Babs Stevenson
- Oct 12, 2021
- 52 min read

PRESBYTERY NEWS 13th march 2023

Updated: Mar 12

As agreed at the meeting on 1st October we will now only be sending one mass communication a week (unless there is something particularly noteworthy and urgent). So welcome to your first weekly communication from Fife Presbytery.

Pioneer Intro Course - Wed 19th Oct - 23rd Nov, 7.00-9.00pm at Dunfermline: St Andrews ErskineThe Pioneer Intro Course is a simple course for anyone interested in pioneering in their church, community or beyond. It will provide an introduction to church planting and pioneering new missional projects. Please share details with anyone in your congregation who would be interested, especially anyone with an interest in starting pioneering in their church or cluster. The first full course will be delivered over 6 Wednesday sessions, 19th Oct - 23rd Nov - 7.00-9.00pm at Dunfermline: St Andrews Erskine Church (The course will be repeated in a north Fife location and online in Spring 2023). Topics covered: What is pioneer mission? What is required to be involved? What is possible in my area/parish? What are the first steps required in making this happen? This training course is being delivered by Forge Scotland (Alan McWilliam) and Trinity College, Glasgow Uni (Mark Johnstone) You can register for the course, via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pioneer-intro-tickets-413667529717

2:10 Mission Fund 2022 (See attachment) The 2:10 Mission Fund 2022 is now open to support the development of local mission initiatives and projects across Fife Presbytery. The 2:10 Mission Fund 2022 will provide small grants up to £2,500 and large grants up to £10,000 to support the development of local mission initiatives and projects. Criteria and details are included in the attached application form.

Fife Poverty Hearing (See attachment) The Fife Presbytery Poverty Hearing is re-scheduled for Saturday, 5th November and full details can be found on the attached invitation …. If you are unable to attend, please encourage someone in your congregation to do so. This is led by the voices of people experiencing poverty; it is a networking opportunity to become better aware of people and organisations in the bounds which are working in the areas of poverty and deprivation. We are delighted that Martin Fair and Gordon Brown are bringing their knowledge and encouragement. There is ample opportunity for new understandings of some of the issues through a presentation from Faith In Community Dundee. Practical engagement will be a key feature of the day. Lunch is provided and a £3.00 donation would be kindly received. The event will be live streamed and details will become available. If you’re able to attend please let Lorraine know via: fife@churchofscotland.org.uk The Little Iceberg Musical: 20-22 October (See attachments)

There are times when we all feel lonely, scared or sad. All of us. Whoever we are, whatever we do, human beings can get lonely, scared and sad. One of the things that help us most is our connection with other people: we feel better when people see we are hurting and are kind to us. It is a fundamental truth of the human condition but it is all too often lost in a culture that tells us to “suck it up” and to “go it alone”. We would like our community to be a different kind of community: one where our need for positive connections with other human beings is considered as important as clean water, nutritious food, and exercise. That is why, in the coming months, we are facilitating a series of events under the banner C4L: Connections For Life. Coming next to Monifieth under the C4L banner is something quite new and exciting, and we would love for you to be a part of it. The Little Iceberg Musical is an enchanting story, set to wonderful music and appropriate for everyone of every age, which creatively explores the importance of kindness in our world. A young team of professional actors are bringing this show to us on tour, for the first time, after a hugely successful week at the Edinburgh Fringe. You can see a trailer for the production here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WTiPurjF6U&list=PLMGHHdba9X18lNmMHifmbQIrldusAb9j5&index=9 (again, please feel free to show to congregations, etc, if you have the technology!). Tickets can be booked via this link: www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/monifieth/monifieth-theatre. Schools, nurseries, Holiday Clubs, etc, can block-book daytime showings on the 20th and 21st by emailing hello@connectedbaby.net.

Trinity College Glasgow: Short Courses (See attachment)

Trinity College Glasgow is delighted to announce the launch of our four short courses running this Spring 2023. · Liturgy & Prayer in Christian Worship · Introduction to Ministry & Mission in Digital Culture · Elders & Local Leaders · Creative Writing as Spiritual Reflection Three of these courses will be hosted online, and so may be of additional interest to the congregations held within your presbytery (Liturgy & Prayer is the only course held in-person

Tayside Organists October Event (See attachment)

Tayside Organists are having a Members’ Night Recital which is being held in St. Mary Magdelene’s Episcopal Church in Dundee on Tuesday 18th October at 7.30pm

Tayside Organists’ Society

Incorporated Scottish

Association Federation

of Organists of Organists

Members’ Night Recital

St Mary Magdalene’s Church

Dudhope Crescent Road, Dundee DD1 5RR

To celebrate the refurbishment of the organ

Tuesday 18th October at 7.30pm

including music by J S Bach, Parry, Stanford, Tambling and Buxtehude

Admission free Refreshments

Donations are invited to help raise funds towards the project.

Pentecost Prayer Flags at Tayport Church Tayport Church celebrated Pentecost and made Prayer Flags! Using the prayer weaves on the church railings from Lent/Easter they were tied to flags as Pentecost Flames of the Spirit. The flags drew the attention of local people and helped to start a lot of conversations with passers-by about the installation. The community really enjoyed it!

Messy Church Fun across Fife! A number of Messy Churches have started or restarted in recent months, with families enjoying hearing the Good News being shared through arts & crafts, drama, games, songs and storytelling!

Everyone’s listening to the story at Townhill & Kingseat Messy Church

Look at the bird feeder craft made at St Serf’s Messy Church!

Toasting marshmallows at Templehall & Torbain Messy Church!

Did you know there is a Fife Presbytery Messy Church Facebook Group? It’s a great place to share ideas and find inspiration for messy church and similar activities. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3844012399035766 or search Fife Messy Church + on Facebook.

Presbytery Prayer Gathering - Tuesday’s @ 9am via Zoom An informal weekly gathering for prayer via zoom. All are warmly welcome. Meeting ID: 317 522 8773 Passcode: PRAYERROOM https://zoom.us/j/3175228773pwd=SjJpWmlqWGVQSGlIeUFIeTd6TXEyZz09

The first full course will be delivered over 6 Wednesday sessions: 19th Oct - 23rd Nov - 7.00-9.00 pm in a South Fife location and repeated in a North Fife location in the Spring 2023. All sessions are required.

Topics covered:

- What is pioneer mission?

- What is required to be involved?

- What is possible in my area / parish?

- What are the first steps required in making this happen?

For more information please contact: neil.campbell@churchofscotland.org.uk

Magnitude Gathering Saturday 23rd - Wednesday 27th July

Magnitude is back for 2022, and this year are planning to be in person at Lendrick Muir! Gathering from Saturday 23rd to Wednesday 27th July, join us for a five-day adventure in the heart of Scotland, designed specifically to enable young people aged 11-18 to encounter more of the magnitude of God: in His Word, in worship, and in wonder at His creation. We are also extending the super early bird discount until the end of February, meaning there is plenty of time for you to secure your booking at the best price! Head to magnitude.org.uk/booking for more information!

Volunteering Opportunity - Iona Abbey Ever thought of joining the team on Iona?

We have a few short-term volunteer spaces, for specific roles, at Iona Abbey this summer.

You'll find details on our website www.iona.org.uk/about/vacancies

The Abbey team welcomes guests from many countries to Iona each week to explore issues of common concern - including the environment, peace-building, poverty & inequality, racism, refugees, inclusion & diversity, interfaith dialogue. We work together, we worship together and we share meals as part of our common life.

We look forward to hearing from you

Get in touch with us, VolunteerApplications@iona.org.uk if you'd like to find out more.

Church of Scotland ASCEND

Ascend is the training, support and development centre for all those involved in ministries across the Church of Scotland.

For all the latest training and support information see:

https://ascend.churchofscotland.org.uk/events/

Messy Church Masterclass

11-12.30, 14th July via Zoom

Have you recently returned to or are you planning to restart onsite Messy Church?

This 90-minute training session on Zoom is an opportunity to explore and discuss different approaches to reboot or refresh your Messy Church.

For more information and to book, see:

https://www.messychurch.org.uk/.../messy-masterclass...

Training for Leading Worship in a Local Context September - December 2022 This course will be of interest to those who wish to explore the possibility of leading worship in their local church setting. It will focus on the history, theology and structure of worship services in a variety of styles, in order to ground current practice in its wider context. The course will be run in partnership with the Faith Nurture Forum of the Church of Scotland, the Presbytery of Edinburgh and the Scottish Episcopal Institute. It will be led by experienced academics and practitioners. All of the components of a church service will be considered in theory and from a practical perspective. Participants will have opportunities to prepare prayers, children’s talks and sermons, and to construct meaningful orders of service. Course organiser: Dr Alison Jack Classes will take place at New College and online, September-December 2020: • Six evening classes, 6-8 pm • Two Saturday gatherings This course is open to all. Participants are likely to be active in their local Church. Course fee is £200 (whether for credit or not) To register your interest, please email NewCollege@ed.ac.uk

Designing & Leading Christian Worship Online Short Course with Trinity College, Glasgow October 3rd - November 28th 2022 Course Description This course is an introduction to designing and leading Christian worship services utilising theological and historically rich patterns and practices and adapting these to participants contemporary church context. It will stimulate participants to be reflective, recognise how worship works and become more skilled at designing and leading meaningful, participatory acts of church worship. This course is accessible to those in a church who are beginning to lead acts of Christian worship and for local church leaders who wish to refresh their understanding and practice. This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit. For more information see: https://www.trinitycollegeglasgow.co.uk/designing-and-leading-worship

Bible Alive Training Course

23rd - 26th August

Lendrick Muir, Kinross

Bible Alive is an exciting programme which teaches children in P5–P7 the whole story of the Bible!

It's part of the curriculum in a series of interactive multi-media lessons using storytelling, music, drama, props, costumes, quizzes, activities and British Sign Language. This training course is for people who would like to take Bible Alive into their local schools. It will include demonstrations and practice in various story telling techniques as well as advice on putting together a Bible Alive programme, planning lessons and communicating effectively with schools.

For more information see: https://www.suscotland.org.uk/events/bible-alive-training-lendrick-muir-residential#

Scripture Union: Back to School with God

Summer is almost here… and we are already prepared for what comes next! Check out our brand new 2022 Back to School with God resources on the theme God’s Golden Rules. There is everything you need to hold an all-age church service or children’s talk, plus crafts, prayers and activities for use in Sunday School. Visit www.suscotland.org.uk/bsg to find out more and to register

Click Me

For more information see: talkingjesus.org

This course was created to inspire Christians to share faith naturally and relevantly. There are six video-based sessions with films, testimonies, real-life examples, and an easy-to-follow coursebook.

Raise Up Faith is a brand new curriculum platform.Easy-to-use, high-quality, Bible-based multimedia content. Hundreds of searchable lessons with thousands of accompanying and related activities, including media clips, songs, prayers, crafts, and games. An annual subscription costs £210 (a free trial is available).multimedia content. Hundreds of searchable lessons with thousands of accompanying and related activities, including media clips, songs, prayers, crafts, and games. An annual subscription costs £210 (a free trial is available).

For more information see: https://www.raiseupfaith.com/

Over the 30+ years of pioneering new, contextual forms of church we’ve found that the part of the Fresh Expressions/Loving First journey people struggle with the most is introducing a spiritual element to their gatherings in a sensitive and contextual way which is why we created this resource.

Sharing Jesus adopts an open-handed, walking together, learning from one another, asking questions approach. It’s not about telling people what to believe, but about saying to friends: “This is what I am finding helpful. What do you think? Might we explore this spiritual path together?” It includes seven topics, each with video animation, a video story, and a short downloadable guide with additional ideas and explanations. The resources are arranged logically to give them a shape, but please don’t follow the order! Go to the section that most interests you.

For more information, see: http://sharingjesus.life/?mc_cid=12ebbcebb2&mc_eid=70f95ab914

View this email in your browser Hello, Babs Stevenson Welcome to the Fife Presbytery Mission Bulletin! July 2022

We are delighted to bring you our latest newsletter filled with News, Events, Training and Funding information. All sections have updates in this edition! We’re here to encourage and support you in our shared Christian mission across Fife. Please email your stories, news and suggestions for our next Mission Bulletin to Lorraine via fife@churchofscotland.org.uk Remember to follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest news. Please share this e-newsletter on to interested members, elders and leaders. You can subscribe directly to this newsletter by following the “View this email in your browser” link at the top of the page and clicking subscribe in the top left corner.

News

Everyone’s listening to the story at Townhill & Kingseat Messy Church

Look at the bird feeder craft made at St Serf’s Messy Church!

Toasting marshmallows at Templehall & Torbain Messy Church! Did you know there is a Fife Presbytery Messy Church Facebook Group? It’s a great place to share ideas and find inspiration for messy church and similar activities. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3844012399035766 or search Fife Messy Church + on Facebook.

Events

Pioneer Course with Alan McWilliam Taster Session, 7-8pm, Sep 21st via Zoom Register via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pioneer-intro-taster-tickets-362910975497 Building on the interest and success of our recent Mission Mapping Sessions, we are planning two runs of the popular Pioneer Course to explore further the core concepts of Pioneering. The Taster Session will introduce the course and explain what is involved. The full course will allow people interested in Church Planting and pioneer mission to grasp the core concepts and possibilities. The first full course will be delivered over 6 Wednesday sessions: 19th Oct - 23rd Nov - 7.00-9.00pm in a South Fife location and repeated in a North Fife location in the Spring 2023. All sessions are required. Topics covered: - What is pioneer mission? - What is required to be involved? - What is possible in my area / parish? - What are the first steps required in making this happen? For more information please contact: neil.campbell@churchofscotland.org.uk

Magnitude Gathering Saturday 23rd - Wednesday 27th July Magnitude is back for 2022, and this year are planning to be in person at Lendrick Muir! Gathering from Saturday 23rd to Wednesday 27th July, join us for a five-day adventure in the heart of Scotland, designed specifically to enable young people aged 11-18 to encounter more of the magnitude of God: in His Word, in worship, and in wonder at His creation. We are also extending the super early bird discount until the end of February, meaning there is plenty of time for you to secure your booking at the best price! Head to magnitude.org.uk/booking for more information!

Opportunities & Training

Volunteering Opportunity - Iona Abbey Ever thought of joining the team on Iona? We have a few short-term volunteer spaces, for specific roles, at Iona Abbey this summer. You'll find details on our website www.iona.org.uk/about/vacancies The Abbey team welcomes guests from many countries to Iona each week to explore issues of common concern - including the environment, peace-building, poverty & inequality, racism, refugees, inclusion & diversity, interfaith dialogue. We work together, we worship together and we share meals as part of our common life. We look forward to hearing from you Get in touch with us, VolunteerApplications@iona.org.uk if you'd like to find out more.

Church of Scotland ASCEND Ascend is the training, support and development centre for all those involved in ministries across the Church of Scotland. For all the latest training and support information see: https://ascend.churchofscotland.org.uk/events/

Messy Church Masterclass 11-12.30, 14th July via Zoom Have you recently returned to or are you planning to restart onsite Messy Church? This 90-minute training session on Zoom is an opportunity to explore and discuss different approaches to reboot or refresh your Messy Church. For more information and to book, see: https://www.messychurch.org.uk/.../messy-masterclass...

Training for Leading Worship in a Local Context September - December 2022 This course will be of interest to those who wish to explore the possibility of leading worship in their local church setting. It will focus on the history, theology and structure of worship services in a variety of styles, in order to ground current practice in its wider context. The course will be run in partnership with the Faith Nurture Forum of the Church of Scotland, the Presbytery of Edinburgh and the Scottish Episcopal Institute. It will be led by experienced academics and practitioners. All of the components of a church service will be considered in theory and from a practical perspective. Participants will have opportunities to prepare prayers, children’s talks and sermons, and to construct meaningful orders of service. Course organiser: Dr Alison Jack Classes will take place at New College and online, September-December 2020: • Six evening classes, 6-8pm • Two Saturday gatherings This course is open to all. Participants are likely to be active in their local Church. Course fee £200 (whether for credit or not) To register your interest, please email NewCollege@ed.ac.uk

Bible Alive Training Course 23rd - 26th August Lendrick Muir, Kinross Bible Alive is an exciting programme which teaches children in P5–P7 the whole story of the Bible! It's part of the curriculum in a series of interactive multi-media lessons using storytelling, music, drama, props, costumes, quizzes, activities and British Sign Language. This training course is for people who would like to take Bible Alive into their local schools. It will include demonstrations and practice in various story telling techniques as well as advice on putting together a Bible Alive programme, planning lessons and communicating effectively with schools. For more information see: https://www.suscotland.org.uk/events/bible-alive-training-lendrick-muir-residential

Resources

Scripture Union: Back to School with God Summer is almost here… and we are already prepared for what comes next! Check out our brand new 2022 Back to School with God resources on the theme God’s Golden Rules. There is everything you need to hold an all-age church service or children’s talk, plus crafts, prayers and activities for use in Sunday School. Visit www.suscotland.org.uk/bsg to find out more and to register

Sharing Jesus is a resource designed to help people add a spiritual dimension alongside what you’re already doing. It has ideas for sharing Jesus in a new worshipping community, Fresh Expression of church, missional community or church plant as well as community groups. Over the 30+ years of pioneering new, contextual forms of church we’ve found that the part of the Fresh Expressions/Loving First journey people struggle with the most is introducing a spiritual element to their gatherings in a sensitive and contextual way which is why we created this resource. Sharing Jesus adopts an open-handed, walking together, learning from one another, asking questions approach. It’s not about telling people what to believe, but about saying to friends: “This is what I am finding helpful. What do you think? Might we explore this spiritual path together?” It includes seven topics, each with a video animation, a video story, and a short downloadable guide with additional ideas and explanation. The resources are arranged logically to give them a shape, but please don’t follow the order! Go to the section that most interests you. For more information, see: http://sharingjesus.life/?mc_cid=12ebbcebb2&mc_eid=70f95ab914

Funding Looking for funding for a church project or mission initiative? Fife Presbytery now has access to a large UK-wide funding database. Funding searches can be specifically tailored for the purposes and focus of church projects or mission initiatives. Churches/projects can arrange a funding support session with the Mission Director to explore the database and funding possibilities. If you would like to know more and to arrange a funding support session, please get in touch via: neil.campbell@churchofscotland.org.uk Church of Scotland 2022 Small Grants Fund The Church of Scotland Small Grants Fund has now launched with grants up to £1,000 available. Applications are welcomed from those successful in 2021. Information including application forms are available via the web page. Church of Scotland Pioneer Mission Fund A new Church of Scotland fund, has grants available up to £10,000 for projects between 3 and 24 months duration. Further details available by contacting grants@churchofscotland.org.uk in the first instance. Further details will be available online shortly. Funding to Support and Develop Those Involved in Youth Work The National Voluntary Youth Work Organisations Support Fund A pot of £100,000 is available to voluntary youth work organisations including those in faith-based work such as Presbyteries and churches. This Scottish Government fund can provide grants capped at £10,000 for regional organisations and £5,000 for local ones. Note that the fund supports workforce development and not direct delivery to young people. The purpose of this fund is to support workforce development within the voluntary youth work sector in order that that the sector can continuously improve and offer high quality youth opportunities that meet the needs of all young people in Scotland. What can Funding be Used For? Funding can be used to help support staff and volunteers involved in youth work with activities which aim to make improvements in one of the following areas: a) Improved recruitment/engagement and support of volunteers b) Increased access to essential workforce development opportunities for paid staff and/or volunteers c) Increased access to leadership development opportunities for senior managers and/or senior volunteers d) Enhanced capacity of youth work organisations, staff and volunteers to reach and support young people with protected characteristics Deadline The National Voluntary Youth Work Organisations Support Fund is open to applications until 22 July. Any money received from the fund needs to be spent by 31 March 2023. Full details of the Fund can be found here: National Voluntary Youth Organisations Support Fund | YouthLink Scotland Ballie Gifford Awards Status: Open Deadline: 28th April 2022 This fund is aimed at supporting grassroots community organisations across Scotland. Grants are up to £15,000 over three years (i.e. up to £5,000 per year). Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate a fit with one of the following priorities:

Reducing isolation in Scotland’s communities: this includes all forms of isolation whether due to health, disability, rurality, or projects which aim to tackle barriers to inclusion
Supporting financial inclusion: this can include food poverty-related projects and those that seek to maximise the income of families that may be struggling due to the impact of Universal Credit, disability, in work poverty and so on
Overcoming homelessness: this includes any work to tackle homelessness in our communities
Improving employability and enterprise, particularly in young people.

They clearly state: ‘religious groups may apply for funding for non-religious activity that will benefit the wider community beyond their own specific congregation and is open to all on a non-denominational basis.’ For further information and access to the application process click on this link: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/baillie-gifford-multi-year People’s Health Trust The Active Communities programme is now open to applications if:

Your organisation supports people to create or shape local projects that will help their community or neighbourhood to become even better
You are a not for profit organisation or group (for a full list of eligible organisations, click here)
Your income is less than £350,000 a year, or an average of £350,000 or less over the last two years
You have less than six months’ annual running costs in savings (with no restrictions on the money) after you have deducted the grant you wish to request from us
Your organisation has been constituted for at least three months For more information, please see: https://www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/apply-for-funding

Church of Scotland Small Grants Scheme Church of Scotland Small Grant Scheme is now open for grants of up to £1k: See: https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/connect/small-grants-fund SCVO Funding Scotland Funding at your fingertips Find funding for your charity, community group or social enterprise using our free online search engine. From small grants to funding for big capital projects, we can help you track down the funding you need to make a difference in your community. See: https://fundingscotland.com/ The National Lottery Community Fund Improving Lives The National Lottery Community Fund's Improving Lives programme is open to voluntary or community organisations. The programme aims to help people facing challenging circumstances, especially activities that mean people: are better able to identify ways to take control over their lives and build resilience:

are able to shape the activities and services they use to better meet their needs
have more access to support and opportunities to improve their lives

The grants range from £10,001 to £200,000. See: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/grants-for-improving-lives

AllChurches Trust AllChurches Trust likes to fund projects that demonstrate an impact on people and communities. Applicants should include clear (and where possible, measurable) outcomes for projects and demonstrate how they will ensure sustainability beyond our funding. It’s also important to show how additional funding support will be sought to enable the project to be completed. Our open grants normally fund capital projects and equipment, not salaries or running costs, with the exception of our transformational and Hope Beyond programmes. In most cases, we give a small percentage of the project cost as this enables us to say yes to more worthwhile causes, although we do occasionally give larger grants. See: https://www.allchurches.co.uk/what-we-fund National Church Trust Funding available for Scotland's cash strapped churches and chapels A range of grants are available from the National Churches Trust Churches and chapels in Scotland needing funding for urgent repairs and maintenance are being encouraged to apply for grants from the National Churches Trust. In 2021, the church support charity expects to allocate more than £1.5m to churches and chapels throughout the UK. Any church, chapel or meeting house in Scotland that is open for regular public worship can apply. See: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/news/funding-available-scotlands-cash-strapped-churches-and-chapels Scotland’s Churches Trust Scotland’s Churches Trust helps sustain and support Scotland’s places of worship through a range of grants, bursaries, advice and support. Scottish Churches Trust offers grant support to help with: - restoration projects in the repair of buildings and windows - cost of routine preventative maintenance - organ educational awards - support towards organ concerts See: https://scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/

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Pioneer Practice with Jonny Baker

Dundee, Fife and Perth Presbyteries together hosted and welcomed Jonny Baker (Church Mission Society) and Gav Mart, in Perth North Church, to distil Jonny’s wisdom from a decade of training church pioneers. The session included bible reflection, inspiring stories, poetry and music, and dream-mapping together.

Mission Mapping with Alan McWilliam

It was so good to see so many of you in person at our Missional Mapping sessions at Dalgety Bay and Cupar St Johns.

What an interesting night it was as we saw the our maps filling up with all sorts of inspiring ideas!

We would love you to follow our discussions by filling out a Growing Missional Ideas form.

Pictures of all our maps and the Growing Missional Form is available via:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b2xqf2fr5oi75m1/AADT4-ZqxlQCJdEjY66U4Kxka?dl=0

This is really for those who want to take one of the ideas further, with support from Presbytery in doing this.

Please return the forms via: neil.campbell@churchofscotland.org.uk , and Alan and I will be in touch to discuss how we could take these things forward.

Christian Aid Week - 15 - 21st May For the first time in a generation, global poverty is rising. The combined effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, and drought have robbed communities like Jessica's of the power to provide for their children. It's unjust.

This Christian Aid Week:

We stand with the resilient women - like Jessica - who are determined to lift their families out of hunger
We raise our voices to call for climate justice
We pray that families will stay strong during times of drought

Together, we hope to restore justice to our world, and protect the future for our children and grandchildren.

Please give to help women grow crops that survive in the drought. You can help turn hunger into hope.

With every gift, every action, every prayer, every one of us can change lives. For more information and resources see: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week

The Abbey Summer School: Entertaining Angels Unawares

16th - 18th June

Newhaven Church, Edinburgh

What does it mean to show hospitality? To strangers, who might be angels? (Hebrews 13:2) To our neighbours? How do we practise a liturgy of welcome? How radical must our hospitality be and how ordinary? Come and explore these questions and more at the Abbey Summer School.

This year we will be joined by the renowned theologian, communicator and social entrepreneur, Dr Krish Kandiah. Krish is known for his passion to offer hospitality to those most overlooked and marginalised. In addition there will be workshops, discussion groups, a half-day pilgrimage and the return of our ‘open mic’ night. In keeping with this year’s topic, coffee breaks and meals together will be a priority.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale (here).

Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. For 2022, the event will be held from Ascension Day on 26 May until Pentecost Sunday on 5 June.

Over the course of these 11 days, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:

Deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ
Pray for five friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness

Lord Wallace, the Moderator of the General Assembly, is encouraging everyone to take part this year and has sent a letter inviting congregations to embrace the event. For free resources and ideas, see: https://www.thykingdomcome.global/prayer-resources

Talking Mission with Andrew Bennett, Youth for Christ

7.30pm, Tuesday 24th May via Zoom

Registration via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/talking-mission-with-andrew-bennett

Andrew Bennet, local Pioneer Development Coordinator with Youth for Christ, will reflect on sharing the good news and seeing young people’s lives changed by Jesus, considering our post-covid context and issues of poor mental health many young people experience.

Hosted by Neil Campbell, Mission Director

Scripture Union: Back to School with God

Pentecost 2022: Pentecost Picnics, Kites and all that… In the light of all the restrictions over the last two years, it is time to get out again and to celebrate! Let’s bring some of the fun and excitement of Pentecost to the streets of our towns and villages and draw people in from the highways and byways to mark the birthday of the church.

There are plans afoot to encourage congregations and communities to host a Pentecost Picnic. Let’s get out into the church garden, or better still, into the local park, or onto the beach or climb to the top of a hill on June 5th – to enjoy each other’s company and to let the wind of God’s Spirit refresh and excite us all over again!

How about making kite flying the centre piece of the gathering and see if we can fill every part of the sky over Scotland with brightly coloured, homemade, kites? Just imagine!

And kites just happen to have a cross as a frame. Why not use each of the 4 sections to write a prayer on? A prayer for your congregation, for your community, for the country and for the world? That way the skies will also be covered in prayers! For more information and resources, see: https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/res.../view/pentecost-2022

es of webinars [March 31-June 16] to encourage renewed vision and inspire new ways of thinking for our church life and worship.RENEW: Being church and ministry with children and young people About this event These Zoom webinars will provide an opportunity to explore new ideas and approaches in ministry with children, youth and family, and ways of being church. Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/renew-church-and-ministry-with-children-and-young-people-tickets We are facing great changes as a church and as we emerge from Covid-19, but we also have opportunities to explore new ways of connecting and sharing faith. How can we prioritise ministry with younger people within our communities of faith in new ways?

Each webinar will offer inspiration from specialists; stories from people who have renewed their approaches; and opportunities to discuss with others how you might explore this area in your context.

These seven webinars are a great opportunity for members of the Kirk Session, Ministers, Paid Workers and Volunteers to come together to explore how to develop and deepen what you may already be doing, or to consider new approaches.

Thursday 2 June, 7.30-9pm: ReNew - Faith at Home With Gill Lyth, from Care for the Family

Thursday 9 June, 7.30-9pm: ReNew - Be Bold, Be Brave: Smaller Churches, Bigger Community? With Rev Douglas Creighton, Minister of East Neuk Trinity linked with St Monans

Thursday 16 June, 7.30-9pm: ReNew - Messy Church, Intergenerational Discipleship With Jane Butler and Aike Kennett-Brown, Messy Church Training & Development Leads

Easter Celebrations!

Churches across Fife Presbytery have enjoyed celebrating Easter together - some gathering in person for the first time in over 2 years! Many have described a sense of joy as congregations, young and old, gathered to worship the risen Jesus. He is risen! Alleluia!