Our Church had its first Eucharist Service last Sunday in a church now specified to take only 20 for worship.

Our Priest-in-charge being the gate keeper where you had to log on to attend by emailing that you wish to be present. Many of our members phoned in the days beforehand to discuss how our service would go, even after having a printed service sheet beforehand.

In the end many members held back because they were unsure that they could go a long time with a “face mask on” (majority being over 70 and many much older).

All they wanted to know was ‘how long this service would last??’

I felt the omens were good. The service sheet had no list of a talk or sermon, but I knew in my heart of hearts that our Priest after no face to face worship was not going to pass up the chance of a sermon. Flash to bang the service started at 11.00 am and by 11.45 am, it was over. It was a good well paced, crisp service with our digital organ producing music during the service.

Our Priest did us proud!

The congregation after the service were all ringing round, to see how it had gone and much more important – how long had it lasted! 

I have had emails to say they have heard and want to give it a go!

There are some who have said they are holding back for more information and re-assurance and that is how it should be in the days of return to church (COVID19).

The notes of a Vestry Secty. ANON. Sept 2020

St. Andrews Dunkeld and Dunblane Diocese

Linda White is married with three grown-up daughters – one working in Connecticut, USA and the other two working in London. Her husband, Christopher is a CA who runs a small commercial property company from their home in Comrie, Perthshire.

Linda is a lawyer and worked for many years in Glasgow specialising in criminal law before moving to Perthshire and establishing a family court practice in a Stirling firm. She has also been a part-time Sheriff for many years and particularly since she retired from private practice five years ago. Linda is also a keen gardener and a member of the Council of Glenalmond College with particular responsibilities for child-care/protection issues. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling to Italy and attending Pilates.

Welcome to the Rev’d Stephen Graham as chaplain at Glenalmond College

A small message from Rev’d Steven Graham:

I was brought up on a farm across the Irish Sea in County Down and after reading Classics at Queen’s, Belfast, I moved to England to train as a teacher and spent fourteen happy years working in schools in Norfolk, Oxfordshire and on the missionfield in the South Pacific. I was formed for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, and served my title in North Norfolk. The chaplaincy at Glenalmond is an exciting opportunity to live out my dual vocation as priest and schoolmaster and I look forward very much to serving there and strengthening bonds with the diocese.

Please pray for those who are preparing for ordained ministry as we approach the dates of the Ordinations in the Diocese:

– Revd Annie Hughes, preparing for Ordination to the Priesthood at St John, Perth on Friday 2 October at 7.30pm.

– Dr Josh Cockayne, preparing for Ordination to the Diaconate at the Cathedral on Sunday 4 October at 4.30pm.

We hope very much that the Ordinations will go ahead on these dates, but because of the Pandemic they have to remain provisional until nearer the time. If the present regulations for public worship are still applicable, the services can be attended by up to 50 persons and other restrictions will apply. Please pray for our ordinands as they prepare in such times.

Welcome to the Revd Steve Butler, Licensed as Priest-in-Charge of St Michael, Elie and St John, Pittenweem on 1 August.

A small message from Rev’d Steve Butler:

I’ve come to a half-time post at Pittenweem and Elie, after 20 years of stipendiary ministry – mostly in Leith. I grew up in Glasgow, and went to university in Edinburgh. After a few years working in property, I did my theological training at Trinity, Bristol. After that, I spent ten years as a musician and record producer, before being ordained in Edinburgh. Anne and I have been married for 38 years and have three grown-up children and two grandchildren. I look forward to meeting you in the months ahead.

For clergy Licensed during the Lockdown, Kathy Barrable at Newport and Tayport, Bonnie Evans-Hills at Leven, Lesley-ann Craddock at Birnam, and Gerry Dillon at Central Fife, a public Service of  Welcome (similar to an Institution) will take place when it becomes possible.

Welcome to the Revd Stephen Graham, who has been appointed as Chaplain at Glenalmond College starting in September. And thank you to the Revd Charles Sherlock who has so generously been giving time and service as acting Chaplain.

A number of events over the next year have been planned by our Coordinator for CMD, Dr Michael Paterson. The first event is on 4 September, 10.00 to 11.30 on Zoom. “Church Countering Racism”.  This will be led by Dr Anderson Jeremiah, a Lecturer in Theology at Lancaster University.  Please let Carol Aitchison, Bishop’s PA, know if you would like to take part.

Please click the link below for details of the events:

Dates for CMD Events

To view the Enews please click the link below:

MU e News july 20

Thanksgiving for Ruth Warmer, Lay Rep of  St John’s, Pittenweem, who died in Shrewsbury in July. Ruth was a faithful servant of the Diocese as well as her congregation. A memorial service will take place in St John’s on 3rd November, on what would have been Ruth’s 90th birthday. May she rest in peace, and rise in glory.