THE MAGAZINE OF BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH SCOTLAND S OLDEST COLLEGIATE CHURCH Registered Scottish Charity No: SC0 9819

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1 THE MAGAZINE OF BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH SCOTLAND S OLDEST COLLEGIATE CHURCH Registered Scottish Charity No: SC Minister: The Revd. J. M. Gibson, TD. The Manse of Bothwell, 4 Manse Avenue, Bothwell, G71 8PQ Tel: jamesmgibson@msn.com Church Office Tel: (Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am-2pm) bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com Church Website: Church Centre: Chapterhouse Café: FROM THE MINISTER The institution of the Church of Scotland has a real problem. Alright, I admit it has many problems, just like most large institutions. But I recently discovered something of which I had not been previously aware. A sermon I preached in August sent me back to research the 2012 report of the General Assembly s Church and Society Committee. Can you imagine my surprise when I read these words in its introduction: The Committee continues to provide around 80% of the content for the external communications of the national offices. This is both a continuing challenge to speak the Gospel with authenticity in the public square of 21 st century Scotland and a huge opportunity to offer the Gospel in a way that changes lives and changes people s view of the Church. The Strange Silence of the Kirk Oh! that that were true. For lives and people s view of the Church to be changed surely they must first hear what is being offered? Week in, week out I try to read a wide cross-section of our national press. Each evening I listen to the TV news and, usually, tune in to programmes discussing news issues. Rarely (very rarely) do I hear or read anything emanating from the Church of Scotland central bureaucracy that, in any way, grabs my attention far less change my life or view of the Church. In fact, all I usually hear is a strange silence from the Kirk. Why should this be? Especially when, year after year, the Church and Society Committee produce reports to the General Assembly that are well researched and relevant to the great issues people face in their daily life and with which Governments of the day struggle and on which they must legislate. No better example of this is their recent work on homelessness and financial management in our nation. Both these issues affect people of all walks of life. So why have the helpful conclusions made by the committee not been trumpeted across the media? Is the Church really so arrogant as to believe Jock Tamson s bairns are actually going to purchase a 500 page volume of Reports to the General Assembly in order to read something that will change lives and people s view of the Church? Welcome Action In August, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced he is going to tackle head-on the extortionate interest rates changed by pay-day loan companies. Most often it is the poorest members of society, desperate to make ends meet until their next pay comes in, who feel compelled to do business with such firms not realising that, should they default, they are committing themselves to interest rates of over 5,500%! The Archbishop plans to use the resources of the Church of England to establish a network of Credit Unions within every parish in England and so compete the loan sharks out of business. This initiative made tea-time television and was widely reported in the press. 1 IN THIS EDITION September & October 2013 From the Minister P1& P2. Church Register P2. Harvest P2. Christian Aid Thanks P2. New Elders P2. Scarecrow Festival P3. Church Membership P3. Home Visits by the Minister P3. Statement of Purpose P3. Quire Restoration Appeal P4 & P5. Sunday Clubs P6. Cycle Malawi P6. Car Treasure Hunt P6. Host UK P6. Guild P7. Living the Questions P7. Allovus P7. A new way to receive your magazine P7. Rota Page P8. It is a welcome, practical and relevant response from the Church of England regarding social poverty in our country; and I applaud the response of the Church and Society Committee to commit the Church of Scotland to ally itself with such action. But, apart from making this announcement, what more has the Kirk said about such a vitally important issue? Not a lot is the answer. missed something? Or have I It s so easy to score points at the Kirk s embarrassment. I know that only too well. In time past, I served the Church s Assembly as one of its national conveners. It is because I once had such responsibility that I know the high quality work being faithfully carried out by the present generation of ministers and laity who serve on these demanding committees needs to be far better communicated to a wide public audience. Equally I believe the task of the Church s Moderator needs to be radically revisited. Presently, the Moderator is effectively prevented from speaking on national issues unless he/she articulates the position of the General Assembly. (Presumably, this is in case he/she goes off like a loose cannon and commits the Church to some unimagined heresy). Continued on Page 2.

2 FROM THE MINISTER Continued from Page 1. As a result, the voice of ecclesiastical response heard on, or in, the media more often than not comes from the Roman Catholic hierarchy, while that of the Church of Scotland remains silent. Yet the irony is that it is supposed to be the Church of Scotland which is the national Church of Scotland. This is a situation which, in our contemporary world of round-theclock-news is simply unsustainable. Each year, individuals of substance are appointed to serve in this position. Can the General Assembly not trust them enough to speak intelligently; and to seek information from committee conveners when necessary? Good things are happening within the Church of Scotland and through the Church for Scotland in communities up and down the land. Ministers can be heard preaching sermons that are relevant and intelligent. People still long to hear the voice of their Kirk. The fact that YOU are reading this, proves it. Jim Gibson Minister of Bothwell and Interim Moderator at Gilmour & Whitehill Parish Church HARVEST Sunday 6th October 10.30am As always, it is a celebration of the gifts God showers on us. As members of a suburban congregation, it is not always easy for us to show our gratitude for all the benefits harvest brings. We take them for granted. However, each year Christian Aid envelopes are provided and an invitation given to us to make a gift of money to those in parts of the world whose harvest is not as abundant as ours. In this way, our thanksgiving and our concern for the poor go hand in hand. Baptisms: May June August Weddings: June 7th June 8th July 13th July 19th August 3rd August 22nd August 31st Funerals: July August By water and the Holy Spirit Lucia Amanda Rennison Sherry, daughter of Mr & Mrs Brian Sherry, 1 Highwood Gardens, Bellshill Ellie Boyd, daughter of Mr & Mrs Scott Boyd, 3 Gainerhill Cottage, Strathaven Andrew Charlie Mannering, son of Mr & Mrs Richard Mannering, 31 Old Bothwell Road, Bothwell Annabelle Claire Elaine Hutton, daughter of Mr & Mrs Colin Hutton, 16 Newford Grove, Clarkston Whom God has joined Donna Griffiths and Stephen Lynch, 21 Baillie Drive, Bothwell Joanne Nicolson and William Cashmore, 26 Goldcrest Court, Wishaw Karen Nelson and David Anderson, 98 McCracken Drive, Uddingston Kelly Anderson and Darren Cheney, 66 Lime Tree Avenue, Viewpark Nicola Eadon to Gary Logue, 45 Barrachie Crescent, Glasgow and Tracy Eadon to Ross McMann, 8 Forteviot Place, Baillieston Nicola Muircroft and Stephen Andrews, 24 Castle Court, Bothwell Laura Simpson and Lewis Younger, 7 Cumnock Drive, Hamilton Confident of Life Everlasting The Minister invites the prayers of the congregation for the family and friends of the following who recently received Christian funeral: Mrs Marie Dunn, Highgate Nursing Home Mrs Betty Campbell, 13 Albany Place, Bothwell Mrs Jessie McAdam, Netherton Court Hursing Home, Wishaw BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH WELCOMES NEWLY ORDAINED / ADMITTED ELDERS A further two members of the congregation were Ordained and Admitted to serve as Elders within the Kirk Session on Sunday, 2nd June. We wish Mr Alan Wilson, 3 Lairds Gate, Bothwell and Mr Russell Parsons, 30 Clyde Avenue, Bothwell well as they assume allocated duties and responsibilities and hope members of the congregation take opportunity to give them a warm welcome. JG. Many thanks again to all who contributed to Christian Aid. This year a total of was raised. Eleanor Terrace PLEASE SAVE STAMPS 2

3 RESTORATION APPEAL Can YOU help?? Time is steadily slipping by. The Heritage Lottery Fund will soon be asking us to identify the sources of our total funding for the restoration programme. Their grant depends on us being able to do so. Our appointed engineer and architect are both anxious that repair work begins as soon as possible. Pressure to be able to satisfy the demands being made is considerable. Members and friends of the congregation have responded well to our Appeal. If YOU have not yet made a donation, please can you help? Help save this historic building for Scotland.. BOTHWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL September 2013 During the scarecrow festival, the church will be open on Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 11am until 4pm for all to see inside and learn about the Restoration of the Quire. There will also be the opportunity to leave a donation or speak with volunteer members from the congregation about the history of the church. Statement of Purpose Bothwell Parish Church is a congregation of the Church of Scotland and is part of the worldwide family of people belonging to the Christian Faith, worshipping God through Jesus Christ. In response to the love of God for all, we seek to serve our community through worship, friendship, care and education; and to promote Christian values of concern for others, forgiveness, healing and justice. If you know of anyone requiring a home visit from the Minister, or if you have a change of details, please complete the Welcome Card placed on each pew and hand it in to the Church Office, or to Revd.Gibson direct. Thank you. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Those interested in exploring the possibility of membership of the Church should be make contact with the Minister who will be happy to speak with them. Discussions held are entirely open-ended with no prior commitment being involved. The emphasis is upon informality and sharing our thoughts. An open invitation is, therefore, extended to all who may be interested. The Minister may be contacted on a Sunday at church or during the week via the Office or at the Manse. 3

4 HISTORY Bothwell Parish Church is the oldest Collegiate Church in Scotland in which worship is still held. Locally, it is referred to as The Cathedral of Lanarkshire. The building is the principal Grade A Listed Building in central and Southwest Scotland. The Quire is the oldest part of the current building. With 12th century foundations, the present Quire was rebuilt in the 14 th century and consecrated in Though the building of the church has changed dramatically over the centuries, the Quire has been in continuous use unchanged. Throughout its long life, the Quire has witnessed the changing liturgies of Christian Worship in Scotland from Roman Catholicism, through Episcopalianism to Presbyterianism. It has been a place for royal weddings and has housed military forces engaged in battle. Today, it contains a Sacristy of outstanding architectural importance, memorials of major significance for Scottish history and superb stained-glass by Sir Edward Burne- Jones and more contemporary tapestries as well as the Bothwell Embroideries. A place of great beauty, prayer and peace, it is much visited by tourists and worshippers alike. WHAT HAPPENED? Violent storms during the winter of 2011 brought substantial downfall of masonry from the ceiling of our 14 th century Quire. Investigation was immediately carried out by our architect and officials from South Lanarkshire Council. The Quire was deemed unsafe for public use, emptied of contents and vacated. Since last Easter, it has been separated from the Crossing and Nave of the church by a protective wall. And so, sadly, it remains. WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM? Investigation by engineers has discovered that the foundations of the Quire are 800 years old and are constructed on clay. During the last 80 years, the foundations along the south wall of the Quire have slipped. This has caused the wall to move outwards by some 11 inches and the massively heavy 600 year old stone roof-slabs to become displaced. The result is serious damage to the structure of the Quire building, the priceless Burne-Jones stained-glass windows and the internal stone ornamentation of the Quire ceiling. WHY MUST THIS WORK BE DONE? 4 WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? The foundations need to be secured, the walls of the Quire building stabilised and the Quire roof stripped of its stone covering, and a solid structure inserted upon which the ancient stone roof-slabs can be replaced. Thereafter, stone indentation is required, the stained-glass windows removed, restored and replaced and the memorials refurbished. Very simply because, unless this restorative work is carried out as soon as possible, the building of the Quire will degenerate until it becomes a ruin. Scotland, as a nation, would then lose for ever a place of unique historical, architectural and social significance. The important necessity of this project for the ongoing witness of the Christian Church in Scotland is clearly demonstrated by the willing support of: our Royal Patron Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal and our Patrons The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow The Episcopal Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway The Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland (Church of Scotland).

5 Where A River Bends by Jack Gallacher Mr Jack Gallacher, the author of stories from a Scottish village, has very kindly donated several copies to the church in aid of the Quire Restoration. If you are interested in obtaining a copy and helping a most needy and worthwhile case please call into the church office. Copies are limited first come first served basis. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? The total project cost, from start to finish, is 2million. HOW IS THIS MONEY BEING RAISED? Already just over 1million has been secured! Funding has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and Patersons Quarries of Greenoakhill (Landfill Trust). Other monies have come from congregational donations. A congregational Appeal has been launched. An Appeal has also been launched nationally and internationally in Canada and the United States of America (where we have obtained charity status). Numerous applications have been made to UK wide Grant funding agencies. With the support of South Lanarkshire Council, our special Appeal Video can be viewed on YouTube. NEWSFLASH!! Donations received to date CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER Please make payable to: Bothwell Parish Church Quire Restoration Fund and send to: Bothwell Parish Church Office, 48 Main Street, Bothwell, G71 8EX 2. VIA PAYPAL Visit this link on our website: and follow the instructions. Please state your donation is for the Quire Restoration Appeal. 3. CASH You are very welcome to call into the church office during opening hours: Tuesdays, Thursday & Fridays 9am-2pm. 5

6 RED SEA & NOAH S ARK SUNDAY CLUBS After prize-giving on the last Sunday of the session, a small number of children, teachers and parents/grandparents went over to the Livingstone Centre to enjoy Picnic Praise. This event brought back memories of Sunday School Picnics of the past, with traditional races, a sing-along and a chance to try old fashioned games e.g. gird and cleek, marbles, skipping, peever etc. It was well organised and attended by many Lanarkshire Sunday Schools, some arriving in coaches. Unfortunately the weather was unsettled but it didn t spoil the fun. Hopefully due to its obvious success, this event will be repeated next year. Thanks to everyone who helped to run our Holiday Club once again this summer. Numbers attending were fairly small, but those who came along enjoyed the activities, while their parents attended church. Now the new session gets underway, after a great summer of sunshine and we look forward to welcoming all our familiar friends maybe some new faces too! Anne Sharp Car Treasure Hunt Sunday 8th September Leaving the Church Centre car park at 2pm Entry fee = per car Cycle Malawi 2013 By Alison Freeland Cycle Malawi, including Dave and I reached its destination at Mulanje Mission Hospital in South Malawi. The cycle Malawi team of 30 riders from all professions in UK cycled 405 kilometres to deliver 70,000 raised collectively to the hospital, which relies on donations and grants to fund primary care programmes. The hospital treats diseases like TB, malaria, HIV and Aids and cholera. It also delivers babies and those born too early. The hospital gets over half its funding from donations and grants, about a third from the Christian Health Association of Malawi, a fraction from the government and patient fees. The battle to save lives is up against a struggle to retain supplies of basic drugs, like insulin and intra-venous fluids. They regularly run out of supplies. Problems arise when power cuts ruin drugs that require refrigeration, drug suppliers shut down or inflation limits the value of the local currency. A solar power project is currently underway and will help to alleviate this problem. We got an insight into the way of life of many Malawians and their resourcefulness and vulnerability due to dependence on the land. People passed with bikes laden with wood, goats, sugarcane, sacks and buckets of maize flour balanced on their heads. Poverty was visible at every turn. It brought back many emotional memories from my childhood fifty years ago. Despite this, the warm welcome was breathtaking, and we were spurred on by the hundreds of children waving and smiling at the roadside, high-fiving as we went along! We arrived at Mulanje Mission Hospital to the most tremendous welcome, with families and hospital staff dancing and singing in a carnival atmosphere. There was not a dry eye in the house. The visit to the hospital was both humbling and uplifting and was satisfying to see where the funds were being used. Dave and I would like to thank all those who have supported us and this wonderful project. Many international students come to Scotland to study at our universities. Will they make contact with people and life beyond the academic environment? What will they do for a homely break if home is too far away? For 26 years, national charity HOST has been linking students with volunteer hosts, who invite a student to spend a day, a weekend, Christmas or New Year in their home. Chatting; eating together; playing games; seeing the area; joining in with the local community; making friends a HOST visit lays down wonderful memories to be re-lived in China, India, the USA and many other parts of the world. And hosts learn from their guests too. If you could make a student welcome, please contact HOST through or call HOST s voluntary regional organiser in Scotland Anne-Marie Ringler on Thank you. 6

7 THE GUILD Please help us support the Restoration Appeal. We are collecting old, broken, unwanted gold and silver jewellery. Please pass any donations of this nature to the church office. * * * * * Thank you. The Guild 2013/2014 syllabus commences in October and any new members will be made most welcome. 7 October at 7.30pm Re-Dedication Service Revd.J M Gibson 21 October Cameron Merrieweather Glasgow Cathedral Oonah Lambert Secretary The Aim of the Guild is to invite and encourage men and women to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and enable them to express their faith in worship, prayer and action. A New Way to Receive Your Magazine? In these days of laptops, Kindles, tablets and i-phones, have you ever considered reading The Lantern electronically? Did you know that the magazine can be found on our Church website? bothwellparishchurch.org.uk/ category/magazine By reading your magazine on-line, and not receiving a paper copy, you would be helping the Church to continue to develop as an eco-congregation. In addition you would also be helping us to save money in printing costs. I would ask you to consider whether you would be happy not to receive a paper copy of our magazine. If you decide this is an option for you, please send an to the office bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com detailing your name and address, to allow us to make adjustments to the number of copies printed. John Crichton LIVING THE QUESTIONS A new session of Introductory Level 1 has been arranged as follows: September 11th, 18th & 25th October 2nd & 9th Each session commences at 7.30pm and is held in the Church Centre. If you would like more information or would like to attend, please contact the church office or Revd.Gibson. CHRISTMAS ISSUE OF THE LANTERN Please submit all news, events, articles, rotas & photos for the next edition by Tuesday 8th OCTOBER You can the office: bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com Thank you!! 7 A great time was had by all and the sun shone for the Allovus outing to Sandyholme Garden Centre on 20th June. Allovus are now meeting again on the first and third Thursdays of the month following their summer break, and have a schedule packed with exciting activities and special days of celebration. Why not come along and join them? You can find out more from the church office or from Revd.Gibson direct.

8 Sunday Welcome / Duty Rota Office bearers should please arrive at Church for duty by 10am. Anyone unable to fulfil their duty should please arrange cover. Please note that only two of the office bearers will be required to assist with counting the collection after the service. SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 1 M Jack, D Lee, G Moore, L McLean 8 H Marsh, J Marsh, C McMurdo, C McQueen 15 G Ormiston, J Provan, Dr Ritch, B Sharp 22 E Terrace, E Somerville, Dr Thomson, A Watt 29 G Whitton, E Barr, E Buttery, S Cook NOVEMBER 3 Communion Arrangements 10 J Henry, D Hepburn, L Horn, M Hutchison 17 M Jack, D Lee, G Moore, L McLean 24 H Marsh, J Marsh, C McMurdo, C McQueen 6 J Carson, N Carson, J Crichton, S Crichton 13 D Craig, J Cumming, J Dalziel, E Dempsey 20 V Gibson, B Gillespie, J Gilmour, T Goodsir 27 S Greenshields, K Hamilton, J Hart, I Henderson DECEMBER 1 G Ormiston, R Parsons, J Provan, Dr Ritch 8 B Sharp, E Terrace, E Somerville, Dr Thomson 15 A Watt, G Whitton, A Wilson, E Barr 22 E Buttery, J Carson, N Carson, S Cook 29 D Craig, J Crichton, S Crichton, J Cumming Sunday Coffee Rota As usual, volunteers are asked to please swap any inconvenient dates with each other. New volunteers are most welcome to join the list and should please contact Marilyn Jack tel SEPTEMBER 1 Mrs C Cahill 8 Mrs J Craig 15 Frew & Hepburn Families 22 Mrs S Crichton 29 Bryson Family NOVEMBER 3 Mrs A Thomson 10 Mrs E Buttery 17 Mrs H Gilmour 24 Mrs E Dempsey OCTOBER 6 Mrs J Hamilton 13 Parson & Wilson Families 20 Mrs N Carson 27 Ormiston Family DECEMBER 1 Mrs C Cahill 8 Mrs J Craig 15 Frew & Hepburn Families 22 Mrs S Crichton 29 Bryson Family Chancel Church Flowers War Memorial SEPTEMBER 1st Mrs Lillias Leckie Mrs Mary Cunningham 8th Mrs Elsie Forrest Mrs Muriel Jaap 15th Mrs Sara Crichton Mrs Marion Maillie 22nd Mrs Sally Rutherford-Young Mrs Grace Whitton 29th Mrs Irene Glen Miss Muriel Gordon OCTOBER 6th (Harvest) Mrs Janette Provan Mrs Myra McMurdo 13th Mrs Jean Hamilton Mr John Dalziel 20th Mrs Gillian Ormiston Mrs Fiona Lorimer 27th Dr Ken Chisholm Mrs Jenellen Young NOVEMBER 3rd (Communion) Dr Genevra Ritch Mrs Patricia McAulay 10th (Remembrance) Mrs Jan Lee Mrs Elizabeth Somerville 17th Mrs Helen Bryce Mrs Alison Freeland 24th Mrs Ellen Buttery Mrs Doreen Gibson DECEMBER 1st (Advent) Mrs Dorothy Abercromby Mr John Hart 8th Mrs Jean Hamilton Mrs Veronica Crate 15th Mrs Meg Greenshields Mrs Una McLundie 22nd Mrs Patricia McAulay Miss Marilyn Jack 29th Mrs Ann Hamilton Mrs Shirley Frew Sunday Crèche SEPTEMBER 1st Eleanor Terrace Elizabeth French 8th Shirley Frew Nan Carson 15th Hazel Gilmour Jean Moyes 22nd Janie Craig Janette Provan 29th Pat Maxwell Julie Wilson OCTOBER 6th Gillian Ormiston Suzanne Smith 13th Elaine Gibson Aileen Hepburn 20th Eleanor Barr Eleanor Terrace 27th Elizabeth French Shirley Frew NOVEMBER 3rd Nan Carson Hazel Gilmour 10th Jean Moyes Jaynie Craig 17th Janette Provan Pat Maxwell 24th Julie Wilson Gillian Ormiston DECEMBER 1st Suzanne Smith Elaine Gibson 8th Aileen Hepburn Eleanor Barr 15th Eleanor Terrace Elizabeth French 22nd Shirley Frew Nan Carson 29th Hazel Gilmour Jean Moyes 8