Old High St. Stephen's, Inverness

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday 22 September 2019: Proper 20

10 am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s

11:15am Morning Worship at the Old High

Both services led by Rev Arthur Sinclair

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION contact details from Church Administrator

OLD HIGH CHURCH REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION PROJECT We hope to have an exhibition on this ready for display at the Old High in the next week or two- watch this space!

MINISTER’S HOLIDAYS Peter will be on annual leave from Friday 20 September to Friday 27 September 2019, inclusive. For any pastoral matters during that time, please contact your elder or the Rev Arthur Sinclair.

PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY Do stay on this morning in St Stephen’s, if you’re able, for a few minutes of further prayer, to bring before God our private and shared prayers for the future well-being and health of our country at this time. Please meet with Andrew Stevenson in the choir area if you wish to take part.

Sunday Evening Discussion Group will meet this evening in St Stephen’s vestry at 7pm. We are now exploring the section entitled “Facing Mortality” in Sam Wells’ book “How shall we live?” – firstly, in relation to Chronic Illness and Bereavement. Andrew Stevenson.

OLD HIGH CHURCH OPENING PROGRAMME is once again proving popular with both tourists and local people. We are open from 10.00-12.00 and 2-4pm on Tuesday-Friday each week. New Volunteers are, however, now urgently required. You are welcome on a regular or occasional basis. For more information contact Sheila MacLeod.

Old High Music Saturday 21 September at 12 noon: Ness Brass Trio, comprising accomplished Inverness-based musicians, Rob Farmer (horn), Ian Shires (trumpet) and Mark Bell (trombone) will perform solo and ensemble pieces, with piano accompaniments by Robin Versteeg. From Mozart to Poulenc, this is an opportunity to enjoy the rich sound of these instruments in the acoustic of the Old High. More details from our website or Andrew Stevenson. Join our music mailing list: ohssmusic<at>gmail.com.

OHSS Autumn Walk and Cuppa on 29 September at Reelig Glen, Moniack. Meet 1.30 pm in St Stephen’s Car Park, or 2pm Reelig Forest Walks car park. Approximately 1 hour walk with slight climb and some uneven ground, through a picturesque glen. Then refreshments at Ruth and Stuart Mackenzie’s, at 3.30pm with stroll around the garden if desired. Please contact Deborah Macrae if you need a lift or more information.

Highland Foodbank Thank you to all who have continued to support the Foodbank with donations over the summer. At St Stephen’s we will be holding a Harvest Celebration weekend on 5 and 6 October, when we are hoping that we will be able to have more community involvement and when we will be supporting the Foodbank. As usual specific donations will be requested at services at both St. Stephen’s and the Old High, hopefully we will know details by next week. In the meantime donations of the last requested items (tins of potatoes, tomatoes fruit and ham) are most welcome. Margaret Neville.

HARVEST FUN WEEKEND Preparations are underway for the Harvest Community Celebrations at St Stephens on 5/6 October. The fun afternoon from 2-4pm on Saturday 5 October will have children’s activities, crafts for sale, coffee and cakes, musical entertainment, stalls and more! You are asked to contribute home baking, garden produce, jams, pickles and chutneys – any spare harvest from your larder will be willingly accepted! All proceeds are for the Highland Foodbank. There will be an All-Age Harvest Service the following day at St Stephen’s at 10am: please encourage all the children you know to come and join us. Details from Joan Darcy.

Friends of the Old High Church join us on 11 October at 7.30pm in the Old High Church Hall for an evening with the Very Rev Doctor Susan Brown – my year as Moderator of the Church of Scotland in word, picture and slides. Tickets £10 (includes cheese & wine) from Christina Cameron.

OTHER NEWS

FRIENDS OF CAMERON  HOUSE ANNUAL AFTERNOON TEA Saturday 21 September 2019, 2-4pm, Scout Hall, Green Drive. The Friends support the residential home run by the Church of Scotland for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Come along and enjoy a cup of tea and home baking. Various stalls and all donations gratefully received. Tickets £3 (children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult) from Jaye Rankine, Rae Swan and Val Cantlay.

SAYING GOODBYE SERVICE 25 September at 7pm in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness. Anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in early years, or who has been affected by loss, whether recently or 80 years ago, or anyone who is grieving the fact that they haven’t had children: all are welcome. Babies and children also, as the Saying Goodbye service is truly a family event for all. Emilie de Bruijn, The Mariposa Trust www.sayinggoodbye.org .

ANNUAL YOUTH ATTITUDES SURVEY A survey to try to understand better the needs and views of young people in the Church of Scotland. We want to see the big picture to enable local congregations, presbyteries and the national church to help them shape how we nurture and care for the young people in our church over the next few years. Survey will be open to all 11-30 years olds in August and September. Please encourage 11-30 year olds connected to your congregation to complete the survey before 30 September at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YouthAttitude The first 250 people to complete the survey who request one will receive a complimentary copy of the Church of Scotland Youth Guide to Ethical Living. Suzi Farrant.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday 15 September 2019: Proper 19

10 am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s

11:15am Morning Worship at the Old High

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from Church Administrator

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL JOINING US FOR THE KIRKING OF THE COUNCIL THIS MORNING. At the end of the service, please allow those who are taking part in the parade to leave first.

OLD HIGH CHURCH REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION PROJECT We hope to have an exhibition on this ready for display at the Old High in the next week or two- watch this space!

MISSION DEVELOPMENT WORKER At our congregational meetings to discuss the proposals of the Going Forward report of 2017, the top choice of those who took part was for to appoint someone to a full-time post to help us engage with the needs of the local community. The Kirk Session has now approved a Job Description for the post, and we began to advertise this week. This is a two-year post in the first instance, funded initially from the generous legacy of the late Nina Wallace. The advert is included in today’s Bulletin- please share it widely: if you or anyone you know would be interested in applying for this, please let Peter know. Full details, including the Job Description, are on the website; contact Pat MacLeod, our Church Administrator, if you are unable to access these.

CRAFT EVENING St Stephen’s Hall 7.30–9pm, Wednesday 11 September. Crafters and non-crafters welcome (you may wish to learn a craft). Friendly atmosphere and refreshments provided. Susan MacLeod.

OLD HIGH CHURCH OPENING PROGRAMME is once again proving popular with both tourists and local people. We are open from 10.00-12.00 and 2-4pm on Tuesday-Friday each week. New Volunteers are, however, now urgently required. You are welcome on a regular or occasional basis. For more information contact Sheila MacLeod.

OHSS Magazine editor Willie Morrison urgently requires articles and photos for the September issue. Please submit whatever you can, as early as possible. Deadline is Friday 13 September.

Old High Music Saturday 21 Sept at 12 noon: Ness Brass Trio, comprising accomplished Inverness-based musicians, Rob Farmer (horn), Ian Shires (trumpet) and Mark Bell (trombone) will perform solo and ensemble pieces, with piano accompaniments by Robin Versteeg. From Mozart to Poulenc, this is an opportunity to enjoy the rich sound of these instruments in the acoustic of the Old High. More details from our website or Andrew Stevenson. Join our music mailing list: ohssmusic<at>gmail.com.

OHSS Autumn Walk and Cuppa on 29 September at Reelig Glen, Moniack. Meet 1.30 pm in St Stephen’s Car Park, or 2pm Reelig Forest Walks car park. Approximately 1 hour walk with slight climb and some uneven ground, through a picturesque glen. Then refreshments at Ruth and Stuart Mackenzie’s, at 3.30pm with stroll around the garden if desired. Please contact Deborah Macrae if you need a lift or more information.

HARVEST FUN WEEKEND Saturday 5 October at St Stephen’s from 2-4pm. There will be entertainment and stalls. We will be looking for donations of baking, jam, chutneys etc. There will also be a plant stall, so if you are tidying your garden please keep any plants or cuttings for the stall. All proceeds from this free event are to go to the Highland Foodbank. We will be inviting participants to join us for our Harvest services the following day. Contact Joan Darcy or Val Cantlay if you can lend a hand.

OTHER NEWS

FRIENDS OF CAMERON  HOUSE ANNUAL AFTERNOON TEA Saturday 21 September 2019, 2-4pm, Scout Hall, Green Drive. The Friends support the residential home run by the Church of Scotland for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Come along and enjoy a cup of tea and home baking. Various stalls and all donations gratefully received. Tickets £3 (children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult) from Jaye Rankine, Rae Swan and Val Cantlay.

SAYING GOODBYE SERVICE 25 September at 7pm in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness. Anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in early years, or who has been affected by loss, whether recently or 80 years ago, or anyone who is grieving the fact that they haven’t had children: all are welcome. Babies and children also, as the Saying Goodbye service is truly a family event for all. Emilie de Bruijn, The Mariposa Trust.

ANNUAL YOUTH ATTITUDES SURVEY A survey to try to understand better the needs and views of young people in the Church of Scotland. We want to see the big picture to enable local congregations, presbyteries and the national church to help them shape how we nurture and care for the young people in our church over the next few years. Survey will be open to all 11-30 years olds in August and September. Please encourage 11-30 year olds connected to your congregation to complete the survey before 30 September at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YouthAttitude The first 250 people to complete the survey who request one will receive a complimentary copy of the Church of Scotland Youth Guide to Ethical Living. Suzi Farrant.

Mission Development Worker

Old High St Stephen’s Church of Scotland, Inverness

Salary £25,122 – £28,400 (in keeping with the Ministries Development Staff salary scale)

Old High St Stephen’s Church (www.oldhighststephens.com) is seeking to consolidate and expand its work in a parish which covers both the city centre and part of the suburbs of the Highland Capital.

We are now seeking an enthusiastic person to work with the congregation to help us develop our understanding, vision and practice of mission in our community.

Duties we envisage would include:

• Identifying and attempting to meet needs within our community which can be met by the Church.
• Work in partnership with other churches, faith communities, statutory support services and voluntary sector providers towards meeting the needs of the local community.
• Work closely with the existing membership of the Church, its volunteers and service users to deliver Christian witness and outreach.
• Work in local schools as appropriate
• Support for the volunteers to develop the opening of the Old High Church for visitors
• Identifying imaginative ways to bring an inclusive and welcoming Christian message to the community.

If you would relish the challenge, we would love to talk to you to discuss your ideas and learn more about us. For an informal visit / discussion with us, please contact our Minister, the Rev Peter W Nimmo.

Applications should be made via CV, two references and a statement stating how your skills, gifts and experiences are suitable for this role.

Closing date for applications is 16 September 2019.

(Please note it is necessary that all applicants will be subject to a Disclosure Check and should have a living Christian faith that is a Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Employment Equality Act 2010)

For the job description, visit https://www.oldhighststephens.com/2019/08/21/mission-development-worker-post/

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday 8 September 2019: Proper 18

11:15am Kirking of the Council at the Old High

No Service at St Stephen’s

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from Church Administrator

KIRKING OF THE COUNCIL next Sunday 8 September 2019 at 11.15am, Old High Church. As always, we will all be at Old High for Kirking Sunday, now well-established as a major community event and a wonderful chance for our Congregation to bring the Christian message to the secular world. Taking part in the service with our Minister this year will be our friend, the Rev Doug McRoberts, who is Moderator of Inverness Presbytery this year. Please make it a priority to support what is one of the most important and significant events in our Congregational calendar. More from Peter.

PRAYER IN A TIME OF CRISIS “Nudged into fervent prayer” – words spoken by Peter in a recent service as he prayed for God’s guidance for the leaders of our country at this critical time – when confusion, division and anger threaten the integrity and peace of our communities. The Worship & Education Group would like there to be opportunity to gather for prayer together after morning service at St Stephen’s, as the church becomes quiet after today’s service. Afterwards there will still be the chance for fellowship in the Hall. The Old High Church continues to be open for prayer 10.00-12.00 and 2-4pm on Tuesday-Friday, and we will, of course, be praying for the political situation at next week’s Kirking of the Council. More details: Andrew Stevenson.

SOUTHSIDE NURSING HOME There will be a short service, led by Isobel Allan, at Southside Nursing Home immediately after this morning’s service at St Stephen’s. If you are able to assist with the singing, or chatting to the residents, this would be much appreciated. Please speak to Isobel after the service. We still seek members willing to lead these services on a rota basis; please contact Janet Robertson.

MISSION DEVELOPMENT WORKER At our congregational meetings to discuss the proposals of the Going Forward report of 2017, the top choice of those who took part was for to appoint someone to a full-time post to help us engage with the needs of the local community. The Kirk Session has now approved a Job Description for the post, and we began to advertise this week. This is a two year post in the first instance, funded initially from the generous legacy of the late Nina Wallace. The advert is included in today’s Bulletin – please share it widely: if you or anyone you know would be interested in applying for this, please let Peter know. Full details, including the Job Description, are on the website; contact Pat MacLeod, our Church Administrator, if you are unable to access these.

OLD HIGH CHURCH OPENING PROGRAMME The Church Opening programme is once again proving popular with both tourists and local people. We are open from 10.00-12.00 and 2-4pm on Tuesday-Friday each week. New Volunteers are, however, now urgently required. You are welcome on a regular or occasional basis. For more information contact Sheila MacLeod.

OHSS Magazine editor Willie Morrison urgently requires articles and photos for the September issue. Please submit whatever you can, as early as possible. The deadline is Friday 13 September.

Old High Music Saturday 21 Sept at 12 noon: Ness Brass Trio, comprising accomplished Inverness-based musicians, Rob Farmer (horn), Ian Shires (trumpet) and Mark Bell (trombone) will perform solo and ensemble pieces, with piano accompaniments by Robin Versteeg. From Mozart to Poulenc, this is an opportunity to enjoy the rich sound of these instruments in the acoustic of the Old High. More details from the website (https://www.oldhighststephens.com) or from Andrew Stevenson.

HARVEST FUN WEEKEND On Saturday 5 October there will be a Fun Afternoon at St Stephen’s from 2-4pm. There will be entertainment and stalls. We will be looking for donations of baking, jam, chutneys etc. There will also be a plant stall, so if you are tidying your garden please keep any plants or cuttings for the stall. All proceeds from this free event are to go to the Highland Foodbank. We will be inviting participants to join us for our Harvest services the following day. Contact Joan Darcy or Val Cantlay if you can lend a hand.

OTHER NEWS

150 YEARS OF WORSHP AT INVERNESS CATHEDRAL Choral Evensong this afternoon at 3pm. A traditional service of Evensong, sung by the Cathedral Choir. A reflective Service including Psalms, Canticles and Readings. All Welcome to come and enjoy the music – those of no faith, those seeking and exploring and those who know this service well. Details from Cathedral Office.

FRIENDS OF CAMERON  HOUSE AFTERNOON TEA on Saturday 21 September 2019 from 2-4pm at the Scout Hall, Green Drive (off Culduthel Road).  Entrance £3 (children under 12 free). The Friends support the residential home run by the Church of Scotland for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Come along to our annual fundraising Afternoon Tea and enjoy a cup of tea and home baking, baking stall etc. Donations of home baking, preserves etc will be very much appreciated. Contact Emma Green.

Mission Development Worker

Old High St Stephen’s Church of Scotland, Inverness

Salary £25,122 – £28,400 (in keeping with the Ministries Development Staff salary scale)

Old High St Stephen’s Church (www.oldhighststephens.com) is seeking to consolidate and expand its work in a parish which covers both the city centre and part of the suburbs of the Highland Capital.

We are now seeking an enthusiastic person to work with the congregation to help us develop our understanding, vision and practice of mission in our community.

Duties we envisage would include:

• Identifying and attempting to meet needs within our community which can be met by the Church.
• Work in partnership with other churches, faith communities, statutory support services and voluntary sector providers towards meeting the needs of the local community.
• Work closely with the existing membership of the Church, its volunteers and service users to deliver Christian witness and outreach.
• Work in local schools as appropriate
• Support for the volunteers to develop the opening of the Old High Church for visitors
• Identifying imaginative ways to bring an inclusive and welcoming Christian message to the community.

If you would relish the challenge, we would love to talk to you to discuss your ideas and learn more about us. For an informal visit / discussion with us, please contact our Minister, the Rev Peter W Nimmo.

Applications should be made via CV and statement stating how your skills, gifts and experiences are suitable for this role.

Closing date for applications is 16 September 2019.

(Please note it is necessary that all applicants will be subject to a Disclosure Check and should have a living Christian faith that is a Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Employment Equality Act 2010)

For the job description, visit https://www.oldhighststephens.com/2019/08/21/mission-development-worker-post/

WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Sunday 1 September 2019: Proper 17
10 am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11:15am Morning Worship at the Old High
NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from the Church Administrator.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION will be celebrated at St Stephen’s today. All welcome at the Lord’s Table. Retiring Offering in aid of the Maggie’s Centre, which provides practical, emotional and social support to people living with cancer and their family and friends at Raigmore.
MISSION DEVELOPMENT WORKER At our congregational meetings to discuss the proposals of the Going Forward report of 2017, the top choice of those who took part was for to appoint someone to a full time post to help us enage with the needs of the local community. The Kirk Session has now approved a Job Description for the post, and we began to advertise this week. This is a two year post in the first instance, funded initially from the generous legacy of the late Nina Wallace. The advert is included in today’s Bulletin- please share it widely: if you or anyone you know would be interested in applying for this, please let Peter know. Full details, including the Job Description, are on the website; contact Pat MacLeod, our Church Administrator, if you are unable to access these.
KIRKING OF THE COUNCIL Sunday 8 September 2019, 11.15am, Old High Church. As always, we will all be at Old High for Kirking Sunday, now well-established as a major community event and a wonderful chance for our Congregation to bring the Christian message to the secular world. Taking part in the service with our Minister this year will be our friend, the Rev Doug McRoberts, who is Moderator of Inverness Presbytery this year. Please make it a priority to support what is one of the most important and significant events in our Congregational calendar. More from Peter.
OLD HIGH CHURCH OPENING PROGRAMME The Church Opening programme is once again proving popular with both tourists and local people. We are open from 10.00-12.00 and 2-4pm on Tuesday-Friday each week. New Volunteers are, however, now urgently required. You are welcome on a regular or occasional basis. For more information contact Sheila MacLeod.
SUNDAY EVENING DISCUSSION GROUP will recommence this evening at 7pm in St Stephen’s vestry. We continue to work through chapters in Sam Wells’ book that seek to give a Christian perspective on some of the most topical issues of our day, starting with Europe and Social Media. Anyone who might like to join the group at this point should contact Andrew Stevenson to get advance access to the book.
CRAFT EVENING St Stephen’s Hall 7.30–9pm, Wednesday 28 August. Crafters and non-crafters welcome (you may wish to learn a craft). Friendly atmosphere and refreshments provided Susan MacLeod.
MEET & EAT There will be a Church lunch at 12.30pm on Thursday 29 August at the Craigmonie Hotel. All welcome. Transport available. Contact Val Cantlay.
DOORS OPEN DAY SATURDAY 31 AUGUST 2019 Both churches will be open. Please drop in on the day to show your support. St Stephen’s will be open from 1030 to 1600. If you would like to help welcome and show visitors around, please contact Jim Alexander 231419 or jbdalex@yahoo.com. There will be a brief one page description for guidance. The Old High will be open from 10.00 to 1600. If you would like to be in attendance to help on the day, please contact Sheila MacLeod.
OHSS MAGAZINE editor Willie Morrison urgently requires articles and photos for the September issue. Please submit whatever you can, as early as possible. The deadline is Friday 13 September.
HARVEST FUN WEEKEND On Saturday 5 October there will be a Fun Afternoon at St Stephen’s from 2-4pm. There will be entertainment and stalls. We will be looking for donations of baking, jam, chutneys etc. There will also be a plant stall, so if you are tidying your garden please keep any plants or cuttings for the stall. All proceeds from this free event are to go to the Highland Foodbank. We will be inviting participants to join us for our Harvest services the following day. Contact Joan Darcy or Val Cantley if you can lend a hand.
OTHER NEWS
WELL EQUIPPED SPACES IN THE RIGHT PLACES Over the next few months, the Church of Scotland General Trustees will be inviting your views on one of the most crucial issues for the future of our Church: how best to manage our church land and buildings. An online survey will run until Saturday 31 October, giving you the chance to express your views on the best ways to manage, use and maintain our buildings for the future. The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, the Moderator of the General Assembly, said “Buildings are hugely important to everyone in the Church and we all have strong feelings about the buildings we know best. This consultation is important so I encourage everyone who cares about the Church to take time to work through the survey and make their views known. This will ensure that the plan that will go to the 2020 General Assembly will be the very best plan we can make for the future of our congregations as well as for the mission of the Church.” The survey is available at https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news_and_events/news/2019/your_opportunity_to_help_shape_the_churchs_plan_for_land_and_buildings . If you can’t access it via a computer, contact Peter.
Mission Development Worker
Old High St Stephen’s Church of Scotland, Inverness
Salary £25,122 – £28,400 (in keeping with the Ministries Development Staff salary scale)
Old High St Stephen’s Church (www.oldhighststephens.com) is seeking to consolidate and expand its work in a parish which covers both the city centre and part of the suburbs of the Highland Capital.
We are now seeking an enthusiastic person to work with the congregation to help us develop our understanding, vision and practice of mission in our community.
Duties we envisage would include:
• Identifying and attempting to meet needs within our community which can be met by the Church.
• Work in partnership with other churches, faith communities, statutory support services and voluntary sector providers towards meeting the needs of the local community.
• Work closely with the existing membership of the Church, its volunteers and service users to deliver Christian witness and outreach.
• Work in local schools as appropriate
• Support for the volunteers to develop the opening of the Old High Church for visitors
• Identifying imaginative ways to bring an inclusive and welcoming Christian message to the community.
If you would relish the challenge, we would love to talk to you to discuss your ideas and learn more about us. For an informal visit / discussion with us, please contact our Minister, the Rev Peter W Nimmo, (PNimmo@churchofscotland.org.uk 01463 250 802).
Applications should be made via CV and statement stating how your skills, gifts and experiences are suitable for this role.
Closing date for applications is 16 September 2019.
(Please note it is necessary that all applicants will be subject to a Disclosure Check and should have a living Christian faith that is a Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Employment Equality Act 2010)
For the job description, visit https://www.oldhighststephens.com/2019/08/21/mission-development-worker-post/

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday 25 August 2019: Proper 16

10 am Sacrament of Holy Communion at St Stephen’s

Led by the Minister

NB ALL SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES IN AUGUST

AT ST STEPHEN’S

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from the Church Administrator

AUGUST SUNDAY SERVICES AT ST STEPHEN’S With a view to strengthening the life of the congregation, the Kirk Session has decided to hold only one service on Sunday in July and August. All our services in July were at Old High, and all the August services will be at St Stephen’s at 10am. The Session trust you will give this initiative your enthusiastic support! Please speak to your elder if you have any questions. If anyone has trouble getting to church during this period, please contact your elder, or Pat, our Church Administrator, and we will try to organise a lift (079 342 85924).

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION will be celebrated at St Stephen’s next Sunday 25 August. All welcome at the Lord’s Table. Retiring Offering in aid of the Maggie’s Centre, which provides practical, emotional and social support to people living with cancer and their family and friends at Raigmore.

KIRKING OF THE COUNCIL Sunday 8 September 2019, 11.15am, Old High Church. As always, we will all be at Old High for Kirking Sunday, now well-established as a major community event and a wonderful chance for our Congregation to bring the Christian message to the secular world. Taking part in the service with our Minister this year will be our friend, the Rev Doug McRoberts, who is Moderator of Inverness Presbytery this year. Please make it a priority to support what is one of the most important and significant events in our Congregational calendar. More from Peter.

OLD HIGH CHURCH OPENING PROGRAMME The Church Opening programme is once again proving popular with both tourists and local people. We are open from 10.00-12.00 and 2-4pm on Tuesday-Friday each week. New Volunteers are, however, now urgently required. You are welcome on a regular or occasional basis. For more information contact Sheila MacLeod.

Old High Music the second half of the 2019 programme commences on Saturday 24 August at 12 noon, when Gordon Tocher, organist at Inverness Cathedral, will perform a Fugue and Choral Prelude by Bach, a Handel Organ Concerto, and a selection of compositions by 19th century French composers. Gordon has contributed much to Old High Music over the years, so we are delighted to welcome him back to the console. Andrew Stevenson. Get onto the mailing list!.

Sunday Evening Discussion Group will recommence on Sunday 25 August at 7pm in St Stephen’s vestry. We continue to work through chapters in Sam Wells’ book  that seek to give a Christian perspective on some of the most topical issues of our day, starting with Europe and Social Media. Anyone who might like to join the group at this point should contact Andrew Stevenson to get advance access to the book.

CRAFT EVENING St Stephen’s Hall 7.30–9pm, Wednesday 28 August. Crafters and non-crafters welcome (you may wish to learn a craft). Friendly atmosphere and refreshments provided Susan MacLeod.

OHSS Magazine editor Willie Morrison urgently requires articles and photos for the September issue. Please submit whatever you can, as early as possible. The deadline is Friday 13 September.

HARVEST WEEKEND COMMUNITY FESTIVAL The Outreach and Events Action Team is planning a weekend of events for Harvest. We hope to involve children, families and the local community over the weekend of 5-6 October. To find out more, come along to a meeting at St Stephen’s on Tuesday 20 August at 7.30pm. Details: Joan Darcy.

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR) The General Data Protection Regulation GDPR came into effect in the UK on 25 May 2018. It replaces the existing law on data protection (the Data Protection Act 1998) and gives individuals more rights and protections with regard to how their personal data is used by organisations. Congregations must comply with its requirements, as there are no relevant exemptions for charities or small organisations. The OHSS Privacy Notice, Data Protection Policy and Data Retention Policy can be viewed on the OHSS website (www.oldhighststephens.com). If you want paper copies of these notices, or have any queries with regard to GDPR, please contact our Church Administrator, Pat MacLeod.

PASTORAL CARE Peter, or your Elder, should be informed of anyone ill at home or in hospital.

SUNDAY BULLETIN Please send items for this sheet to our Church Administrator: Mrs Pat MacLeod (079 342 85924) invernesschurch<at>gmail.com. Deadline Wednesday at 12 noon. Please keep items as brief as possible, and include contact details and/or e-mail.

OTHER NEWS

WELL EQUIPPED SPACES IN THE RIGHT PLACES Over the next few months, the Church of Scotland General Trustees will be inviting your views on one of the most crucial issues for the future of our Church: how best to manage our church land and buildings. An online survey will run until Saturday 31 October, giving you the chance to express your views on the best ways to manage, use and maintain our buildings for the future. The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, the Moderator of the General Assembly, said “Buildings are hugely important to everyone in the Church and we all have strong feelings about the buildings we know best. This consultation is important so I encourage everyone who cares about the Church to take time to work through the survey and make their views known. This will ensure that the plan that will go to the 2020 General Assembly will be the very best plan we can make for the future of our congregations as well as for the mission of the Church.” The survey is available at https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news_and_events/news/2019/your_opportunity_to_help_shape_the_churchs_plan_for_land_and_buildings . If you can’t access it via a computer, contact Peter on 01463 250 802.