July newsletter
Hello everyone,
Well we are now officially in a vacancy. I’m sure we all wish Gordon and the family the very best in their move to Perthshire; to Gordon in his new role as a hospital Chaplain at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkaldy; to Rhonda in her transfer to Tayside Police; to Campbell, who is looking forward to starting College at the end of August; to Morag as she starts at Blairgowrie High School next month. Our Interim Moderator is Rev Charles Finnie who is the minister for Alvie & Insh linked with Rothiemurchus and Aviemore. He has very kindly offered to take a service on the 4th Sunday of every month. I thought it would be helpful to update you on where we are with the vacancy, what will be happening with regard to worship and who to contact.
Vacancy
Normally, by now we would have been given the go ahead to start the process of calling another minister by Presbytery. But as you may know, the Church of Scotland is going through major changes. All Presbytery Plans have been suspended and until we have a new one agreed, we are not in a position to start the process. I can assure you that Presbytery see this as a priority and a small group have already met to begin that process. It does mean however, that we will be without a minister for some time.
Worship
The three Kirk Sessions agreed that in the meantime we would carry on our short services, similar to what we were doing online. Unfortunately, as none of us have those skills, we are unable to keep them online. The service times are as follows: Cromdale at 9.30 am, Inverallan at 10.15 am and Dulnain at 11.00 am. Cromdale have already started serving tea and coffee following their service, adhering to the necessary guidelines. This has enabled a time of fellowship, which has been greatly missed over the last year. For the next few weeks, the services will be led by the following:
18.07.21 – Mary Duncanson 25.0y.21 – Charles Finnie
1.08.21 – Elders & others 8.08.21 – Chris Clasper
15.08.21 – Mary Duncanson 22.08.21 – Charles Finnie
29.08.21 – Chris Clasper 5.09.21 – Elders and others
From 19th July, the COVID guidelines will ease considerably. We will move from 2m to 1m social distancing, enabling each of the churches to accommodate more people. You will still require to book your place and to wear a mask. As the guidelines ease, we hope, with the agreement of the three Kirk Sessions, that our Joint Services on the 4th Sunday of the month, will recommence. These will be led by Rev Charles Finnie. We, and the Church of Scotland nationally are in very challenging times, but equally it gives us the opportunity to try new things, and we really hope that the Elders and others will rise to the occasion to lead worship once a month. Where we have a 5 week month, that 5th Sunday could be a Songs of Praise or something similar, again to be led by Elders and others.
Communion
Once the three Kirk Sessions have met with our Interim Moderator, we will be able to give you the dates for Communion Services.
Pastoral
If you, or you know of anyone who requires a visit, please let me know. COVID allowing, I will be happy to visit, meet for a coffee or to speak on the phone. (01479 872165/07807322120)
Contacts
Interim Moderator: Rev. Charles Finnie 01479 810280
OLM: Rev. Mary Duncanson 01479872165/07807322120
Worship Leader Chris Clasper 01479 873411
Inverallan Session Clerk Bill Steele 01479 870154
Cromdale Session Clerk Diane Brazier 01479 872547
Dulnain Session Clerk Ruth Coker 01479 851797
Church Officer (Inverallan) Richard Stone 01479 873000
Property (3 churches & Manse) Peter Scullion 01479 872809
Jimmy Turnbull 01479 873811
This will probably be the first of many Newsletters, which I hope you find helpful. I know that together we will continue to be a Christian presence across the linkage and to act out our Christian witness wherever we are and whoever we meet.
Mary Duncanson (Rev)
OLM
16.07.21