The new Queensferry Crossing was blessed by the Moderator of the General Assembly when it was opened in September reports Thomas Baldwin.

NEWS

The Moderator meets the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and the Queen

THE Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland joined the Queen and Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon for the opening of the new bridge across the Firth of Forth on September 4.

The Rt Rev Derek Browning said that bridges were ‘symbols of inclusion and hope’ as he blessed the Queensferry Crossing before it was formally opened by the Queen.

The ceremony took place 53 years to the day since the Queen had opened the Forth Road Bridge, an event attended by Dr Browning as a two-year-old.

He said: “It is a tremendous privilege to be involved in this wonderful event.

Bridges are about connecting, they overcome barriers, bring people together and span divides.

“For people of faith, bridges remind us that faith is also called to connect people, overcome barriers and span divides. “Bridges help us to be people of possibility, reaching out in faith across chasms of fear, loneliness, intolerance and prejudice, and to do this in the name of Jesus who did the same things.

“In a world where people are often isolated, we should not build walls, we should build bridges. We should not shut out, we should welcome in.

“If we want to be true to our faith in Jesus, be part of a bridge that reaches out.”

The Queen, who was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, cut a ribbon to cheers from the watching crowd then travelled by car across the bridge, which took six years to build at a cost of £1.35bn.

She then made a speech and unveiled a plaque to declare the crossing formally open.

The Queen said the 1.7–mile bridge, which sits beside the Forth Road Bridge and the Forth Bridge rail crossing, would be an ‘important link’ between the Lothians and Fife.

“The three magnificent structures we see here span three centuries, are all feats of modern engineering and a tribute to the vision and remarkable skill of those who designed and built them,” she added.

The event featured a fly-past by the Red Arrows and a flotilla of 90 boats travelled under the bridge as the national anthem was played.

Folk singer Karine Polwart performed and Scotland’s Makar, Jackie Kay, recited a specially commissioned poem.

Ms Sturgeon said: “This crossing is the tallest bridge in the UK.

“It has required 150,000 tonnes of concrete, 23,000 miles of steel cabling and 19 million hours of labour.

“The bridge will improve journey times, and bring benefits to families and businesses – not just in Fife and the Lothians, but across Scotland.

“Together, the three Forth bridges will bring people from around the world to admire their ingenuity and their beauty.”

The new crossing was first proposed over a decade ago in response to concerns about the condition of the Forth Road Bridge. The older structure will remain as a public transport corridor, and for pedestrians and cyclists.

MODERATOR’S BLESSING

This is a bridge

That connects the land:

A bridge to honour

The contours of earth, air and water,

All gloriously united.

This is a bridge

That celebrates the skills

Of hand and heart and mind:

Concrete and steel, style and shape,

All gloriously created.

This is a bridge

That enables the movement of people:

Through space and time,

In coming and going,

All gloriously dynamic.

God bless this bridge;

God bless this Queensferry Crossing,

And all who travel on it.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN POSTERS

Churches are to be asked to display posters giving women details of how to access services they might need if they have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence.

The poster is the first resource from the Church of Scotland’s Violence Against Women Task Group, which is working on a series of practical resources that will help the church deepen its understanding of violence against women, respond pastorally and appropriately to those affected by violence, and advocate on behalf of gender justice.

The poster will be launched on the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, on November 25, and the hope is that churches will display it on the inside of toilet doors.

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “The physical, emotional and spiritual damage that is sometimes perpetrated against women, leaves a scar across the lives of too many people. All of us should not only be working towards but also living out every day the principles and the practice of understanding and kindliness that will unite our world and provide a safe and affirming environment in which we live fulfilling and loving lives. I am delighted to offer my support for the Violence Against Women Task Group’s campaign”.

The poster will be sent out to all churches and will be available to download from the Violence Against Women Task Group on the Church of Scotland website at www.churchofscotland.org.

HEALING MINISTRY LECTURE

An ecumenical healing ministry is to hold its first lecture in Scotland in November.

The lecture has been named after a late Church of Scotland minister who was a regular contributor to Life and Work, the Rev Denis Duncan.

The Guild of Health and St Raphael will hold the first Denis Duncan Lecture on November 3 at 6.30pm in St George’s Tron Church in Glasgow.

The lecture will be delivered by the Very Rev David Lunan, a former Convener of the Church’s Committee on Health and Healing. It is entitled ‘The Kingdom of God is Creation healed’, drawn from the words of Hans Kung.

The Rev Dr Gillian Straine, director of the Guild of Health, said: “Despite the Gospel imperative of our Lord, the place of healing in our communities is often overlooked. However, health and healing has key missional opportunities and, more importantly, speaks to the deep need in our world for healing and wholeness, whether that is personally or politically. The Guild of Health and St Raphael is working with partners, including the Mission and Discipleship Council of the Church of Scotland, to explore our Lord’s call to heal and all aspects of well being from a Christian perspective, and the first event is their key annual event, the Denis Duncan Lecture.”

Denis Duncan was a former Editor of British Weekly, a prolific writer and contributor to Life and Work until weeks before his death in 2014.

The lecture will also be streamed online. Free tickets (including refreshments) for the lecture and registration for the live stream are available at www.gohealth.org.uk

BELLS APPEAL

Churches across Scotland are being urged to submit recordings of their bells for inclusion in a new piece of music marking the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Associate Composer Martin Suckling are looking to ‘engage people throughout Scotland in the composition and performance of a new work exploring themes of celebration, loss, community identity and the legacy of war’.

The recordings will be made available for public use, as a historical sound archive and as a musical resource.

For more information and instructions on how to submit recordings of your church bells, visit www.armisticebells.com

BB JUNIORS CELEBRATE CENTENARY

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined the centenary celebrations in Glasgow. Picture by Stuart Buchanan.

The Boys’ Brigade celebrated a centenary of working with the 8 -1 1 age group in September.

To mark the anniversary, every Junior Section was encouraged to hold a birthday party during September, and were challenged to use the celebration to invite friends to join. Throughout the year, the Juniors have been taking part in the Juniors 1 0 0 Challenge, a set of 1 0 0 individual and team challenges including ‘taking part in a world record attempt’, ‘learning basic first aid skills’, ‘raising £ 1 0 0 for a local charity’ and ‘trying out a new sport’.

On Friday September 1 5, more than 1 0 0 Junior Section members and 3 0 adult volunteers gathered in the grounds of Stirling Castle to celebrate with party games, live music and birthday cake.

The first sections of what was initially called the Boy Reserves were established in September 1 9 1 7. They became known as the Life Boys in 1 9 2 6 and the Junior Section in 1 9 6 6.

CHURCH EXPRESSES BENEFITS CONCERN

The Church of Scotland has expressed concern at the numbers of low-income families unable to fully access benefits.

Speaking as new figures from the Department of Work and Pensions showed that fewer than six in 1 0 low income families who are entitled to Jobseekers Allowance successfully claim, the Rev Dr Richard Frazer, Convener of the Church’s Church and Society Council said: “These figures demonstrate what people on the ground have known for a long time. Huge numbers of people in desperate need are finding it difficult and sometimes impossible to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

“There are many reasons why families are not claiming their full entitlement. It is clear however that closing jobcentres and forcing people, who are often at their lowest ebb, to make longer and more expensive journeys can only worsen the situation.”

The figures are estimated to represent a £ 150 m loss to low income Scottish families, as it emerged the proportion of low-income families who are entitled to JSA but who are not receiving the benefit has increased by 1 0 % over the last three years. It also comes amid concern about DWP plans to close six Jobcentres in some of the most deprived areas of Glasgow.

YEAR OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Churches and presbyteries are being encouraged to get involved in the 2 0 1 8 Year of Young People, a celebration of the contribution and achievements of young people in Scotland.

Churches are invited to sign a pledge to involve, include and celebrate children and young people and send this in and a Church Year of Young People Toolkit will be available in November, with ideas and resources. Churches are invited to hold a Year of Young People Service on January 2 8. There will also be Presbytery and national events for children and young people and for leaders throughout the year.

The Moderator of the Church’s National Youth Assembly, Robin Downie, said: “On behalf of the many young people within the Kirk, I would like to encourage churches to make the most of the opportunities of the Year of Young People; to get involved with talking with young people within and beyond the church walls, engaging them in the life of the church and planning some special activities with them during this year.”

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly added: “This is an amazing opportunity and we would like to encourage the participation of all local churches in Year of Young People 2 0 1 8 services and activities during 2 0 1 8. Seize the moment God has given for our generation!”

More information and resources for the Church’s involvement, including the Year of Young People Pledge Form and Church Toolkit, are available at www.churchofscotland.org.uk/yoyp

For more news follow us at www.lifeandwork.org

TRIPLE CELEBRATION

PARISH NEWS

Fort William: Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church held a triple celebration on Friday September 1. On the tenth anniversary of the creation of the congregation (when the congregations of Duncansburgh and MacIntosh Memorial united) they also marked the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev Alan Ramsay (former MacIntosh Memorial minister) and 60 years of service by May Macintyre as an organist.

Guests included the first minister of the united congregation, the Rev Donald MacQuarrie, the Interim Moderator who served for four years from 2012–2016, the Rev Adrian Varwell, and many others. The present ministry team of the Rev Richard Baxter and the Rev Morag Muirhead spoke of the congregation’s past and its future opportunities. The Rev Donald McCorkindale took part on behalf of Lochaber Presbytery, and the large congregation enjoyed a great supper and a special celebration cake.

COLONIAL WEDDING

A couple from Michigan, USA, wore historical costumes to renew their wedding vows at Kingussie Parish Church.

Tom and Paula Mcelroy are members of a re-enactment group in the US, and were originally married nearly 20 years ago in a Colonial Presbyterian service. The couple are pictured with Kingussie minister, the Rev Alison Burnside, and members of the congregation.

LONG SERVICE HONOUR

Son of the Manse Gareth Wilson, Director of Girton College Chapel Choir in Cambridge, took part in a special performance as part of Milton of Campsie’s GoMAD ecumenical mission.

Gareth was joined by Alison Fulton, organist at Milton of Campsie Parish Church, and Father John Deighan, parish priest at the local Roman Catholic church for a six-hand Hallelujah Chorus on the piano.

The concert was the climax of two weeks of GoMAD activities for children, young people and adults. Proceeds totalling £1350 were given to Christian Aid, Scottish Bible Society, Marie Curie and Strathcarron hospices.

“We’ve had a busy two weeks,” said Phyllis Wilson, leader of GoMAD. “Church and Community have come together in a remarkable way. The six-hand Hallelujah was a beautiful demonstration of our gratitude and togetherness.”

SPECIAL SERVICE

Oathlaw Tannadice Church in Angus held a special service celebrating the dedication and consecration of the church of Tanethys in 1242 – 775 years ago – by the Bishop of St Andrews.

The site has an older history and is reckoned to have been a place of worship since the 7th century, associated with St Adamnan. The present church dates from 1846. The service, led by the Rev John Orr, was attended by visitors from the linked charge of Kirriemuir: St Andrew’s and the formerly linked charge of Fern Careston Menmuir. Pictured: Harry Hay and Jean Wilkie cut the anniversary cake.

COMMUNITY BARBECUE

St Andrews-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church, in the Presbytery of Moray, held a community barbecue on Sunday August 27, at which they also celebrated the purchase of a public defibrillator in Urquhart.

The barbecue was held to revive and revitalise the church’s connection with the community of Urquhart, and preceded the monthly informal evening service in St Margaret’s Church Hall.

Planning was already underway when the Session Clerk was approached by local resident Doreen McClelland-Jones, a cardiac arrest survivor who had raised funds for a community defibrillator. The decision was taken to place the defibrillator at the entrance to the hall, and to combine the launch with the barbecue. Well over 100 people attended the barbecue, and an unprecedented 50-plus stayed for the service afterwards.

SEND IN THE CLOWNS

To mark the end of the summer holidays, 60 children and leaders at Banff Parish Church took part in circus skills training.

A team from Modo Circus, based in Peterhead, instructed the youngsters in skills including juggling, balancing, plate spinning and tightrope walking. They then spent two more sessions honing their skills before demonstrating them to the congregation at the following Sunday morning worship.

Pictured are some of the children and leaders who took part, with ringmaster Jim Buchan (right) and family worker Karen Cumming (front).

Life and Work staff are available for talks to Guilds and other church groups. Please contact us through 0131 225 5722 or magazine@lifeandwork.org