Spring 2004 Newsletter of
Monikie and Newbigging Church

Newsletter from the Minister -

Rev. J. Harrison Hudson,
22 Hamilton Avenue,
Tayport,
Fife
DD6 9BW
Tel. (01382) 552052
e-mail - jharrisonhudson at hotmail dot com

Dear Friends.
It has been a joy to visit almost all the homes in the congregation.  1 am very grateful for the welcome that you have given me, also for the help of the Session Clerk and three other elders in helping me locate the farms along with providing me with gracious hospitality. In a rural Parish the cows tend not to be very helpful when asking for directions.  Repeated attempts have found some members out and 1 hope to catch tip with them eventually.

Systematic Pastoral visiting is to convey the Church's interest in you, a reflection of God's love, and to encourage all who are able to attend the Church regularly.  This is what every member promised to do in their vows on joining the Church.  The Church is less than complete unless UR in it.

Since November the attendance has doubled as a few have responded to these visits.  This is encouraging to the faithful and the minister.  However, far too many appear not to respond or make any effort to join with their fellow members in worship and fellowship.  From experience I know that the time and effort spent visiting you all is unlikely to meet with a commensurate response from those who rarely and perhaps never come.  Yet people still expect the Church to be there for the great occasions of life - birth, marriage and death. Imagine how upset people would be if the minister and office bearers failed to respond in times of need or crisis?  Our relationship with God and the Church is reciprocal. and if it were not for your faithful fellow members who support the Church with their time, talents, service and presence, there would be no Church to turn to in times of need or crisis.  It is unfair to your fellow members if large sections of the congregation make no attempt to join them on a regular basis.  As we inter-act with one another in worship, fellowship and friendship, we are inspired, uplifted and strengthened to meet the ups and downs of life.  Come and help to make your Church vibrant, a place that is full of fun and friendship.

The congregation is fighting for survival so your presence is vital.  While I can understand our cherished sentiments about buildings, the Church is about people not buildings.  It has been my privilege to preach and worship in great Cathedrals and mud huts where 1 have felt the presence of God in both places.

This Pastoral letter comes to you with the blessing of the Kirk Session.  By visiting and this letter I have done all I can to evoke a response.  It is now up to you.  Together we can inspire each other making the congregation a real force for good in the community.  This is the way to secure better prospects for the congregation's future.  You are in in my thoughts and prayers at this crucial stage in your congregation's life and history.

With all good wishes,
J. Harrison Hudson.

PARISH REGISTER

BAPTISM

• 5th OCTOBER 2003 - Blythe Ellis Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brown, Galloway Cottage, Monikie.
  

FUNERALS

• 2nd JULY 2003 - Mrs. M. Jamie, 34 Ashgrove Court, Blairgowrie, Perthshire.
• 12th JULY 2003 - Elizabeth Scott, 6 Nesbitt Street, Dundee, formerly of 'Lismore', Monikie.
• 20th OCTOBER 2003 - Elizabeth Low, 55 Pitairlie Road, Newbigging.
• 15th NOVEMBER 2003 - W. Martin Young, 56 Broomwell Gardens, Monikie, formerly of Newton of Affleck.
• 12th DECEMBER 2003 - Gracie Malcolm, formerly of 6 Sanderson Place, Newbigging.
  

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

25th APRIL 2004 - Communion Service in Monikie Kirk.  NO SERVICE in Newbigging Church.

30th APRIL 2004 - Ceilidh in Monikie Memorial Hall from 7.30 to 11pm.  Music - The Sound of Dun, Stovie Supper. Adults £5 - Children £2.50.

12th JUNE 2004 - Downfield Musical Society Cabaret Group comes to Monikie Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm.  Tickets on sale shortly - Adults £5 - Children £2.50.  Coffee and tea at the interval included.

All funds in aid of Monikie and Newbigging Church.  Please come and support us.

TREASURER
William S. Arbuckle has agreed to act as Treasurer and we warmly welcome him to this office and hope the congregation will give him their support.  We thank Mrs. Elaine Yeaman for all the work she has done the past. year.

April 2004.

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