The Rotary Club of Ellon are initiating an appeal for donations towards the Haiti earthquake disaster. Donations should be collected by individual organisations/churches then guided to Rotary where it will be forwarded to the Shelterbox organisation which is a part of Rotary. We feel the Shelterbox is a suitable approach as each one, costing under £500 gives shelter and utilities for 10 people and lasts at least a year. (details can be found at Shelterbox).
Allan Dent
President, Rotary Club of Ellon
The following is from an email received from Shelterbox organisation on 19th January.
First ShelterBoxes arrive in Port au Prince
The first ShelterBoxes have arrived in Port au Prince and hundreds more are due to arrive later today.
The ShelterBox Response Team of David Eby (US), Wayne Robinson (US) and Mark Pearson (UK), who have been in Haiti ’s capital since Thursday, took delivery of the first ShelterBoxes at Port au Prince airport yesterday.
The team say twelve of these boxes will be used to build an emergency field hospital at the airport.
‘We are helping build a field hospital with these tents at the airport,’ said Mark Pearson. ‘These are desperate conditions, amputations are happening every half hour. There’s an urgent need for tents at hospitals and this is our first priority.’
ShelterBox Head of Operations John Leach said: ‘The safety of our staff in Haiti is of paramount importance.‘We are working with the agencies on the ground to ensure that ShelterBoxes are not only distributed speedily and efficiently, but that our team on the ground is able to work in a safe environment.’
Hundreds more boxes are due to arrive into Port au Prince later today from Miami on a chartered aircraft. Thousands more ShelterBoxes are being packed and shipped from ShelterBox HQ in the UK .
ShelterBox Founder and CEO Tom Henderson said: ‘The devastation in Haiti has moved everyone here. We now have our boxes on the ground and it’s a privilege to help. The scale of devastation is huge.
‘By the sheer grit and determination of our staff and volunteers we have been able to respond in record time. Our thanks go to the teams of volunteers, as well as to our donors, who have allowed us to do this.
‘ShelterBox relies entirely on public donations and people’s generosity. We receive no institutional funding and no DEC money. I’d urge, if you can, to help us.’
WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX?
Only new equipment is used and is carefully selected for durability, practicality and suitability for where it is needed. Tough, lightweight and waterproof, the box itself can also have many useful functions from food container to cot. We also continually work with a range of manufacturers to improve the quality and extend the range of equipment that we have available.
Shelter
At the heart of every ShelterBox is a ten-person tent. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit.
A smile
Every box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all, their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.
Warmth and protection
In addition to the tent, the boxes contain a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.
Self sufficiency
A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters can be found in every box. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.
Fit for purpose
Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
A heart to the home
A key piece in every box is either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove - that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.
Adaptability
We keep a broad range of equipment in stock so we can adapt the contents of a box to a specific disaster. For example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so we just sent tents, packing two in each box.
A range of equipment is kept in stock. This lets us adjust the contents of the box according to local conditions and what is most urgently needed. Sometimes particularly if other resources are available locally and the overwhelming need is for shelter we will just send tents and pack two in each box.
Each box costs an average of £490 including all materials, packing, storage and distribution to individual recipients worldwide. Based on six months use only this equates to 27 pence per person per day.
By donating to ShelterBox, you can help us alleviate the suffering of people all over the world who have been made homeless by natural or manmade disaster
Ellon Parish Church donations should be handed into the Kirk Centre Office.
Update From Rotary
From the Kirk Centre we have as of Tuesday 8 February, collected £2,190. The collection box is still in place and we would like to continue the appeal. Overall from this appeal, the Rotary Club of Ellon has sent monies for seven Shelterboxes, included are donations from Kirk, Health Centre and workers at CLAN. We are aware of more donations in the pipeline and at this point we would encourage others and sincerely thank those who have given so generously. 7000 Shelterboxes have now reached Haiti, potentially shelter for 70,000 people. It must make a difference. Thanks again for your help.
Every member of the congregation and community is encouraged to give support and sponsorship great or small to help us create our "Kirk For The Future". Want to read more about the Refurbishment Project, download the information booklet here.
In case you have mislaid the Covenant/Sponsorship Form, it can be downloaded here.
For all the Fundraising News and details of forthcoming events, go here
Newsletters
Click on the month and the newsletter will open in a new window.
7.30pm – Congregational Board meeting in Ellon Parish Church
Wednesday 10th February
1.00pm - 3.00pm A Time to Remember and Reflect
Ellon Parish Church will be open during these times for anyone who wishes some time of quiet and reflection.
Please enter through the Wee Chapel Door
Saturday 13th February
10am – 12.30pm – Nearly New Sale returns to the Kirk Centre
There will be a selection of nearly new clothing, accessories, books,
bric-a-brac and much, much more!
Items for sale may be handed in to the Kirk centre between 2,00pm and 4.00pm
on Friday prior to the sale. If you are unable to deliver in person,
please contact Ian Smith on 01358 720022 or Eileen and Ron Davidson on 01358 720330
FULLY BOOKED 7.00pm for 7.30pm
Ellon Rotary and Ellon Parish Church Candlelit Supper in the Coffee Shop
Tickets £20 (limited number) available from Sandra Beaton Telephone 01358 721162
Proceeds to Ellon Parish Church Refurbishment Fund and Rotary Foundation
Sunday 14th February
10.00am – Service at Ellon Parish Church
Creche Facility for under 3’s
11.30am – Chat Room in the Kirk Centre
6.30pm – Service at Ythanvale
No Service at Slains Kirk of Ellon Parish Church
Monday 15th February
10.30a.m. Auchtercrag Service. All welcome
Tuesday 16th February
7.30pm – Pastoral Care Group in the Kirk Centre
Thursday 18th February
If you wish to donate a large item to the auction e.g. a three piece suite or large wardrobe.
We will be happy to display a photograph of the item at the auction to avoid the problem of ‘double handling’.
There will a member of the Kirk Auction Team available to take a note of any item you may wish to donate to the auction after the services at Ellon on 7th and 14th February.
Sunday 21st February
Tuesday 23rd February
Newsletter Folding in the Coffee Shop
Wednesday 24th February
7.00pm – 8.00pm A Time to Remember and Reflect
Ellon Parish Church will be open during these times for anyone who wishes some time of quiet and reflection.
Please enter through the Wee Chapel Door
Wednesday 3rd March
Saturday 6th March
Pastoral Care Group
The Pastoral Care Group are
looking for someone (or a group of people) to help monitor the tea and coffee resources in Ellon Parish Church on a Sunday morning. If you can help please contact Fiona Cowan on Ellon 722437
* VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR CRECHE *
Sunday morning during Church Service in Ellon From 9.45am until end of service.
Volunteers 16years or over for children 0 - 3 years
DISCLOSURE SCOTLAND REQUIRED
if you are interested please leave your name with at the Admin Staff at the Kirk Centre Office who will direct you to the church’s Child Protection Officer.
Ellon Kirk Centre Coffee Shop Ltd
VOLUNTEER STAFF REQUIRED
For dish washing and waiting duties
Short shifts available
There are vacancies within the Day Care Facility.
If you feel that you would benefit from company in warm, comfortable pleasant surroundings with a choice of activities and enjoyable food ... and caring staff on hand to assist you as required. Then why not give us a call.
For more information telephone Margaret McEwen on
01358 742244
The Church of Scotland Day Care Service at Balmedie House also has staff vacancies
CrossReach employees should be in sympathy and supportive of our Christian ethos
I AM THANKFUL...
I AM THANKFUL: THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE PUB.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME .
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.
The following have all appeared in church magazines...
Next weekend’s Fasting & Prayer Conference includes all meals.
Ladies, don’t forget the Rummage Sale. It’s a chance to get rid of the things you don’t want—bring your husbands.
Irving Benson & Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
Potluck Supper Sunday at 5.00pm - Prayer & Medication to follow.
This evening at 7.00pm there will be hymn singing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
The school drama group will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church hall on Friday at 7.00pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Church of Scotland
“Clann” is the new Church of Scotland site for ministry to and with children. “Clann” is Gaelic for “children” . It’s pronounced a bit like clown, so I’m told - apologies to Gaelic speakers!
Go to the web site.
Moderator's Blog
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has his own personal blog to share his views on what his role as the Kirk's public face entails. Click here to visit the blog.
A Bit of Knowledge ...
If you have been in church recently you will have heard the Session Clerk, Clerk to the Board and Mission Group convenor give a brief outline of their roles and the remit of their committee or group. Still to come is information from representatives of the Worship Group; Education & Communication and Pastoral Groups; church music and finally we shall hear about the office. Hopefully you find this informative and useful - please let us know. And if you are called to join any of the groups you will be made very welcome.A list of contacts can be found on the Contact Us page.
Internet Enabled?
You can receive your newsletter electronically ...
Several more names have been added to the email list - is yours one of them? If not, just send your details to: The Kirk Office
The newsletter will be sent in PDF format which requires Adobe Reader, an application available free of charge from Adobe.
Ellon Parish Church Newsletter is emailed to many overseas countries. Do you know someone who would appreciate a copy?
Alternatively, the 2009 Newsletters can be downloaded here..
Public Relations Officer
Web Site Content Contributions
Contributions for inclusion on the web site are welcome from all. They are preferred electronically in the following media:-
Text in email or as Word attachments
Original size photographs (I'll take care of compresion and cropping for the website)
These are only preferences-whatever you have (Works, Publisher, pdf, etc), just send it in and we'll take care of it.
If you only have hard copy then no worries. Drop it off at the Kirk Centre office with your name and address, marked "Attention Webmaster" and we'll convert your conribution to electronic format and let you have the originals back promptly.
