13th May 2020
Church of Scotland General Assembly
A message from Rev Dr George J Whyte, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly.
As you are probably aware, the meeting of the General Assembly in May has been cancelled and, instead the Commission of Assembly is dealing with any business matters. All papers, including the minute of the recent Commission of Assembly, can be accessed at https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/general-assembly/commission-of-assembly-april-may-2020.
New Moderator
Saturday, 16th May, 11am – live on the Church of Scotland website and our Facebook page.
The Rev Dr Martin Fair will be installed as Moderator of the General Assembly. The ceremony will take place in the Assembly Hall with only a few people physically present because of the COVID-19 restrictions, but followed by thousands of people across Scotland and around the world. The service will be captioned and there will be the option of BSL interpretation. Join us for a historic occasion and a clear statement that the Church is alive and active in these difficult times.
Heart and Soul 2020
It’s back and it’s online.
Sunday, 17th May 2-4.30pm
www.churchofscotland.org.uk
fb.me/churchofscotland
Hosted by Rev Ken Froud, Seonaid Knox and Rev Justin Taylor.
Featuring a mix of worship, music, stories and some exciting ‘In Conversation’ guests.
Pentecost
Sunday, 31st May 10-10.30am – streamed on the Church of Scotland website and Facebook page.
The Moderator will lead a service to mark the birthday of the Christian Church, with contributions from many different places. Like the disciples on that first Pentecost, here is the invitation to step confidently into whatever the future holds. We would like to invite you to make this the service for your congregation on that Sunday, so that as much of the Church of Scotland as possible will be gathered in fellowship and praise
Service for Ron Moyes
I had the privilege to conduct a ‘social distancing’ street on Thanksgiving Service for one of Balerno’s own, Ron Moyes, who sadly passed away on 21st April 2020. His service took place in his driveway on 6th May, while residents from all over Balerno attended at a distance. Their neighbour and friend, David Scott, paid tribute to Ron as a family man, a good neighbour, an elder of Balerno Parish Church and a proud husband, father and grandfather. We think of Margaret, their children Jacqueline, Graeme, Colin, Joe and Claire, grandchildren Gregor, Fraser, Brianna and Isla in this sad time.
Andre
Thank you from Margaret Moyes
I would like to thank all the Church members who have sent cards and condolences on the death of Ron Moyes. Unfortunately in the present circumstances we were unable to hold either a Church service or a funeral for Ron. Due to travel restrictions and shielding, our family were not able to attend. As we were not allowed a ‘gathering’ and social distancing had to be observed we were unable to advertise his service.
On a beautiful sunny day last Wednesday, at the same time Ron was cremated, with the birds singing and the blossom out, Andre held a very uplifting service outside our house where we have lived for 50 years. Ron loved Balerno and living in our friendly street so it was a very fitting way to say farewell to Ron among our neighbours who have become friends over the years. It was a pleasure to see some of the Church Community who Ron had connections with as an Elder, other connections and Palm, joining us at a distance. I am sorry I did not get round to speaking to you all.
As I watched a beautiful sunset that night, I knew that Ron had reached his final resting place and was at peace, away from the pain of his dementia and the virus killing so many of the elderly in care homes.
Thank you,
Margaret Moyes
Ribbon Rainbow
We are delighted to have been asked by Dean Park Primary school to join with them by creating a ‘Ribbon Rainbow’ outside St Joseph’s Hall to match the one they are creating across the road at the nursery. I’ve started it off but it could do with more colour. Please feel free to add a ribbon to the railings, write a message on it if you wish!!
There are spare ribbons behind the metal planter or if you have any coloured ribbons at home, please bring your own.
Please help us brighten up Balerno during this difficult time.
Click here If you would like a large print copy of the Newsletter, its on two pages.