Christmas in Cluny

Friday 16th December 7.30pm Carols for Christmas led by the choir.

Sunday 18th 11.00am Christmas Family Nativity led by the Kirkers (with Baptism)

Tuesday 7.00pm Carols in the Square at Monymusk with  Brass Band

Christmas Eve 7.00pm Family worship at Monymusk- bring a torch!
Christmas Eve Watchnight 11.30pm here in Cluny

Christmas Morning 10.30am Short family worship at Monymusk

New Years Morning 10.00am worship here in Cluny followed by Holy Communion

New Members to the church
Sunday 11th December saw three new members join the congregation through a public profession of faith. We welcome Lesley & Ritchie Barron and Jacqui Thomson. During the year through either public profession of faith or by transfer certificate the congregation has welcomed 10 new members.

Joint Service in December
Rev John cook from Howe Trinity Church will lead the morning joint service at Monymusk Church on Sunday 4th December. This is an Rea Group Ministers swap Sunday and our minister is leading worship at Upper Donside.

Murder Mystery Event
The Cluny players entertained pack Village Hall at Monymusk to an evening in the theme of Come Dancing at their Murder Mystery show. The guests enjoyed this time of fellowship s they tucked in to a three course meal interspaced with the action from the performers. Thanks to all who helped, the Cluny Players, the organising committee and those who helped in any way. Just over £750 was raised for each congregation.

Soup & Sweet Lunch
Once again the Brodie/Patterson family treated us to a great lunch in the church hall after our Remembrance Day service. The hall was very busy and all who came along enjoyed the soup and sweet lunch prepared by many generations of the extended family. Thanks to them for their efforts which are greatly welcomed by the congregation

Coffee Morning
The coffee morning held in the church hall on 5th November was a great success. Though the numbers were not huge and the amount of food was we had a great time of fellowship and the food not used on the Saturday was used to give to the members over a cup of tea at the joint service in Cluny on the Sunday. Just over £350 was raised for church funds. Thanks to all who came along and to those who helped out.

We worship with Monymusk Church here in Cluny at 10.00am. evening worship in Monymusk Church at 6.30pm. All Welcome

28th August

Praise in the Park Sauchen 11.00am. Come and join us for a morning singing some of the well known Christian hymns of praise as together with Monymusk congregation and led by the Granite City brass Band we worship God in the Chidlren's playpark in the village of Sauchen.

14th August

This Sunday sees a welcome to Cluny and Monymusk to former Presbytery Moderator Miss Marion Stewart deacon at Skene Parish. Miss Stewart will be leading worship while our minister is at Skene leading worship there as part of his duties as Interim Moderator.

Summer services 2011

Once again we join with our neighbours during the summer. In July our worship will be at 10.00am in Monymusk Church and in August at 10.00am in Cluny. On 28th August worship will be at 11.00am and will be a Praise in the Park service in Sauchen park led by Granite City Brass Band

Sunday 26th June

This will be a family servcie with the presentations to the chidlren of the Cluny Kirkers to mark the end of a very enjoyable Kirkers year. The numbers during the year rose to 11 and the average attendence each week was 9. The dedication of the chidlren and the parents was very encouraging. During the year we had help from Maxine who was doing community servcie towards her Duke of Edinburgh award and from Andrew who just came along to help and has become an important member of the team.  Our year was also interupted when Sylvia had to go into hospital for a new hip, the kids took great pleasure in making her a huge get well card and thankfully she is making good progress. Euan was helped out wby Anne, Niall and Diane during the year and we thank them for their help.

Advance Fund raising Events

In November it is hoped to hold a Murder Mystery event shared again with Monymusk 

Church Roup

On Saturday the 11th June with our neighbours from Monymusk in Monymusk grain dryer barn ( thanks to Sir Archie Grant and Monymusk Estate staff for making it ready)  the congregations organised an old fashioned roup. A huge collection of items of many descriptions came in from crockery to ceramics, bikes to furniture, golf clubs to kids games. An Auctioneer from Thaninstone Mart was on hand to go through the items some of which were being sold for individuals with the church getting a commision on the sale, but the majority being donated and sold for church funds.  The grand total of just over £780 was raised for each congregation. A refreshment stand selling teas and coffees did great business on a  cold damp morning. The Minister commented that this was another great joint effort and the support we had was very welcome. He thanked the organising committee and all who helped make this a great success.

Plant Sale and Coffee Morning

The plant sale at the church on Saturday 28th May was a great success with £900 raised for church funds.  The weather was kind for us and the sale plants in the car park was very successful, with the etas and sales tanle busy all morning in the hall. Special thanks go to all thsoe who helped out in any way and to those who came along and supported our efforts.

27th March

Songs of Praise service to note the close of the Roof Fund a year after it was launched. The Choir participated and there was a good turn out to thank God for this wonderful year of blessing as we recovered the roof of Cluny Church. The congregation spent just over £31,000 in this task.  The roof fund will stay open for a few weeks and then officially close at the end of April. Thanks to everyone who contibuted so much. 

27th February

The Minister will be away at Skene on Sunday in his roll as Intereim Moderator and the Rev Iain Thomson from Skene will be conducting worship.

The Big Brew

At the Manse ( 26 St Ninians Monymusk) on Saturday 26th February the Manse family held  a big brew coffee morning to launch Fair Trade Fortnight. There was  food and fellowship and a fair trade stall. The event ran from 10.00am until 12 noon Donations were gathered which resulted in £125 being sent to World Mission Council for our missionary partners David and Rebecca Morton and their work in Malawi.

Joint Services

The congregations of Cluny and Monymusk have agreed that on the first Sunday of each month there will be a joint servcie. The first of these joint servcies takes place in Monymusk on 6th February at 10.00am. When there is a joint service there will be a short evening servcie at the other church. The joint servcies will move monthly so in March we worship at Cluny at 10.00am and in Monymusk in the evening at 6.30pm.  ( see statement below)

Churches Together
The following statement was prepared by the Kirk session and Church Committee from both congregations to represent a statement of where we plan to take the church into the future. 

At a recent meeting of representatives of Cluny and Monymusk there was much discussion about how we move towards a union of our two churches in the next two to three years. This has been agreed as part of the bigger plan for churches across not only our own presbytery but across all churches in Scotland as we face ever increasing challenges and costs of ministry and buildings.

We seek to come together on a more frequent basis and worship as a bigger community in one congregation and thereby moving away from worshipping in each individual church every Sunday. We are all fiercely proud and protective of our buildings, and this has manifested itself particularly this year with the fantastic response to the roof appeal at Cluny, We all acknowledge that we wish to retain both churches, so with that in mind we must think of bringing in more people on a weekly basis to support both establishments and grow together as one congregation worshipping with a stronger voice.

There have been so many positive moves towards working together that have happened in the last few years, and some of these examples are the Murder Mystery which may be held in one parish but is supporting both churches; the joint choir which raises funds for charity and both churches at Christmas and other times; the Praise in the Park which is supported strongly by both communities; coffee mornings and plant sales too. The next obvious step is to worship together to make not only a bigger sound and an increased feeling of belonging but to encourage our minister and those who lead our Aberdeenshire churches that there is strength in numbers and a willingness to meet those challenges head on.

We hold about 14 joint services in the year, including the summer services time about in Cluny and Monymusk and these are generally well attended and also offer an opportunity to meet up afterwards for coffee and a chat. Beginning in January we will introduce a joint service once a month on the first Sunday of the month at 10.00, followed by coffee. For those of us who would like to go to an evening service, this will be introduced from February in the “other” church, but more of the detail will come later with a calendar listing dates and locations of the services. We felt it important that there should be a recognised pattern of service and times, to make it easier to remember.

Euan would also like to consider introducing different types of service, with the more traditional perhaps in the morning and an alternative service in the evening.

We know we will have to gauge how this is working and will welcome feedback from you during the coming year. The plan would be to increase joint services in the following year, 2012, but again offering evening services in the other church too. All being well, this should allow us to be in a secure position to reflect our intention to Presbytery that we will be a united church in Cluny and Monymusk and enable change in a planned and positive way.

Area Group Summer Service

On Sunday 5th September all roads from the area group congregations headed up to Strathdon where a planned outdoor servcie was forced by the weather into the Church at Strathdon. The decision meant that there was a lot of last minute moving of equipment for the praise bands and sound systems but a full church enjoyed a time of worship led by the bands of Howe Trinity and Kemnay witha sermon by Rev Donnie MacSween.  After the service the weather brightened up and allowed us to hold our picnic in the church glebe.

Strawberry Tea

The garden of Cluny Home Farm, the home of Glenda & Tom was filled on Sunday afternoon 8th August as Glenda and Ann organised a wonderful Strawberry tea in aid of the Cluny Roof Fund. Between 40-50 guests turned up and enjoyed the strawberry tarts, fairy cakes, fruit cakes and biscuits washed down with a  welcome cup of tea, coffee and juice.  The weather was great and the garden looked wonderful as members of Cluny, Monymusk and other family and freinds popped in. The sum of £300 was raised for the roof fund but as well as the money raised the fun and fellowship factor of the congregations was also raised. Thanks to Glenda and Ann for their hard work.

Summer Services

During the months of July and August as is our normal pattern Cluny unites with Monymusk Church to share the weekly worship services. During July we shall worship in Monymusk Church and in August return to Cluny Church. All the services begin at 10.00am.

Presentation Sunday

The Cluny Kikers end of session Prize giving servcie tooks place in Cluny Church on Sunday 27th June at 11.00am.  Thiswas a family service after The Kirkers finished their session on 24th June with a BBQ in the hall at 5.30pm. On Sunday 27th June Gordon Ross received a gift of an engraved quich and a cheque from the poeple of Cluny Church to thank him for his 18 years of servcie as Church Treasurer.  Mrs Ross receieved a boquet of flowers and after the service the elders and others supplied a very welcome cup of tea with lovely home bakes. Mr Ross wrote tot he minister thanking the church for the gift and the flowers to Mrs Ross. It was a very special day for them both.

Plant Sale

The annual plant sale at Millbank hall on Saturday 5th June was a great success. The income from the event brought in just under £1350 for church funds. Aas usual the plants sold quickly and well and our thanks are due to those who sup[plied so many plants. Home bakes and teas and coffees were also very welcome and after a  busy day the church was very pleased with its rewards.  Thanks to everyone who supported us.

Flower Festival

On  stormy thunder and lightning lit Friday night the church opened its doors to a weekend long flower festival. As the rian came pouring out of the skys on Friday evening the church was looking beautiful as Mrs MacKintosh from Kinellar judged the 12 floral arrangeemnts who had entered the competition. The winning floral arrangement was enetered by the Cluny SWRI. All the entries were of a high standard from the Under 5's through to the Guild and a number of additional arrangements were on display though not part of the competition. The flower festival was a great success raising around £1400 for the roof fund.  The church was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements, the teas and lunches served in the church hall very welcome. The Minister thanks Julia and Linda for their hard work bringing this together and the organisers thanked everyone who had helped in any way. Pictures of the flower festival will be online early in June.

Bible Study

A new bible study class has started and will be meeting ont he first Wednesday of each month throughout the year. The first meeting had 7 members and looked at what the bible is and how we should read it. In the following months we are to look at the place of prayer, what it is to be a church,  moving on to some of the topical topics of the day. All are welcome to come along to the class which starts at 7.30pm and finishes sharp by 9.00pm

New Roof Update

The new roof is  finished as I update the site and the church is looking at its pristine best. The slates look perfect- as if they have been there for many years ( including bat boxes so they can return to our roof space), and tie in very well with the old ones. The  extra work on the gutters and tabling of the roof will ensure that the roof no longer allows dampness into the church or walls.  There has been a lot of work done and it is all looking wonderful.  Thanks to John Rhind and Stephen Christie for their work as contractors and to the Property Committee for their hard work.  Now we just have to raise the funds to pay for this work! Photogrpahs of the work will be on the site soon.  The total cost of the work will be around £32,000

New Roof

The congregation is to replace the roof at Cluny. In February the scaffolding went up and in March we awaited the contractors to strip the old slates from the roof, remove the timber sarking and recover with new sarking and new slates. The total cost for the work to be in the region of £32,000. On 5th March 60 members and friends attended the launch of the roof appeal with a  cheese and wine party. The evening included an illustrated talk on the history of Cluny church from 1233 through to the present day including the plans for the new roof. The sale of slates was introduced and members and friend s can help pay for the roof by donating to the roof apeal care of The Minister at Cluny Church by buying a slate for a minimum donation of £5. Other activities are planned through the year.

TImber!

Those approaching Cluny in late March will see the church in a new light. The old evergreen  trees between the church and hall have been removed as have some trees between the church and graveyard. This has opened up the church and will allow more light and heat into the church. Thanks to the Property Committee for the hard work in completing this tidying up of church grounds.

Easter At Cluny

Our easter preparation begins with a joint Palm Sunday service in Cluny at 10.00am. This will be a family services and members are encouraged to travel to church from three piuck up points from Millbank Hall, Sauchen Park and Monymusk Church. The idea is to follow in procession recalling the one Jesus entered Jeruslaem in.

On Good Friday the Choir will lead worship starting at 7.00pm in a traditional service.

On Easter Morning we shall have a fmaily servcie at 11.00am.

All of these services will focus on the love of God for his people through the death and resurection of Jesus

Area Group Swap

Sunday 21st March see's an area group swap of ministers and our minister will be leading worship in Upper Donside. We will welcome Rev John Cook from Howe Trinity at the usual time. of 11.00am

Burns Supper

The restriction on using our Church hall for the Burns Supper due to the fact that we did not have an entertainments license meant that the Burns supper was moved to nearby Millbank Hall. A wonderful night was had as members and friends heard Richard lattimner address the haggis as only he can and the traditional meal of soup, haggis neaps and tatties, followed by trifle prepared us for a night of speeches and entertainment. The Hall decorated by the organising committee looked great and all who attended enjoyed a wonderful night out. The church benfitted by around £850 from the evening. Thanks were expressed by the minister to all who had helped and to Millbank Hall for allowing us to use the facility.

Christmas at Cluny Church
Christmas went with a bang again this year. The church beautifully decorated by the members and splendid with the large tree all lit up and  we shared many happy memories. The Choir once again aided by readers led us on a wonderful Christmns adventure of songs poems and bible readings.  The Kirkers performed the annual nativity using pictures to tell the story. On Christmans Eve the congregation welcomed in Christmnas morning in the usual way finishing the service with fellowship in the hall with mince meat pies. Another , another chance to think of the incarnation of God with the birth of Jesus that first  Christmas.  

Cluny Kirkers

The Kirkers will meet each Thursday from 5.30pm in the hall for those who are of primary school age. The new session started on 10th September. Further information from the minister Euan Glen Tel 01467 651470

Back to Church Sunday

On Sunday 27th September Cluny Church along with many congregations throughout the Uk will be participating in Back To Church Sunday. We hope that you will considder coming home to Cluny at 11.00am and join with those who are coming back to church. The service will be an all age service of worship and will be followed by teas in the church hall.

Variety Concert

On Friday 25th September the congregation is holding avariey concert led by the Garioch Fiddlers. This event which promised to be a great mix of music and song will raise money for the new roof and is the start of a Homecoming weekend of activities.  Entry cost £5 and is pay at the door. We look forward to welcoming you to Cluny.

Praise in the Park

Once again the Granite City Brass Band led worship in a service called Praise in the Park on Sunday 16th August 2009.  Sadly the weather was not kind to us for half an hour before the event was due to start the ehavens opoened with a massive downpoor. The park was wet and the decision was atken to move indorrs to Cluny Church. Thankfully many came back from sauchen to the church and an almoost full church enjoyed the mix of traditional and modern hymns intersperced with readings and prayers. Because of the service being in the church the gallent ladies of the church arranged for food and refreshments in the church hall after the servcie ( not quite the feeding of the 5000 but amazing at such short notice)  and all enjoyed a great time of fellowship. The sad fact is that once the decisionw as atken to move indoors the weather improved and it turned in to a fine day!  A film was made of the servcie and will be shown in the church at a later date.

To see a picture of the event in 2008 please follow the link http://www.savefile.com/files/2168720

New Roof

Following on from a professional survey arranged by Presbytery of Gordon it was found that the roof at Cluny Church will need to be replaced. The church will require new roof slates and new sarking together with all the anciliary work that goes with this major work.  It is estimated the work will cost between £30 - £35,000. Permission has been granted to do the work by both the Presbytery and the General Trustees. We now seek planning permission for the work as our church is a listed building and an added complication that there is a bat colony in the oof space which means a license from the Scottish Government will be applied for to carry out the work.  Look out for fund raising events to help offset the costs of the new roof.

Summer Services

The pattern of joint servcies is repeated again this year with worship during July in Monymusk Church and in August at Cluny Church. All servcies are at 10.00am apart from PRAISE IN THE PARK on 16th August at 11.00am

Kirkers end of Term Service

The Cluny kirkere held their end of sessionf amily service and prizegiving on Sunday 28th June. This followed on from an enjoyable BBQ in the church hall the previous Thursday

Pentecost Service

Our annual joint service for Pentecost was a great success with around 40 having breakfast before the servcie and three times  that many in church for morning family worship where the congregation shared in a baptism and thought about the birth of the church that first Pentecost.

Plant Sale

The Congregation will hold its usual plant sale in Millbank Hall on Saturday 30th May 2009 starting at 10.00am. Along with plants there will be home bakes, teas coffees, garden equipment. Anyone with plants or other such items for sale can bring them to the hall on friday 29th May from 7.00pm. If you need help with delivering items for sale please contact the minister.

THE BIG SING

The Big Sing was a most enjoyable servcie held in church on Sunday 17th May. It was a mixture of traditional and modern hymns of praise together with three items sung by the Choir. More than  twice the average congregtation attended this servcie and all left the church witha  smile on their faces and a song in their hearts. The Minister thanked those attending and the choir for their efforts. This was a service of Praise to God.

Kirk Session

The Kirk Session meets for regular business on 12th May at 7.30pm in the hall

Cluny Kirkers

On Thursday 7th May the Kirkers will meet at Monymusk Church for a walk along the edge of the  River Don towards the Monymusk Standing stones

On Thursday 14th May there will be a treasure hunt at Castle Fraser.

Both meetings start at the usual time.

Busy Month of  May

The Congregation looks forward to a  couple of special servcies to be held during May. 

17th May - the Big Sing. A songs of praise service with participation from the Choir. This service starts at 11.00am

31st May Pentecost. This is a joint service with our neighbours at Monymusk and begins at 10.00am. Breakfast is served in the church hall from 9.00am. 

Holy Communion

The Kirk Session has decided to remove the sending out of indvidual communion cards replacing them with a  family invitation to each household from the members of the congregation.  We would like to hear your comments about them.  The invitations do not need to be handed in and no record of attendance will be kept apart from a rough head count for information of the Kirk Session. We celebrate Holy Communion on 26th April at 11.00am and 6.30pm

Easter at Cluny Church

Easter is a very special time in the Christian tradition, and one we in Cluny want to acknowledge and share in. The congregation holds a number of special servcies during this time, as we celebrate and give thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus - that he died for us on a cross- and that he rose again from the dead and showed us that there is life after death.  During the school holidays there will be no Kirkers or Mustard Seed cafe as our focus is on worship services.

Palm Sunday ( 5th April) we prepare the journey as we too join with the crowds of Jerusalem 2000 years ago and sing Hosanna in the highest - blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

Maunday Thursday - 7.00pm. Short reflective service with Holy Communion in Monymusk Church - we do what Jesus did with friends in an Upper Room

Good Friday - 7.00pm in Cluny Church.  A service of songs with a sermon for Good Friday as we take time to think about the Cross - the death of an innocent man for all our faults and failings.

Easter Morning - 11.00am Family worship as we join millions around the world and sing Thine Be the glory-  risen Conquoring Son. There will be fellowship after the service and the chidlren can roll easter eggs on the glebe.

Special Joint Service

Sunday 29th March at Monymusk Church at 10.00am the children of both congregations will be leading worship with a performance of "The Passion"  This will tell the story of Jesus' last day leading up to his execution.  This short service will be followed by fellowship in Monymusk Hall.  It is hoped to film the service.

Stated Annual meeting

The SAM of the congregation will take place during morning worship on 22nd March 2009.  Copies of the accounts  available  online here. http://www.box.net/shared/f9meupcnx0

Presbytery Visit

Cluny welcomed the Rev Ian Groves minister of Inverurie West Church and Convener of the Presbytery Visit Support group who visited the congretation in December 2008.  Mr Groves brought the greetings from presbytery before eladign worship. On Tuesday 31st March 2009 Presbytery recieved the report given by the visiting committee.  The report can be seen at http://www.box.net/shared/187bret0pk

 Mustard Seed Cafe does Red Nose

All the income from the Cafe held on Saturday 14th & 21st March will be donated to Comic Relief. Thanks to those who contributed we raised £60 for comic relief.The cafe is open from 10.00am until 12 noon each Saturday during school term time.

Special Services

The Way Ahead Group has once again arranged for Praise in the Park to be repeated this year with worship to take place in the park in Sauchen on 16th Augst at 10.00am.

There is also going to be a Special "Big Sing" songs of praise in the Church on 17th May, more details to follow. 

May also sees a joint service with Monymusk in Cluny Church as together we celebrate Pentecost on Sunday 31st May. This service begins at 10.00am with breakfast being served in the church hall from 9.00am.

Murder Mystery

The Murder Mystery event held in Cluny Castle on Saturday 28th February was a great success and our thanks are offered to all who have made the plans, sold the tickets, prepared the food and to the performers who entertained us so well. Thanks also to Cluny Castle for the use of the Tennants Hall.  The event raised over £800 for each congregation of Cluny and Monymusk.

Window Repairs

The church has undergone some major repairs to the windows with the replacement of  a number of the window frames and sills. This work has been carried out by Sandy Brodie one of our members to whom we owe a great deal of thanks. His work in repairing the windows will have saved the congregation substantial amounts of money as we thought we may have to replace all the windows. Mr Brodie has cut out all the rotten wood and in his workshop has formed new timbers to match the existing  so that when all the work is painted no-one will know the difference. 

A recent professional survey has reported the need for some work at the church and the Board are now looking to implement the points raised in this report. Our aim as always is to maintain and upgrade the church and its facilities when it is required for the benefit of those who use the church.

Homecoming at Cluny

During the year of homecoming the congregation wish to welcome old and new visitors to the church and would be happy to hear from any who are coming back to Cluny due to the Homecoming celebration and to offer them the chance to see around our church and to explore the church records we have locally.   Accomodation is possible nearby at Alford, Kemnay, Monymusk Inverurie and Aberdeen.  If you are coming "home" we would be delighted to meet with you and welcome you to Cluny.  If you need to see around the parish or find the old family farm we can offer help as well.

Joint Services

The Kirk Sessions of Cluny and Monymusk met on 13th January to agree a pattern of joint worship for the next three years. The pattern will follow the details listed below for 2009 but with the dates swapped for 2010 and again 2011. All joint services begin at 10.00am unles stated otherwise

2009

March 22nd Mothers Day & SAM

Sunday 29th March - Joint family servcie The PAssion 10.00am at Monymusk Church

Maundy Thursday 7.00pm Holy Communion Monymusk Church

Good Friday 7.00pm Cluny Church

May 31st Pentecost in Cluny Church with breakfast in the hall served from 9.00am

July all the services in Monymusk Church

August all the services in Cluny Church

November 15th worship in Monymusk Church

Christmas Eve 7.00pm Family worship Monymusk Church

Christmas Eve 11.30pm Traditional watchnight Cluny Church

Christmas Day 10.30am Family Worship Monymusk Church

27th December 10.00am Christmas Worship Cluny Church

3rd January 10.00am New years worship Monymusk Church

Mustard Seed Cafe

The Cafe will reopen in the Church hall on Saturday 31st January at 10.00am. The Cafe will be open during school term time each Saturday until end of June.

New Session Clerk

The Kirk Sesion appointed as its new Session Clerk Anne Harrison at a meeting on 13th January. The Minister was delighted by the choice made and expressed his thanks to Mrs Harrison for taking up this important roll in the church.  There will be a review of the work of Mrs Harrison with regard to her dutues as newsletter editor to help balance her workload for the church. At the same meeting the Kirk Session welcomed Mr Frank Smith recently ordained elder to his first Kirk Session meeting.

Christmas at Cluny

The Church was very busy over Christmas with the traditional mix of formal and informal services held.  The Choir once again excelled under the leadership fo Sandy Argo with the Carol Service on the Friday before Christmas. This year the church was full to bursting which was a trend repeated at mnay of the Christmans servcies. The Kirkers presented their Nativity service and Cluny School also held a wonderful end of term service. Our hope is that you enjoyed Christmans as much as we did.

Christmas at Cluny

The Congregation is looking forward to celebrating Christmas with a   mix of traditional and reflective ways.  You are invited to attend any or all of the services listed below. We hope that you have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Friday 19th December 7.00pm Carols for Christmas with the Choir

Sunday 21st December 11.00am Christmas Nativity with the Cluny Kirkers - short  family service

Christmas Eve 7.00pm Torchlit family service at Monymusk Church

Christmas Eve 11.30pm Traditional watchnight service.

Christmas Day 10.30am Family Christmas servcie at Monymusk Church

Sunday 28th December 11.00am Christmas around the world

Presbytery Support Visit

Four members from the Presbytery Support Visit Group will be visisting Cluny on monday 24th November at 7.30pm.  This is open to all members of the congregation and is a way to explore what we are doing at Cluny.

Café Church Service

Cluny hall was the setting for a joint service on Sunday 16th November. The service theme was “ the Church”. Around 50 people adults and children together spent time in worship seated round tables with a mix of hymn styles, watched a film and tried to answer the question what is the church. A list of answers is available for download. Children spent time in LEGO corner trying to build a church. At the close of the service many stayed on to continue the discussion over a welcome cup of tea. Copies of the "answers can be downloaded at http://www.box.net/shared/67r1g5b3ea 

Remembrance Sunday

On Sunday 9th November  a larger than normal congregation met to share Remembrance of those who had fallen in war. A retirning offering raised £153 for the Poppy Scotland appeal. After the wreaths were laid at the Memorial, one from the church, one from the local authority  and one for the chidlren of the church there was a great lunch served in the hall from the Brodie/Patterson family and this raised £325 for church funds.

Church Newsletters

The Kirk Session has changed the format of the church website to include a new section containing church newsletters.  Please feel free to download and copy any of the material you should want to use.  If you have any problems downloading the material pease email the minister and he shall send you a hard copy of the newsletter.

Holy Communion

The Kirk Session has decided this year to dispense with the white cloths on the pews.  It is felt that we shall only require a white cloth on the communion table.  The rear pews will be "roped off" to encourage members to sit nearer the front.  The Table oo the Lord is open to any who love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.

Harvest Thanksgiving

Harvest thanksgiving takes place on Sunday 12th October at 11.00am in the church. All are welcome to attend.

Guild Centenary

Sunday 5th October saw a large attendence in church to share with the Guild as they marked their centenary.  Letters of congratulations were read out from the Moderator of the General Assembly, from the National President of the Guild Movement, from the Presbytrey of Gordon and from Monymusk Kirk Session.  All the ladies of the Guild recieved long servcie certificates ranging from 10 years to 54 years servcie. The service also marked the dedication of the Guild Centenary Banner  After the servcie attended by some "old" members of the Guild a very enjoyable lunch in the church hall was organised  by the Guild to which around 60 people attended. Roll on the next 100 years!

Church Coffee Morning

A coffee morning held in the church hall on Saturday 27th September was well attended and the Board would like to thank all who came and donated time and effort.  Just under £300 was raised for church funds. There was also just over £100 spent on Fair Trade goods which does not go to the church.

Cluny Kirkers

The Cluny Kirkers - a club for primary school age chidlren- meets after the holiday break on Thursday in the church hall at 5.30pm.  All primary school aged chidlren are welcome to attend. further information from Euan glen at 01467 651470 or email minister@clunychurch.org.uk

Prayer Meetings

A small prayer group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.0pm in the Church vestry. Prayer requests can be sent to minister@clunychurch.org.uk or come and join us.

Praise in the Park

A wet and cloudy morning met those who gathered to set up the Play Park for the Praise in the Park event.  There was much discussion about whether we should move the event into the church.  It was decided that we should set the park up and make a final decision around 10.00am.  At 10.00am it was wet and damp but the decision was taken to finalise the Praise Service in the park and we did not look back.   A Gazebo was erected for the band and for the teas, chairs were put out, the generator switched on and the sound system set up and we waited for good weather and crowds. The clouds moved on an the event took place in warmth with bright sunshine the order for the servcie and the picnic afterwards.  The Granite City Brass Band played the ten chosen hymns with mellowness and at just the right tempo to allow the large crowd of between 150-200 people to sing along with.  At the clsoe of the service many stayed behind to have  a picnic.  All and all the Minister said it was a great event and he was delighted by the response and the organisation. Folk came from Cluny, Monymusk, Insch, Alford, Echt, Torphins Aberdeen and no doubt other places and   thanks were expressed to the band and to the Way Ahead group for all their efforts in making the day a great success.  Thanks were given to God for the weather. It is hoped that some pictures will be available online shortly.

Cluny School End of Term Assembly

Cluny School returns to Cluny Church on Wednesday 2nd July at 9.30am to hold their end of term assembly.  There will be the usual "show" together with singing and presentation of awards.  The church begins to fill up around 9.00am and all are welcome to attend what is always a very good show.

Mustard Seed Cafe

The Mustard Seed Cafe is open on Saturdays 21st and 28th June and then will be closed for the holidays. Details of opening hours will be posted onlline and in the church notice boards.

Cluny Kirkers

The Kirkers last meeting of the session takes place on Thursday 19th June at 5.30pm. This will be a BBQ at the Church hall.  Children attending are asked to bring £1 to partially cover the costs of the BBQ. 

On Sunday 22nd June the chidlren will receive their gifts to mark the end of the year.  The roll this year has stood at 14 chidlren, most of whom come very regularly.

We finished the year with a BBQ in the Church hall due to uncertain weather. There were 15 children plus the three helpers.  All enjoyed the last week of fun food and fellowship and Euan said he was looking forward to contacting the familys during the school holidays to invite them to come back next year.

Stewardship Presentation

Mr John Gray Stewardship Consultant from the Church of Scotland is to make a presentation in Cluny Hall on Monday 9th June from 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along and find out ways in which we may increase our income for the church. After the presentation the Board decided that the income we have for the church is sufficient to meet our ends and that we would not take part in the programme.

Cancellation of Weekly Activities

Because of a family bereavement there will be no Kirkers on Thursday 5th June or Mustard Seed cafe on 7th June.  Normal servcies will resume the following week. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Plant Sale

Thanks to everyone who took part int he plants ale on 31st May. It was a great success.  As usual the crowd arrived early and th eplants were almost sold out within the first hour.  Teas were a welcome break ont he stage in Millbank. The treasurer reported that around £1180 was raised for church funds.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion will be shared during services at 11.00am and 6.30pm on Sunday 27th April 2008.  The table of the Lord is open in Cluny Church. 

Stated Annual Meeting

The stated annual meeting of the congregation took place on Sunday 30th March.  The Congregation receieved the accounts in a new format and it showed that in 2007 we had a healthy surplus of over £5,000. This was explained partly by a  reducion in ministry costs due to the way the church pays its ministers but mainly because income was also up due to major fundraising.  The minister paid tribute to the treasurer for his hard work revamping the accounts to comply with new Charity regulation requirments.

A Cold Dark Good Friday

A dark and cold church hall was the setting for the Good friday servcie. A high wind caused a tree to cut the powerline to the church and though the engineers worked hard to try to restore power by 7.30pm it was not to be.  With candles and torches the Choir sang and the congregation particiapted singing one hymn.  The sermon was reduced to a few words, where the minister reminded the ucomfortable congregation about the real hurt that was felt by Jesus  on the first Good Friday,  a prayer was said and the cold congregation of around 35 people headed home to warm up. Thanks to all who participated and came along on the night.  Better luck next year! 

Holy Week Services

Thursday 20th March sees the first of the joint  holy week servcies to be held in Monymusk Church at 7.00pm.  Holy Communion will be shared as we recall the first upper room experience of the Lord's supper.

Friday 21st March sees a joint Good Friday servcie in Cluny starting at 7.30pm. The Choir will be participating in worship on Good Friday.

Mustard Seed Cafe

The Mustard Seed Cafe is closed for the  Easter holidays reopening on Saturday 12th April at 10.00am

Palm Sunday

The Cluny Kirkers and the Monymusk Sunday School will be joined together on 16th March to take part ina procession  around Monymusk to recall the first Palm Sunday. The Chidlren were led by a pony and the chidlren waved braches int he air. when they enetered church the congregation sang the song Hossana as they went down the isle to take their seats at the front of the chruch. The Chidlren sand to the congregation adn led us in worship.  More than half the congregation on Palm Sunday were below the age of 40.

Board Meeting

The Congregational Board meets for regular business on Tuesday 26th February at 7.30pm in the Church hall.

Burns Supper

Around 80 people packed the church hall to celebrate th elife of Robbie Burns witha  traditional Burns Supper on Saturday 26th January.  The tradions of the vent were followed with the address to the haggis given by Alastair Robertson.  after a meal of soup, haggis neeps and tatties, and finished with triffle Mr Sandy Gray propsed the Immortal memory.  Neil and Susan McArthur gave the toast tot he lassies and the reply and after a short break the night wwas finsihed off with entertainment int he fom of Alastair Robertsons recitation of Holy Willies Prayer, Patricai Norman sung some scots Songs and Anne Ross recited Pam o Shanter ( not a spelling mistake!)  a great night was had for all and the vote of thanks given by Sylvia Henry spoke of the hard work done by so many to make it so.