Magazine 56, September 2015 Scottish Charity 1 No: SC035073

From the manse.... Dear friends, August and September are always a busy timethis year, it seems, more than ever. We have had Sunday School return, the Kirking of the Council, our family Fun Day and, as I write this, preparing for another special service with the Cameron Highlanders. It has been super to share the summer with Dougie Wolf (and to get to know his family- wife Joan and son Jack). This was the first time we have had a full-time student, and allowed Dougie to initiate the Fun Day, which was a real success for us. He’s reminded us that in all that we do, we ought to be outward looking and welcoming. Coming up we're asked to invite a friend to the harvest thanksgiving service- but we can and should be inviting folks to all our events and services. Peter met Jesus when his brother Andrew invited him along. We should all be Andrews, inviting our friends to meet Jesus! May God bless you and yours, Peter Northern Highlights

Roy Pedersen

Every evening at half past ten, a ship sets out from Bergen to serve 34 ports of call on a voyage to Norway’s Arctic communities. This is the famous Coastal Express or Hurtigruten (the “g” is silent) operated by a fleet of a dozen well-appointed working ships designed to carry coastwise freight, mails and passengers. The round trip takes twelve days and nights and there is no better way of gaining an insight into Norway’s spectacular landscape, fascinating history and Kong Harald charming inhabitants. My grandfather was a Norwegian master mariner – a Cape Horner. With that heritage a trip on the Hurtigrute had been an ambition since childhood. So it was with a sense of considerable anticipation that Marie and I boarded the good ship Kong Harald at Bergen earlier this summer. The voyage did not disappoint. Every day gave us a different perspective on Norwegian life. At the small ports of call the ship berthed for a mere quarter of an hour. Perhaps a few boxes would be discharged or a couple of Marie and Roy in Arctic attire passengers embarked. At the larger places the ship 2

berthed for a few hours, such that it was possible to explore ashore. There was always someone to talk to, whether among the fellow round-trip passengers of various nationalities or with Norwegian locals. And of course the fellow Scots on board struck up a firm bond of friendship. Once north of the Arctic Circle we entered the land of the midnight sun and, while we in the north of Scotland enjoy our long summer days, it was quite strange to see a blazing sun, well above the horizon at one o’clock in the morning. It would be impossible to describe the sheer wealth of experience we absorbed over those days on board – the breath-taking mountains, fjords and sounds, the fresh ship-board cuisine, sourced at the ports of call and the history of each community we encountered. Scorched earth Particularly moving was the fact that in Finnmark Fylke (county) there is virtually no building to be found that predates 1945, for during the winter of 1944-45, the entire population was evacuated by the retreating German occupying forces and the towns and villages systematically blown up to impede the Russian advance – hard times indeed. Many of the evacuees ended up in Tromsø until repatriated at the end of hostilities. Tromsø is a lively and youthful university city of about 75,000 inhabitants – the third largest city north of the Arctic Circle after Russian Murmansk and Norkisk. The timber-built Tromsø cathedral, consecrated in 1861, as the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland in the Lutheran Church of Norway, is considered to be the world’s most northerly Protestant cathedral. There is also a small Roman Catholic church, built in 1861, seat of the world's northernmost Catholic Bishop. It was the ultra-modern Tromsdalen Kirke, however, that took our breath away. This concrete structure, designed by the architect Jan Inge Hovig and completed in 1965 has been likened to the Sydney Opera House. It is nicknamed by Norwegians as Ishavskatedralen, literally "The Cathedral of the Arctic Sea" or "Arctic Cathedral”. It is not in fact a cathedral, but simply a parish church. On the southbound leg of our voyage, Kong Harald berthed at Tromsø at about eleven o’clock at night. The highlight of that stop was a midnight Tromso's Arctic Cathedral concert in that wonderful building. As we awaited the performance, soft music was heard, perhaps a CD to keep us amused until the choir arrived. It was no CD, it was the choir singing softly as they entered the church in procession from behind us. The all-black clad choir led by their all white-clad conductor gave us a stunning performance enhanced by the superb acoustics of the building – truly a night to remember. Kong Harald rejoined her southerly course as we drifted off to sleep once more in our comfortable little stateroom, through whose window, that amazing white Cathedral of the Arctic Sea could still be discerned highlighted by the northern sun. The British islands connection We disembarked from Kong Harald at Trondheim, where we had a whole day to spend. It was a Sunday, so what better than to go to a service in Trondheim’s historic Nidaros Domkirke or Nidaros Cathedral. The cathedral was begun in 1070 to 3

commemorate the burial place of the Viking King Olav II Haraldsson (995 – 1030), great-great-grandson of Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway. In his time, Olav II was known as Ólafr digri or Olaf the Stout. A violent and brutal Viking of the old style for sure, but in the end he embraced Christianity and was canonized as Saint Olav a year after his death. He became known in later times as Olav den hellige, Olaf the Holy or in Latin as Rex Perpetuus Norvegiae (Norway's Eternal King) and Norway’s patron saint into the bargain. Nidaros was designated the cathedral of the Medieval Archdiocese of Nidaros from its establishment in 1152 until its abolition in 1537 under the Reformation. In its day the reach of Nidaros Archdiocese extended to Iceland and Greenland in the north west and to Orkney, the Hebrides and the Isle of Man in the south. Highly moving With all that historical legacy, we approached the service at Nidaros with not a little awe. We were not at all sure what to expect of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. In the event the experience was highly moving with two female choirs whose harmonies exuded a deep emotional sense of spirituality while greatly enhancing the lusty singing of the congregation. What made the service so special was that it was a family Mass in the course of which four Christenings were celebrated. Several of the parents and attendees were in Norwegian national dress. For each Christening the priest asked “Hva heter barna?” – “What’s the bairn’s name?” Each father answered in turn, of which the last to be named was Sunniva, a lovely name recalling the 10th century martyred Irish saint Sunniva. Towards the end of the service the congregation was invited to shake hands with his or her neighbour with a “Gud Fred” – God’s peace, equivalent to our “Peace be with you”. It was with that wonderful experience deep in our consciousness that we set off for further adventures in Sweden, and then to the A Christening at more southerly region of Norway from whence came my Nidaros, Norway ancestors. But that is another story.

City shelter scheme brought comfort to dying woman A homeless alcoholic woman received comfort in her last months, thanks to the city’s scheme to provide winter shelter to rough sleepers and homeless. “Fiona’s” tragic story appeared in a recent report on the direct access accommodation project, submitted to Inverness Church of Scotland Presbytery by its church and society committee. The scheme was originally set up in 2009 by a group of Inverness churches, now in partnership with Highland Homeless Trust and Blythswood Care. Fiona, who had for 10 years previously slept on a friend’s couch, had initially referred herself to the shelter scheme, but then declined accommodation, because she was worried she would not be able to maintain her sobriety if left alone. However, Highland Homeless Trust placed her in one if its supported accommodation units to enable her to get the help she needed. Sadly, within a month of moving in, she was diagnosed as terminally ill and died five 4

months later, still being supported by the Trust. Had the direct access scheme not been available, Fiona would not have come into contact with Trust to receive the support she so greatly needed in the last months of her life. Many clients Over the winter months, there had been 46 referrals to the service, which provided accommodation for 20 destitute people between late November, when it opened, to the end of March, when it finished, according to Highland Homeless Trust’s Karen Devlin. Among its beneficiaries was a young Bulgarian woman with mental health issues, who had previously worked in a hotel, and who had been referred by Highland Council in February. She was not entitled to council accommodation and had no means of getting home. She subsequently spent eight nights in the shelter until her situation could be remedied. Without this service she would have been homeless. Exclusions Sadly 10 people had to be excluded from the accommodation scheme, because they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, had a history of offending, or were assessed by Highland Homeless Trust as presenting an unmanageable risk to staff. Some of these had already been excluded from Highland Council accommodation. When the report was compiled, two people were still known to be sleeping rough, who did not have a local connection, were consequently not entitled to council accommodation, but who did not want to go home. Efforts were still then being made to help them. The scheme currently has around £6,000 in hand, but will need to raise a further £6,000 to continue its work over this winter, Inverness Church of Scotland Presbytery learned this week. However, Inverness Churches’ Group and its partners are determined that the service must continue. Inverness Presbytery agreed to ask individual congregations to organise fundraising events to help keep it going over the coming winter.

New moderator for Inverness Presbytery Inverness Church of Scotland Presbytery’s new moderator said this month that his main aim for his year-long tenure of office was to encourage the presbytery to be more supportive, by offering help to congregations that most needed its aid, especially in time of illness. Retired minister the Rev Fraser Turner (73) insisted he had set no specific agenda, other than that and a bid to run the presbytery’s work as efficiently and smoothly as he could. Mr Turner, whose last full-time charge was Kirkhill and Kiltarlity, has since his official retirement set a personal example, by stepping in frequently as locum minister at vacant charges. A native of Partick, Glasgow, and a church member from early days, he was a latecomer to the ministry, having for many years worked for a number of carpet manufacturers in his native city. 5

Rev Fraser Turner, new moderator of Inverness Presbytery

During a long spell of illness in hospital, friends suggested that he ought to think about entry to the ministry, but he was at first reluctant to consider it, as he did not at that time have the necessary educational qualifications for university. However, when made redundant, and again pressed to think about becoming a minister, in 1987 he enrolled at Glasgow’s Langside College of Further Education for a year, to obtain the necessary Highers for entry to Glasgow University. There he studied for a further three years to qualify for his Licentiate in Theology. His first charge was Hamilton South linked with Quarter, from 1994 to 2002, when he was called to Kirkhill and Kiltarlity. He retired in 2008. Since then he has acted as interim moderator – a minister who takes over temporary overall responsibility for a vacant charge - and locum for a spell at Dores and Boleskine, followed by 20 months in similar capacities at Auldearn and Nairn St Ninian’s. Welcoming Mr Turner to the moderator’s office, his predecessor, retired minister and fellow Glaswegian the Rev Alastair Younger quipped: “You have served the church well, and you’ve retired, but let me tell you that you are now no longer retired.” Mr Turner said later: “I’m well aware of that.” He and his wife Margaret, a native of Kirkintilloch, have two surviving daughters – Jacqueline in Glasgow and Tracey in East Kilbride. Their youngest daughter Kirsteen died tragically in America in 2001.

Tuesday Housegroup report -

Rosa McDermid

The Tuesday Housegroup has continued to meet fortnightly throughout the summer for Bible study. We are small in number – four in all. The meetings take place at Chrissie Lacey’s home – friendly and relaxed. We have been studying “The fruit of the Spirit” set out very well by Shirley Gold. The group has found the studies enjoyable and challenging. We hope to have an evening get-together soon with the other church housegroup that meets on Wednesdays when they start back up again. A warm invitation is extended to anyone who would like to come and meet with us anytime – you would find a warm welcome. Please feel free to contact any members of the housegroups.

Crossreach Christmas Catalogue The Crossreach Christmas Catalogue is now available at church doors. Call 0131 404 4374 or e-mail [email protected] for your free catalogue.

Thanks again from Joyce Once again Joyce Cumming sends a very warm thank you to the good folk of St Stephen’s for their concern and for the many cards, phone calls, visits and good wishes she received while at Raigmore and RNI Hospitals. She is now at home and is recovering slowly. She says: “Where would I be without you. May the Lord bless you as He has blessed me.” 6

70 year Anniversary of Hiroshima & Nagasaki Shirley Gold

The 6th and the 9th of August 2015 saw the 70th Anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively. To commemorate these world changing events, a small inter-faith ceremony and “bring and share” picnic was held on Saturday the 8th of August on the banks of the River Ness by the “Justice Not War Group”. There was a short recollection of the events and its consequences and then a small flotilla of paper boats and origami cranes of peace was launched down the river. The mood was sombre and contemplative as the gathering watched the flotilla gently sail. St Stephen’s choral group enjoying a fine summer evening in Lossiemouth

Christian Music Ministries Alastair Owens

This is an organisation based in Bromsgrove near Birmingham who use music to share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit to local churches throughout the UK and abroad. Their summer tour this year included visits to churches in Kildary, Aberlour and Lossiemouth. Members of the St. Stephen’s choir were invited to attend their Lossiemouth event in St. James Church on the evening of Thursday 12th June when they heard a most impressive performance of their new musical named Apostle led by a highly competent group of singers and instrumentalists, with a chorus provided by local church choirs, all with the added benefit of it being conducted by the composer, Roger James. This work tells the exciting story of the conversion of St Paul on the road to Damascus. On enquiring about the possibility of a visit to Inverness, we were informed that their diary was full at present so we expressed the hope that they will consider coming here in the not too distant future. St Stephen's choir rehearsals have resumed after their summer break and the good news they have now received is that this group who entertained them so well at Lossiemouth have now confirmed that, as they are only able to visit Scotland every second year, they plan to pay a visit to St Stephen's in September 2017 when it is intended that a good number of choirs from in and around the Inverness area will be invited join in to make this a truly great event.

Musicians needed at St Stephen’s Our organist and choir director Pam McCulloch would like to know of any one of any age who would like to help accompany our singing with any instrument to enrich our hymn singing occasionally with a small band. Contact Pat or speak to her at the Sunday service. 7

Thanks from Ken and Margaret Young Margaret Young This is just to let the members of the Church know that Ken was discharged from Raigmore on 2nd September, having been there since 17th August, suffering from cellulitis in his right leg and foot. He was very seriously ill when he was admitted since his blood pressure and kidney function were affected, but after prolonged courses of an antibiotic delivered intravenously and then orally and the wonderful care he received at Raigmore, he is well on the way to recovery. Unfortunately he developed gout in his other leg, his wrist and elbow whilst in hospital last week, which goes to show it is not always caused by high living. The gout is his source of pain now and he won’t be able to go out of doors for some considerable time because of the swelling in his feet, resulting in his inability to wear shoes. Ken would like to thank those in the congregation who have visited, sent cards or telephoned with good wishes. Our family has been wonderfully supportive, travelling long distances and giving up their free time to help with shopping, cooking, the cancellation of our holiday in Italy an so forth. Ken hopes that it won’t be too long before he is able to resume his place in the Old High Choir and at the Henry Willis organ.

Fundraising for the fabric fund The Social and Fundraising Action Team is holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 28th November, 10am-noon in St Stephen’s Church Hall. We will be asking for items for sale (possibly gifts which could be given as Christmas presents) also home baking, and so forth. We hope you will support this venture in aid of OHSS Fabric Fund. Further information will be shown in the Sunday bulletins shortly.

Family Fun Day After a slightly slow start, the pace of Family Fun Day at St Stephen’s Church on the afternoon of Saturday, 19 October, picked up well, with around 180 children and adults enjoying a range of attractions, from a bouncy castle and games outside on the lawn, to music, interactive crafts, flower arranging, face painting, a silent auction which raised £600, and of course free food. This was a gratifying result for our mature ministry student and chief organiser Dougie Wolf, who said that of those who attended, about 100 had no church connection. Rev Peter spoke to many of these people over the course of the afternoon, and said later that quite a number had shown interest in the works of the church. There were also at the event a number of collection boxes in aid of the Syrian refugee crisis, to which many who attended contributed generously. After Dougie conducted the morning service at the Old High Church the following day, our congregation said goodbye to him, on his departure for a year’s further training at Ness Bank Church, with a small presentation on its behalf by Peter.

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Kirking of the Council The four centuries old Kirking of the Council ceremony at the Old High Church broke with tradition this year, when it was led for the first time ever by a woman – the city’s new Provost Helen Carmichael. Over 200 people paraded from Kirking of the Council the Town House along Church parade Street to the kirk, led by the Royal British Legion and City of Inverness Youth Pipe Bands. In addition to councillors, the procession included cadets, various youth organisations and schoolchildren, and representatives of the University of the Highlands and Islands as well as representatives Rev Peter Nimmo welcomes from the street pastors and the Salvation Army while Provost Helen Carmichael the church congregation swelled considerably from its usual membership. The service was conducted as usual by our minister, the Rev Peter Nimmo. Provost Helen Carmichael gave a speech with an emphasis on the importance of volunteering. With the help of ministry student Dougie Wolf, Peter also introduced the Church of Scotland’s recently launched 'Speak Out – 10,000 voices for change' Kirking of the Council campaign. This seeks to engage with 10,000 people across the country over the next four months. Its aim is to hear first hand from Scots across the nation what kind of the country they want to live in by the year 2035. The results will be used to coordinate the objectives of the Church of Scotland's Church and Society Council for the next 10 years. Members of the congregation were asked to complete labels with their suggestions which were then attached to a “Speak Out” tree.

The “Speak Out” tree

After the service of Kirking of the Council

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Inverness kirk remembers teenage Waterloo hero Members of the Royal Scots Association’s Highland branch joined the Old High Church congregation at its Midsummer’s Day service to remember a local teenage hero who died over two centuries ago saving his regiment’s colours, in one of the last battles against Napoleon Bonaparte. Ensign James Grant Kennedy, a newly commissioned officer in the Royal Scots, had celebrated his 15th birthday on 13th June 1815. He was killed only three days later, serving with the regiment’s 3rd Battalion, in the bloody encounter which took place two days before the Battle of Waterloo, between the French and a combined British and Continental force at the strategic crossroads of Quatre Bras. Ensign Kennedy, whose name appears on his family memorial in the west stairwell of the Old High Church, was the third son of Inverness Members of the Royal Scots Association’s Highland branch physician Dr William Kennedy, first president of the Medical Society of the North, and one of the pictured at the Kennedy Memorial in the Old High Church on 21 June, with founders of the Royal Northern Infirmary. wives and church officials. They are, During the service, branch chairman Pipe-Major from left: Church elder Gordon Harvey, Derrick Cameron, Lizzie Thomas Cornwall laid a wreath in the memorial Cameron, James Hogg, area of the church in memory of the boy officer. Ann Cornwall, Pipe-Major Thomas It will be placed on the stairwell memorial after Cornwall, Jacqueline McCairn, ongoing repairs to the church roof and ceiling Pat McCairn & Rev Peter Nimmo have been completed. “I thought it was a good service and it was very kind of the church to allow us to do this,” he said afterwards. The 3rd Battalion of The Royal Scots fought with distinction against Napoleon Bonaparte’s army in the last days of the latter’s doomed campaign to regain his empire. Ensign Kennedy was carrying the King’s Colours in advance of the battalion at Quatre Bras. He was shot in the arm, but bravely carried on until shot again and fatally wounded. A sergeant went forward to retrieve the Colours, but the boy ensign was holding them so tightly that he could not break the lad’s grip. The sergeant then picked up young Kennedy, carrying him over his shoulder with the Colours still in the dead youth’s fist. The French commander, on seeing this display of bravery, is said to have ordered his men to withhold their fire until the sergeant regained his own lines with his burden. The colours saved by Kennedy and the sergeant are currently on display at the Royal Scots Museum at Edinburgh Castle until August. They have survived many battles, but the centuries-old silk is now so fragile that it can only withstand this final 10

display marking the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo. After this they will be stored away for preservation. Four officers including Ensign Kennedy, and a sergeant major, were killed while carrying the King’s Colour during the two battles, in which 363 of the Royal Scots complement of 624 men were killed or wounded. Two of James’s brothers, both serving with the Indian Army, also later perished on military service. Lieutenant William Scott Kennedy, born in 1794, adjutant of the 6th Bengal Cavalry, died at the remote Indian outpost of Mhow in 1821, while Lieutenant Hugh Scott Kennedy, of the 19th Madras Infantry, born in 1806, died at sea in 1832. Their father died in 1823 and their mother Mary in 1840.

Moving away from Scripture?

Elkie Kammer

I remember the first ordination of women as ministers in the Kirk and the outcry this caused by those who quoted 1 Corinthians 14:34 as God’s guidance for the church. Others were counteracting this with Galatians 3:28 and Jesus’s inclusiveness of women in his ministry on Earth. Meanwhile most of us have become accustomed to women standing in front of the congregation, leading worship, reading from the Scriptures or preaching the sermon. I know that in his letters St Paul condemned homosexuality, but interestingly Jesus didn’t mention it even once. Instead, most of his miracles and parables were concerned with social justice and compassion for the poor and marginalized, while his fiercest anger was reserved for those who hindered people entering a relationship with their Heavenly Father. If (as it is commonly claimed) homosexuality is not a choice, but determined by our biological make-up in the same way as gender, IQ and neurodiversity (for example autism), how can we justify condemning it without criticising the Creator? On the other hand, since Jesus’ main concern was and still is our individual relationship to God, putting spiritual matters over materialism and thus promoting social justice in the widest sense, shouldn’t our priorities also lie in this realm? Are we not in greater danger of moving away from Scripture when we let ourselves be caught up in the materialism (or the worship of Mammon), which rules our society? Can a responsible loving relationship between two humans really be worse in the eyes of God than wasting natural resources while our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world lack the very basics of food and shelter? It is certainly easier pointing to and fighting “evil” outside ourselves than examining and changing our own way of life. But being firmly rooted in Scripture means to identify with Jesus’s priorities as reported in the gospels and to follow in his footsteps. 11

Covenant Fellowship Scotland (Update)

David Martin

I had a small piece in the last newsletter about the Covenant Fellowship Scotland, and its view that the Church of Scotland has drifted away from its roots in scripture. Following this, I was encouraged by several people who indicated that they agreed with that view. So for them, and others, I offer an update. There were a series of meetings in August and September; I attended the meeting in Inverness, East Church on 28th August, which regrettably was not announced to our congregation. There were over a dozen ministers and about 60 people there, and I guess most of those present have decided that rather than leave the Church of Scotland it was better to stay and seek a reformation from within. The reading was from 2 Kings Ch. 22. King Josiah has inherited a country, (Judah), which has departed from God’s law big time and all sorts of sinful acts are being conducted as normal everyday practice, even in the temple. The king is presented with a dusty book found in the temple that had deliberately been stuffed away out of sight. This book, the Book of the Law, in the house of the Lord has such an impact on King Josiah that he immediately gives orders to turn away from the sinful practices so displeasing to God and to live by the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord. The message is clear - depart from the law of God and however good, or in tune with the secular world it may feel at the time, it will not be happy ever after. Or as Proverbs 29 v 18 (NLT) has it; “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law (of God) is joyful.” One of the speakers, Rev Prof Andrew McGowan, made it clear that the Covenant Fellowship Scotland (CFS) is not a single issue movement. It is not only about same sex issues, but about a church which has over time lost direction and the CFS works and prays for a reformation of the Church of Scotland in line with the Christian orthodoxy. Over 1,000 people have joined the CFS and it is growing. The CFS will produce a paper for use when the Barrier Act comes down to Presbytery, so hopefully this will be available to the session and congregation when they discuss this in November. The Moderator asked for “good manners and grace during this difference of opinion in the church family”, and to have all relevant information available to assist with decision-making would be in line with that sentiment. CFS currently has a strategy document which is available online (www.covenant fellowshipscotland.com). It has three sections, short term, medium term and long term.

Change of address If you have moved house recently, or are about to move, please pass on your new address details to Session Clerk Mrs Linda Philip

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Church seeks means to help Syrian refugee Dr Martin Scott, Secretary, Ministries Council Councils and departments of the Church of Scotland have held a special meeting to discuss practical means of aiding refugees fleeing the crisis in Syria. The Church and Society Council and the Finance Group of the Church have recognised the desire of church members to respond to the refugee crisis. The Church has an extraordinary depth of experience and resource which it can bring to bear to meet the needs of refugees arriving in communities in Scotland. The meeting at Church Offices in Edinburgh looked at ways the Church can help resource congregations where refugees are eventually settled in Scotland. The focus was on providing practical, sustainable and long term assistance which would complement the initiatives of government and other agencies. The Church has already been engaging with government, agencies and other churches and faith organisations to raise awareness of what assistance the Church can provide and secure the greatest chance of a coordinated response. Given the size and scale of the Church, the meeting was held in an attempt to ensure the response within the Church itself also benefits from appropriate coordination. It was also recognised that the response, wherever possible, will gain strength from being ecumenical and multifaith. The Church has already issued interfaith statements to pledge a united response to the refugee crisis, and will continue in this joint working going forward. It is important also to continue campaign work to ensure this issue remains a priority even when the media spotlight moves on. No clear solution At present, it is unclear when, where and how many refugees will be arriving in Scotland. There was a recognition that no matter how many find a place of safety here, it will not present a solution to the current catastrophe. Many more displaced people will still be dependent on support beyond our shores, and their needs must not be overlooked. At the same time, the Church has to maintain undiminished the full range of support and services it currently offers on a routine basis to people in Scotland every day of the year. The meeting heard about the social care network which already exists through CrossReach, the Church's Social Care Council, which may be able to accommodate some of the care needs of those arriving. The Mission and Discipleship Council has the ability to equip church members with appropriate skills to meet the needs of refugees. There was a recognition the Church has a national membership which wants to respond, and there will be ways everyone who wishes can contribute their support to parishes where refugees are settled. It was recognised that ministers and church members can play a role in their communities in promoting radical hospitality and welcome for refugees. In some cases, there may be concerns and suspicions about strangers entering their midst.

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Congregations can play an important role in overcoming these prejudices. As well as time and talent, the Church also has financial resources and there is the commitment to make money available to aid the short and long term response. It is intended the meeting will result in a considered action plan to be published shortly. Measures will also be taken to keep members across the Church fully informed about what is happening, and enabled to contribute their own ideas and initiatives. An initiative this month will see the Moderator seeking the support of congregations in signing the global education petition “Up For School”.

Christian Aid - Mothers in Malawi Photographic Exhibition and Talks This Inverness event will be held in Ness Bank Church Hall, Tuesday 6 October, at 7pm and is great opportunity to see and hear about the Mother and Baby Health Community Partnership Programme in Karonga, northern Malawi. Come along to find out how our Highland Churches can partner and support Christian Aid’s exciting new Maternal Health Project in Balaka, southern Malawi. Speaker: Mary Mulligan, Christian Aid (Scotland). Graham Philpott (Christian Aid partner, South Africa) will speak on issues concerning land ownership. Everyone very welcome. Refreshments will be provided.

A fine skyscape photo by Jim Alexander from the Old High Church tower on 7 July 2015

Richard Macintosh and Jim Alexander pictured on the Old High Church tower during an inspection in July

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Old High Hall development committee update Cliff Sim – Chairman At time of writing there appears to be an abundance of work for local contractors, hence the job of finding suitable, acceptable tenders. We are at present trying to assemble a suitable group of local tradesmen to undertake the scheduled works to convert three rooms in the hall building into offices, in the process forming a new entrance off the lane, install new toilets in the present kitchen and re-locate the kitchen into the choir room adjoining, for our tenants, Birchwood Highland, as well as the congregation. Of the two existing toilets adjacent to Academy Street, the present ladies will become a storage cupboard, while a unisex toilet will replace the present gents. We also have in mind to repair the two flat roofs which now require replacement. The electricity supply will be metered separately with electric heating provided. There will be a new access door to the main hall from the lobby, making the hall rectangular. We already have planning permission for change of use and the building warrant is pending, so the works can commence as soon as we secure a contract. It is very frustrating after all the many approvals we had to obtain and hurdles to cross before going out to tender in July that we are not further advanced with the work. It is obviously a much greater pain too for Birchwood Highland. However we are all determined to find a suitable solution as soon as possible and progress the original plan which suits both parties.

Congregation finances decrease – a thought-provoking half-yearly report Sandy Cumming Total income for the first six months of 2015 was £66,462, compared with £69,915 in the same period of 2014. This represents a decrease of some 5 per cent. Giving decreased from £47,721 to £44,259, a fall of 7.3 per cent. Giving by bank order was £26,435 in 2015 compared with £26,651 in 2014. However, giving by freewill offering envelopes fell from £14,348 to £12,541, a fall of 12.5 per cent; giving by open plate fell from £6,722 to £5,283, a fall of 21.4 per cent. In the first six months of 2015, giving by freewill offering envelopes and open plate at St Stephen’s has fallen by £90 per week at St Stephen’s and by £35 per week at the Old High. This is a very worrying trend. It may be timeous for all members and adherents to review their financial giving. Information on financial giving options is provided in a separate article in this Newsletter. Total revenue expenditure for the first six months of 2015 was £71,002, compared with £73,668 in the same period of 2014. Revenue expenditure is in line with our budget for 2015. It is important to note that we have incurred professional fees and costs of some £8,193 for the Old High Halls project since discussions began with Birchwood Highland in Summer 2014. Birchwood Highland has paid 50% of these costs. However, major property expenditure is considerably ahead of budget, due to significant repairs carried out on the Old High Church roof. There were two invoices 15

paid in July relating to the Old High Church roof at a total cost of £28,800, inclusive of VAT. We have received an insurance payment of £5,648 and we will reclaim the VAT (£4,800) from HMRC under the Listed Places of Worship scheme. A sum of £10,000 was transferred from our church reserve fund held at 121 George Street into our Clydesdale fabric account to pay for the recent expenditure on the Old High Church roof. In August, emergency repairs were carried out to a leak problem on the Old High Halls at a cost of £934. In July, we received £9,131 from HRMC for our Gift Aid claim for first six months of 2015. We also received a legacy of £1,000 which has been deposited in our Clydesdale fabric account. The Annual OSCR return was completed and submitted. If you have any comments or questions about this financial information, then please contact Sandy Cumming, church treasurer .

Financial Giving - what are the options? Sandy Cumming The Congregation of Old High St Stephen’s plans to generate annual income of at least £130,000 in order to meet its commitments and aspirations. More than half of our annual expenditure is on items such as paying for our Minister and helping fund the Church of Scotland’s work in the wider community. The balance of our expenditure, roughly 45 per cent, is spent locally on items such as property insurance, gas and electricity, general maintenance of our buildings as well as pastoral support and wages for our organists, church cleaner and office support. Our annual income comes from several sources, the largest element by far being the financial giving by individual members of our congregation. In 2015, we are aiming to raise income of at least £93,000 from financial giving. There are several options to give money to our Church. We can put banknotes or cash or cheques into the offering bags which are circulated during each service of worship. Another option is the use of freewill offering envelopes. The church treasurer arranges each year to issue sets of freewill offering envelopes, normally in late June. Each freewill offering envelope has a personal number; only the church treasurer knows the identity of the number holder. Each Sunday, the relevant freewill offering envelope should be placed in an offering bag. Currently, there are 75 members and adherents of the congregation using freewill offering envelopes. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of bank standing orders as the financial giving option used by our congregation. This allows you to set up a fixed weekly or monthly or quarterly or annual payment from your bank account into the church’s bank account. Again, under this option, only the church treasurer will know the amount donated. The amount paid to the church will not change unless you decide to make such an instruction to your bank. The church treasurer has a supply of bank standing order forms for completion and submission to your bank. You can also download bank standing order forms from the Church website. Currently, there are 95 members and 16

adherents of our congregation using bank standing orders. If you are a UK taxpayer, then please do consider using Gift Aid to enhance the value of your financial giving to our Church. By completing a Gift Aid form, this allows the church treasurer to recover an additional 25 per cent from HM Government. If you pay tax at the higher rate, you can claim further tax relief in your annual tax return. Our church receives some £20,000 per annum from Gift Aid recoveries. This is a very important source of income for our church. Each year, the church treasurer provides each Gift Aid donor with information on the individual’s total donation and the amount recovered from HMRC under the Gift Aid scheme. Gift Aid forms can be downloaded from the Church website or can be sourced from the Church Treasurer. Our Church has derived great benefit over the years from legacies received from the estates of deceased members and adherents. A legacy is a wonderful way of making a financial gift to our church, helping it to carry out its mission in future years. If you are interested in making a legacy for Old High St Stephen’s Church, then please contact your solicitor who will incorporate your legacy requirements into your will. For further information on financial giving, please do contact Sandy Cumming,

Old High Hall hosts Moderator’s reception Inverness Presbytery held its annual moderator’s reception for 2014-15 moderator, the Rev Alastair Younger, right, in the Old High Church Hall in June. This was the second time that Mr Younger, former minister of St Columba High Church, Bank Street, now a member of OHSS, but still almost fully employed as interim moderator for Nairn Old Church, has been accorded the honour of serving as moderator. The Rev Alastair Younger pictured here on the right with Rev Professor Andrew McGowan [East Church], presbytery clerk Rev Trevor Hunt and their ladies

They also serve=Congregation members Christina Cameron and Roberta Mackintosh were among many who volunteered to help with the organisation and catering at the moderator’s reception

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Happy groups at the moderator’s reception

Behind the scenes at the reception – from left: Rosa McDermid, Iris Lyon and Cliff Sim

Baptisms 2015 16/08/2015 Katie Maree Bradshaw, Heighington 16/08/2015 Noah Marley Morrison Pires, North Kessock

Weddings 2015 04/07/2015 Sarah Rosalie Gauld to Marc Windsor 11/07/2015 Elaine MacCutcheon to Calum MacIver 24/07/2015 Laura MacLeod and Neil MacDonald 25/07/2015 Keri Loch to Andrew MacGhee 08/08/2015 Nicola Susan Macdonald to Evander John Macdonald 14/08/2015 Katy Martin to Craig MacLeod

Deaths 2015 29/05/2015 Helen Morrison, Mason Road 06/07/2015 Wilda Mackie, Kingsmills Care Home 18/07/2015 Janet Neville, Mandaville Care Home

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New Members 2015 July 2015 Catherine Kelly, Inverness July 2015 Anna Kelly, Inverness August 2015 Dr Morag Bratton, Inverness

New members, sisters Catherine and Anna Kelly from Cradlehall with their parents Sean and Fiona. Photo by Alastair Owens

David McCartney with Sunday School children on Sundae Sunday on 14 June

David McCartney presents Sunday School prizes at Sundae Sunday 14 June 2015

Rev Peter Nimmo presents Rosemary Cumming with a long service certificate at Sundae Sunday 14 June 2015

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