I began writing this letter as the Tall Ships, one by one, were slowly leaving Aberdeen Harbour after what had been a momentous weekend. It had been great to see the town so busy with people. Marischal Street in particular was thronged with folks, all heading down the steep brae towards the harbour, to visit those majestic vessels. There was an increase in visitors to the Church too; and that was encouraging. The ones that I engaged with were all very impressed with the Church Gardens and the Church itself.
My abiding memory will be the candle on the pricket stand before Our Lady that had been lit on the Friday evening by a young Polish Naval officer. He had gone back to his vessel, but hours later, the candle was still alight in the gathering gloom. It was great to see what the Faith meant to one of the younger generation.
Talking about the younger generation. I was pleased to see a goodly number of Sea Cadets and Adult Staff from TS Scylla on Sea Sunday. I did appreciate that cadets Helen, Luke and Campbell came forward at the last minute to read prayers in the intercessions alongside me at the head of the Nave. I am already thinking of ways to involve the Sea Cadets more on Remembrance Sunday this year. We will also have Yvonne Morton to sing during the service. The more folks we can involve in this the better as it makes them feel that they have contributed to the Liturgy.
Next weekend, the first in August, sees the Gallowgate Festival. It goes without saying that I encourage you to come along. If you want to help then just come down. We begin setting up stalls at 6.30 a.m. on the Saturday and it is essential to have men along to help. So please if you can come along.
The programme of events is listed elsewhere in the magazine. I am very grateful to all the musicians and stall-holders who have agreed to come along and participate. Please do make an effort to come and also encourage friends and relations. It is the one day outside Doors Open Day (Saturday 5th of September) that we have opportunity to bring people into St Margaret’s. We possess a fabulous Church building, Garden and Hall and it is good to share it with others. On the 27th of August (Sea Sunday) we remembered Fr John Comper, our Founder. He imbued in this place a strong sense of community and that has obtained for 155 years. It is our job to continue in that vein. This City more than ever needs a sense of Community and it is our job to help facilitate it…
I have used this prayer on Fr John Comper often and make no apology for providing it again…
“Remember him before his God unto whom he now lives, and pray
For all whom his word and example won to goodness that they may persevere, that so not one may be lost of that which the Father gave to him:
For the town in which he laboured for forty-three years, that men may never be wanting to carry on the work of God in its poorer parts with joyful courage and single-hearted devotion like to his: and for the Church and the Community of St, Margaret of Scotland, that they may grow and prosper beneath the mighty hand of God.”
That so the seed cast on the waters of earthly circumstances may be found, after the many days of this world, there where there is no lost good: committing him and all his works to the infinite love of God.”
Assumptiontide is in the middle of August. I shall be preaching in Formartine at St Mary on the Rock Ellon, at 11.00 a.m. on Friday 15th August; there is an advert elsewhere in the magazine.
Our observation of this Festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be on Sunday morning the 17th of August.
On Sunday the 7th of September, we will hopefully be joined by some members of the 1745 Association, who will be attending a Gathering based at Inverurie from 4th until the 7th of August. As some of you are aware, since Brigadier John Macfarlane passed away I have been Honorary President of that organisation. I am pleased to say that one of our own, Professor Robert Frost, will be the guest speaker at dinner on the Saturday evening. Professor Allan Macinnes, another of our own, has been guest speaker on a previous occasion.
Enjoy the rest of the summer! It has been a good one; certainly for soft fruit, tomatoes, pears and apples!
I have managed to turn a lot of the raspberries into jam. So it will be on sale on the 2nd along with the produce of many others!
See you in Church,
And every blessing,
As Aye,
Fr Emsley
