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A Community of sharing - sharing Christ with community in faith, love, hope and service.

Issue 678

S Anne’s
September 2022

Magazine
Rev. Jamie Griggs
St Anne’s Parish Church
1 Kaimes Road, Corstorphine,
Edinburgh, EH12 6JR
www.stannescorstorphine.org.uk
0131 316 4740
office@stannescorstorphine.org.uk

IN THIS ISSUE
Page Contents
1-2 Letter from the Minister
2 Forthcoming services
3-4 Farewell to David Stewart
4 Springwell Golden
Voices Choir
5 Caring&Sharing@St Anne’s
The Guild
6 FAN Club
Platinum Jubilee 2022
7 Flowers
The Acorn
Dates for your diary
8 Junior page
Magazine dates
Articles and information for
the October issue to be in
the office by September 19
My Dear Friends being required of and from us, so
Once again September is upon us: the much for us to assimilate, process and
schools are going back, the nights are do, that we find ourselves more often
(gradually) drawing in, the than not like the proverbial “rabbit in
the headlights” – staring ahead,
temperature is more usual, the
minister is on holiday, and we have a powerless to move.
new organist. Tempus fugit…! Tempus fugit – and things do change.
Elsewhere in this magazine you will
You may (or you may not) know that
find a full tribute to David Stewart,
phrase, usually translated as “time
who has retired as our organist and
flies”. It first appeared in book 3 of
choirmaster, and member of Session,
Virgil’s Georgics, originally as “fugit
after twelve years of diligent service:
inreparabile tempus” – “it escapes,
irretrievable time”, and it is generally we shall miss him. By the time you
read this, you may have heard our
used as a warning against wasting
time. Time is valuable, use it well. For new organist and choirmaster,
those of us brought up in the shadow Christopher Black: we welcome him
warmly to the family of St Anne’s.
(or light?) of the Presbyterian work
ethic, it’s a familiar trope – don’t As many will be aware, conversations
waste time – or (as the minister tends continue about the future of the
to be told when required to produce a Church of Scotland, nationally and
letter for the magazine!) stop locally, and our representatives
procrastinating. continue to meet with those from
The challenge facing us all is perhaps our neighbouring congregations,
seeking a positive and constructive
not so much that we want to waste
way forward.
time, but rather that there is so much
 PAGE 2

Time flies, and so much changes, and at times we may can see it in the wonder of Creation; feel it in the touch
feel overwhelmed. You may (or you may not) recall that of support between friends; experience it as our hearts
in my sermon for Trinity 11 I focused upon our need to swell with joy in praise; know it as we deal with all the
stop at times, and rest in God’s grace, if we are to “Sing challenges of our time. It is the grace which unites us
aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of with one another as we gather here, as we journey in
Jacob.” (Psalm 81) new directions and find ourselves in other places, as we
“The Psalmist was no stranger to the challenges of life, say farewell to dear friends, and prepare to welcome
the ups and downs of living; the times of doubt and the new comrades in this journey of life.
times of joy, the moments of wonder and the times of “It is God’s grace which made and sustains us, a grace
mundane existence. But, like so many others in our that allows us, frail though we are, to live in hope,
narrative of faith, it was by bringing all before God that travel in trust, and prepare for the moment when we
they experience God’s grace at work in their lives; it shall know fully, even as we have been, and are, fully
was in taking time out to pray, cry, shout for joy, praise known.”
and laugh, wail and cry, that they suddenly found the It is God’s grace that helps us to do the things we need
regenerating, inspiring and strengthening influence of to, when we need to – and that includes resting when
God at work in their lives. It was by God’s grace that we must.
Paul could say ‘For now we see in a mirror dimly, but
then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; God’s grace be with you, strengthen and inspire you as
then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.’ we move forward together.
“We walk each day, every step, surrounded by God’s May God bless you.
grace and love – whether we remember it or not. We

You’ve had your Latin: how’s your French?!

Apparently, this notice can now be found in all

French churches:
Morning worship takes place every Sunday at 11am;
En entrant dans cette église, il est possible que vous all are welcome, both in person and online.
entendiez l'appel de Dieu. Par contre, il n'est pas
susceptible de vous contacter par téléphone. Merci Services of particular note:
d'avoir éteint votre téléphone. Si vous souhaitez
Sept 25 Following Morning Worship
parler à Dieu, entrez, choisissez un endroit tranquille
et parle lui. Si vous souhaitez le voir, envoyez-lui un there will be a short celebration
SMS en conduisant of Holy Communion in the
Youth Chapel. All are welcome
to join us
Translation:
It is possible that on entering this church, you may Oct 2, 11am Harvest Celebration
hear the call of God. On the other hand, it is not likely
Oct 30, 11am Holy Communion
that he will contact you by phone. Thank you for
turning off your phone. If you would like to talk to Nov 1 (Tues), 7.30pm A Service for All Saints Day
God, come in, choose a quiet place, and talk to him. If
you would like to see him, send him a text while Nov 13, 10.50am Morning Worship with
driving. Act of Remembrance
Nov 27, 11am Advent Sunday
(Warning: never use a mobile telephone while driving)
 PAGE 3 ISSUE 678

Thankyou for the music

In August 1972, David Stewart started playing the organ publicly in church services
around Edinburgh. Now, after half a century of service and more than a dozen years at
St Anne’s, he has decided to hang up his special organ-playing shoes and retire.
Throughout his period as choirmaster he has led the choir with infinite patience and sympathy as we have
strived to sing anthems and introits in many different forms. From performance pieces in Swahili, Latin, Russian
and occasionally English by such esteemed composers as Beethoven, Wagner, Mendelssohn, Elgar and César
Franck, to elderly photocopies of pieces priced in “old pennies”, he has convinced the sceptical and occasionally
exuberant choir that we could actually do it.
David’s long association with church music has yielded a substantial library of pieces that were filed away in
poly-pockets to emerge at the appropriate season and year. Some bear the stamp of choirs long defunct or of
ceremonies no longer active. Throughout all his time he has cajoled us with a positive attitude, occasionally
telling tales of his personal knowledge of some of the contributors. Spoiler alert: most of them were weird
characters with strange idiosyncrasies.
David had two rules: rehearsals start and end on time, sometimes to the last second; and he would never allow
the choir to deliver less than their best. Any compliments he received from the congregation were always
passed on as if they were the result of our singing and not his teaching. In truth, it was always his leadership
that has encouraged us to help lead the worship. During his time new choir members have turned up out of
curiosity and have stayed far longer than they expected, because of the welcome and encouragement they
were given by David. Whether it was the painstakingly repeated practice of a particularly tricky phrase or two,
or simply photocopying the hymns for a frail member who found the new hymn book too heavy to hold, David
treated every choir member as a talented if slightly reticent individual. And the results have been plain to hear
every Sunday.
In the total life of St Anne’s there have only been about a dozen choirmaster-organists. David’s contribution to
our worship has been immense and from the congregation as a whole and the members of the choir in
particular (even the lazy tenors) we wish him a long and happy
retirement.
 PAGE 4

Thankyou for the music (continued)

Presentation
After a wonderful service on David Stewart’s last Sunday, in which he accompanied Dr Lisa McCormick (cello)
in Saint-Saëns’s Prière and later delivered a rousing postlude in the form of Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue
in D minor, we adjourned to the hall for a presentation.
Well over 60 members joined us for coffee and delicious cake. David was presented with a framed photo-
montage of the organ, a healthy cheque, a massive card signed by church members and a wonderful card
bearing a picture of David conducting the choir, drawn by an artistically talented young member of the Sunday
Club, that will no doubt amuse him every time he looks at it.
We will all miss David hugely, but this was a very special day.

We are a mixed community choir of ages 55 years and over, from all walks of life, who come together once a
week to enjoy two hours of singing and friendship. There is no audition and no requirement to read music.

 We sing all types of music.

 As well as singing we enjoy various social events throughout the year.

 We meet on Thursday mornings between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Craiglockhart Parish Church,
Craiglockhart Drive North.

All inquires are welcome

Please contact Springwell Golden Voices Choir for more information:

Phone: 0131 593 4806

Website: springwellgoldenvoices.org.uk
 PAGE 5 ISSUE 678

After a successful session ending in May with a very informative and entertaining talk by Debs Hahn from
Edinburgh Garden Partners, Caring&Sharing@St Anne’s marked the opening of its Summer Café on Friday, June
3, with a special event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. For more about this impromptu party see
page six.

The Summer Café continued throughout the summer months until Friday, August 26. The proceeds raised
during June to August will be donated to St Anne’s as a contribution towards the cost of repairing the driveway
around the building.

The Team would like to thank everyone who has supported the Summer Café every week. The Belgrave Room
has been filled with lively conversation and laughter on Friday mornings.

The new session of Caring&Sharing@St Anne’s started on Friday, September 2, when Dr Philip Neville delivered
a talk on the work of “Versus Arthritis.”

We look forward to seeing you in the Belgrave Room on alternate Fridays for the FAN Club. Please come along
every fortnight and enjoy either a short talk on a relevant subject or a café-style meeting.
Everyone will be made most welcome at 10.30am.
Ellison Bishop

We hope you have all had a good summer, and managed to get some natural Vitamin D from the sunny weather
we have enjoyed, and maybe even managed a short break away from your usual routines. As we now approach
the time for our autumn programmes, when all the clubs and meetings commence for the autumn/winter
period, we would like you to mark Tuesday, September 6, in your diaries as being the first meeting of the Guild.
Please note that it will be an afternoon meet, commencing at 2.30pm....a slightly different time from last
year’s afternoon meetings.

Because of all the uncertainties around Covid we decided against having a summer outing this year. Instead, we
had two “drop-in” sessions, one in July and one in August, to meet up with our Guild friends, and enjoy the
fellowship over a cuppa and some home bakes. Both events were well attended, and it was good to see you all.

We look forward to seeing you on September 6 and remember, if you have any friends and acquaintances who
would be interested in joining us, we are always happy to welcome new members, both male and female.

Ethel Thomson
 PAGE 6

The first meeting of the new session is on Friday, September 9, at 10.30am.

The committee have been working very hard to deliver an interesting and varied
syllabus. There will of course be the usual very high standard of home baking, served
with tea and coffee, and the time to chat.

We look forward to welcoming old and new members.

Please join us on September 9.

As part of our Jubilee celebrations on June 3, which was the first meeting of
the Summer Café, we held a small celebration with a Jubilee Victoria sponge,
Jubilee biscuits and a delicious chocolate cake, all favourites of Her Majesty
the Queen.
We toasted the Queen with prosecco (non-alcoholic of course), and a few appropriate words from Jamie.
Everyone at the Café that morning enjoyed this little surprise.

Plant a tree for the Jubilee

We also plan to plant a tree in the Church grounds sometime in October to mark the Jubilee year. The species of
tree and the position have not yet been agreed but we will take advice on that.
Lyn Chalmers
 PAGE 7 ISSUE 678

THE FLOWER TEAM NEEDS HELP

Since Covid changed all our lives, the flower team has
halved in number and we really need new recruits.
Arranging flowers in St Anne’s is a joy to do and fun,
especially at Christmas, Easter and Harvest, when we
work together as a team.

We would be so pleased to welcome new members.

We can be found in the “flower room” after church on Sundays
or phone me, Claire Grant on 0131 334 3473 if you are interested.

Thank you.

Claire Grant

The Acorn is an inter-church coffee morning

meeting at 10.30am on the last Monday of each
month, except December. Everyone is welcome. Groups restart dates:
Please bring your friends.
September 2, 10.30am Caring&Sharing@St Anne’s
September 26
September 6, 2.30pm Guild
October 31
November 28 September 9, 10.30am FAN Club
December 12
September 19 Badminton Club

Muriel Gibson: 0131 317 1335

PAGE 8

National Teddy Bear Day is marked around the world on

September 9, celebrating the fluffy toy that brings comfort and
cuddles to all. So, look out your teddy bears.

But how will you celebrate? A teddy bear’s picnic or party, dress
them up, watch TV together, make bear snacks, or just give
them cuddles all day?

For the older kids/adults… As with any day of celebration, there

are some hashtags you can get involved with on social media.
Dress your teddy up and take a photo with the tags
#teddybearday or #nationalteddybearday and you might be
amazed at the response you get.

Q. What time does a duck wake up in the morning?

A. At the quack of dawn.

PS…. The Ministers jokes are awful! Please send some better ones!

A Prayer for when I’m Thankful

God, thank You for this day!

Thank You for the birds and the animals, the
flowers and the trees, the lakes and the
streams, and the sun that rises and sets over
them each day.
Thank You for creating everything we see!
Thank You for the life we live, and for
making each person different.
Thank You for Jesus, who died for us so that
we can go to heaven one day just for
believing in Him.
What an amazing God You are! In Jesus’
Name, Amen.