Life and Work
121 George Street
Mission and Discipleship
Edinburgh
EH2 4YN
Location map

http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/lifework/lwsubscribe.htm


Services:
Life and Work magazine

HISTORY

Life and Work was established in 1879 by Archibald Hamilton Charteris (1835 to 1908), who was professor of biblical criticism at Edinburgh University. The magazine was inspired by his work on the Church of Scotland's Committee of Christian Life & Work, which he initiated and led. Hugely committed to Church causes, he later founded the Woman's Guild and the diaconate in order to harness the energies of women in the Church. He formed the diaconate from his experience of similar orders in protestant churches in Europe, where he travelled widely.

In its early years, Life and Work ran various supplements, including the Guild supplement and the Young Men's Supplement. The only one still running is the Gaelic Supplement, which was begun in 1880 and is read by Gaels all over the world. In its history, the Gaelic supplement has had only five editors, and is currently edited by the Rev Dr Roderick McLeod, minister of Cumlodden, Lochfyneside.

In 1929 when the United Free Church of Scotland reunited with the Church of Scotland Life and Work was subtitled The Record of the Church of Scotland in recognition of the United Free Church publication, The Record, but this reference was dropped in 1996 when the magazine was relaunched in full colour.

Activities:
JUNE ISSUE



GAMBLING WITH THE FUTURE

The rise of the game of chance and the growth of online gambling is the focus of a major feature in this month’s Life and Work.

Whilst the Church of Scotland maintains its historic opposition to all gambling on both theological and pastoral grounds, of larger concern is challenging the growth of the gambling culture and attempting to minimise its impact.



NO QUICK FIX

Editor Lynne McNeil suggests that improved financial education and money management should be offered by High Street banks rather than simply promoting financial products. She also suggests that simple micro credit schemes would be more beneficial to poor communities in need of regeneration rather than the ‘get rich quick’ fixes offered by the bright lights of super casinos.



FINDING THE LIGHT

Perthshire poet Kenneth Steven explains how he believes it is the job of writers to make readers see the world anew work He explains how he draws inspiration from the Celtic Christian world in his work.



A ‘STILL SMALL VOICE’

In a rare interview, Jean Vanier, founder of the worldwide L’Arche community, says he believes the future lies in community, not competition.

“The whole question for humanity is how to help the strong and the weak to live together. It’s about people coming together and each one finding their place.”



THE POWER OF KINDNESS

The Very Rev James Simpson reflects on the Book of Ruth and the impact of kindness. “When I was at university it was clever people I admired most. Now it is kind people”, he concludes.



DRAMATIC CHRISTIANS

Elizabeth McKay questions how Christians are portrayed in TV soaps and dramas.”Ministers of the Kirk are dour and unyielding while English vicars are jolly good sorts but rarely have anything to say that is worth taking seriously.” she comments.



LAST WORD

Muriel Armstrong questions the Kirk’s obsession with membership and suggests a regular audit of church attendance would give a more realistic picture of church life


General Information:
Publication Dates

July 2007 - Sunday June 24 2007

August 2007 - Sunday July 29 2007

September 2007 - Sunday August 26 2007

October 2007 - Sunday September 30 2007

November 2007 - Sunday October 28 2007

December 2007 - Sunday November 25 2007

January 2008 - Sunday December 23 2007