St Andrew's & St George's West Diary and newsletter

St Andrew’s & St George’s West 

Diary and newsletter 

May 2012

What’s inside? 

Page 

Moving Easter Ian Gilmour 3-5 

Worship calendar 6 

May Diary at a Glance – Announcements 7-9 

The next year – the next decade 

10-11 

Stewardship Update - Refurbishment Update 

– Notice of a Congregational Meeting 

Focus on Malawi 12-15 

Stated Annual Meeting 

16-17 

Affirmations and Doubts – Outreach 

Music News 18 

Creative TOGETHER 19 

Getting to know you 

20-21 

Arthur Chapman and Jean Mackinlay 

General Assembly 22 

Volunteer Vacancy: Christmas Tree Festival 22 

Learning Resources: Why Believe? – Understanding 23-24 

Grief – Welcoming – Gifford Lectures - Dementia 

Moving to Shandwick Place 25-26 

Letter from Arizona 27 

Bloopers 28 

Celebrate Heart & Soul - Solas 29 

The pilgrimage goes on 30 

Contacts 31-32 

Design/layout: Andrena and Alison B Mailing Rosemary W 

Email: inspire@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

Next copy deadline: Mon 21 May for publication Sun 27 May 

SAVE A FOREST OF TREES- read the newsletter online at 

www.standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

Did you spot the April fool last month? Yes, the palm 

tree, on Palm Sunday. Thanks to a legal eagle in the 

congregation for his wit and inspiration. 

2 St Andrew’s and St George’s West Edinburgh May 2012 Diary and Newsletter

Moving Easter 

Ian Gilmour 

On Easter Day at St 

Andrew’s and St George’s 

West we enjoyed a 

wonderful experience. 

Some of us started early at 

the dawn ecumenical 

worship at St Cuthbert’s. 

This was quickly followed by our normal early communion at 

which the first specially prepared chickens appeared. 

We had eggs with toast at the Easter breakfast at 9.45 am. This 

was a joyful time of relaxing fellowship as we discussed the 

delights of Easter Day. 

It was good to have time to chat about new life; about our well 

received theme of ‘Pilgrims Together’ through Holy Week, not 

forgetting that age old debate concerning which came first the 

chicken or the egg? Already we had moved from St Cuthbert’s to 

the Undercroft and were being prepared for more Easter 

movement in the 11am service. 

Bill Morrison and Anne Wilson took some photographs so 

everyone could see for themselves the pleasure of those who 

became pilgrims from our pews. At our 11am service, the 

children sought high and low in a hunt for eggs. They found 

enough to have one each and share 120 with other worshippers. 

It was in one sense a chicken versus egg Easter! 


During the 11am service worshippers were invited by Tony Bryer 

to come forward to receive bread and wine. Standing, then 

moving onwards to the dais signified for many a deeper way to 

receive the gift of Easter Day. Several people expressed this 

action was for them, literally and metaphorically, a moving 

experience. 

So we enjoyed a moving rather than static Easter experience. 

We sang the recessional hymn, 

“Tell out, sweet bells his praises!” 

Sing, children, sing his name! 

…He rose again, 

He rose again on this glad day ” 

as we walked out of the church, the choir, the elders and a 

smiling congregation on to George Street to continue our singing 

around the tree. The rich sound of our bells brought delight to all 

who had gathered. 


We were a congregation travelling from indoors to outdoors in 

celebration. 

This pattern may serve us well in the coming days and months as 

we move our furniture to facilitate the Christian Aid Book Sale, 

then as we move for six months to Shandwick Place from Sunday 

6 May. 

Surely to be a people on the move following the way of Jesus and 

supported by God’s ever present Spirit, has got to be a good 

pattern both for the next days and decades of our life together. 

Never to be static, conforming, but always alert, alive, growing in 

faith pilgrims together. 

If we establish this pattern of movement as a habit we will be 

God’s pilgrim people. One of us may even discover which came 

first the chicken or the egg! 

Live, Love and Enjoy the journey together, Ian 


Worship 

"It is in the process of being worshipped 

that God communicates His presence." C.S. Lewis 

Worship is helpful for our growth as followers of Christ, so 

consider joining us Sunday by Sunday. You can attend 

Communion at 9.00am, the All Age service at 9.45am or enjoy 

our progressive pattern at 11.00am or come to all three! 

Sun 6 May 

Sun 13 May 

Sun 20 May 

Sun 27 May 

Pentecost 

May worship themes 

11am Morning Worship Revd Norman Shanks 

Reach Out Acts 8:26–40 

11am Morning Worship 

The Great Dance John 15:9-17 


On Your Behalf Acts 1:15–17, 21–26 


Pentecost Acts 2:1–21 

June worship themes 

Sun 3 June 

11am TOGETHER service at Shandwick Place 

The Trinity Isaiah 6:1–8 

Most Loving God, 

Revive within us a spirit of Joy 

Come amongst us and burn the remains of the past with all its hurts. 

Fill us with readiness to venture out on the path of diligent 

discipleship. 

In our worship help us learn what it means to be tender, caring and 

gracious. 

So be it. Amen. 


Key dates 

From Sun 6 May 

Mon 30 April – 

Friday 11 May 

Sat 12 May, Mon 

14 – Fri 18 May 

Sunday worship at Shandwick Place 

Preparations for Christian Aid Sale at 

George Street 

Christian Aid Sale at George Street 

From Mon 20 May George Street building closes until 

December. All activities except 

Bellringers move to Shandwick Place 

May Diary 

Mon 30 Apr CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

Gifford lecture p24 

Tue 1 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 


Wed 2 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

RSE evening with Diarmid MacCulloch p24 

Thurs 3 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 


Fri 4 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

Sat 5 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

Sun 6 May SERVICES AT SHANDWICK PLACE 

9am, 9.45am, 11am services 

10.30am Adult Discussion Group meets 

11am with Revd Norman Shanks 

Fellowship Lunch for Christian Aid 

Mon 7 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am- 9pm 



Tue 8 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

Wed 9 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

Thur 10 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

Fri 11 May CA Sale preparations George St 9am-9pm 

Sat 12 May AT GEORGE STREET 

10am-4pm Christian Aid Sale 

What can I say? (Palmerston Place)p23 

Sun 13 May 

SERVICES AT SHANDWICK PLACE 



Mon 14 May AT GEORGE STREET 

10am- 3.30pm Christian Aid Sale 

Tue 15 May AT GEORGE STREET 


Wed 16 May AT GEORGE STREET 


Thur 17 May AT GEORGE STREET 

10am -7pm Christian Aid Sale 

Understanding Grief p23 

Fri 18 May AT GEORGE STREET 


AT SHANDWICK PLACE 

Gothenburg University Chamber Choir p18 

Sat 19 May 

Sun 20 May 

General Assembly 




12 noon Congregational Meeting p11 

1pm - 6pm Heart and Soul p29 



Mon 21 May General Assembly 

Tue 22 May General Assembly 

Wed 23 May General Assembly 

Creative TOGETHER p19 

Thur 24 May General Assembly 

Fri 25 May General Assembly 

Sat 26 May 10am-2pm Open Day at Shandwick Place p17 

Sun 27 May SERVICES AT SHANDWICK PLACE 



Tue 29 May Kirk Session Meeting (NOT 22 May) 

Malcolm Goldsmith Lecture p24 

Wed 30 May Christmas Tree Festival Planning Meeting p22 

Thur 31 May 

Fri 1 June 

Sat 2 June 

Sun 3 June 

June Diary 

Welcoming People to Church p23 




Announcements 

Baptisms Lachlan James Douglas Campbell and Niall 

Angus Wallace Campbell on Sunday, 1 April 

Wedding Gillian Gilmour and James McPherson on 21 

April 

Death Jack Peterson on 31 March 


. The next year – the next decade 

Stewardship Update 

At the services on Sunday 15 May the Stewardship Group was 

able to report that the then running total (including pledges and 

Gift Aid and the organ appeal figure of £17.3k + Gift Aid) stood at 

£91,272.63. 

This was an intimation that actions speak louder than words and 

proof of our commitment to each other, to the special work of this 

congregation in the City Centre and to our future as a vibrant part 

of the wider church. The visible flurry of red envelopes on the 

first two Sundays in April showed the breadth of support for the 

work of the congregation and these figures showed the strength 

of that support. In these straightened times this sacrificial and 

sacramental giving is the best possible start to reviewing our 

stewarding of our time and our talents and it is key to the future of 

our work together. 

Now we move our energies from brain to brawn and to Christian 

Aid. 

James McNeill, Stewardship Convener 

On Your Marks 

Refurbishment Update 

At a special meeting on the 10 April the Kirk Session endorsed 

the recommendation of the Fabric Committee to appoint GHI 

Contracts Ltd. to deliver our refurbishment of the George St. 

building. The contractor is fully aware of the crucial dates related 


The next year – the next decade 

to the Christian Aid Sale and has been urged to use these weeks 

before hand-over of the building for project planning, taking 

measurements etc. In the meantime our architects, Gray, 

Marshall & Associates are finalising the Building Warrant and 

continuing with detail design. 

A 'pre-start' meeting of the design team, client and contractor will 

also take place to introduce all the parties and set out 

expectations and procedures for the work ahead. It is hoped that 

these preparatory weeks will enable the works to begin with a 

bang and set us in good stead for a return to George St. in time 

for Christmas. We are now in the starting blocks for works to 

begin and just in case you need a reminder… 

Worship will take place in Shandwick Place from the first 

Sunday in May. 

See you there. 

Alan Taylor, Joint Fabric Convener 

Congregational Meeting Sunday 20 May 

Intimation is hereby given that there will be a brief meeting of 

the congregation immediately following the 11 a.m. service on 

Sunday 20 May 2012 to update members and answer any 

further questions in relation to the proposed sale of the 

Shandwick Place Building to Charlotte Baptist Chapel. We will 

also invite the formal agreement of our congregation to the sale 

of our Shandwick Place building 


The Real Africa 


Focus on Malawi 

Signing on the dotted line: Dr Ruth Shakespeare, Ian 

Gilmour and Arthur Chapman mark our commitment to 

Mulanje Mission Hospital on 2 April 2012 

St Andrew’s and St George’s West is sponsoring Pearson Soka 

of MMH to study for an MBA. We’ll meet Pearson when he comes 

to Scotland on a Faithshare project. And we’re planning a small 

group trip to Malawi in September 2013. 

Want to know more about Mulanje Mission Hospital? 

Look out for the quarterly newsletter - next edition due soon 

Find them online at www.mmh.mw and on facebook and twitter 



Dr. Ruth Shakespeare reflects on a first year in Malawi 

“When you get a copy of the Mulanje Mission Hospital newsletter 

it’s not just a question of pressing the send button. We have no 

landline. I will have driven my car half way up the mountain at 

2am in order to get a mobile signal” 

Mulanje Mission Hospital 

and its clinics share the care 

of more than 600,000 people 

with one other local hospital. I 

am the only doctor at the 

Mission. There is also a 

primary school, a secondary 

school of about 800, a nursing 

school of 160 and a factory 

making fortified porridge. 

Basic infrastructure is a 

challenge but we’re 

improving water storage and 

decontamination and installing 

solar power. 

Economic conditions are 

challenging. Budget cuts 

mean delayed funds for our 

nursing students. Our drugs 

and medical supplies have to 

be shipped direct from 

Amsterdam. Petrol is in such 

short supply that we only have 

enough for one ambulance 

HIV remains the big issue. 

Half of our patients have HIV. 

Malawi has one of the highest 

HIV infection rates in the 

world - not because the 

infection rate here is getting 

worse but because other 

countries are dealing with HIV 

better and so their rates of 

infection are falling. It is a 

challenge to deal with HIV in a 

low resource setting. 

The most important thing 

we can do to improve health 

is to educate girls. 

Mulanje Mission runs both 

primary and secondary 

schools and while the primary 

school is full, take up of 

secondary education is much 

lower, especially among girls. 

By age 16 girls make up only 

25% of pupils. 



The good news at Mulanje Mission Hospital 

We do manage with very few resources 

The key is “task shifting” – ensuring well qualified people do 

what they are trained for and increasing patient self-care. 

We will have more medical resources soon – a local trainee 

and my daughter, a doctor, who is going to volunteer here. 

Visiting medical students have developed income generating 

projects for HIV affected families. 

We may be able to offer prison healthcare soon 

We had one burning question for Ruth: How do you relax? 

How do I relax? One of the challenges is the sheer hours of the 

job. I get up at 4am, work in the hospital and clinics until 5pm and 

then talk to donors and write proposals. It would be easy to work 

a 20 hour day, every day… But I have my bike. Sometimes I 

walk on the lower slopes of the mountain. I grow all of my own 

vegetables and have nearly finished my henhouse so when I get 

back I will have eggs and chickens. 

My accommodation is an old house built by Scottish missionaries 

to have the best view of the mountain. When I arrived you could 

see the holes on the roof on Google Earth. But sitting on the 

verandah at 5am with a cup of tea is magical. And Mulanje has 

the best pizza restaurant in the world. We go there on Fridays. 

Malawians are the most optimistic people I have met. They say 

“It will be all right tomorrow.“ 

Those of us who heard Ruth speak were awed both by the scale 

of the challenges and by the energy and work done at Mulanje. 

It is great to be able to contribute to this work, 

Alison Bruce 


Stated Annual Meeting 15 April 

At services on Sunday 15 April, everyone had a chance to share 

their affirmations and doubts under the headings of 

worship service outreach education fellowship 

here are some of our affirmations… 

That it is important – crucial – 

to work together for good. 

Worship with our hands and 

hearts. 

Active participation in creating 

as well as being part of 

services 

Having 3 very different 

services means that there is 

something for everyone – and 

every need! 

Witness is not purely a 

professional job. We must 

live it in our lives also. 

Inclusive 

Variety 

I would like a little more 

exegesis but I doubt many 

others would. 

Faith based talks and debates 

I affirm the many and varied 

opportunities for fellowship. 

Seems like something for 

everyone! Thanks! 

And I affirm the wonderful 

offerings of music in this 

church. 

It was good to walk out of 

church singing hymn at 

Easter. If done at Christmas, 

why not Easter? A witness to 

those outside! 

The city needs us! 

Workplace Chaplaincy 


and some of our doubts…. 

Relevance of orders of 

services/times of services. 

Being a passive percipient. 

Relevance of us and church 

overall to city life 

Uncertainties rather than 

doubts, and of those many, 

but that’s an unavoidable part 

of life – so much we don’t 

know and understand and 

probably never will – mystery 

persists because we are only 

human but it’s exciting that 

there is more. Worship with 

our minds. 

If you weren’t there but would like to share your affirmations and 

doubts please speak to Ian Gilmour. 

If you would like a copy of the 2011 annual report and accounts 

which were presented at the Stated Annual Meeting please speak 

to one of the Joint Treasurers John Innes or Allan Sim. 

Outreach 

Parish Leaflet and Open Day 

Our second Parish Leaflet is out and 

being delivered to over 2,500 homes in 

the parish. Thanks to Dorothy 

Mackenzie and to Ian Gilmour for a 

great collaboration. 

We’re following the leaflet up with an 

open day for the parish on Saturday 

26 May to highlight surprising things 

about St Andrew’s and St George’s est. 


Music News 

Concert of Scandinavian Choral Music 

Gothenburg University Chamber Choir 

Directed by Gunno Palmquist 

St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Shandwick Place 

Friday 18 May at 2pm 

Free entry 

The Chamber Choir at the School of 

Music and Drama, Gothenburg 

University was founded in 1965 by 

Professor Gösta Ohlin. The repertoire is 

varied – from renaissance to our time – 

based on western classical music, jazz and folk music. This is the 

choir’s first tour to Scotland. 

Gunno Palmquist is Professor at the University of Gothenburg. 

He conducts a number of vocal ensembles in Sweden. 

Pipe Dreams 

Charity Organ Recital by Dennis Deas 

Barclay Viewforth Church, Thursday 7 June at 7.30pm 

Entry £5, proceeds to The Vine Trust 

Thanks to everyone who helped make the Swish 

such an enjoyable event and helped to raise 

over £300 for Mary’s Meals. 


Creative TOGETHER 

We have some new ideas and look forward to all who wish to join 

us in being creative. We will meet anytime between 10am and 

4pm at my house on Wednesday 23rd May. In order not to clash 

with the Christian Aid Book Sale that is a week later than our 

usual meeting. Hope to see you then. 

Maggie Morley 

Hand knitted blankets for Mary’s Meals on display at 

the RCHS Spring Flower Show, March 2012 

“… on behalf of Mary’s Meals and The Caley thank you and the 

ladies of your church for all the strips they knitted for the blankets. 

I have packed 50 blankets into boxes to be collected this week 

and taken to Dalmally in Argyll. From there they will go to Malawi 

to be distributed amongst children and their families. Each 

blanket is very individual and all will bring a lot of pleasure.” 


Getting to know 

Arthur Chapman 

a short biography... born Oct, 1948. 

Attended Wadenhoe Parish Church, 

Northamptonshire until leaving for 

university. Met Judy in 1974, joined 

STAGS, married Judy – three children. 

Member of the Iona Community since 

1987. Ordained an Elder in late 1980s. 

BSc Physics, PhD Satellite 

Meteorology, BA (OU) Philosophy. Taught computing at Telford 

College for 20 years. Still semi-self-employed (New Curiosity 

Shop). Interests: theology, philosophy, varied reading, walking, 

travel, music (listening!). Concerns: issues of justice, peace, 

environment and economics. Convener of Wider Horizons group 

and organiser of 9.45 discussion group. 

prayer, poem or Bible verse particularly meaningful to me... 

“In the beginning was the word …” John 1:1-18 

“Consider the lilies of the field …” and Sermon on the Mount 

“The soul of Man must quicken to creation” (T S Eliot) 

time/place important in my life journey of faith as a 

Christian... 

Some individuals have had an impact on me, but mostly it’s 

through books that I’ve explored, extended, groped for faith and 

understanding. (If you want a list please get in touch!) However, 

the Living the Questions series at the then St George’s West a 

few years ago were important to me as have been the weekly 

discussion groups after the 9.45 service. 

Arthur is our Commissioner at this year’s General Assembly 


Getting to know 

Jean Mackinlay 

a short biography... I was born in Wick 

and spent my childhood in Inverness and 

Nairn. I came to Edinburgh University and 

like many students of that time, attended 

StGeorge’s West Church. Later, as a 

young teacher, I became involved in 

Cephas, Cephas House and 

Cornerstone, all projects of West End Churches. 

I met and married Alan and we have two sons and a daughter. 

After ten years in Montrose, we returned to Edinburgh where I 

continued my teaching career. Now retired, with children and 

grandchildren in the North of Scotland, the Middle East and 

Switzerland, we seem to spend a lot of time on the move. 

prayer, poem or Bible verse particularly meaningful to me... 

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” John 

8:32 I feel this is increasingly important in a world which seems to 

set such store by the slick and the superficial. 

time/place important in my life journey of faith as a 

Christian... without a doubt my time as a member of the 

leadership group who ran Cephas Youth Club. It tested and 

deepened my faith; it was exhilarating to be part of such a 

challenging situation where the Church was really reaching out to 

others. The circle of friends from those days is still in touch and 

the bonds between us are very strong. After Cephas I taught in 

Tabeetha School, an international school in Israel run by the 

Church of Scotland. That too was a wonderful experience. 


General Assembly 2012 

19- 25 April 

what’s new? 

A Right Relationship with Money 

the report of the Special Commission 

on the Purposes of Economic Activity . 

Plus Mission in a Digital Age, 

Sustainable Agriculture, the Church in China, Neuroethics and 

lots more. Read it all online in the 416 page Blue Book and if you 

can’t be there you can watch live streaming of the proceedings. 

Arthur Chapman is our Commissioner to the General Assembly 

Volunteer Vacancy : 

The 2012 Edinburgh Christmas Tree Festival 

Plans are already underway for our next Christmas Tree 

Festival! This is a tremendous opportunity for outreach and to 

build on the success of the first two years. Provisional dates are 

George Street: Monday 10th - Saturday 29th December 

Shandwick Place: Monday 10th - Friday 23rd December 

The next planning meeting will be Wednesday 30th May 7.00pm 

at Shandwick Place, chaired by our Minister, Ian Gilmour. 

Anyone willing to get involved will be welcome. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer, to take a lead 

role in the team and progress arrangements for this year's 

event. 

If you can help please speak to Sally Evans 332 4449, or Ian 

Gilmour at the Church. 


Learning Resources 

What Can I Say? 

Commending faith in a sceptical age 

Saturday 12 May, 10am– 4pm at Palmerston Place Church 

Keynote Speaker: Amy Orr-Ewing, evangelist, Zacharias Trust 

Chair: Dr Donald Bruce, Director of Edinethics. 

Cost £10, www.godsearchscotland.org.uk/home.htm#Events 

Understanding Grief 

Deirdre Carr, Clinical Psychologist, Maggie’s Centre 

Davidson’s Mains Church, Thursday 17 May, 7pm-8.30pm 

Often people in supportive roles fear doing more harm than good 

and are at a loss as to what helps. This workshop is not a “how 

to” but will explore the essence of grief and how to stand 

alongside it more comfortably. For anyone involved in pastoral 

care. 

Booking: Grace Mackay, Edinburgh Presbytery Secretary 

edinburgh@cofscotland.org.uk or tel 0131 225 9137 

Welcoming People to Church 

Saturday 2 June 10am-1pm, venue tbc 

Welcoming People to Church 

The most important time for welcome is what happens after the 

service. Today is designed around sharing what has worked and 

what has not worked well in our congregations. Coupled to this 

participants will study a number of cases which will help us reflect 

on what welcome means from the point of view of the people 

being welcomed. For anyone involved in welcoming. 

Booking: Grace Mackay, Edinburgh Presbytery Secretary 

edinburgh@cofscotland.org.uk or tel 225 9137 


Learning Resources 

Silence in Christian History: the witness of Holmes's Dog 

Gifford Lecture Series given by Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch 

23, 24, 26,30 April and 1,3 May 

5.30-6.30pm at St Cecilia’s Hall, Niddry Street, EH1 1LJ 

Free but ticketed. Book online. Diarmaid MacCulloch is Professor of 

the History of the Church at Oxford University. 

Wednesday 2 May at 6pm at The Royal Society in George Street: 

discussion forum with Professor MacCulloch. 

Free but ticketed. http://www.royalsoced.org.uk/events/ 

Faith in Older People and the Centre for Theology and Public 

Issues present The Malcolm Goldsmith Lecture 

Finding meaning in the experience of dementia 

Professor Elizabeth MacKinlay 

Charles Sturt University, Canberra 

Tuesday 29th May 2012 5pm Tea; Lecture 5.30pm 

Lecture Room 1, New College, The University of Edinburgh, 

The Mound, Edinburgh 

Book online at www.faithinolderpeople.org.uk/ 

Free, although donations are always gratefully received. 


Key dates 

Moving to Shandwick Place 

Sunday 6 May – worship moves to Shandwick Place 

Friday 18 May – final day of Christian Aid Sale at George St 

Monday 21 May – keys of George Street are handed over to 

building contractors. No further access. 

Getting to Shandwick Place by public transport 

This is no problem as long as you are a codebreaker of Bletchley 

Park standard and a reasonable walker. The recent closure of 

West Maitland Street has led to long diversions. 

Current (from 24 March) leaflets from Lothian Buses are available 

in the vestibule and Undercroft in George Street. 

For up to date information the Lothian Buses customer helpline is 

0131 475 0210 / 0211 / 0212 and the website is 

www.lothianbuses.com 


Moving to Shandwick Place 

Getting to Shandwick Place 

by car 

Parking is available in Melville Street, 

Stafford Street, and other side streets. 

Parking is free on Sundays and metered 

8.30am - 6.30pm Monday-Saturday. 

Please consider leaving parking places close 

to the church for people who are less mobile. 

The ‘official’ Church Sunday transport 

service will continue to operate, on the first 

Sunday of the month, co-ordinated by Averil 

Fifer . 

It is hoped that those who participate in an 

informal transport service will continue to do 

so. It is also hoped that other members with 

transport will consider offering help to fellow 

members. 

Walking and cycling to Shandwick 

Place 

Shandwick Place is close to a network of offroad 

cycle and walking paths such as the 

Water of Leith and the Union Canal 

Towpath. 

If you would like to explore these alternative 

highways of greenery and birdsong get hold 

of a copy of the Edinburgh Cycle Map (great 

for walkers too) published by Spokes. There 

are cycle racks on the Stafford Street side of 

the building. spokes.org.uk/wordpress 


Letter from Arizona 

Bill Clinkenbeard 

There is, near Tucson Arizona, a missile museum. That may sound 

odd, but it is true. It is the only one remaining from a total of 54 Titan 

II missile sites which were built across the United States. This is a 

“silo” type of missile site .The silo is buried deep into the Arizona 

desert, with a lift ready to take you down to the various levels. You 

can descend underground and see where the missile stood upright, 

ready to launch. You can stand in the control centre, where the air 

force personnel carried out the commands of their superior officers. 

You can gaze at the red telephone with its direct line to the president. 

The Titan II could deliver a 9-megaton nuclear warhead to targets 

more than 5500 miles away in less than 30 minutes. 

The site is of interest to me because in the sixties I worked on an 

Atlas missile site as an engineer. I used to stand and look at our 

missile, stored horizontally in those days, and wonder if it would ever 

fly and bring nuclear destruction to the population of some city. I’m 

grateful that it never did. 

Museums are intended to teach us about the past. This missile 

museum stands as a potent reminder of the Cold War, the armed 

mutual hostility that was waged in the 1960’s and 70’s between the 

West and the Soviet Union. 

It is useful because most younger people today have no recollection 

or knowledge of that Cold War. They will not feel the deep sense of 

terror and dread of those who lived through the era. They do not 

share an anxiety that any day could bring nuclear catastrophe. So the 

missile museum is a good thing. We do need to have reminders of 

our past in order to inform our decision making for the future. This is 

especially true in the present, as we watch North Korea prepare to 

launch a rocket which they say will only be used for sending satellites 

into orbit, and as we watch Iran continue to develop nuclear 

capability which they say will only be for domestic use. 

Are we going back to a fear-filled world? While museums teach us of 

the past they cannot guarantee that we actually learn from it. 


Love those Church Ladies 

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank 

God for church ladies with typewriters. These 

sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in 

church bulletins or were announced in church services: 

-------------------------- 

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. 

-------------------------- 

The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' 

The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.' 

-------------------------- 

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a 

chance to get rid of those things not worth 

keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. 

-------------------------- 

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our 

community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 

'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you. 

-------------------------- 

Don't let worry kill you off 

let the Church help. 


Heart and Soul 2012 

Sunday 20 May 1-6pm 

Princes Street Gardens, 

Edinburgh 

The programme’s really 

shaping up – it’s going to be 

amazing. 

Remember, you can apply to 

join the choir, volunteer as a 

steward, organise a StAStGW 

stall, organise the rest of us to 

get there… 

Find out more at 

www.heartandsoul2012.org.uk 

Celebrate 

Solas Festival 22-24 June 

Solas Festival is a unique 

Scottish midsummer event 

featuring an exciting artistic 

programme alongside debate on 

cultural, political and religious 

issues. 

We welcome all ages and all 

views and we aim to unleash the 

artist in everyone. 


The Pilgrimage Goes On 

Inwards 

Soul Therapy June 2012 

Desmond Ryan has agreed to come and lead a group of us on a 

journey through a book called Self Therapy. This will be the first 

group in Scotland to study the book which offers insights into how 

to engage in helpful forms of internal dialogue, which can bring 

more peace as well as new insights to participants. We will all 

have to buy the book (£12) but otherwise there will be no charge. 

The group will run for 4 weeks at Shandwick Place on Thursdays 

from the 21 June 10.30am – 12. 30pm. 

Outwards 

Lindisfarne - June 2012 

On Saturday 9 June we are exploring the opportunity for 20 

people to undertake the 2 hour pilgrim poles walk to Lindisfarne. 

It will cost £10 and we will need four cars. You should bring your 

own packed lunch. 

It is most satisfying to do the walk barefoot. There will be a sign 

up sheet in the vestibule of the church. 

Malawi - September 2013 

A small group of people will take a trip to see Mulanje Hospital 

and undertake some work in a local school. The group will 

probably be no more than 6 people. It will cost less than £2,000. 

If interested, please speak to Ian Gilmour. 


St Andrew’s and St George’s West, Edinburgh 

Minister 

Joint Session 

Clerks 

Rev Ian Y Gilmour 

Alison Campbell 

Barbara Finlayson 

Joint Treasurers 

Director of Music 

John Innes 

Allan Sim 

Brigitte Harris 

Key Staff at our Shandwick Place Building 0131 225 7001 

Centre manager 

Deputy manager 

Volunteer 

Coordinator 

Caretaking 

Cook 

Becky Duncan becky@stgeorgeswest.com 

Joe Doody mail@stgeorgeswest.com 

Becky Duncan/ Joe Doody 

volunteers@stgeorgeswest.com 

Alan Hynd 

Colin Sharp 

Key staff at our George Street Building 0131 225 3847 

Church Secretary Joyce Garland 

info@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

Church Manager Cathie Donaldson 

Church Officer Eddie McRiner 

Café Manager Wayne Williams 

Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER 

TOGETHER Chair 

TOGETHER City 

Centre Chaplain 

Ian Gilmour 

Tony Bryer 0131 229 6542 or 07834 748129 

tbryer.wpcscotland@gmail.com 

St Andrew’s and St George's West Church of Scotland, 

Edinburgh is a registered charity. Charity number SC 008990. 


St Andrew’s and St George’s West 

George Street Building 

13 George Street EH2 2PA 

Tel 0131 225 3847 

www.standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

info@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

Church open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm 

Café open Mon-Fri 10am-2.30pm 

our George Street Building is 

closing for refurbishment from 

mid May until December 2012 

St Andrew’s and St George’s West 

Shandwick Place Building 

58 Shandwick Place EH2 4RT 

Tel 0131 225 7001 

www.stgeorgeswest.com 

mail@stgeorgeswest.com 

Centre open Mon – Fri 9am - 5pm 

Olive Tree Café Mon -Fri 9am-3pm 

Surely to be a people 

on the move following 

the way of Jesus and 

supported by God’s 

ever present Spirit, has 

got to be a good pattern 

both for the next days 

and decades of our life 

together. 

Never to be static, 

conforming, but always 

alert, alive, growing in 

faith, pilgrims together 

.

St Andrew's & St George's West Diary and newsletter

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