Church of Scotland Guild Weekly E-News
Tea for two... or three or more
I have just read a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the USA (1933-45):
"Women are like teabags, we don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water."
　
Many of us would never say that we are strong, thinking of the weight we can carry. However, many of us manage to carry heavy shopping. Do you remember trying to get on a bus with a baby, a bag and a pram, or even carrying luggage? However, there are still people who will offer to help.
　
Not long ago, I was travelling on a train in first class. There was a young girl sitting a few rows from me, and her friend, who was in another compartment, came up for a chat. The conductor came along to check the tickets and asked the friend to go back to her seat. The conductor said she could upgrade by paying £20. "I am a student," she said, "I haven’t got £20". Then a lady across the aisle offered her £20, which she reluctantly accepted. It was refreshing to hear the chatter of the two friends for the rest of the journey.
　
We don’t regard such acts of kindness or generosity as strength. But this inner strength is what makes us human. Whether on the spur of the moment or a planned act of kindness, it means we are putting ourselves in the position of others and working out how we can help.
　
Maybe you don’t have £20 to give away, but I bet you have offered a cup of tea and a listening ear, which has been a lifeline to a friend or neighbour.
　
It may be that they are in hot water, or perhaps you are yourself. Sometimes it is difficult to see a way out of it when you are submerged, but someone standing on the side can often see a wider picture and a way to get out.
　
This is the strength of support that won’t strain your back. Without support, our structure will fall down. You are the backbone of the Church. But it is God who holds us up and gives us support.
The Guild supports so many projects all over the world. You raise money and pray for them. You may not be able to go directly and help, but without the Guild’s support, they couldn’t do their amazing work.
　
So there is strength in a teabag.
　
Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in time of trouble."
John 14: 27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
God bless you,
Helen Banks
National Guild Vice-Convener
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EMMS International Zoom Meeting
EMMS International, a Christian non-governmental organisation that provides medical aid to countries around the world, has invited Guild members to an online event that they are hosting on Wednesday 17 November from 12:30–1pm. The event is called 'Coffee with Cathy' and will be a nice informal chat between their Scottish lead, Euan McIntyre and their CEO and International Programmes Director Cathy Ratcliff.
It is a great opportunity to learn more about the projects that EMMS are supporting in India, Malawi and Nepal and to find out why they support them. It is also a great chance to hear more about Cathy, her interests and hobbies, and why she chose to work for EMMS International and to show that ‘Every Life Matters’. There will even be a chance for you to ask Cathy a question or two at the end.
The best thing is that you can do this from the comfort of your own home or office with a cup of coffee in hand as you take a well-deserved break.
To sign up for the event please register and a Zoom link will be sent to you on the morning of the event.
Register here <https://churchofscotland.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137&id=d12c924c9e&e=43d4a1fa0e>
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Banchory Ternan East turns 135
Banchory Ternan East Church Guild celebrated their 135th anniversary with afternoon tea in their church hall. Flora Buthlay, National Guild Vice-Convener, joined them and she gave a short talk about two of the projects: Home for Good and Beat. They also welcomed two new members. Congratulations!
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Caring for creation in North Ayrshire
Guilds Together North Ayrshire had their first ‘in person’ rally in St Columba’s Church recently. Nearly 50 people were able to meet and listen to their keynote speaker, the Right Reverend Monsignor Peter Canon Magee, who spoke about caring for creation and ecumenicalism. He blended the two elements by saying that we all must be united in caring for God's creation and need to find a unity of purpose. He also said that Christians are already united as one through Christ and we just need our hearts and minds to liberate us. Everyone found the meeting really worthwhile.
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Climate justice diaries: 'We only have one earth'
In the first article in a new series by Life and Work magazine, Gorden Simango explains how the climate crisis is affecting the poorest in Africa, and how the churches are trying to help
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Monday memory
As we look forward to our Christmas Big Sing, our Monday memory this week is from the Big Sing at the General Assembly in 2019. It was wonderful to share the evening with Guild members from across Scotland as well as some international guests. We are looking forward to being able to host a similar event soon.
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May the mind of Christ my Saviour
Our hymn this week is 'May the mind of Christ my Saviour'. It reminds us of having the Lord central in all we say and do. It is a hymn of great encouragement. We hope you enjoy listening to it.
Listen now <https://churchofscotland.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137&id=388f53cd03&e=43d4a1fa0e>
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Pray this week
Monday: for the General Secretary, Iain Whyte, as he speaks to the Guild in Bute on his 10 years with the Guild.
Tuesday: remembering especially all who are receiving treatment for cancer at this time and asking that God will work in and through the staff who are supporting them.
Wednesday: giving thanks for the Guild leadership team as they meet to begin to plan the future direction for the Guild.
Thursday: on this Remembrance Day, give thanks for all who gave their lives in conflicts past and remember all who, even today, are in our Armed Forces risking their lives to protect ours.
Friday: thinking particularly of Guilds Together leadership teams, asking that they will be inspired to lead Guilds in working together in the months ahead.
Saturday: giving thanks for the work of CrossReach, praying especially for Viv Dickenson and her staff across Scotland.
Sunday: remembering all who have recently been called to a new congregation, asking that God will richly bless each of these new ministries.
Contact us
Phone: 0131 225 5722 <tel:+013120225205722>
121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN