4th Sunday of Lent St Andrew’s Milngavie
Today we celebrated Mothering Sunday accompanied by Abigail.
There was a real feeling of spring in the air as the sun streamed into the church and beautiful posies were distributed during the last hymn, many thanks to the flower arranging team.
Also see below the copy of the sermon for the recent newsletter from the Diocese.
The Bishop’s lent Appeal this year is Refuweegee. A small Glasgow charity, based in St George’s Square specialising in welcoming refugees to Glasgow. You can give via a donation bowl at coffee or online via the Diocesan website.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/diocese-of-glasgow-galloway-lent-appeal-2025
The Lent group continues every Tuesday in the small hall at All Saints. We are reading Wild Bright Hope – all welcome
You can also join the online Ignatius Spirituality Centre Lent Course.
This Week
Tuesday 10am – Prayer Group in the Garden Room
2pm – Lent Course, All Saints Small Hall
Thursday 10am – Said Holy Communion followed by coffee in Friendship House.
Readings for next Sunday – Fifth Sunday of Lent – Passion Sunday – Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4-14 John 12:1-8
Today’s readings – Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3,11-32
Mothering Sunday is by implication a time to be cheerful. The shops are full of beautiful spring flowers. The clocks have gone forward – the days brighter and longer. There is even some warmth in the sun when it comes out.
In the church we are encouraged to have a day off from our Lenten disciplines as we change our liturgical colour from deep purple to pink. We give each other flowers and pray for our mother church, in our case St Mary’s cathedral.
The Scripture readings today also give us reasons to be cheerful. The prodigal son is welcomed back by his father,
Paul tells us that Christ has reconciled us to the Father and in the first reading the Israelites celebrate their first Passover in the Promised Land.
In our gospel today “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” is one of the longest and probably best known of Jesus’ parables. For many people it’s a favourite as it speaks of the complexity of human relationships in the context of love and forgiveness.
Its setting for mothering Sunday is therefore appropriate as we think of our own family dynamics and relationships today. Most families at some time have a Prodigal Son, a Good Brother and an Anxious Parent among them. Perhaps some of us feel we may have been one at some point, or even all of them at different times, perhaps we still are.
The power of this story is that we can relate to any of the three main characters, the son who wanders off, thinking he knows better, the son who stays at home obedient and pliable and the father who worries and cares for them both.
The story begins the father – the father “who had two sons.” The man whose unconditional love for both of his sons illustrates, in a beautiful way, God’s unconditional love for each of us.
This parable is generally associated with forgiveness of the younger son, the errant son who is welcomed home by his loving jubilant father much to the annoyance and resentment of the older brother – the good brother.
And it’s the good brother we will focus on today because as this is from Luke’s gospel it begins with the pharisees complaining about the company Jesus was keeping.
Jesus knew many of the religious people of his day thought he had got his priorities wrong. He spent too much of his time with sinners and seem to ignore, despise or even deliberately to insult good people ie the Pharisees
It is against the background of this murmuring that Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son, the two brothers, one Good Brother and the Bad Brother. The Bad Brother gets the main story line and most of the sympathy. As always, he gets all the attention, steels the limelight and everyone thinks the story is about him.
But it isn’t entirely – it’s also about the Good Brother. In fact, it’s about us.
Its about all of us who go to church regularly, and know that, even if we are not doing everything right, still, we are trying hard. It’s about those who embrace the daily round and the common task competently and joyfully. It’s about those who care for others day after day, shouldering responsibilities and worries. About the un rebellious child working diligently year after year at school….
There are times when perhaps we all seek a little more feedback, praise, gratitude, something……
So, today’s gospel is about the good son who stays at home, and who is never quite sure what his father thinks of him. In his heart of hearts, he fears that his father loves his naughty, selfish, flamboyant son far more. Day after day, the older brother works away, dutifully, but without joy.
What he longs for are the exaggerated words and gestures of love that his father offers to his younger brother. He longs for the kisses, the fine robes, the fatted calf, all the outward symbols of love which the father greets the prodigal.
For us and him the punch line of the story is these words
“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours” They may not feel like words of exaggerated love, but they are deep and true. They point to the life that the father and the older brother have shared, in which all that they are is embedded.
Perhaps what we have is what the prodigal son longs for. “Son, you are always with me, all that is mine is yours”
And that is what we have….. We have a shared life, shared goals, shared hopes. All made manifest in the body of Christ as we share the Eucharist, echoing the first Passover in the Promise Land and confirming the words of Paul that through Christ God is reconciling his people to himself.
Amen
Diocesan Centre Spring Newsletter – A Busy Start To The Year
I hope it is not premature to say that spring has sprung, and with it lots of new beginnings at the Diocesan Centre on the back of a very busy period of many Synods! Most of you will be aware that Christine will soon be retiring and leaving her role as Bishop’s PA. Christine has kindly agreed to delay her departure until a new PA is bedded in for our Bishop elect Nick. We recently advertised Christine’s post, and although it is not easy to find a new Christine, we have six candidates to interview next week, from a pool of 19 applicants. We will keep you posted.
At the same time, we advertised for an additional finance assistant. You may be aware that when the external evaluation work was done which led to the DA post being created, a budget was set aside for an additional part time finance post. We received 4 applicants for the post and will interview shortly. We have been aware for some time that the position of treasurer, a requirement for a charity, has not been an easy one to fill for some charges. I am also aware from the research I did on accountancy fees of charges, that some of you may be paying more than you should be for a variety of reasons. Accordingly, a centralised service will give the treasurer and I a better overview of real time costs and we can direct resources where they are most needed. You will be aware that Dr Susie Burr is now fulfilling the roles of treasurer and secretary. Susie has agreed to this on the understanding she receives administrative back up and as a result the Bishop’s PA role has been extended to 5 days. I will pick up some of Christine’s roles, and the new PA will have 1 day per week to give Susie some administrative back up.
A word from Susie…
Susie has collated some guidance materials which may be of assistance in your work, and I have attached those to the end of this newsletter. She would like to remind charges that having a secretary and a treasurer are key requirements for a charity. Many of you gave feedback to Susie at Diocesan Synod about what tasks you needed help with. Among those were bookkeeping support, gift aid processing training, payroll support, completion of financial schedules etc. We are aware that some charges haven’t been claiming gift aid and perhaps don’t know that this can be backdated. If you are struggling with this, please reach out. Susie asks that if there is anything else at all you contact her directly (diocesansecretary@glasgow.anglican.org). If we are successful in recruiting another finance assistant we want to ensure their time is directed appropriately from the outset. Finally, a call for remaining accounts which are still outstanding. If any charge needs help with their finance schedules then please let us know. Susie, Iolanthe and I now have a finance group which meets regularly to discuss all things related to Diocesan finance, and are working more collaboratively than previously on these issues. This group plans to hold a treasurer open day in June. If you are interested please contact the office.
I attach some information from SCVO which Susie has identified regarding merging and winding up of charities. We both feel that the guidance on the OSCR website is confusing but the SCVO guidance is much better. I attach it here as within the Diocese this last year one charge has wound up, and another 2 wound up to link up with a third. When you start dealing with multiple charges it can get confusing. It can also be problematic if charges do not have a winding up provision in their constitution. You may recall I recently asked for copy constitutions to be sent to me, but I have had little response. As Diocesan holding of Constitutions is a canonical requirement, the Registrar of the Diocese will be writing to all charges shortly.
Training
As you know some training course have been advertised and the response has been a little disappointing. I targeted the training on issues you had been coming to me with. I appreciate it is difficult for many people to get to Glasgow, and the format of the training means it would be challenging to deliver via zoom. However, if you wish to receive copies of the training materials then please let me know. I have attached a list of the training and dates again for your attention.
GCVS
I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, but they do offer free training periodically which you may find useful. I recently attended a free seminar on excel. I’m afraid to say I am so old that when I did accounts as part of the requirement for legal practice diploma, it was still ledger accounts! I’ve since updated my skills using xero, but wanted to learn a bit more about excel and sage.
GCVS is running the free excel course again and you can register for that on their website if you are interested. I would recommend it.
Excel Basics Training
Free
29 April 2025 – 09:30 – 12:30
Albany Centre, 44 Ashley Street Glasgow G3 6DS
In-Person Session
Working together to reduce digital exclusion in Glasgow
Suitable for those with some basic knowledge of devices.
This course is aimed at those furthest from the job market to help increase skills which may increase chances of employment.
The session will focus on using spreadsheets in Excel, including:
- How to create a spreadsheet
- Formatting
- Using basic formulas
- Creating charts and graphs
More about this event
This event will be hosted at The Albany Centre, 44 Ashley Street Glasgow G3 6DS. The Albany is conveniently situated for St George’s Cross Subway station and there is metered on-street parking outside the building.
Please let us if you have any accessibility requirements we can help with. This may include access to lifts, audio loops or other needs. When completing your registration in the checkout page, please let us know your needs and, where possible and with sufficient notice, we will do our best to accommodate them.
On checking GCVS website this morning there are 8 spaces still available.
Consecration & New Bishop Interaction
If you follow the Diocesan facebook page, you will know that our Bishop elect has been up to Glasgow many times since the election. He has also located a house for his family which the Diocese has purchased with an entry date in April. He has lots of exciting plans for visiting all parts of the Diocese and getting a feel for local communities.
A small group involving Christine, the Provost and I, with support from Petko, has been working on plans for the consecration service on 3rd May. Please be advised that the event will be by invitation due to restrictions in numbers. We had some difficulty in sourcing a venue for the reception following the service, but have now managed to secure Kelvingrove Museum. A photographer has also been engaged to record the day.
Clergy Learning Account
The finance group recently had a detailed look at the Clergy Learning Account, and many clergy are not claiming the monies they are entitled to. We agreed that Iolanthe would now contact individuals on an annual basis reminding them of the balance at their disposal. We hope this will be of assistance.
Chapel in Diocesan Centre
Some of you may be aware that the room I currently occupy in the Diocesan Centre was originally intended as a small chapel. This plan is now to be actioned and I will shortly move downstairs along with Susie to occupy the room where Petko is based. In due course the chapel will be consecrated, and weekly services may be conducted. This could generate interest in the Episcopal Church for those living in the city centre.
Diocesan Centre Training Programme April 2025
All courses will take place on a Thursday afternoon in the Diocesan Centre. We will have a welcome sandwich lunch and then go into seminar from 1 to 3. Finish timing can be fluid as required.
Thursday 3rd April
Creating Accounts From Scratch
This course is ideal for people who have been thinking about making the move from paper accounts to using excel, or possibly event thinking about a move to xero for larger charges. We are aware charges are struggling to recruit treasurers, and people are often put off as they believe it’s more complex than it actually is. We will take a simple charge, highlighting regular monthly income and outgoings, talk you through a bank reconciliation, recording expenditure as well as grants, loans from Diocese, or drawings from invested funds. The trick is regular diligence, a little time each month, and not a mad rush at year end. We will also give you pointers on where to get help quickly if needed.
Thursday 10 April
Gift Aid Basics
This course is for charges who haven’t been claiming gift aid as they have no-one trained to do it. This will give you an overview to decide if you can do it yourself. If not we can let you know who can help.
Thursday 17 April
Looking After Your Buildings
A Trinitas representative will talk through what insurers expect from their clients. He will also cover the empty building scenario as a risk for the insurance company and how things are tightening up in this regard.
Thursday 24 April
All Things Data Protection
What you need to know and scenarios to look at, including subject access requests. This seminar will largely revolve around case studies and where to get help if you need it.
To Book Please contact Christine, christine@glasgow.anglican.org at the Diocesan Centre. All events free of charge to congregants, we just need your dietary requirements, if any.
SCVO Guidance
This is just a snapshot. There is much more on the website.
Mergers & collaborations
There are many reasons why voluntary sector organisations decide to work together. It could be to achieve a similar aim, jointly working on a specific campaign, or to save costs.
You need to be aware of the potential advantages and risks associated with working with another organisation before you take any decisions. Each organisation should undertake their own risk assessment and seek professional advice before entering into an agreement with another. Outlined below are some of the issues to take into consideration:
Potential advantages:
- reduced costs for both organisations
- improved services, avoids duplication
- strength in numbers
- access to new and/or increased service users
- shared risk
- shared knowledge
Potential risks:
- damage to your reputation
- confusing to users and other stakeholders
- wasted time and resources
- liability, if things go wrong
- decision making becomes more complicated
- resistance to change
Different methods of collaboration
Here are some of the main ways in which voluntary sector organisations can work together:
- separate organisations working together on activities or functions
- organisations with expertise or resources offering help to other organisations
- new organisation created to carry out joint work on activities or functions
- group structure, parent organisation governs subsidiary organisations
- merger into a completely new organisation
NOTE
I would advise that if you are considering a change in set up, that you read the guidance from SCVO first, and then have a look at the OSCR website. If you are still unclear then you should speak to Susie or I. Further to this, you should ensure that you have a provision for such a move in your Constitution, and motion to the Diocesan Synod would also be required.
Afternoon Tea for Retired Clergy
The Diocesan Centre will be hosting an afternoon tea for retired clergy in June. We will be reaching out to retired colleagues for a potential date soon, and will make a final decision on a venue once we know numbers. It will be a good opportunity to reach out and let people know they are still in our thoughts and prayers as the work of the Diocese continues.
It will also be an opportunity for Christine to get the chance to say goodbye to people she will have been in contact with throughout her time at the Diocese. I’m sure you will see the photos on Facebook in due course.
Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025
The following details are how to donate to the charity chosen for the Bishop’s Lent Appeal. As communicated via the Synod papers, Bishop Andrew selected Refuweegee, a Glasgow-based charity that offers a warm welcome and vital support to refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Scotland.
You can find more information about their work on our diocesan website, here: https://www.glasgow.anglican.org/bishops-lent-appeal-2025-refuweegee/.
The page includes the video shown at Synod, the full text information on the charity, their website and OSCR number, as well as two further resources and ways to donate (also copied below).
Ways to Donate
JustGiving Page
Click here for Bishop Andrew’s Lent Appeal in aid of Refuweegee (justgiving.com):
https://www.justgiving.com/page/diocese-of-glasgow-galloway-lent-appeal-2025
The preferred and easiest way is to donate electronically and instantly to the appeal, either for individuals or for treasurers sending collected charge donations. For individual donations, it means that Gift Aid can be added to your donation, adding 25p to every pound donated (if you pay tax). Whether donating as an individual or as a church via your Treasurer, please add the name of your church to the Donation Notes (this is possible even if you prefer to remain anonymous). Please donate through this page (which donation goes directly to the Lent Appeal) by clicking the link above.
Cheque Payments
For those who prefer to send cheques, they should be sent to the Diocesan Office. Cheque payments should be made payable to Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, please include a note to confirm the name of your charge and your contact details. Send to:
Scottish Episcopal Church
Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway
Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025
49 Cochrane Street
Glasgow G1 1HL
Money will be transferred to Refuweegee on a regular basis, and included in the final JustGiving total. This will also apply to the following method.
Electronic Transfer to the Diocese
Although it remains easier to transfer electronically via our own JustGiving page, it remains possible to do so through the Diocesan account. Send by BACS to the following details:
Sort code: 83-41-00
Account Number: 00162089
Account name: DIOCESE OF GLASGOW & GALLOWAY
Please use the reference Lent25 and your quota number for ID, and also email Iolanthe Stack at iolanthe@glasgow.anglican.org to confirm a donation has been sent, and from which charge it has been sent. Iolanthe will acknowledge receipt by email. If you are sending a personal donation this way, also use Lent25 and your surname for ID, again copying in Iolanthe for information, and she will reply to confirm receipt.
Summer newsletter will land end of June.