Issue 04 | December 2014
Editor Lorna Pratt | Scottish charity Number SC015442
Building for the Future in Trinity
Before
church for over 18 months and
under the guidance of Chartered
Architects McLaren, Murdoch and
Hamilton, have recently been
granted Planning Consent and
Listed Building Consent as well as
approval from Presbytery and the
General Trustees of the Church of
Scotland.
Demolish and rebuild
The proposals envisage the
The Congregation at Inverleith St Serf’s Church is
demolition of the current small hall,
delighted to announce plans to upgrade their ageing halls,
kitchen and halls entrance and the
kitchen and toilets to 21st century standards and to
combat the circulation bottlenecks endured every Sunday
whale
at worship,
functions, concerts
creation of a larger hall capable of
various sub-divisions, a multifunction space, brand new kitchen
After
and pantomimes!
The proposals have been
under discussion and
consideration by the
Reflections is a periodic publication of Inverleith St Serf’s Church and is delivered free by church members
throughout the parish of Inverleith St Serf’s.
facilities, new and enlarged toilet
facilities, enhanced storage, a new
entrance, associated administration
office and
Increased community
involvement
The completed scheme will allow
the church to increase its
much needed
circulation
space at the
Start date
Work is anticipated to start after
Easter, next year, with a completion
date of late
November – in
time for
Christmas
2015!
entrance as
Sufficient
temporary
facilities will be
put in place to
allow limited
use of the
sanctuary and
large hall
during the
building
period.
well as a
glazed corridor
linking the back
of the
sanctuary with
the existing
large hall.
This final item
will allow full
Inevitably
there will be
some
disruption to the
neighbourhood during the
construction period.
use of the
sanctuary,
existing large hall and the
new facilities for different
forms of worship (especially
Our professional team will
be taking steps to minimise
members of the community
this as much as possible,
and their families) and a
and it is anticipated that all
variety of community uses.
of the contractor’s site
facilities will be
The church also has
incorporated within the
permission to form an offcurrent church grounds
road parking space
without encroachment on
adjacent to the lane to St
adjacent
Serf’s Tennis The ambitious proposals are illustrated on the above plan, coloured to illustrate
Club, which, various different functions proposed in the new development.
those involving younger
coupled with
the new entrance proposals, will
allow for ease of transfer for those
with mobility problems.
New lighting, power, sound systems
and information technology facilities
will be provided.
A new heating system is also to be
installed with the church looking to
replace the existing heating to the
sanctuary with an under floor system
to give much improved comfort
within the existing church building.
community involvement allowing a
more open ministry and user
friendly facilities that can be used
throughout the day.
Finance
Finance of this ambitious project is
entirely from church funds - much
of it resulting from the sale, earlier
this year, of the Inverleith Church
estate at Inverleith Gardens meaning that the whole community
has a chance to benefit from this
resource.
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pavements or roads except for site
access.
The church hopes that the
neighbourhood as a whole will see
the building operations as a way
forward to the enhancement of
community facilities for all and asks
the local community for its
forbearance and support!
Martin Millar
News from the minister…..
Group,” the country dance group,
drama group, or art group…. but
don’t be surprised to see me
crawling around on Wednesday
Love it, or hate it, Christmas is a
mornings with toddlers – it is the
season for those of all faiths and none.
highlight of my week.
Here in Inverleith St Serf’s Parish
Church it is a busy time, not just in the
Redevelopment
life of the church, but, in the community
There is also great anticipation as
groups and organizations that use our
we move forward into 2015 and
premises.
embark upon a major
In the Church, we call the four weeks
redevelopment project to ensure
running up to Christmas, Advent. It is a
our buildings are appropriate to
time that helps us to look ahead with
meet the needs of a 21st century
anticipation and hope and to reflect on
community. This will be achieved
what is important.
by the goodwill & commitment of
church members. The newly
Our mission
In Inverleith St Serf’s we have much to
give thanks for. Our vision to be an
effective Christian presence in our
community, reaching out in love and
service to our parish, is seen in the
many activities that take place in our
buildings throughout the week.
Friendships are made and cemented in
our buildings as community groups and
worshippers come together.
As parish Minister, I am privileged to
engage with individuals from the parish
and beyond.
Each week we have over 200 young
Rev Joanne Foster, minister
of Inverleith St Serf’s
refurbished buildings will allow
greater flexibility for creative
worship and enable us to continue
people using the premises and
in our outreach and service to our
for many this will be their only
parish.
connection with Church. It is a
joy to be stopped in the street by
Brownies’ mums (and it is
usually mums), or individuals
within the parish who recognise
me as their Minister.
Amid all your own preparations for
Christmas, why not take time out of
your busy schedule to join us for
one of our special services over the
Advent and Christmas season?
Details of these can be found on
Throughout the week, you can
page 8 and on Inverleith St Serf’s
usually see me at some point in
Facebook page.
the church buildings, popping in
to say hello to the “Singing
Activities at Inverleith St Serf ’s
The church website
www.inverleithsaintserfs.org.uk has full details of
what is going on. However, while you are powering
up your I-pad, here are some of the organisations
using our premises.
Junior Church - Sundays in term time (except 2nd
Sunday of month.) Ages 3 +.
May your Christmas be filled with
joy and peace.
Joanne
Guild - meets October to April - fortnightly on Tuesdays at
2pm
Toddler Group - Wednesdays during term time
10am -12 noon.
Lunch Club - Thursdays during term time -12.30pm to
13.30pm.
Crèche - 10.30am Sundays. Ages - up to 3 years.
Coffee House - on the last Friday of the month 10am to
11.45am
Choir - Sundays. Practice in term times 9.30am
Sunday morning.
Book Group - Fridays - 10.30am to 12 noon
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Junior Church at Inverleith St Serf ’s
Junior Church learn about friendship through story, music
and age appropriate activity
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Youth elder at Inverleith St Serf ’s
Junior Church meets on a
Sunday morning from
10.25am until 11.30am and is
for 3 to 11 year olds.
There is a crèche for the
under 3's.
The younger children learn
Christian values through the
use of bible stories, activities,
music and drama.
The 7-11 year olds follow a
new exciting programme
called 'Friends and Heroes'.
It uses animated adventure
stories to introduce children to
the stories of the Bible in an
appealing and memorable
way and helps foster respect
for and kindness to others, as
well as encouraging tolerance.
Susan Brown writes about
her role as Youth Elder in
Inverleith St Serf’s
The role of youth elder at the
church doesn’t come with a “job
description”. It comes with a
responsibility, will and passion
to work with the minister and the
entire congregation to involve
youth in all aspects of the life of
the church in many different
ways.
We invite local young people to
family services, our most recent
one being dedicated to
a “Celebration of Youth”, to
Messy Church, to come to and
participate in our regular Sunday
worship and activities and other
events that make them feel they
belong in our church and
community.
They then follow up what they
have learned through
discussion, puzzles, crafts and
online activities.
Why not pop in and see what
we do or join us for one of our
special services. (details on
our website)
We look forward to meeting
you.
Kirsten Mutch (leader)
We want to give the young
people a voice, and for them to
join in with all aspects of the life
of our church and church
community. We do this through
listening to what the children are
saying, and responding and
shaping the opportunities and
experiences we offer them.
The Church of Scotland commits
itself to respect every young
person who comes into contact
with its congregations and
agencies and here at Inverleith
St Serf’s Parish Church we
strongly support this.
and t-shirts with a sea theme,
The children also take an
active part in all age services
and are valued members of
the church family.
Teenagers can help with the
younger groups, which can
count towards the Duke of
Edinburgh, Guide or Scout
awards.
We also link in with the leaders
and children in youth
organisations and activities that
meet in the church, making sure
we are providing a welcome and
supported environment for their
activities, and with the wider
community activities around our
neighbourhood.
contributing to our sea collage.
We made rainmakers, sea
mobiles and decorated
cakes. Following our crafty fun
Messy Church “is a way of
we remembered the story of
being church for families, based
Jonah through story and song,
around welcome, crafts and art,
before enjoying a very tasty
celebration and eating
afternoon tea together.
together”.
We hope more families will join
Our Messy Church in October
us in February for our next
was based around the sea. The
Messy Church which will be held
children and adults enjoyed
on Sunday 1st February 2015 at
painting shells, decorating mugs
2pm in the Church Halls.
Messy Church Logo Copyright Bible Reading Fellowship © 2013. See www.messychurch.org.uk
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Inverleith St Serf ’s Toddler Group
Photographs of the children at Toddler
Group have been removed for publication
on line.
Inverleith St Serf’s
Toddler Group meets on
Wednesdays in term time in
the St Serf’s Halls from
10am to 12 noon.
All babies and
toddlers with their
carers are
welcome. No need
to book.
Cost: £1 per adult
(including a cup of coffee
or tea).
Home made cake for sale!
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Early Birds
worship
Early Birds worship takes place at
9.30am on the second Sunday of each month. It is an informal service much
appreciated by young families and by those who enjoy a more informal style
of worship.
Community activities on Inverleith St Serf’s premises
The church website
www.inverleithsaintserfs.org.uk has
details of what is going on. Many
groups also have notices on the notice
boards in the hall corridor at the St
Serf’s Halls, Clark Road.
Church-linked groups
St Serf’s Players - drama group – for
information contact
www.stserfsplayers.org.uk
Rainbows
Brownies
Guides
Senior Section
Serf’s Halls – second Monday of the
month – September to June.
Art Group - Thursdays 9.30am 11.30am and 2pm - 4pm
Edinburgh Glenmore Club - a
hillwalking club with Scottish Country
Dance evenings in winter. Contact 339
3105.
Edinburgh International Folk Dance
Group - Mondays 7.30pm - 9pm.
Karate - Thursdays 4.30pm - 5.30pm
(ages 6 -12); 5.30pm - 6.30pm (age
13+ and adults). Contact :
Community groups
Karate@kugbedinburgh.co.uk
Trinity Community Council – meets in St
New Edinburgh Orchestra (Inverleith St
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Serf’s Church) Tuesdays 7pm -10pm.
Rugbytots - Thursday mornings; Friday
mornings and afternoons.
The Singing Group – for those suffering
from dementia and their carers; first and
third Thursdays of the month – 2.30pm
to 4pm. Contact:
kate.walker@hotmail.co.uk
Tai Chi -Tuesdays 6pm -7.15pm
(advanced); 7.30pm - 8.30pm (beginners
and intermediate). Contact:
angela@leetaichi.co.uk.
U3A Scottish Country Dance Group
Zumba Dance - Mondays - 7pm.
Christmas dates at Inverleith St Serf ’s
December 7
A time to remember - 6.30pm - service for the bereaved
December 14
Early Birds Christingle service - 9.30am
Readings and carols for Christmas -10.30am
December 15
St Serf’s Players Christmas Entertainment - 7.30pm
December 21
Nativity Sunday - 10.30am
December 24
Family Christmas Eve service - 6.30pm
Watchnight service - 11.30 pm. Choir carol singing from 11.15pm
December 25
‘Bring the Toys’ family service - 10.30am -11.15am
December 28
Readings and carols for the end of the year - 10.30am
How to find Inverleith St Serf ’s Parish Church
Photos by Sandy and Lorna Pratt.
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