The Manse Manse Road Kirkton of Skene Aberdeenshire AB32 6LX Tel: 01224 745955 Email: Minister.skeneparish@mail.

com Dear friends, Advent is coming. In fact its very nearly here. In the church, it is a season of preparation and expectant waiting. Waiting to celebrate the coming of Jesus as one of us and waiting for His second coming. It is a time of slowing down, stopping, reflecting and examining. Taking time to savour the bible passages that point to the coming of the Messiah before celebrating the amazing Good News that our Saviour has been born. But perhaps we are more familiar with Advent as the time of lists, queues, mince pies, last minute shopping, eating, cards, sausage rolls, mulled wine, wrapping paper, parties, lights, more mince pies and decorations. A season of non-stop busyness. A time of desperately trying to get ready for the 25th December, when we can finally relax. How do we bring these two experiences together? How do we get our hearts ready for Christmas as well as preparing our homes? How do we ensure that we have spent time with the story before arriving at the final scene? How do we make room for Jesus before we reach the manger on Christmas Eve? How do we make space for God to speak to us through a story that is so familiar and yet so life-changing? We will be journeying through Advent looking at those who waited for that first Christmas. We will spend time with the prophets as they tell the coming of the Messiah. We will wonder in amazement at the expectant wifie Elizabeth. We will come alongside Mary as she prepares herself. We will think about Joseph and his expectations. And we will explore our own expectations for this Christmas season. Come and join us as we get ready with anticipation and as we celebrate with joyful hearts. Your minister, Rev Stella Campbell PS A huge thank you to everyone for their contribution and help with our Stewardship Season. We will be able to report back more in the New Year but we really appreciate the responses we received.

CONTACT THE MINISTER

For pastoral issues, Weddings, Baptisms etc, please do not hesitate to contact the Reverend Stella direct. The Manse telephone number is 01224 745955 or you can e-mail Minister.skeneparish@mail.com.

NEW MEMBERS:
If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the church, please contact Rev Stella.

COMMUNION SERVICES
Sunday 2nd December Sunday 9th December at Trinity Church at 10.00am at Skene Church at 11.15am

CHRISTMAS 2012 WHATS HAPPENING?

Our theme through Advent will be expectant waiting, as we look to the lives of those who waited for that very first Christmas. Date, time and location 2nd December 2nd December 2nd December 9th December 9th December 15 December 16th December 16th December 18th December 22nd December 23rd December 24 December 24th December 25th December 30th December
th th

Time and Location 10am - Trinity 11.15am Skene 4-6pm - Trinity 10am - Trinity 11.15am - Skene 7pm - Trinity 10am Trinity 11.15am - Skene 6.30pm - Skene 10am - Skene 9-1pm Trinity (Short service at 12.30pm) 10am Trinity 11.15am - Skene 4pm Trinity 11pm for 11.30pm Skene 10am - Skene 10am - Trinity

Activity Communion Messy Christingle Morning Worship Communion Brand Christmas Party Morning Worship Songs of Praise Toddler Service Reflection and prayer All-age worship Christmas Eve service Watchnight service Christmas Day joint all age service Joint service

Theme Great Expectations Great Expectations Light of the World Waiting with Elizabeth and Zechariah Waiting with Elizabeth and Zechariah

Waiting with Mary Christmas Celebration TIMEOUT

Waiting with Joseph The waitings nearly over Our expectations All that we have been waiting for! Nine lessons and carols

Families are invited to join us for our first ever Messy Christingle Service on Sunday 2nd December from 4-6pm at Trinity Church. There will be craft activities, a bible story and singing all followed by a simple meal. Come and kick start Advent with us!

ADVENT TIMEOUT
As we come closer to our Christmas celebrations Trinity Church will be open on the morning of Saturday 22nd December for a time of prayer and reflection. From 9am until 12.30pm, there will be prayer stations set up within the sanctuary to allow you to have a time out with God. You can come for a 15 minute pit stop or stay longer you can come and sit in quiet reflection or you can move around the stations. Tea/coffee will be available in the lounge. At 12.30pm there will be a short reflective service to draw the time to a close.

THANKSGIVING AND REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Sunday 25th November at 6pm at Skene Church Advent is a time of preparation. For those who have been bereaved, preparing for Christmas can be difficult. This is an opportunity to gather in worship, remember our loved ones and give thanks for their lives. All are welcome.

TRANSPORT TO CHURCH
It is appreciated that some members may have difficulty in attending Sunday morning Church Services owing to a lack of transport. A Transport Group has been established that is willing to transport people to and from Church. Anyone wanting a lift to Church should contact Iain Miller on 741406.

CRECHE
Crche facilities for children ages 0-3years are provided during morning worship in both Churches. Sheila Smith organizes the Trinity Church Crche and can be contacted via the church office (tel 742512) while information on the crche at Skene Church can be had from the Minister.

AFTER SERVICES TEAS/COFFEES

Sunday teas are held in both Skene and Trinity services. Skene has teas on the last Sunday of the month. Trinity has every Sunday in the lounge. If you would like to help contact: Ann Findlay (Trinity) 741591 or Margaret Mearns (Skene) 740176.

MIDWEEK WORSHIP
Our midweek service of worship is a pit-stop during the week in which we gather to pray, reflect, discuss, to sing and be renewed in Gods presence and in the company of others. If you havent been before or for a while, come and give it a try. It is there to help us deepen our fellowship and our faith. Trinity Church 7.00pm on Wednesdays (except the first Wednesday in the month)

AFTERNOON SERVICE & TEA

2pm - First Wednesday in the month For those who are unable to join us in worship on a Sunday morning, we have introduced a new short monthly service, with the help of the Action Group. The service will be followed by tea/coffee and a fine piece. If you need help with transport, please contact Rosanna Rorie (tel: 742512) or Morag Hendry. (tel: 741672) The dates for our next services are: December 5th, January 9th, February 6th and March 6th.

HOSPITAL VISITING
If you or a relative, friend or neighbour are going into hospital please let us know so that a visit can be arranged. You can either contact Rev Stella Campbell (tel:745955) Marion Stewart (tel:743407) or the church office (742512).

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

If you have M.S. and are able to get out and about, why not join us for a chat at our monthly meetings, usually held in the Lounge at Trinity Church. For more information, please contact: Margaret tel 742929 or Pat tel 741587

NEW MEMBERS
We welcome to the Congregation the following new members: Leslie Hardie, 4 Carnie Avenue Joanna Forbes, 70 Kinmundy Drive

BAPTISMS
It has been our pleasure to welcome to our Church Family by Baptism: Grace Rosemary Milne, 33 Kinmundy Drive Poppy Clare Emmett, 40 Rona Place Olivia Anne Brockie, 39 Callum Crescent

THANKSGIVING AND BLESSING

We have been delighted to celebrate the blessing of: Oliver Milne Watt, 12 Burnland Crescent Mackenzie Milne Watt, 12 Burnland Crescent Mylo Lenny Alderson, 1B Maynard Road, Walthamstow, London

DEATHS
We remember with thanksgiving those who have died recently, and we offer their relatives our prayerful sympathy: Sylvia Jenkinson, Eden Cottage, 6 The Terrace, Echt David Wilson, 3 Eastside Drive George Greig, 8 Westhill Crescent Alison McPherson, Hill of Blackchambers Betty Yule, 23 Blackhills Court Alan Tough, 7 Westdyke Court Blanche Dawson, Hawkhill Nursing Home Christina Budd, 68 Eastside Drive Christina Shand, Brotherfield Isobel Dingwall, Kirkton House

WEDDINGS
As they begin their married life together, we offer our congratulations to: Susan Bruce to Craig Beattie, 87 Woodend Crescent Karen Wallace to Alexander Rodgers, 61 Woodcroft Avenue Krista Henderson to Derek Beaumont, 14 Broomhill Park

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT
Ailsa Margaret Reid 21 Leslie Crescent, Westhill and Ian Richard Batters, York, were married on August 10th 2012 at St Mary's Church Haxby, N. Yorks. Both families are delighted. The happy couple are now living in Barlby, N. Yorks. Ailsa has lived in York for 8 years and is currently working as a primary school teacher. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to both Ailsa and Ian.

MISHAS CHRISTMAS STORY

It happened at an orphanage in Russia just after the fall of Communism. There were about 100 orphans, boys and girls who had been abandoned and abused. On Christmas Eve the American teacher gathered everyone together and told them the Christmas story. As the story was translated children and staff were sitting on the edges of their seats. After the story it was time for a bit of Messy Church when the children were invited to recreate the manger scene. Misha aged 6 finished first. The teacher looked at the manger and saw that there were two babies. Through the translator the teacher asked Misha, Why two? Crossing his arms and contemplating the manger scene, Misha retold the Christmas story. When he reached the point when Mary put Jesus in the manger, Misha began to ad lib: and when Mary put Jesus in the manger, he looked at me and asked, Have you any place to stay? I told him I have no Mama or Papa, so I dont have any place to stay. Then Jesus said, Stay with me. But I thought I couldnt because I had no gift for him. Then I said, If I keep you warm, would that be a good enough gift?Jesus said, That would be the best gift of all. So I got into the manger with Jesus and he said, You can stay with mefor always. When little Misha finished his story his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his cheeks. His head dropped and his shoulder shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon or abuse him, and would stay with himfor always. (from A Treasury of Christmas Gems compiled by David Marshall) Marion Stewart

DISCOVERY GROUP
We are a group who meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in Trinity Lounge at 7.30pm. We come together and encourage each other in faith through Bible Readings, videos, speakers, etc. You are not asked to pray, sing or read out loud come along and simply listen and enjoy the fellowship. Please do not feel you have to come every week, we will be delighted to see you whenever you can make it. As we said, these meetings are to encourage one another, and those of us who are there find them challenging and comfortable. Our last meeting for this year will be 4th December resuming again with a new session on Tuesday 5th February. For further information please phone: Iain and Dawn Miller 741406 or John and Susan Anderson 743503

TRAIDCRAFT
The stall at Trinity Church each Sunday is doing well at the moment, Skene church has had some new goodies in the Traidcraft corner, please keep on giving your support. The coffee afternoon which was well attended at my home raised 385. Thanks to all who make it worth all the time that is spent on going to coffee mornings and other venues Im never sure where I will be asked to take it next. Anyone who would like to order Traidcraft items can do so on a Sunday morning in Trinity Church or Skene Church, where there are catalogues available. Contact Ann Findlay on 741591 with any enquiries.

BADMINTON GROUP
The Badminton Group meets in Trinity on a Monday at 7.30pm (except the 2nd Monday of the month) in the back hall. There is an open invitation to everyone church members or not to join us. Spare racquets are available. More details from Alastair Kinnon on Tel 742941

WANTED
If anyone has any double knitting wool that they no longer require, the Eco Group would be delighted to have it. The wool will be used for two projects: 1. 2. Knitting the little vests and hats for the Fish and Chips Babies in Africa Knitting tea cosies for the large teapots used in the church kitchens.

Donations can be handed to any member of the Eco Group or can be handed in to the Church Office. We will be delighted to receive any donations.

CAN YOU HELP US FOUR TIMES A YEAR?

Could you spare an hour or two, 4 times a year to hand-deliver our magazine we are always looking for new volunteers. Please contact Margaret Mearns, 01224 740716, jackmearns@talktalk.net

ADVENT REFLECTION FROM THE IONA COMMUNITY

In the beginning, God allowed for chaos, for troubled dreams, and uncertain sounds, and fear in the darkness. Then, when chaos was most threatening and hope was bleakest, God said, Let there be light And there was light. So, remember the chaos, the uncertainty, the confusion in which you once floundered, and give thanks for the light. In the course of time, God allowed for a journey from ourselves to other people, from restriction to freedom, from a forgotten place to a promised land. And when the journey was hardest, and the way ahead unclear, and the temptation to turn back most alluring, God said, Let there be light, And there was light. So, remember your journey and how far you have travelled, and give thanks for the light. Later yet, God allowed for the special place: for friendship to grow for truth to be discovered for faith to become real On the mountaintop and in quiet places, God blessed us, saying, Let there be light. And there was light. So remember not why, but how and when and where youve been blessed, and give thanks for the light. And then, when the light was brightest, and life was good, despite our better judgment, but in solidarity with all humankind, we chased shadows, and chose darkness. So, remember how and when and where and perhaps why you have wandered from the light. Because God loves us, there will be light again. Not first in chaos, not first on the journey, not first for the special place, but on the ground and in a hidden place, God will come, offering a babys hand to greet us.

Kids Page Colour in

Rosanna has prepared a wordsearch for you to try you will find it on page 10

HELP !!!!!!!
The ladies who look after the babies and toddlers at the Crche in Trinity Church each Sunday morning are really super - but the magazine editor is not so careful and has lost a baby can you please help find it. It may be hiding somewhere in this magazine.

WESTHILL HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB

Did you go to the Holiday Bible Club? If so can you spot yourself in the photo on page 18?

GREETINGS FROM KHAYAKHULU

Molweni, Kunjani (Hello Everyone, how are you?) This is a formal greeting in Xhosa, which is the language spoken by the tribes in the Tswane district of North West Province, South Africa. Yes, Ann, Jenny, Ruth and Margaret have arrived back safely after what could only be described as an amazing experience of a lifetime. Khayakhulu means Big Home for All and was formerly a big farm known as Rhenosterboom until late 1924, when it was renamed after being bought over by the current Chief's grandfather when he and his subjects returned from fighting in the First World War. They bought the farm with their war bonds. The township is very spread out and, when we visited in October, there had been no rain since late February. In general there is no running water, but an enormous tank, at one end of the township, supplies water to the inhabitants who travel great distances on foot with their water containers in a wheelbarrow.

The welcome we received from Chief Zibi and his wife was very warm and we were accommodated in their sons' homes. Two lady Elders from the Church, Elizabeth and Gertrude, made us very welcome and shared much time and experiences with us. They invited us to participate in the Church Service on the Sunday. This was a truly emotional, spiritual and uplifting service which will remain in our hearts for ever. Elizabeth, who conducted the service, as they have no minister, spoke in English which was very humbling. The singing was so wonderful and so spontaneous. All the ladies made great efforts to communicate in English, which was much appreciated. The people we met throughout our stay made great efforts to show us as much as possible. They have a very hard life but are always smiling and never complain. We have learned a great deal from this visit and hope, through determined efforts on both sides, to develop friendship, fellowship, spiritual support and a greater understanding of each other's needs. There are so many stories to share but not enough space here. However, in closing, I, on behalf of the four of us, would like to thank Rev. Stella, Rev. Alan, Deacon Marion and our long suffering husbands for all their prayers, love and support. In addition grateful thanks are due to those who helped raise money, provided items, made aprons and showed great interest in our venture. Margaret Mearns - on behalf of the group.

A warm welcome from the church office!

How the year has flown by! In early December, we will be decorating our churches with Christmas trees - if you would like to make a decoration for the trees and/or if there are any young artists out there, who enjoy drawing, it would be lovely to receive pictures of what Christmas means to you. Like last year, we plan to display the pictures at Trinity. Please bring your homemade decorations by the 7th December and pictures before 21st December. Sorry, we are unable to return any received. Thank you: May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with the many church office projects/tasks throughout the year your help is invaluable and so very much appreciated! As this is the last issue for 2012, I thought why not do something different and give you a wordsearch to do!

Remember, you can keep up-to-date by logging on to www.skeneparish.com Have a lovely Christmas and wonderful New Year! Best wishes, Rosanna

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SKENE SINGERS
We will be having a Christmas Concert on the 19th December in Skene Church 7.30pm donation at door to go to charity. Hope you can manage to hear our new programme

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TEAS

The place to be for Afternoon Tea Is Trinity Church every Wednesday Our afternoon teas continue to be successful, so much so that we require extra bakers and helpers. This is worked on a 4-6 week rota, so, if you have the time to bake one item during that period please call us or if you would like to join the friendly, cheerful team in the kitchen we would be glad to hear from you as well. Our Cook Book has proved to be very popular at 1.50 per copy, if you have not managed to get your hands on a copy let us know and we can do another batch. The Team will be taking a break over Christmas and will be closed on the 26 th Dec 2012 and 2nd Jan 2013. We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Good New Year and thank you for your continued support. Carol Green Sheila Gray Ann Findlay Jill Chessor 741965 744951 741591 742823

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS

The annual Marks and Spencer Christmas Card Recycling Scheme, which will take place once again in January 2013, is different to most kerbside recycling schemes because, at the same time as making sure vast quantities of card are recycled, it supports the Woodland Trust by paying for thousands of extra trees to be planted in the UK each year. Kerbside recycling schemes usually don't offer the charitable aspect of the M&S Scheme, so you can be sure that the extra effort you make to drop your Christmas cards off at your local M&S really does lead to a big impact on the protection, planting and enjoyment of the UK's beautiful woodland landscapes. The Woodland Trust used to run the Christmas Card Recycling Scheme, but stopped doing so in 2011. Since then Marks and Spencer have run it and donated proceeds from the sale of the recycled cards to the Woodland Trust to plant more native trees around the UK.

CROSSREACH
If you are creative or enjoy entering competitions, Crossreach has a project to suit you! They run a competition each year to design a Christmas Card currently for Christmas 2013 of course entries by the end of February 2013. Last year a little girl from Peterculter won but all ages can enter this years design is obviously by an adult. There are posters with full details in both Skene and Trinity churches, or you can phone me on 741656 Ann Stewart

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THE STORY OF NINAS ROSARY

As told by Dawn Millar We are truly grateful to Dawn for sharing this true story. The rosary was given to me by a very Godly woman called Francesca. Francesca lives in a small fishing village called Porta Santa Stefano in the Tuscany hills. She is one of the most humble people I have ever met. Every morning Francesca goes to her local church to thank God for the day and all that it will bring, she then goes up to the monastery with basket in hand with fresh fruit and veg from her small garden. At the monastery she cooks and cleans for the monks, all voluntary. Her greatest pride is cleaning the church in the monastery because women are not allowed in on their own. It was one day while cleaning the church that the door opened and in stepped Pope John Paul. He was making a private visit to the monastery so there were no crowds, just her, John Paul and a few monks. As you can imagine to a devout Catholic like Francesca this was a moment she would never forget. He thanked her for all the hard work she did for the monks and blessed her and gave her the gift of the rosary beads which he also blessed. Francesca told me that John Paul had an amazing presence about him, she felt she was standing in the presence of God himself and that moment is still nestled in her heart. Francesca gave me the rosary when she came one Christmas, her first time away from Italy. Iain and I had been having her son stay with us (my nieces boyfriend) he had come to Scotland looking for work. She wanted to thank us for looking after him and the rosary was a gift. As you can imagine the feeling of meekness I felt as this dear lady gave me something that meant so much to her. When going to visit Liz one day, I strongly felt God telling me to give the rosary to Liz. I didnt know why but I have learnt that when God asks you to do something it is for a good reason. I did know it would somehow help with the healing, maybe not in the way we would have wished, but I knew Liz would appreciate it and know it was given in love from two sisters in Christ, Francesca and myself. I feel so blessed for the times I spent with Liz, a woman who surely knew and loved her God. I know now why God prompted me that day to give the rosary to Liz, He knew Nina and her heritage and my prayer is that one day she will learn the story behind it and it will be a reminder that her grannie will always be a part of her life because God said so through this story. Liz died three months after Nina was born. Ninas mum is Polish just like the late Pope John Paul. The rosary was given to Nina at her Baptism 21st March 2010.

LETS HEAR FROM YOU

Have you an amusing story to tell been on an exciting journey or do you have any special experiences you would like to share with others? Have you any really yummy recipes? Are you good at making up poetry or short quizzes? What is your favourite bible story or hymn and why? What would you like to see included in your church magazine?

Our magazine material is produced by representatives of the various church organisations to let you know what they have been up to and to provide details of forthcoming events and organisational contacts. We would however love to hear from any of our members young or not so young - how about sending us something for the next edition! We cannot promise to include everything that month and may have to edit the more lengthy items. We are most grateful to those who have already submitted contributions for this edition of the magazine. Material headed Church Magazine may be submitted to Rosanna at the church office or e-mailed to Donald at doneli@tiscali.co.uk.

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MILNE HALL-KIRKTON OF SKENE

With the support of Aberdeenshire Council, the Milne Hall in the Kirkton of Skene has had the main hall repainted for the first time in several years. The hall is looking good, but the management committee continue to work hard to improve the hall for the users, with much needed improvements in the toilet facilities being the main objective. The hall committee arrange the famous Kirkton of Skene Gala & Cartie Races and the 2013 date will be announced in the spring. Regular activities open to everyone: Zumba, 7.00-8.00pm every Monday. A Social Tea Dance Group meets on Tuesday afternoons 2-4.30pm. Skene Indoor Bowling Club meets on Tuesday evenings. For P1-S1 children, the Youth Club meets on Thursdays 6-7.00pm. Jazzercise, 7.30-8.30pm every Thursday. Highland dance classes on Friday evenings. Upcoming Events at the Milne Hall: Scottish Accordion Group concert, 7.30pm Wednesday 5th December. 5 adults, 2.50 children including tea/coffee at the interval. Tickets available at the village shop, Kirkton of Skene, or from any committee member. Christmas Eve family film show. A relaxed family evening before the big day watching a film suitable for all. 6.50 for 7.00pm with juice and popcorn on sale. Hogmanay Ceilidh. 8.00pm-1.00am. 10 for adults, children 3, includes a Ploughmans Supper. Bring your own drinks. Tickets available at the village shop, Kirkton of Skene, or from any committee member. Donations for the raffle appreciated. For any queries about the Milne Hall, contact the committee chairperson, Elaine Freeman on 742804 or Steve Cole 744312 Steve Cole

SKENE PARISH CHURCH GUILD

Our numbers are continuing to grow and we had a good start to our session with entertainment from Jack Mearns who stepped in at the last minute to save the day, we all had a great night. By the time the magazine goes out we will have had our November meeting with a talk by Aberdeen Foyer, and our Handbag auction to celebrate Guild week which ran from the 18th Sun 25th Nov, when the Guild will lead the Sunday service in Trinity. December will see us at the Holiday Inn for our party night; we are all looking forward to it. Another year and we start on January 14th with a speaker from Somebody Cares, our meeting on February 11th will have speaker from Raemoir Gardens who will also have plants for sale. Anyone who would like to join us for that evening or any of our nights, men as well as the ladies will be made most welcome. Any Queries contact Ann Findlay on 741591 or Flora Buthlay on 741186

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP

If you have arthritis in any form and fancy an occasional evening out, why not join a small group of all ages with similar problems who meet in the Church Hall usually on the first Wednesday of the month between 7.30 and 9.30pm. We have speakers most evenings on various subjects, some medical, some more general with a cup of tea or coffee and afine piece to finish. Come and give it a try. If transport is a problem or for any other information required phone Sheila (317512) or Norman (740951)

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SKENE COMMITTEE OF MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

The coffee morning held at Lyne of Skene Hall on Saturday 29th September raised 2,163 Thanks to all who supported this popular event. A ceilidh, featuring music by The Lochnager and other artists, was held at the Milne hall, Kirkton of Skene on Saturday, 17th November. Thanks to all who made this event possible. Can you spare a little time to help at any of our fund raising events? Have you ever thought about taking part in a sponsored event or holding a party in aid of charity? If so please contact any of the committee members or phone Kath on 01330 860226. Kath MacBeath (Secretary - Skene Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support)

1st SKENE BOYS BRIGADE

The company roll for this year remains positive with the 85 boys across the three sect ions of the company now working within the BB and Duke of Edinburghs award schemes. This ranges from routine badge work on a Friday evening to expedition outings and attending Battalion courses leading towards the Queens Badge. The senior boys have also been away on several mountain bike outings, including a weekend based in the Youth Hostel in Braemar and a night outing in Kirkhill Forest is being planned. We held our annual Autumn Fayre on Saturday 6 October which raised over 1100. While many of the boys helped at the various stalls, we are again grateful to the small group of parents who organised and ran this event. Our Annual Dedication Service at Trinity Church on the evening of Sunday 4 October was a joint service with the Girls Brigade and was well attended by boys and parents. The following Sunday the Company Section boys took part in the Remembrance Day service at Skene Church. During the lead up to Christmas, the Company Section will again operate a Christmas Card delivery service in the Westhill and Kirkton of Skene area. From Sunday 18 November, post boxes and BB stamps at 20p each will be situated in the vestibules of both Skene and Trinity Churches. This year, the last posting day will be Wednesday 19 December. Christmas is about fun and to get the Anchor Boys and the Junior Section into the festive spirit, they will be attending the Pantomime in the Aberdeen Arts Centre. As always, updates of our activities and photographs can be seen on our website www.1stskenebb.co.uk and we look forward to you visiting us there.

Section Anchor Boys Junior Section Company Section

Age-range Primary 1 - 3 Primary 4 - 6 Primary 7 upwards

Meeting Friday 6.30- 8 pm Trinity Church Hall Friday 6.30-8 pm Westhill Academy Friday 7.30-10 pm Westhill Academy

O-in-C Ann Hudson 740080 Neil MacBeath 01330 860226 Donald Struthers 742262

Donald Struthers Captain tel:742262

www.1stskenebb.co.uk

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SKENE GIRLS BRIGADE

Our new session started with an Enrolment / Games Night on Monday 27th August, we have at present around 20 girls but we have no waiting list and are open to all girls aged 5-18. We recently held our Annual Dedication Service on Sunday 4th November in Trinity Church where our new Company Colours were also dedicated. We are hosting our Annual Body Shop Party on Monday 19th November 6-7.30pm, all welcome, and we are also looking forward to our trip to the Inverurie Panto on Monday 17 th December. Any enquiries please call Mrs Fiona Cumming (Captain) on 01224 741576 or 07792 471199.

ACTION GROUP
By the time you read this, we will have had 2 of the Wednesday afternoon services. The first one in October was very successful and we hope that they will continue in this way. The dates for the next few services will be December 5th, January 9th, February 6th and March 6th. All these will start at 2pm. If you would like to come, require transport and are not already on this list, please phone me on 741672 or contact the Church Office. The dates for the Parties are the 22nd and 23rd March, 2013 and more information about these will be given at a later date. Morag Hendry - Action Group Mini Committee

THE SLIPPY STANE

Many thanks to Margaret Glascodine for submitting this lovely poem Ca canny thro this weary warld, And pick your steps wi care, And never dae your neighbour wrang, But aye dae what is fair. Men fa and never rise again, Wha never fell afore: Theres aye a muckle slippy stane, At ilka bodys door. And gin your neighbour chance to fa, Ye mauna let him lie, But gie a hand to help him up, As ye are passin bye, The case may be your ain some day, Though guides ye hae in store, Theres aye a muckle slippy stane, At ilka bodys door. Theres slippy stanes whereer ye gang, By cottage, hut, and ha, And you maun pick your steps wi care Or ower them you may fa. For Emperors and Kings hae faen, Forbye theres mony a score, Theres aye a muckle slippy stane, At ilka bodys door. Ca cannily and watch your step, And dinna cease to pray, That He who guides the sun and stars, Will help you on your way, Step by Step Hell lead you safe, And from His boundless store, Hell help you oer each slippy stane, Right up to Heavens Door.

SKENE CHURCH OFFICE-BEARERS

Due to pressure of space in this edition of the magazine we have been unable to print our list of Church Office Bearers. If you wish to contact any of them please give Rosanna a ring at the church office (tel: 742512) or check the Contacts page on our website at www.skeneparish.com

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ECO CONGREGATION The Season To Be Green.......

With Christmas just around the corner and with all that excess packaging and energy usage that is almost upon us, Christmas can be not so merry for the environment. It is estimated that we will create 3 million tonnes of rubbish this Christmas in Britain - the equivalent of 400,000 double-decker buses. Over half of this could be recycled. Where is it going to go otherwise? A little thought and preparation can make this year a Green Christmas and help us care for our world as stewards of Gods creation. You dont have to compromise on style or your life in order to be greener. If you want a green Christmas, keep in mind the three Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and use them in that order in the preparation; before, during and after Christmas day. We can be eco friendly at Christmas. Below are a few ideas to consider. Candles Why not use candles for your Christmas meal and forget the electric light bulb for a couple of hours. This simple task will not only create a truly festive atmosphere but if carried out across the country, would dramatically cut energy usage making this year's Christmas a very green Christmas indeed. Make sure they are used safely and never leave lighted candles unattended. A selection of recycled candles is available from Trinity and Skene Church doubly eco friendly! Wrapping paper It is estimated that 82 sq km of wrapping paper will end up in the UKs bins this Christmas! If there are large sheets, keep them to use again. Its estimated that we will throw away 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging over Christmas, so either try to buy presents without excess packaging or add it to the recycling pile. Councils and waste companies are urging householders to check their wrapping before placing in recycling bins. Most wrapping papers are coated with plastic or foil these materials cannot be recycled when mixed. Wrapping may also have items such as cards, tags, ribbons and tape still attached to them which cannot be recycled and can cause costly damage to recycling machines if put through. However; normal paper, with any of additional items removed can be recycled. Christmas cards - Recycle or reuse your Christmas cards approximately 1 billion cards are sent every year thats 17 for every man, woman and child in the country. Use the kerbside paper or card recycling facility to do this. Envelopes too can be recycled and used postage stamps can be handed in at Trinity and Skene Churches collection points. Christmas Trees Over 6 million were bought last year in the UK, creating a staggering 9000 tonnes of rubbish. Most DIY centres, and garden centres, have a disposal system. Some that will shred the tree to turn it to chippings. Or even better buy a Christmas tree with roots and plant it in your garden after the festive period. Recycle It is estimated that we could use an extra 750 million bottles and 500 million drinks cans over Christmas. Make sure all your empty cans, bottles and jars find their way to your recycling bin. Start by cutting down on the amount of glass you use - buy large bottles of drink rather than lots of small ones to save on the packaging. Rinse and recycle your aluminium foil. This can be handed in to Skene and Trinity Churches for recycling. The Eco Group would like to wish everyone a very happy and green Christmas! Sheila Gray Eco Group

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FISH AND CHIP BABIES IN AFRICA

Every day babies are born into extreme poverty in Africa. Many are born already infected with HIV, or premature, and their families are so poor that the babies are sent home wrapped in newspaper - giving them the name 'fish and chip' babies. You can help to give newborn babies in Africa a better start in life. You can help by knitting a jumper and hat for these babies, so that they can go home wrapped up warm and with proper clothing. The jumpers themselves are very easy to knit and they are made in one piece. For most knitters they take an afternoon or an evening to complete. They are very important because in Africa the nights can be very cold and the babies have nothing else to keep them warm. The jumpers and hats can also help to prevent them from catching pneumonia. The only stipulation is that they are knitted in bright dark colours rather than the pastel shades we tend to favour for babies. Bright stripes, using up small amounts of wool look great. The idea behind the dark colours is that these little garments may seldom, if ever, be washed. Help us show that we believe every baby is special and deserves a better start in life than yesterday's newspaper. Ladies from the Parish of Skene are already knitting feverishly to complete these tiny garments. The pattern is available on our website www.skeneparish.com on the Eco Congregation page. Perhaps you have oddments of wool that you could donate to be knitted into garments for these babies. This can be handed in to the Church Office at Trinity. Please mark the bags Fish and Chips babies. Some people have expressed concern after hearing rumours that these items often do not reach those for whom they are intended. We have, however, written confirmation from the agency which dispatches them, confirming that they are receiving and dispatching the garments, mainly to Malawi but some will be going to Uganda For further information, please contact any member of the Eco Group through the Church Office.

LETTING OF FACILITIES AT TRINITY CHURCH

Information on booking Trinity Church should be directed to the Letting Convener, Elizabeth Gray. (tel 740414).

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Apart from the Church Services each week (Trinity Church at 10.00am and Skene Church at 11.15am) and the regular meetings of Church organisations, the programme for the next few months is: December 2012 February 2013 March 2013 Refer to the Christmas programme on page 10 Wed 19th Skene Singers Concert in Skene Church at 7.30pm Tues 5th Discovery Group resumes at Trinity Church at 7.30pm Fri 22nd/Sat 23rd Action Group Parties for our Senior Members

Please check the church website www.skeneparish.com - the church notice boards - or the Sunday Intimations or for any additions or updates to the diary of events.

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WESTHILL HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB!

For one awesome week at the end of the summer holidays over a hundred children participated in Champions Challenge, a week long Holiday Bible Club run combined by three of Westhills Churches. There were songs, dancing, crafts, drama, games, lots of fun and everyday something to learn about Jesus that impacts on our lives.

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