Old High St. Stephen's, Inverness

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday 23 February 2020: Transfiguration Sunday

10am Sacrament of Holy Communion at St Stephen’s

Led by Rev Alastair Younger

11.15am Morning Worship at the Old High

Led by Vivian Roden, Reader at Moy, Dalarossie and Tomatin

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from the Church Administrator

WARMTH FOR THE HOMELESS CAMPAIGN Our local Homeless Community and Gateway would like to thank you for your kind donation of six suitcases full of used warm clothes, they were greatly appreciated. With our temperatures still hovering around zero, we will continue to collect used warm clothes with the last date for donations being today. Please leave your donations in the suitcases located in the entry hall (to be collected by Gary Ross.

Sunday Evening Discussion Group will meet again this evening at 7pm in the vestry to discuss an article that follows on from the Conversations in Discipleship explored 2 weeks ago: considering what being a disciple may mean in our Church of today. More details from Andrew Stevenson.

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.

Old High Church Opening 2020 The first meeting of the Volunteers in 2020 is to be held at 2pm on Monday 17 February in the church. New volunteers are most welcome. For further information please contact Sheila MacLeod.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION will be celebrated at St Stephen’s Church on 23 February. All welcome at the Lord’s Table. The Retiring Collection will be for Friends of Cameron House who fundraise to provide additional comforts for residents such as pictures, garden, curtains etc. Members of our congregation are part of the friends group and of course the home is within our parish. Christine Mackenzie, Acting Session Clerk.

COMMUNION SERVICES The Kirk Session has decided that we no longer require to have cloths on each pew for Communion services. This is a tradition which has died out in many churches, and it requires quite a lot of work. Of course, we continue to use a white cloth on the Communion Table, as has been the tradition of the Christian Church for centuries. The Session would like sincerely thank all who, over the years, have laundered and ironed our cloths, and prepared the pews before each Communion Sunday. Christine Mackenzie, Acting Session Clerk.

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 As has already been announced, Peter, our Minister, will be preaching at Cambuslang Parish Church next Sunday 23 February, as the sole nominee for their vacancy. As is the custom of the Church of Scotland, there will be a vote following that service for the congregation to decide whether or not to call Peter as their new Minister. If they do so, 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, Acting Session Clerk.

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

GROW is on Saturday 29 February 2020 in Culduthel Christian Centre, Culduthel Avenue, Inverness. What is it? One Stop Shop for anyone who works or wants to work with a Christian focus on children and young people. Workshops look fantastic! This will equip OHSS for when we get more youngsters in. There is also a workshop for working with Toddlers and Their Carers. Dot would LOVE if 2 or 3 folks could go with her to represent our ‘GROWing’ church. Brochure/registration form and more details from her. Pray and see if it appeals!? Still time to register. Dot is going! Only £8…. 

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND APPOINTMENT OF ASSEMBLY TRUSTEES We welcome applications for membership to the Assembly Trustees. Can you bring your professional expertise and passion for the Church, to a rewarding role as an Assembly Trustee? Would you like to share your skills and knowledge to serve on a recently created body within the Church of Scotland? Closing date 12 noon Wed 26 February 2020 Interviews Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March 2020. Information/Application Pack. https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/vacancies_and_volunteering. John Chalmers, Assembly Trustees Convener, Norma Rolls, Assembly Trustees Vice convener.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Sunday 16 February 2020: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
10 am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11.15 am Morning Worship at the Old High

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from Church Administrator
SHARING YOUR FAITH (SYF) STOP PRESS! A new Connect Group is starting again on Friday 14 February at the home of Jennie McIntosh, 13 High Street, Fortrose from 2-3.30pm. Please don’t be put off by the venue, it’s to
accommodate Jennie and will be well worth it! Everyone is welcome, especially in light of recent developments – a chance to grow in discipleship. Contact me for more information or if you need a lift. It’s only a 4-week commitment. Dot Getliffe, Mission Develop Worker.
WARMTH FOR THE HOMELESS CAMPAIGN Our local Homeless Community and Gateway would like to thank you for your kind donation of six suitcases full of used warm clothes, they were greatly appreciated. With our temperatures still hovering around zero, we will continue to collect used warm clothes with the last date for donations Sunday 16 February. Suggestions Dog blankets, Socks, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Warm clothes, Boots, Trainers, Sleeping bags, Roll mats, Rucksacks. Please leave your donations in the suitcases located in the entry hall (to be collected by Gary Ross.
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.
CRAFT EVENING St Stephen’s Hall 7.30–9pm, Wednesday 12 February 2020. Crafters and non-crafters welcome (you may wish to learn a craft). Friendly atmosphere and refreshments provided. Contact Susan MacLeod.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION will be celebrated at St Stephen’s Church on 23 February. All welcome at the Lord’s Table. The Retiring Collection will be for Friends of Cameron House who fundraise to provide additional comforts for residents such as pictures, garden, curtains etc. Members of our congregation are part of the friends group and of course the home is within our parish. Christine Mackenzie, Acting Session Clerk.
COMMUNION SERVICES The Kirk Session has decided that we no longer require to have cloths on each pew for Communion services. This is a tradition which has died out in many churches, and it requires quite a lot of work. Of course, we continue to use a white cloth on the Communion Table, as has been the tradition of the Christian Church for centuries. The Session would like sincerely thank all who, over the years, have laundered and ironed our cloths, and prepared the pews before each Communion Sunday. Christine Mackenzie, Acting Session Clerk.
WORD FOR TODAY daily bible readings (Feb-Apr) are available in both buildings.
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.
POSSIBLE VACANCY As has already been announced, Peter, our Minister, will be preaching at Cambuslang Parish Church on Sunday 23 February, as the sole nominee for their vacancy. As is the custom of the Church of Scotland, there will be a vote following that service for the congregation to decide whether or not to call Peter as their new Minister. If they do so, 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, Acting Session Clerk.
OTHER NEWS
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND APPOINTMENT OF ASSEMBLY TRUSTEES
(Presbytery Clerks, Session Clerks, Ministers, Ministries Development Staff, Nomination Committee and CSC Staff). We welcome applications for membership to the Assembly Trustees. Can you bring your professional expertise and passion for the Church, to a rewarding role as an Assembly Trustee? Would you like to share your skills and knowledge to serve on a recently created body within the Church of Scotland? Closing date 12 noon Wed 26 February 2020 Interviews Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March 2020. Information/Application Pack. https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/vacancies_and_volunteering. John Chalmers, Assembly Trustees Convener, Norma Rolls, Assembly Trustees Vice-convener.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Sunday 9 February 2020: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
10 am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11.15 am Morning Worship at the Old High

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION – contact details from the Church Administrator
SOUTHSIDE NURSING HOME There will be a short service, led by Jim Alexander, 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 Jim after the service. If you would like to help lead these services, please speak to Janet Robertson
SUNDAY EVENING DISCUSSION GROUP continues at 7pm in St Stephen’s vestry this evening, looking at Conversations in Discipleship – a pamphlet from the Mission and Discipleship Council of the Church of Scotland. All congregations have been urged to look at this material and report back on their responses to it. This is a ‘stand-alone’ event where it would be good to have as many as possible contributing to the discussion. More information from Andrew Stevenson.
WORD FOR TODAY daily bible readings (Feb-Apr) are available in both buildings.
SHARING YOUR FAITH (SYF) STOP PRESS! A new Connect Group is starting again on Friday 7 February at the home of Jennie McIntosh, 13 High Street, Fortrose from 2-3.30pm. Please don’t be put off by the venue, it’s to accommodate Jennie and will be well worth it! Everyone is welcome, especially in light of recent developments – a chance to grow in discipleship. Contact me for more information or if you need a lift. It’s only a 4-week commitment. Dot Getliffe, Mission Develop Worker.
COMMUNION SERVICES The Kirk Session has decided that we no longer require to have cloths on each pew for Communion services. This is a tradition which has died out in many churches, and it requires quite a lot of work. Of course, we continue to use a white cloth on the Communion Table, as has been the tradition of the Christian Church for centuries. The Session would like sincerely thank all who, over the years, have laundered and ironed our cloths, and prepared the pews before each Communion Sunday. Christine Mackenzie, Acting Session Clerk.
WARMTH FOR THE HOMELESS CAMPAIGN Our local Homeless Community and Gateway would like to thank you for your kind donation of six suitcases full of used warm clothes, they were greatly appreciated. With our temperatures still hovering around zero, we will continue to collect used warm clothes with the last date for donations Sunday 16 February. Suggestions Dog blankets, Socks, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Warm clothes, Boots, Trainers, Sleeping bags, Roll mats, Rucksacks. Please leave your donations in the suitcases located in the entry hall (to be collected by Gary Ross.
HIGHLAND HOMELESS TRUST write: ‘Please pass on to the congregation our many thanks for the continued support we receive from them, in particular the generous donation of £458.07 and the huge donation of Christmas presents for our clients. All our clients were hugely appreciative of the gifts they received, and I appreciate the time and effort taken by folk to wrap these up at what is a busy and expensive time of the year for everyone. Again, many thanks for your continued support’. Alex Gilchrist, General Manager, Gateway
MAGGIE’S HIGHLANDS has written thanking us for our donation of £609.35: ‘Your support means so much to the people who come through our doors. The time after a cancer diagnosis can be filled with worry and uncertainty of the future, but your generosity means that people get the support they desperately need, and at a time they need it most. Your kindness means they can be comforted by a qualified member of staff, get helpful advice about eating well, or money worries. Or they can simply find a peaceful place to sit in the garden when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Inside our centre people can start to find answers to the difficult questions a cancer diagnosis can bring. Thank you for making sure our centre will always be there to everyone who needs us. If you or anyone you know ever needs us simply visit or get in touch’. Charlotte Boa, Centre Fundraising Organiser.
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-project-exhibition/, where you can also download the architect’s report.
THANK YOU Robin Versteeg would like to thank everyone so much for the beautiful card and very generous gift he was presented with on leaving Old High last month. He and Emma are extremely grateful for the support and friendship shown to them and Elijah and Ezra from the OHSS congregation throughout Robin’s time as organist. They miss everyone very much and are looking forward to returning in March!
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
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND APPOINTMENT OF ASSEMBLY TRUSTEES (Presbytery Clerks, Session Clerks, Ministers, Ministries Development Staff, Nomination Committee and CSC Staff). We welcome applications for membership to the Assembly Trustees. Can you bring your professional expertise and passion for the Church, to a rewarding role as an Assembly Trustee? Would you like to share your skills and knowledge to serve on a recently created body within the Church of Scotland? Closing date 12 noon Wed 26 February 2020 Interviews Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March 2020. Information/Application Pack. https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/vacancies_and_volunteering. John Chalmers, Assembly Trustees Convener, Norma Rolls, Assembly Trustees Vice-convener.