Bishops’ Lent Appeal 2015 – Scottish Episcopal Institute

Help build the Church of the future by investing in the candidates of today, through the work of the Scottish Episcopal Institute.

For this year’s Bishops’ Lent Appeals, all seven diocesan bishops have agreed to support the training and formation of those entering ministerial training in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

2014 saw the creation of the new Scottish Episcopal Institute (SEI), which replaced the former Theological Institute of the Scottish Episcopal Church (TISEC).

The ethos of the Scottish Episcopal Institute (SEI) has a very intentional emphasis on formation – the shaping of a person for ministerial functions and ensuring that the person has sufficient maturity in Christ to carry those functions.

The Rt Rev Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Argyll & The Isles and Convener of the transitional Institute Council says “We recognise the importance of investing substantially in a candidate’s training and formation, and to equip them as best we can for the wide and varied tasks that they will encounter as they develop their ministry.

“We are already very encouraged by the numbers of potential younger candidates exploring vocation, and funds permitting, we hope to be able to offer full-time training as a possible pathway for some in the future.

“Please give what you can to the Bishops’ Lent Appeal so that we can equip the Church for its future ministry.”

General Synod Committee Vacancies

A number of the General Synod’s committees are currently seeking new members. If you are interested in serving the church in this way or would like further information please contact the relevant member of staff as detailed below.

Appointments are typically made by the Committee’s parent board and are for a period of four years (with the option to serve a second term of four years). The committees currently seeking new members usually meet during the working day in the General Synod Office in Edinburgh. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

Investment Committee

The Committee is responsible for investment strategy and overseeing the performance of the Scottish Episcopal Church Unit Trust Pool. It meets two or three times a year with the Church’s Fund Managers to review performance and to discuss matters of policy. Membership of the Committee is suited to individuals with an active involvement in the investment industry.

Further information from Daphne Audsley – DaphneA@scotland.anglican.org

Retirement Welfare Committee

Much of the Committee’s work is concerned with the oversight of the Church’s stock of about forty properties occupied by retired clergy. The Committee aims to have a mix of clergy (either serving or retired, who are beneficiaries of the SEC Pension Fund), clergy spouses / civil partners (or widowed spouses / civil partners) and others with an interest in the welfare of beneficiaries of the SEC Pension Fund. Given its focus on housing matters (including considerations of the needs of ageing and infirm tenants) individuals with relevant knowledge and experience are particularly welcome. The Committee normally meets three times a year.

Further information from Daphne Audsley – DaphneA@scotland.anglican.org

Pension Fund Member Nominated Trustees

There are six trustees of which two are member nominated. Serving and retired members of the Scottish Episcopal Church Pension Fund are eligible to stand for election. The work of the trustees is wide ranging and training is provided. The Board of Trustees meets two or three times a year.

Further information from Daphne Audsley – DaphneA@scotland.anglican.org

Provincial Committee for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults

A vacancy currently exists on the Provincial Committee for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. The work of the Committee oversees and supports the activities of the Provincial Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, which deals with the Church’s responsibilities for safeguarding the vulnerable.  This includes compliance with relevant legislation, membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme, and the suitability of clergy, employees and volunteers to undertake regulated work with children and vulnerable adults. It would be helpful to have some knowledge of or a professional background in issues related to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable or in a related field such as teaching, social work, child psychology or similar. The Committee meets three time a year at the General Synod Office in Edinburgh with additional contact by means of telephone or e-mail. Enquiries in this respect should be directed to the Secretary General at the General Synod – SecGen@scotland.anglican.org

Diary Date – Launch Service for The Scottish Episcopal Institute

A Service to launch the Scottish Episcopal Institute will take place in St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth on Sunday 4th October at 3pm. The preacher will be the Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Further details to follow.

Scottish Churches Housing Action: “Two Decades of Faith in Action”

The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Rt Rev Dr John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh joined representatives of other Christian denominations at a celebratory event marking the 20th Anniversary of Scottish Churches Housing Action, whose Chief Executive , Alastair Cameron, says “We are still a small organisation but we’ve got a vison that there can be a Scotland free from homelessness and it’s our job to support and encourage the churches in working towards that vision,

“So while we celebrate what we’ve achieved over the past 20 years, we also want to tell church leaders that there remains a challenge of homelessness in Scotland – the job is not done!”

Updates…

At the end of February, the Rev Canon Dr Alison Peden moved from Holy Trinity, Stirling, to St Modoc’s, Doune. As part of the move, Dr Peden’s role as Provincial Director of Ordinands has considerably expanded into a two-thirds post. This development is part of the increased emphasis being placed on formation for ministry, which is also represented in the new Scottish Episcopal Institute. Dr Peden will work closely with the Principal and Director of Studies of the new Institute, and will accompany candidates throughout their Initial Ministerial Education.

The Rev Canon John Lindsay retired from his post as Rector at St Adrian’s, Gullane and St Baldred’s, North Berwick, in addition to his role held within St Mary’s Cathedral Chapter, Edinburgh, at the beginning of March. He continues in his roles as Convener of the Provincial Inter-Church Relations Committee and of the Scottish Episcopal Church Europe Group, and, as a member of the Faith and Order Board.

The Rev Terry Taggart was appointed Priest in Charge at St Peter’s, Stornoway and St Moluag’s, Eoropaidh, Isle of Lewis on 23rd January 2015. The Daily Record ran a news item on his appointment, linking the connection between his surname (Taggart) and previous role as detective here.

It is with sadness we report the recent deaths of the Rev Canon Derek Jupe and the Rev Michael Lawrenson. Derek Jupe was in ordained ministry for over 60 years; mainly ministering in in Ireland and England, in his retirement he served at Peebles and Innerleithen. Ordained for over 40 years, Michael Lawrenson ministered within the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, within non-stipendiary roles, and as Diocesan Supernumerary (1990-1995) and Chaplain at HM Prison Perth (1991-1995). May they rest in peace, and rise in glory.

L’Arche in Scotland – would you like to be involved?

Although grounded in the Christian tradition, L’Arche Communities welcome people of all faiths and none: its vision is a world where all belong.

It takes a diverse group to start a L’Arche Community – people with learning disabilities and their families, people who have worked in a L’Arche Community, support from local churches, volunteers, people able to give professional advice in social work, support provision, finance, housing and fundraising. Could you be one of those people?

If you would like to know more or offer your support please contact Anthony Kramers on 07979 810870 or visit the website http://www.larche.org.uk/

The Very Rev Dr Graham Forbes CBE reappointed as Chair of Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator

The Very Rev Dr Graham Forbes CBE, Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh has been reappointed Chair of Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) for a further term by the Scottish Government. Read the Scottish Government’s press release here, under ‘Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator’.

Dr Forbes’s reappointment will run from 1 March 2015 to 28 February 2019.

You can read Dr Forbes’s biography and Register of Interest here.

Faith in Action

The Faith in Action guide for the year (produced by the Provincial Church in Society Committee) is on the Scottish Episcopal Church website, and covers a separate theme each month.

The guide includes prayer suggestions which could be used for intercessions for the month, as well as ideas for actions, which either individuals or groups within congregations and communities could become involved with.

Feedback on the prayer guide is always welcome, so please contact Elspeth Davey, Church Relations Officer  at ChurchRelations@scotland.anglican.org with any comments or suggestions for additional resource material.

The theme for March is Asylum Seekers – follow the link for more information: http://www.scotland.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/03-march.pdf

Kirchentag 2015 in Stuttgart – 3 to 7 June

You are invited to join 100,000 Christians from Germany, Europe and from around the world at this festival. Study the Scriptures, engage in stimulating discussion, and relate one’s faith to life’s pressing questions. Cost: €98 for adults, and €54 for concessions, family ticket €158. Accommodation available. For more information: www.kirchentag.org.uk, or email John Lindsay at canonjohnlindsay@icloud.com

New Resource for Scottish Episcopal 1982 Gaelic Liturgy

A new page has been launched on the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles website, with text and sound recordings for the 1982 Gaelic Eucharistic liturgy. This resource will allow a learner to understand, practise and deliver this eucharistic service. The English text is shown in parallel with the Gaelic. David McEwan, lay chaplain at St Kiaran’s Campbeltown, has organised this project.

The sound recordings of the liturgy are by the late Alasdair MacInnes and are copyright to The Gaelic Society of the Scottish Episcopal Church, reproduced by permission.

Scottish Episcopal Churches support Zanzibar Anglican Cathedral Restoration & Development Fund

Christ Church Cathedral in Zanzibar, Tanzania, which marks the site of one of the most notorious slave markets in East Africa, is undergoing major restoration work after a successful and wide appeal was made for funding. The Rt Rev Michael Hafidh, Bishop of Zanzibar and Rev Nuhu Sallanya, Heritage Centre Director, visited the UK in February to report progress to the principal locations which have supported the project. Their visit included giving a presentation at St John’s Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh and visiting the Diocese of Argyll & The Isles, with whom it shares a formal companion relationship.

The Rt Rev Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Argyll & The Isles says “The Cathedral in Zanzibar is clearly of great historic and symbolic significance and has attracted widespread interest and support from a number of organisations. The Diocese of Argyll & The Isles has supported a companion relationship with the Diocese of Zanzibar for about 20 years and during this time we have learned much about one another’s people and the cultures within which we live and work.

“I am proud of the generosity of spirit and resources that people across Argyll & The Isles have shown in their support of the Zanzibar appeal, not least from St John’s Cathedral in Oban which is about to embark on a restoration appeal project itself.”

For further information on the Zanzibar appeal fund contact Christopher Hall by email cjph@challca.com

Sparkly Shoes Challenge – Waverley Care

Living with HIV is a challenge – what will your challenge be?

Pick a challenge, make a pledge to Waverley Care, and nominate a friend on Facebook or Twitter.

Your challenge can be anything you want it to be – from giving something up to trying something new. Choose whether you want to do it for 24 hours or 40 days. Suggested ideas include sending a postcard every day for 40 days or committing one act of kindness every day.

For more information, visit: www.waverleycare.org/content/sparklyshoeschallenge/280/

Interfaith Week on Iona – 30 May to 5 June

Interfaith Scotland is holding an Interfaith Week on Iona, within the Iona Community. Participants are invited to engage with one another in exploring interfaith issues such as journeys of faith, common values and issues affecting today’s world. Cost: £335 for adults and £165 for concessions. An access fund is available for those who would find the cost of the week prohibitive. For more information, contact frances@interfaithscotland.org or phone the Interfaith Scotland Office on 0141 420 6982.

Earth Hour 2015 Information Pack for Churches launched by Eco-Congregation Scotland

Join churches from around Scotland marking Earth Hour – download a free information pack today.

This year’s Earth Hour takes place on Saturday 28th March at 8:30 pm. Last year over 150 churches from across Scotland took part in Earth Hour. The year’s Earth Hour Eco-Congregation Scotland and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Scotland have produced an information pack for churches wishing to take part this year.

WWF describes Earth Hour as “a global annual event where hundreds of millions of people switch off their lights for one hour to show they care about our planet. It’s about people from across the globe coming together to create a symbolic and spectacular lights out display and asking for change.”

Vacancy: Communications Officer, Diocese of Edinburgh

Vacancy: Provost, St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth 

Vacancy: Priest-in-Charge, St Peter’s, Stornoway & St Moluag’s, Eoropaidh

Vacancy: Priest-in-Charge, St Ninian’s, Dundee

Vacancy: Children And Families Worker, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness