Dear friends

I trust that you are doing well and looking forward to a little easing up of lockdown.  It has been wonderful to stagger seeing family and a friend, outdoors, and I see some more shops are preparing to open, so that those of you who like retail therapy will be getting your lists prepared!

I have enjoyed our telephonic conversations this week: it is fascinating to reflect on a different level of companionship by telephone.  I find that we are introducing ourselves to each other by speaking of common interests, we would not have shared over a cup of coffee after a service. We have a rich and diverse congregation, and I am proud to be with you, and feel affirmed that God has called me here and that we will grow together, and through each other. The church worldwide is being encouraged to enjoy live streaming and watching online services. Our Episcopal Sunday services, conducted by our bishops, and the Thursday Service of the Word, on You Tube are wonderful examples of our church fellowship and diversity. Each service tells the story of its community and the Gaelic prayers and Our Father last week, were exquisite.

The Zoom video chat last Wednesday was heartening, as we are growing in numbers, and anticipate more this upcoming week. Let us encourage and help one another to join.  The world which is emerging, phase by phase by phase, taxes us to acquire as many mediums of communication as possible.

We discussed 4 questions and I give them to you here and invite your feedback please. The questions invite us to probe the origins and development of our particular community, as well as our own personal involvement and evolution. (It is NOT a history lesson but a personal prayerful reflection!)

1.       What stories formed our church community?

2.       How has that story changed, or has it?

3.       What are the anchors in our church community?

4.       Why does the Episcopal presence matter in that story?

I have been asking you for cell phone numbers and will try to send a message to you weekly, using wassap if possible. It will be a bible verse or reference and prayer.

Livestreaming services are being encouraged by the Diocese, and church world – in fact the whole world. Judging from your response to last week’s service, I am seeking a way of recording a weekly service, and I need your help. My request is for someone to take the recorded video and post it on YouTube or Facebook. It does not have to be someone from church or even living in our district, but someone reliable and with that skill. Could you help?

I also encourage you to follow a link or two as listed, in your own time. I have taken it from the Resources page on the Diocesan website:

·         The following link follows the line of thought in our 4 questions, on our place in the unique history of our church.  Lutheran theologian Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber picks up on some of the themes we were exploring in the Diocesan Mini Conference and writes ‘when people ask me, “why are you still connected to the institution of the church?” I can only answer, “because I believe that scripture and theology and liturgy are too potent to be left in the hands of those who only use them to justify their dominance over another group of people”. I also believe that God is powerful enough to guide us in the dismantling of the evil that has been done in God’s name; that this is holy work and that God’s Spirit will accompany us. https://nadiabolzweber.com/

·         Before we get ‘back to normal,’ we need to grieve and pray writes Methodist Bishop Scott Jones https://religionnews.com/2020/05/11/before-we-get-back-to-normal-we-need-to-grieve-and-pray/?

 Covid 19 and Climate Change. If COVID-19 frightens you, you should be terrified by climate change. In this ‘Faith Seeking Understanding’ article, Daniel Horan writes: ‘If you don’t like the current reality of widespread illness, death, economic collapse and rolling lockdowns, then you should really direct your energies toward combating climate change.’ Instead of a ‘return to normal,’ let’s pursue a profound transformation by Elise D. García. Even before the pandemic, we understood that we were entering a make-or-break decade for humanity to act to avoid catastrophic climate change and global suffering. Now the call could not be clearer. (Did anyone follow the Michael Dowd ‘Post-Doom conversations in one of my earliest emails to you, in which Michael Dowd interviews people who are living, and thinking beyond the, ‘we have messed up the world irretrievably’, to rather, ‘this is what I think, and live up to in the world that has been messed, but, is full of hope and regeneration’. It’s on YouTube).

Our readings for tomorrow are: Genesis 18: 1 to 15.  How surprising to ‘host’ angels in human form! Often we do not realise that presence until we prayerfully review our encounters. I wonder which angels and messages we could receive this week!

Psalm116: 1, 2 and 11 to 18. We are filled with love when Yahweh bends down to hear my prayer!

 Romans 5: 1 to 8. Hardship develops perseverance, which develops character, and we receive hope, based in the love of God!  Matthew 9: 35 to 10: 8. As the apostles were appointed, you and I are asked to be Christ unto others, responding to their need in practical and spiritual ways.

Be blessed as you are a blessing to others

Yours in Christ

Kathy

0755 250 3859

Beloved in Christ

On this chill day, I hope you are feeling some of the return to the new normal in a little social indulgence, meeting with family or a friend, outdoors. That’s a Scottish challenge this morning isn’t it!

The Holy Spirit is over us, and there is, as a mother hen shelters her chicks, a lot of new companionship and love! This beautiful image is in the Genesis reading today, about creation. God is ‘hovers’ over the void that is to become this beautiful earth.

1.    This Sunday we have a pre-recorded video, the link being on youtube. Here is the link to the service. It will play first at 10.30 tomorrow morning, and then is available on Youtube forever! Send it to friends and family!

Just click on: https://youtu.be/1lsTVI3MnQI

You can also find it by typing ‘Tayport church’ into the You Tube search engine.

Let us know how using the video appeals to you – shall we continue?

Readings for tomorrow are: Canticle 1,5,17

Genesis 1: 1 – 2: 4a  really wonderful substance for this week’s contemplation

Psalm 8: a song of praise

2 Corinthians 13: 11 to 13 how we ought to relate to one another

Matthew 28: 16 to 20

I have sent you readings for the week till Pentecost – do you wish to receive this still, or only a Sunday reading?

2.    I include part of a very relevant excerpt from Bishop Ian covering 2 newsy and provocative items.

2.1 From Bishop Ian Paton: ‘Pentecost is the feast of the ’new normal,’ life in the Spirit poured out on the apostles and on all creation. As we celebrated Pentecost this year people were talking about a different ‘new normal’ – our life after the Pandemic. When we rebuild our lives, will we have a better sense of what is important? Or will we just rush back to the same old life? What will ‘new normal’ mean for the Church? What will our priorities be? How will we welcome those who have been joining us online? How will we support those who are sad about people and things that have been lost? What will we need to do if we are to open our churches but keep people safe? 

2.2 A week ago over 40 clergy and lay readers shared in an online CMD Conference about exactly these questions, organised for us by Michael Paterson. Our discussions began from his reflections on the Four Hallmarks of Ministry in Luke 24 (Jesus and the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus) in the context of the pandemic. I’d like to thank all of you who attended (and those who tried to but couldn’t due to broadband problems). The text and a video of Michael’s presentation is available on the Diocesan website. https://standrews.anglican.org/clergy-development- ‘

3.Weekly ZOOM meetings on Wednesday at 8pm: We have called this meeting, ‘Connect’: the aim is to share our lockdown experience, looking at where God is calling us, and how we are responding. For 45 minutes we share. This upcoming week we will look at the youtube presentation and would urge you to join us. Thus far we have Margaret, Betty, Duncan and family, Janet, Jane, Frank. If you would like any help in setting up, phone any of us and have a trial run.  We really need each parishioner to join in. I hope to resend you a guide as to how to join Zoom. If you can have a family quiz on Zoom, you can join us too! I send a weekly invitation to join for the Wednesday. There is an excellent youtube clip called, ‘How to join a ZOOM meeting as a participant’. It, and a host of other clips will help: if you have done it once, it’s easy! gives you a pictorial guide! If you would like the link just ask nikisage76@gmail.com to send an invitation, then click, ‘Accept’ and you can join us! We are looking for a way for you to join us by telephone only, so anyone without internet etc. and phone in. Just let us know if you would like to do that.

4.Included, please find what we submitted to the Diocese, on our engagement with the community. It makes impressive reading.  Do you have anything else to ask? If so, please let us have it. Many of you are doing wonderful things, not least of which is praying and caring for family and others in need.

God bless you and those you love, and those who you will come to love and those you met

Kathy

0755 250 3859

Beloved in Christ

Pentecost is celebrated as the birth of the church, the time when the Holy Spirit enabled all to be included in the faith, inviting growth into new areas of the world. It equipped each person with the conviction and confidence of the faith, ability to share it with others by walking and talking alongside them, able to understand their understand every tongue and god (Acts 17: 22 to 31). As Bishop Ian pointed out, ‘church’ is comprised as the people of the world, each one we encounter.

How, now, coming out of lockdown and into unknown territory, is our church relevant, and can it ever be, in the same way? How can our church join the greater world?  History is re-written and it has taken church with it, inviting us too, to find new ways. You and I are the Christ light out there!

Some ideas that came out of discussions are to do some walks together; picnic in Tentsmuir, hold an outdoor church service, and jokingly, to have a gardening party at St Mary’s, and, whilst cleaning up the bluebells, chat and have our own coffee tea and eats. Yes to that!

1.       Last week I encouraged us to be one rather than separate. Now I challenge us to be at one with those who walk in our everyday path in our world. Christ has only our arms, our mouth, our action, our love.  Let us be like Jesus, walking in the warm springtime newness, LISTENING, and speaking his truth.

2.       It might be too soon, but question 2 is: what has this lockdown taught you? What has been an unexpected gift? What has this time equipped you to do?

3.       And the third: what gifts do we offer to the new world we re-enter? (next week we consider the gifts of the Holy Spirit and from what I know of you, each of you have gifts in abundance!!)

Our Zoom video chat, called ‘Connect’ on Wednesday was only 4 strong, as – beware – Zoom invitations are often to be found in your spam box! Haha! It was good though to be refreshed and challenged by face to face and rather personal chats. I asked if any of you could join us in Zoom, or give me your cell number so we could wassap chat, please. As the phases of Lockdown pass, I will continue to chat with you telephonically. It’s been a pleasure to have shared your lives as they were when we conversed.

I’m picturing a future Tayport and Newport where we deepen the friendliness of passers-by and walkers, and where we invite each other into our homes! On this, I’m drawing up a little schedule: when might I come and visit you?

A smidgen of personal news; my goods from South Africa will arrive this week!  The familiar family things bring me from exile back to the motherland of my grandparents. Many pieces were shipped to South Africa in the early 1900’s and now they return. Lockdown is indeed phasing out!  In Jeremiah the exiles are encouraged to seek the welfare of the place to which they are exiled. I wonder if South Africa or Scotland has been the place of exile. A good reflection focus.  And, in this northern hemisphere, aligned climatically with the Palestine Jesus lived in, I celebrate the warmth of Pentecost-time weather, and the abundant redolent growth around me. Perhaps this Pentecost will be one I remember better than most, more than a sermon, but not as warm as a hug from a friend.

OTHER NEWS

See the important attachment on the SEC Sunday service being available as from tomorrow by audibly linking in, free, by telephone. I will forward it to you as a separate email.

Margaret Gray offers a weekly quiz: if you would like to join the group, please email her on margarettayport@aol.com

I have enjoyed these prompts from Michael Patterson’s Weekly Diocesan resources:

‘Living in the midst of a global pandemic is not comfortable but it has forced the church to occupy some space that up to now we’ve not been fully convinced it’s a space we should inhabit. Well, we’re here now. Let’s get used to it. Welcome to the new normal’.

https://www.musingsinlockdown.com/blog/three-reasons-the-church-needs-to-stay-online?fbclid=IwAR0iXz-T9mzeat2lZPqbF9iKVdDHcYzDvQ-w8d-qLAUyyv24jv0vwoAELsM

From the Taizé Community a polyglot version of the chant Veni Sancte Spiritus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxXwAgkhWQ 

The Rev’d Liz Crumlish, Path of Renewal, shares this prayer for Pentecost based on

John 16:12-13

“You cannot bear them now…

When the Spirit comes…”

Lord you spoke these words

to your disciples

enfolded in their own grief

and puzzlement

In the midst of trauma

yours was the cautious voice

of

waiting

the consoling voice

of promise

In your infinite compassion

you made space

urging them to do the same

In these times,

we, like the disciples

are anxious to know

and understand

and impatient

to act.

Calm our jets, Lord

Show us how to wait

Still our racing reactivity

Encourage us to care for ourselves

before we barge on

with fixing the world

or even the church.

Reassure us

that yours is a long term call

that warrants

patience

kindness

gentleness

humility

compassion

and love

for ourselves

and others.

Enable us

to sit contemplatively

with unanswered questions

to nurture

our grieving spirits

to make space for you

to pour in your healing and your wisdom

in your time

when you consider

that we are able to bear it

And Lord

through the great cacophony

of voices

urging us this way and that

enable us to discern

your still, small voice

of clarity

and purpose.

So may it be.

READINGS FOR THIS WEEK

PENTECOST

Collect:

                                   Acts 2: 1 to 21               Psalm 104: 22 to 36                   John 7: 33 to 39

MONDAY                2 Peter 1: 2 to 7            Psalm 91                                       Mark 12: 1 to 12

TUESDAY                2 Peter 3: 11 to 18       Psalm 90: 1 to 6, 13 to 17         Mark 12: 13 to 17

WEDNESDAY         2 Timothy 1: 1 to 12     Psalm 123                                   Mark 12: 18 to 27

THURSDAY           2 Timothy 2: 8 to 15      Psalm 25: 1 to 13                       Mark 12: 28 to 34

FRIDAY                 2 Timothy 3: 10 to 17    Psalm119: 161 to 168                Mark 12: 35 to 37

SATURDAY          2 Timothy 4: 1 to 8         Psalm 71: 8 to 17                        Mark 12: 38 to 44

God be with you in all you think, say and do!

Kathy

07552 503 859

Beloved in Christ

Betty took this picture and her metaphor is of the church… ‘passed this tree on my walk today and thought it might illustrate the church after lockdown – new growth, but in a different way, on a firm foundation’.  It’s worth a meditational reflection isn’t it.  What about sitting quietly, gazing into the picture on your screen?  

Tomorrow’s collect asks of us

Triune God

Jesus prayed that we might be one;

Help us transcend our differences

And find our unity in Jesus Christ our Lord;

Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

One God now and forever.

Amen.

I have been blathering to God about how easily we slide into difference rather than togetherness: always forming an opinion, or even judgement, long before all the facts are known. And how easily we exclude ourselves and another from the grace-filled acceptance of difference or individuality.  In looking at my neighbourhood and scanning Dundee from so many angles whilst walking.  I realise that each home, each family, each person is created uniquely, according to God’s plan! Our Zoom and telephone chats reveal the same. That is the space in which grace can and does co-operate. I ask us each to pray that we hold off judgement and see situations and another as Jesus would, and in that relationship we nourish, support and allow others to become themselves, as Jesus did. Richard Rohr and many others describe this immediate assessment separates us from God, calling it ‘dualistic’ thinking. As Jesus shows us, we can catch ourselves in the act and simply leave judgement out of our meeting spaces.  Indeed, in our relationship with God too – we are one, inseparable from God, made to receive that flow of nurture, and not separate ourselves away from that.

Flowing from this thought, I’m considering the pressing question of what things (and in church) will look like, as we ease out of lockdown. It demands new thinking and movement. We are holding a clergy and lay reader meeting to discuss just that, this Friday. Our vestry secretaries have outlined our activities, in community, and in serving others in need, and therefore, ‘different’. I’m so proud that we have established such ties ecumenically, and in helping those in need.  It will remain foundational to our outreach and community ministry, even to growing the church. 

I hope that God graces us by allowing us to deepen and strengthen what we already have in place, and celebrate the interesting creative ideas coming out of last week’s challenge of new ideas and input flowing from the questions posed in the previous email. The Zoom meeting was held without me, as I was entrapped in getting home from Perth and that business I had to attend to. Delightfully, many marvellous ideas were forthcoming and a good time was had by all.  Here are the questions again, so that you can give us your input, via email, or even a call if you like:

☆New services and times… midweek? What service? Shared or alternating between the 2 churches? Different venue? 

☆ A retreat – a day/weekend.. where?

* Social activities… a walk, a picnic, a tea in a garden, a venue (a garden centre?) Tentsmuir….

???

☆ different groups… either by extending or a new target group… how to contact them…. where are they? Whether you’d like to be involved or pray as we go there…. 

☆ Any courses or themes you’d like to follow? A bible study? (which book?) A coffee get together? At home, at church, where? When.. morning afternoon evening?

☆New places to advertise

Some new questions for your consideration please:

# what gatherings can we ‘do’ via Zoom, if it’s difficult for us to meet?

# would you like us to develop services online service/sermon/ prayer/workshop/ topic for reflection, so that you could watch them at your convenience, in your own home?

# Several members have said that their families have got them using Zoom for chats, quizzes and even gatherings like birthdays.  Would you let me know if you are now on Zoom?

#Others say they now have cellphones – please give me your number, and we could have a wassap chat or video.

The lovely telephone chats I am having with you are wonderful sharing spaces.  Though it’s sometimes difficult to put face to voice should we meet on a walk, it’s a great comfort to me to have that connection and level of easy sharing.  Faith circles become contextual if we talk about things topmost in our minds. I am aware that you are all bravely moving along, but also aware that lockdown takes each of us differently, from day to day, and from person to person.

Readings for the week are:

SUNDAY Acts1: 6 to 14   Psalm 68: 1 to11   1 Peter 4: 12 to 145: 6 to 11     John 17: 1 to 11

MONDAY             Acts 19: 1 to 10               Psalm 68: 1 to 6                   John 16: 19 to 33

TUESDAY            Acts 20: 17 to 27             Psalm 68: 7 to 20                John 17: 1 to 11a

WEDNESDAY      Acts 20: 28 to 38             Psalm  68: 28 to 35             John 17: 11b to 19

THURSDAY         Acts 22: 30, 23: 6 to 11   Psalm 16                             John 17: 20 to 26

FRIDAY                Acts 25: 13 to 21             Psalm 103: 1 to 2; 19 to 22 John 21: 15 to 19

SATURDAY          Acts 28: 16 to 20             Psalm 11                            John 21: 20 to 25

So, prayers for you this week are: that you feel the indwelling presence of God in all you do; that you and your family are safe, loving, accepting and happy; that you witness and share the growth of the people of God in new and exciting ways, and that your world as we move towards Pentecost is as pink as our lovely flowers, darkening to red in this coming week!

Yours in Christ

Kathy

07552503859