Housecall

Articles taken from St James’ Monthly Magazine

Gift Service

The Annual St James’ Gift Service was on Sunday 13th December and once again, we are collected a large number of gifts for the children and young people who attend Richmond's Hope (the bereavement project based in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh). These were distributed and much appreciated. Thanks to all who contributed – you made a difference.

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Changing Church

The Church of Scotland is set launch a "Year Zero" strategy in a bid to streamline its city-wide network of congregations. Individual churches across Edinburgh will be asked to look afresh at what is needed in their neighbourhoods and how the church can best harness its people, buildings and money to the task. The strain of maintaining ageing buildings, coupled with falling attendance and a shortage of ministers is almost certain to mean more churches closing, merging or sharing personnel. Two of Edinburgh's best known churches – St Andrew's & St George's in George Street and St George's West in Shandwick Place – have already begun merger talks.

Starting next month, the Kirk's Edinburgh presbytery, which oversees all 84 Church of Scotland congregations in the Capital, will embark on a review designed to ensure the churches' work fits the pattern of life in 21st century Edinburgh. Ten teams from the presbytery will visit congregations to discuss how they relate to their area and report back to them on what they see as the opportunities. The visits are programmed throughout the year and will feed into a report scheduled for February 2011, identifying overall trends, issues and priorities for the Kirk in Edinburgh.Presbytery clerk the Rev George Whyte said: "Our task is not to keep the Church of Scotland going as we know it; the calling of the church is to be involved in what Jesus would be doing in Edinburgh.

Nativity at St James’

Anyone who was at Church on Sunday 20th saw the Junior Church perform the nativity. It was a traditional presentation which included a new song for the congregation to sing and lots of stars to wave. The true stars were the children of the Junior Church who performed superbly and helped everyone focus on the Christmas message.

Christmas Carol Tea Party

A big thank you to everyone who worked, helped or contributed to making this another very happy event. We all enjoyed the afternoon, and were delighted by the entertainment supplied by Avril Brown and the Warwick family, and of course Santa!!! If there is anyone out there with good ideas for future events or would like to get involved with helping with the next tea party we would love to hear from you. Once again, thank You to all our helpers.

Events in 2010

In addition to the regular events that are held in St James’ each year – like the study groups at Advent and Easter, Coffee Mornings, Spring and Christmas fayres, the strawberry tea parties, the Christmas carol tea party the January Pot-Luck Party, and being part of the Holiday Club, it is hoped to run a few additional events. It is planned that ‘A Question of Sport and Football Forum’ will return later in the year as will the Congregational Quiz. This is also the year for ‘Words Wisdom and Wit” and a potential date for this will be announced soon. The Junior Church is hoping to hold an event for Marie Curie to fit in with their daffodil growing. If you have an idea for an event then please let Peter or a member of the Kirk Session know. Not all events have a fund raising angle, they can be simply for the social side of St James’.

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