Church Organisations
Margaret Elgin, President, (left) with Charmain McMeekin who spoke to the Guild and their guests on 22 November, during Guild Week, about her father, Eric Lomax (The Railway Man), his life and her own journey to fulfilment through her Christianity. An inspiring talk.
Kirk Session
The Kirk Session and Trustees of Northesk meet regularly to arrange the business of the church.
Members of the congregation are welcome to attend meetings of the Kirk Session as observers.
The following statement relates to the current vacancy of the position of minister of Northesk Church:
"From 1st August 2019 Northesk became a vacant charge - that is a church without its own minister.
The Revd John Mitchell, who recently retired as minister of Bonnyrigg Parish Church, has been appointed Interim Moderator. In that capacity he will chair Kirk Session meetings and act formally to oversee the necessary procedures that require to be undertaken during the vacancy. Additionally, there will be a Locum Minister appointed, who will conduct Sunday worship, other services and undertake parish work.
In the coming months, Northesk will be undergoing detailed scrutiny, including its position in respect of other Church of Scotland churches in the town, its financial position, the condition of its premises and its contribution to the local and wider community. Additionally, there will be a need to show the size and activity of our membership and how supportive and sustainable it is.
The Kirk Session will ensure that we meet all the resource and property matters required by the Presbytery - the body that will decide on whether or not we can call ie appoint a new, permanent minister and remain as one of the main churches in the town."
Guild
The Guild meets regularly in the Church hall for talks, conversation and fellowship every second Wednesday from September to April from 2 pm till around 3.30 pm. The Guild has a Guild Link with Wardie Parish Church Guild, Edinburgh and supports projects chosen by the Guild at national level. All are welcome. More details in 'Future Events'.
Northesk Guild celebrated its 110th birthday when a birthday cake was cut at the Afternoon Tea on 29th March 2017 - see pictures in the Gallery.
The Guild's famous Afternoon Tea took place on Wednesday 10th April. Sandwiches, scones, cakes, traybakes, a nice cup of tea, raffle and sales table, great entertainment. Over £500 was raised for Guild and Church funds.
The Guild's programme runs from late September, and fortnightly thereafter until April, plus a summer outing in later May or early June. See "Future Events' for more details. All are welcome to join us.
Church Choir
The Church Choir is present during worship each Sunday, to lead praise singing and to present introits or choral music during services. Led by the organist and choir director, Fiona Hendry, the choir is an important part of Sunday worship. The choir also give concerts to raise funds, or to provide a more general entertainment. New members will be very welcome.
Sunday Club
The Sunday Club welcomes children aged 3 and upwards to join them for the first part of the Church service (during school terms), then afterwards in the hall for various enjoyable activities.
Creche
A Creche is available for children and infants under 3 years during church service, in the hall, where they are looked after by trained volunteers.
Prayer Circle
A Prayer Circle is a group of people who agree to pray daily or as often as possible in private for a topic from a monthly calendar which is provided free of charge. Topics can include international events, problems and issues nearer to home, and prayers for known individuals. Members need not meet as a group, except once a year for a social get-together. Anyone interested in joining the Prayer Circle should contact Ruby Wilkinson on 01875 899021.
Flowers in the Church
The flowers which decorate the church each week are arranged by a team, who buy and display the flowers. Donations for purchasing the flowers are welcomed. Following the service, the flowers are given to anyone in the community (not necessarily members) who would benefit from receiving a bouquet along with Northesk's good wishes - suggestions on who would benefit may be made at the front door of the church.
If you would like to donate towards the flowers in any particular week, or would like to help in arranging the flowers, please speak to Margaret Elgin.
Flowers in the baptism font, showing lovely autumn colours.