UPDATE
9 May 2021
OUR VISION: WE ENCOURAGE ALL TO
WORSHIP GOD, FOLLOW CHRIST, SERVE OTHERS
February 2021: The grip of winter and the pandemic was rife
Annette wrote “Walk gently and faithfully through these winter days, the dark night of suffering is nearly over, joy will come in the morning
May 2021: Winter has passed and now we enjoy spring sunshine
The vaccination schedule is progressing as planned,
the covid-19 restrictions are being relaxed, hopefully joy will be with us soon
Web: www.carnoustiepanbride.co.uk
E-mail Church Secretary: secretarypanbride@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carnoustiepanbridechurch
Church of Scotland Scottish Charity Number SC004594
MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12: 12
Dear friends
It has been truly wonderful to be back in church again and to see the restrictions being gradually lifted so that we can welcome even more people back in person to church.
It is still a bit tricky trying to recognise people underneath the masks, but I am getting good at reading eyes!
We plan to be back in Panbride as usual for the summer months of June, July, August. More details in article on In-person Services Return to Panbride.
Now that we can use the balcony space, we have capacity at Panbride for around 85 people depending on who comes.
And come September, who knows, maybe we will again welcome back our children, our young people, and many of those who have been patiently waiting until everyone has had their second vaccination.
And, of course, there is the hope that our halls will be busy again with all the usual activities which give so many in our community the chance to meet up with others.
For most churches, the quieter summer months are an opportunity to do all the things that we haven’t had time to do during the normally busy church year when our buildings are continually occupied. Tidying the church garden, seeing to repairs and getting the halls ready for the next year.
And I am sure some of that will happen as we begin to emerge from the Pandemic.
Like most people, I have not dared to look too far into the future for fear of disappointment but now there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we move gradually and gently with cautious optimism towards that light.
I am so looking forward to doing all the things that I once took for granted – visiting the schools and the Scouts and the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association.
I can’t wait until our church echoes with the energy and beautiful noise of our young people once more.
And hopefully I can again visit some of our housebound and elderly members. I have so missed hearing your stories and getting to know you more.
Of course, we have to be patient.These things won’t happen all at once and perhaps not even once we reach Level 0.
But in time our world will heal and as we heal so we will return to the things that give us life and joy.
So, after what has been an incredibly long, difficult, and stressful time, we keep the faith and we look forward in time to being able to sing again and to have fellowship together and to plan events for our congregation.
Love and Blessings,
Annette
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN
It took 5 minutes for the TV to warm up
When you went to the garage for petrol it was put in the car for you, your windscreen was cleaned and oil checked without asking
It was considered a real privilege to be taken out for a meal at a real restaurant with your parents
When you opened a bag of crisps you looked for the small blue packet and once opened you sprinkled it in to the bag and then shook it
When a Ford Zepher was the dream car for many people
When spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles
45 RPM and 78 RPM records were much sought after
Putting cigarette cards in the spokes of your bike transferred it into a motorcycle
You got coal delivered and you only got gas from the Gas Board and Electricity from the Hydro Electric
You could buy loose biscuits at the grocers and they cut butter and cheese as you were served
Day time TV only started around midday and the National Anthem was played at the end of programmes around midnight
Going to a red telephone box to make a phone call
If you have answered YES to the above, are you like me now a senior citizen or is it a case that my memory is playing me tricks as to when some changes took place.
Regardless, reminiscing is something most people enjoy doing!!
David Taylor
FUNDRAISING REPORT
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing restrictions, there are still no events to report on.
We will have a committee meeting to discuss what we are going to organise once the restrictions are lifted and hopefully this will be in the not too distant future, but who knows.
In the meantime, take care and stay safe. Helen Harley
KIRK SESSION RECORDS LAUNCHED ONLINE
Thousands of volumes of historical Church of Scotland records have been made available online for the first time. Images of more than a million pages from Kirk Session and other court records of the Church of Scotland containing details of key events in communities across the country between 1559 and 1900 have been added to ScotlandsPeiole, the National Records of Scotland’s (NRS) online research service.
These records offer remarkable insights into the every day lives pf ordinary Scots, recording important moments such as births, marriages and deaths. The newly added records also include accounts of how people dealt with events such as wars, witchcraft trials, epidemics, crop failures and extreme weather.
Paul Lowe, NRS Chief Executive and Keeper of the Records of Scotland said: ”We are delighted to make the kirk session records available on line for the very first time, bringing ScotlandsPeople users closer than ever to our past”
To view the records visit www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
BIBLE QUIZ
1. What is the last word in the Old Testament?
2. How many years did Noah live after the flood?
3. The book of Esther is unique because it does not mention which word?
4. The Bible was written in 3 languages – Hebrew, Koine Greek – What was the other Language
5. Who made the first translation of the Bible into English?
6. What kind of wood was Noah’s ark made from?
7. Who was the older brother of Moses?
8. Who following the death of Moses became the leader of the Children of Israel?
9. What is also known as the Decalogue?
10. In what book of the Bible is the parting of the Red Sea?
Answers after item on Cleaning Teams
WHAT IS CHURCH GOING TO LOOK LIKE IN TIME TO COME?
In an article entitled “I Love the Church” in April issue of Life & Work the Moderator Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair explained why Mission is a key priority in the church of Scotland moving forward. The full article can be found at www.lifeandwork.org
This short article is a summary of his key point.
Genuinely intrigued as to what the Church is going to look like in time to come he was recently asked “When will we see packed churches again?”
Oh that may be some time away yet he started to reply but he stopped and returned to the question and asked “Was your church packed before the pandemic?”
His questioner responded that it had not been, that it had been declining for longer than she could remember. That is the picture across much of the country.
Dr Fair is pretty sure that whatever the church is going to look like, it can’t be the same as it was. What was wasn’t cutting the mustard. It’s not that we’re finished, more that we need new forms. And some new priorities. Actually just one – MISSION
Let it be asked of every worship service is it being designed with younger people in mind? for those who have never been? or with a ‘we like it this way attitude?’
Let it be asked ‘ Is it being run with the express intention and hope of engaging with new people’
Of every pound spent Is the expenditure intended to keep the show on the road or the spread the good news to those who are not currently hearing the message?
Dr Fair’s concludes his article by writing “I love the Church. Christ has called me into it-to share in its life and to serve God through it. Will you join me in praying for it, daily?..
DMT
FINANCE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
A simplified report setting out the financial position, in terms of Income and Expenditure, of Carnoustie Panbride Church as at the 31st December 2020. is om pages 6-8
The year ended with a deficit of £ 7,050 compared to a surplus of £4,804 for the previous year which is a excellent result given that we started the year expecting a deficit of around £10,000 mainly due to the reflooring of the Panbride Hall. The lockdown in March added the shortfalls in income in the Plate, Use of Premises, Fundraising and other headings which initially pointed to a significant deficit but thanks to the generosity of many members who gave extra donations, raised their donations or started new ones all resulting in the exceptional end to what was an unusual year to put it mildly.
GIFT AID
The recovery of tax on gift aid donations is a very valuable source of income and to maximise the amount recovered all those members who pay tax but have not signed a Gift Aid Certificate are urged to do so.
From the 1 April 2021 the tax allowance is £12,570 which means a person who has signed a gift aid certificate will need to receive more than this in wages, pensions, interest, dividends etc. please inform us if you no longer pay tax and have signed a gift aid certificate in order that we will cease claiming gift aid in your name.
OTHER
Although the term “Income and Expenditure” is used in this report, the figures are, in fact, Receipts and Payments made during the year. It does not include any receipts collected or payments made in 2021 which relate to 2020. However, the amount due to the Church at the end of the year was £4,364 which has now been collected.
CONCLUSION
This outcome (as mentioned above) was marvellous given the circumstances. It was very difficult to construct a budget for 2021 given all the uncertainties involved particularly when the Church would resume normal services. The budget for 2021 shows a deficit of about £1,400 but this will be subject to the full opening of the Church and when fundraising activities and the use of the halls restart.
FUTURE
The ageing congregations and fall in numbers attending church services throughout Scotland is very evident and has led to congregations merging and the Church of Scotland reducing the number of Presbyteries among other things. Our Church is not immune to these financial pressures as many of our donators are elderly (including me) and when they are no longer with us and not being replaced by younger members their financial impact will be increasingly felt and we must prepare ourselves for that now and plan ahead or we will find ourselves in a very difficult financial position if we do not.
ANNUAL STATED MEETING
Due to Covid-19 guidelines it has not been possible to hold an Annual Stated Meeting this year, therefore, any questions related to the 2020 Annual Accounts should be referred to the Clerk to the Congregational Board Mr Walter Ruark or to me. Contact details are in the Church Directory elsewhere in this report.
THANKS
On behalf of the Trustees of your Church I would like to record our appreciation and to say thank you to all those members of the congregation who make a regular donation to the finances of the Church by way of FWO envelopes, monthly standing orders, and annual lump sums or via the open plate. Through those who are able to gift aid their donation an additional £10,500 is added to the income in a normal year and another £2,000 is claimed from the amount of money placed in the plate by members. Clearly because of the pandemic this had been a very different year when we only able to claim about £800 instead of £2,000 for the money in the plate.
Thanks also goes to those members who support the various fundraising or other activities with gifts of various items, their time and attendance at the events and the donations they give. Also, to the cleaning teams who save the church expense and not forgetting those who give their time and expertise in other areas.
All of the above add up to a tremendous support of your Church which is of enormous value.
WJW TREASURER
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2020
| INCOME | 2020 £ | 2019 £ |
| Weekly F O Donations | (4,637) | (5,045) |
| Monthly & Annual Donations | (43,774) | (40,780) |
| Gift Aid Received | (11,365) | (12,505) |
| Plate | (3,126) | (9,156) |
| Other Donations | (8,300) | (3,110) |
| Duncan Trust | (980) | (930) |
| Wedding & Funeral Donations | (2,203) | (2,350) |
| Fundraising | (722) | (2,816) |
| Legacies | 0 | (500) |
| Use of Premises | (3,681) | (12,612) |
| Fabric Fund | (158) | (509) |
| Hall Refurbishment Fund | (853) | (2,583) |
| Members Benevolent Fund | 0 | (1,184) |
| Bank Interest | (912) | (951) |
| Dividends | (199) | (255) |
| Retiring Collections for External Bodies | (892) | (1,271) |
| Life & Work Magazine | (376) | (378) |
| JAFFA | 0 | (185) |
| Defibrillator | (600) | (800) |
| Specific Donation | (175) | (614) |
| HMRC Job Retention Scheme Grant | (2,179) | 0 |
| Other Income | (350) | (590) |
| TOTAL INCOME | (85,482) | (99,124) |
| COLLECTIONS FOR THIRD PARTIES | 2020 £ | 2019 £ |
| Church of Scotland-HIV Appeal | 328 | 300 |
| Bangladesh Nurse | 0 | 105 |
| FOG Squad | 0 | 150 |
| Erskine Hospital | 150 | 239 |
| Carnoustie Foodbank | 414 | 0 |
| Crossreach | 0 | 193 |
| Kevin Christie Fund | 0 | 284 |
| 892 | 1271 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Ministry and Mission (including Locum) | 49,625 | 49,138 |
| Ministers Travel Expenses & Telephone | 1,638 | 1,669 |
| Manse Council Tax | 3,102 | 3,027 |
| Presbytery Dues | 1,342 | 1,258 |
| Staff Costs | 5,945 | 5,820 |
| Heating & Lighting | 2,586 | 4,340 |
| Insurance | 4,526 | 4,648 |
| Church Fabric Maintenance | 5,703 | 9,642 |
| Printing & Stationery & Postage | 560 | 690 |
| Photocopying | 798 | 1,006 |
| Retiring Collections for External Bodies | 892 | 1,271 |
| Members Outing | 0 | 1,076 |
| Life & Work | 367 | 428 |
| Gardening | 710 | 548 |
| Christmas Trees | 0 | 120 |
| Furniture & Equipment | 0 | 3,226 |
| Panbride/Newton Hall Reflooring | 10,783 | 3,681 |
| Specific Expenditure | 176 | 614 |
| Window Cleaning | 221 | 221 |
| Licences | 392 | 222 |
| Defibrillator | 2,152 | 0 |
| Other Expenditure | 1,014 | 1,675 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 92,532 | 94,320 |
| (SURPLUS)/DEFICIT | 7,050 | (4,804) |
FWO ENVELOPES
The continual efforts to manage the virus will mean the arrangements we made for the collection of FWO envelopes etc and set out in June & August Update will continue to be in force until the Church services return to normal.
The continual efforts to manage the virus will mean the arrangements we made for the collection of FWO envelopes etc will continue to be in force until the Church services return to normal.
These are as follows:
Put cash in an envelope or bag (or any suitable container) that you would normally put in the plate and pass these along with the FWO envelopes to me at 31 Newton Crescent (not Road) or you can drop them into the Manse if that is more suitable to you. Please use notes wherever possible when passing over for the plate as I will be able to collect 25% in gift aid.
This can be done if you are out on a daily walk or a family member or friend can do it for you or post any cheques if that suits you.
Those members who pay annually by cheque and are reminded by letter could you please remember that the staff are not in and reminders may not be sent out. Again, please send these to me at the above address.
Those members considering making a donation to help the finances of the Church please send these to me as well.
I am nearly always in even when there is no car on the drive so please knock on the door and step back to a safe distance while I answer the door or just put the items through the letterbox.
| GIVING REVIEW | ||||
| NUMBER OF MEMBERS GIVING | MONTHLY | ANNUAL | FWO | TOTAL |
| YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER | No. | No. | No. | No. |
| 2015 | 158 | 24 | 60 | 242 |
| 2016 | 171 | 18 | 63 | 252 |
| 2017 | 175 | 13 | 55 | 243 |
| 2018 | 169 | 10 | 44 | 223 |
| 2019 | 168 | 10 | 33 | 211 |
| 2020 | 164 | 8 | 28 | 200 |
| NUMBER OF CHURCH MEMBERS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 | 596 |
CHURCH TREASURER
Recently, John Winterton, our hard-working treasurer tendered his resignation both as treasurer and as a member of the Congregational Board.
Since I came to Carnoustie Panbride, John has been an absolute fount of knowledge for all things financial and as a new minister, I benefited from and really appreciated his wisdom and graciousness.
As a congregation our heartfelt thanks go to John for all his diligence and hard work over the last ten years which has in no small way contributed to our finances being healthy and in good order.
However, while we seek a successor, John has very kindly offered to continue to look after the financial affairs of our congregation in the short term.
We wish John well and hope that we will quickly have a successor to allow him to relax and to pursue the things that bring him joy.
Blessings
Annette
WAITING TO BE NOTICED
At the time of writing, it is a beautiful spring morning and it’s time for a walk. The health benefits of walking are very well documented. A year in these unprecedented times has meant the now very familiar local routes have been frequented in all weathers and seasons. These routes are continually changing. The sea, the woods and countryside all on the doorstep, just waiting to be noticed.
The sea and the beach are an endless source of pleasure changing daily and never the same. Over the bridge at Westhaven and down the wee path onto the beach and the sea stretches out. Some days it is calm and the sea air tantalises with a soft waft of freshness. The tangle of seaweed, sand and sea assaults the senses. It invigorates yet soothes at the same time. On other days the sea is moving swiftly with dancing waves flecked with white. A constant ebb and flow of blue water with its own momentum. Other times the sea is a flinty grey cauldron with huge waves swelling right to the horizon. The waves create a frothy spume as they batter against the sea wall. The waves surge in with a regularity, thundering as they roll. Regardless of the scene, the sea enthrals waiting to be noticed.
In the woods the bare trees, on guard duty standing tall and still along the edge of the track. Ancient gnarled trees stand in perpetuity, these life givers providing shelter. Their skeletons lace the wintery pale blue sky. Weak sunlight shimmers through the trees glinting on icy puddle patches. Bracken fronds poke out from the soggy carpet of old beech leaves. Below the wall among the mulch there they are. – fragile flowers suspended daintily on slender stalks. Nestled down, a clump of snowdrops. Now, there is a gentle blossoming as buds and shoots appear and the old brown carpet will change to green and soon greenery will abound. Then green becomes greener as the trees arch over the path – a cathedral of trees. All there in the woods waiting to be noticed.
In the wide, open countryside the fields undulate. A patchwork quilt of brown green and gold is spread out. Carnoustie is in the distance, cooried down in its sleepy hollow. The old church stands its ground proudly. The old beaten mellow stone is welcoming, The church sleeps. Behind the church is the graveyard. The church guards one side and the others are framed by the old wall. Its mossy rug draped on top softens its solidity. Well weathered stones, hewn by skilled hands and crumbled by time mark the boundary. Ancient memorials erected centuries ago, names obliterated by time, stand alongside modern pristine headstones. Tombstones mingle with Celtic crosses, other ornate slabs decorated by master craftsmen of old are dotted around. Tributes in stone for time immemorial. The air is redolent with the wistfulness of what once was. Yet this is a restful place. A place to remember and honour the past. All there waiting to be noticed.
I have always enjoyed walking but during lockdown it has become more important. I have been so grateful that I live in this lovely wee town with all the walks available. It has been a joy to revisit routes long forgotten and discover new ones. Last time, when we were allowed to travel within Angus it was a revelation to discover just how much was on our doorstep. Once again, we can dust down the Ordnance Survey maps and explore hills, glens forests and beaches. All waiting to be noticed.
Gillian Cook
FLAMINGO CARDS
I have the new card brochure if anyone would like to see it. There is a nice selection of cards for all occasions and wrapping paper.
As usual, 10% of all sales go to much needed Church funds. You can contact me by phone on 853919 and I will deliver a brochure to you.
Pat Taylor
Date next issue of Update
This is scheduled for 27th June but as happened with this issue the date may be amended if an an-nouncement or implementation of significant change of Church of Scotland Covid-19 guidelines is expected or anticipated.
DMT
GOLF AND FOOTBALL MEMORIES
Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with dementia or who has a memory problem?
Do they enjoy golf, football friendly fun, banter and recalling players, matches, memorable moments of the past?
Did they enjoy either game as a player, spectator or fireside critic?
Then Golf and Football Memories can help with them feeling isolated, lonely by providing regular contact with others who enjoy the Memories Group.
Carnoustie Memories Golf and Football have scope for new Members.
Throughout ‘lockdown’ we have been meeting via ZOOM on a weekly basis, alternating between Golf and Football.
Meetings are at 2.30 pm. on Thursday for Golf and Tuesday for Football and last for around 1 hour.
We hope to get back to face to face meetings whenever the Covid Guidelines allow this to be done.
For more information please contact:-
GOLF David Taylor – dmct1@btinternet.com
FOOTBALL Craig Murray – craigmurray@btinternet.com
Golf and Football – Lorraine Young – lyoung37@btinternet.com
Look forward to hearing from you and sharing sporting memories, fun and friendly banter.
David Taylor/Lorraine Young
CLEANING TEAMS
A big thank you to all those in the cleaning teams who have stepped up to the mark and cleaned our buildings to make them safe for us to use during this Covid outbreak.
When we do properly open our buildings, we will require some new “Divine Dusters” so if anyone would like to join us or find out what’s involved, please contact me on 853919. Your help would be gratefully received.
Pat Taylor
BIBLE QUIZ ANSWERS
1. Curse; 2. 350 years; 3. God; 4. Aramaic; 5. John Wycliffe;
6. Gopher Wood; 7. Aaron; 8. Joshua; 9. The Ten Commandments; 10. Exodus
CONGREGATIONAL REGISTER
Deaths:
Teresa Bell – 28/03/2021
William (Kenny) Murray – 07/04/2021
Bill Young* – 24/04/2021
Chris Niven* – 27/04/2021
*Member of Congregation
In-person Services Return to Panbride
While it was not possible last year, in-person Sunday morning services will take place in the Country Church at 11am from 6th June until 29th August this year.
While seating will be in accordance with Church of Scotland covid-19 guidelines there will be scope for slightly more seats than have been possible at Newton Church since Sunday services resumed there.
Social distancing, hand sanitising and one way systems will still be required unless there are any relaxations announced and implementation approved between the date of this Magazine and the start of services at the Country Church.
When parking at the Country Church can you please park in the School car park and not on the road.
Flower Rota
May 2021
2nd Mrs D. Blacklaws
9th Mrs L. Nicoll
16th Mrs D. McCallum
23rd Mrs G. Manson
30th Mrs K. Fulton
June 2021
6th Mrs S. Fleming
13th Mrs J. Jackson
Mrs S. Davison
20th Mrs A. Howlett
29th Mrs N. Dow
July 2021
4th Mrs L. Ross
11th Mrs J. Stout
Church Directory
Minister Rev Annette Gordon 8 Arbroath Road 01241 854478
Session Clerk Mrs Lyn Ross 32 Broadlands 01241 859905
Clerk to Board Mr Walter Ruark
Treasurer Mr W John Winterton
Gift Aid Mr Stan Beattie
Church Secretary & Rollkeeper Mrs Nicola Keen
Contact via: secretarypanbride@hotmail.co.uk
Organist Mrs Marjorie Rennie
Church Officer Mrs Mary Bushnell
Fabric Convener Mr John Porter
Fund Raising & Social Convener Mrs Helen Harley
Flower Convener Mrs Eleanor Whamond
Magazine Convener Mr David Taylor
Health & Safety Mrs Linda Nicoll
Friendship Circle Mrs Cathie Connor
FOG Squad Team Leader Mrs Alison Stuart
JAFFA Youth Group Leader Mrs Joanna Stout
Creche Organiser Mrs June Black
Safeguarding Co-ordinator Mrs Linda Nicoll
