Church of Scotland Guild Last E-News Of Year
Christmas is coming
Christmas is coming!
the Church is glad to sing,
and let the Advent candles
brightly burn in a ring.
We have travelled through Advent and, although still slightly different, the candles of Peace, Hope, Joy and Love have been lit and we await the birth of a special baby, who came as God’s gift to show us the way, the truth and the life.
Christmas is so much more than presents. It is a time when our baby Jesus was born to be the Light of the world. It is a time when God shows up in the middle of the mess to bring us a message of hope.
Over the past nearly two years, we have become aware of ‘doing things differently’, and just when we thought things were getting better, here we are again but… Christmas is happening. We can be with our families and join in worship to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” - John 1:5
Let us be thankful for what we will share this Christmas Day and also take the time to think of those who do not have anyone or anything to share. Let us also think of those who prepare meals to share with the homeless and give of their time freely in helping others.
“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” - Luke 2:10
This message of great joy came not for the rich and the privileged but for the poor shepherds, so no matter the situation let us spread the joy of Christmas.
May God’s love be with you all this Christmas and in the days ahead as we Look Forward in Faith.
Christ is among us
The candles in the ring
remind us that our Saviour
will light up everything.
Christmas Blessings,
Margaret Muir
National Convener
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Cockpen and Carrington Christingle
Cockpen and Carrington Guild have moved to a hybrid set-up, with a new monthly afternoon meeting once a month to run alongside their usual evening meetings. They held a pilot meeting on 13 December and 30 Guild members came along. They had worship, musical entertainment and even made a Christingle to take home.
It looks like everyone had a great time and this new pattern of meetings allows everyone to take part at a time that suits them whilst also enabling them to still be able to recruit new members.
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Special Olympian
It isn't every day that you get to meet a Special Olympian but Margaret Muir and Karen Gillon got the chance to meet Guild member Moira McKay. Moira is a regular attendee at church as well as Faifley Guild and is proud of her bowling at Goldenhill Bowling Club. Moira won gold medals for bowling and it was a pleasure to meet her, see the medals and get a chance to chat with her about her experiences at the Special Olympics.
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Cadder Guild celebrates 120 years
Cadder Guild had a special celebration earlier this month to mark their 120th anniversary. It was a wonderful day with so many former Guild conveners able to join them and share in their special day. Here's to many more years to come.
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Happy retirement Iain
So it's official: after 10 years with the Guild, Iain Whyte this week finishes his time with us and begins his retirement. Among the many highlights of Iain's time with the Guild was the introduction of the Guild tartan, now a familiar sight in Guilds throughout Scotland. It has even made its way down under and across the pond as well as to many friends in Malawi.
Dave Kendall, our Chief Officer, was one of the many recognising Iain’s time with the Guild. He said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Iain and Karen Gillon over the last couple of years. Iain has made a really fantastic contribution to the Guild over the years showing commitment, passion and enthusiasm for the hugely important role that is played by an organisation that contributes so much to the life of the Church. I wish him a very happy and healthy retirement and look forward to continuing to work with Karen in the knowledge that she will carry on doing an excellent job in the future”.
Thanks, Iain, from everyone.
Order a Guild tartan scarf or tie
If you fancy a scarf or tie, like the one Iain is wearing above, you can order these by sending us an email. All are priced at £12 each.
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Oh come all ye faithful
As we approach the joy of Christmas morning, we encourage you all to sing along to this fabulous hymn. Happy Christmas to you all.
Listen now <https://churchofscotland.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137&id=821f96f3ae&e=43d4a1fa0e>
Pray this week
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus that first Christmas morning, we would pray that God would help us to prepare ourselves for His coming as a baby.
We ask that as we prepare we would...
Monday: come with the faithfulness of Elizabeth, who trusted God to give her a child, even though she was older and unable to have children. A child who would go on to prepare the way for Jesus' ministry. Help us always to be open, no matter what age we are, to the work God has for us.
Tuesday: come with the loyalty of Joseph who was prepared to do what God had asked of him even though it was difficult. Help us to do things that take us out of our comfort zone.
Wednesday: come with the wisdom of the Kings who traveled so far, following the star. Help us to make wise choices in the coming year.
Thursday: come with the generosity of the innkeeper who made room for Jesus. Help us to make room for strangers in both our congregations and Guilds in the coming year.
Friday: come with the excitement of the shepherds, ordinary people, chosen to witness an extraordinary event. Help us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Saturday: come with the joy of Mary to celebrate the birth of that tiny baby who would go on to die a cruel death so that we could be reconciled to God. Help us to be as forgiving in the year ahead to others who have hurt us as God is to us every day.
Sunday: remembering that soon after His birth, Jesus had to flee and became a refugee. Today we pray for all who are refugees, fleeing persecution, asking for them to find peace and security.
Contact us
Phone: 0131 225 5722 <tel:+013120225205722>
121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN