Old High St. Stephen's, Inverness

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday 22 March 2020: Fourth Sunday in Lent

10am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s

11:15am Morning Worship at the Old High

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from the Church Administrator

MODERATOR’S SERVICE The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Moderator, Rt Rev Colin Sinclair and his wife Ruth, are visiting Inverness Presbytery from 27–31 March. A full programme of visits has been arranged during that time. He will preach at a special service, on the theme “Jesus’ love is for all”, on Tuesday evening, 31 March at 7.00 pm at the Old High Church of Inverness. Don’t miss this very special service, which will also feature music from a choir from across the Presbytery, and the presentation of long service certificates. There will be the chance to meet the Moderator over refreshments after the service. There will be a retiring offering for two CrossReach initiatives that the Moderator is supporting: Palmerston Place Perinatal Service (counselling and therapy services to provide support before or after having a baby) and Heart for Art (Creative Arts Groups for people across Scotland living with Dementia. Please attend if you can; we are hoping for a good attendance from Churches throughout the Presbytery. Details from Christine Mackenzie Christine Mackenzie.

Lent Study Group: time for prayer and discussion each Sunday evening in Lent, meeting in St Stephen’s vestry at 7pm. We will be following a series entitled ‘heart-burning’ passages from the Bible – words drawn from story of the Road to Emmaus. More details from Andrew Stevenson.

LENT MEDITATION Old High Church will be open for meditation on each Friday during Lent, from 28 February to 10 April from 2pm to 4pm, with some time for Prayer and Reflection at 3pm. Details from Sheila MacLeod.

CORONAVIRUS We have been asked to put up the information notices about the Covid-19 virus which you will see on the outside doors and around our premises. Please remember to observe good hygiene practices. It is probably a good idea to abstain from handshaking at the moment. The Church of Scotland’s advice is at https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/advice-for-churches-covid-19-coronavirus.

OLD HIGH CHURCH REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION PROJECT A small exhibition about the architect’s ideas is now on display at the Old High. You can visit it following services at Old High, and we will have more opening times in the New Year. There are forms available for visitors to give feedback. Information https://www.oldhighststephens.com/2019/12/05/old–high–development–projectexhibition/, where you can also download the architect’s report.

Favourite Hymns List The Worship and Education Group is compiling a list of our congregation’s favourite psalms, hymns and worship songs. Once our list is completed we hope it will be used by ministers and worship leaders when planning future services. It is important to us that everybody has the opportunity to share their favourite hymn, we would also love to know why your choice is important for you: does it spark a special memory or hold a special meaning to you? Please complete the purple slip enclosed in your order of service and place in the collection bag. Rachel Hutchison.

WORD FOR TODAY daily bible readings (Feb-Apr) are available in both buildings.

OHSS Magazine editor Willie Morrison urgently requires articles and photos for the March 2020 issue. Please submit whatever you can, as early as possible.  Deadline Friday 20 March.

POSSIBLE VACANCY Peter, our Minister, has been elected by the congregation of Cambuslang Parish Church to be their new minister. It is expected that Peter will take up his new post sometime in June, which will, at that point, cause a vacancy for Old High St Stephen’s. However, it is to be hoped that well before then arrangements will be made for the vacancy in our congregation, such as the appointment of an Interim Moderator (who would chair the Kirk Session in a vacancy). More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. Christine Mackenzie, Session Clerk.

Highland Foodbank Lorna Dempster has e-mailed thanking us for our regular donation and notes that during 2019 the Highland Foodbank helped an astonishing 7,700 people across the Highlands, an increase of 11% from the previous year. She also advises that they have more than sufficient supplies of pasta, soup and beans and asks us not to donate those until they are required. For March and April the Foodbank would be grateful for Tins of Ham, Corned Beef, Potatoes; Weetabix/Cornflakes (small); Washing up liquid (small). Many thanks for your regular donations. Margaret Neville.

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

URGENT FOODSTUFFS REQUIRED FOR NESS BANK CHURCH milk, hard cheese, tins of ready meals (minced beef vegetable or equivalent…must be self-opening). If you can provide any of these things, please take them to Ness Bank lower hall on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday 12.30-2 pm. Thanks! Dot Getliffe.

INVERNESS SINGERS QUIZ SHEETS Margaret Young is selling quiz sheets (Classic novel titles and children’s books) on behalf of the Inverness Singers. They cost £1 each. A donation will be made from the Inverness Singers’ funds to Carr Gomm (the successor organisation to CrossRoads).The winner of the quiz will receive a Waterstone’s gift card to the value of £20. Contact Margaret Young.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday 15 March 2020: Third Sunday in Lent

10am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s

11:15am Morning Worship at the Old High

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from the Church Administrator

MODERATOR’S SERVICE The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Moderator, Rt Rev Colin Sinclair and his wife Ruth, are visiting Inverness Presbytery from 27–31 March. A full programme of visits has been arranged during that time. He will preach at a special service, on the theme “Jesus’ love is for all”, on Tuesday evening, 31 March at 7.00 pm at the Old High Church of Inverness. Don’t miss this very special service, which will also feature music from a choir from across the Presbytery, and the presentation of long service certificates. There will be the change to meet the Moderator over refreshments after the service. There will be a retiring offering for two CrossReach initiatives that the Moderator is supporting: Palmerston Place Perinatal Service (counselling and therapy services to provide support before or after having a baby) and Heart for Art (Creative Arts Groups for people across Scotland living with Dementia. Please attend if you can; we are hoping for a good attendance from Churches throughout the Presbytery. Details from Christine Mackenzie Christine Mackenzie.

Lent Study Group: time for prayer and discussion each Sunday evening in Lent, meeting in St Stephen’s vestry at 7pm. We will be following a series entitled ‘heart-burning’ passages from the Bible – words drawn from story of the Road to Emmaus. More details from Andrew Stevenson.

LENT MEDITATION Old High Church will be open for meditation on each Friday during Lent, from 28 February to 10 April from 2pm to 4pm, with some time for Prayer and Reflection at 3pm. Details from Sheila MacLeod.

CRAFT EVENING St Stephen’s Hall 7.30–9pm, this Wednesday, 11 March 2020. Crafters and non-crafters welcome (you may wish to learn a craft). Friendly atmosphere and refreshments provided Susan MacLeod.

MUSIC AT THE OLD HIGH on Friday 14 March at 1pm will be hosted by At 1 with Music. Monika Palsauskaite (piano) performs part of Messiaen’s exquisite meditations on the infancy of Jesus: a source of inspiration for those who may wish to stay on for some quiet time of reflection after the recital at 2pm. Donations of £7.50 requested at the door. Copies of the Old High Music Programme for 2020 will be available in the pews this Sunday, thereafter in the vestibules of both churches. Andrew Stevenson. Join the music mailing list: email ohssmusic<at>gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE – CANCELLATION OF BIG CLEAN of St Stephen’s Church and Halls this Saturday, 14 March, due to issues with coronavirus. Details from Joan Darcy.

OLD HIGH CHURCH REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION PROJECT A small exhibition about the architect’s ideas is now on display at the Old High. You can visit it following services at Old High, and we will have more opening times in the New Year. There are forms available for visitors to give feedback. Information https://www.oldhighststephens.com/2019/12/05/old–high–development–projectexhibition/, where you can also download the architect’s report.

Highland Foodbank Lorna Dempster has e-mailed thanking us for our regular donation and notes that during 2019 the Highland Foodbank helped an astonishing 7,700 people across the Highlands, an increase of 11% from the previous year. She also advises that they have more than sufficient supplies of pasta, soup and beans and asks us not to donate those until they are required. For March and April the Foodbank would be grateful for Tins of Ham, Corned Beef, Potatoes; Weetabix/Cornflakes (small); Washing up liquid (small). Many thanks for your regular donations. Margaret Neville

WARMTH FOR THE HOMELESS CAMPAIGN Gateway would like to thank all for their kind donations of warm winter clothes that will be distributed to our local homeless community. The Warmth for the Homeless Campaign donated a total of 26 Suitcases full of winter clothes, gratefully received from the Old High St Stephen’s Church and Crown Church, well done to all. Gary Ross

Favourite Hymns List The Worship and Education Group is working to compile a list of our congregation’s favourite psalms, hymns and worship songs. Once our list is completed we hope it will be used by ministers and worship leaders when planning future services. It is important to us that everybody has the opportunity to share their favourite hymn, we would also love to know why your choice is important for you: does it spark a special memory or hold a special meaning to you? If you would like your favourite hymn to be included on our list please complete the purple slip enclosed in your order of service and place in the collection bag as it comes round. Slips will be available in both The Old High and St Stephens throughout the month of March. Rachel Hutchison

WORD FOR TODAY daily bible readings (Feb-Apr) are available in both buildings.

OHSS Magazine editor Willie Morrison urgently requires articles and photos for the March 2020 issue. Please submit whatever you can, as early as possible. Deadline Friday 20 March.

POSSIBLE VACANCY Peter, our Minister, has been elected by the congregation of Cambuslang Parish Church to be their new minister. It is expected that Peter will take up his new post sometime in June, which will, at that point, cause a vacancy for Old High St Stephen’s. However, it is to be hoped that well before then arrangements will be made for the vacancy in our congregation, such as the appointment of an Interim Moderator (who would chair the Kirk Session in a vacancy). More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. Christine Mackenzie, Session Clerk.

SESSION CLERKS The Kirk Session has elected Miss Christine Mackenzie to be our Session Clerk, and Dr Deborah Macrae to be the Deputy Session Clerk. We are very grateful to both of them for taking on these roles. Particularly as we move towards a ministerial vacancy, please give them, and the whole Kirk Session, your enthusiastic support and prayers – Peter.

CORONAVIRUS We have been asked to put up the information notices about the Covid-19 virus which you will see on the outside doors and around our premises. Please remember to observe good hygiene practices. It is probably a good idea to abstain from handshaking at the moment. The Church of Scotland’s advice is at https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/advice-for-churches-covid-19-coronavirus.

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

Inverness Street Pastors Supporters day Saturday 14 March 2020, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at The Hub, 83 Castle Street, Inverness IV2 3EA. Contact Robyn Teago.

Blythswood Care Event Pamper Evening on Tuesday 17 March at The Body Shop, Eastgate, Inverness 6–8pm. Tickets £10. Come along and enjoy a relaxed evening. Ticket includes bubbles on arrival; hand treatment; mini makeover; personalised skin consultation; 30ml hand cream (RRP £5); 25% discount on all purchases on evening; discount vouchers and samples. It makes an ideal Mother’s Day gift, or get something a little special on the evening for that lady who has everything! For tickets contact Elma MacKay.

URGENT FOODSTUFFS REQUIRED FOR @NESSBANK CHURCH milk, hard cheese, tins of ready meals (minced beef vegetable or equivalent…must be self-opening). If you can provide any of these things, please take them to Ness Bank lower hall on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday 12.30-2 pm. Thanks! Dot Getliffe.

INVERNESS SINGERS QUIZ SHEETS Margaret Young is selling quiz sheets (Classic novel titles and children’s books) on behalf of the Inverness Singers. They cost £1 each. A donation will be made from the Inverness Singers’ funds to Carr Gomm (the successor organisation to CrossRoads).The winner of the quiz will receive a Waterstone’s gift card to the value of £20. Contact Margaret Young.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Sunday 8 March 2020: Second Sunday in Lent
10am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11:15am Morning Worship at the Old High

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION
CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE AT ST STEPHEN’S today, on the First Sunday of Lent, we will be focussing on how we as Christians, and our congregation, can be involved more fully in God’s mission in the world.This will be a Congregational Service at St Stephen’s at 10am (no service at Old High) so that we can all be together to think about this important topic. The service will be led by our Mission Development Worker, Dot, and our Minister. More details from Dot .
Our mission theme continues the evening at the first LENT STUDY GROUP: time for prayer and discussion each Sunday evening in Lent, meeting in St Stephen’s vestry at 7pm, starting this evening. The first occasion, led by Dot, will be an opportunity for further consideration of the Old and New Testament Readings from the morning service. That sets the scene for a series entitled ‘heart-burning’ passages from the Bible – words drawn from story of the Road to Emmaus. More details from Andrew Stevenson.
LENT MEDITATION Old High Church will be open for meditation on each Friday during Lent, from 28 February to 10 April from 2pm to 4pm, with some time for Prayer and Reflection at 3pm. Details from Sheila MacLeod.
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 also seek members willing to lead these services on a rota basis; please contact Janet Robertson.
MUSIC AT THE OLD HIGH on Friday 14 March at 1pm will be hosted by At 1 with Music. Monika Palsauskaite (piano) performs part of Messiaen’s exquisite meditations on the infancy of Jesus: a source of inspiration for those who may wish to stay on for some quiet time of reflection after the recital at 2pm. Donations of £7.50 requested at the door. Copies of the Old High Music Programme for 2020 will be available in the pews this Sunday, thereafter in the vestibules of both churches. Andrew Stevenson. Join the music mailing list: email ohssmusic<at>gmail.com
BIG CLEAN of St Stephen’s Church and Halls will take place on Saturday 14 March from 10am to 12 noon. Tea and coffee provided! Details from Joan Darcy.
OLD HIGH CHURCH REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION PROJECT A small exhibition about the architect’s ideas is now on display at the Old High. You can visit it following services at Old High, and we will have more opening times in the New Year. There are forms available for visitors to give feedback. Information https://www.oldhighststephens.com/2019/12/05/old-high-development-projectexhibition/, where you can also download the architect’s report.
WARMTH FOR THE HOMELESS CAMPAIGN Gateway would like to thank all for their kind donations of warm winter clothes that will be distributed to our local homeless community. The Warmth for the Homeless Campaign donated a total of 26 Suitcases full of winter clothes, gratefully received from the Old High St Stephen’s Church and Crown Church, well done to all.
THANK YOU I would like to thank the minister and congregation of Old High St Stephen’s for the beautiful flowers I received after my second visit to hospital. They have certainly cheered me up. Thanks also to the Pastoral Group for their card with get well wishes. It was very much appreciated. Iris Burns
WORD FOR TODAY daily bible readings (Feb-Apr) are available in both buildings.
OHSS MAGAZINE editor Willie Morrison urgently requires articles and photos for the March 2020 issue. Please submit whatever you can, as early as possible. Deadline Friday 20 March.
POSSIBLE VACANCY Peter, our Minister, preached at Cambuslang Parish Church last Sunday, and has been elected by that congregation to be their new minister. It is expected that Peter will take up his new post sometime in June, which will, at that point, cause a vacancy for Old High St Stephen’s. However, it is to be hoped that well before then arrangements will be made for the vacancy in our congregation, such as the appointment of an Interim Moderator (who would chair the Kirk Session in a vacancy). More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. Christine Mackenzie, Session Clerk .
SESSION CLERK At the Session meeting this week, the Kirk Session elected Miss Christine Mackenzie to be our Session Clerk, and Dr Deborah Macrae to be the Deputy Session Clerk. We are very grateful to both of them for taking on these roles. Particularly as we move towards a ministerial vacancy, please give them, and the whole Kirk Session, your enthusiastic support and prayers- Peter.
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
URGENT FOODSTUFFS REQUIRED FOR @NESSBANK CHURCH milk, hard cheese, tins of ready meals (minced beef vegetable or equivalent…must be self-opening). If you can provide any of these things, please take them to Ness Bank lower hall on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday 12.30-2 pm, or bring them to joint service Sunday 1 March when I will take them. Thanks! Dot Getliffe
BLYTHSWOOD CARE EVENT Pamper Evening on Tuesday 17 March at The Body Shop, Eastgate, Inverness 6–8pm. Tickets £10. Come along and enjoy a relaxed evening. Ticket includes bubbles on arrival; hand treatment; mini makeover; personalised skin consultation; 30ml hand cream (RRP £5); 25% discount on all purchases on evening; discount vouchers and samples. It makes an ideal Mother’s Day gift, or get something a little special on the evening for that lady who has everything! For tickets contact Elma MacKay.