Presbytery Comes to Monymusk
The Presbytery of Gordon will visit Monymusk Church on 30th June 2009 at 7.00pm where the minister as Moderator of Presbytery will elad Holy Communion before the Presbytery begins its business for the night. All are welcome to attend and to see how Presbytery works
Sunday Prize Giving Family servcie
The Sunday School and Sunday Club closed for the summer hollidays after the prize giving service in the church on Sunday 21st June at 9.30am. The Children led the church in song and prayer before the presnetation of books, bibles and hymnbooks. The Sunday School also presented just over £212 raised for the disco and their Gala efforts towards the sponsorship fund of Marie in Ethiopia.
Sunday School Disco
The annual Sunday School disco with Bill takes place in the village hall on Friday 12th June from 6.00pm until around 8.30pm. Tickets cost £2 for chidlren. Any profits raised will go to help the village where Marie lives in Ethiopia.
Pentecost
Our annual joint servcie for Pentecost took place at Cluny this year on Sunday 31st May at 10.00am. The servcie was family orientated with a baptism. Around 30-40 shared breakfast served int he hall before the servcie.
African Drums Come To Monymusk
The children of the congregation of Monymusk Parish Church welcomed Afriquetone ( an Aberdeen company which organises events using African Drumming as its core) to Monymusk of Sunday 24th May from 12.30pm until 2.30am for a workshop on African Drumming. Monymusk Village Hall resonated with the beating of drums and the laughter of children as the children explored the use of the drums and the fun of playing them.
The Sunday School were instrumental in the congregation sponsoring a girl (Marie) from Ethiopia and during the summer term of Sunday School are exploring what it may mean to live in Ethiopia and ways in which we can help through fund raising and prayer.
The drumming workshop is an active fun experience for the children who along with their parents and Sunday school staff work hard to raise money to support Marie in Ethiopia
Further information about Afriquetone is available on http://www.afriquetone.co.uk
Holy Communion
Holy communion is shared on Sunday 10th May at 9.30am. The members should have recieved communionc ards but these are not tickets to allow entry and any who regularly come to worship and who have not receieved a card should still come along and enjoy the fellowship and the holy meal. The Table of the Lord is open to any who love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.
Easter at Monymusk
Easter is a special time in the Christain year where Christians reflect on the death and resurrection from the dead of Jesus. It is important for all who believe in life after death to understand that this became possible only through the first Easter. We hold a number of special services to help us reflect on this time of the year.
Palm Sunday (5th April) 9.30am- we join with the crowds in Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday and shout Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Maunday Thursday 7.00pm Monymusk Church Chancel. In a short reflective service we do as Jesus did on the night of his arrest in an upper room - we break bread and share wine in the sacrament of Holy Communion
Good Friday -7.00pm Cluny Church. We reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross - that he died for our wrongdoing and that his hands and feet were held ont he cross not just by the nails of the soldiers but by his love for you and me.
Easter Morning (12th April) - 9.30am family worship as we celebrate the rising of Jesus from the tomb and reflect that his coming back to life shows us that there is life after death and we can share that with him through faith. Children will roll easter eggs in the park after the service
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ANY OR ALL OF THE SERVICES
The Passion
On Sunday 29th March the children of both churches of Cluny and Monymusk performed The Passion. This was a narrated story of the last day of Jesus' life and concluded with an image of the articles associated with Easter including a bowl of water and towel, a Cross, a Cockrel, 30 silver coins, a crown of thorns, bread and wine, grave clothes, large stone. The children dressed in black aided by two readers one from Cluny and one from Monymusk carried the items to the chancel where they built up the image of Easter. Copies of photographs from the service will be online shortly. The servie was also filmed and requests to see the film should be made to the minister. After the service many went back to the hall for refreshments. The Minister felt all went very well and stated that this was another example of co-operation between the congegations.
Presbytery Visit
On Sunday 15th March the Convener of the Presbytey Visit Support Group Rev Ian Groves is minister at Inverurie West Church who visited the congregation in late November led worship to conclude the visist before a report is made to Presbytery. The report was given to Presbytery on 31st March 2009. It can be downloaded by clicking the link http://www.box.net/shared/rv5opn0rc7
Church Committee Meeting
The next church committee meeting takes place on 22nd April at 7.30pm in the Guild room. Among other things to be discussed will be a presnetation give to think about a Stewardship campaign
Monymusk Gala
Once again the members of the church are asked to help with the teas for the Gala/Bike Race on Sunday 31st August. Help is required with the supply of scones. Please note we only intend to so cream teas this year so no home bakes just scones. If you can help out please contact the minister. Further details later. The Church will be open during the Gala and decorated for visitors to have a look around.
Update: thanks to all who hewlped witht he Gala. Around £300 was raised from the etas for church funds. The church was visited by around 30 people during the afternoon
BBC Visits Monymusk
The BBC had a film crew camera, directors, sound men, 2 admin staff, producer, Phil Cunningham the programme frontman and a choir made up of singers from various churches in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in the church on Wednesday 6th August. Monymush church played an important roll in the way that hymns are now sung after what was called the Monymusk Revival. In the past Psalms were sung after a reader led the line then the congregation sung it aided by a preseneter. The programme filmed examples of before and after styles of worship with the minister roped in to do the reading of the lines ( because he sounded Scottish and "rural" compared to the other speakers present) for the choir to sing them. The Minister commented how long it took to film a short piece- almost 7 hours in total in the chruch for a piece that will probably be just part of a larger programme. A picture of Phill Cunningham playing our piano will be on the website soon. The BBC folk were a delight and the day though long was facsinating including the cameras being installed on rails running up the aisle of the church!
Summer worship
In July worship will be in Monymusk Church at 10.00am
In August at Cluny also at 10.00am, on 10th August it will be in Sauchen Park with the Granite City Brass Band leading a songs of praise service.
Sunday 22nd June Family Worship
The Sunday SChool and Sunday Club comes to the end of the term with their presentations on Sunday 22nd June. Thanks from the church to all the families who support the Sunday School and Sunday Club and to the those who staff them
After the servcie there will be a mini fete with coffee morning, bring and buy table, sponsored highland fling indorrs witha car was and beat the goaly outdoors. This will raise money for our friend in Ethiopia. All are welcome to come along.
Sunday School Disco
A disco led by Bill Sutherland was held in the village hall on Friday 13th June. This was attended by over 33 kids from the village and all enjoyed the mix of fun dancing and music. Thanks to Bill for his endevors on our behalf. The event raised £128 towards the fund raising of the Sunday school for their support of sponsored child from Ethioia. ( Look out for more events and news of our Sponsored child)
Sunday Outing Bennachie
The church held an orienteering outing to bennachie on sunday 8th June. The weather was kind and a wide range of ages attended the event fromc hidlren in prams to "older" folk. The course was organised by David Armitage and took around 1 hour to go round. It was agreat fun afternoon attended by more than 30 people.
After an hours rest and clean up most of the orienteerers and some others joined at the Grant Arms Hotel where they were servced a wonderful high tea with a huge feast and gret service. All who attended the day said it was a great day out.
Pentecost
Because Pentecost falls on 11th May 2008 and this is scheduled to be our Communion Servcie this will not be ajoint servcie and there shall be no breakfast this year. It is hoped to begin again next year.
World Vision Sponsored Famine
The Sunday Club are to hold a sponsored 24 hour famine starting on 19th April and finishing with breakfast on Sunday20th April in aid os street chidlren in India. The congregation have supopirted the sponsors well and over £100 has been promised. the service on 20th will not be family servcie but the congregation are invited for tea and a bite to eat at the clsoe fow orship with the Sunday Club in the Guild room ( if there is any food leaft!)
Stated Annual Meeting
The accounts were presented at the stated annual meeting of the congregation held in church on 30th March 2008. They showed a healthy profit for the year though this was asa result of falling expenditure mainly in Ministry costs and not a greta rise in income. the accounts were in a new form to comply with new OSCR refulations and the Treasury team Dave and erica Wilkinson were thanked for all their hard work in compling the accounts. It is hoped that the accounts will be online shortly for members to look at.
Easter Sunday
The chidlren of the congregation attended Easter in good numbers and at the end of the family servcie they rolled their Easter Eggs in the park. The weather was more like Christmas than easter with snow flurries during the servcie but all had a good time. Thanks also for the teas at the close of worship for the parents and the chidlren. Palm Sunday 16th March saw a great turn out of children and adults at the Palm Sunday celebration. Children from both Cluny and Monymusk took part in a procession around the village square then into church where they participated in worship. The minister noted a congregation of around 100 with more than half being under the age of 40.
Monecht Visit
The Guides Brownies and Rainbows of the Monecht District of Guides representing Dunecht, Midmar and Monymusk, visited the church to participate in the World Thinking Day Service on 24th February. Around 70 girls plus staff and family members joined the congregation for this special family service. The service began and ended witht he colours from the units being presented to and returned by the minister to the colour parties from the units. The congregation enjoyed the visit and many commented how well beahved they were and how good it was to see thme joining in at worship and answering the questions given by the minister.
Coffee Morning and Auction
The congregation held its annual coffee morning and silent auction on Saturday 23rd February from 10.00am until around 12 noon. Because of a family commitment the minister was unable to attend and Mr Steve Cawley from Monymusk was co-opted as auctioneer. Just under £1000 was raised for church funds, and around £130 was raised at the fair trade stall. The minister would like to thank everyone who participated in any way - especially members of the committee who worked so hard in acheiving this welcome financial income.
Planning Meeting
An informal meeting of the Church Committee takes place in the home of Joan Kendle on Tuesday 22nd January at 7.30pm. This is to plan the coffee morning and auction and other related business. This is not a formal meeting of the Committee, minutes will not be taken and is open to any who would like to play a part in the running of the congregation. The informal meetings will take place on the months between the formal meetings of the Church Committee.
Sunday School and Sunday Club
The Sunday school and Sunday Club restart after their Christmas break on Sunday 13th January at the usual times. New members are always welcome to join with them. Both organisations meet in church at 9.30am with the Sunday School ( 3 -11 year olds) leaving for the Church hall and their own activities after the second hymn and the Sunday Club leaving for the Guuild Room for their activities just before the sermon! Christmas Gift The Congegation got a surprise on Christmas morning when one of the children attending the church service helped the minister to unwrap a present under the Christmas tree. Upon unwrapping the present they found inside 50 copies of the new CH4 hymnbook which was given to the church in memory of one of our former members. The last hymn on Christmas morning was sung using the new hymnbook. from now on worship will be sung using CH4. Members who would want their own copy can contact the Minister who will be willing to purchase them for you. The cost around £12 each.
Christmas Eve Family service
A good attendence at church during the Christams Eve family service saw the Minister dress up like a shepherd and tell the story of the first Christmas from the perspective of one of the shepherds to whom the angels came and announced Jesus birth. The younger people of the church were given light sticks and when they cracked the lights were put out throughout the church and the last hymn was sung. At the clsoe of worship the congregation was asked to leave church with the ligt sticks still glowing to represent the light of Christ coming into the world on the first Christmas Eve.
Christmas Nativity
The children of the Sunday School performed with their usual gusto the story of the grumpy innkeeper. The church looking beautiful after the decorating team had finsihed the morning before had extended staging this year to allow the congregation to see the 15 children more clearly as the shepherds came down from the hills after"washing their socks by night" and the wise men arrive from the East "one on a motorbike two in a car". The singing was led by Ian Emslie on the guitar and Joan Kendle at the organ. All who were present enjoyed the slant on the Christams story. The service finished with tea and coffee in the Vilalge hall next door.
Christmas Party
The children of the Sunday School together with invited guests held their Christmas party on Sunday afternoon in the village hall. After around 45 minutes of games they sat down to a feast follwoed by a visit by Santa Clause. the party was rounded off with the Hokey Cokey. The Minister Rev Euan Glen, noted that next year he would have to improve his tactics at the musical statues game as the chidlren are now ready for him and not easily disturbed to move. Still he mused it kept them quiet for a few minutes! The teachers were thanked for all the hard work they have put in over the year.
Carols for Christmas
The combined Cluny and Monymusk Choir led an evening service attended by around 60 people in carols and lessons. The musical pieces included a variety of choral music from "The Angel Gabriel" to "Come and Join the Celebration". After the service mulled wine was served in the village hall and all who attended the service noted how well the choir had sung. The Minister thanked the choir led by Sandy Argo, the readers and those who organsied the fellowship after the service. A collection raised £140 which will go to the Monymush Church music fund.
Christingle
The Congregation enjoyed a visit from the local brownies where they joined with the Sunday school to sing This little light of mine during the annual Christingle service on Sunday 2nd December. te chidlren of the church took turns rolloing a dice to allow them to proceed to build the Christingle. As the lights were dimmed for the last part of the servcie the church darkened as the night outside before the candles were lit and the light from the 60 or so candles bathed the church in soft light adding to the atmoshpere as the congregation sang the closing worship before heading home into the darkness around.
Holy Communion
The Congregation shares Holy Communion at the 9.30am service on Sunday 28th October. This is also a day when new members will be admitted to the Sacrament by public profession of faith. All are welcome to attend this special servcie.
New Members
A new members enquiry class will run for four weeks on Thursday evenings at Cluny Hall from 7.30pm. The session begins on Thursday 20th September. Further information from the minister. It is hoped that new members will be added to the communion roll on communion Sunday.
New Elders The Kirk Session shall be adding to their number with the ordination of two new elders on Sunday 14th October at 9.30am. We look forward to Dot Gray and Susan Reid playing an important roll in the life of our congregation.
Church Pictures
There is a new link from this webpage to a section where we can store pictures of life and history of Monymusk Church. If you have any digital pictures that you would be willing to send to Minister@monymuskchurch.org.uk they can be added onto the web page. If the pictures are not on digital and you would be willing for them to be scanned and then entered into the webpage then please send them to the Minister, at The Manse Monymusk.
Christmas at Monymusk
30th December 9.30am Carols from around the world.
Harvest Thanksgiving
We shall celebrate harvest on Sunday 7th October at 9.30am. This will be followed by the distribution of gifts from the Sunday School. The Church will be decorated on Saturday 6th October from 10.00am and the items used to decorate the church will be sold after the service and all the money raised will be donated to charity. We hope that you can come.
Harvest Supper
Once again we are to celebrate harvest with a supper and party in the village hall on Saturday 6th October from 7.00pm. There will be the usual pot luck supper with entertainment for young and old alike. All are welcoem to join with us. If you would like further information please contact Susan Reid at the usual telephone number or email the minister.
Summer Outing
Do you fancy joining us for a trip to the beach at Collieston. The Church club is organising an away day to Collieston on Sunday 19th August after morning worship. We are to meet at the harbour at Collieston at 1.00pm with our own picnic and enjoy an afternoon at the seaside. If you can offer transport or require transport please contact either Euan (651470) or Joan(651281)
Summer Worship
During the months of July and August worship will be held with our neighbours of Cluny Church. During July we shall worship at Cluny Church all the services begin at 10.00am. During August worship will be held in Monymusk also starting at 10.00am. The last service of the joint servcies shall begin at 11.00am and allow us to have lunch together afterwards.
The Minister shall not be preaching for the last three Sundays in July when Rev Alfie Bowie shall be leading worship. The remaining servcies of summer will all be shorter than normal "all-age" family services with short stories intersperced throughout the service rather than a full sermon. Children will be very welcome to attend any or all of the servcies.
Sunday 24th June
The Sunday School and Sunday Club finish their years activies at the family servcie on 24th June. There shall be presentations to the participants along with participation by the children in the service. This is a fun service and thanks must go to all who have helped with the chidlren's/youth work for the last year, Susan, Juduth, Jane and Anne. All can now enjoy a good break for the holidays.
On Sunday 24th June the church was saddened to hear of the resignation of Jane from the Sunday School because of work commitments. Jane was presneted with a card from the chidlren and flowers for the congregation. The church is now looking to recruit further teaching staff.
Disco and Coffee Morning
The Sunday School ahda very succesful disco on friday 8th June in the village hall at Monymusk. Chidlren and adults enjpyed the disco led by Bill Sutherland. £120 was raised for hearing Dogs for the deaf
On Sunday 10th June the Sunday School aided by the Sunday Club welcomed a visitor from Guide Dogs for the Blind and a coffee morning held after the service raised £110 for the Guide dogs. A picture of the Mr Mitchell and his dog along with the chidlren will be posted once approvals have been secured from parents.
Sunday 3rd June
Because of the long weekend holiday the Sunday school and Sunday club will be on holiday this weekend. The Sunday School have organised a disco to be held on Friday 8th June in aid of the charity they are supporting Hearing Dogs for the deaf.
On Sunday 10th June the Sunday school and Sunday club resume normal activities and the Sunday School look forward to welcoming a four legged friend!
Pentecost - 27th May
On 27th May the congregation will be worshipping with our neighbours at Cluny to celebrate Pentecost. The service begins at 10.00am. Before the service breakfast is offered in the church hall from 9.00am.
Around 45 members and friends attended breakfast and a further 25 stayed after the service for tea and coffee. Anne Glen who organised the breakfast said it was as well attended as it had been for a few years. It was also good to see some new people having brekafast. breakfast of Cerial, bread rolls, and butteries were on order and after the service biscuits and pastires were served with tea and coffee. The generousity of those attending allowed £110 of profit to be sent to Christian Aid to help the peole of Darfur. Thanks to all involved.
Fair Trade Stall
Monymusk Church Sunday Club organised a Fair trade stall in the church after morning worship on 4th & 11th March. Usual items on sale included teas, coffees, biscuits, chocolate, foodstuffs and cards and eggs for Easter. Thanks to everyone who purchased goods from the fair trade stalls. Anne reported that just over £250 was spent by the congregation on fairly traded items.
Sunday 13th May
The Congregation shares Holy Communion on Sunday 13th May. The Table of our Lord is open to any who love the Lord a little and want to love him more. Members of all denominations are welcome at the Table of our Lord.
This Sunday also marks the last official Sunday of Simon Crouch time with us. We shall all miss Simon and look forward to him returning some in the future. We wish him well in his journey of faith.
Holiday Weekend
There is no sunday School and Sunday Club on Sunday 6th May due to the holiday weekend. The Sunday school and Sunday club resume on 13th May when the Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated. The chidlren of the Sunday school will be attending the opening part of the service of Holy Communion while the Sunday club will be sharing breakfast in the Guild Room. Bacon rolls and chips are not on the menu but pancakes and other goodies are.
Easter Walk
Seven brave souls and a dog enjoyed a walk to the top of Greenhill at Monymusk on Sunday 15th April. The walk organised by Joan and Keith Kendle on behalf of the Church Club was bathed in warm sunlight and from the top of the hill the view to Lochnagar was reduced because of haze. The walkers briskly walked to the top and back again a journey of just over 5 miles in just over two hours. The walk finished at the Kendles home and those tired and hot walkers enjoyed the pleasant cup of tea, coffee wine or juice in the back garden of Joan and Keith. Euan Glen was glad to have made the walk this year having got lost last year and while he may have brought up the rear of the party he was heard to say how much he enjoyed the walk. Roll on the next one!
Easter Celebration
Why not come along and join us for an Easter celebration at Monymusk church and at our neighbouring congregation of Cluny. Easter is a lot more than chocolate eggs or bunnies, it is about the love shown to all humankind through the death of Jesus and the hope for all humankind promised in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We have a number of special services to celebrate this most special of the Christian festivals and we would be pleased if you came to join with us at some or any of them.
April 1st 9.30am Palm Sunday - Special worship with an adult Sunday School!
April 5th 7.00pm Holy Communion - we recall the Last Supper in word and action
April 6th Good Friday 7.00pm- Servcie of praise with participation from the choir at Cluny in Cluny Church.
April 8th Easter morning 9.30am Family worship- the chidlren of the church roll Easter eggs at the close of the service.
There is a green hill far away outside the city wall, where the dear Lord was cruified who died to save us all
Joint meeting of Kirk Session/Church Committee
Tuesday 20th March saw the first joint meeting of the ruling bodies of the congregations of Monymusk and Cluny for 2007. This was a good evenings discussion as the congregations discussed the pattern of joint services, the implementation fo the Presbytery plan and the possibility of joint activities between the congregations. The pattern for joint services was agareed for the next two years as was the procedure for the movement towards a possible union of the congregations during the next vacancy whenever that should occur. The Minister stated that the meeting had been open and frank and that he hoped it would be the first step on an exiting journey that both congregations shall take as they plan to be the church in the area over the next few years. It is clear he said that this is a journey towards Union but that there is quite a way to go until we are ready for Union of the congregations. The Congregations are also to be part of a Parish grouping and this was discussed and it was agreed that the congregations shall amke contact with the other potential members in the grouping to begin exploratory talks with them towards the formation of a Parish grouping.
Joint Service
Over 90 people from the congregations of Cluny an Monymusk joined the chidlren from Cluny and Monymusk as they told the story of the feeding of the 5000. The children dressed in the costumes from Christmas told the story in drama and song. They also fed the congregation with bread and fish shaped biscuits. After the drama was complete the chidlren handed out to all the women in the church bunches of daffodils to mark Mother's day. The Minister, Euan Glen commented that the service had been a most enjoyable event and everyone whom he had spoken too enjoyed the morning. Many stayed behind after the service for a time of fellowship in the church hall.
Easter Walk
Seven brave souls and a dog enjoyed a walk to the top of Greenhill at Monymusk on Sunday 15th April. The walk organised by Joan and Keith Kendle on behalf of the Church Club was bathed in warm sunlight and from the top of the hill the view to Lochnagar was reduced because of haze. The walkers briskly walked to the top and back again a journey of just over 5 miles in just over two hours. The walk finished at the Kendles home and those tired and hot walkers enjoyed the pleasant cup of tea, coffee wine or juice in the back garden of Joan and Keith. Euan Glen was glad to have made the walk this year having got lost last year and while he may have brought up the rear of the party he was heard to say how much he enjoyed the walk. Roll on the next one!
Easter Celebration
Why not come along and join us for an Easter celebration at Monymusk church and at our neighbouring congregation of Cluny. Easter is a lot more than chocolate eggs or bunnies, it is about the love shown to all humankind through the death of Jesus and the hope for all humankind promised in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We have a number of special services to celebrate this most special of the Christian festivals and we would be pleased if you came to join with us at some or any of them.
April 1st 9.30am Palm Sunday - Special worship with an adult Sunday School!
April 5th 7.00pm Holy Communion - we recall the Last Supper in word and action
April 6th Good Friday 7.00pm- Servcie of praise with participation from the choir at Cluny in Cluny Church.
April 8th Easter morning 9.30am Family worship- the chidlren of the church roll Easter eggs at the close of the service.
There is a green hill far away outside the city wall, where the dear Lord was cruified who died to save us all
Joint meeting of Kirk Session/Church Committee
Tuesday 20th March saw the first joint meeting of the ruling bodies of the congregations of Monymusk and Cluny for 2007. This was a good evenings discussion as the congregations discussed the pattern of joint services, the implementation fo the Presbytery plan and the possibility of joint activities between the congregations. The pattern for joint services was agareed for the next two years as was the procedure for the movement towards a possible union of the congregations during the next vacancy whenever that should occur. The Minister stated that the meeting had been open and frank and that he hoped it would be the first step on an exiting journey that both congregations shall take as they plan to be the church in the area over the next few years. It is clear he said that this is a journey towards Union but that there is quite a way to go until we are ready for Union of the congregations. The Congregations are also to be part of a Parish grouping and this was discussed and it was agreed that the congregations shall amke contact with the other potential members in the grouping to begin exploratory talks with them towards the formation of a Parish grouping.
Joint Service
Over 90 people from the congregations of Cluny an Monymusk joined the chidlren from Cluny and Monymusk as they told the story of the feeding of the 5000. The children dressed in the costumes from Christmas told the story in drama and song. They also fed the congregation with bread and fish shaped biscuits. After the drama was complete the chidlren handed out to all the women in the church bunches of daffodils to mark Mother's day. The Minister, Euan Glen commented that the service had been a most enjoyable event and everyone whom he had spoken too enjoyed the morning. Many stayed behind after the service for a time of fellowship in the church hall.
Ten Pin Bowling
After the success of our previous trip to the bowling we have decided to go bowling again. This is open to all ages and whether you are a member of the church or not. Children under the age of 16 will have to be with an adult or a group of children with a responsible adult.
Thanks
At its Committeee meeting held on 20th February the Committee heard that once again the congregation had been able to balance its books and have a surplu of just over £2000. This is due to the continued support of our members and the parish. Thank you to all who helped us in any way this last year. we hope that you shall continue your support and that we can help you.
Simon Crouch
Monymusk Church looks forward to welcoming Mr Simon Crouch who is going to be with us for the next few months as he explores the meaning of ministry of Word and Sacrament. Simon is a member of Upper Donside Congregation, is a gifted musician and a full time actor with his own business. Monymusk Church is sure to benefit from Simons association with us and we look forward to his first visit on Sunday 29th January.
Blue Peter ShoeBiz Appeal
Thanks to all who contributed. Around 130 pairs of shoes, wellington boots, trainers etc were delivered to the BBC in Aberdeen from the people of Cluny and Monymusk to help with their appeal to aid children in Malawi who are effected by AIDS.
Sunday School
The Sunday school have began again after the Christmas Holidays and this term for the first few weeks we are to look at some stories of the Saints of Scotland. This term Mr Glen is to introduce the weekly topic in the Chidlren's story and then we shall look at it in Sunday School. Copies of the programme leading up to Easter are available from Susan.
Sunday Club
The Sunday Club have also restarted after their Christmas holiday. The Sunday Club is open to all who are at Secondary school. This term they are to look at the "I Am" statements that describe Jesus. New members are always welcome to attend.
Sunday 18th February
Our service today is to be a short family service. There will also be a baptism during the service and Holy Communion will be celebrated at the close of worship. All are welcome to attend.
Church Committee Meeting
The Church Committee meets for regular business on Tuesday 20th February in the Church Vestry at 7.30pm. The annual accounts will be presented for approval and the Committee is delighted to note that once again we are in the black for the financial year. A special thanks to everyone who has helped us this last year.
Sunday 4th February
Our unusual service was a great success on sunday 4th February. The service started as normal in the Church with the usual opening worship and then changed as the children went to Sunday School the entire congregation follwed them. The remainder of the time spent together was in the Sunday School and Sunday Club in the Village hall. When we arrived at the Sunday School there was a time of opening worship where the children wrote a prayer based on the teaching of Mr Glen about St Columba. The congregation then split into four groups, 3 based on the Sunday school classes and 1 for the Sunday Club group. The adults joined in at the various age groups, listening to stories and teaching about St Columba before making corracles with the infant class, a Monymusk reliquary with the intermediate class, a decorated blessing with the odler class and with a bible lighthouse quiz with the Sunday club. The morning finished with a song played by Iain on the guitar then the children sang their usual blessing and come again song. The Sunday club members prepared teas and catering and the congregation enjoyed a time of fellowship. Our Minister Mr Glen was heard to say that this should be something we do again as it was a great fun and most informative for the congregation to see what the children and young people get up to.
Carol Singing around Monymusk
Around 30 adults and children spent a cold Friday night enjoying themselves singing carols around the village of Monymusk. The music was led by Ian Emslie on the guitar as the carol singers sang in St Ninians, St Andrews, St Marys and the Village Square. The "choir" sang 3 or 4 carols in each area before moving on to the next one. After singing for around an hour, 20 of the "choir" returned to the Manse where plates of warm soup and freshly cooked bread were on offer. Euan Glen would like to thank everyone who turned out and helped make this an enjoyable evening.
Sunday 17th December
The morning Nativity Service was this year in the Doric using a nativity play written by one of the Sunday School teachers. This was preceded with singing of Once in Royal David's City in the village square as Mary and Joseph were taken around the square with a real donkey as they made their way to Bethlehem. A packed church heard the nativity story, sang carols and prepared themselves for the coming of Jesus on Christmas day. This was followed by a cup tea in the church. (Photographs to be posted online soon)
In the afternoon around 30 adults and children travelled to Inverurie to watch the Pantomime Pinochio at the Town Hall. A great deal of fun was shared by those attending. This was followed by tea in the village hall and then a party where Santa visited and gave presents to the children.
In the evening the members of Cluny Choir led a service of carols and lessons for Christmas. This was well attended and enjoyed by all as was the mulled wine and mince pies served in the hall afterwards.
The Minister wants to thank all involved in the busy day which once again showed the breadth of activities found in Monymusk Church.
Church Christmas Card
The congregation once again are to distribute a Christmas card to every home int he parish. Our hope is that that we reach everyone with the wonder of Christ's birth and the knowledge that they are important to God and to the local congregation. Details of the Christmas activities are also in the Christmas Card. A special word of thanks to those who at this busy time of the year deliver the cards. If you did not get a card and live in the parish please contact minister@monymuskchurch.org.uk
Christingle Service 3rd December 7.00pm
Around 50 adults and chidlren attended the annual Christingle Service at Monymusk on 3rd December. The Sunday School members sung their own version of "this little light of mine" with Ian Elmslie playing the guitar. The service closed by singing the final hymn using only the light of the Christingles that the congregation had made during the service, and the atmoshpere was terrific. Look out for the event next year.
Blue Peter Shoe Biz Appeal
The congregation through its children's work is to participate in the Blue Peter Shoe Biz appeal to help children suffering from AIDS in Malawi. pairs of shoes in good order are being collected at the church each Sunday or they can be collected by contacting minister@monymuskchurch.org.uk . Further information about this can be found at, www.shoebizappeal.org.uk/
The bags of shoes continue to come in. So Far we have recieved around 6 black bin bags full of pairs of shoes. We are still collecting them so its not too late to look out the old footwear.
The first delivery of 86 pairs of footwear was delivered to the BBc at Beechgrove Aberdeen on Monday 18th December. Keep up the good work.
Church Committee Meeting
Church Committee meets on 21st November at 7.30pm.
Sunday 19th November
Our worship on 19th November will be at Cluny beginning at 10.00am. This will be a joint family orientated service using a multi media format. Teas will be served in the hall at the close of worship.
Remembrance Sunday
Following on our usual pattern for Remebrance Sunday at the close of worship there will be a short service at the War memorial in the Square at Monymusk beginning around 10.30am. This year the congregation asked one of the younger members of the Church family to lay the wreath and Owen Cawley from the Sunday Club duly obliged.
Ten Pin Bowling
15 members of the church attended the ten pin bowling at Aberdeen on 11th November. Look out for the next visit to the bowling. Congratulations to Desna Emslie who had the highest score of all taking part.
Murder Mystery Evening
A packed Monymusk House great hall enjoyed another fantastic performance from the Cluny Players at their now annual Murder Mystery Evening staged to raise funds for Cluny and Monymusk Church's. The performance was very entertaining and the plot as good as anything Connon Doyle could have come up with. The setting of Monymusk House enhanced this great night out as did the hospitality of Lady Grant and the food supplied by Mrs Pearson. Special thanks to Susan McCarthur of the Cluny Players and Lady Grant together with a word of thanks to the young people who helped as waiters for the evening.
Coffee Morning
Thanks to everyone who took part in the Church coffee morning held on Saturday 28th October. Though the weather was not good the folk of Monymusk turned out for their butteries and tea or coffee and some bargains at the stalls. Just over £300 was raised for church funds. The Sunday Club sold over £150 of goods at their Fair Trade Stall
Church Club
The First year of the Church Club has been a great success- and it is not yet finished. The club encouraged us to attend a spring supper and entertainment which proved most enjoyable for the 40 or so members of all ages who attended and this was followed by a trip to Pluscarden Abbey followed by a lovely supper in the Grant Arms Hotel. Next on the agenda was a hike to the top of Cairn William (around 4 hours or so) though the minister never managed because of another meeting. In November a trip by 15 members to ten pin bowling in Aberdeen was enjoyed by all who participated. Keep an eye out for the other activities planned. The joy of the Church Club is that we don’t ask people to commit to all or any of the events – you can pick and choose and come to the ones you may feel most enjoyable.
Sunday School News
On Sunday the 10th September the Sunday School provided tea and cakes after church as the final push for our Send a Cow appeal. We are happy to tell you that we raised enough to give a pair of oxen, two goats, a couple of beehives and a hundred sapling fruit trees. Mrs. MacCormack from Send a Cow told us in the church how they only provide these gifts after training and help. We are very grateful for your generous support in raising the £445 to let us help some very poor African families who at present are only just surviving, to achieve a more secure future for themselves and their villages.
Back at home, this term we are looking at Creation using the book of Genesis and the Autumn Harvest. Ian Emslie will also be helping with music. This year we will be making harvest biscuits for our usual distribution and helping to decorate the church with flowers and veg from our gardens.
If you want to know more contact Susan Reid on 651480 or one of the other teachers; Jane Fraser or Judith Aldersey-Williams. This year we also have Innes and Alice helping as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award work.
Sunday Club
Monymusk Sunday Club has welcomed 3 new members. We are going to be following Youth Alpha until Christmas. This is designed to help young people look at Christianity and its beliefs. We will be having our traditional breakfast when Communion is taking place. We start in the Guild Room from 9.30am.
We organised a Fair Trade Stall at the Church Coffee sold around £150 of goods. For more details about the Sunday Club or the Fair Trade Stall call Anne on (01467) 651470
Church Finances
Treasurer’s Notes to 25 September 2006
The summary financial statement to 25 September shows a deficit of £368.
With your support for our forthcoming fundraising events: Coffee morning, Murder Mystery evening and the Smartie tube appeal, we hope to report a slight surplus at the year end.
A tax claim for £825 will be submitted shortly.
Summary Financial Statement to 25th September 2006:
Total income £ 11008
Total expenditure 11376
Current Deficit £368
Current Account Balance £5049
The organ has recently been overhauled at a cost of £2325, with funds being taken from the Halifax account to cover the work. The balance of the Halifax account has been transferred to the new Deposit Account with the Church of Scotland Investors Trust. This account pays one of the best rates of interest currently available and will be used to hold the reserve funds.
Upcoming property projects include paving the rough ground at the church entrance, church decoration, and improving heat conservation by adding secondary glazing or curtains at the windows. Some fundraising may be required to cover these costs.
The Sunday School has again been busy raising funds for Send a Cow, and a total of £420 is on its way to the charity. The proceeds of the harvest goods sale £160 was sent to Christian Aid.