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REPORT OF VISIT TO St ANNES, CORSTORPHINE BY VISITORS

FROM St ANDREWS LUSAKA.
BACKGROUND
The United Church of Zambia Lusaka Presbytery requested a number of congregations to complete
and submit Formation of Twinning Congregational Profiles for possible twinning with overseas
congregations/churches. Accordingly, St. Andrews Congregation completed the twinning profile on
26
th
January 2012. The profile included basic information about the Congregation, various church
groups, desire for twinning with overseas churches, expectations and contribution to Twinning,
involvement with the World Church and World issues. This was the basis on which St. Annes
Congregation of the Church of Scotland expressed an interest in twinning with St. Andrews
Congregation and accordingly sent their Twinning Profile.
By August 2012, an invitation was extended to St. Andrews Congregation for two people to visit
Scotland In response, the names of the then Minister in Charge Rev. Rodwell Chomba and the
Doctrine Worship and Evangelism Committee (DWE) Convener Mrs Josephine Bwalya Muchelemba
were submitted to the Church of Scotland. Upon consultations between St. Andrews and St. Annes
Congregations a decision was made that the visit would take place from 20
th
May to 2
nd
June 2013.
The choice of the dates for the visit also took into consideration the Church of Scotland General
Assembly to be held between 18th and 25th May 2013. The planning team in Scotland felt that the
visitors might enjoy attending at least one debate or the impressive opening or closing ceremonies.
Accordingly, applications for travel were submitted and approved by the Church of Scotland in
September 2012 and the bookings were made for Rev. Chomba and Mrs. Muchelemba.
PURPOSE, SPONSORSHIP, LODGING/PROVISIONS AND WELCOME TO SCOTLAND
Purpose of the Visit
The purpose of the Faithshare visit 20
th
May to 2
nd
June 2013 was to explore the twinning partnership
between the two congregations. The programme was designed to encourage and enrich each
participating congregation through the exchange of members.
Sponsorship
We are sincerely grateful to the World Mission Council of the Church of Scotland and St. Annes
Congregation for jointly sponsoring our visit. Our gratitude also goes to the Church Executive of St.
Andrews Congregation for choosing us to represent our Church on the first exchange visit with St.
Annes Congregation. We greatly appreciate the confidence our church had in us to represent the
congregation while in Scotland.
Welcome to Scotland
We were given a warm welcome at Edinburgh Airport on 20
th
May 2013 just after 21.00hrs and on
hand to receive us were members of St. Annes Twinning Team: Mrs Ann Scott, and Dr. Derek Doyle.
Though meeting for the first time, there had been a stream of communication by e-mails prior to the
visit. Therefore, conversation on the short drive from the airport into Edinburgh was easy.
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Lodging and Provisions
Members of St. Annes Church provided accommodation and food to us during the duration of the
visit. The first three nights were spent at Tudor Bank Bed and Breakfast owned by Mr. William and
Mrs Eleanor Clark also members of St. Annes Congregation. After that we were hosted by various
families. Our thanks go to all the families who hosted us and provided us with sumptuous meals
including those who sacrificed their time to take us to various meetings and tours during the duration
of our visit. The generosity and hospitality given to us made it possible for us to feel at home away
from home in the midst of Scottish cold weather conditions! The love, hospitality and friendship we
experienced were awesome and memorable.
However, notwithstanding the above excellent arrangements, the organisers of the programme had a
great task on their hand to manage our movements from one home to another as well as provision of
meals in different homes and places. To this end, it would have been less taxing for coordinators to
manage the movement of visitors between a limited numbers of homes.
Sunday Worship Services
The Order of Service at St. Annes Congregation is in many ways similar to St. Andrews Congregation
Order of Service. The beginning of the Worship is preceded by someone bringing in the Bible
followed by the Minister and his team of Elders and at the end of the Service the Bible is taken out
followed by the Minister and his team. The service lasts for about an hour starting at 11am. The
Minister in Charge is both the Worship Leader and Preacher every Sunday and addresses the Sunday
School as well as responsible for Welcome and Church Notices. However, Scripture readings and
collection of offertory is done by others
We were privileged to attend two Worship Services at St. Annes Congregation during the duration of
the visit. On 26
th
May 2013, we were officially welcomed by St. Annes Congregation and we
presented St Andrews gift of a Copper Clock to the Congregation. During this Service, Mrs.
Muchelemba addressed the Sunday School and thereafter joined the Sunday School moving from one
class to another. On the other hand, Bishop Rev. Chomba preached to the congregation. We also
participated in the Holy Communion.
Worship Service at St. Annes Congregation depicts holiness and reverence for God. People come on
time for the service and everyone remains attentive and focussed on Worship. This is one lesson St.
Andrews can emulate from St. Annes Congregation and embrace it within our own style of worship.
St. Annes Sunday School
St. Annes Sunday School has a total number of 42 children aged from 3 to18. However, a much
smaller proportion of less than 20 meets each week. There are 7 Sunday School teachers and two
helpers who organise the lessons and activities. The Sunday School teachers have no specific training
but have interest in nurturing and educating the young people of the congregation. However, it was
mentioned to us that the teachers need police clearance to ensure security for the children.
Sunday School consists of 4 groups: Beginners for the preschool children ages 3-4, the Primary
department for ages 5-8, the Juniors for ages 9-11 and the Senior Sunday School for ages 11 upwards.
The Sunday School meets every Sunday. The Primary, Junior and Senior Sunday Schools sit together,
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at the front of the church for about 20 minutes during the first part of the service. The minister starts
with an opening address to the whole congregation followed by a hymn, prayer and reading from the
Bible. The minister then speaks specially to the children, giving a short childrens address followed by
a hymn chosen with young people in mind.
The Sunday School follows a lectionary based resource called Roots on the web and each week the
lessons are based on a story or passage from the Bible. Primary and Junior groups are given Time to
Talk about anything special that happened in their lives during the week. They will then listen to
stories from the Bible, singing, art, crafts, colouring and drawing, glue and stick including games.
Children also take part in other activities such as planting bulbs and baking. The older children love
discussing what is happening in their lives and organise a monthly fair-trade stall.
Children participate in all Christian celebrations throughout the year. At Harvest Thanksgiving, they
bake bread and bring gifts of food, fruit and flowers that are then distributed to the local people at
the end of the service. At Christmas the Sunday School presents a Nativity play to the congregation.
The children also enjoy a Christmas party organised by their teachers. At Easter the children decorate
the church.
We were told that one of the challenges of St. Annes Congregation is how to encourage more of the
young people to come to church because many of the children have other activities and interests such
as football, rugby and swimming. Our observation is that personal interests in the context of human
rights seem to override spiritual interests and there seems to be no drive to change the situation!
St. Annes Sunday School sent a copy of ROOTS Childrens Sheet dated 12 May 2013, a Sunday School
song and drawings to St. Andrews Congregation Sunday School, and could be of particular interest to
St. Andrews Congregation Sunday School to learn a number of new things from St. Annes Sunday
School.
ST. ANNES PARISH ACTIVITIES
St. Annes Parish embraces a number of social programmes catering for both church members and
non-church members. These include: Jack and Jill Club, Guild outings, Fan Club, Walking Groups and
Girl Guides. A social evening was also included in the calendar of activities.
Guild Outing
Our first activity on 21
st
May 2013 was the Guild outing comprising ladies, Bishop Chomba. and the
Rev. Jamie Griggs of St Annes Church. The Guild is the equivalent of the Womens Christian
Fellowship but the Guild is also open to the men folk.
We set off from Edinburgh at 11am with tea and supper on the way before returning home at 7pm. It
was a very welcoming and enthusiastic group not only ready to tell us about the Scone Palace and its
significance in the history of Scotland, but also about the controversy surrounding the construction of
a Tram system in Edinburgh, construction of the new bridge as well the forthcoming Scottish
independence referendum. The women spoke passionately about these issues of national concern.
The visit to Scone Palace was awesome and memorable experience.
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St. Annes Jack and Jill Club
On 22
nd
May 2013, we were privileged to attend St Annes Jack and Jill, Baby and Toddler Group. This
Group meets every Wednesday in term time at the church from 9:30 to 1:30 am. The group is under
the Kirk Session which appoints a representative to coordinate the day to day running of the club and
also an elder who makes occasional visits and reports to the Session annually. Therefore, there is an
underlying ethos, but families of all faiths or none are made equally welcome. The group caters for
children from newborn babies to about three years old. It is run by parents and carers attending. The
activities take place in the baby area, a book corner, a crafts table, a play dough table, a puzzles table,
a sand tray and space for large toys such as trampoline, tent and pedal cars, as well as, for imaginative
play, dolls, a kitchen and dressing up clothes.
St. Annes Church Tour, Organisation and Activities
On 23
rd
May 2013, we were given a conducted tour of St. Annes Church inclusive of the physical
structure, organisation and historical context of the church. The congregation of St. Annes was
established in 1903 and the present church was built and consecrated in 1913. St. Annes Church with
stain windows and pillars implicit of spiritual messages is an architecturally magnificent building and a
visible witness to God and His Love.
The congregation has a membership of 374 mainly over 50 years of age, from professional and
business backgrounds. The Kirk Session has 54 members, men and women. The church life is
organised around eight teams responsible for management, education, fabric, fellowship, finance,
parish mission, world issues and worship. On the other hand congregational activities are conducted
through various church groups namely: Sunday School, Girl Guides, Scouts, Choir, Young Womens
Group, Friends and Neighbours Club (Fan Club), the Guild, Jack and Jill Club, Badminton Club, Book
Club and Walking Groups. St. Annes Church Halls are also used by non-church organisations such as
for concerts, sport, meetings and classes.
St. Annes Congregation is part of a city community of eleven (11) churches of different
denominations within the Corstorphine area and participate in Corstorphine Churches Together.
Social Evening
On 22
nd
May 2013, the Clarks hosted a social evening for Session Clerks, St. Annes Minister, World
Issues Team Leader and Secretary, and the Zambian visitors. It was an opportunity to meet Rev.
Jamie Griggs again. We had great conversation covering a wide range of topics including twinning.
FAN (Friends and Neighbours) Club
The club was founded in 2010 in recognition of an aging congregation and many church members and
their friends who seldom left their homes, had little contact with others, were lonely and in danger of
being neglected. Accordingly, the aim of he Club is to meet these challenges of both church and non-
church members and neighbours. Get Well cards are sent to any member under medical care and
condolences cards to bereaved.
The Fan Club has over 60 members each paying 5 annual subscriptions and 1 per session to defray
expenses. The average attendance is about 55 per meeting. The organisation is run by a committee
with a chairperson, secretary and people responsible for catering, flowers, finances, transport and
keeping the roll.
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The club meets every two weeks from 10.30am to noon. The members enjoy a chat over a cup of tea
then there is normally a talk followed by a short question and answer session. Members needing
assistance to get to the meeting place at St. Annes Church are offered lifts in cars. There is a wide
range of topics and speakers e.g.; various charities, famous people, local history, overseas travels,
hobbies, national treasures, health issues, and famous people of the past, musical entertainment and
quiz games. The meeting always ends at noon promptly and ends with the chairperson wishing
everyone a safe return home before concluding with the grace.
In essence, the challenge of the Fan club is to strike the right balance between entertainment and
thought provoking topics, stimulating and interesting, without being too serious or academic.
On 24
th
May 2013, Mrs Muchelemba was privileged to be the guest speaker at the Fan Club. The
presentation included a brief personal profile: educational background, career, family, Christian life
and personal involvement in St. Andrews Church. The presentation was followed by a wide range of
questions on the Zambian economy, politics, social issues, Christianity versus other faiths, impression
of Scotland and the Scottish people.
Book Club
We attended a Book Club meeting at St. Annes Church to discuss a novel entitled The Black House
by Peter May 445pp. We had received a copy of the book while in Zambia and we had read it.
The Book Club is yet another social programme which brings people together and encourages
members to read. This would be a dynamic programme for St. Andrews given the poor reading
culture among Zambians!
MEETING TO DISCUSS THE CONTENT OF THE TWINNING AGREEMENT
On 25
th
May 2013, a meeting was hosted by Mrs. Glenda Patterson for us to discuss with World Issues
Team (WIT) on the content of the proposed twinning agreement. We informed the meeting that the
proposed agreement by St. Annes was acceptable with minor amendments by the Pastoral and the
Congregational Council of St. Andrews Congregation and therefore our comments reflected the
official position of our Church. St. Annes will present the proposed Twinning Agreement to the Kirk
Session in September 2013.
We informed the meeting that St. Andrews was yet to appoint a Convener of the Twinning Team
while Mrs Nkhonde Fumbeshi has been designated Communications Co-ordinator. We informed the
meeting that as soon as a Convener is appointed, profiles with personal photographs of the complete
Twinning Team will be sent to St. Annes Congregation.
The final proposed Twinning Agreement is attached.
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EXTRAORDINARY SOCIAL MEETING OF THE KIRK SESSION PLUS WORLD ISSUES TEAM (WIT)
This was a question and answer session on various aspects covering the church in Zambia with specific
focus on the United Church of Zambia and St. Andrews in particular; the Zambian economy; HIV/AIDS;
motivation for St. Andrews to twin with St. Annes; what St. Annes can learn from Zambia in general
and specifically the Church in Zambia.
This was a very important meeting in the twinning process. A number of issues were clarified
regarding St. Andrews Congregation motives to twin with St. Annes Congregation. We made it very
clear that our Congregation is self-sustaining financially and physically and that the emphasis of
twinning should be grounded in mutual sharing of spiritual life of our two congregations.
There was a general feeling among most people that the church was growing in Zambia because of
high poverty levels. While there is some truth that poor people tend to associate themselves with
Christianity, we informed the meeting that in Zambia both the rich and the poor associate themselves
with Christianity inspired by the preaching of the Word and evangelism campaigns across the country.
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND ACTIVITIES
The Church of Scotland activities included a meeting at the Church of Scotland Law Department and
World Mission, HIV/AIDS event, Church of Scotland General Assembly Sederent (Closing) and a
meeting on the organisation of the Church of Scotland and governance.
Church of Scotland Law Department and World Mission
On 23
rd
May 2013 we attended a meeting at the Church of Scotland Legal Department and the World
Mission Council. The discussion with the Legal Dept. mainly covered property issues including Manses
and agricultural Land of different and holdings under the Land Trustees. General Trustees
incorporated by the Westminster includes lawyers, surveyors and tenure of office up to 75. They hold
monthly meetings as well as the chairmans meetings. Their mandate includes insurance of property
and maintenance. The United Church of Zambia Trustees can learn something from the Church of
Scotland Legal department.
Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS Event
On 23
rd
May 2013 we attended a 10
th
anniversary HIV/AIDS programme of the Church of Scotland.
The programme was launched in 2002 in response to stories of people dying from the disease and the
question was whether these people were sinners or needed compassion? In 2001 the Church of
Scotland General Assembly set up a task force that visited Malawi, India, Nepal and Bangladesh
HIV/AIDS projects.
The Church of Scotland gives 3 year support to partner churches overseas amounting to 12, 000.
The money is raised from churches including money raised on Super Sunday. In accordance with the
Millennium Development goals (MDGs), 50 million people should access anti-retroviral (ARVs) by
2015. It is important to note and appreciate that St. Andrews Congregation Millennium HIV/AIDS
project is also a beneficiary of the Church of Scotland assistance of 12, 000. Accordingly, we had a
discussion with the Church of Scotland HIV/AIDS coordinator on St. Andrews project.
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Church of Scotland General Assembly Sederent
We were privileged to attend the Sederent (Closing) of the Church of Scotland 2013 General Assembly
presided over by the Reverend Lorna Hood, the Moderator of the General Assembly.
This Report would be incomplete without mentioning the physical set up of the Assembly Building. It
was designed in 1858 and used by the Church of Scotland Assemblies since 1929. It was also used by
the Scottish Parliament from 1999 to 2004 while the Scottish Parliament was being constructed. The
Assembly Hall was therefore refurbished for use by the Scottish Parliament. It has a spectacular and
large oval shaped hall with all round galleries. The seating capacity is 1, 250 people. The Assembly
Hall is also used for a variety of arts and theatrical performances.
It was indeed spectacular and impressive experience to be in attendance at the Sederent. The debate
and presentations of the Closing Speeches will remain a source of inspiration for us for many years to
come. Other notable acts were the Queens message presented by Her Majestys Lord High
Commissioner; the Closing Speech by the General Assembly Moderator and the escort of the Lord
High Commissioner and his delegation from the General Assembly building were dramatic moments
of splendour and remembrance. Attending the Sederent was like being in the Zambian National
assembly Chambers listening to the Parliamentary debates.
Organisation of the Church of Scotland and its Governance
A meeting was held on 30
th
May 2013 at St. Annes to talk about the organisation of the Church of
Scotland and its governance. In 1957 the Church of Scotland had 1.3million members declining to
400,000 members by 2013. The challenge to the church is to manage the decline and encourage new
growth.
There are facilities of divinity within the Church of Scotland. Church colleges also offer distance
learning. The Mission and Discipleship Council is responsible for provision of information and
resources for Worship, Witness, and Discipleship.
While the challenge of the Church of Scotland is to manage the decline in membership and encourage
new growth, in the United Church of Zambia the challenge is to manage the existing large
membership especially the young as well as encourage new growth in a highly competitive
environment of Pentecostal churches.
MEETING WITH MR. JOHN BARRETT
The meeting and sumptuous dinner with Mr. John Barrett (former Member of Parliament) and his
wife Carol (Wildlife Artist) in their luxurious home on the evening of 27
th
May 2013, was a rare and
exciting moment that it is hard to summarise in one paragraph. Carol spoke passionately about her
career as a Wildlife Artist. She regularly travels to Africa to study, sketch and photograph wildlife in
its natural habitat. She has contributed and supported a number of wildlife projects in Africa and the
UK the Cheetahs Conservation Fund (CCF). We will forever remain grateful to Mrs Barret for giving us
copies of her paintings.
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The conversation with Mr. Barrett was centred on his political career and work in his constituency. He
is a former Member of Parliament for the UK Parliamentary Constituency Edinburgh West. Mr.
Barrett won his parliamentary seat in the 2001 UK general elections and made his maiden speech in
the House of Commons on 13
th
July 2001. He sat on the International Select Committee from 2001 to
2002 and was spokesperson on the Department of International Development in 2003. In December
2005 he was promoted to Shadow Minister of State for Scotland. He was also spokesperson on the
Department for Work and Pensions with a focus on disability issues. Among his major involvement
and achievements were prominent campaigns for Trade Justice, against Post Office Closures,
opposition to the War in Iraq, supporting Scottish renewable and antinuclear movement opposing
nuclear power.
The conversation with Mr. Barrett gave us a glimpse of what it takes to be a UK Member of
Parliament while Mrs Barrett demonstrated her passion as a wildlife artist. Conversation with two
people with diverse careers, a politician and an artist was amazing and fantastic experience never to
be forgotten.
MEETING WITH CORSTORPHINE FRATERNAL
On 28
th
May 2013, we attended a lunchtime meeting with Corstorphine Fraternity at Carrick Knowe
Manse. The meeting was attended by the Rev. Jamie Griggs, other three Ministers and Dr. Derek
Doyle. The aim of the meeting was to give us a sense of how ministers from different churches work
together
SCOTTISH CHURCHES PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE (SCPO)
The discussion with the SCPO staff was amazing and inspiring to learn how the organisation engages
effectively in parliamentary processes, and translates the Churches Commitment to the welfare of
the nation into parliamentary debates thereby affecting the decision making processes. Furthermore,
it was impressive to learn how SCPO provides advice and support to individuals, groups and churches
on: Lobbying Members of Parliament, Petitioning the Parliament, responding to consultations, giving
evidence to Committees and participating in cross-party groups. We were equally touched by SCPO
services of providing free monthly Parliamentary Update available by e-mail or from their website
covering what Parliament is consulting on, what legislation is in progress and what subjects have been
debated in the previous month.
The SCPO work and experience is something which could be useful for the United Church of Zambia to
consider in collaboration with other churches in the country. Dialogue and lobbying members of
parliament would definitely be a more viable alternative to criticism and confrontational approaches.
CORSTORPHINE CHURCHES TOGETHER MEETING
We attended a Seedling Corstorphine Together Meeting and the Keynote Speaker was Minister Grant
McLaughlin, the Workplace Chaplain for Edinburgh West. He spoke about Work Place Chaplaincy
Scotland (WPCS) a Christian organisation but with good working relationship with the entire minority
faith groups and also facilitates referrals where appropriate. The WPCS is non-denominational, non-
doctrinal and non-proselytising providing free services but encourage donations from well-wishers.
The WPCS is currently working with emergency services, major high street retailers including Boots
and John Lewis and a number of manufacturing companies including Rolls-Royce. The WPCS offer
pastoral and spiritual support to the Scottish workforce regardless of race, creed, gender, age or
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sexual orientation. Trained Chaplains visit workplaces in an agreed pattern and frequency. They work
with all levels of management, unions and workers within an organisation while maintaining
independent of any structures and influence in order to work confidentially and offer support to all,
promoting harmony and wellbeing within organisations. Overall, the meeting was informed that
chaplaincy is about listening to the people, caring for the people and supporting the people.
AN EVENING WALKING IN SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
On 28
th
may 2013 we joined the Walking Group setting off from the church at 6.50pm for a walk in
South Queensferry. It was not only an opportunity to enjoy some gentle exercise but also a great
opportunity for the hosts to get to know the visitors. Interestingly, the discussion on the tram system,
the new bridge and the Scottish Independence Referendum were discussed passionately. The
Walking Team comprises mostly ladies and they enjoy each others company.
One of he highlights was the visit and tour of the Queensferry Parish Church. There are parallels and
contrast between Queensferry church and St. Andrews Congregation. Notable parallel is the presence
of the Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade. In addition, beaming of the Sunday Worship Service but
confined to the Service for the young people at Queensferry Church while St. Andrews beams the
Main Worship Service.
MEETING WITH THE LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND
On 29
th
May 2013 we had an interesting meeting at the Law Society of Scotland the professional
governing body for Scottish solicitors. We were informed that the Society promotes excellence
among solicitors through representation, support and regulation of its members. It also promotes the
interests of the public in relation to the profession. Accordingly, the Society helps to shape the law for
the benefit of both the public and the profession.
In Zambia we have the Law Association of Zambia the equivalent to the Law Society of Scotland.
Parallel can be drawn between the two organizations.
VISIT TO CARRICK KNOWE PRIMARY SCHOOL
On 30 May 2013 we visited Carrick Knowe School. We met the staff and then spent about an hour
and half in different classes comprising the youngest to the oldest in the School. Lunch was taken in
the staff room with teachers followed by a full school assembly early afternoon.
The children in the school had been prepared for our visit and therefore were able to ask us
intelligent and engaging questions about Zambia during the class discussion and school assembly. The
issues covered included: the location of Zambia in Africa and on the world map, climate, education,
culture, poverty, population and Self Help in Zambia.
In one of the senior classes, the pupils debated whether or not Scotland should be independent from
the United Kingdom as Scotland prepares for a referendum in 2016 . Another interesting point was
that the pupils had invited their member of parliament to discuss issues of interest to them in order
to improve the situation.
The interactions with pupils at Carrick Knowe School were a wonderful experience particularly
because of the preparedness of the pupils to meet and discuss with us. They were able to ask
intelligent and engaging questions about Zambia during the class discussion and school assembly. The
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pupils and teachers were very friendly and welcoming and we felt at home. The conversations and
topics discussed with the young people will remain a source of inspiration for many years to come.
CREMATORIUM SERVICE 1
ST
JUNE 2013
This event was unplanned as death comes suddenly.
The Reverend Jamie Griggs presided over the Crematorium Service and preached a message of hope
and new life to believers. The Reverend informed the gathering that Jean had chosen the Closing
Hymn, Thine Be the Glory.
It was a privilege and an experience for us to attend the Crematorium Service. There were so many
people who joined family members to pay their final respects and farewell to Jean. May Her Soul Rest
in Eternal Peace.
XVII. GENERAL EXPOSURE VISITS
General exposure visits included tours of the Scone Palace, the Thistle Chapel in St. Giles Cathedral
Edinburgh Castle and St. Andrews/Fife Fishing Villages, and St Marys Cathedral, Edinburgh
Tour of Scottish Parliament
On 31
st
May 2013, we had a guided tour of the Scottish Parliament situated at the foot of Edinburghs
famous Royal Mile in front of the spectacular Holyrood House and Park and Salisbury Crags
Visit to St. Andrews/Fife Fishing Villages
On 1
st
June 2013 we were taken on a visit to St. Andrews and Fife Fishing Villages. It was a timely and
memorable trip to mark the end of the two- week Twinning Visit to Scotland.
ST. ANNES WORSHIP SERVICE/DEPARTURE
On Sunday 2
nd
June we attended the Worship Service at St. Annes Church and bid farewell to the
congregation and we were given a gift of a Cross to bring back to St Andrews Congregation. Rev.
Jamie Griggs preached. Immediately after the service, we were escorted to Edinburgh Airport . We
arrived back in Zambia on 3
rd
June 2013.
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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Twinning Visit to Scotland was a timely and necessary step in the twinning process
between St. Annes and St. Andrews Congregations. Although both congregations had received each
others Twinning Profiles, the visit made it possible to clarify and fill in the gaps of missing
information. Moreover, the Church of Scotland activities in our programme gave us an opportunity to
understand St. Annes within the broader context of the Church of Scotland. Overall, the diversity and
complementary activities within and outside the Church also made it possible for us to have
wholesome experience of Scotland spiritually, physically and socially thereby providing a solid
foundation for twinning.
The organisation and attention to detail which was apparent in every aspect of the visit was simply
astounding. The calendar of activities which had been prepared and sent to us prior to the visit was
accomplished as planned in terms of timing and activities. We were truly involved in the life of the
host church St. Annes and participated in their worship, youth and adult activities, while on our part
we shared our knowledge and experience of St. Andrews Congregation, the United Church of Zambia,
socio-economic life of Zambia and the importance of Christianity amidst socio-economic challenges
such as poverty and HIV/AIDS.
Finally, the decision by St. Annes Kirk Session on 23
rd
June 2013 to go ahead twinning with St.
Andrews Congregation is not only testimony to the successful outcome of the twinning visit, but also
a major boost in the twinning relationship between the two congregations. It is our sincere belief that
twinning between St. Annes and St. Andrews Congregations will be a worthwhile venture to foster
the spiritual life of both congregations to be guided by the contents of the Twinning Agreement.
________________________________
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Twinning Agreement
We, the congregations of St. Annes Church, Edinburgh, Scotland
And
St. Andrews Congregation of the United church of Zambia in the Lusaka Presbytery, Republic of
Zambia
Share a belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, His teachings, His Saving Grace and His Will for the world and
all its peoples.
We wish to share with each other, through Twinning, our experience of -
Worship,
Prayer,
Evangelism,
Bible Study,
Healing,
Discipleship,
Church Governance,
Missionary Outreach
Doing so through
1. communication (using the most effective, economical means available)
2. mutual visits by members of our respective congregations
3. sharing news, endeavouring to learn from successes and failures
4. exchanging photographs and other visual materials
We agree that each church shall appoint, and facilitate in every way possible
A Twinning Team, under a leader/convenor approved by the Session or Congregational
Council,
A Communications Coordinator, a member of the Team to be responsible for ensuring that
there is a steady flow of communications between the congregations and the many groups
within each church,
A prayer Leader who will encourage a sharing of prayer topics and times when both churches
will bring before God the work and needs of their Twin.
Intercessory Groups/website
Signed this day:..2013
..
Rev. Jamie Griggs Rev. Alex Mwalilino
Minister of St. Annes Church (Minister of St. Andrews
Congregation)
This Agreement will be reviewed by both parties in three (3) years time.