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Summer 2006

Five new members of St John's Church were welcomed as they made public profession of faith (along with ten others who have joined by certficate etc during the past year) at the morning service on Sunday 9th July. All of the five who include Lesley Howie, Fiona and Neil Jarrett, and Jen and Keldon Peterson are already well involved in the life of the congregation through creche and participation in summer services.

The St Cecilia Singers concert which took place in St John's on Friday 30th June was a great success, raising over £1,750 over the two evenings (Thursday 29th in Leven).

This special choir was formed last year to raise money for the Vine Trust, which supports the work being done by Scripture Union with street children in Peru, and also via the Amazon Hope medical boats.

The programme, chosen for its audience appeal, included works by Vivaldi, Handel and Rutter, a musical feast enhanced by soloists Linda Miller and Pat Fraser. A special treat was the return of Yang Du performing more of the charming and haunting Chinese folk songs which proved so popular last year.

Many thanks to Ken Greenaway and accompanist Valerie Greenaway for a wonderful evening which gave not only great pleasure to the audience but also hope to children in Peru

Songs of Praise    - The Open Air "Songs of Praise" Service on Sunday 25th June at Kemback was enjoyed on the green during a beautiful summer evening. The service was led by Rev Eric McKimmon as this was part of the anniversary celebrations for Ceres, Kemback and Springfield (and for this year replaces the Songs Of Praise service at the Bandstand). Favourite hymns were chosen and introduced by members of the congregation, and music was provided Lewis Thomson on keyboard and Elspeth Smith on violin.

Sacrament of Baptism The Church family at St John's was delighted to welcome the family of Keldon and Jen Peterson for Baptism on Sunday 25th June- Sasha Lawrie Peterson (11) and Alexandra Helena Peterson (7) also took a special vow and baby Joseph Duncan Peterson was presented by his parents, who have already taken part in one of our special summer services. (Look out for a photo when we've mastered the technology!)

Summer Worship - The last two Sundays in June and all the Sundays in July followed a summer pattern. The services in both Dairsie at 9.30am and at St John's at 11am lasted for approximately 45 minutes, and every alternate week were led by teams from the congregations.  A huge 'THANK YOU' to all who took part.

Farewell to Migrant Workers - Soup and Bread Evenings for fruit farm workers were held  in St John's hall on Tuesday 27th June and Thursday 20th July.  Over 40 students, (who were mainly Polish) from Hilton of Carslogie and Tarvit farms came along and shared in food and international friendship.

Then on 24th August we hosted a farewell ceilidh for migrant workers that proved a great success with approximately 120 workers attending from local fruit farms.

The evening commenced with the traditional piping and addressing of the haggis and our guests enjoyed a meal of haggis neeps and tatties followed by oatcakes, cheese and shortbread.

Entertainment began with demonstrations of Scottish Country Dancing by a team of dancers supported by piano and accordion following which guests were encouraged to participate in some of the well known dances.

This set the scene for some piping followed by further dancing displays. After some initial reluctance, our guests were persuaded to take the floor with examples of their own folk music and dances. A genuine ceilidh atmosphere prevailed throughout despite the obvious language barriers.

All too soon the evening came to a close with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Thanks to all who helped with the success of these evenings.

Autumn 2006

Cupar Justice and Peace Group

Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to the successful ‘One World Week Lunch' held last Saturday, 4th Novmeber.  We are able to share £420 between our chosen causes, while the Hadeel stall raised approx £400 and the Traidcraft Stall £200.

Winter 2006

Christmas Card Delivery

Thank you to all those who used the Christmas Card Delivery Service and helped to raise £247.

Christmas Services

As usual, Christmas was an extremely busy time in the church. 

The celebrations began with the children's party on the afternoon of Friday December 22nd.  An excellent turnout of children in their best party gear enjoyed traditional party games and a wonderful spread.  Thanks to the teenagers who came along to help with the games and those in the congregation who supplied the food.

On the afternoon of Saturday 23rd December, 20 people met in the hall to prepare the Christingles for the Sunday evening service. 

Sunday morning was the opportunity for the children and young people to tell the story of the Nativity in narrative drama and song in front of a large congregation. 

At 6.30pm the church was full for the very popular Christingle Service which was led by Bill MacKenzie, assisted by Kathy MacCall, Donald Jenks and Martin Orr.  The lights dimmed for the singing of 'Away in a Manger' at the end of the service.  The choir enhanced the atmosphere of celebration with some joyful carols, some arranged by the organist, Ken Greenaway. 

There was more carol singing at 11pm until the start of the Watchnight at 11.30pm and Christmas morning saw the celebrations in church draw to a close with a short service. 

All services were taken by Rev. Dr. Graham Blount in the absence through illness of Rev. Sheila Blount. 

On the last Sunday of the year it was the turn of our friends at Cupar Old to host the end of year joint service and a large congregation enjoyed sharing in worship led by Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey before retiring to the hall for refreshments.

Spring 2007

Cupar Amateur Musical Society

Fresh from their sensational smash hit production of 'Annie get Your Gun', members of this popular group, including many from St John's congregation, entertained with songs from the shows. 

Featuring songs from the Sound of Music, South Pacific, Oklahoma, Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom and Les Miserables, to name but a few, this was an evening not to be missed!

Refreshments served afterwards in the hall gave the audience a chance to mingle with the performers and all proceeds were donated to the Roof Repairs Fund.

Summer 2007

New Notice Board

We now have a notice board inside the gate that is worthy of the spick and span appearance of the Church grounds. The board was made using wood from some of the panelling which was removed some years ago from the side pews at the front of the church. There is still some more wood left and  another matching board might be made for the opposite side to replace the now rather jaded black one with the Minister's name.

Summer Services

The summer months have been busy. It was very encouraging that we were able to have the family services during the summer conducted by members of the congregation as has happened in recent years.

Soup and Bread Evenings

This is the third year that special evenings have been held for E.  European students employed on the local farms.

Over 100 attended on two occasions with the Ceilidh in August proving especially popular. Then, we had a piper, a Scottish Country Dancing team and traditional fare. Some of the students responded by singing their national songs and joining in the dancing.

Although language can be a barrier, it is encouraging to see members of the congregation coming along to chat with these young people who really seem to appreciate the effort involved.

St Cecilia Singers

At the beginning of July, The St Cecilia singers gave their third concert in aid of the Vine Trust in Peru, raising the sum of £1906 from performances in St John's and in Hope Park Church, St Andrews.  This brings the total raised over three years to more than £5000.

Special mention must be made of the soprano soloist, Linda Miller who has sung, displaying exceptional ability, at every performance of the choir.  Both concerts were well attended and the reaction of the audience showed the appreciation of the quality of the singing of choir and soloists.

Autumn 2007

Piano Recital

As a result of Eileen Allan's Recital on 23rd September, the Church has received £600. Thank you to Eileen for all her hard work and dedication as well as having her own piano brought to the church.