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Message from the Rector Dear Friends, The congregational development group is the name now being used for the Casting the Net advisory group. I really like this change in wording because it sharpens our focus on where mission really is centred. It reminds me of the Gospel song ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!’ The spirit of mission is a gift to us from God that gives us that desire to be part of the Kingdom of God and to be part of its growth; - in our own lives, our church life and in our community and society. The congregational Development Group in our diocese has put together a short course entitled, ‘Mission Shaped Spirituality; A Discussion Catalyst’ The course is a series of studies based on a book ‘Mission shaped Spirituality’ by Susan Hope. This book was written with the aim of enabling congregations to have frank conversation and discussion about our relationship to mission and its complexity of demands. There is openness to the reality of negative and positive aspects of engaging with a mission initiative such as ‘Casting the Net’. Topics included for discussion are; 1, Jesus’ baptism and example, 2. Jesus compassion, 3. Freedom in the Spirit 4. Sharing faith stories. 5 Living a balanced life of faith our ‘Casting the Net’ bookmarks remind us that – living the ‘marks of mission’ we are ready to seek growth and Cast The Net! I hope to be able to set aside Monday evenings 7.00pm – 8.30pm. and invite folk to join together for a time of discussion guided by this initiative of our diocese. Therefore: date for your diary Open Door @ The Great House. Mondays 7.00 – 8.30pm. Love Grace and Peace Rev. Isabel. Sunday services St Michael’s 9.45 a.m. St John’s 11.30 a.m. Major Church Festivals in the Scottish Episcopal Church during August 6 August Transfiguration of the Lord 15 August Blessed Virgin Mary 24 August Bartholomew, Apostle 29 August Beheading of John the Baptist What is the real mission of the church in the world today? That was the question put to the Vestries in the Edinburgh Diocese by Bishop Ken Carey 40 years ago. To find the answer, I believe we have to look at one of the most important events in the life of Jesus Christ – The Last Supper. When Jesus took bread and said ‘This is my body; it is broken for you’, I believe Jesus wanted us to look on his body as the Church: in terms of the human body which is God’s creation, the heart of the body is Christ himself who will never die; the limbs of the body being the different religions in the word; the arteries of the body being the different denominations; the veins of the body being the individual churches throughout the world/ And we as the children of God are the cells of Christ’s Body. As the cells of our human bodies nurture and renew and heal each other, so we, as the living cells of Christ’s body, and no matter what colour or creed we are, must nurture, renew, and heal one another as a part of the Living Body of Christ, bound together in Christ’s love. It is our mission in life to pass on this wonderful gift to our children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, so that it passes down the generations until this small planet which God has given us becomes one great ball of love. Contributed by Roy Baird Turning 90! Firstly, I am delighted to join the St John’s ‘90 Club’. When the time drew near the family started making noises about a big party. I am not very keen on them (big parties – not the family). Then I heard that my old home on the shores of Loch Ness, where my sister and I were born and brought up, had been rescued from ruin and was being let out. I feel very strongly that families should be such an important part of society, that I decided to give my nephews and nieces etc. a long weekend together. To my amazement they all came – from Canada, New Zealand, a quantity from Australia, Syria, and one from Turkey. All ages from me down to my great grand daughter of one year old. We had a wonderful time, with lots of opportunities to meet each other at leisure. In fact, many of them had never met, and never would have, without the weekend. I am delighted to say that none of them fell out and strong friendships were forged.Ann Erskine [And this Newsletter gives all of us the opportunity to add our congratulations and good wishes] For information about the website contact David Stacey, dgs@staceyd.freeserve.co.uk Scottish Charity SC 010982
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