Church of Scotland Guild Summer E-News
The King and the Queen
On 6 February 1952, a very young Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya with her husband Prince Philip, when she was told of the death of her father, King George VI. Elizabeth returned home to a nation in mourning.
The young princess, aged 25 and a mother of two young children, was thrust into a public role as Queen Elizabeth whose duty was to serve the people of Britain and the Commonwealth.
As we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I thought about how her life as Queen compared to the life of Jesus, our King. At her coronation, the Queen went to Westminster Abbey in a beautiful coach. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a humble donkey.
The Queen was dressed in beautiful robes. Jesus was dressed in purple robes, not because he was King of Kings but because the Roman soldiers were mocking him.
The Queen travelled to Westminster Abbey through streets full of cheering people waving flags. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowds lining the streets cheered and waved palm branches, a symbol of victory, and shouted: “Hosanna. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Both were crowned: the Queen with the St Edward’s crown of solid gold and Jesus with a crown of thorns, pushed onto his head to mock him. She returned with her husband to Buckingham Palace, He walked to His death.
On her 21st birthday in 1947, Princess Elizabeth made her first ever broadcast. She said, “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be short or long, shall be devoted to your service. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share it.”
For me, the life of Christ, Prince of Peace, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life, a role model for reconciliation and forgiveness. He stretched out His hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ has taught me to respect and value all people, whatever their faith or lack of faith.
Sunday 5 June was a double celebration this year; the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Pentecost. The Queen has served for a long time, but her reign will end. After the resurrection, Jesus said, “I will be with you always.” Jesus will be King forever and for that, we give God thanks and praise.
Andrea Houston, National Vice Convener
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National Convener Elect 2022-23
At their meeting in June, the National Council unanimously elected Helen Eckford of Inverclyde Guilds Together as the National Convener Elect for 2022-23.
Helen is a member of New Parish Church in Port Glasgow where she is a worship leader. Since retiring as a teacher of French and German she has enjoyed having more time for church activities, especially the Guild, and learning more about what happens locally, regionally, and nationally. She has also had the opportunity to represent the Guild as a corresponding member of Presbytery.
Speaking after her election, Helen said: "To be elected to serve as National Convener of the Guild is a huge privilege and I welcome the opportunity to repay what the Guild has given me. I am looking forward to meeting Guild members over the course of my year of office."
Helen is very keen to visit as many Guilds and Guilds Together Groups as possible. If you would like Helen to visit your group over the coming year please get in touch with some possible dates.
Book a visit from the National Convener <mailto:guild@churchofscotland.org.uk?subject=National%20Convener%20Visit>
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Joanne Brown, East of Scotland Regional Suppport worker
We are delighted that Joanne has joined us to support Guilds in the East of Scotland. Joanne will be contacting Guilds Together Groups in the weeks ahead to look at how best she can support their work.
Joanne will also look after our communications such as the newsletter, Facebook and website. She will also help us find great new merchandise.
We hope that you will give Joanne a warm welcome to our team.
Contact Joanne <mailto:Joanne.Brown@churchofscotland.org.uk?subject=Getting%20in%20touch>
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Christine Fulcher, West of Scotland Regional Support worker
We are delighted that Christine has joined us to support Guilds in the West of Scotland. Christine will be contacting Guilds Together Groups in the weeks ahead to look at how best she can support their work.
Christine will also look after our resources such as the theme guide, a new support guide for those leading worship, and our revamped dedication service.
We hope that you will give Christine a warm welcome to our team.
Contact Christine <mailto:cfulcher@churchofscotland.org.uk?subject=Getting%20in%20touch>
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Cults Guild on the road
It was good to see what the 36 members of Cults Parish Church Guild were up to on their summer outing. They visited Peterculter Heritage Hall where they had a talk from the Heritage stitchers on the Culter tapestry. This was followed by a splendid afternoon tea. It certainly looks like you had a great time.
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Sunflower Greetings Cards
This beautiful painting of a sunflower was drawn by Jan Winch of Wormit Guild. It has been made into a greeting card by our newest Guild, Wormit's neighbour at Newport on Tay. The proceeds from the card sales are being used to support the work of the community in Zolotarevo in Ukraine, twinned with Newport on Tay, to support refugees fleeing the war. Cards are being printed and if you would like to order some please use the button below.
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Meet Morag Duncan
It's great to be able to introduce Morag Duncan from Lewis Guilds Together who is our new National Vice Convener looking after Guilds in the North of Scotland. We hope that you will pray for Morag and support her as she takes on this role.
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Meet Rae Lind
It's great to be able to introduce Rae Lind from Irvine and Kilmarnock Guilds Together who is our new National Vice Convener looking after Guilds in the South of Scotland. We hope that you will pray for Rae and support her as she takes on this role.
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Meet Christina Patterson
It's great to be able to introduce Christina Patterson from Stirling and Clackmannanshire Guilds Together who is our new National Vice Convener looking after Guilds in the West of Scotland. We hope that you will pray for Christina and support her as she takes on this role.
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Pray this month
Week of 11th July: We give thanks and pray for all our Project Partners as they strive to improve and enrich many lives with their dedication and commitment.
Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Week of 18th July: We remember all those in the Church nationally and locally who have the task of planning the way forward for the church. Lord, guide them in the decisions they make, decisions which will not be easy.
1 Corinthians 12:27: 'Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.'
Week of 25th July: Eternal God, look on our brothers and sisters in Guilds across the world, thanking you that the voice of prayer is never silent nor dies the strain of praise away. Unite us as one in your service, so that our common bond may be found in Christ Jesus whose Throne shall never pass away and whose Kingdom stands and grows forever.
Mark 3:35 'Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.'
Week of 1st August: We pray for those who live in countries suffering from earthquakes, floods, landslides and drought. Those living in war zones and conflict. Those worshipping who are in danger of arrest. The agencies and individuals giving aid where they can. We pray for help and resolution.
Psalm 115:16 'The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of men.'
Week of 8th August: Dear Lord, as our children and young people enjoy their summer holidays, keep them safe from harm. Refresh their minds ready for their return to nursery, school, college or university. We remember particularly all who will receive exam results this week. Whatever they are, Lord, help them remember that you have a plan for each of them.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Week of 15th August: We remember churches throughout the world. We give thanks for the freedom we enjoy to worship, and pray for those who have obstacles placed in the way of sharing their faith.
Ephesians 2:19 'Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household'
Week of 22nd August: Heavenly Father, we pray for our National Guild in Scotland. May our plans be built on Christ; our sure foundation bringing calm to anxious hearts at this time of transition and change. Give us Your strength of purpose, raising us to glorify Your name and to be thankful for the ways in which You guide us.
Esther 4:14: 'Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.'
Week of 29th August: We pray for the new Presbyteries. We ask that Presbyters will seek your guidance as they find a new way to work together, to giving us a powerful church for generations to come.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.'
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Portpatrick Guild Calendar
Our friends at Portpatrick Guild have again been able to produce this lovely calendar that showcases the gorgeous part of Scotland they live in and raises funds for the Guild at the same time.
You are now able to order your copy of this year's calendar using the link below. They are just £6 plus £2 postage and packaging. It would make a lovely gift for someone who enjoys lovely landscapes.
Order here <mailto:maxwellf@supanet.com?subject=Portpatrick%20Calendar>
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Hymn for the month
As we get ready for a summer break, we thought you would like to use this hymn, Great is thy faithfulness, to encourage you over the coming weeks.
Listen now <https://churchofscotland.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137&id=3687099d42&e=43d4a1fa0e>
We're off on our holidays
The enews is taking a break over the summer but we will be back on Monday 5 September ahead of the Annual Gathering on 10 September. See you then!
Contact us
Phone: 0131 225 5722 <tel:+013120225205722>
121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN