Firstly can I just say how much I enjoyed the most recent of our joint services on the 26^th February. These services have been an important 'glue' in cementing our relationship as congregations in the City Centre Grouping, and we have enjoyed some wonderful services.  It was a joy and a privilege to welcome so many of you to the Kirk (in spite of the major archaeology work ongoing in the East End of the church). I was particularly pleased that the young people of all the congregations were involved in taking in the elements for Holy Communion and in partaking in the sacrament.

I would also like to share with you the news that on Friday 10^th February 2006, twenty six of our Elders were presented with Long Service Certificates by the Moderator of the General Assembly the Right Rev David W. Lacy. It was a proud moment for those associated with the Kirk to see a cumulative service of almost 1000 years acknowledged in this way. Elders from RubislawChurch and Torry St. Fitticks were also presented with Certificates, and the Moderator's address painted an upbeat picture of the life and work of the Church in the 21^st Century. David Lacy's address also included an amusing poem highlighting the downside and frustrations about too many committee meetings, and the trap of 'too much talking and not enough doing'. With that in mind and having attended a number of meetings about the grouping and our future shared mission, I hope it won't be too long before we are actively progressing with Mission and Outreach to the Aberdeen City Centre, rather than just talking about it.

Warden Service at The Kirk of St Nicholas - Each year between May and the end of September we open the church building to visitors, and a team of volunteer wardens welcome both Aberdonians and visitors from further afield. Visitors from Kittybrewster to Torry, Birmingham to Edinburgh, Amsterdam to Houston and many other places (in between and beyond) are made welcome by wardens who show them around the historic building and tell them the stories behind many of the artefacts which are part of our Christian heritage. We are always looking for more people to join the team, and would hope that additional members from the Grouping churches could assist in this valuable form of outreach. Training of course would be given, although there are 'crib sheets' and a guidebook (available in several languages), so if you would be interested in helping in this regard, please contact Walter Ross((01224)  321451.