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AUCHTERHOUSE GUILD COFFEE MORNING AND PLANT SALE

1st June in the village hall 10am till 12 noon

Come along and enjoy tea or coffee

and our home baking

A good selection of plants will be on sale

Auchterhouse Bell One Sunday morning in late summer 2017 the good folk of Auchterhouse arriving at church found out what a cracked bell sounded like ---not good! The first decision to be made was what we would do about it and there were three options. We could forget about the bell, get a new one, or try and get our own one repaired. The majority view was that we wanted to have a functioning bell. I contacted the only bell foundry left in the UK, Taylors of Loughborough, and got a price for them supplying and fitting a new bell and taking away our old one. The cost of this option was over £8,000. Searching on the internet I found a firm, Soundweld at Newmarket, which has welded over 500 bells, including one from Canterbury Cathedral. We opted for the latter for two reasons. Firstly we retained part of our herit-age, and secondly it was cheaper. Bob Black from Newlandhead was contracted to remove and re-install the bell and make alterations to its setup. The bell was turned by 90 degrees in its cradle so that it is be-ing struck well away from the crack. The clapper had 3 inches removed from the middle of its length and welded with a 90 degree turn so that it is striking the soundbow with a crisp round edge. The result is a really sharp note and superb reso-nance. We've also kept within our £4,000 budget. Finally, a service of rededication of the bell was held on 23rd September, 2018 conducted by Rev. Jean De Villiers. Inscription at top of the bell reads “Parish of Auchterhouse”

Sidlaw conneXion

Auchterhouse

Monikie & Newbigging and Murroes & Tealing

The Church of

Scotland

March 2019

Scottish Charity Numbers SC016717 / SC012137

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THE JOY AND FEAR OF EASTER As I am writing this article I am filled with a lot of mixed emotions. Emotions that flood over my being like the incoming tide. Sometimes I feel so encour-aged when I look at the future of the Church and other times I am paralyzed by anxiety when I wonder what the future entails for our Church. There are moments when I feel like Matthew swaying from one side to the other, be-tween fear and joy. On the one hand, the message delivered by the angels is clear and compelling: “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised.” This message— “do not be afraid”—is in many ways the hallmark of good news. Announced throughout Scripture by angels and messengers at key moments of tension and drama in the biblical story, it always heralds the word of courage that is the very essence of the gospel. At the same time, however, Matthew also paints what is perhaps the most alarming, downright fear-inducing picture of the resurrection. First, there is the earthquake that comes as something as a response to the quake that erupted when Jesus died (27:51). Next, when the women arrive on scene they were face to face with the Angel of the Lord de-scends and rolls back the stone. The angel’s appearance wasn’t just striking, with a face like lightning and clothing whiter than Tide, but was actually terri-fying. Hence the guards at the tomb immediately faint in terror. No wonder these women are afraid. And no wonder the angel therefore first speaks words of comfort and courage. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised.” Of course, it doesn’t stop there; after the fear, and after the words of courage, comes a command: “Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” And they do. They come and see and then run and tell. And Matthew de-scribes their obedience as a mixture of “fear and joy.” I wonder if that isn’t also our reality. I mean, don’t we and our people also live lives tinged by both fear and joy. Fear of what may happen to our chil-dren in a dangerous world; joy at the blessing they are to us and, we pray, they will be to the world. Fear of whether we will have a job in the year to come; joy at the beauty in nature that surround us, fear about the fate of a loved one struggling with illness; joy in the gift that person has been to us. Fear about the future amid problems both national and global; joy in the pre-sent moment surrounded by those we love. Or to come a bit closer to home, fear about the future of our congregation and church; joy in our call to pro-claim the gospel. I think it’s striking that the announcement of resurrection doesn’t take away all their fear. Rather, it enables them to keep faith amid their fears, to do their duty and share their good news in spite of their anxiety. This is the very defi-nition of courage. And, I would argue, courage is precisely what Easter is about. For while some preach that coming to faith in Christ should smooth all the rough places of life and still the tremors of this world, I believe that the gospel gives us the ability to keep our feet amid the tremors and enables us not just to persevere but even to flourish when life is difficult (>>page3)

From the Manse

15 Events - lots of ways to have fun, and support CrossReach while you do! Are you looking for something exciting to do in 2019? CrossReach has events taking place through- out 2019, where you can have fun whilst supporting its work with children and families across Scot- land. For more information visit: www.crossreach.org.uk/events

Zipwire - 4th May. Zip through the trees over a stunning gorge in Aviemore. Take the CrossReach Zip Wire Challenge. Freefall Skydive Auchterarder - 22 June 2019 or 13 July Jump from 10,000ft and freefall 5,000ft at up to 120mph! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity cannot be missed! Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 25th - 26th May: Run, with Edinburgh Castle as a stunning backdrop. Limited free charity places available for the 5k, 10k, half and full marathon. Join team CrossReach and set yourself a new challenge!

Get into care with Prince’s Trust Are you looking for work in the Health and Social Care industry? The Prince’s Trust are working in partnership with CrossReach to deliver a 5

week course for people aged between 18 – 30, who are not in education, employment or training and who are interested in working within Health and Social care. Course starts: 27th of May. Application Deadline: 15th of April. To join the course or find out more: Search ‘Prince’s Trust, Get Into Health and Social Care’ Text ‘Call me’ to 07983 385 418 Call for free on 0800 842 842

Eurodiaconia 2019 Last month saw the AGM of Eurodiaconia, hosted by the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. Eurodiaconia is a European network of churches and Christian or-ganisations that provide social and health care services and advocate for social justice. Speaking at a parliamentary reception, as part of the events, Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, high-lighted the important role of the Church and CrossReach as we celebrate 150 years of providing social care in Scotland. To read more visit: https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news_and_events/news/2019

www.crossreach.org.uk

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CrossReach @150

This year marks 150 years of the Church of Scotland provid-ing social care in Scotland. Celebrations will be launched at Heart and Soul 2019 where the 150th anniversary exhibition will be debuted and on display at St Cuthbert’s Church of Scotland. Join CrossReach in thanks and celebration with more opportunities to get involved being promoted throughout 2019.

150th anniversary exhibition In celebration of 150 years of the Church of Scotland providing social care in Scotland, CrossReach will be showcasing a very special exhibition. The 150th anniversary exhibition will be debuted at Heart and Soul 2019 and will then tour venues in Scotland throughout the year. Check web site for details

As we celebrate 150 years – help us knit 150 Wellbeing Octo-puses! 150 years ago, the Life and Work Committee started sowing the seeds of ‘care in Christ’s name.’ To join in the celebrations CrossReach invites you to take part in knitting 1 or some of 150 knitted CALAMARI SHANARRI octo-puses for children throughout Scotland to enjoy. Wellbeing is at the heart of the work of CrossReach with children, young people and their families. Are you ready to start sewing some wellbeing messages? To learn more and download your pattern visit: http://bit.ly/CR_meet_ CAL or email tanya.anderson@crossreach.org.uk

Renovations at the Mallard CrossReach Children’s residential short breaks centre (The Mal-lard) in Glasgow re- cently had a number of the childrens’ bed-rooms renovated with the help of the Du- lux Decorating Centre in Motherwell, who kindly donated over £300 worth of paint and NetworkRail Scotland, who sent a team of staff to paint the rooms. The children of the service, having chosen the colours them-selves, were thrilled to see the final results! Looking to share ideas on local social care and outreach projects? The Social Care Forum is your one-stop-shop for social care resources.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES MaundyThurs 18th April 7.00pm Auchterhouse Communion Rev. Jean 7.00pm Murroes Joint service Isobel Good Friday Fri 19th April 7.00om Monikie Joint service Communion Rev Jean 7.00pm Auchterhouse Isobel

Easter Sunday 21st April 11.00 am Auchterhouse Isobel 11.15am Murroes joint service Rev, Jean

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. “Do not be afraid,” This charge—repeated by Jesus when he encounters the wom-

en—gives us insight into the very nature of our lives in this world. For there is, in-

deed, much to fear in our mortal lives, and yet the resurrection of Christ creates

the possibility for joy and hope and courage and so much more. Why? Because it

changes everything. In the resurrection, you see, we have God’s promise that life

is stronger than death, that love is greater than hate, that mercy overcomes judg-

ment, and that all the sufferings and difficulties of this life are transient—real and

palpable and sometimes painful, for sure, but they do not have the last word and

do not represent the final reality.

Fear and joy, despair and hope, doubt and faith—these are the two sides of our

lives in this world. But in the end we have heard the resurrection promise that joy,

hope and faith will ultimately prevail. It’s a powerful message and perhaps just

right for people coming into our doors this Sunday, dressed perhaps in their Easter

best but also harboring a host of concerns they rarely utter for fear of being over-

whelmed.

When I think of the promise of Easter courage in the face of daily fears, I am

regularly reminded of the funeral service of Winston Churchill. Perhaps you’ve

heard the story. At the close of the service that Churchill planned himself, a single

trumpeter stood at the west end of St. Paul’s Abby and sounded “Taps,” the song

that signals dusk and the close of another day and is frequently played at the end

of a military funeral. But after a moment of stillness that followed the last plaintive

note of that song, another trumpeter stood at the east end of St. Paul’s, the end

that faced the rising sun, and played “Reveille,” the song of the morning and the

call to a new day.

Churchill perceived, you see, that Christ’s resurrection signals above and be-

yond all else that our God is a God of new life and never-ending possibility. The

good news of Christ’s resurrection does not take away our fear—though some-

times we wish desperately that it would—but it does offer us courage and hope by

anchoring us in the sure promise that God will have the last word, and that that

word is one of light and life and grace and mercy and love and peace.

Rev. Jean de Villiers

4 NORMAL SERVICE TIMES:

Auchterhouse First and Third Sundays 11.00am Second and Fourth Sundays 9.30am Murroes First and Third Sundays 9.30am Second Sunday united service in Murroes11.15am Fourth Sunday united service in Monikie 11.15 Monikie All except 2nd & 5th Sunday 11.15am Second Sunday united service in Murroes 11.15 am Fourth Sunday united service in Monikie 11.15am All Churches 5th Sunday of the month United Service in Tealing Hall 10.00am Visitors are welcome at all services

AUCHTERHOUSE KNITTING CIRCLE Do you enjoy knitting or crochet or would you like to learn? We are a small group who meet in each other's houses every couple of months on a Thursday morning. We enjoy coffee and chat and even do some knitting! You are welcome to work on your own projects or we can give you some ideas of charities you can knit or crochet for. Some of the charities we have supported are:- Blytheswood Shoe Box appeal, our local hospice with prayer shawls and comfort blankets, knitted hats for prem. babies in Ninewells, trauma teddies for our local police force, tiny blankets for Sands to go in their memory boxes, toy donkeys for the Donkey Sanctuary and we are presently knitting blankets, shawls and hats, mittens, jumpers, socks, scarves etc for Knit for Peace who send these all over the world where they are needed. If you think you might be interested why not come along to a meeting - we would love to welcome you. Just phone me on 01382 320339 so I can give you more information. Sue Stewart

Thank you from Blythswood We recently received a thank you for our Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal 2018, and we plan to collect again this year. If you have received any unrequired Christmas gifts such as hats, scarves, gloves or toiletries, why not put them aside for the 2019 appeal? Empty shoe box-es will be available in our churches in the autumn for you to complete your dona-tion then. Thanks again from Blythswood, your gifts are very much appreciated.

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Read any good books lately?

We would like to introduce a review section to our magazine and invite all you readers, film goers, music fans to write a short recommendation of something that you have seen or heard recently and really enjoyed. It can be on any subject, not necessarily religious although we would especially welcome those. It’s just a way of sharing and enjoying things together and fostering our feelings of community. Go on -be brave! All you need to do is to include the author, composer or performer and a short piece about it and why you enjoyed it. Books, CDs DVDs Films. or Days out.

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Recipe Corner

Sultana and Cherry Cake 9oz plain flour. 1.5oz S.R. flour, 6oz margarine,

6oz caster sugar,. 1lb sultanas. 4oz cherries,

5 medium eggs.

Cut cherries in half, mix with sultanas and a little flour

Cream margarine and sugar then drop in one egg and a tablespoon of flour. Mix

until smooth. Continue with remaining eggs as above, mix in remaining flour.

Grease tin and line, sides and bottom, with double layer of grease proof paper, .

Put in the middle shelf of pre-heated oven 350F—180C, gas mark 4, for 2 hours.

Cover cake for 1.5hrs with tin foil, remove for the last half hour

Custard Creams

6oz S R flour, 6oz Margarine, 2oz castor sugar,

2oz custard powder.

Cream margarine and sugar, work in flour and custard.

Roll into little balls about the size of a walnut in a greased tin and flatten with a

fork

Bake in a moderate oven, 375F—190C or gas 5, for 20 minutes

When cold sandwich together with butter icing.

DATA PROTECTION ACT 2018 All information re-membership held by the churches now complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the EU GDPR Details of the Privacy Policy can be viewed at www.sidlawchurches.org.uk and on notice boards in our churches”.

Elizabeth Millar, Gill Fitzpatrick

Eco-congregation – an explanation. Eco-congregations Scotland is an ecumenical movement helping local groups of Christians link environmental issues to their faith, reduce their environmental impact and engage with the community. Our vision is to achieve a Scotland that cares for God’s creation now and in the future. Auchterhouse Church has been a registered Eco-congregation for several years. With the help of the Session and members of the congregation, we are planning to move forward now to work towards a Bronze Award. It is important that this is supported by the Session and the congregation working together on this next step. There are a number of things which have already been achieved in Auchter-house:

1 A new more efficient heating boiler was installed a few years ago. 2 Insulation has been put in the roof space. 3 China cups which can be washed and re-used, have replaced the plastic ones, though these were of a recyclable material. 4 A wild flower area has been planted in the cemetery.

What we are asking for now, is for some members of the congregation to come forward to form a planning group. This group will bring forward ideas which will develop understanding of what it means to be an eco-congregation and look at how we can work towards a Bronze Award. There is a very comprehensive website www.ecocongregationscotland.org There is also a section on our own Sidlaw Churches website where a monthly newsletter from the organisation, is posted by Caroline in the office, containing lots of information to inform you. Some of the things we could do next:

1 Improve communication about environmental issues, through our church newsletter.

2 Integrate caring for the environment within the Church, in our worship and in discussions.

3 Look at improving energy efficiency, especially better insulating our large windows.

4 Create a seating area in the old cemetery.

It would be exciting to have all the Churches in our wider Parish working to-wards Eco-congregation status. The exchange of ideas would be stimulating, encouraging more engagement across the Sidlaw Churches. For more information contact Shiona Baird, Auchterhouse Church Eco-congregation Co-ordinator. Email shionabaird@hotmail.co.uk or phone 320435

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Monikie & Murroes Junior Church

Junior Church is when we meet to read, talk, write, paint, make, act and explore together the theme for the day. It can be messy (paint, sticking, etc.) but, it’s also great fun and informative. We’d love to see you there!

Presently, as a church we are looking at how to make Junior Church more available to everyone. If you would like to contribute to this discussion, please contact your Elder or contact the Church office. Thank you. Junior Church at Auchterhouse Every Sunday, children are made most welcome in Auchterhouse Church. We have a planned Christian message each week followed by a craft activity. All ages are welcome as we have a good selection of toys for the very young

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Sidlaw Regnal The Regnal is a group which is open to all. It meets at the Murroes Kirk Hall every second and fourth Mondays of the month from September till April at 7.30pm. We encourage new members to join and guests to come along. We have a varied and exciting programme which includes outside and internal speakers, illustrated talks, quizzes, music night and lots of fun and socialising. The Regnal aims and Principals The Regnal League exists to promote the ideal of whole living, that is the develop-ment of body, mind and spirit in harmony. Through this development of individual wholeness, its aim is to help in the creation of a whole society in which all people live together in mutual respect, toleration and love. The League, therefore, seeks to embrace all people in comradeship, irrespective of class or creed, bound together by ties of loyalty, striving, each in their own way to achieve wholeness of thought and life. It believes in freedom of thought and speech, and teaches toleration of the views of others. The League as a movement affirms its belief that only through Christ Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, can we become whole and that society can become redeemed. These Great Aims and Principles Will Never Die So Long As There Are Those Who Cherish Freedom, Toleration, Peace and Justice. For further information contact Ian McKay (secretary) 01382 380309

Re-Dedication of Sidlaw Regnal Circle and Thanksgiving for Centenary of Regnal League. On Sunday the 17th March 2019 at Auchterhouse Kirk, the Sidlaw Regnal Circle celebrated its 100 years Anniversary with a service lead by Rev Syd Graham, for-mer president of the Regnal League, and member of Sidlaw. Malcolm McKay read the gospel from Luke13: 31-35 fol-lowed by the Rev. Syd Graham, giving an insight into the history of the Regnal League, which stretched back to the end of the first World War. The Steward, Iain Baird, then lead the

members present in the Regnal Re-

Dedication Vow followed by the singing of

the Regnal Hymn (Pledge we Lord) After

the service Bob Taylor cut the anniversary

cake which was provided by Syd. Graham.

Graeme Cook photographed the special

occasion which concluded a memorable

day for all Regnalites.

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Next issue of the Church News will be early Sept. The dead line for inclusion of items will be 17 Aug. Email billharper.217@gmail.com This will be the start of new sessions edition

Help needed Can you give 45 minutes once every5 weeks Due to retirals we are desperately in need of some additional helpers for the serving of tea and coffee after the service at Murroes. The duty comes round every 5 weeks or so . If you can help please con-tact Una Harper on 783091. Your assistance would be much appreci-ated.

DATES FOR YOU DIARY April 18th and 19th Holy Week Services and April 21st Easter services see notice on page 3 June 1st 10.00am Auchterhouse Guild coffee morning and plant sale August 18th Items for the September Connexions In today September 16th Film Club restarts 7.00pm 23rd Regnal restarts

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Film Club Our film club started again in September last year and has just finished for the summer break with the last screening on April 1st . The average attendance has shown an increase over last year with a wide variety of films shown. We have had musicals, thrillers, adventures. and a number

of comedies. We will be starting our next season the third Monday in September. (Sept 16th) The club is open to members and friends of all three churches and entry is free. We have a short break halfway through the film for a cup of tea and a biscuit. If you enjoy a film and like good company with no popcorn or hot dogs then Murroes Cinema is the place for you. 7.00pm the first and third Mondays of the month. We usually finish about 9.15 depending on the length of the film Bill Harper

Modern Communication We now have over 80 members signed up to receive there copy of our church magazine on line. We would like to in-crease this number as it saves quite a bit on production costs and also you receive your copy much earlier. It also means that the church can keep in touch with its members about special activities and events much more efficiently. (also clo-sures due to weather etc.) If you are on line and would like to take advantage of this service, please send your email address to the editor at billharper.217@gmail.com Thank you for your co-operation. The church’s web site is proving more popular with a regular increased hits Let us know your opinions of the site you can find it at

www.sidlawchurches.org.uk.

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Introduction to the Seasons

Starting with the winter when days are dark and drear, Then a precious gleam breaks through, to light a small patch here of there. Studying the trees one day, in their winter bareness, How like they are to us I thought, with snags their lives are fraught. Branches destined for straight above, must make a violent turn, Then a step to the left or right, onward go with hope and might. Frost shapes on the twiglets in welcome winters sun, At our feet brave snowdrops hail new lifes begun. Little lambs we see around, these harbingers of spring, Gambolling on their shaky legs fresh hope to us they bring. Bob Taylor

USE OF MURROES CHURCH HALL Anyone requiring the use of the hall should in the first instance contact the hall letting convenor, Una Harper 783091 The hall is available for use or let when not already booked. It is imperative that the above procedure is followed to avoid disruption to any previous bookings

Big Country Walks Our programme of Big Country Walks has come to a stop.

On 2nd Jan a small group enjoyed a one off walk from Monifieth along the way to

Carnoustie. The weather was ideal and the walk was most enjoyable.

We are still on the look out for someone or a small group to take on the organising

of a programme for the summer season, once or twice a month or what ever suits.

The walks were very popular when Mike ran them and it would be great if we could

get them going again. If you are interested in assisting please contact the Church

Office on 350182 or office@sidlawchurches.org.uk

CHURCH GUILDS

“Guild Together”

Auchterhouse President Mrs E Millar 380219 12th March “Faith in Young People” The Boys Brigade 9th April 70th Birthday Party 9th May Guild Road Show and Rally in Dundee 14th May AGM Musical Entertainment David Roulston 1st June Coffee Morning Auchterhouse Guild meets in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm each evening. For further information please phone Elizabeth on 380210

Murroes & Monikie Leader Mrs Una Harper 783091 March 20th Health and Wellbeing Sharon McLeod April 17th RSS Discovery Malcolm May 15th Friendship Evening Murroes and Monikie Guild further information please phone Una on 783091

At Murroes and Monikie we have had a good winter session this year not having to cancel any of the Guild meetings because of weather conditions. All our meeting are on the third Wed. of the month Our trial of afternoon meetings during November, January and February was very successful and will be repeated next year A warm invitation is extended to all to attend any or all of the above meetings at Auchterhouse or Murroes. The Guild is no longer a Woman's Guild, it is now for both women and men and we would welcome those of the male gender to our meetings.

Guild Projects The Guild central office provides us with details of each project subject along with project meetings and speakers to come to the Guilds as requested. Further de-tails can be had from any of the Guild leaders and on Guild notice boards.

2018 2019

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8 Taught by Muhammed Foodbank Dundee Our congregations have been supporting the foodbank Taught by Muhammed in Dundee (based in the old Levi factory). The Foodbank provides emergency food relief for those who names are given them by official agencies in Dundee. The parcel provides food and items (nappies etc.) suffice for three days. After that the recipients’ situation is reviewed to see what help is needed and where it might be obtainable from, to help them get back on their feet. Volunteers are always welcomed as there is always something to do, these in-clude: -

Delivering the food to the Foodbank Sorting the food into categories e.g. pasta/peas/nappies etc. Putting them on the shelving to be easily sourced Making up the food parcels Delivering the food parcels to the recipients

Presently some members of Monikie and Murroes are helping at the Foodbank. Donations of food and money are always welcome, as if they haven’t any dona-tions of food they purchase it themselves. There is also a great need for strong plastic bags (for delivery of the food) and are considering more affordable ways of purchasing plastic bags. In the churches, there will be rotas for the delivery of donations to the foodbank. If you would like any more information or would like to help, please see either David Morrison (Murroes), Willie Arbuckle (Monikie) or Elizabeth Millar (Auchterhouse). Thank you.

The committee would ask that you continue to remember their work in your pray-

ers..

Contact the Elderly (CtE) – Sidlaw group Contact the Elderly is a National organisation. Its main aim is to try to alleviate loneliness among older people. In Dundee and Angus, several groups are ac-tive. We have an Area Organiser who is based in Brechin and I work as local co-ordinator from Tealing. A CtE group has now been successfully operating in the Sidlaws area for one-and-a-half years. I would like to thank all the volunteers (hosts/hostesses and drivers) who help me to run this group. You all know who you are and we are very grateful for your help. I would also like to thank my group of ladies for attending every month and making afternoon teas such fun. Unfortunately no gents have joined our group – yet! Men or women living alone and in the older age group are more than welcome to join. Currently we have guests from Tealing and Birkhill. We meet on the third Sunday of each month for tea and chat in the home of one of our hosts. If anyone from the Sidlaws area is interested or if you know of anyone who

would benefit from a wee outing each month please contact me on 01382

380254. Carol Roulston (CtE Co-ordinator, Sidlaws area)

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