Issue 659

Dundee

The Magazine of St. Andrew’s Parish Church

15th Dundee Girls’ Brigade Presents

Ladies Fashion Show and Pop-up Shop

Wednesday 24th April

St Andrew’s Hall - 7pm

Tickets £5 (including refreshments)

Sunday Services - 10am details on page 4

*

Annual Stated Meeting Sunday 24th March - following morning service

*

Messy Church Saturday 30th March - 11am - 1pm

*

Holy Week Service Please check Intimations and Facebook for

confirmation of days and times

Teas/Coffees Saturdays 10am - 12noon

Sundays after service

Girls’ Brigade Mondays 6.30pm - 7.45pm

Scottish Dancing Mondays 7.30pm

Guild alternate Tuesdays 2pm

Bowling Club Thursdays 7pm

Gardening Group re-starts in spring

Something else happening? Let the congregation know by including it in

the pre-service slides on Sunday mornings.

Please email information, by Friday at the

latest, to Garry Collins

Contributions for the next edition are welcome

anytime during the coming weeks,

but at the very latest by:

FRIDAY 5th APRIL

email to

thechurchmagazine@outlook.com

The March edition of the Wyvern will be

available for collection by distributors

on Sunday 14th April

Cong Ref No - 291743

Scottish Charity No - SC011775

Session Clerk

Mrs Helen Holden

Deputy Session Clerk

Mr Ron Chimiak

Finance Co-ordinator

Mrs Sheila Valentine

Gift Aid Promoters

Mrs Fay Scott

Mrs Alison Collins

Freewill Offering

Mrs Audrey Johnston

Fabric Co-ordinator

Mrs Anne Barrowman

Church Officer

Mr Ron Chimiak

Presbytery Elder

Mr Tim Xenophontos-Hellen

Roll Keeper

Mrs Evelyn Scanlan

Director of Music

Ms Ruth Irons

Hall Letting Convenor

Mr Roddy MacKinnon

Safeguarding Co-ordinator

Mrs Pam Chimiak

Christian Aid Co-ordinator

Mrs Lynn Hutchinson

Reader Co-ordinator

Mrs Merelyn Baxter

Sunday Seekers

Mrs Sharon Miller

Sunday School/Club Co-ordinators

Mrs Fay Scott

Mrs Alison Collins

Wednesday 20th March

Tea and coffee served from 6.45pm

Meeting starts at 7.30pm

Dear Friends,

Amongst other things in these letters, I like to give you an

idea of what I’ve been up to on your behalf. You may hear me

leading worship or chat to me in the St Andrew’s Hall afterwards, but perhaps

you occasionally wonder what else takes up my time.

Last month I mentioned my messy millionaire’s shortbread. Since then I have

come across a perfectly formed sample: made by Margaret Ingram, an elder at

Meadowside St Paul’s. Margaret kindly brought in a box of treats for the

helpers at Valentines Smiles which was held in the main hall there. (I was

delighted though that members of St Andrew’s were also involved on the day.)

See separate article for more information.

Thank you to those who have completed my “wee questionnaire” which was

reprinted in last month’s Wyvern. It’s not too late to fill it in and return it, as I

won’t be analysing the responses until after Easter.

The main theme of the questionnaire was “meeting together” in the widest

sense of that concept: working, socialising, discussing, planning, in a variety of

different places and with different numbers of people at any given event. I am

delighted to report that the first three of the four We are the Church gatherings

have been well attended, and not always by the same group of individuals, but

with representation from both churches and from elders and non-elders alike.

The discussions we have had have been wide-ranging and I have no doubt

that in the process, we have got to know one another better too. I can take little

credit for this, as what has made these evenings both enjoyable and

worthwhile is the willingness of members of the two congregations to

participate.

As the evening on The Kirk Session was oversubscribed and there has been a

request to repeat the one on Care and Prayer, these will indeed be run again.

That said, neither will be a carbon copy of the initial gathering as the

participants will be different and bring their own views and experience. If you

attended the originals and wish to sign up a second time, then I will take that

into consideration in my preparation.

…..continues overleaf

3

…..continued from previous page

I am delighted to be able to say this and, if sufficient people are interested,

these gatherings could continue in some shape or form on a regular or

occasional basis. Something is currently in the planning stages for Lent, which

isn’t far away; however I’m unable to provide details at the time of writing this

letter as others are also involved in putting things together.

Caroline

All 10am unless otherwise stated

MARCH

10th Rev Caroline Taylor (1st Sunday in Lent)

17th Rev Caroline Taylor

24th Mr Tim Xenophontos-Hellen

31st Rev Caroline Taylor (Mothering Sunday)

Each week or so I try to post something on my blog which is available through

the website of each of the two congregations. The main purpose of this is to

give more of an idea about Dundee in general, and our churches in particular,

to anyone who is attracted to the fact that this is a vacant charge.

It is however open to all to read and, for that matter, if you have any ideas for

topics to cover, then please don’t hesitate to let me know. The broader the

picture we can provide, the better.

Because the blog was set up on the Meadowside St Paul’s website, it is

probably easier to access it there. You will find a link under “More” on the

Home Page:

https://www.mspdundee.co.uk/blog

APRIL

7th Mr Tim Xenophontos-Hellen

14th Rev. Caroline Taylor (Palm Sunday)

21st Mr Tim Xenophontos-Hellen (Easter)

28th Rev. Caroline Taylor (Communion)

Many thanks to all who so generously donated

socks for the Forgotten Feet project. These have

been much appreciated.

Ruth Irons 4

Caroline Taylor

I used this prayer at the end of the sermon on 24th February. The reading was

from Genesis (chapter 45, verses 3-15), which gives the account of Joseph’s

tearful reunion with his brothers - they have come to Egypt to buy food

because of the famine at home. Although they had sold him off to foreign

traders because they were tired of his boasting - which resulted in Joseph’s

enduring the hardships of slavery before being elevated to a position in

Pharaoh’s court - Joseph showed nothing but love for his brothers. I took as

my text what he says to them by way of reassurance that there is nothing to

forgive: “… it was not really you who sent me here, but God.”

At the conclusion, I used this prayer, adapted from one written by Sir Francis

Drake. It seemed to me to be both appropriate to this part of Joseph’s story as

well as a reminder that in the Church we each have a part to play which is

influenced by what our forebears have done and which in turn we will leave

behind for those who come after us.

Lord God

When you entrust your servants with a given task

help us to know that it is not the beginning

but rather part of a continuing process which is your purpose for the world

With this understanding we shall give glory to your name

through the One who, for the finishing of your work, laid down his life

our Redeemer Jesus Christ

in whose name we pray

Amen

On 23rd February we started the first walk of the year in Blairgowrie beside the

lovely River Ericht on a mellow spring like day, perfect condition to enhance

our enjoyment of exercising, socialising and learning about the area which

contains the ruins of several old linen mills beside the waters of the Ericht.

Three very young lambs with mothers we're spotted on the way.

We continued along one side gradually climbing then working downwards

toward the other side of the River on a path beside the road back to the

pleasant little town of Blairgowrie where we found a dog friendly cafe, (and

friendly to walkers also).

The group welcomed three new walkers and a wee furry dog, bringing our total

to 11 on the day and all agreed that our excursion was very enjoyable and are

looking forward to 23rd March when we travel to Balmerino. 5

Caroline Taylor

Roddy MacKinnon

It was with great sadness I learned of Irene’s sudden illness a few months ago,

which subsequently led up to her death on 7th February. It seemed such a hard

sad journey for someone who was so full of giving with every part of her life.

Irene was loved and respected at all levels of the church. She was ordained an

Elder in April 1991, and increased her already heavy involvement within

different parts of the church, always willing to be involved or take on something

which would help others.

She worked with the Fundraising Group from the start, over 30 years ago –

helped with Guild coffee mornings – was involved with the “The Family

Project“, helping young mum’s learn home skills – including making soup. She

loved people and this was evident in the way she engaged with others around

the church at all levels.

Our condolences are with Maurice, Gail, Alison and their families at this huge

loss in their life.

On the 5th February Hugh Henderson came along to give us an

update on work in Haiti which was one of our projects over the

previous 3 years. The work they undertake to help the people of

Haiti who have had to cope with storms and earthquakes is

tremendous.

On the 19th February, Lesley-Ann Calvert from the World Mission Council gave

us insight into the work being done by them to Empower Teenage Mothers in

Zambia. They work with young single mothers to help improve their standard

of living by education among other things. This is one of the Guild projects for

the next 3 years.

Our final meeting is our Daffodil Tea on the 26th March at 2.00pm when we will

be entertained by the Lydian Singers. We are invited to Meadowside St Paul

on Monday, 18th March to their Daffodil Tea when we will be entertained by

The Glee Club, so ladies let me know if you are going so I can tell MSP how

many are coming to help with the catering.

6

Holy Week Services

Full details of Holy Week Services will be intimated through the pre-service slides,

morning service intimations, and via the church Facebook, Twitter and Website pages

Anne Barrowman

Helen Holden

Roddy Taylor

2009 – One World, One Job – Sally Romilly was interviewed by the

Evening Telegraph on her job as the Development Education Worker for

Schools at the One World Centre. “We try and let people know they can

make a difference, but when it comes down to it, it’s about recognising that we are

all part of one world and that resources need to be shared equally. It is about

respecting all regardless of colour, race or disability”.

1999 – The Boys Brigade did well in several competitions with the Anchor Boys

taking part in the Potted Sports and Junior Section performing well in the cross

country and the figure marching events. Not to be outdone the Company boys

reached the top six places in the Drill Down event.

1989 – It was a joy to see our young choristers taking their seats within the church

choir. They sing out like real professionals and add a fresh clear sound to the choir.

A sincere thank you to all who, without asking offered to help with this new venture.

(An appeal made by organist, David Smith for more people to think seriously about

dedicating a little of their God given talent to leading His praise from the choir.)

1979 – The Primary Sunday school collected used stamps which were handed to

the Leprosy Mission to help them with their healing work. Arrangements for the

eagerly anticipated annual picnic held after the May prize giving were well in hand.

1969 – St Andrew’s TV Studio Service was recorded and in the ‘can’ for

broadcasting on 16th March. Mr Campbell who glimpsed some portions of the

service confirmed all looked recognisable and very well on TV. Mr Jimmy Spankie

the presenter read the Lessons. St Andrew’s can be sure they have set very

respectable standard for the first of four such programmes to be broadcast.

1959 – Magazines for troops – Our supply of magazines for troops in Cyprus and

elsewhere had ceased. An appeal was made by the church officer for more

magazines to satisfy an insatiable demand for all up-to-date adventure stories,

“Argosy”, “Wide World”, ”John Bull”, etc and any magazines dealing with hobbies.

1949 – The Dramatic Society presented a three act play in The Little Theatre. The

play was “Family Affairs” by Gertrude Jennings and was performed over three

nights from 29th to 31

st March.

1939 – The Greenwell Display (Dundee Centre) took place in the Drill Hall on

Saturday 18th March. The speedwells of D15 Company sang two lullabies. The

Guildry Display (Dundee Centre) was held in the Training College Centre. Tickets

cost 6d each and D.15’s item was verse speaking.

1929 – Minister Mr W T Smellie wrote the warm sunshine was pouring into his

study. From tree and housetops after a long dark winter, the birds were telling with

glad voice that winter was hastening away. Let spring then speak to us of fresh

hope and new life. 7

We were delighted to welcome Caroline back to the company at the beginning

of February. She talked to the girls about Candlemas which

marks the presentation of baby Jesus in the Temple.

The same evening we also celebrated Chinese New Year, the

Year of the Pig, with craft, food and an attempt to use chopsticks.

One of our Brigaders, Rowan, quickly got the knack of using

them and her skill can be viewed on our Facebook page.

All sections are working away on their badgework with the

Juniors concentrating on finding out about various charities and,

in particular, Comic Relief. The Brigaders, having spent time

discussing ‘A Matter of Perspective’, then tried their hand at

perspective artwork. The Explorers are keen for the evenings to

become lighter and warmer so that they can get out into the garden and ‘plant’

their bees.

Meanwhile, the officers are organizing a Fashion Show on Wednesday 24th

April at 7pm. Tickets are available priced £5 which includes refreshments.

8

St Andrew's Charity Knitters (STACK) has held its first meeting, at which it was

decided to make twiddlemuffs as a first project. What on earth is a

twiddlemuff?

During some stages of a dementia patient's life, their hands fidget and the

person gets agitated, pulling at their clothes or bedding. Having something with

variations in textures and small attached objects with which to twiddle, can

calm a person down and make a positive difference in their behaviour.

STACK's twiddlemuffs (knitted or crocheted) will be donated to the Benvie

Care Home, Dundee, which specialises in the care of dementia patients.

See Stella for a pattern sheet, so that you can join in.

If you have odds and ends of yarn balls, any thickness, especially of

stimulating colours and textures, please give them to Stella and they will be

distributed among the STACKers.

The next meeting will be at 7p.m. on Tuesday, 19th March. See you there -

many hands make light work!

Stella Xenophontos-Hellen

Sheila Valentine

Now that all the work on the lift and surrounding areas has been finished, the

Re-design team would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the 250

Fund over the last four years. St Andrew’s now has a bright, welcoming foyer

leading to a lift which gives access to everyone, to all parts of the halls. It has

enabled more people to come and participate in our activities, such as the

Guild and Messy Church. So a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who supported

the 250 Fund through the fundraising events or was a regular donator by

standing order over the last few years.

So what happens next… The Re-design team have had much discussion

about what our next steps should be. We suggested a number of options at the

last Kirk Session meeting and it was agreed that:

First: we will remove the staging from in front of the chancel and fit a handrail

to either side of the chancel to make access easier.

Secondly: we will get a contractor to put a glass door at the end of cloister

corridor which will allow access to the garden (a budget for this has been set

aside from another fund).

Thirdly: after that we will concentrate on upgrading the Glasite Hall as the next

project. This will include repainting, fitting a carpet to improve sound proofing,

a better projector, sound system, screen, blinds etc.

There is very little money left in the 250 fund at the moment as the lift phase of

the project has used up all of its allocated budget. However we have decided

that the 250 Fund will remain open and those of you who would like to

keep up your regular donations will be welcome to do so, and the work on

improving the Glasite Hall will continue as the 250 Fund allows.

The team would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Lindsay

McCallum. Lindsay is stepping down from the committee after four years of

tremendously hard work. At the beginning of the project he applied to a huge

number of Trusts for funds, kept us on track financially throughout the building

work, and towards the end of the project was in constant contact with the

builders and the lift company to ensure that the work was keeping on schedule.

Many thanks Lindsay for all your efforts.

9

Evelyn Scanlan

Funerals

18th Feb Mrs Irene Wilke

10

First of all, thank you to everyone who donated toothbrushes and toothpaste

for this event. The response from the two congregations was

incredibly generous, all the more remarkable since this whole

initiative was carried through from initial discussion at the

School of Dentistry to the actual event in Meadowside St Paul’s

in 10 days.

Though we were not visited by any individuals, we did give out donations to

the Salvation Army (enough for each of their 25 residents), Dundee City

Council Housing Support Team and MIA (Multi-agency Independent

Advocacy). This was great as we know that these various “agencies” will

make sure that the toothbrushes and paste will go to people who need them.

These personal visits also enabled valuable contacts to be made, which may

be useful in the future (for who knows where the future of our Valentines

Smiles initiative will lead?).

The Courier reporter, Jake Keith, who wrote the story highlighting the fact that

some children in Dundee don’t have their own toothbrush, also came along

and interviewed us for an article (which appeared on 15th February). It was his

original piece which kickstarted Valentines Smiles: I contacted him and was put

in touch with Professor Peter Mossey of the School of Dentistry. A meeting was

arranged at his office, where three of his students, who volunteer for Toothy

Tigers, were present. (The Toothy Tigers go into schools to teach children

about oral health, visiting the dentist etc.)

We do have a good number of toothbrushes and toothpaste left but these will

soon be dispersed. The Toothy Tigers will have first call on them; the

remainder will be divided among various local charities who work with those

who need a helping hand.

If you are one of the people who helped to make Valentines Smiles happen,

then thank you very much indeed for making my “mad idea” an actual event!

Caroline Taylor

Sunday 31st March

St Andrew’s Hall

following morning service

The Sunday Seekers invite you to a Coffee Morning on Sunday 31st

March in the St Andrew’s Hall, following the morning service.

As well as the usual teas/coffees the Seekers will be laying on some

assorted morning treats, in return for donations to the Dundee

Maggies Centre. We hope you’ll support our latest fundraising

effort. More information will be intimated pre-service and on the

church Facebook page.

Flower Donors Flower Committee

March March

10th Mrs. I. Dryden 10

th Mrs. A. Sanderson

17th Mrs. A. Lowe 17

th Mrs. E. Strachan

Mrs. E. Davidson

24th Mrs. M. Hunter 24

th Mrs. A. MacKinnon

Mr. I. McDougall

31st Mrs. D. Steven 31

st Mrs. L. Evans

April April

7th Mrs. A. Forbes 7th Miss M. Graham

Mrs. A. Guthrie

14th Mrs. S. Valentine 14

th Mrs. M. McKenzie

Mrs. S. Johnston

21st Mrs. M. Spence 21

st Mrs. A. Sanderson

28th Mrs. M. McKenzie 28

th Mrs. E. Strachan

Mr. S. Lennon Jnr

15

This year St Andrew’s hosted the World Day of Prayer on Friday, 1st March at

2.30pm.

This was well attended, and everyone received a copy of the service (this was

written by the Christian Women of Slovenia), and a red carnation because they

are traditionally displayed at Slovenian meetings. The offering produced £190

which will go to Christian Societies who have projects in Slovenia.

It was a very enjoyable service with everyone taking part and this

was followed by tea/cake and fellowship when we met with other

people from different denominations.

Special thanks go to the Rev. Caroline Taylor for her welcoming of

the congregation and taking part in the service, also to Sheila

Valentine for all her work in providing the props and working the

PowerPoint

Anne Barrowman

If you have any pastoral needs or if you

know of anybody at home, or in hospital who

requires a visit please contact our Interim

Moderator:

Rev Caroline Taylor

Or

Church Office St Andrew’s Parish Church

2 King Street, Dundee, DD1 2JB Tel: 01382 224860

Email: standrewsdundee@outlook.com

Bowling

Bill Grant

Boys Brigade FMA

John James BEM

Café Church

Gayle Lennon

Care Group

Liz Davidson

Crèche Rota

Anne Barrowman

Flower Committee

Anne MacKinnon

Muriel McKenzie

Fundraisers

Fay Scott

Girls’ Brigade

Sheila Valentine

Guild

Fay Scott

Life and Work

Ron Coull

Messy Church

Lindsay McCallum

Outdoor Activities Group

Roddy MacKinnon

Stewardship Team

Email: stewardship250@outlook.com

Traidcraft

Sally Romilly

Website

Claire Andrews

Wyvern Distribution Co-ordinators

Anne Lowe

Brian Forsyth

Wyvern Editor

Gayle Lennon

March 10th - Café Church - 12.15pm

*

March 20th - Session Meeting - 7.30pm

*

March 23rd - Outdoor Group Walk - 9.30am

*

March 24th - Annual Stated Meeting -

follows morning service

*

March 30th - Messy Church - 11am-1pm

*

March 31st - Maggies Coffee Morning -

following morning service

*

April 20th - Messy Church - 11am-1pm

*

April 24th - Fashion Show - 7pm

*

April 28th - Communion

March 18th - Daffodil Tea

at Meadowside St Paul’s

March 26th - Daffodil Tea

with the Lydian Singers

Keep up-to-date with us on:

St Andrews Parish Church Dundee

@msp_standrews

We’re on the web! Find us at - www.standrewsparishchurch.co.uk

Please remember that from

January - June our Sunday Service time is

10am