Dunfermline Presbytery News & Notices

ALPHA at BEATH&COWDENBEATH NORTH CHURCH, COWDENBEATHStarts on Fri 25th Sept. and then every Friday until 4th Dec.    7pm - 9pm in the BCNC Church Hall

Alpha weekend away   6th - 8th Nov.   Kincraig near Aviemore

Please check out our website for more information.   www.beathandnorth.org.uk

Saturday 5^th September 2009  1.00 - 3.00 pm

Children and Youth Support Ministry Worker

01383 729811  or email barbara.leppard@dunfermlinepresbytery.org.uk

Culross and Torryburn Church Summer Fete will be held this year on Culross Village Green on Saturday, August 15th from 12 noon until 4pm.   No entry charge!

A ‘gala’ event is anticipated, with a varied selection of over thirty stalls and refreshments will be served in the marquee on the green.

Please note this event in your diary and come along with your family on the day and have a great time!

Plenty of parking spaces at both east and west car parks.

Further info is available from ahm276@aol.com  

The results are in. An overwhelming 90% of you believe poverty can be eradicated. That’s great news. But what do you believe is the most important step to take towards eradicating poverty? This is what you said…24% End corrupt governments22% Make international trade rules fairer21% Improve access to education and health services14% Halt climate change8% Increase aid to poor countries5% Curb tax dodging by multinationalsTake a look at what people have been saying and add your own response; do you agree or disagree?   www.christainaid.org.uk

According to a survey undertaken by St John’s College, Durham University, on behalf of CODEC (Communication in the Digital Environment), knowledge of the Bible is poor with 62% not knowing the parable of the Prodigal Son and 60% not being able to recall anything about the Good Samaritan. Over 900 people, from faith and non-faith backgrounds, were surveyed at various locations throughout England and Wales about their knowledge of the Bible.

The survey also showed that despite the success of the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 57% knew nothing about Joseph and his brothers. The researchers say their findings show that the Church and politicians can no longer make assumptions about people’s knowledge of the Bible which, in under-45s, is in decline.

Churchgoers who were surveyed also showed a lack of biblical knowledge with 72% knowing nothing about Daniel in the Lions’ Den and 57% unable to talk precisely about the Stilling of the Storm when Jesus calmed the Sea of Galilee.

However, the survey findings were not all doom and gloom: Three-quarters of respondents said they owned a Bible and 31% said the Bible was significant in their lives today. Many respondents said they still turn to the Bible for support and guidance at key moments.

The initial findings formed part of the evidence behind the Methodist Church’s decision to designate 2011 as the Year of the Bible at its annual conference in July. 2011 will be a significant year for the Bible with many projects happening through the 2011 Trust http://www.2011trust.org/) to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, which was completed in 1611.

To find out more about the research use this link

http://www.dur.ac.uk/news/newsitem/?itemno=8234

The Show came to town with a bang in Cowdenbeath with some 60 young people having a great time and learning about God.  The three teams; Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Broadway all decorated their STAR changing rooms and produced a show song for all to enjoy.  At the end of the week an OSCAR party was held and Oscar Certificates presented to the best dressed and presented act.  As you can see the Adults enjoyed it as much as the young people

A half-day conference for all those who want their church welcome to be even better!

 Meeting from 9.30am - 1pm in St.Andrew’s Erskine Church, Robertson Road you are invited to consider how you can create a welcome that helps guests to stay!

Cost of the conference is free, so send along your entire welcome group !!!

In light of the Dunfermline Presbytery Census report some congregations might find the following book (and workbook) useful

Reaching & Keeping Tweenagers

Where have all the children gone? Why, in the 1990s did an average of 1,000 children a week under the age of 15 walk out of church or Sunday School and not come back? Most youth workers know that keeping the 10 to 14 age group is especially hard, but what is it that turns ‘Tweenagers’ off church?

This major research project sets out to uncover some of the reasons behind one of the key findings from the 1998 English Church Attendance Survey. The results are in this book. How to apply it to your situation is in the accompanying workbook.

Available from the bible society and christian research

http://www.bibleresources.org.uk/pages/data.asp?layout=book.htm&id=947

“I found this an absorbing study, full of information and very stimulating - essential reading for all youth professionals.” Revd Anthony Burnham, Moderator, Free Churches’ Group, Churches Together in England.

Oasis Centre LEVEL 2 KINGSGATE CENTREOFFICIAL OPENING12 NOON, SATURDAY 30^TH may, 2009  

Your very own quiet space in the heart of the town centre.Use it as a staff room, a place to enjoy your packed lunch, or a place to meet your friends, or just simply chill out.We do not sell food, but you are free to use the facilities and escape the stresses of the day.The Oasis is also a Community Information Centre where you can advertise your event.Look forward to meeting you!

Dear brothers and sisters in ChristFirst I would ask you in your prayers to give thanks to the Holy Spirit for bringing Rev Jayne Scott to Culross and Torryburn.  Her induction service will be this evening at Culross Abbey. Let us pray for the parish and her ministry starting, as she does, at a difficult time for the Lord’s Church.