United Lent Appeal
The College of Bishops has launched a Lent Appeal to raise funds for the Scottish Episcopal Institute, the new body that is the successor to the troubled Theological Institute of the Scottish Episcopal Church. The Lent Appeal is to raise funds to enable full-time training for younger ordinands.
The following prayer has been published by the bishops to go along with the appeal:
Almighty God, giver of all good things,
you showed your love for us by giving us your only Son:
help us to show our love for you.
Grant us this Lent
the vision to see where you are at work in the world,
the courage to join in that mission
and the desire to give
in support of those seeking to train
within the Scottish Episcopal Institute.
In the power of the Spirit
we make our prayer
through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
There are no details yet as to how full-time ordinands will be funded for in subsequent years if this appeal is successful.
Visit of the Bishop of Zanzibar
The Bishop of Zanzibar, the Rt Rev Michael Hafisd has been visiting the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles. Details of his visit are available on the diocesan website. There are more detailed reports and pictures in the Diocesan Newsletter.
New Diocesan Council in Brechin
The Diocese of Brechin is to consider proposals to establish a new Diocesan Council which would replace their current Administration Board and Mission and Ministry Board. Full details are available in their Diocesan Synod Papers.
Lectured by the Rev Anne Dyer – forward notice
The Rev Anne Dyer is giving four lectures looking at the use of the female form to depict and carry ideals of virtue and vice in the Christian tradition. Dates – 28 May, 4 June, 18 June, 25 June. Time – 2 – 4 pm. Location – Royal Overseas League, Princes Street, Edinburgh.
Scottish Episcopal Church Provincial Youth Week
The Glenalmond week this year will be 2 August 2015 to 8 August 2015
Details here: http://www.scotland.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/glen15form.pdf
The Buzz
- Kirstin Freeman has been praying for change
- Malcolm Round loves his vestry
- Ruth Innes still apparently believes that silence is good for her
- John McLuckie proclaims that Religion is about Life!
- Stephen Holmes writes about so-called three parent babies
- Christine McIntosh has been reminiscing about one birthday after another.
- Kelvin Holdsworth has 10 Tips on How to Date a Priest
Earth Hour
This year’s Earth Hour where people are asked to dim lights and use less power to highlight climate change issues takes place on 28 March 2015. Details of how churches can get involved are available from the Eco Congregation Website.
People
- The Rev Canon John Lindsay retires as Rector of St Adrian’s Gullane and St Baldred’s, North Berwick on 1 March 2015
- The Rev Chucks Iwuagu has moved from St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow to take up a post in Haslemere near Guildford. (Farewell sermon here)
Vacancies
- Edinburgh Churches Together is looking for a Communiocatn and Administration Officer. Closing date 6 March 2015 – details here:
http://www.augustine.org.uk/diary/events/index.php?events_id=135 - Canon Missioner for the Diocese of Glasgow – readvertised. Details here:
http://glasgow.anglican.org/index.php/news/entry/a_canon_missioner_is_required_for_the_diocese_of_glasgow/ - Rector of St Mary-on-the-Rock, Ellon and St James, Cruden bay – closing date 27 March 2015
BISHOPS’ LENT APPEAL 2015
“Help build the church of the future by investing in the candidates of today through the work of the Scottish Episcopal Institute.”
While, on the face of it, everyone would welcome more qualified clergy in SEC and would wish to support the Bishops’ Lent Appeal.
However, there could have been some acknowledgement from the C of B, that members of our church are already over burdened by supporting special projects and that the majority of these fundraisers are often Senior Citizens – their efforts made more onerous in these times of austerity.
Without exception, all Dioceses are either fundraising to restore their Cathedral/a church, juggling with Building Maintenance issues, securing monies to pay the Rector’s salary/refurbish a Rectory or struggling to find their Quota amongst a host of other things.
Compare & contrast, what appear to be excesses by the C of B and to name but two examples:
foreign travel when perhaps modern technology could be used,
regular meetings in the Capital, when cheaper accommodation could be found in other places in the country.
A more flexible model to follow is the example set by the Scottish Government, who hold Cabinet meetings around Scotland & make themselves available to the people of Scotland.