘ all he really wants is a hug! Join in with action songs and dancing. Still available to view on the facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/MurrayfieldParishChurch/videos/244805120018760/

Introducing It’s in the

Bag ! Explore Pentecost

at home. Videos, songs,

crafts, activity sheets and

more! Access the bag using the link

below

https://www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk/assets/uploads/newsletters/Its_in_the_bag_-_virtual_celebration_bag.pdf




https://www.facebook.com/MurrayfieldParishChurch/videos/244805120018760/










Everyone is coping in their own way with coronavirus restrictions. Some are setting up home gyms or turning to board games to pass the time. Others are brushing up on their baking skills and have begun making bread. Sourdoughs seem to be particularly popular among the new bakers. For many, baking provides a way to pass time, and for those who have been interested in baking but just couldn’t seem to find the time before, now there’s plenty of time for all the trials and tribulations baking has to offer.Fraser Grant a member of S Club came up with a brilliant idea. He has been baking for people who are staying home. The first batch of baking was delivered this week and you can imagine all who received a delicious package of goodies were delighted. Well done Fraser.

BAKING!




Dear all at Murrayfield Parish Church

I thought I would share with you what we are doing with the surplus gifts that you kindly donated last year. There are no visits taking place at the prison due to Covid-19.. Mothers and Fathers in prison are having less contact with their children. The staff in the visitors centre Shona and Patrice are still working, but distributing food parcels to the families of those in the prison. We have been giving gifts to the children as part of this process. You can appreciate that these children fall in to the category of the most vulnerable and at risk.Because of your kindness and generosity we are in a position to continue to help these children. Thank you , stay safe Colin O’Flaherty

HMP EDINBURGH




HEART AND SOUL ONLINE

We’re delighted to announce a special “Heart and Soul 2020” event will take place online on

May 17th 2020. The current crisis has meant that the original event, scheduled to have taken

place in Princes Street Gardens on that day, has had to be cancelled. However, a number of

features from the event in Princes Street Gardens can be transferred into an online format, and

we’re going screen an abridged “Heart and Soul” at 2.00pm on May 17th — when the original

event would have taken place. The programme will run until about 4.20pm. A recording of the

event will be available soon afterwards. You can watch live on the Church of Scotland website

using this link https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/watch-the-

installation-service-for-the-new-moderator or on the Facebook page , link below.https

www.facebook.com/churchofscotland


https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/watch-the-installation-service-for-the-new-moderator



http://www.facebook.com/churchofscotland




http://www.facebook.com/churchofscotland



Hosted by our usual presenters, Rev Ken Frou de, Seonaid Knox and Rev Justin Taylor, the

event begins with a replay of the service of installation for the new Moderator, Rev Martin Fair (if

you would like to watch the live service of the installation of the new moderator it will take place

the day before on the Church of Scotland website and the facebook page on Saturday 16th May

at 11am)

Without giving too much away, the event

features a mix of worship, music, stories

and some exciting ‘In Conversation’ guests.

Heart and Soul regulars ‘Fischy Music’ will

lead a special segment for all ages, and we hope that you'll join in all the actions from home!

Spread throughout the afternoon will be some very special conversations: Hugh Pym will be in

conversation with Prof Jason Leitch and Viv Dickenson from CrossReach, discussing how they

have all been tackling Coronavirus and also how their own faith has helped them. Very Rev

Susan Brown will be in conversation with Ross Greer MSP and Tara Shannon from COSY

discussing climate justice. Prison Chaplain Anne Stewart will be in conversation with Hospital

Chaplain Mark Evans talking about chaplaincy as a career and the impact of Coronavirus in their

places of work.

No Heart and Soul would be

complete without some hearty

singing, and we've chosen some

highlights from the archive over

the last ten years of Heart and

Soul, the Guild Big Sing and the

General Assembly to round things

off. Hope you can join in.




You can read the May edition of Life and Work by clicking on the link below.

https://www.lifeandwork.org/downloads/life-and-work-may-2020.pdf

Look out for the article ‘God’s not finished with Scotland’

God’s not finished with Scotland Lynne McNeil meets the Moderator-Designate, the Rev Dr Martin Fair, amid the cancellation of this year’s General Assembly for the first time in over 300 years.

This Saturday, 16th May, at 11am you are invited to watch the special service to install the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

You can access the service by using the link below.https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/watch-the-installation-service-for-

the-new-moderator












JUNE 2020

On the Frontline With Covid-19The stories of some of the frontline workers – in hospitals, prisons, schools and the police force – dealing with the impact of the pandemic

Coming HomeJackie Macadam hears about the early life of Margaret Beetham, daughter of Church of Scotland missionary and theologian Lesslie Newbigin

21st Century Churches The start of a new series looking at church buildings in the 21st century hears from a minister and an architect who have been involved in new building projects

The Strength of a SeedIn the continuing series marking the 50th anniversary of the Church of Scotland’s SRT, biologist Ruth Bancewicz says the church should draw attention to the wonders of God’s creation

In Love, Faith and HopeDana McQuater, the last Moderator of the Church of Scotland’s National Youth Assembly in its current form, reflects on some of the highlights of her year in office.

Family FeudsContinuing her series on conflict and reconciliation, Ruth Harvey looks at Joseph’s story in Genesis 37.

‘We Are Deeply Connected’The Very Rev Dr John Chalmers considers the long-term impact of the Coronavirus Covid-19 on churches.

Subscribe online from £12, or download a digital copy for £1.99; return the form in the magazine or speak to your church’s Life and Work coordinator.

During this challenging period, Life and Work is committed to helping keep our Christian

community connected. The magazine continues to be published and distributed to our loyal readers. If you need to contact our

team please email editorial enquiries to [email protected] or all other

enquiries to [email protected]. This month we have launched Lockdown Weekly, a

free weekly update which we hope will be a useful resource to help people keep in touch with events in the Church of Scotland while

churches are shut and many of us are in isolation. Free every Friday to download from

www.lifeandwork.org/features/features/view/441-lockdown-weekly

LIFE AND WORK



http://www.lifeandwork.org/features/features/view/441-lockdown-weekly









Contact details contact the church officeon 0131 337 [email protected]

Our minister Keith Graham can be contacted on 0131 337 [email protected]

Our session clerk Jane Smart can be contacted on 0131 337 [email protected]

Our session clerk Sheena Douglas can be contacted on 0131 343 [email protected]

Our families worker Fay Forsythe can be contactedon 0131 337 [email protected]

Our pastoral care co-ordinator Chris Goudie can be contacted on 0131 312 8468 [email protected]

CONGREGATIONAL ROLL

Very sad to tell you the news of the following deaths:

Betty Robertson 3rd April Isobel Watt 6th April Winnie Allan 21st April Mrs Mary Kirkpatrick 9th May

Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers

As you are all aware the Church and Centre buildings are now closed due to COVID-19. We are protecting our staff by making use of the government Job Retention Scheme unti l circumstances change. These arrangements will be reviewed on or before 1s t June 2020 depend ing on the circumstances.

STAFF ARRANGEMENTS

Office emails and phone calls are picked up daily so please do still get in touch if you wish and we will get back to you as soon as we possibly can. If you or someone you know need help with essentials, we have a list of volunteers who would be delighted to help.














Documents

MURRAYFIELD PARISH CHURCH MAGAZINE issue 542 2020 · MURRAYFIELD PARISH CHURCH MAGAZINE Issue 542 May 2020 Scottish Charity 005918 ﬁeldparishchurch.org.uk BE OPEN TO THE LEADING