News, Events and Updates
See Groups page for news and details of the various church groups.See Centre Facilities page for update on Bankfoot Out of School Club.
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WORLD CHALLENGE
On the 27th. July ten teenagers along with Ashleigh and Stuart are heading off for a big adventure. See full details on the "Groups" page under Compass and Hub.
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Visit of London School of Theology students cycling from Land's End to John o' Groats.
On Saturday 17 July we were privileged to play host to this group of 6 cyclists and their support team. They arrived from Edinburgh that day but have been on the road since 5 July when they left Land's End. Their aim is to arrive at John o' Groats on 22 July. The project is to raise funds for students who want to go to the College but cannot afford to do so.
Click here to see their web site and daily blog.
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The church magazine for June 2010 is now being distributed throughout the village. If you live outside of Bankfoot and would like a copy, please contact us.
Click here.
HOT OFF THE PRESS...
You’ve
seen the building,
you’ve watched the movie, now read the book;
“Building
Vision”
by Iain McFadzean
YOUTH WORKER for Auchtergaven & Moneydie Parish Church
Salary £9-10k
We are a Church of Scotland Congregation in Bankfoot, Perthshire, looking for a committed Christian individual with a passion for young people to take responsibility for our work with those of Primary and Secondary school age. Tasks would include the pastoral care of all young people associated with our congregation; leadership of our twice- weekly youth group; support of Sunday School, management of volunteers; and the development of new initiatives to broaden the church’s impact in the wider community. This would include visits to the local primary school.
You would be employed for 20 hours per week, supported by a line-manager and a small but committed team of volunteers.
Applicants should have relevant experience of working with young people and be willing to undergo further training as deemed appropriate by the church.
Application with CV and the names of two referees to:
Session Clerk, Bankfoot Church Centre, Tulliebelton Road, Bankfoot, PH1 4BS
Contact - (01738 788017) or auchtergavenchurch@hotmail.com
Closing date – 31st August 2010
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Christian Aid week.
Thank you very much indeed to all who participated in Christian Aid week - those who gave; those who came to the lunch; and to the collectors who painstakingly visited homes to deliver envelopes and then collect them.
The amount raised in Bankfoot came to £2,600 which is a very good total. Thank you all!
The appeal this year is for a project in Kenya.
Click here for more information.
Organ Recital - 1 May 2010Click here for more information on Allen organs, UK
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Discipleship Explored Discipleship
Explored is a journey into the book of Philippians.
DE is for anyone who wants to make the most of their Christian lives.
“Sundays at Six” 9, 16, 23, and 30 May 6, 13, 20 , 27 June
This series of 8 evenings will take place between
6.00 – 7.00 pm. on Sundays until the end of June. Please consider
coming along…
We have now finished the last course and those who came found it
helpful and thought provoking. We will post here the daates of the next
course, possibly in the autumn.
For further information on Christianity Explored check out this
link ChristianityExplored.
"Village church is held up as an example to follow"
So says a headline on page 5 of the Dundee Courier today, 30 April 2010.
The article that follows is commenting on proposals to come to the General Assembly of the church this May about formulating its first strategic plan on how best to make use of its estate and as cited the new church in Bankfoot as an example to follow!
We agree!
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Iain's last Sunday - 7 April 2010 - Easter Sunday
Last Sunday was Iain McFadzean's last Sunday with us. We had a great day together celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour; and rejoicing in all that He has done for us here in Bankfoot in the 5 years since Iain has been minister.
At the presentation to Iain at the end of the service Alastair Macdonald, Session Clerk, made the following comments...
ALASTAIR’S TRIBUTE
It will be 5 years this month since Iain McFadzean was inducted as our minister. At Iain’s induction we were forewarned by Alastair Duncan, minister of Garelochhead Parish Church what to expect at our Christmas events. Live animals – sheep, donkeys, calves… He didn’t quite manage to get a camel but he did have some wise men, namely Alex Melville, Dave McFarlane, Andy Smith and Ian Robertson – well maybe they were wise…!
When Iain accepted the call to be our minister, what a challenge lay before him - the church on the hill having been destroyed by fire in February 2004, ironically Ash Wednesday. Iain had the foresight, energy and vision which resulted in a new church being built to cater for all the community, using as many sustainable and eco friendly features as possible. This led to us quickly becoming the proud recipients of an eco congregation award.
Before building commenced, there were many obstacles to overcome – planning permission, suitable builders etc. Iain, Joy and the family were subjected to personal abuse and harassment but through all this Iain’s faith sustained him. And he constantly encouraged us a congregation to know that God’s plans for us were good. We did have a future! As well as carrying out his parish responsibilities, he was heavily involved in the building of the church as he had the knowledge and experience to be able to research the best solutions to the many problems we faced. And if we are honest we’ll also remember him when we saw him approaching with his favourite phrases… “I was thinking… Do you think….?” Then we thought, “Oh no, here he goes again!”
God was definitely laughing when He sent Iain to rattle our cages and push the buttons! We won’t have any shortage of memories!
What a legacy Iain is leaving us! A fantastic building! This is not just a one day a week church but a seven day a week church, involving all ages from toddler to the more senior amongst us. Since our opening in October 2008 there have been 100 church visiting our centre and over 23,000 visitors!
Although today we are sad at Iain leaving us we are also very pleased for him in his new job as National Director of Workplace Chaplaincy (Scotland). We can be sure that Iain’s enthusiasm and drive will now touch and encourage many more people across Scotland and we wish him well.
As Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Iain we will miss you, one way or another. You’ve had quite an impact on this place and you’ll be leaving a big gap here. But most of all we’ll remember you for being a great person to have around. And I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of you!
Please accept this gift as a token of our appreciation – and may God’s blessing go with you and the family as you set out to fulfil the next vision.
See the photo gallery for photos of the event.
MINISTER’S LETTER written for Feburary 2010 Church Magazine
They say that one definition of getting old is when snow on the ground stops exciting you and starts to annoy or worry you. I am getting old! For all the problems that the snow causes, however there are always positives. One very positive effect of the universal white blanket is that for a short time, everywhere looks very tidy! Your immaculately groomed garden looks exactly like my chaotic, child ravaged jungle.
It is good to finally see green grass again and even better to see the snowdrops pushing through. While I am sure we have some more interesting weather to come we can all begin to see the hints of spring appearing. The downside of this of course is that everything which was buried by the snow has now reappeared and my garden looks even worse than it did before it was buried!
I have known a number of people in my life who seemed, on the surface, to have their lives running like well oiled sewing machines. Respected and admired they were looked up to by many who aspired to emulate their faith, success or popularity, while others were intimidated by the knowledge that they could never reach those heights. Yet underneath the blanket things were very different.
For some, the cloak of success, is no more than a façade which can suddenly collapse, dissolve, melt away to reveal a life embroiled in confusion, betrayal and hypocrisy.
Paul saw the effect of this when he wrote to the Hebrews to warn them:
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Spring is a great time for tidying up, sorting out all those things which have been playing on your mind for so long. It is also a good time ( as is any time), to open up your heart to God and to start to deal with some of those issues which you have been covering up, hiding away or simply ignoring for so long.
Those first snowdrops remind us of the promise of God that he will make “all things new”. That includes you and me. Is it going to be a good year? Is it going to be a year when you shed burdens, resolve issues and enjoy some rest? It certainly could be if we act on the promises God has given us.
“Come to me all who are tired and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
God bless,
Iain McFadzean
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We celebrated "SOUPER Sunday" on Sunday 10 January alongwith many other congregations in Scotland and elsewhere.
Click on this link for further information.
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Christmas photos
Please visit our photo gallery to see pictures Christmas events etc.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Report on Harvest Thanksgiving – Sunday 25 October 2009
At
our Harvest Thanksgiving on
The
proceeds of it
all came to around £500.
Here
is the latest from TEAR fund on this appeal…
“Over
the last few months
we’ve launched our “Make life flow” campaign which highlights the huge
global
injustice of unclean water and poor sanitation. These critical issues
are
examined through the story of a 13 year old girl, Stidia from Kigazi
village in
A dangerous twice daily
trek to collect water held back her schooling and her spiritual life
and
jeopardised her safety. Inspired by Stidia’s determination, church and
Christians – people like you and your local congregation – have
responded in
prayer, through giving and by taking action. So far you’ve raised
around
£700,000 to transform thousands of people’s lives with clean
water and good
sanitation. Along with our partners in poor communities across the
world, we
want to say a big thank you for your efforts and generosity."
Tear
fund recently caught up with
Stidia the young girl from
“I feel very happy
that I no longer have to go down the mountain
to
collect water. Now I have more time for school.”
Prayer…
As Christians and as the family of God in this place we believe that God answers prayer.
We pray together as part of our worship on Sundays as well as our personal praying at home or elsewhere.
Recently the WWE group produced a helpful leaflet (suggested by the Presbytery Prayer Promoters’ Group) called “How to spend 5 minutes with God.” We also produce a monthly prayer diary which is designed to be used on a daily basis at home. These are available at church or to download from the web site as a .pdf file.
And
then we have our corporate
prayer times on Wednesday evenings at the church prayer meeting.
These are held on every second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
Please do consider joining us...
C
h
r
i
s
t
i
a
n
A
i
d
Christian Aid week
this year is from 9 –
15 May. As a church we will be supporting that as usual.
On Sunday 31 January
we held a retiring offering for the people of Haiti. This came to
£418.67.
On Sunday 13 December we held our annual Christian Aid Carol service organised by Helen Simpson. We enjoyed a happy evening singing carols and listening to the well chosen readings and meditations.
Many, many thanks to
all who gave so
generously to
this year's appeal! As a result of the door to door collection, so
faithfully
carried out by a wonderful band of collectors, £2,200 was raised.
This is £150
up on last year's total, an amazing result in the light of the present
credit
crunch.
For more information
go to the Christian Aid website. Click
here.
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Green Energy Awards
Community Initiative Award organised by the Scottish Green Energy Awards 2009.
We are happy to have been short listed for this award although we did not win.
http://www.greenenergyawards.co.uk
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13 April 2009
We have had a wonderful weekend here at Bankfoot. The weather has been great and we have been able to enjoy God's creation and spring brusting forth all around us.
The Easter week services went well and our early Easter morning service at the Ford at Little Glenshee was great - a good number came - lots of children who rolled their eggs afterwards -and there was a real sense of the joy of the resurrection!
Christ is risen - He is risen indeed!
Then back to the church for breakfast and what a breakfast! Wonderful. For Margaret it was especially wonderful as she had come to the end of her fast over Lent of any food bought from a shop. She so enjoyed her cup of tea with milk - and her bacon roll!
Then we had the Easter morning service - the church was full and we rejoiced together.
Stone Picking
It had been intimated that if anyone wanted to help on Easter Saturday, they would be welcome to come and help pick stones! A local farmer has offered to seed the grounds of the church for us but stones needed to to be lifted first. So on a glorious day of weather a good number came to work hard. But it was good fun - especially when we had a break for tea and coffee and hot cross buns! (See the photos in the photo gallery.) The exercise was repeated on Easter Monday and so now the ground is ready!
Thank you to all!
_________________________________________________________________
12 March 2009
As days get longer, we look forward to enjoying our new church centre in the Spring and Summer. After all, there is a patio through the french windows off the Auchtergaven Room, so coffees out there after church (and through the week), with the beautiful view of the Perthsire hills is a pleasing prospect!
We are so grateful to God for the way we are seeing the centre used by many different groups as well as people just coming to see it and enjoy it. Sadly we have hosted two funerals here in recent weeks, but also there are those who have booked their weddings here too.
Sundays are busy and we are particularly pleased that the number of children attending (with their parents) is on the rise. They enjoy watching the "Friends and Heroes" series of DVDs which tell Bible stories - and then of course they enjoy the soft play centre afterwards - while parents and the congregation enjoy relaxed fellowship after the service is over. Another series of "Friends and Heroes" is also enjoyed by the children attending Compass on Tuesday evenings.
There is a steady group of over 35 young people who attend "The Hub" on Tuesdays.
Some of the older teenagers from "The Hub" are going to help with our annual Holiday Club. This is planned for the last week of the school summer holidays as usual - Monday 10 August until Friday 14 August. The programme we are going to use is called
"Show Stoppers", this
year's new SU programme for Holiday Clubs. We have some new
team
members for this year including our own Michael Ellacott, and we look
forward to using the wonderful new facilities with plenty of room! 
Each
first Sunday of the month we will have Traidcraft stall after the
church
service. There will thus be the opportunity to browse and buy items
such as
tea, coffee, biscuits, cereals and preserves. Purchasing fairly traded
produce
will help fight against poverty in the developing world.
Unfortunately
Sunday's (2 February) offer of free chocolate was a one off!! But it
was delicious and enjoyed!
CHURCH CAFE
Visit the church cafe which is now open each day for coffee, scones, home baking, home made soup - and to meet friends!
IN THE NEWS...
Our church featured on 23 December 2008 on Reporting Scotland. Click on this link to see the broadcast. "Church rises from the ashes."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7798234.stm
There is also an article written by Elizabeth Quigley which you can read on the BBC web site. Click on the following link.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7796195.stm
22 December 2008
17 December 2008
The third Sunday of advent is past and anticipation is growing
as Christmas approaches.
Fractically
rehearsals are happening, parties being organised and celebrated, the
school concert is past but end of term service ahead, preparations for
our special village celebration on Friday evening (19th.) going ahead
well. There are rumours that live animals will be there! Don't miss it
if you can help it!
But what is it all about? Click on the following link and "Meet the Cast" on this SGM production. Christmas is about the gift of the Lord Jesus from God to us.
http://www.sgmlifewords.com/christmas/downloads/documents/mtc-automaticpp.ppt
24 November 2008
Well how are things at the new church centre? Very good thank you! We are so glad of many and various groups using our lovely facilities and it is good to go to the church at different times during the week as well as the weekend and find it a hive of activity. That is what we wanted!The Craft Fayre on Saturday was a great success and seemed to be greatly enjoyed by many. Various groups are using the centre and the cafe is serving teas and coffees and light lunches each day. Thank you to all those who have volunteered for that and are doing such a grand job! The children and young people are enjoying the facilities and as of last week the sports hall is now lined for sport: - two badminton courts, one five a side football pitch and basketball court. More information soon about the badminton club!
The church office is gradually being furnished, and the move to that will be completed in the first week of December when BT give us a telephone line.
Being a church we are now looking forward to and planning advent and the preparation for the great event of Christmas! We want to celebrate with as many as possible the fact that God sent His only Son to this earth because He wanted to show His great love and concern for us and all mankind.
10 November 2008
Another week has gone past in our new church centre.
Numbers at Compass and The Hub on Tuesdays continue to increase and
Boys’ Brigade met for the first time in the new church centre on
Friday. The Bankfoot Toddlers Group now meet in the centre. (See Centre
Facilities page for more details.)
Saturday’s bonfire was cancelled because of the bad weather but the Bouncy Castle was put up in the sports hall and a BBQ held in the BBQ area at the back of the Auchtergaven Hall.
Saturday also saw the musical evening with Michael Ellacott that was planned to allow us hear our new Allen organ and to have an evening of music. Michael was joined by Teresa Coull (vocalist) and Liza McFadzean (flute) and all there thoroughly enjoyed the evening – and the shortbread! Our grateful thanks to Michael and to all who helped.
Sunday was our service of Remembrance. We met at the war memorial in the Main Street, and aided by a trumpeter and a piper, Iain McFadzean led us in a short service and in the 2 minutes silence. Afterwards we repaired to the church for our worship. It was good to be reminded, with photos of the wars that are past and on-going, of what men and women went through to secure our freedom. It was lovely yet again to see our church full! The usual cup of tea or coffee followed along with the remnants of the night before’s shortbread!
Our part in the Blythswood shoebox appeal is over as boxes
were
collected and taken to the depot in Perth by the Melvilles. We filled
around 60 boxes to add to the thousands that will be sent out. Again
thanks to all who participated!
For more information visit the web site. www.blythswood.org/shoebox
The church café is open each day for tea/ coffee and soup and rolls. Its worth a visit!
3 November, 2008
One week has gone by already in the life of our new church.
We had hoped that the church would be a place of activity and interest and welcome and it has proved to be! With the café open each morning from 9.30 till 1.00 people came from far and near and enjoyed their coffee and home made scone – and also looked round with various folks on hand to be “tour guides”. Occasionally too the organ was played! Hundreds of cups of tea and coffee were served during the week! There was a conference held there in the Auchtergaven Room on Tuesday morning; and then there was the ceilidh on Friday evening which was a great success.
The children’s club – Compass – made a great start on Tuesday evening with 41 children there; and that was followed by The Hub for the teenagers and there were about 25 of them. Church attendance yesterday was very good, the service being conducted by Rev. Bob Sloan who has joined us a pastoral associate. Bob was with us during Iain’s recent spell of RAF Chaplaincy.
So we are off to a good start! This week the café is to be open again each day with various people volunteering to take a turn and others offering to make soup! This is only possible because of volunteers and perhaps you would like to help! If so, could you give Iain McFadzean a ring?
We look forward to the evening with Michael Ellacott and friends on Saturday 8 November at 8.00 p.m. All our welcome – entrance is free but donations received gladly! There is also the village bonfire taking place on Saturday at 6.15.
Sunday 26 October 2008
At the first morning worship service in the Bankfoot Church on
Sunday 26 October 2008, the congregation sang the following hymn set to
the tune “Highland Cathedral” and written by Iain MacFadzean, the
minister. It was written to sum up our recent Our Story – following the
fire on Ash Wednesday 25 February, 2004 which completely destroyed the
former church building.
God of our Fathers you have brought us here
Guided your people throughout endless years
Shown us the plans that have been laid by thee
Hope and a future, setting people free
God is here in the midst
of us
His gracious promise He
will fulfill
O’er the darkness He
prevails.
Our God will overcome
Ye though the fire destroys and all is lost
You call your people not to count the cost
Pride and possession are but shifting sand
Lead now your people to the promised land
Trials of the past are far behind us now
Christ is our Saviour and will show us how
Our lives can shine into the darkest place
Light that brings all before the Fathers face
==
This was our Harvest Thanksgiving and also our last service in our temporary accommodation of the church hall. How grateful we have been that to have had this hall separate from the main church building which meant it was undamaged by the fire of 2004! It has been home since then…
Earlier it had been agreed by the Kirk Session that to celebrate the Harvest Thanksgiving we should have a retiring offering in aid of TEAR Fund’s “Step up the Plate” campaign. At the service on Sunday a film was shown on the work of TEAR Fund in Africa and in particular Burkina Faso. This film was very moving and showed that, although villagers suffer from malnutrition and need aid, they want to be independent and feed themselves. With our help from the retiring offering, we will be able to provide them with materials and resources to work the soil.
The retiring offering amounted to £504.30 (and many filled in gift aid recovery slips). Many will also send money direct to TEAR Fund.
Alastair Macdonald