Inducted as Parish Minister to
EllonParishChurch
of
Scotland
on the 16th November 2006
A Horticulturalist to trade when called to ministry, moved into youth work serving North East Scotland Youth for Christ (NESYFC) as their Director. Leading detached youth work in places such as
Elgin
, Fraserburgh, Dufftown and Buckie building mission teams from the North East of Scotland,
Canada
and
Kenya
to reach young people from all sorts of backgrounds. The centre facilitated the growth the Rock Solid Clubs, aimed at 10 – 14yr old young people, through out the North East of Scotland and as far west as the Isle of Lewis.
Being called to ministry meant having to study at the Divinity Faculty of Aberdeen University for five years during which time served as a locum at New Pitsligo linked with St Drostons of New Aberdour, Fraserburgh Church of Scotland for two and half years.
With a focus on practical theology Rev. Stephen Emery was called in to Ellon Parish Church of Scotland serving a real God with real people in a real world.
I’m a full time housewife and mother to four wonderful daughters, Nataleigh (20), Nayomi (19), Aisha (16) and April (8). After leaving school I worked at Roxburgh House before training to be a nurse. I met my husband Bob in 1983 and married in 1985 and we have lived in Ellon since then.
I became an Elder of Ellon Parish Church of Scotland in 2005. I am looking forward to the new challenge in the office along with Lori. I enjoy doing quizzes, reading and gardening when I get a spare moment.
Ms. Lorraine (Lori) Smith
I became a member of Ellon Parish in 1992 where I was baptized as well. For the past couple of years I have been visiting some of the nursing homes which I greatly enjoy. I have 2 daughters and a 2 year old grandson that keep me busy. I am a photographer by trade and still enjoy going out with the camera. I have enjoyed being part of the office team alongside Edith over the past year and enjoy meeting lots of new people through it.
Tel. No 01358 725690
Public Relations Officer
Mrs. Lynn Paterson
Lynn was born in Aberdeen in 1952 and was educated at Skene Square Primary School and Aberdeen Academy. A trained nurse, she went on to work in the field of Occupational Therapy then Special Educational Needs after a spell as a full time mum to Steven and Amanda. Lynn then worked alongside adults with learning disabilities and in Day Care for Older People before becoming Deputy Manager at Balmedie House one of the Church of Scotland’s CrossReach Services for Older People.
She was an active member (from childhood) of John Knox Church, Mounthooly and although moving to Ellon in 1974 she retained her link with the Aberdeen kirk until her two children were baptised. In 1981 Lynn became a member of Ellon Parish Church and wondered why she had delayed the move!
Lynn has been involved in many church groups and committees locally and nationally and became an elder in 1990.
Over the years, her interests have included art, craft, music, drama, dancing, cooking and gardening. Unfortunately health problems forced Lynn into early retirement in 2006 so her pastimes are a little more sedentary these days and she has developed her computer skills – something she said she’d never do and has enjoyed the challenge of producing the church’s monthly newsletter. Raising public awareness of Ellon Parish Church – its people, its buildings and its work in Ellon and beyond is an important part of the Public Relations Officer’s remit and Lynn is very keen to develop this. As a ‘people person’, she finds little difficulty in talking (her family will vouch for that) and is passionate about promoting E.P.C. wherever she goes!
With fifteen members the Worship group’s main function is to act as back up to the ministerial team. For example following the retirement of Rev Sheila Craggs in December 2007 the group fulfilled its commitment to arranging one service each month from January to June 2008 not only drawing on the talents of its own members but with the ready assistance of others on request. Since then the group has continued to arrange or take part in church services at regular but less frequent intervals.
Outwith the church individual members of the group continue to conduct services in the local Homes for the Elderly on the minister’s behalf and are actively engaged in organising and working in other avenues of worship such as Maundy Thursday service, the World Day of Prayer and the very successful “Praise in the Park” a service supported by all the churches in Ellon and held in a marquee in the Deer Park.
The group is always grateful for the support and practical assistance it has from the church membership but it remains our wish to widen the use of expertise within our midst as much as possible and so anyone prepared to help in any way will be very welcome. You don’t have to wait to be asked.
Charlie Burgess
MISSION GROUP
For those of you who do not already know me I am Sandra Beaton and I am presently convenor of the Mission Team supported by Eileen Davidson as co-convenor and 15 very willing team members. Mission is one of 4 groups which came into being following becoming a Contract Church in 2001 the other 3 being Worship, Pastoral Care and Education and Communication all of which you will hear more from in the coming weeks. We meet approximately 6 times a year for open discussion on issues which may come from Edinburgh, Presbytery or Session and see our part of Mission as outreach both locally and globally for the greater good of the Church and Community.
The first and largest task of the Mission Team was probably the Re-dedication service in 2002 when a large number of members showed their commitment to the Church both here in Ellon and Slains and Worldwide. We were all enriched by the experience and I am sure you will agree have all gone from strength to strength.
Through the Latin Link Project we had a talk from Pete and Linda Lugtigheid on their missionary work in Bolivia who still keep in touch with members of the Mission team and a visit to the Amazon Hope when it was berthed at Aberdeen harbour inspired Anne Wilson to visit Peru.
In times of natural disaster many of the congregation helped to fill Aquaboxes and many of you have generously given to the Shoe Box Appeal for the last 3 years, as well as all unwanted items of foreign coins, watches and old stamps to name but a few which have gone to the Bible Society in Edinburgh to raise funds to supply Bibles abroad.
On the home front many and varied projects have arisen from discussion benefiting a variety of people. Project Linus U.K. brought the start of the knitting and well over 100 blankets have been donated as comforters. At Harvest our speaker from the Cyrenians was overwhelmed by the donations of food which she described as a lifeline and VSA Aberdeen and Peterhead Family Services gratefully received the gifts from the Christmas Family Service.
Mission locally and globally, but presbytery has a new mission for us. Much of what we do is reactive – responding to issues as they arise or tasks that need to be done. We need to look afresh at the challenges given to us by Jesus, particularly the command to mission. We live in an increasingly secular and post-Christian society where many particularly the young, have not heard of Jesus or his love for them. There is an urgent need to reach out to the communities where we live with his good news. So it has been suggested that we consider setting aside 2010 as “A year of mission” “A year ….” not “The year…” since every year should include mission, it is just that we will put particular emphasis on 2010 not only here in Ellon but all over Scotland in individual ways for each Church. So watch this space where there will be follow ups and sharing so if anyone sitting out there feels inspired or moved by what we do and by what lies ahead we would be absolutely delighted for you to join us.
Sandra Beaton
***********************************************
TWO NEWCOMERS ...
SESSION CLERK
I was sworn into the office of Session Clerk for Ellon Parish Church on Sunday 23rd November, 2008. The Reverend Stephen Emery wanted to use the Communion Service to place the Oath of the Office firmly within Worship. For me it was a very humbling experience, one in which I was encouraged and supported by my family, friends and the whole congregation.
Prior to taking office, I was fortunate to have been Deputy Clerk to Miss Ann Gammack. Ann was extremely generous of her time, talents and unique administrative skills to ensure that I was as prepared as one can be for the responsibility of the office of Session Clerk.
I’ve had a quiet start allowing me, with the help of Steve and the Session to find my feet. I see the role as one where I serve the Session, the Congregation and support the Ministry Team; a role I hope to do to the best of my ability.
I know that there may be challenging times ahead but I am also very aware that I am just one member of the team of Ellon Parish Church and so with God’s Grace I will be able meet these challenges.
Elaine Henderson
CLERK TO THE CONGREGATIONAL BOARD
My name is Edith Walker, and as the Clerk to the Congregational Board of Ellon Parish Church and I am here to speak briefly about the work of this group of people.
Within the Ellon Parish Church the Congregational Board deals with “temporal matters”, whilst the Kirk Session deals with “spiritual and pastoral matters”. This means that we deal with finances, building maintenance, the running of the Kirk Centre and special projects, for example, the current plans for the refurbishment of the Church. There are sub committees for the Board, for example a finance committee and a property committee.
Membership of the Congregational Board is made up of the minister, elders and members of the congregation who have been elected by the congregation.
Board members serve for three years and members from the congregation are elected by the members of the congregation present at each year’s Annual Stated Meeting which is held in March. If you are interested in joining please speak to me!! We currently have 14 members from the congregation on the Board but we would welcome new members each year.
The Board meets on average 5 times per year, and each meeting is chaired by the Minister.
Each Board is required to have a Clerk, and at the moment that is me. I took up post in February of this year and will serve until 2012, although I will be looking for someone to shadow me in my final year of office i.e. another willing volunteer!!
My job is to take the minutes of all Board meetings, the Stated Annual Meeting of the congregation, and of any other meetings of the congregation held for temporal purposes. I also prepare the door duty rotas and the tea duty rota which are published in the newsletter. So any mistakes in the rota are mine!!
I’m a full time housewife and mother to four wonderful daughters, Nataleigh (20), Nayomi (19), Aisha (16) and April (8). After leaving school I worked at Roxburgh House before training to be a nurse. I met my husband Bob in 1983 and married in 1985 and we have lived in Ellon since then.
I became a member of Ellon Parish in 1992 where I was baptized as well. For the past couple of years I have been visiting some of the nursing homes which I greatly enjoy. I have 2 daughters and a 2 year old grandson that keep me busy. I am a photographer by trade and still enjoy going out with the camera. I have enjoyed being part of the office team alongside Edith over the past year and enjoy meeting lots of new people through it.
With fifteen members the Worship group’s main function is to act as back up to the ministerial team. For example following the retirement of Rev Sheila Craggs in December 2007 the group fulfilled its commitment to arranging one service each month from January to June 2008 not only drawing on the talents of its own members but with the ready assistance of others on request. Since then the group has continued to arrange or take part in church services at regular but less frequent intervals.
For those of you who do not already know me I am Sandra Beaton and I am presently convenor of the Mission Team supported by Eileen Davidson as co-convenor and 15 very willing team members. Mission is one of 4 groups which came into being following becoming a Contract Church in 2001 the other 3 being Worship, Pastoral Care and Education and Communication all of which you will hear more from in the coming weeks. We meet approximately 6 times a year for open discussion on issues which may come from Edinburgh, Presbytery or Session and see our part of Mission as outreach both locally and globally for the greater good of the Church and Community.
I was sworn into the office of Session Clerk for Ellon Parish Church on Sunday 23rd November, 2008. The Reverend Stephen Emery wanted to use the Communion Service to place the Oath of the Office firmly within Worship. For me it was a very humbling experience, one in which I was encouraged and supported by my family, friends and the whole congregation.