Wanted -Church Hall Manager/key holder	News Added - 05/08/10
WANTED URGENTLY - A HALL MANAGER/KEY HOLDER As part of the business plan for a new hall, we identified the need to demonstrate to funding bodies that we intend to manage it in an effective manner. It would be a great help to our case if we can demonstrate that we manage the existing hall efficiently. We are looking for a volunteer hall manager/key holder,who can take over the following duties for the existing hall,and when the new hall is commissioned, continue in the role. The main duties are: Be the main key holder and be responsible for key issue & collection. Maintain the booking register, issue booking forms, collect fees/issue receipts, pay cash to treasurer, ensure hall and grounds are kept clean, any broken or worn items are replaced,ensure any repairs are reported to buildings committee. This is a “key role” in the progression towards a new hall.
Church Fees	News Added - 29/07/10
it was agreed that the following table of fees be applied for weddings and funerals, and that these should be posted in the church porch and be made available to undertakers. It was agreed that there would be no charge for funerals for Communicant Members of the Congregation. The Rector would continue to have discretion to waive fees in circumstances he deemed appropriate.   Funeral Wedding Use of Church £100 £200 Ministers Fee £100 £100 Vergers Fee ( If required) £25 £25 Organist To be agreed with organist
Notes from the Vestry May 2010	News Added - 29/05/10
Notes from the Vestry held on 16th May The Rector & Vestry offered a special thanks to Lily Garget for designing and making the beautiful Easter Altar fall. The Rector submitted the letter he and David Robinson had sent to the Diocesan Mission Board in respect of Stipend Support. The Vestry accepted and approved the letter. Hall Finances; The following motion was discussed and agreed following a proposal from the hall committee. “If funding for the hall extension is not in place by January 2011, the future of the Rainbow Project will be re considered.” Fabric Committee The organ has been successfully moved, and the back has been boxed in. The organists, Bernard & Noel are delighted with the new location.The Rector thanked Jim, Mike and Peter for carrying out the extensive works involved with this move. Still awaiting quotes for the disabled toilet construction, but Peter reported that we had obtained a Diocesan grant of £699 to cover architects and planning fees to date.This will be paid upon completion of work. Mission Group report. A) Platform at the front which the electronic organ had stood. Clergy team to review position of credence table before deciding whether to remove the platform, which is a possible tripping hazard now the organ is not present. B) Old lectern stairs at rear of church Proposed to remove as it is a safety hazard for children, all agreed. C) Brass Lectern. This probably has some intrinsic value,congregation to be asked via Newscast on possible ways to dispose of this lectern, vestry members to also consider this. D) An article explaining the procedure at the offertory for the Sidesperson will be in the next edition of Newscast. (Going back to an old procedure) E) Weekday Services. In future there will be a regular Eucharist at 10.30 am on Wednesdays and Red Letter Days. The Rector will be very happy to meet the request of any person who wishes to have a Eucharist at any other time.Other celebrations will be intimated in the weekly notices F) Open Church. It was agreed that the Rector would leave the church open after Morning Prayer and close it after Evening Prayer. This to be trialled over the summer and autumn. Gill will put a notice about the open church in the Rainbow shop. Fair Trade Resolution: 1. Use Fairtrade tea and coffee after services and in all meetings for which you have responsibility 2. Move forward on using other Fairtrade products such as sugar, biscuits and fruit 3. Promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible. The Vestry approved this resolution unanimously.
New Hire Rates for Church Hall	News Added - 29/05/10
As from 1st January 2010, the fees will be £7 hour or £20 a session, (morning, afternoon or evening) or £50 for a full day
Lay Representative Wanted	News Added - 30/03/10
Lay & Alternate Lay Representatives. There were no nominations for these positions at the AGM. Father David outlined the duties of the Lay Representative; ·Attends two Diocesan Synods per year, representing the congregation in the governance of the Church, and preparing reports on these for the congregation In the event of a vacancy for Bishop, represents the congregation in the election process. ·Is an ex-officio member of the vestry. ·Is regarded as a senior member of the congregation and a link between the congregation and the Rector. ·In the event of a Rector vacancy, is responsible for chairing the vacancy committee and leading the process for the appointment of a new incumbent. The congregation was urged to consider who may fill this role on their behalf. At a later Congregational meeting,Mrs Joyce Mumford was elected alternate Lay Representative, the post of Lay Representative is still vacant.
St Andrews Church Hall, Brechin, available for rent!	News Added - 14/05/09
1. The hire cost is £5 per hour or £15 per session (a session is morning, afternoon or evening). This includes the cost of heating and the use of tea/coffee making facilities. Cheques should be made payable to 'St. Andrew's Episcopal Church' and sent to the Treasurer - Mrs.G.McKnight, 25, Airlie Street, Brechin DD9 6JP. 2. The group organiser is responsible for opening the hall and ensuring on departure that all heating and lighting is turned off (with the exception of the small heater in the kitchen during cold weather to guard against frost damage) and the door locked. The group will be issued with a key which is for their use only for the booked times. A refundable deposit may be requested for the key. In cold weather the heating may be turned on no more than two hours in advance of a meeting. 3. The hall and the kitchen must be left tidy, all washing up must be done and the hall and kitchen hoovered. 4. The group is responsible for providing any refreshments required. Regular users can store dry goods in the kitchen in a labelled box and can store one box of goods in the store room. As all groups have access to the hall, StAndrew's Church can accept no liability for any loss or damage to goods so stored. 5. A calendar is kept in the hall and groups must enter the day and time on this for their meetings. This is the only method of booking. 6. Although the church arranges for regular weekly cleaning of the church hall, there is no hall steward/janitor and so the church relies on user groups to be responsible in their use of the building. 7. The Rector, Father David Mumford, is the official point of contact in case of problems and his telephone number is 622708.
Easter Blessings/Spring Shoots	News Added - 18/04/09
Thank you to Father David and the Clergy Team for all the work that they put into the programme of Easter Worship. By linking with Brechin Churches Together, there was in Brechin, a truly ecumenical Holy Week, offering a whole range of worship styles and opportunities which saw Christians from all denominations supporting each other during this special time. Two services in particular stand out, firstly, the Sunday morning Eucharist at St Andrews, where over Eighty worshippers filled the Church to celebrate the Resurrection, and the Evening Service and Informal Lords Supper at the tiny church at Lochlee, at the head of GlenEsk,where over forty worshippers took part in the service, filling the church. The Spring Shoots?? A common feature of both services was the presence of children of all ages together with their parents, not sent to the back of the church, or to a separate room,but welcomed into the body of each congregation.Eggs,to colour in,or to anticipate eating!, were a common feature in both churches during the service. These children are the spring shoots of our future congregations and we really need to ensure that when they come along to our church in future, they are nurtured and welcomed into the heart of our congregation.
Notes From March/April Vestry meetings	News Added - 18/04/09
The meeting began with a minutes silence in memory of Ken Melvin. Ken had served many years on the Vestry and his loyalty and commitment to the life of the congregation is remembered with thanksgiving. ·The Treasurer reported that £1000 had been received from the Trustees of St.Drostan's Church. The Vestry are grateful for this donation. ·Relation of committees to the Vestry: Due to the many activities going on within active sub committees, e.g. The Rainbow Shop, The Mission, Fabric, Stewardship and New Hall committees and the Investment Group, to avoid overloading vestry members, vestry meetings are now held at 2 monthly intervals. It was agreed that in the future, minutes of sub committees would be circulated as soon as possible after each meeting. This would enable vestry members to raise any concerns. ·A resolution proposed by the Rainbow Shop Committee was approved; "That from September 1st 2009 the first call on the money raised in the Rainbow Shop shall be the development of additional space for community use (the current plans are for an enlarged replacement extension to the church hall). Should there be any funds left over then these can be used at the discretion of the Vestry". This money shall be held in a separate account in the name of the Rainbow Shop but shall not be a restricted account for the purposes of OSCR". ·Fabric Committee. After seeking quotes for the ongoing work of maintenance to the roofs of the buildings it had been agreed to give the contract to 'Hillside Slaters'. The painting of the tower woodwork will be done by JKM. Quotes for the work on the Rectory outhouse had been received. That from Forster's was accepted. ·Applications to DBAC a) To place remove Vestment Chest from Lady Chapel and place in Church b) For installation of disabled toilet c) The use of candle tray and icon at back of church d) Exchanging a long pew and a short pew on left side of church to provide wheel chair space within the body of the congregation. ·New Constitution; Father David and Peter Nelson asked to produce draft to be considered later. ·It is resolved by the Vestry that an application is to be made for stipend support in 2010.(and for the two subsequent years as it is a 3 year grant) ·It is resolved that the Secretary apply to the Diocese for an annual contribution towards the Rector's stipend for the work that he does in the Diocese of Brechin as Dean. Peter Nelson as Secretary and Treasurer of St. Drostan's Church Tarfside,had written to the Secretaries of Brechin, Montrose and Inverbervie inviting them to initial discussions about forming a group of linked Charges.(Canon 36 sets out the conditions for this). The main advantage would be the security of a Group Ministry whilst maintaining Vestry independence. The meeting between the Vestries (which had also included Laurencekirk) held on January 9th had been a good beginning. It was agreed that David Robinson would invite representatives of each congregation to a meeting on May 19th in St. Andrew's Church Hall for continuing discussion,( as agreed at our joint meeting with other churches in January.
Rectors Note January 2009	News Added - 08/02/09
An Attitude of Gratitude Even though the days are now lengthening, February can still be a dark and gloomy month. Maybe it takes until the clocks go forward an hour to be able to really appreciate that another winter is behind us. George Herbert,an early seventeenth century Anglican priest and poet,in his poem called Gratefulness, wrote, "Thou who hast giv'n so much to me, Give one thing more, a grateful heart." We all have a roof over our heads, warmth, clothing and more than enough to eat.Most of us have a very precious gift in our family and friends and, even if our health is not as good as it might be, we have doctors, hospitals and the National Health Service. And we have a faith in and a companionship with Jesus, who promised us in his parting words, "Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) So let us take the opportunity to look positively at our lives, to value the little things that increase the quality of our being and our relationships and to do all we can to show our gratitude to God and to each other. And,to put us on the right track,we could take a lead from George Herbert and make those two lines of his poem into a daily prayer. Father David
Candles and our Prayers	News Added - 08/02/09
A couple of weeks ago, at the feast of The Purification of the Blessed Virgin,or Candlemas as it is often known,we heard that Simeon,waiting at the Temple for the Messiah, called Jesus "a Light, to reveal God to the nations and to be the Glory of God's people". The feast is also known as Candlemas, as candles are blessed for liturgical use and distributed to the faithful. It also marks the end of the Christmas cycle and the candles emphasise the 'light' of the Christmas feasts.Candles are generally considered to represent the inner light of Christ,which he brought to share with the world. Indeed, you can say that the life of a Christian is lit by a candle,or rather a series of them.We are given a candle at baptism when we receive a share in the life of Christ. A candle is given to the newly baptized with the words;'the light of Christ scatter the darkness from your heart and mind', and the congregation reply; 'Christ go before you to guide your steps, Christ be within you to kindle your vision, Christ shine from you to give light to the world. On Easter Saturday, at our Easter Vigil we light the Pascal Candle.In procession it is carried through the church to proclaim the 'Light of Christ',in celebration of Jesus' resurrection.Christ is our light, to shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness.The Pascal candle is also the one that will be lit when the church is saying farewell to us at our funeral service. We lead up to Christmas, through Advent,by lighting the series of candles on our Advent wreath,culminating with the pure white candle on Christmas Day. Candles burn on the altar as we celebrate the Eucharist, to give thanks for what Jesus has done for us in his Passion, Death and Resurrection.A candle burns continually in the Sanctuary, reminding us that the reserve sacrament is there, ready for us to take communion to the sick and dying. At times of joy and sadness, when words cannot fully express what we want to say to God in pray,we can light a candle.For the candle is a sign of our prayers, and the offering of our lives in the service of Christ; of our prayers for others, that they too might be strengthened in their faith and love of our Lord; and a symbol of all those who through the ages, have shone as lights in the darkness of the world, and of their prayers for us. It is for these reasons we have placed our table with votive candles in the church. Please do feel free to light a candle and spend a few moments of prayer and reflection whenever you are in Church. Many people find it useful to light a candle following receiving the Eucharist, and continuing with their prayers after returning to their seats. Jane Nelson THE CANDLE IS A SIGN of our prayers and the offering of our lives in the service of Christ; of our prayers for others, that they too might be strengthened in their faith and love of our Lord; and a symbol of all those who through the ages, have shone as lights in the darkness of the world, and of their prayers for us; and as a witness that this is a place of prayer; a place where people have knelt in worship through the centuries to acknowledge that the Child of Mary is also the Son of God. "God, Our Father, source of eternal life, fill the hearts of all believers with the light of faith." Amen
Rector to be the new Dean	News Added - 12/11/08
Many of you will know by now that Bishop John has asked the Rector to be the new Dean of the diocese. Father David took up his office on 1st November but he will not be officially installed until Sunday November 23rd. There will be a service at 6pm in St Paul's cathedral, Dundee on that day for the installation of honorary canons and of the new dean and all are welcome. This is a great honour for Brechin as the Dean is the most senior priest in the Diocese next to the bishop and acts as the bishop's deputy and 'stand in' at public events and functions. If there is a vacancy in the See, then the Dean is responsible for administering the Diocese under the direction of the senior Scottish Episcopalian bishop (the Primus). It is over 100 years since a rector of Brechin has served as dean of the diocese. James Crabb (whose name is carved on the base of the pulpit) was the last Rector of Brechin who served as dean and he did so from 1889-1891.
Editors Notes from the Vestry	News Added - 12/11/08
The Vestry has agreed that we serve coffee and tea at the rear of the Church after the Sunday service. This will allow us to take full advantage of the heating, which will have already warmed the building for the service. We now also have hot running water in the flower vestry and new mugs and a hot water urn in the church. It is hoped that this will also encourage more of the congregation to stay and socialise after the service, as we found when we had services in the hall. (The first Sunday for coffee in the Church will be 14th December, which will be a trial run to work out the best way of preparation and serving.) · The Vestry approved a budget for the next financial year. The aim of the budget was to continue the mission of the Church and move towards bringing all buildings up to a good state of repair over the next three years. We will continue to draw down on our capital, and will need to raise £10,000 from a stewardship campaign. · The Vestry recognised that for a number of years St Andrew's has been running a deficit on its income and expenditure account which have been covered by transfers from the capital reserves which would probably be used in about three years.We now need to re evaluate our investment strategy, and change to one which will suit our needs over this next period. ·The Vestry noted that in the medium term future, Brechin would have significant difficulty in supporting a full time stipendiary Rector. This had already been raised in February 2006, during our discussions with the Diocesan Administration board during the vacancy,prior to commencing the recruitment process. · The Vestry believe that one way forward would be to link with other local congregations, contributing financially to a shared Ministry Team, whilst maintaining our own independent Vestry. The Rector was requested to write to the Vestries of the Laurencekirk and Montrose groups of Churches. · It was agreed that no money from the church account would be spent on the new hall, all funding for pre-project and project expenditure would be from money raised by the Rainbow shop. The AGM will be held on Sunday 7th December. Please think about whom you may wish to nominate as Vestry Members --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Altar Screens Refurbished	News Added - 11/09/08
These three screens were completely renovated during September 2008. The embroidered decoration motives and lettering were removed and cleaned. The stained and rotted outer fabric together with the inner liner was also removed. The wooden frames were sanded down and treated with woodworm preventative fluid as there were signs of woodworm activity throughout. New liner fabric was attached, then new outer material, onto which the embroidered decorative motives and lettering were hand sewn. It is believed that this is the first time that these screens have been maintained since the Church was opened in 1888.
St Drostans Day Pilgrimage Photograph at cross stone	News Added - 02/08/08
Where to Now?	News Added - 21/04/08
The Vestry met with the Provincial Mission & Stewardship Co-ordinator to review their journey since the last meeting three years ago and to look to the future. The aims of the session were: a.. To discover where we have been? b.. What we have done/not done? c.. What are our strengths? d.. What are our weaknesses? Various things were identified that were on the whole positive and mission minded. It was commendable that there had been much refurbishment of church property and more planned that had led to an increased use of that property by the local community. The things not done were identified as: a.. Not having the church open daily. b.. That finances were not on a sound/long-term footing and stewardship issues need to be addressed. c.. That the Rainbow Shop could be used for other outreach/information exchange aims as well as a fund raising body. d.. There has not been established a specific mission committee to explore and oversee the development of mission/ministry goals. Over the past three years the congregation was seen to have grown in strength and fellowship and despite losing a few members was looking to the future with an open mind and heart. The vestry was also asked to consider what was important to keep and what was important to let go. To keep identified such things as: the people, the rector, the choir and organist, the willingness to be open to change, good leadership and fellowship, the outreach of the Rainbow shop and liturgical variety. To let go of: certain service times, the concept of a full-time rector, fear of the future, church buildings and fittings. When asked to do some 'blue-sky' thinking the following individual hopes for the future were shared: a.. An active congregation providing support to the community b.. Not having to worry about finance all the time c.. Becoming a centre of spirituality d.. Encouraging more people into the church e.. Growth and fellowship f.. Doubling the size of the congregation and becoming St.Andrew's Community Centre g.. A congregation centred on the Eucharist that is both a sign and instrument for the Kingdom of God h.. A living, loving church i.. A church that keeps moving forward - open minds with a willingness to change. TO DO IN THE COMING MONTHS: Try to discern what God is calling us to be and become from the blue-sky hopes we expressed. Look again at these hopes and try to see what common threads arise, these are probably going to be our long-term aims. Once we have identified these aims, we will need to 'brainstorm' them to identify and discern the objectives (small steps) that we can do in order to start turning hopes into reality. It also important, to use these aims and objectives to begin to form a vision of the future - 'Constructively Gossip' about them with the wider congregation. Listen to what each other and God has to say to us too. Once we have the vision we can then weave stewardship through it because we will have a clearer idea of what it is we are asking others to commit their time, talents and money too - a clear vision leads to a good response. ..
Rectors Notes April 2008	News Added - 14/04/08
A Spiritual Journey: Being a Christian is a great deal more than simply proclaiming a right set of beliefs. It is a whole way of life. We are called open our lives to the love of God, to grow in that love and to share it with others. Being a Christian is not something we live as isolated individuals for we are all members of the church. It is as part of the people of God, the church, that we make our journey towards God. It helps if we have a framework, a discipline, for our Christian life. That is what discipleship is about. A framework - a rule of life it was called traditionally - helps us when the spirit is weak, sustains us in the face of temptation and helps us not to focus too narrowly on one aspect of our religion. So here is one simple nine point rule... 1. I take part in the Eucharist and make my communion, especially on Sundays and other important Christian festivals. What preparation will I make for my communion? 2. What can I do to learn more about the faith? Can I attend a study group? Can I set time aside for Bible reading - perhaps looking each week at the gospel set for Sunday. 3. What time can I set aside each day for prayer, whether at home or in church? How can I regularly offer prayers for friends and family, the church and the world? 4. How can I set time aside for looking back over my day and examining whether my life is leading towards God? Do I feel called to make a regular sacramental confession to a priest? 5. What opportunities do I make during a year to have a special time with God? Perhaps through a quiet day or a retreat. 6. How can I use my gifts and talents to support the work of the church? 7. How can I use my gifts, time and talents in the service of others. If I have a choice, how far is my paid employment part of my service to God. What use do I make of my possessions and how do I exercise responsible stewardship? 8. Pray and work for justice and peace and the coming of God's kingdom 9. Do I have someone that I talk to from time to time about my spiritual journey, someone that I trust and can be honest with...and someone who will also, in love, be honest with me. If not, find someone! Father David
Some Key Outcomes of our Visits to other Churches	News Added - 06/09/07
Members of the congregation visited three churches in the Diocese. Each person completed a report for each church and these reports were then consolidated into an overall view. There were a considerable number of good ideas identified from this overview, which could be adapted for use at StAndrews. Starting at the entrance: It is important to appropriately greet all people as they come to church, either a member of the clergy team or someone from a greeters rota. There should be a welcoming area, with up to date and tidy information notices, possibly an intercession board and preferably with some comfortable chairs and a small table. This area should be used for social meetings and coffee after services; the congregation should not be allowed to escape! The example of numbers increasing for midweek services after the introduction of socialisation/coffee is encouraging. The area could also be used for small business meetings. The church should be open during the day to allow access for visitors and private prayers. The church should appear to be light, clean, warm and welcoming. We need to have an easily accessible, warm and quiet prayer chapel, with aids to prayer, e.g. Icons, stones, crosses, music and possibly a votive candle stand. The Blessed Sacrament could also be a focus for prayer. We need to develop a special area for children, which they can "own", connected to the service through an extension speaker. The seating, of whichever form, should be comfortable and organised to give an inclusive feeling to both regular congregation and visitors and allow liturgical development. These are some of the basic points that were abstracted from the combined reports from the visiting team and reported to the Vestry. Most of these will need some re ordering of the space within St Andrews, and some will require a change of routine, however, with a willingness to seize the opportunities present within any process of change, it is possible to make our church more welcoming as a place of worship within Brechin. Peter Nelson Lay Represntative
Father David Instituted as Rector of St Drostan's, Tarfside	News Added - 28/08/07
On Saturday the 11th August, Father David Mumford, the Rector of St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Brechin was Instituted as Rector of St Drostans Episcopal Church at Tarfside by The Bishop of Brechin, The Rt RevDr John Mantle. Father David will continue his role in Brechin in addition to serving the Episcopalians in the Glenesk area. A congregation of over one hundred visitors and guests greeted Father David after the Institution, with formal messages of greeting being given on behalf of the local Churches by the Reverend Alan Watt of Edzell, and on behalf of the civic community by Councillor Robert Myles. A feature of the ceremony was the ringing of St Drostans Church Bell. This bell, which forms an architectural feature of the outside of the church, has not worked for over twenty years, but thanks to the considerable efforts of local slater, Garry Alexander of Edzell, it now rings out over Tarfside for the regular services which are held every second Sunday of the month between Easter and October. Although there is only a relatively small congregation at St Drostans Church, the associated St Drostan's Lodge, which provides low cost self catering accommodation for groups and families of up to seventeen people in the heart of Glen Esk, has a great number of regular users. Some groups have been attending the Lodge annually for over fifteen years, and the Institution gave them an opportunity to meet the new Rector, and with each other, at a reception in the Lodge following the Institution.
Review of Worship space in St Andrews-looking at Others	News Added - 27/06/07
SHARING IDEAS: HOW DO OTHERS USE WORSHIP SPACE? Join a party from St Andrew's on 22July as we visit some other churches to see how they use their worship spaces The programme is as follows: 12.30 to 1.10pm Sandwich lunch in Hall. Discuss the key points we wish to discover (what works well, what could be improved?) View short Video Clip of proposals for modifications to "Steeple" church in Dundee (this to see possibilities of using "virtual reality" when considering changes) 1.10pm Travel to St Mary and St Peters Montrose( Rev Canon Ian Stewart) 1.30 Arrive Montrose spend about 45 minutes finding out how space is used, Then travel to All Souls Invergowrie 3.30 Arrive Invergowrie (Rev Ashley Cummins), 4.15 travel to St Salvador Dundee 4.45 Arrive St Salvador Dundee (Fr Clive Clapson ) Join in an evensong service at 5.00pm This visit is open to all, If you wish to come along please add your name to the list in church and indicate if you need a lift or can provide a car. WORSHIP SPACE IN ST ANDREWS The Vestry meeting on the 16th July will be in the Church to start to view items needing repair, any improvements and general space planning. Thoughts generated at this meeting will be part of our input into the visits to other churches on the 22nd of July. Some may recall that in March 2006 we asked the congregation for their ideas on the use of the church space prior to a vestry meeting, some ideas from the congregation were sought ; Three views submitted were, 1) Fix Heating, clear out back of church, tidy Choir Vestry as a Chapel. Consider Organ Vestry as a family room. Remove Pews, get some comfortable chairs. 2) Fix Heating, make back of church a hall by putting in a partition. 3) Clear out church pews, get some comfortable seats, make church more family friendly. In addition the Vestry meeting on 27th March 2006 came up with the following ideas: Heating: review former proposals and geothermal / solar. Removal of remaining two pews at rear of church Sale/complete removal of three pews stored in rear of church. Clearing of rear part of Church and provision of better display and social facilities. Complete removal of all pews and replace with comfortable chairs. Clean & tidy Lady-Chapel. Convert flower vestry into family room with new toilet, heating, and cupboard facility for flower ladies .Remove pipe organ and convert organ loft into storage space/office. Convert back of church into a hall - create a glass front? Disabled access/wheelchair ramp; replace gravel with tarmac or smooth surface? Protect windows - removal of grids/old glass fibre and install polycarbonate. Replace existing toilet Alternatively, install new disabled toilet in entrance to flower vestry. Install water heater. Replace missing cushions on pews. Screen off tower.Lower lighting/install up lighting. As you will see, there are lots of ideas to consider, please do join us on the 22nd July when we will be looking at how others use their Worship space
Rectors Notes MAY 2007	News Added - 16/05/07
Why 'Father'? It is traditional for Roman Catholic priests and for many Orthodox, Anglican and Episcopalian priests to be called 'Father'. Many service chaplains are called 'Padre' - which is exactly the same. Yet Jesus (Matthew 23:9) expressly said, "Call no man on earth your father, for you have one Father who is in heaven." In the same passage, Jesus told his hearers to call no one rabbi - yet when Mary Magdalen (John 20:17) or the disciples (eg Mark11:21) address Jesus as teacher/rabbi, they are not rebuked. The apostle Paul describes himself as the father in Christ of the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:14-15) and his relationship with the church in Thessalonika as being like 'a father with his children' (1 Thessalonians 2:11). So one verse should not be taken out of context, but needs to be understood in the light of the passage as a whole and the practice of Jesus and the early church. The broader context of the passage (23:1-12) is that Jesus wants to emphasise that 'the greatest among you must be your servant' (23:11) and that anyone who tries to exalt himself will be humbled (v12). Jesus came among us as a servant king. His church is called to service. Through the sacrament of orders, bishops, priests and deacons are appointed to be servants of the people of God. The fullness of the local church is shown when the bishop celebrates the Eucharist in the presence of all the priests, deacons and people of the diocese. The bishop shares parts of the episcopal oversight of the people of God with priests who minister to particular congregations. So I am called to exercise a priestly ministry in Brechin and Tarfside. Ordination does not make me a better Christian - I am a sinner and I need people's prayers. Ordination does not place someone as an intermediary between themselves andGod - we all pray directly to God. Ordination does not give a priest authority over the many practical aspects of running a church - it does not make me any better at managing the Rainbow shop, or mending a leaking roof or decide where the Guild should go on their annual outing. Any exaltation of priestly status to imply personal superiority is wrong. Ordination does, however, give me the authority to teach on behalf of the Church, to preside at the Eucharist and a share in the bishop's pastoral responsibility for that part of the people of God in Brechin and Tarfside who look to the Episcopal Church. Every time someone calls me Father it reminds me of my pastoral responsibility under God for those committed to my care. It reminds me that I must with God's help do my best to help people on their journey to God and to try and ensure that the local church shows in its own relationships the signs of charity, forbearance and love. And the relationship between priest and people only works if it is founded upon mutual love and respect. A priest is both a fellow Christian with the local congregation and also someone who is slightly separated for service - and that degree of detachment enables the priest to exercise authority where required, to be trusted to keep confidences and to minister counsel and consolation. So 'Father David' - Father as a term of loving respect and David showing that I am a fellow Christian and human being. Having written all the above, if anyone feels that Father is a term of address with which they are not happy, I shall respond most cheerfully to David or Rector.
The Institution of our New Rector	News Added - 17/02/07
St Andrew's celebrated the Institution of Rev David Mumford on Saturday 10th February. An assembly of over 150 Clergy, Lay Readers, Friends and Congregation members took part in the Service. The Chancellor, Prof. A Bissett Johnson read the Deed of Institution, members of the congregation brought forth the symbolic gifts of a bible, prayer book, oil,candle,bread and wine,and the church key. Bishop John then presented a stole, and led Father David to pray at the significant points in the church before finally charging him with his duty as Rector. Father David was then welcomed by the Earl of Dalhousie on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of the County and various councillors on behalf of the local authorities. A reception in the Mechanics Institute following the service allowed people to meet Father David and Joyce in a less formal setting
St Andrew's Thanks Ursula and Jane	News Added - 17/02/07
The congregation of St Andrews Scottish Episcopal Church, Brechin, held a surprise party on Friday 26th January in St Andrews hall, to acknowledge, and give thanks, to their two part time non-stipendiary priests, Rev Ursula Shone and Rev Jane Nelson for the work and service they have given over the past two year, whilst the Church has been without a full time Rector. The party was organised by Mrs Shirley Crozier on behalf of the congregation. Ursula was presented with a flower vase and Jane with an evening bag. St Andrew's Woman's Guild provided a stovies supper, and Steven Carcary's young accordionists once again provided a superb evenings entertainment. Ursula and Jane are looking forward to working with Father David, and also to have a bit more time to pursue their respective retirement hobbies of rambling and ballroom dancing as well as spending more time with their families.