February 2014 Issue 61 The Link

Transcription

1 February 2014 Issue 61 The Link The magazine for the linked congregations and communities of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood.

2 Interim Moderator Rev Dr Andre Groenewald 8 Manse Court, East Calder EH53 0HF Locum Minister Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald West Kirk Session Clerk Stewart MacRae 23 Westmuir Road West Calder EH55 8EX sessionclerk@westkirkofcalder.co.uk Treasurer William Calder 25 Harburn Road West Calder EH55 8AJ treasurer@westkirkofcalder.co.uk Polbeth Harwood Session Clerk Marian Kinsman 12 Langside Crescent Polbeth EH55 8UW Marian.kinsman@polbethharwood.co.uk Treasurer Sandra McCabe Polbeth Parish Church of Scotland Charity SC17373 Congregation West Kirk of Calder(Church of Scotland) Charity SCO04703 Congregation Newsletter Editor thelinkeditor@west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk

3 Dear congregations 8 Manse Court East Calder EH 53 0HF 20th January 2014 As you all know, this time of year, Robert Burns is the talk of the town. And people remember Scotland s favourite son by means of sharing a special meal together haggis, neaps and tatties (and just in case you wondered even us ex-south Africans do that!). During this meal some of Burns poems are usually read or recited. And by means of this tradition, we keep the memory of a very special man alive. Have you ever wondered why we always eat when we celebrate something? Birthdays, weddings, baptisms, even funerals. It s either a meal or at least cake, but there is always food involved! I don t know why we do that, but I do know that it s been done for many, many years.

4 In 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 we read: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. So we also remember Jesus and what he did for us by means of a special meal, around the communion table, while we read words that he spoke or stories of his life. People have been doing this for countless years, to keep the memory of Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross, alive. Maybe it s easier to remember something if you feel part of it Every time I see haggis, I think of Robert Burns. Wouldn t it be great if we could think of Jesus every time we see bread? Because then we will think of him very often.

5 I hope you all enjoyed your Burns Suppers, and I want to invite you to come and enjoy the Lord s Supper in church on the first Sunday in March. Let s celebrate the life of Jesus, for auld lang syne, and as often as we can, because He is the one person we never want to forget. May God bless you all. Nanda World Day of Prayer Friday 7th March 2014 Local services will be held at Stewart Court at 2pm & West Kirk at 7pm All welcome!

6 Beyond the Kirk Walls Service These informal services of hymns, prayer and meditation led by the worship group or our Locum Minister, will now be held monthly Sunday 9th February at 3pm Stewart Court Thursday March 13th at 10.30am Dickson Court Anyone is welcome to attend!

7 Pulpit Matters 2nd Feb Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald 9th Feb Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald 16th Feb Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald 23rd Feb Rev Gordon Jamieson 2nd Mar Rev Christopher Galbraith Communion: WL Pulpit Exchange 9th Mar Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald 16th Mar Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald Get Ready it s February! How are your energy levels? January is famous for being the time of year when people most want to hibernate. Instead of fighting the winter blues, why not be like nature and set aside some time to rest and renew your strength. Stafford Whiteaker, editor of Retreat Guide, likens the human spirit to a daffodil bulb, preparing for Spring by refreshing its roots, so it can bloom again when the times comes. Don t delay, the snowdrops are already appearing in gardens!

8 Sunday Club News Children played such a big part in our church in December and truly exceeded all expectations, we have so much to be thankful for. The boys and girls from the Scouts & Sunday Club stole the show at the evening of Christmas music, much to the delight of the choir & congregation. Our joint Nativity service was led by twenty four children aged from 3 to twelve years old. They presented a sincere message laced with humour, sweet singing, cool dance moves, and confident readers and cute characters, the perfect start to the festive season. For photos of the day, visit the website Sunday Club has now resumed and we are always keen to welcome new children from 3 years up to P7 on Sunday mornings when we meet in the church at 9:45am. We would like to thank everyone who supported us at our gift service in December.

9 On behalf of all the residents in Kharis Court and our clients within the community who benefit from our visiting support service, we would like to say a big THANK YOU for the gifts handed in by your congregation. At this time of the year it is good to know that people are thinking of the young individuals we work with at the court and wider community. These young people, who can at this time of the year, find it very difficult for various reasons, really appreciate the fact that gifts were gathered and donated. These gifts were dispersed, to the residents and the families in the community whom we deal with through visiting support. This makes a big difference and shows them that someone cares. God Bless A big Thank you to the congregation of The West Kirk for their kind donation of gifts to this service. We greatly appreciate being remembered yet again by all those who have given of their time and money to buy gifts to help make it an extra special Christmas for all our young people.

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11 Nominating Committee Following interview and discussion, the nominating committee has invited Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald to preach as Sole Nominee for our vacant linked charge of Polbeth Harwood with West Kirk of Calder. The next steps will be co-ordinated by Presbytery to carry out the consequential and necessary actions leading to a congregational election before a formal call to ministry. The nominating committee are grateful for the patience, prayers and support from the congregations during their work. AWJ

12 February Crossword Across 8 Interrogated (Acts 12:19) (5-8) 9 Burn it in a wood fire on the heap (Leviticus 4:12) (3) 10 Tobit, Judith, Baruch and the books of Esdras and the Maccabees are part of it (9) 11 Science fiction (abbrev.) (3-2) 13 Clay pit (anag.) (7) 16 Went to (John 4:46) (7) 19 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God s mercy, to your bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) (5) 22 David s plea to God concerning those referred to in 14 Down: On let them escape (Psalm 56:7) (2,7) 24 Royal Automobile Club (1,1,1) 25 How the book of Ezekiel refers to God more than 200 times (Ezekiel 2:4) (9,4)

13 Down 1 Seas (Proverbs 8:24) (6) 2 One of the sons of Eli the priest, killed in battle by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:11) (6) 3 Specialist in the study of the Muslim religion (8) 4 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but him as if he were your father (1 Timothy 5:1) (6) 5 One of Esau s grandsons (Genesis 36:11) (4) 6 Taking a chance (colloq.) (2,4) 7 God s instructions to the Israelites concerning grain offerings: salt to your offerings (Leviticus 2:13) (3,3) 12 Confederation of British Industry (1,1,1) 14 All day long they twist my words; they are always to harm me (Psalm 56:5) (8) 15 The crowd s reaction to Jesus bringing back to life a widow s son in Nain (Luke 7:16) (3) 16 Disappear (Psalm 104:35) (6) 17 How Jeremiah was likely to die if he wasn t rescued from the cistern where he was imprisoned (Jeremiah 38:9) (6) 18 What the prophets do to a wall, with whitewash (Ezekiel 13:10, RSV) (4,2) 20 Made by a plough (Job 39:10) (6) 21 Noah was relieved when the flood waters continued to (Genesis 8:5) (6) 23 Jesus gave the Twelve the power and authority to do this to diseases (Luke 9:1) (4)

14 The Amish people of Pennsylvania As part of our holiday to the USA last year, Shirley and I visited Lancaster County which is home to the Amish people of Pennsylvania. Taking a trip on a steam train we met and spoke to an elderly Amish man wearing blue dungarees, a straw hat and sporting a large grey beard. We asked him about some of their strange customs and the fact that he was on the train. He told us that he could sit in a train but was not allowed to drive it. He was allowed to sit in a car but not drive it. When we asked him why, he said that it was just tradition. Unmarried Amish women sit in an open horse-drawn buggy but once married they have to sit in an enclosed buggy. After Amish men get married they have to grow a beard. The Amish church communities are divided into church districts geographically, which enables services to be held in church members' homes, as opposed to church buildings. Services are conducted every other Sunday, with each family in a district hosting neighbours for worship about once a year.

15 In order to accommodate religious services of up to 150 people in homes, each church district owns a bench wagon full of backless benches, which are transported from house to house for the three-hour services. The Amish men and women usually sit in separate sections for church itself. After the religious service concludes, the rooms are cleared of people and some of the benches are converted into tables so that a light lunch can be served. Due to limited space, men and women eat in shifts, oldest through youngest, and usually in separate rooms. West Kirk Guild Best wishes to all for Stewart MacRae Regular meetings recommenced after the Christmas break on 20th January with a film show from Bill Russell. On 3rd February, Rev John Povey is entertaining us with stories of Calder Witches and members can brush up on their general knowledge before the quiz night on 17th February. Then nearing the start of Lent, on 3rd March there will be a Pancakes & Jam demonstration evening with Mrs P Kinnisburgh. The West Kirk Guild play host to the local World Day of Prayer on Friday 7th March see separate notice.

16 Thinking about a holiday? Destination: This might be the answer! Skegness (leaving from Hamilton) Date : 5th 9th July 2014 Cost : Staying at: What s included? 219 (plus insurance if required) Sun Hotel, Skegness A hotel with en-suite facilities in all bedrooms; TV and tea/coffee making facilities; restaurant; bar; lift / chair lift; and evening entertainment Coach travel with reserved seating throughout Four nights dinner, bed & breakfast Scenic travel through Lincolnshire Wolds Inclusive river cruise visit to Spalding If interested, please contact Marian Kinsman ASAP on or

17 Challenge: Caring for Others At the end of January, the seventh annual Poverty and Homelessness Action Week saw churches across the UK giving, acting and praying in solidarity with people who are pushed to the edge of our society. The week challenges Christians to take notice of the poverty, exclusion and injustice around them - and to speak out, as well as encouraging churches to tackle poverty and homelessness in their own communities. As churches are part of the communities where benefit recipients and homeless people live, the Church of Scotland, through West Lothian Presbytery have brought to the attention of our Kirk Sessions, three areas of charitable work for consideration to support. At their future meetings, the Sessions will be discussing the following three charitable projects.

18 A) Christians Against Poverty This is a national charity, working across the UK to lift people out of debt and poverty. It offers free debt counselling through a network of 239 debt centres based in local churches. Each year 20,000 people have been helped to find their way out of the black hole of debt. The charity works out fair budgets, negotiates with creditors and can take people through insolvency procedures, so there is always an answer to their difficulties. CAP Money courses, which are teaching 10,000 people a year to budget, save and prevent debt, are run throughout the country. In addition, CAP Job Clubs have just been launched. To be able to operate all these services, the charity offers its services in partnership with local churches in the belief that the Church holds the only message that can truly transform lives.

19 B) Borderline Borderline was set up in 1984 by Church of Scotland ministers in London to support homeless and destitute Scots who hit hard times in the capital, and, in the early days, was known to many as the Scottish embassy in London. It now operates as an independent charity to, in general, prevent homelessness among Scots in the city and, in particular, rough sleeping. The charity offers a unique service, with an understanding of the particular problems and needs of homeless Scots in London, and has strong partnerships with many different organisations both in London and Scotland. By providing a holistic service working alongside clients to tackle causes, as well as symptoms, of homelessness, they can offer the option of appropriate resettlement in Scotland if the client wishes, or in London: assessment and referrals to specialist agencies: advice on welfare benefits: help seeking employment opportunities: birth certificates for identification purposes: and much more.

20 C) West Lothian Foodbank Emergency food for local people in crisis. The foodbank network is part of the Trussell Trust, a Christian charity committed to community action against poverty and marginalisation in the UK. In partnership with local churches led by Whitburn Pentecostal Church, there are now, in West Lothian, 5 distribution centres, a charity shop and a new warehouse to hold the stock needed. To date, almost 3,000 people / families have been helped. Local sponsors also contribute by providing transport to pick up supermarket collections; cardboard boxes for packaging; furniture, shelving and carpeting for the centres. These centres are based in Whitburn (Pentecostal Church); Broxburn (Baptist Church); Bathgate (High Church); Livingston (Baptist Church, Dedridge); and Linlithgow (St Michaels) and mostly staffed by volunteers. For more information, visit

21 All Welcome! & West Kirk Annual Stated Meeting Monday 31st March at 7pm Come along & share in food and fellowship on Contribution deadline for the next issue.. All contributions for the March edition of the magazine should be submitted to the editor, preferably by , before 19th February

22 West Kirk Fundraising Group News Happy New Year to you all! It seems a long time since Christmas but I am sure it will be of interest to know that the wonderful total of 2184 was raised at the Candy Bar. Many thanks to everybody who helped to make it such a success. The Candy Bars in 2014 will be held as usual on the first Saturday of the month with the exceptions of July and August. The Group will have organised the February one to be followed by the Sunday Club in March, the Guild in April, the Choir in May and the Group in June before the summer break. Tea, coffee, toast and biscuits are served from 10am followed by home cooked lunches from noon till 1pm. Do come along to meet friends old and new and enjoy browsing at the various stalls. New members are always welcome to join the Group to help with ideas for raising funds for the Church. As ever, all help and support at the various events is much appreciated. Jill Murray (Convener)

23 Parish Record Baptisms Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as them. 8th Dec Isabelle Emily Rose Kenyon, infant daughter of Adam and Emma Kenyon (nee Jessiman) 19th Jan Eva MacKenzie, infant daughter of Stephanie Elliott and Chris MacKenzie Deaths 24th Nov John Wilson, Crofthead Home, Fauldhouse 20th Dec Brian Jervis, Burngrange Cottages, W Calder 9th Jan Catherine Woodmore, Burnside Ave, Polbeth 12th Jan Casey Bow Graham, The Glebe, West Calder 16th Jan George Oliver, Border Crescent, Gretna Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. To all who have lost a loved one we extend our sincere sympathies The Lord be your helper by day and by night; The Lord be your keeper with justice and might; The Lord your protector from evil and wrong; The Lord be your guide all the days long. Psalm 121

24 Weekly Events Church Calendar Sunday Morning Worship West Kirk 9.45am Sunday Club Polbeth Harwood West Kirk Hall 11.15am 9.45am JAM Club Polbeth Harwood 11.15am Monday Beavers West Kirk Hall 6.00pm Tuesday Craft Club West Kirk Hall 10.00am Bridge Club West Kirk Hall 7.00pm WRI Handcrafts Polbeth Harwood 7.00pm Wednesday Dance Class Polbeth Harwood 5.00pm Cubs West Kirk Hall 6.00pm Strategy Games West Kirk Hall 8.00pm Thursday Scouts West Kirk Hall 7.00pm Slimming World Polbeth Harwood 7.30pm Events: February 2014 Saturday 1st Candy Bar West Kirk 10.00am Monday 3rd Guild West Kirk 7.30pm Sunday 9th Beyond the Kirk Walls Stewart Court 3.00pm Monday 17th Guild West Kirk 7.30pm Friday 21st Scots Night West Kirk 7.30pm Saturday 22nd Thrift Shop Polbeth Harwood 10.30am Monday 24th Craft Club West Kirk 8.15pm Tuesday 25th Emmaus Group 19 Learmonth Cres 7.30pm Events: March 2014 Saturday 1st Candy Bar West Kirk 10.00am Sunday 2nd Communion Monday 3rd Guild West Kirk 7.30pm Friday 7th World Day of Prayer West Kirk 7.00pm