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BANKING ON JUSTICE
Churches Investing For A Fairer Future
Thursday 18th March 2010
10.00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
St George’s West Church, Edinburgh
Conference speakers:
Ryan Brightwell, Co-operative Financial Services
Alex Connor, Triodos Bank
Kathy Galloway, Christian Aid Scotland
Doug Gay, co-author Justice & Markets
Jamie Hartzell, Ethical Property Company
Miles Litvinoff, ECCR
Victoria Woodbridge, EIRIS
Conference fee: £10 (£5 concessions)
Lunch and refreshments included
For more information and to book:
www.eccr.org.uk/module-htmlpages-display-pid-76.html
Helen Boothroyd, ECCR 01325 580028 helen.boothroyd@eccr.org.uk
Sheena Cowan, Church of Scotland 0131 240 2267 SCowan@COFSCOTLAND.ORG.UK
A Light in the Darkness
The closure of the Glencraft Workshops last month brought to an end not only 160 years of significant quality workmanship in the city, but also brought to an end employment for 51 workers, many of whom had worked all their lives in the workplace that was a community and family to them. The timing of the closure has brought added financial hardship to many, most of whom are still looking for new employment.
On Thursday 10 Dec 09, those same workers were invited to a Christmas Party at the Salvation Army Citadel in Castle Street, organised by the churches across Aberdeen. Northsound 1 & 2 brought their music, and with food provided by the Salvation Army and a gift and card supplied by members of various churches, a glimmer of brightness broke into an otherwise dark and bleak Christmas time.
Amongst those present at the Party was Councillor Barney Crockett, who had been Chairman of the Council Committee overseeing Glencraft, the acting Moderator of the Presbytery of Aberdeen Maureen Simpson, the City Centre Chaplain Cate Adams, and Rev Hugh Wallace whose Presbytery Committee organised the event.
Mr Wallace said: “We were delighted to be able to offer an evening of fun to these men and women, but we are fully aware of the on-going difficulties that many will face. The Christian community across the city has always tried to provide care to some of the most vulnerable and needy folk across the city. The Salvation Army continues to care for the needy; the Street Pastors will meet up with revellers throughout 
the Christmas season and churches will have their doors open to welcome visitors and strangers to join them to sing carols and celebrate the coming of the Light of the World into a darkened world. Perhaps a Light shone for a few hours for some at the Citadel this week. We hope so.”
Pictured at the top are some of the revellers at the Glencraft party and bottom left to right also enjoying the party are Maureen Simpson, Acting Moderator Presbytery of Aberdeen and Cate Adams Aberdeen City Centre Chaplain.
New Chaplain Appointed To Cover Edinburgh West.
"About 16 years ago Corstorphine Old Parish were given some money for some land at Gogar and wondered what to do next.
After lots of thinking and talking 
they decided that although some of it had to be used for the usual building repairs any ancient building needs, they would rather invest in people than projects, and should reach out with care to those in their geographical area. It can be stretching enough for a minister to pastor those within the gathered group of regular “attendees” without the added stretching of an airport, a whole new industrial area and a shopping centre going up on your patch," so says the Rev James Stewart recently appointed to the post of Edinburgh West Workplace Chaplaincy.
He goes on, "Another pair of hands was decided on. And not to get scalps for the church’s attendance figures, but to make sure that those working in the locality were aware of the church’s care for them.
And so it came to pass… that early in 2009 the local parish (under the wing of the Church of Scotland, and in partnership with Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland and with the blessing of the other churches in the area) an advert was put out to employ a part-time chaplain to cover the workplaces or Edinburgh West.
I thought it looked exciting, so applied and got the job!"
James has now settled into the role and his contact details can be found on our staff page.
Chaplaincy At Union Square
The opening of the new Union Square development in Aberdeen has presented a challenge to Cate Adams, the Aberdeen City Centre Chaplain. As well as her many other duties around the city centre Cate has taken on responsibility at the new development. Union Square is the biggest retail development to take place in Aberdeen for 20 years. This now provides Aberdeen with the second largest shopping centre in Scotland. This £275 million development has generated 1000 new jobs in Aberdeen.
The retail complex houses a 10 screen cinema, a variety of restaurants as well as in excess of 60 shops and a much needed hotel.
City Centre Chaplain Cate Adams said, "This is an exciting new venture within an already vibrant city, offering a new experience in retail that compliments and enhances our existing outlets throughout the region. In an economically tough time the road ahead will have its own set of challenges and as always its a priviledge to serve those in the city working in one of its hardest sectors".
The top picture captures the crowds on the opening day of the complex whilst the lower picture is the scene at night. Thanks to Union Square for the pictures.