St Andrew's and St George's West September 2010

St Andrew’s and St George’s West 

Diary and newsletter 

September 2010 

1 St Andrew’s and St George’s West Edinburgh September 2010 Newsletter

What’s inside? 

Page 

A letter from Russell 3-5 

September diary and October preview 6-8 

Forthcoming events 

9-12 

Amos Scripture Trust AGM – Amnesty – 

Worship@1 – Bethany Walk – Philippa Gregory- 

Overcoming Violence 

Christian Aid News 13 

Charity Chic – Affordable Vintage Fair – 

14-15 

Painting Edinburgh Green 

TOGETHER News 

16-18 

Chairman’s Update – Marcus Borg at St John’s 

City News 

19-22 

Reformation Lectures – Business Alpha – 

Simpson House Counselling Training – Moose in 

the Hoose 

Congregational Stories 

23-26 

An Old Friend (Alex Harper) - The Cracked Pot 

(Ruth Sheard) 

Contact details 27 

Newsletter team 

Design and layout: Andrena and Alison B 

Production: Jean M, Judith, Rosemary, Libby, Elizabeth M 

Email: inspire@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

Many thanks to all contributors. Photos, articles, events, 

prayers, poems are welcome by email or through the offices at 

Shandwick Place and George Street. 

Next copy deadline: Monday 20 September for publication 

Sunday 26 September 


Letter from Russell 

Dear members and friends, 

Great potential. 

Over these past few weeks I have met several of the applicants 

for the post of Parish Minister as they have looked to gain 

some background to the charge. It has been very good indeed 

to be able to speak to them about the congregation with its 

many people of great character, commitment and talent and 

the exciting potential of this city centre parish and ministry. I 

have been equally clear that we are very much a work in 

progress following on from union with all the adjustments 

involved and also in the longer term process of working through 

the issues of Interim Ministry started two years ago. I am able 

to stress that people have shown determination and grace to 

effect some very difficult changes. The challenge is not just to 


a new minister but also for all the people involved in St 

Andrew’s and St George’s West to build on the work of the past 

year. 

Alan Ward 

I have very much appreciated Alan’s involvement with us in 

sharing the ministry over these months in leading services, 

visiting and advice to Kirk Session. We had previously worked 

closely together in the committees of Glasgow Presbytery and I 

knew that I could work well with Alan and that his approach and 

gifts would complement mine. 

Alan’s last Sunday with us will be on 12 th September after 

which he has a few weeks’ holiday before beginning his first full 

placement as Interim Minister. I am sure that you will share 

my appreciation of The Ministries Council which agreed to Alan 

being placed with us over these months. We wish Alan well in 

his new appointment which should be confirmed on Sunday 

12 th September. 

Interim Moderator and Locum Minister 

My time with you on a weekly basis comes to an end at the end 

of September after which I will continue to serve as Interim 

Moderator until the Induction of a new minister. Presbytery 

were keen to know that there should be as much continuity as 

possible in the affairs of the congregation given the significant 

changes over the past year and an advantage in my position as 

Regional Interim Minister in The Lothians and Edinburgh is that 

I am not moving home and can continue to serve. 


I will have a period of 5 weeks Study Leave before my next 

placement and will be available during that period for all 

matters of congregational business. 

Kirk Session will confirm the appointment of the Locum Minister 

at a meeting on Sunday 29 th August and I hope that the Locum 

will be introduced in church on the last Sunday of September. 

The duties of Locum involve leading worship, visiting and 

conducting funeral services and will involve a maximum of two 

days in the week in addition to leading Sunday Services. 

September Services and Place of Worship 

Services in September will be at Shandwick Place. This will 

bring to an end the period of worshipping in the two buildings 

on alternate months. I believe that this has been a very good 

arrangement which has allowed people to appreciate the 

traditions of the two congregations coming into union. 

The plans to redecorate at George Street, with new lighting, 

sound system and projection had been put on hold in order to 

consider the union and the Kirk Session anticipate a return to 

worshipping in Shandwick Place for a period of months if there 

is to be upgrading work carried out at George Street. During 

this period it will be appropriate to properly celebrate the 

church building and its tradition before a final leave-taking. 

God’s richest blessings to each and to all 

Russell McLarty 


September 2010 Diary at a Glance 

A diary of events at, connected with, or of interest to members 

and friends of St Andrew’s and St George’s West. 

Visit our online diary at 

www.standrewsandstgeorgeswest.org.uk/diary.php 

Sunday services in September will be held in Shandwick Place 

From October Sunday services will be held in George Street 

September 2010 

Monday – Saturday 

Daily worship at 1pm in the Sanctuary, George St 

Sun 5 Sep 

Fri 10 Sep 

Sat 11 Sep 

9am, 9.45am and 11am services in 

Shandwick Place 

TOGETHER Singalong Film Night 

7.30pm Candlish Hall, St Andrew’s and St 

George’s West, Shandwick Place 

Bethany walk along the coast 

10am - 4 pm Marcus Borg at St John’s 

Episcopal 

Sun 12 Sep 



7pm Morningside Parish Church 

What’s the Reformation ever done for us? 

The Reformation: From Europe to Scotland 

Dr Susan Hardman Moore 


Tue 14 Sep 

Wed 15 Sep 

Sat 18 Sep 

Sun 19 Sep 

Author Philippa Gregory in conversation 

with Professor Geoffrey Carnell 

7.30pm Shandwick Place Building 

Kirk Session meets in George Street (venue 

tbc) all are welcome as observers 

Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair 

at St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 

George Street 



7pm Morningside Parish Church lectures 


The Social Policy of the Scottish Churches 

Prof Jay Brown 

Tue 21 Sep 

Sat 25 Sep 

is the International Day of Prayer for Peace 

Amos Scripture Care Trust AGM and lunch 

10.30am onwards at Shandwick Place 

11am-4pm Out of the Blue, Dalmeny St 


Sun 26 Sep 



10am – 5pm Out of the Blue, Dalmeny St 




The Kirk and Scottish Literature Dr Alison Jack 


October 2010 

Sun 3 Oct 

9am, 9.45am and 11am services in George 

Street 



Why we should be grateful to Luther, Calvin 

and Knox Dr Harry Reid 

Thurs 7 – 

Sat 9 Oct 

Charity Chic Eco Fashion Fair 

St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 

George St 

Regular meetings in George Street 

Brownies meet weekly 

Bellringers meet Mondays 

AA meet Wednesdays in the Davidson Room 

Scouts meet Thursdays 7.30 - 9.30pm 

Choir meets Thursdays 7 - 9pm in the Davidson Room 

Births, marriages and deaths 

Death: 

Peacefully on 4 th August 2010, Mrs Anna Cowan, a member 

since 1956 

Removals by Transference Certificate: 

On 22 nd June 2010, Reverend S Edwin P Beveridge, 

Pastoral Assistant and Mrs Sheena Beveridge, both of 

Edinburgh, EH3 who were members since 2005. 

On 9 th July 2010, Miss Janice Todd, of Edinburgh, EH4, 

an elder since 1983 and a member since 1957 


Amos Scripture Care Trust 

The Annual General Meeting of the Amos Scripture Care 

Trust will be held at St Andrew's and St George's West 

Church, Shandwick Place, on Saturday 25th September, 

2010 at 10.30am. 

The Guest speakers are Lynda Samuel and Anne Sturrock. 

Following the meeting, the choir of the African & Caribbean 

Christian Fellowship will sing to us for a short while, to be 

followed by a light luncheon. 

Please let Alan Mackinlay (226 5445) know if you plan to stay 

for the lunch. 

The Trust was started in 1995 by the late Bruce Crerar. 

We produce laminated cards (credit card sized) with an image 

or photo on one side, and a text on the other. These are 

distributed to hospices, hospital chaplains, churches, retreat 

centres and to individuals who distribute them as they see fit. 

The aim is to get the Word of God out to people, and feedback 

indicates the cards are much appreciated in difficult, and 

happy, times of people's lives. It is not a 'Together' project, but 

it has the blessing of the member churches of the former 

CWEC, and there are card stands in the former St George's 

West, St John's, and St Cuthbert's. 

We hope to arrange for a display stand in the George Street 

building in due course. We do not charge for the cards, but 

donations are gratefully received. Apart from one part-time 

employee, all the work in producing the cards is done by 

volunteers, mainly working in small teams. Alan MacKinlay 


Amnesty International 

We are thinking of setting up an Amnesty group 

at St Andrews and St Georges West. Please 

get in touch if you are interested. 

Ruth Forrester for the Wider Horizons Group 

Worship@1 daily prayers at George Street 

Prayers are said every day at St Andrew’s and St George’s 

West, George Street. 

On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 1 

o’clock there is a short time of meditation during which prayers 

are said for people or places by name. 

There is a set text of readings, prayers and thoughts for 

reflection for each day, which can be followed or can be 

adapted or personalised. These can be seen in the Church or 

the little Chapel in the Undercroft where prayers are held 

during special times – e.g. Festival, Advent, Lent, and Christian 

Aid sale. 

On Tuesdays prayers take the form of a Communion service 

led by clergy. 

Please come and join us and if you would be interested in 

joining the team of people who lead the prayers or would be 

willing to be involved in producing new material, contact Mary 

Godden 


Bethany Walk by the coast for Homelessness 

Saturday 11 September 2010 

Cockenzie – Gullane, East Lothian 

Bethany’s sponsored walk is along East Lothian’s stunning 

coastline following part of the John Muir Way. The area boasts 

incredible scenery and a treasure-trove of wildlife in its natural 

setting. Make a difference in the lives of homeless people and 

enjoy a stunning day out at the same time. To receive more 

info call 0131 625 5417 or email events@bethanyct.com or visit 

www.bethanychristiantrust.com/events. 

Mary Godden is hoping to do this walk and would love some 

company. If you would like to join her (for 9.5 miles or 3miles) 

or would be willing to be a sponsor, please get in touch with her 

via the office. 

Author Philippa Gregory at Shandwick Place 

Philippa Gregory, author of ‘The Red Queen’ and Prof 

Geoffrey Carnell, author of ‘Gandhi’s Interpreter’ will be 

discussing the art of biography and the craft of fiction. Both 

authors will welcome questions and be available for signing 

of books afterwards. 

Tuesday 14 September 7.30 - 9 pm 

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

Tickets £5 redeemable against book purchases on the night 

available only from The Edinburgh Bookshop 0131 229 9207 


Why Violence? 

Why Not Peace? 

Although the World Council of Churches 

Decade to Overcome Violence is drawing to 

an end it is never too late to consider the 

above questions. 

During October and November there will be a series of four 

evenings devoted to considering some of the issues raised. 

We will be looking at four aspects of violence: 

Is Violence Inevitable? 

How Do We Use Power? 

How Do We Act Justly? 

What Kind of Identity? 

We will be using a variety of resources including exercises to 

help us reflect on the questions from our own experience, 

materials to stimulate conversation and passages for Bible 

study and reflection. 

Although each evening will begin with reflection we intend that 

the outcome of each meeting will be ideas for action. Further 

details and a sign up sheet will be available from late 

September. We look forward to your participation. 

Arthur Chapman 

for the Wider Horizons Group 

Resources here: http://www.overcomingviolence.org/ 

21 September is the International Day of Prayer for Peace 


Christian Aid News 

"TOGETHER" Christian Aid Committee 

have arranged for your enjoyment and relaxation a Film Night 

Sing-along. It will be held in the Candlish Hall, Shandwick 

Place on Friday 10 September at 7.30pm. There will even be 

ice cream in the interval. Tickets (£8) are available from either 

Margaret McGregor or Maggie Morley. 

Christian Aid Fundraising Update 

In the Christian Aid Report, I mentioned our stock list and how 

some of it has been sent to various auction houses and we 

should await further information. Well, some of the items have 

just been auctioned and I am pleased to announce that the two 

Chinese ivory figures and the two collections of Chinese 

internally painted snuff bottles have realised the marvellous 

figure of £1,262.61. Rest assured there is more to follow. 

Joan Dryburgh, Antiques and Collectables 

Truly Scrumptious Christian Aid Recipe Book 

‘Truly Scrumptious’ contains 58 recipes collected by 14- 

year-old Imogen Allen, a member of St Laurence's Church in 

Scalby, Yorkshire. Sales have already exceeded £600 and 

Imogen has proved to be a great ambassador for Christian 

Aid's work with poor communities around the world. To 

obtain a copy of Truly Scrumptious, which costs £3, call 

0113 2444764 or email yorkshire@christian-aid.org 


Charity Chic 

Eco Fashion Fair 

We’re holding our annual 

Charity Chic Eco Fashion Fair 

Thursday 9 –Saturday 11 October 

St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 


supported by John Lewis 

It’s a stylish mix of clothes and accessories from local charities 

and makers designed to raise awareness of reducing, reusing 

and recycling in fashion and to raise funds for good causes. 

How you can help 

Give time 

If you can help with setting up, staffing and taking down, please 

contact Dorothy MacKenzie 

If you can help with catering – home baking and vintage teas - 

please contact Jean Brodie 

Donate something for a Christian Aid stall 

If you can donate a piece of costume jewellery please contact 

Halla Beloff 

If you have any 50s and 60s clothes that you would like to 

donate please contact Bridget Harris or Alison Bruce 

Help us publicise the event 

Flyers and posters will be available soon. Please tell your 

friends, daughters, granddaughters, nieces… and gentlemen 

too. 

Thank you! 

Debbie Bayne, Creative Space and the Charity Chic team 

charitychic@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 


Judy’s 

Affordable 

Vintage Fair 

is coming to St Andrew’s 

and St George’s West, 


Saturday 18 September 

11am - 4pm 

The Affordable Vintage Fair holds regular events in cities 

including London, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham 

Oxford and Cambridge. 

Thanks to Bridget Harris for this. 

TRANSITION EDINBURGH - PAINTING EDINBURGH GREEN 

A two day event to help communities reduce their carbon emissions 

and prepare for a low carbon lifestyle based at 

Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh 

Saturday 25 September 11.00 - 16.00 Market place of stalls & 

activities, storytelling, children’s activities, chill zone, local produce, 

fair trade cafe. Free entry 

Sunday 26 September 10.00 - 16.00 Day Conference: How local 

communities can survive the financial & environmental crisis 

A space to explore options for local action in & around Edinburgh, 

with keynote speakers & interactive sessions. Open to all groups & 

individuals embracing the ‘Transition’ to low-carbon, sustainable, 

life-enhancing communities. Communal breakfast and lunch 

provided. Free entry 

Thanks to Alison Campbell and Friends of the Earth for this 


It’s not quite “Goodbye” 

from him but it’s definitely 

“hello” from me 

I welcome this opportunity to introduce myself as Chairman of 

Edinburgh City Centre Churches Together in succession to 

Russell McLarty. 

Let me first pay tribute to Russell’s achievements in this 

ambitious attempt to create a new ecumenical partnership. The 

future of the three congregations lies in working more closely 

together while retaining their distinctive identities. From his 

position as Interim Minster at St Andrew’s and St George’s 

West (STAGW), he has given unstintingly of his time, his 

negotiating talents and his experience combined with his skills 

in the art of storytelling. This has released a new spirit of 

mutual trust and forbearance among the Trustees and the 

Clergy with which we can do great things. So, we say a hearty 

thank you to Russell and wish him everything that is good for 

the remainder of his career in the ministry. Russell will continue 

as a Trustee while he is Interim Moderator of STAGW. 

My own background is more conventional in that I have been 

an elder in St Cuthbert’s for almost 40 years and, like a number 

of others prominent in constituent Churches, I was once a 

mandarin in St Andrew’s House. I spent a lively year in 1972 – 

3 as Chairman of the committee which ran the Corner Stone 

Coffee House as an outreach project of the Council of West 

End Churches, whose meetings I attended. It was through the 

Corner Stone that I met my wife, Irene. Later I chaired the 

CWEC/WECT Christian Aid Group and spent four fascinating 

years on Christian Aid’s governing body for Britain and Ireland. 

I remain an unrepentant enthusiast for the ecumenical 

partnership in which I believe we should do together those 


things which can best be done at TOGETHER level, mainly 

outreach to the community on our doorsteps from the homeless 

at our gates to directors in their board rooms. Other examples 

of outreach are, Christian Aid fundraising events, the Night 

Shelters for the Homeless, the Story telling events plus 

activities under the banners of “Creative Space” and the 

Festival of Spirituality and Peace. 

The Trustees’ role is to take decisions, allocate resources and 

plan ahead and not in any way to influence the worship and 

management of the three congregations. Nor should we 

become involved in the Pastoral Care of their members which 

is best left to the constituent Churches to pursue. We will, 

however, continue to promote joint services and other 

occasions in which we can join together for prayer, study and 

worship. 

None of this work has so far been particularly visible but it 

should become more so with the arrival in post of our part time 

co-ordinator, Joe Evans, who is a member of St Andrew’s and 

St George’s West. Thanks to the kindness of that congregation, 

Joe has the use of an office in the George Street building and 

can currently be contacted on 0131 225 5921. 

He will act mainly as a central link between the various 

TOGETHER projects, between the congregations, and with the 

local community; finding common ground and trying to help us 

to find better ways of working together. By meetings in person 

as well as communicating through the magazines and the 

internet, he hopes to find new resources which we didn’t know 

we had and use the resources we already have in more 

productive and innovative ways. 

So to those who wonder when is TOGETHER going to start in 

earnest, I say that we are already in business and are currently 

moving on the publicity, Homeless and Christian Aid fronts. 


Progress has been slower on other items such as 

Communications through a quarterly magazine, now due in 

November, a Workplace Chaplain for the shops and offices and 

Street Angels/Pastors for the club scene. 

I hope this gives you some feel for what TOGETHER is doing. 

We can only succeed with the support of individual members of 

the Churches and I will keep you informed of developments. 

Joe and I plan to meet as many of you as we can during the 

remainder of this year. 

Kenneth MacKenzie 

Fill us with a passion for righteousness and a zeal to 

serve where there is need. 

Being Christian in the 21 st Century 

Marcus J Borg at St John’s 

Marcus J. Borg is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion 

and Culture at Oregon State University. 

Saturday 11th September 10 am to 4.00 pm Three Lectures 

‘Being Christian in the 21st century’ a few tickets left at £22 

from adrian.alker@pcnbritain.org.uk No tickets on the door. 

Sunday 12th September: Morning Service at 10.30 am, when 

Marcus Borg will be the preacher 

http://www.pcnbritain.org.uk/index.php/events/detail/being_christian_in_the_21st_century/ 



Two Business Alpha courses in Edinburgh 

Janice Todd 

Business Alpha is the Alpha course in a business /office-world 

context. It helps people explore the meaning of life, discover 

the person of Jesus and come to faith. A group of office people 

from across the churches in Edinburgh have run this course for 

several years. To date over 300 guests have attended and 

many have experienced their dormant faith fan into flame, and 

some guests of no faith have come to faith. Business Alpha 

has then helped them grow in their faith and find a church. The 

Business Alpha course is run very professionally - for office 

people, by office people and with speakers from various work 

backgrounds. 

Please do bring this course to the attention of anyone you 

know who works in the city who might be interested. Tell them 

the course is a chance to explore the meaning of life and that 

they can attend a Taster event with a notable speaker. 

In fact, there are going to be two Taster sessions for two 

separate but identical tracks: one Taster after work in the 

Holyrood Hotel, Wednesday 15th September, the other Taster 

at lunchtime in the Roxburghe Hotel, Thursday 16th 

September. The speaker at both will be Jonathan Aitken, the 

former Cabinet Minister in Mrs Thatcher's government who 

came to faith as a result of a major crisis in his life. He is a 

superb speaker. 

www.businessalphaedinburgh.com 


Looking for a training course? In the fields of counselling, 

children & young people, supervision or substance use? 

Simpson House Training is proud to deliver quality 

training - where we work hard to help you succeed. 

It's not too late to register your interest in courses 

starting Autumn 2010 ......... 

Diploma in Higher Education Counselling Children and 

Young People 

COSCA Certificate in Counselling - Children & Young 

People 

COSCA Certificate in Counselling - Generic 

COSCA Certificate in Counselling - Substance Use & 

Dependency 

COSCA Certificate in Supervision / Skills 

www.simpson-house.org 

working in partnership with COSCA, Middlesex University, 

Learn Direct Scotland and Mairi Nye Associates 

For more information please contact Lesley Orr, 

Administrator, Simpson House Training, 52 Queen Street, 

Edinburgh, EH2 3NS 


Tel/Fax : 0131 477 3883 

www.aceit.org.uk 

Volunteers Wanted! 

The Moose in the Hoose project needs more volunteers to help 

bring the benefits of email and the internet to older people 

living in care homes across Edinburgh. 

• Do you enjoy talking to older people? 

• Do you have basic computer skills? 

• Can you give 2-3 hours per week for at least a year? 

If you are 18 years or over and want to know more, please 

contact the Project Manager, Terry Blair, on 0131 477 3883 

or email terry@aceit.org.uk 

You can also visit Moose in the Hoose at 

www.aceit.org.uk/moose 


An Old Friend 

Alex Harper 

As I made my way down to the basement my eye was caught 

by a glimpse of subtle-blue velour and there it was, nestling in 

the corner of the stair. The one-time St George’s West pulpit 

sofa: having checked with those who know such things to be 

sure that is the proper furnishing terminology! 

As you know my thoughts often take an irreverent turn, and I 

began to muse on the quantity – and quality – of the bottoms 

that had graced its battered surface over the years. 

In its heyday the SGW pulpit sofa welcomed many preachers, 

some renowned and some unknown quantities, but all adding 

to what was the SGW experience. 

You will have your own memories, but for me the ultimate peak 

was the structured eloquent reasoning of James S. Stewart, 

whose oft requested sermon featuring Joshua’s exploits at 

Jericho I will never forget, contrasting perhaps with couthy 

homilies of old Mr. Irwin (of Dores!) lingering in many a 

memory. Contrast again with our homegrown Bill Shaw – 

forsaker of the law – in clinically reasoned expositions, to many 

foreshadowing his future rise to theological eminence. 

Murdo 1 himself was generous in making his pulpit available to 

guest preachers and student assistants alike, quite apart from 

1 Revd Prof Murdo Ewan Macdonald (1914 - 2004) 

Prof Macdonald was educated in the village school in Drinishader, 

Harris and from there he received bursaries to Tarbert and Kingussie 

Schools and gone on to St Andrews University. He was inducted to 

the Ministry in 1939, received a call up to the Armed Forces in 1940 

and after a spell as chaplain to the Queen’s Own Highlanders in the 


the fact that his couple of months’ break in the summer gave 

the congregation an opportunity to hear other clerical views. All 

these were occupants of the sofa at one time or another!!! 

If the old sofa could speak what tales it would tell of what some 

term as “the glory days” of communal wholehearted worship in 

a packed church in which it was indeed a privilege to 

participate. 

Relegated now to its basement situation it is still performing at 

a lower level its intended function giving a resting place to 

many bottoms whose owners pass through our portals daily 

and especially at Festival Time, enjoying a few moments’ 

relaxation – just as much in God’s service, surely, as offering 

comfort to the eminent? 

A nostalgic backward look and a wee stroll down memory lane 

helps keep reminiscence alive, but time moves inexorably on, 

and we – often in spite of ourselves – must move with it. 

Just like the old sofa! 

Caribbean, he volunteered for the 1st Parachute Brigade. He was 

captured by German forces and imprisoned for the remainder of the 

war. After the war he received a call to Partick and from there to St 

George’s West where his preaching and personality had a profound 

effect on young people, particularly students. In 1964 he became 

Professor of Practical Theology at Glasgow University. Murdo Ewen 

brought a radical zeal and Celtic eloquence to his ministry and was 

always robust in his projection of Christianity and left-wing political 

beliefs. 


The Cracked Pot 

submitted by Ruth Sheard 

A water-bearer in India has two large pots; one hung on each 

end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the 

pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and 

always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long 

walk from the stream to the master’s house. The cracked pot 

arrived only half full. 

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer 

delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s 

house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its 

accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. 

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, 

and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it 

had been made to do. 

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it 

spoke to the water-bearer one day by the stream. “I am 

ashamed of myself, and I want to apologise to you.” 

“Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” 

“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half 

my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out 

all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, 

you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from 

your efforts.” 

The water-bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his 

compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I 

want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” 

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice 

of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the 

path, and this cheered it somewhat. But at the end of the trail, 

it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so 

again the pot apologised to the bearer for its failure. 


The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were 

flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other 

pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your 

flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your 

side of the path, and every day while we have walked back 

from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have 

been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my 

master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he 

would not have this beauty to grace his house.” 

Each of us has our own unique flaws. 

We are all cracked pots. 

But if we allow it, our flaws are used to grace life’s table. 

In God’s great economy, nothing goes to waste. 

Don’t be afraid of your flaws. 

Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of 

beauty. Know that in our weakness we find our strength. 


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

Interim Minister 

Associate Interim 

Minister 

Russell McLarty 018756 14496 

Alan Ward 07709 906 130 

Joint Session Clerks Alison Campbell 0131 556 2895 

Barbara Finlayson 0131 312 6351 

Joint Treasurers John Innes 0131 332 2702 

Allan Sim 0131 552 9254 

Director of Music Brigitte Harris 0131 556 1759 

Key Staff at our Shandwick Place Building 0131 225 7001 

Creative Space 

Centre manager 

Administrator 

Volunteer 

Coordinator 

Senior caretaker 

Cook 

Debbie Bayne mail@creativespacesgw.org.uk 

Becky Duncan becky@stgeorgeswest.com 

Joe Doody mail@stgeorgeswest.com 

Andrew Hynd 

volunteers@stgeorgeswest.com 

Diego Musazzi 

Colin Sharp 

Key staff at our George Street Building 0131 225 3847 

Church Secretary 

Church Manager 

Church Officer 

Café Manager 

TOGETHER Comms 

co-ordinator 

Joyce Garland 

info@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

Cathie Donaldson 

Eddie McRiner 

Wayne Williams 

Joe Evans 0131 225 5921 

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

Edinburgh is a registered charity. Charity number SC 008990. 



Shandwick Place Building 

58 Shandwick Place 

Edinburgh 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 

Hospitality is not to change 

people but to offer them 

space where change can 

take place. 

It is not to bring men and 

women over to our sides, 

but to offer freedom not 

disturbed by dividing lines 

the paradox of hospitality is 

that it wants to create 

emptiness 

not a fearful emptiness; but 

a friendly emptiness where 

strangers can enter and 

discover themselves as 

created free 


George Street Building 

13 George Street 

Edinburgh EH2 2PA 

Tel 0131 225 3847 

www.standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

info@standrewsandstgeorges.org.uk 

Church open 

Mon- Fri 

10am - 3pm 

Undercroft Café 

Open Mon-Fri 

10am - 2.30pm 

free to sing their own songs, 

speak their own languages, 

dance their own dances 

free also to leave and follow 

their own vocations. 

Hospitality is not a subtle 

invitation to adopt the life 

style of the host, but the gift 

of a chance for guests to 

find their own. 

Henri Nouwen 

Reaching out

St Andrew's and St George's West September 2010

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