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The Easter holiday is over, the chocolate eggs have been eaten and the children and students are back in education with many preparing for exams. Looking at the church calendar, we remain in the season of Easter (Eastertide), which lasts for 50 days (how many of us can make an Easter egg last for 50 days!?), spanning the period from Easter Sunday until Pentecost (Whit Sunday), which this year is on June 5.
The first forty days of Easter represent the time Jesus spent on earth following the resurrection, presenting himself to the apostles and others, offering many convincing proofs, and speaking about the kingdom of God (Acts, Chapter 1). Easter coincides with spring and the Jewish Passover. Spring is nature’s season for new life, of growth and fertility for plants and animals following their winter dormancy or hibernation. In fact, the Christian festival was originally called Pascha (Hebrew, Pesah) due to its association with the Jewish Passover, a major festival celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (around 1400-1500 BC) which includes a main course of roast lamb. Jesus is sometimes referred to as the Paschal Lamb, or the Lamb of God, linking the crucifixion to the Passover sacrifice. From a Christian perspective this time of year is central to our faith. I tend to view the crucifixion and the resurrection as being like the two faces of a coin, both very different, but for the coin to exist it must have a head and a tail. When viewed from one side we see the cross, representing the pain and suffering of Jesus’ death. When viewed from the other side we see the hope of new life in His resurrection. The connection between these events is a sacred mystery, known as the Paschal Mystery (although the term is probably more familiar within the Catholic or Orthodox traditions rather than Presbyterianism). Nevertheless, the mystery is possibly best summarised by the words In John’s Gospel (Ch 3, v16): For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Jesus taught that where there is love, there is hope. It is a powerful, enduring message, and it is written on the heart of each one of us. It is a message we can choose to follow or ignore, but if we choose to ignore it, I do not believe that God will ignore us. Another name for Jesus is Prince of Peace, a term highly relevant at the current time of war and genocide particularly in Ukraine. But consider this, during his time on earth Jesus was known, among other things, for his humility and wisdom. As far as we know, He had no material possessions. He didn’t even write his own story. And yet, what He left behind will endure forever. We have to believe this. In amongst the chaos of human existence God is still speaking. We need to remember that He brings cosmos out of Chaos even in the face of this time of great change in the church where the presbytery plan is bringing hurt and confusion and upset for many. Even in the face of the post covid anxiety that affects people at the deepest level and even where the images of the war disturb us at the most visceral levels. In the weeks that lie ahead, may we continue to pray for wisdom, discernment, and compassion for those who suffer and for those with power over war and peace. With every blessing, Rev Steven
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Each time I go into the hall of a school in Edinburgh, I am reminded of the school’s values. In very large letters on the wall are the words FRIENDSHIP, FORGIVENESS, TRUST and COMPASSION. For me, it’s a really good reminder of Jesus’ teaching and example for us to follow. Children should be taught that amongst all the valuable educational learning there is something else that is as important, and this is a sense of looking out for each other and helping those who need it.
Serving others has been a Christian virtue since the dawn of Christianity. Jesus Himself was the Suffering Servant of old, a truth which He underlined when He washed His disciples’ feet in the Upper Room. If Jesus gave His life in service to others, how can we expect to do anything less? What’s more, He tells us it’s by our love for each other the world will know we’re His. The fact is, serving others accomplishes more than even that. You’ve probably heard the words 'love your neighbour as yourself” so many times by now they've lost a little meaning and impact. In addition, we live in such an individualistic society it’s easy to get caught up in our own things most of the time and not even notice our neighbours. While the Bible is clear that our motivation should always be the love of Christ, serving and helping others is also beneficial for growing in Christ. Serving others forces you to take your focus off yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all in the same boat, often focused mostly on ourselves. The more you take your eyes off yourself, the more you’ll see others and the more you’ll see God all around you. At Easter, our minds were focused on the actions of Jesus when he died and rose again. This month, we have a different kind of focus as we are asked to show compassion to our ‘neighbours’. There are 3 key weeks of looking out for compassion during May: 9 to 15 May is Mental Health Awareness Week, and from 15 to 21 May is Christian Aid Week and finally, 20 to 26 May is Dementia Action Week. Then our news channels and internet remind us constantly that we have to bear the needs of those suffering in Ukraine and Yemen and Sudan and so on and so on. There are so many who deserve our compassion. On Easter Day we celebrated Christ’s return from the dead. But for the first disciples like us, the resurrection was a bit of a roller-coaster experience – yes, they rejoiced to see Jesus again, but He came and went unexpectedly, they never knew when or if they would see Him again. What were they supposed to do now? Instead of hiding in a locked room in fear, the disciples gathered in prayer and expectation, waiting for what is to happen next. So like the disciples we pray for and wrestle with our own futures, but we should also pray for the vision, the will and the guidance to play our part in reaching out to and serving others. O Lord, send your Holy Spirit, that we may share the life of your Son and your love with those around us. How can we help? How can we show some compassion? Lord Show us the way. Amen - By an Elder Christian Aid has made a press release for the Booksale as follows – you might spot it somewhere: “The Holy Corner book sale is much loved and has been a feature of the Bruntsfield community for many years. This year we’ll be selling an excellent selection of Scottish and collectible books, paperback fiction, history, art and children's books as well as many others. We look forward to opening our doors in May and once again raising money for Christian Aid, a charity that does amazing work with those living in extreme poverty.” We look forward to welcoming you to the sale at Morningside United Church, in the Main Hall – entry via the lane from Bruntsfield Place. Saturday 14 May 10am – 5pm (Refreshments available 10am – 4pm in small Hall) Sunday 15 May 1pm – 5pm or visit us at www.holycornerbooksale.wordpress.com That gives a good summary of what it’s about and when – anyone able to help during the sale please use the website link – also on the MUC website or speak to David or Lesley Donald. We’re grateful for help from a few strong members of the Romanian Church for box shifting, so the sale tasks are lighter duties. If you can help with refreshments on the Saturday, please speak to Yvonne Burnett. Our Christian Aid Week Service is on 10.30am 15 May at Marchmont St Giles and includes MUC, the German Church Congregation and St Catherine’s Argyle. Christian Aid Envelopes will be available at that service for you to donate. They will also be available the week before and after at MUC. There are online donation options also on the Christian Aid Website. Christian Aid also makes individual donation pages for churches - Morningside United Church Christian Aid Week 2022 (give-star.com). We have a ‘Give Star’ device that will let us take contactless card payments at the Booksale also. Donations made by the device, or the special page go direct to Christian Aid and are recorded to our total. Cash or cheques go into our Christian Aid bank account and are paid out to Christian Aid later. May
I cannot tell you how it was, But this I know: it came to pass Upon a bright and sunny day When May was young; ah, pleasant May! As yet the poppies were not born Between the blades of tender corn; The last egg had not hatched as yet, Nor any bird foregone its mate. I cannot tell you what it was, But this I know: it did but pass. It passed away with sunny May, Like all sweet things it passed away, And left me old, and cold, and gray. Poem by: Christina Rossetti Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad. But never forget to remember The things that made you glad. Always remember to forget The friends that proved untrue. But never forget to remember Those that have stuck by you. Always remember to forget The troubles that passed away. But never forget to remember The blessings that come each day. We would like to thank everyone for their help and support over the Holy week and Easter. The Lent appeal has so far raised £1996, thank you so much to everyone who has donated. There is a small amount still to be handed in – so the total should be over £2,000. Gift Aid will also be added to this. The money collected is to be split between:
Thank you for your support.
If you would like to help arrange the flowers one week, please speak to Maggie McKenzie on 0131 261 4908. Your help would be much appreciated. Coffee Mornings – (Small Hall) ...All are welcome for coffee, biscuits and friendship!
Music Performance: Edinburgh Napier University Degree Show – 11 May in the afternoon (TBA)
I am very conscious that some time has passed since we mentioned in worship and by letter that some of us had attended gatherings of our cluster group in February and March.
One of the things that emerged from those meetings was to try and collaborate with St Catherine's and Marchmont St Giles. Negotiations have started in earnest, and we have more meetings this month because a timetable has been framed that requires a draft presbytery plan by June of this year. In essence the ministry allocation is being halved by 2025. ...This creates many challenges and I think it is fair to say that no congregation will be left unaffected. Our conversations have been very positive and encouraging and we were working together through Holy week, at Christian Aid and will be worshipping together also. None of us know exactly what will emerge from these discussions, but it is certainly my desire that what is proposed and eventually realised is a plan that will be sustainable, and life-giving and see MUC very much engaged and involved in the mission of the surrounding area as we go forward together. We will keep you up to date with how things are progressing as we go forward. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you would like to discuss this further. We will do our best to answer any questions or concerns as they arise. With every blessing, Steven A Word from the Manse
I recall a conversation with a friend. He had just received the news he had cancer, and the diagnosis was terminal. The doctors were not sure, but perhaps he had months, maybe, a year to live. In the weeks and months that followed his life changed. The reality of this news, very real and present, shaped how he went about the business of living. Plans were brought forward, places and people he wanted to see were made a priority. It got me thinking about how our perception of reality shapes how we live our lives. In the context of the War in Europe, post pandemic life in the UK and the restructuring of our lives and relationships that have followed, our own realities are shaping our lives. In the church this is exacerbated by presbytery plans and closures. Reality can feel bleak, but it doesn’t have to feel this way. Easter is an opportunity given by faith to stop panicking and to live without fear, because it seems to me that much of our living is driven by our fears. Fears about how we look, the future, whether we are loved, our past experiences, jobs, health, homes, children. How much of our living is shaped by the reality of our fears? I know mine is. I can often feel my own fears, their control, oppression, and excitement. But our faith teaches in the scriptures that God is in all our realities especially when they are challenging. In the Old Testament, in "Isaiah 43:2. we read "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you". And so, to the promises of Easter and the empty tomb. In just over two weeks we are invited to remember the Easter story. Its retelling will resound throughout the world. It will tell us how Jesus' suffering on the cross was an act of love that frees us to live in hope, certain of a different reality of life. You see, the story of the first Easter shaped the lives of those who first encountered it. For the disciples, the thief on the cross, the centurions, the women of Jerusalem, the ordinary people of the time witnessed to the fact that God showed no partiality because Jesus' unfettered love for humanity was compassionate, all encompassing, profligate and unending. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, paralysed with fear and grief, found themselves somehow strengthened by their encounter with the risen Jesus, and so they were able to respond to this new reality, and went to tell Jesus' friends in Galilee. Jesus' love, made explicit in his death and resurrection, was able to cast out their fears and allowed them to move to a different rhythm of life. It seems to me then, that experiencing Easter is a bit like experiencing the gift of hope offered by the empty tomb. It does not mean life will be easy or that we won't be taken advantage of as a community or individuals, but it will mean that increasingly we will be able to let Jesus' perfect love cast out our fears, and this means how we live our lives may be profoundly different. We won't have to win that argument, fear the consequences of speaking truth to power, incessantly worry about our future or that of our children or grandchildren. We won't have to exclude this or that group of people, or store up treasures on earth, or, as my friend witnessed, let his terminal diagnosis of cancer crush his remaining life out of him. Easter is for us, the story of the conquering of death and a hope filled life touched by God in the gift of love offered by Jesus. My prayer for you this Easter is that you will find peace and love, that the risen Lord will help cast out your fears, and transform your lives to live in the moment. With every blessing, Rev Steven Church Life at MUC – An Update...
Choral Music and Meditations for Holy Thursday On Maundy Thursday at 7pm there will be an opportunity for reflection with choral music by Bach, Duruflé, Stainer and Chilcott, interspersed with readings and mediations. The meditations are led by Rev Steven Manders, and the vocal ensemble is directed by Brigitte Harris. All are welcome. EASTER CONCERT FUNDRAISER FOR THE BRITISH RED CROSS UKRAINIAN CRISIS APPEAL Dear Friends, The Romanian Orthodox Church warmly invites you to a Charity Choral Concert in aid of the British Red Cross Ukrainian Crisis Appeal, which is currently providing humanitarian relief to people fleeing conflict in Ukraine. Much of their activity is taking place at Ukraine's borders included that shared with Romania, so this charity is particularly meaningful to our congregation. The concert is on Saturday 16 April at 7pm, at Morningside United Church. We have invited Russkaya Cappella to come over from Glasgow to provide a seasonal programme of music for Lent from the Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Anglican traditions.
welcome your support. Christian Aid Week 15 -21 May 2022 In the last Link we explained the different format of the Holy Corner Booksale this year - in the Main Hall on Saturday 14 May 10 am – 5 pm and on Sunday 15 May 1pm – 5pm. Teas and coffees will also be available on Saturday14 from 10am to 4pm in the small hall. Many people save up books to donate – which is normally welcomed. However, as already mentioned in last month’s article, this year we are working only with the books we already had collected and stored in the basement. We’re glad to let you know that there is another option to benefit Christian Aid with books you have collected. The George Street Christian Aid Sale run by St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church is also re-starting this year. They have much less space to store books from year to year than we do and are looking for donations for the sale. The times that donations can be received at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church are:
As well as books, they take antiques, printed ephemera, maps, stamps, postcards, sheet music, records, CDs and DVDs, toys, games and jigsaws. The George Street Sale runs on
Many people like to visit both sales. Flyers for both sales are now in MUC vestibule. Please take and distribute to people you know who might be interested. More information is available from David and Lesley Donald if you are interested in helping. You can also use the contact form on the Booksale website. https://holycornerbooksale.wordpress.com/ ENCC – A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening You are warmly invited to join the Edinburgh Napier Chamber choir at their first live performance since lockdown. Presenting a varied programme including songs by female composers along with old favourites, the concert will feature works for choir with several solos and small ensembles showcasing our members. Please join us to show your support for what will prove to be A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening. The concert will begin at 7:30pm on Friday 8 April at Morningside United Church, Edinburgh. Tickets cost £9 per adult, £5 for a concession, and are available on the door. We hope to see you there! A Prayer for April Christ the Lord is risen, and as all the world rejoices, singing of his glory with such joyful hearts and voices. May you find that Easter brings you peace and faith and hope anew, and may these blessings fill your heart with joy the whole year through. Easter reminds us that hope must never be lost, for as dark as the road may seem, there always lies light at the end of it. May all your prayers be fulfilled. Easter Poem May your Easter be happy, May your day be bright, May you enjoy the treats, And sweet delights. But remember the meaning, Remember God’s gift, Remember the resurrection, Your soul uplift. LENT APPEAL Ukraine Thank you for the generous donations received so far. The money collected is to be split between:
Cash or cheques in the bucket at church, by post or by electronic payment to the church account are all welcome. If you have a Gift Aid declaration to MUC gift aid this will be claimed and added on – please use a cheque or electronic means, or for cash an envelope with your name on it. Morningside United Church Sort Code: 80-02-85 Account No: 00551871 If you use a bank payment, please put the reference “Lent” or “Ukraine”. (Your name will appear anyway). Any cheques should be made payable to MUC – with the account name only on the front of the cheque. If you are posting a cheque and you want to make it clear it is for the appeal rather than a general donation for MUC funds, please put a note separately or on the back of the cheque. Thank you for your support. Flowers for April 2022 3 April Mrs Elizabeth MacGregor 10 April Vacant 17 April (Easter) Max Allen 24 April Vacant If you would like to help arrange the flowers one week, please speak to Maggie McKenzie on 0131 261 4908. Your help would be much appreciated. The Link Magazine is available on our website to view, and in Church. If you would prefer to have it emailed to you, please email [email protected]. Photography: Front page: Fergus McKernan To get in contact, please email: [email protected] Copyright Licence 817955 Scottish Charity No. 015552 |
AboutThe Link is a monthly publication by members and staff of Morningside United Church. Archives
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