Mission and Discipleship Council
e-news
Edition No 64, January 2012
Welcome to another edition of e-news, giving information on events and resources specifically from the Mission & Discipleship Council.
Conferences and Events
Please note that the February 2012 Conference for Session Clerks, advertised in December’s e-news, is now fully subscribed. This is an annual national event in the Leadership Development Programme and details will be given later in the year about the 2013 Conference. In the meantime, if you would like a copy of the Session Clerk booklet, please contact Rev Pauline Steenbergen, Leadership Development Worker, at psteenbergen@cofscotland.org.uk
EQUIP The third of these Mission & Discipleship events – featuring inspiring speakers, practical ideas and useful resources for mission – will take place on 4 February, 10.30am – 3.30pm, in Paisley Abbey. Delegates will be able to attend two workshops on the following topics – Apologetics, Collaborative Ministry, Inter-Faith, Mission, Worship and Youthwork – and a range of resources will be available. The event is free, but places are limited and registration is essential, by 16 January at the very latest. Register at www.madstuff.biz or email mandd@cofscotland.org.uk
IAN MASSON FRASER ‘Work, Prayer, Thought’ Ian Fraser is arguably Scotland’s greatest living theologian, whose theology is lived out in action, prayer and poetry. This conference provides a rare opportunity to explore, in the round, the ways in which Ian’s gifts of thought and language have expressed themselves, in a unique witness for our times. Contributors include Ian Fraser himself, Kathy Galloway, Elizabeth Templeton, Tim Duffy, Douglas Galbraith, Alison Jack and Elspeth King. The conference is being organised by Stirling’s Drummond Trust, in association with the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and the Smith Art Gallery and Museum. 24 March, 10am – 5.30pm, Allan Park South Church, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, with further events in Holy Trinity Church and the Smith. Cost (including refreshments and sandwich lunch) is £10; senior citizens, students, under 18s and unwaged, £8. To book, contact the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 0131 556 9579 or reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com For further information, contact the Conference Co-ordinator, Donald Smith, at donald@scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Scottish Storytelling Centre and Network
43–45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY EVENTS BULLETIN by clicking here:
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EVENTS
To book tickets, contact Reception on 0131 556 9579 or reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Café Voices: Old & New (Storytelling)
Join storyteller Helen East for a celebration of the old and the new. Stories are the perfect platform to reflect on memories and inspire aspirations for the future. This is also an open-floor opportunity to bring stories, songs, poems or music to this relaxed evening in the Storytelling Court. 13 January | 7pm (2hrs) | £5 | 14+
A New Look At The Old Town (Exhibition)
In 2003, William Highet produced a series of successful streetscapes of Melrose which encouraged him to embark on the ambitious project of painting the south side of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, in November 2000. The Old Town has always intrigued Highet, and over the period of time that he worked on the canvases in this exhibition, he developed a familiarity with the architecture. The series of paintings took more than two years to complete, and the result is an impressive testament to his architectural expertise and artistic flair. The work is now part of The City of Edinburgh Council collection and is usually housed at The City Art Centre. www.highetfineart.co.uk 20 January – 25 February | 10am-6pm | Free
Dream or Not? (Storytelling)
Presented by Actual Signs, this storytelling theatre performance is a representation of sexuality within adult relationships, using a visual language. A fun, flirty and highly-charged play delivered by male and female sign language users who cleverly show both perspectives of this adult theme. The expression used within the performance relates to the use and meaning of signed languages and exposes parts of the language usually well hidden. The performers include a BSL storyteller and a university lecturer, who present three different short stories in three different settings to illustrate how men and women think when they have one thing on their minds. For both deaf and hearing audiences; however, the show will be performed in BSL so will be most suitable for people with some interest in or knowledge of BSL. www.actualsigns.com 21 January | 7.30pm (1hr) | £10 | 18+
Burnsfest
In association with Scotland’s Winter Festivals, there is a packed programme of Robert Burns related events, including storytelling, music, songs and haggis! For people who know everything, a little or not a lot about Scotland’s favourite son.
Tiny Tales (Storytelling)
Enjoy Scottish songs and stories for the small in honour of Robert Burns, but watch out for the Loch Ness monster! With storyteller Claire McNicol. 17 January | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child | Age 6mths-2yrs
Oor Rabbie (Storytelling Theatre)
Join Foolish Notion for the perfect introduction (or refresher!) to the life and work of Robert Burns. With live music, lots of participation and a witty storytelling style, discover the history of Scotland’s famous bard through his best-known work – including Tam O'Shanter, Tae a Mouse and Address to a Haggis. Foolish Notion is Wendy Weatherby (cello) and Andy Cannon – one of Scotland’s most acclaimed folk musicians and one of Scotland’s finest storytellers working together to create a unique theatrical experience. 21 January | 4pm (1hr) | £6/£4 | 6+
Café Ceilidh (Music)
Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for a relaxed afternoon of music and song celebrating Scotland’s favourite son, Robert Burns. 23 January | 2pm (2hrs) | Free | All ages
Supper with Burns (Storytelling)
A seasonal favourite – an alternative Burns Supper at Edinburgh’s famous Burns pub, The Tass, hosted by storytellers David Campbell and Linda Bandelier. Expect a generous helping of stories, song and lore served with the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties. Book early to avoid disappointment! 23–25 January | 7pm (2hrs) | £20 | Adults (18+)
Guid Crack: Inspired by Burns (Storytelling)
Glasgow Museum’s Storytelling Fellow, Kati Waitzmann, takes to the stage with tales that haunt the Ayrshire coast. Enjoy a storytelling exploration of magic, strange deeds, a fair maid who blush’d a sweet consent, and tim’rous beasties. Accompanied young adults welcome. 27 January | 7.30pm (2hrs 30mins) | By donation (suggest £3) | Adults
Burns Family Festival Day – Saturday 28 January
A fun-packed day for all the family! Interactive stories, music, song and laughter all inspired by Robert Burns. For friends from Scotland and all over the world!
Burns in the City! (Storytelling)
Kicking off the Burns Family Day with a bang, join storyteller Tim Porteus and friends for a fun-filled morning of getting to know Rabbie as he travels into Edinburgh for the first time. Plenty of stories, songs, poems and laughter for all the family. 10.30am (1hr) | £5/£3 | 5+
Burns Songs & Music (Music)
A celebration of all things Burns with live music and song in the Storytelling Court. Grab some lunch or a cup of tea and cake in the Storytelling Café and listen to the sounds of Burns, or just drop-in to the Court and enjoy! 12pm (1hr) | Free | All Ages
Rabbie as a Laddie (Storytelling & Puppetry)
What made Rabbie the way he was? Was Rabbie an awfu’ laddie? Where did his wonderful words come from? Join storyteller and puppeteer Sylvia Troon for an interactive session of stories and fun. 2pm (1hr) | £5/£3 | 8+
Simply Burns (Music & Spoken Word)
Experience the romance and humour of Scotland’s most famous poet in this enchanting programme of song, story and verse. Combining atmospheric readings of some of his best loved poems and personal thoughts with songs inspired by his verse, Simply Burns is an event that celebrates the very best of The Bard. This captivating revue is a hit with devotees of Burns as well as with those who find it all a bit daunting. It’s witty, entertaining, and engaging… who knew Burns could be so much fun? 3pm (90mins)| £6/£4 | 12+
TRAINING EVENTS
Please book through Reception 0131 556 9579 or reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Unfolding Your Story Map (Storyteller CPD | Skills)
Where can I go next? How can I get there? Experienced storyteller and trainer Linda Bandelier helps you use your storytelling skills to map the next leg of your storytelling journey. In a supportive group environment, consider where your skills and talents lie, think about how to develop them further and how to put your individuality to good use when sharing and applying stories through your work. For storytellers and artists with some experience who are looking at taking their work further, considering a change of direction or planning for the future. 13 January | 2-5pm | £30/£26 Network Members
Unlocking the Story (Storytelling to open up museums, galleries and archives | Contexts | Heritage & interpretation)
Stories are increasingly recognised as an incredibly valuable key to unlocking our heritage and the arts, for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. In this day-long event, explore the potential of oral storytelling and creative storytelling activity in engaging museum and gallery audiences. Learn how to shape storytelling access and education programmes using archives and collections, and hear case studies of successful storytelling activity that goes on to help audiences respond creatively to what they see, hear and learn in a museum or gallery setting. Facilitators include John Hamilton (Causeway Museum Service) and storytellers Helen East (British Museum; After Offa project, Wales) and Donald Smith (Director, Scottish Storytelling Centre). A day especially for storytellers, education officers, audience engagement officers and curators. 14 January | 10am-4pm | £40/£34 Network Members
Beginning with Children 0-4 (Beginner skills | Skills)
Robbie Fotheringham shares hints and tips for getting started with storytelling for very young children (and their parents!). Discover some stories, rhymes and games that work well, and explore the skills you need as a storyteller to keep a young audience engaged. For anyone interested in using storytelling with 0-4 year olds. 21 January | 10.30am-1.30pm | £18/£15 Network Members
Resources
DIFFERENT VOICES is an online magazine about church music in Scotland, produced by the Mission & Discipleship Council. It is for all those who sing in choirs, congregations and praise groups, play organs or other instruments, and all who plan, lead and choose music and hymns for worship. The price is £4 per issue and details of how to order can be found here: http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/music_for_worship There are many advantages to this move to a new media – networking the readership more easily, embedding mp3 files and videos of new music into the magazine, linking directly to external resources, allowing the reader to change font size to suit and even voice reading software for the blind (via pdf reader programmes). The main advantage will be user-generated content – that is, the ability for readers to make contributions, comment on existing articles, ask hard questions and share practical ideas with one another. This opportunity for interaction with one another certainly promises a new way of experiencing ‘Different Voices’. Further enquires can be made to Anna Reid, Senior Administrator for the Faith Expression Team, on 0131 225 5722 ext 2359 or areid@cofscotland.org.uk
FREE PREACHING RESOURCES At the end of each month, up until October 2012, the Mission & Discipleship Council is publishing a short monthly manual on preaching, to develop your own skills or to train others. These manuals have been written by some of the church in Scotland’s most practiced preachers, and are aimed both at those familiar with the art of preaching and those brand new to it. The materials cover issues such as: ‘How to invite dialogue whilst preaching’. ‘What is the first thing to do to prepare for preaching?’ ‘How to connect the story with the daily news?’ ‘What is the most important thing to keep in mind as a preacher?’ To download the material, visit The Church of Scotland/Worship For any further information contact Anna Reid, Senior Administrator for the Faith Expression Team, on 0131 225 5722 ext 2359 or areid@cofscotland.org.uk
FUTURE FOCUS: a way forward for congregations Future Focus is a facilitated resource. General information is available to download at Future Focus information but to request a facilitator please contact the Mission & Discipleship Council at mandd@cofscotland.org.uk
[See also the Goods News section]
NEW FROM ST ANDREW PRESS……
……and a VERY SPECIAL OFFER to all readers……
INSIGHTS: MIRACLES: What the Bible Tells Us About Jesus’ Miracles WILLIAM BARCLAY Foreword by Kenneth Steven
‘For Christians there are still miracles all around if they have eyes to see.’
A short, simple and searingly insightful guide to the real meanings behind the miracles of Jesus – for individuals, for Bible study and as a really meaningful gift. William Barclay unveils all the intention and significance of these amazing acts.
The Insights series is written by Scotland’s most loved Bible commentator, William Barclay. With his roots in the Church of Scotland, Barclay’s down-to-earth books have sold over 17 million copies worldwide. His thrilling enthusiasm will refresh, renew and excite your own depth of understanding of the New Testament. Barclay’s writing helps all the generations to ‘know better their Bible, their God and their Saviour’. 9780715209332 £7.99 each OUT NOW
Other Insights available
Easter, with a foreword by Diane Louise Jordan. 978-0-7152-0860-1 £6.99
Insights Easter shines new light on why the Easter story is so important today.
Parables, with a foreword by Richard Littledale. 978-0-7152-0932-5 £6.99
Christmas, with a foreword by Nick Baines. 978-0-7152-858-8 £6.99
The Lord’s Prayer, with a foreword by Richard Harries. 978-0-7152-859-5 £6.99
Money, with a foreword by Sally Magnusson. 978-7152-885-4 £6.99
Prayer, with a foreword by John Bell. 978-0-7152-887-8 £6.99
Joy, with a foreword by Ron Ferguson. 978-0-7152-886-1 £6.99
To buy: SPECIAL OFFER: available only through the St Andrew Press distributor – Norwich Books and Music: Buy 2 for £10; or 4 for £20, plus free P&P in the UK. Call now on 01603 785925; fax 01603 785915; or e-mail orders@norwichbooksandmusic.co.uk Orders are fulfilled quickly and you can pay by credit or debit card. Code INSIGHTS12 must be quoted in order for offer to be applied. Offer closes 12 noon Friday 10 February. UK customers only.
PRAY NOW 2012 – Daily Devotions on the Theme of Time Pray Now is a popular annual collection of modern prayers for all, whatever their denomination, written by individuals, prayer groups and leaders of worship. It offers a place to start when you feel you have no words of your own, and prayer activities that allow time to think and space to listen. This year’s theme is ‘Time’. The Pray Now Group is a team of experts who care deeply about the role of prayer in our lives. Drawn from an ecumenically minded Church of Scotland group, their work is written for a wide, diverse and international readership. OUT NOW! ISBN: 9780861535972
PRAY NOW 2012 – bulk offer (UK addresses only)
1-9 copies are priced at £7.99 each. 10 or more are £6.99 each. If you order 100 or more, they are £4.99 each.
THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND YEARBOOK 2011/12 This compendium of vital information includes every contact within the Church, procedures, protocols, amendments, statistics and an extensive index, and is the essential resource for all who work within or with the Church of Scotland. OUT NOW! ISBN: 9780861536238. £18.99 each.
To buy Pray Now and the Yearbook: order from www.standrewpress.com; or phone Norwich Books & Music on 01603 785925; fax 01603 785915; or e-mail orders@norwichbooksandmusic.co.uk. Orders are fulfilled quickly and you can pay by credit or debit card. Postage & packing: add £2.50 for orders below £25; add £5 for orders between £25 & £75. P&P is free for orders over £75.
PRAY IT FORWARD This initiative, launched recently, features an attractive collection of high quality cards carrying a range of blessings inspired from scripture, for churches and individuals to give away free to others. The aim of the cards is to encourage and bless the recipient, and to encourage them to pray for, and bless, someone else in turn, ie to focus outward, and not just on what God can do for ME! They are ideal for use in outreach, pastoral care and personal contexts (eg pop one in with each greetings card you send throughout the year). Each box of 80 cards features an assortment of 8 different designs. £5 per box. To order, visit www.madstuff.biz or email mandd@cofscotland.org.uk NB: The special introductory offer of 3 boxes for £12 will finish at the end of January.
PRESBYTERY ADULT TRAINERS are available to run training events in congregations and Presbyteries. If anyone would like to contact a PAT, or find out how to become a PAT themselves, contact Pauline Steenbergen, Leadership Development Worker, on 07854 711988 or psteenbergen@cofscotland.org.uk
RELATIONS WITH OTHER FAITHS is the monthly newsletter produced by Interfaith Development Worker, Iain Stewart, who works in local church engagement and dialogue, runs events and seminars, provides resources and advice, and networks with local, national, ecumenical and interfaith agencies and partners. If you would like to sign up to receive this newsletter directly to your inbox, or explore ways in which Iain can help your interfaith dialogue, contact him at istewart@cofscotland.org.uk Alternatively, you can download the newsletter here:
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/connect/working_together_in_faith The latest edition includes a heart- warming story of how Muslims and Jews in America volunteered to work for Christians, allowing them to take a day off to enjoy the Christmas festivities, and a comprehensive review of the Church of Scotland Inter-Faith Week Programme.
SEEDS & ROOTS This DVD tells the stories of seven ‘fresh expressions’ of church, most of which are not quite what are generally recognised as church yet, but the missional instinct of these pioneers is driving them on to plant new expressions of church in areas and among networks not presently being reached by our churches. Discussion starters are included for use with Kirk Sessions, Bible Study groups or other small groups to see if they might feel called to consider a new expression of church where you are. The DVD can also be shown during worship or in other public meetings simply to raise awareness of this important agenda for today, to inform and to encourage those who are interested in one of the ways God’s spirit is moving in our land. £10. To order, visit www.madstuff.biz/browse-resources/details/48/seeds-&-roots-dvd.html
STARTERS FOR SUNDAY offers a range of suggested material which can be used each week for individuals and congregations to develop. Sometimes there may be background material to the readings, at other times it may be ideas for deepening prayer, or involving children, or using drama. Musical suggestions are usually included. For further information, visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/starters_for_sunday
[See also the Goods News section]
WHY BELIEVE? is a resource to encourage the Scottish churches to provide a reasoned case for Christian belief (apologetics) amid the challenges and opportunities of today’s Scotland. It brings together a group of Christians of different denominations, administered within the Mission & Discipleship Council, and also supported by ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland). To download the ‘What Can I Say?’ leaflet, giving brief responses to some things that people say about Christianity, click here:
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/5479/what_can_i_say.pdf Two conferences have been organised for 2012: ‘What can I say?’ on 12 May in Edinburgh with Amy Orr-Ewing as keynote speaker, and ‘How can I say it?’ on 27 October in Glasgow with Jeremy Begbie. (Further details coming soon.) The emphasis will be on workshops to help church members explore contemporary ways of responding both to new questions and classic issues, like science, suffering and pluralism, and also to explore the opportunities of today’s changing social contexts in presenting the claims of Jesus Christ. The group has created a new website, providing access to a wider range of resources, including text, audio and video clips. Visit www.godsearchscotland.org.uk
Rural Church
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW Planning is underway once again for the ‘Churches in Rural Scotland’ stand at this annual event at the Ingliston Showground, Edinburgh, 21–24 June. More details will be given in future editions of e-news. This is an ecumenical initiative, administered by Mission & Discipleship staff.
GOOD NEWS
‘Breaking Barriers’ Christian/Muslim Youth Conference
“A Mind-Blowing and Spirit-Lifting Experience” These were the words of a Muslim delegate at this event, held at Tulliallan in December 2011.
The conference, part of the Scottish Inter Faith Week Programme, was the first of its kind and sought to create a deeper respect and understanding between the faith traditions, breaking down many of the stereotypes that existed between the representatives of the two faith communities. Together the group, aged from 18-30, explored key concepts in both traditions and studied the key Biblical and Qu’ranic passages which refer to the issue of wealth and poverty. They also heard from young Christian and Muslims activists, who described their experiences of working together to tackle poverty and advised the delegates what they could do together to make a positive difference in their areas.
Misconceptions were shattered on both. People also commented that they had felt their own faith become enriched and reaffirmed by meeting people of other faiths. As one of the Christian delegates stated, “It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the other faith, and also delve deeper into why I believe what I believe, and what the scriptural basis of my belief is.” Another said that, “The weekend was a brilliant opportunity to learn about each other’s beliefs, to ask questions without fear of offending or looking stupid, and to make friendships that hopefully will last far beyond the three days.”
For further information on the conference or If you know of a young person aged 18-30 who might like to be part of this group, then please suggest they contact the Breaking Barriers Facebook Page and ask to join:
https://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/groups/bbscotland/
Future Focus has added benefits!
Livingston Old Parish recently undertook a short Future Focus programme of sessions to discern God’s vision for the church in 5 years’ time. There was much discussion, evaluation of current ministry and, of course, new dreams for the future.
The process, facilitated by Rob Rawson, Mission Development Worker for East Scotland, was enjoyable, stimulating and inspiring for both members and non-members of the Kirk Session. “Nothing earth-shattering about that”, you may well say. However, the minister, Graham Smith, informs us that as the church begins to formulate a strategy in order to start moving towards those dreams, other benefits have seemingly emerged from the Future Focus programme.
Firstly, at one of the two worship centres, Sunday attendances have shot up. Nobody can very easily explain this, but there is an ‘air of confidence’ around, which is highly encouraging.
Graham also tells us that there is an ever greater sense of unity amongst the Kirk Session members. Since undertaking Future Focus, elders have started working together much more closely. Whilst we should point out that there have been no divisions of note, elders are nevertheless forming closer working relationships and, bearing in mind the future planning in the New Year, this is again very encouraging. We rejoice in these blessings.
Whilst congregations up and down the country embark upon a long term process of growth towards their respective visions, such short term ‘gains’ are very helpful in building confidence and that satisfying sense of “we’re moving forwards!”
Starters for Sunday
This area has received the greatest number of ‘hits’ on the Church of Scotland website for a while now – and rose from 10,000 to 15,000 last month!
Trusts/Funding
EMERGING MINISTRIES FUND was set up in 2008 by the Church of Scotland to explore and encourage new patterns of church around Scotland. The fund is available to congregations and Presbyteries, who can apply for grants in relation to local or Presbytery-wide need. Applications will be considered by the Emerging Ministries Task Group at regular meetings throughout the year. For information on how to apply and to download the guidance notes, visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk/connect/emerging_church#fund