This edition of the Diocesan newsletter contains images from around the Diocese marking events and occasions from May and June (so far). There’s a request to pray for the Diocesan representatives to General Synod (5-7 June 2025) towards the end of the newsletter.
On Sunday 4th May, Bishop Anne led the Communion Service at St Congan’s, Turriff, where Lianne, Yvonne, Irene and Nicola affirmed their baptismal vows (also known as Confirmation). The group were prepared by Revd Anne James, who serves at St Congan’s. They are shown in the group photo below.
St Ternan’s Banchory sits on the High Street, with the garden at the front of the church elevated from the pavement. The Easter Garden appeared during Holy Week and through Eastertide the resurrected Jesus has been present in the garden.
This year, 2025, is the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea where the roots of the Nicene Creed, said each Sunday in many of our churches, were laid. From Sunday 18th to Sunday 25th May, the first of three Credo weeks took place. There was a ‘One God’ lunch at St James, Aberdeen, on the Monday and events in Alford and Banchory during the week. ‘One God’ cards to reflect on the first part of the Nicene Creed were distributed (and have been appearing on the website each day between Ascension and Pentecost).
Bishop Anne and Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden (Diocesan Advisor for Christian LIfe) led the events. The gatherings were an opportunity to reflect on what the Nicene Creed means for each of our own personal faith. There was a lighthearted quiz about the Council at Nicaea, including a question about whether Santa Claus was present and the actual number of Bishops present. We considered characteristics of God that are important in our faith journeys and wrote group Psalms of Praise to God. Events concentrating on Jesus (the middle part of the Creed) and the Holy Spirit and the Church (the last part) will be taking place 24-31 August 2025 and 14 – 23 November 2025. To receive information about these drop the Advisor for Christian Life an email to be added to the mailing list, and look out for more information on the website.
St Mary-on-the-Rock in Ellon is marking the 150th of it’s consecration this year. The five celebration months began on Sunday 25th May with a Celebration of the Eucharist. Bishop Anne preached and presided, using liturgy based on that in use in 1875 (curated by Revd Dr Dennis Berk, Rector at St Mary’s). This service begins several months of celebrations, including a Flower Festival in September. For more information, including about commemoration events, visit the St Mary’s and St James’ website.
Aberdeen Football Club won the Scottish Cup on Saturday 23rd May, with the celebration open-top bus parade happening the next morning. The route began at the end of Union Street, right outside St James the Less, and the parade began as the post-service coffee was concluding. Below are some members of the congregation celebrating amongst the crowds gathered.
The Provincial Net Zero team are hosting an event at St Mary’s, Carden Place, Aberdeen on Saturday 27th September. The first of the events, at St John’s Cathdral Oban happened at the end of May. Save the date and look out for more details soon…
Sunday 24th May was full of celebrations at St Magnus, Lerwick. The congregation received its Bronze Award from Eco-Congregation Scotland. This recognises their efforts in tackling climate change. At a special celebration Eucharist on Sunday 25th May, the convener of St Magnus Eco-group, Marilyn Pope, received the Award on behalf of the congregation from Salvation Army Major Dave Womersley – whose work with the community growing project in Cunningsburgh has already been recognised with a similar award. The congregation were assessed in 11 different areas, from the carbon footprint of our church buildings to how they integrate creation themes into worship and biblical teaching. They’re now looking for ways we can develop our commitment and our action so that all aspects of our life and St Magnus community are truly sustainable. A member of the congregation said, “We see the care of creation as central to our life and witness as Christians.”
Along with receiving the Award, Revd Lewis Smith, Interim Pastor, presented Helen Mary with her Certificate of Permission to Officiate on behalf of Bishop Anne and the congregations of Episcopal Churches of St Magnus, Lerwick and St Colman, Burravoe, welcomed Rev Helen Mary Sage to their team of volunteer clergy. Shetland News picked up on the stories and more can be found on their website.
Revd Roger Dyer has featured as a guest on Aberdeen Muslims: Faith Without Borders podcast. The Episode is “Faith Without Borders: Reverend Roger’s Journey Through Community“. Revd Roger is currently interim Priest at St John the Evangelist, Crown Terrace, Aberdeen where there is a Mosque attached to the Church Halls and a history of shared space.
The General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church meets at St Paul’s and St George’s, Edinburgh Thursday 5th through to Saturday 7th June 2025. The Prolocutor of the House of Laity (if elected by the Synod) will be Aberdeen and Orkney’s Dr Nicola Mills. For information on the Synod Agenda, reports, the live stream and more, there are dedicated General Synod webpages. Please pray for delegates from the Diocese, for wisdom and open ears, eyes and hearts, as they share worship, table discussions, debates and fellowship with others. Members attending from the Diocese are: House of Bishops: Rt Revd Anne Dyer; House of Clergy: Rev Godwin Chimara, Rev Roger Dyer, Rev Andrew Elliott, Rev Canon Dr Jennifer Holden, Very Rev Dr Emsley Nimmo, Rev Ferdinand von Prondzynski; House of Laity: Dr Martin Auld, Dr Stephen Goodyear, Mr Brian Harris, Mrs Margaret Hodder, Dr Nicola Mills, Ms Gillian Rose. We hope to share glimpses of times at Synod on the website throughout the meeting.