10th March 2023, Weekly Update

1. Sunday 12 March

Services at 9.30 am and 10.30 am (also live-streamed). The passage is Matthew 6:19-34. The theme is Living Sustainably. As part of the service we will be launching the congregation’s sustainability policy recently agreed by the Kirk Session. A copy is attached.

Hunger Lunch will take place at 12 noon in the church hall.  It’s a simple lunch, a time to get to know others in the congregation, and a way that you can contribute towards the Orphans Project in Malawi.

2)   Living Sustainability

Safeguarding the integrity of creation is part of the mission of God we participate in. There is widespread agreement within StAB that God wants us to care for the planet and that more action needs to be taken. Many, however, feel stuck because they struggle to work out how to translate that concern into concrete action.  The sustainability policy is intended to address this.

Robert Galbraith has agreed to take on the role of Sustainability Coordinator for the congregation.  His role is to be a bit of a stirrer and a catalyst. He will looking to involve lots of people in different initiatives along the six lines detailed in the sustainability policy.  The next step will be a meeting after worship on Sunday March 26 at 11.45 am. At it Robert will say a bit more about the different possibilities and invite people to get involved. I hope you will come and be part of this. Living Sustainably

3)  Real Easter Eggs

If you ordered an egg, collection is next Sunday 19 March. Please bring payment with you. In addition to eggs purchased for themselves, the congregation donated more than 100 eggs to East Lothian Foodbank. This is them being delivered this week.

 

4)   Influence of Christian Grandparents 

Wed 19 April, 7.30 pm

The Church of Scotland is running a webinar to explore the role Grandparents can play in passing on their faith.  Graham Duffin of Loanhead Church tells me that in a group for those exploring faith, four people said their grandparents were the greatest influence when it came to believing in Jesus. The webinar is free but spaces may get snapped up, so I suggest you register soon at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/renew-church-and-ministry-with-children-and-young-people-tickets-505917872977

5) Blythswood Shoeboxes

Every autumn for many years many of you have contributed shoeboxes that Blythswood have distributed at Christmas time in Eastern Europe. You gifts have brought joy to many, many people. Thank you.

Before the boxes are handed over to Blythswood they need to be checked to ensure they match the criteria. Margaret Trevor has done this diligently (in addition to taking care of organising the collection). She is now longer able to do this. She has spoken to a number of people about taking over from her and none have felt able to, which is why she has asked me to mention this to the whole congregation.

Could you help? Might you, perhaps with a friend, be willing to take on the organising of this?  If so, please speak to Julie in the office soon, so that we know whether or not we can sign up to have a collection later this year.

6)  Christian Aid Quiz 14 April

Dirleton and Abbey Churches Christian Aid Quiz night will be held on 14th April  7pm -10 pm, in Abbey Church hall. Tickets: £5 per person , teams of up to six people per table. A light supper will be served.  BYOB. For tickets and to reserve a table, please email Yolanda Strachan on Yolstrachan@gmail.com. Cash only event.

7)  Prayer Gathering

Each Wednesday on Zoom between for 30 minutes starting at 7 pm.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88152470672?pwd=WHpUOVdWN3NpSTBCUjF3aDRhcE1Ldz09

Please contact the office for sign on details.

 

Neil

Rev Dr Neil Dougall