The Link. December 2014 / January Issue 70

Transcription

1 December 2014 / January 2015 Issue 70 The Link The magazine for the linked congregations and communities of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood.

2 Minister Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald 8 Manse Court East Calder EH53 0HF Phone: Mobile: minister@west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk West Kirk Session Clerk Stewart MacRae 23 Westmuir Road West Calder EH55 8EX sessionclerk@westkirkofcalder.co.uk Treasurer William Calder treasurer@westkirkofcalder.co.uk Safeguarding Co-ordinator Kathy Black West Kirk of Calder(Church of Scotland) Charity SCO04703 Congregation Copyright Licence No Polbeth Harwood Session Clerk Marian Kinsman 12 Langside Crescent Polbeth EH55 8UW Marian.kinsman@polbethharwood.co.uk Treasurer Sandra McCabe Safeguarding Co-ordinator Eleanor Davidson Polbeth Parish Church of Scotland Charity SC17373 Congregation Newsletter Editor thelinkeditor@west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk

3 8 Manse Court East Calder EH53 0HF December 2014 Dear Congregations My boys are busy writing their letters to Santa. They re not ready to post it yet, just in case they think of something else they want to add! And that got me thinking Letters have been an important part of life in the early Church too. The apostle Paul travelled from city to city to share the good news about Jesus Christ with the people, and as soon as he left a city he started writing them letters to answer questions they had and also to encourage them to stand strong in their new-found faith. Some of these letters are included in our New Testament. In one of these letters, Philippians 4:4-7, Paul said: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

4 Paul had to endure lots of trials and tribulations because he stood up for his faith. But he never once allowed anything to put him off from believing in God. So when he says that we can ask God anything we want, I take his word for it, because he is speaking from experience. Paul doesn t say that God will always give you what you ve asked for straight away, but that he will give you what you need. And if you have the courage to ask, the one thing you will most certainly get, is the peace of God. Because very often, that is all we really need. The peace to move on, to accept, to let go, to adapt, to forgive The peace of knowing that God is in control of your life, no matter what. So let s all ask God for everything we need and everything we long for this Christmas, but let s also accept that His peace, the peace that transcends all human understanding, is the biggest gift anybody could ever ask for and we ve already been given that in Jesus Christ. May God bless you all this Christmas, and be close to you in the New Year. Nanda

5 Beyond the Kirk Walls Service The informal service of hymns, prayer and meditation for Christmas will be held on Thursday 11th December at am Stewart Court Anyone is welcome to attend! The January service will be at Stewart Court on Sunday 11th January at 3.00pm

6 Annual Bereavement service conducted by Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, for those from both the congregations and the community is taking place on Sunday 7th December at West Kirk at 3pm. All those who have lost loved ones relatives and friends and would like the opportunity to remember their lives, are warmly invited to attend this service of remembrance and reflection. Teas, coffee, scones and cakes will be served in the hall following the service.

7 Evening of Christmas Music On the evening of Friday 19th December at 7pm Come and join not only the augmented West Kirk Choir under the direction of Carolyn Hamilton, with organist Ian Drummond, - but young people from Sunday Club, local Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows & Brownies. The evening promises a wide variety of Christmas themed music, some familiar words and music, others familiar tunes with the Christmas message. And to round off the evening tea, mince pies and shortie!

8 Bible Blether In the New Year, I would like to start a new monthly get-together for anybody who is interested in the background of the Bible. It will be an informal evening of talking about the why, how, what -questions in regards to the Bible and things we do in the church. Hence, Bible Blether! If we understand why people did certain things in Biblical times, the message for today is so much easier to understand; and if we understand why we do things in a certain way in the church, we will find what we do more meaningful. If you would be interested in attending, please talk to me so I can choose a suitable day and time. We can alternate between West Kirk and Polbeth Harwood Church. So whether you want to come to learn more about the BIBLE, or whether you just want to come for a coffee and a BLETHER, please let me know so we can get it started! Nanda

9 Once again, don t let Santa do all the hard work this year; let your local Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers deliver your Christmas cards! Hand your cards into: J&L Gillies (Butchers), West Calder West Calder Library West Kirk Hall Polbeth Harwood Church Scout stall at Fair in the Square Last day of post Monday 15th December Deliveries in Polbeth and West Calder only Please, no outlying areas.

10 Nativity Service led by children West Kirk 21/12/ am We would like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone to join us at our Nativity service in the West Kirk of Calder on December 21 st at 10:30am. This is a great family service for children of all ages and will be led by local children. Hope you can join us. High Lights with Jesus Our family Christmas Eve service in Polbeth Harwood Church at 6:30pm This promises to be a bright experience so why not come along and see what we have planned. All ages welcome

11 Sunday Club resumes at 9.45am and JAM Club at 11.15am on 11 th of January All the children & helpers would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

12 December Crossword Across 1 How long will you your face from me? (Psalm 13:1) (4) 3 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the he bore (Hebrews 13:13) (8) 9 Posh sin (anag.) (Romans 8:15) (7) 10 Solemn pledges (Matthew 5:33) (5) 11 Italian term for full orchestra (5) 12 For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not the cry of the afflicted (Psalm 9:12) (6) 14 Prescience (1 Peter 1:2) (13) 17 Where a Hindu holy man lives (6) 19 If he found any... who belonged to the Way, whether women, he might take them as prisoners (Acts 9:3) (3,2) 22 Fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:15) (5) 23 Vine hen (anag.) (Jonah 1:2) (7)

13 24 Precious stone decorating the twelfth foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20) (8) 25 Will you keep to the old path that evil men have? (Job 22:15) (4) Down 1 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with (Numbers 20:11) (3,5) 2 You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, murder (Matthew 5:21) (2,3) 4 One of Paul s many hardships endured as a servant of God (2 Corinthians 6:5) (13) 5 We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, inwardly (Romans 8:23) (5) 6 Changed (Daniel 6:8) (7) 7 My yoke is and my burden is light (Matthew 11:30) (4) 8 Recoil (Revelation 12:11) (6) 13 O Lord, you have me and you know me (Psalm 139:1) (8) 15 to me the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12) (7) 16 Express sorrow (Isaiah 16:7) (6) 18 Then he said to Thomas, out your hand and put it into my side (John 20:27) (5) 20 God has said, will I leave you; will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) (5) 21 Son of Onam and brother of Shammai (1 Chronicles 2:28) (4) How do Santa s workers register their tax returns? By Elf assessment!

14 New members: Congregation Matters At services in both churches on 16th November, a total of seven new members made profession of their faith. This was a special day for each of them as they publicly accepted the responsibilities of participating in the life and worship of the Church and their congregations. We wish them every blessing and support in their commitment Minister s Office Hours These sessions are proving popular, with Nanda hardly having a minute to herself, so she will continue to be around as below in 2015, from Tuesday 3rd February. Polbeth Harwood on Tuesday mornings 10.30am noon West Kirk on Wednesday mornings noon excepting school holidays or funerals.

15 CHRISTIAN GIVING OF TIME As part of the Church of Scotland s Stewardship Programme which covers Time, Talents and Money, the Kirk Session at West Kirk will be looking at Time over the coming months. TIME is a fundamental part of God s creation (Genesis 1: 14-19) and should be recognised as a very important gift from God. The stewardship of TIME is often neglected by the Church as it often concentrates its attention on money and talent. In considering the Christian giving of TIME, members are encouraged to reflect on the way they use and prioritise their TIME all of it. The following themes will provide a useful exploration of TIME: Time for God. Why are corporate worship and private devotions essential ingredients for a healthy human life? In what ways does time for God differ from time for the Church? Should time for God be regarded as time spent in activity or time when we stop doing, stop being busy? Time for Friends and Family. In what ways does time spent with friends and family enrich human life? How important is time for friends and family when we prioritise our use of time? Time for Work. What are the benefits from spending time working? In what ways is the balance of life upset when there is no opportunity to work or when time for work encroaches on time for other things? Time for Rest and Recreation. How does time for rest and recreation differ from time for family and friends?

16 What was Jesus saying when he emphasised the second great commandment, You shall love your neighbour as yourself? Time for the Church. In what ways do we give time for the work of the Church? Does the Church make the best use of the time we give? In what ways could the Church make better use of our gift of time? Stewart MacRae It s funny the way you get down and pray every time the minister or session clerk scans the congregation for volunteers! Helping in the Community Last summer, the children of Parkhead Primary School were unable to celebrate their end of term service in the West Kirk due to a lack of adults to help escort them along the village. As a result, eleven members who have PVG disclosure for work with children, have volunteered to help out the school. And there may now be further opportunity for them, and others, to extend this role in assisting the school for the wider learning experiences of pupils.

17 Christmas Party The annual party with food, music, and games organised by West Kirk Pastoral Care committee will be held in West Kirk hall on Monday 15th December 1pm till 4pm Scots Night to be held on Saturday 24th January at 7.00pm in West Kirk hall On a dark, winter s evening why not come along and enjoy fun and fellowship for all with traditional food, music and dancing. Tickets: Adults 10; Children 6 available from Pastoral Care Committee

18 Our congregations have been supporting the food bank scheme for some months now. At West Kirk, there was a marvellous response at Harvest Thanksgiving but unfortunately, families go without basic food every day, not just at harvest time. A list is now available in the church vestibule of the regular items requested by the food bank where people can sign up to provide a particular item regularly week by week. Please check it out and add your name to the list. Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, And God pays back those loans in full. Proverbs, 19:17 The Message The risk of hunger and malnutrition within Ebola-hit communities in West Africa is threatening to undermine the effectiveness of quarantine measures and, with it, the wider Ebola response, warns Christian Aid. As the rate of infection continues to rise, Christian Aid is calling on the international community to address the problem of food insecurity for over a million people in quarantine in Sierra Leone. Governments and aid agencies must recognise that quarantine will only be effective if those who are isolated are guaranteed a sufficient and constant supply of nutritious food and clean water. The World Food Programme has begun providing emergency food assistance to over a million people across Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Can you help? Go to: ebola-crisis-appeal

19 Christmas Begins When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace to brothers, To make music in the heart. Howard Thurman

20 Total BRASS I recently was able to attend a musical event in James Young High School supporting the Royal Hospital for Sick Children & Jak Trueman charity. It was led by an award winning brass quintet called Total BRASS. The group was formed four years ago when all the members were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London and during this time the quintet have performed countless recitals all over the country. Amongst many great achievement s they have featured two years consecutive on the BBC Radio 3: In Tune Christmas special, and performed for her Majesty the Queen, at her Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Arts event. One of the founder members of this group is our very own Ross Learmonth. I am sure you will all have heard Ross play his Trombone in the West Kirk on numerous occasions especially at Christmas! I know I can say this on behalf of all who attended that concert from the West Kirk we were so proud of our wee boy who has grown into a wonderful musician. The music was a mixture of modern & classical, they told stories and ensured there was a good sprinkling of good humour and laughs. Well done Ross! If you would like to know more about the group and forthcoming events you can check out their website Lorna

21 West Kirk Fundraising Group News There are only a few days left until the Christmas Candy Bar so if you haven't got your lunch ticket for Saturday 6th there is still time. Just phone Margaret Greenhorn on However, if there are no tickets left, you can still come for morning coffee with a great chance to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy this festive event. Each month the Candy Bars are run by a different West Kirk group and now that we have a Congregational Board, it's members have agreed to be responsible for organising the February one. This will be on Saturday 7th February - a date to put in your 2015 diary. The Group would like to thank all our friends who faithfully support and help at our events, raising a great deal of money to help with the upkeep of the Church. You are all so important. Have a happy and peaceful Christmas season. Jill Murray (Convener) What s a dog s favourite carol? Bark, the herald -angels sing!

22 CHRISTMAS VIEWING by Rhoda Lawton 'Twas the Night before Christmas' and all in the West Kirk were sitting ready to pray, for some though, it's too late at night to climb The Cleugh Brae Wishing they could attend the Kirk Watchnight Service would be their desire but infirmity, and care needs leave them at home keeping warm beside the fire. Don't feel alone and full of despair, there's an answer waiting in the air... Stretch out and switch on the TV - BBC 1 Watchnight Service is waiting to share the carol singers ringing out the Christmas message of our Lord's birth Look closely you might see faces familiar from the comfort of your own hearth! Watch in wonder as the message unfolds, the National Youth Choirs of Scotland have practiced and are ready to sing out in good cheer across their homeland Tidings of great joy they will tell, until it's time for the great bell to sound Wishing everyone Peace and Hope at Christmas here and in all the world around. West Lothian National Youth Choir members from the senior years, join together with fellow members from Edinburgh and Falkirk on the BBC1 Watchnight Service scheduled to be shown on 24th Dec at hours. You may recognise a few familiar faces of local young people! Which of the smiling faces the camera has caught who knows but Aonghas may be spotted amongst them at some point. Happy viewing and listening.

23 Our Web Site Are you aware... If you are unable to attend church and have access to a computer, then don t feel you have to miss out on weekly worship. On the home page, you ll find headings on a horizontal bar. Click on the heading services and you ll get a choice of orders of service and sermons from a side menu, giving you not only each week s order of service but also Nanda s weekly sermons. Also on the home page is the website full calendar. This lists month by month all the upcoming activities in the congregations and the minister s chaplaincy work, so no excuse for not knowing what s happening! Better stiil, you can receive news items as they happen direct to your address by clicking on to the prompt by our messenger monkey on the left hand side of the home page and complete your details. Happy surfing!

24 Blythswood Shoebox Appeal Thank You A big thank you to all who supported the Annual Shoebox Appeal again or maybe for the first time! A total of 81 completed boxes were handed into the sorting centre on Nov 3rd. There was a more even spread of boxes completed for men, women, boys and girls. The least popular groups were teenagers...so maybe that is a good starting point for those needing an idea for next year. The number of boxes completed was down by about 16 but the monetary donations was significantly up. In total 683 was sent - most of it gift aided. Blythswood were overwhelmed at the generosity of our congregations and friends kindness. Such money helps towards the transportation costs to ensure the safe arrival of the boxes in time for Christmas. It costs about 4000 to fill a container unit to transport across land or sea. In particular I would like to thank Eleanor & John Davidson for supporting the cause with their usual enterprising Sale Stall at Polbeth which helps those less able to get to the shops for items to purchase things on the list at knock down prices. A total of 140 went forward to assisting the monetary donation total. Beware January Sales Seekers...if you see Eleanor heading to Primark or similar stores, just stand aside and let her through - she is a woman on a mission to get those hats and gloves for less than 50p!!!

25 A special thanks to all those box wrappers. A much appreciated service to those less creative at their wrapping or who can't get a box big enough! Sam & Jess Craig valiantly coaxed and cajoled the Clarkes Shoeshop staff into parting with boxes on several journeys - no mean task as staff kept flattening them in error! Also for their time and efforts to transport the boxes with myself to the sorting centre. Finally, thank you to Margaret Dempster for helping to sell the ready wrapped boxes in my absence at Polbeth and to the friends at Polbeth for allowing me storage space whilst the boxes were collecting. Without all the support the project would not have been possible this year. As I reflect on how we can improve things and re-invigorate enthusiasm for the project can I make an early plea for more help in transporting the boxes next year. More hands make light work as they say. It is never too early to start filling a box for next year - putting a couple of things aside each month off the list reduces the rush at the last minute next October! May you all have a Blessed Christmas and think of the Hope & Joy your box will bring to the fortunate recipient on Christmas Morning. To know you have touched a strangers life for the better is humbling. Kind regards Rhoda Lawton When should you give reindeer milk to a baby? When it's a baby reindeer!

26 The Everlasting Turkey On the first day of Christmas my true love said to me I ve bought a big fresh turkey and a proper Christmas tree. On the second day of Christmas much laughter could be heard As we tucked into our turkey a most delicious bird. On the third day of Christmas people came from just next door, The turkey tasted just as good as it had done before. On the fourth day of Christmas came relations young and old We finished up the Christmas pud and had the turkey cold. On the fifth day of Christmas, outside the snowflakes scurried, But we were nice and warm inside, and had the turkey curried. On the sixth day of Christmas, the Christmas spirit died. The children fought and bickered we had the turkey rissoles fried. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love he did wince When he sat down at table - and was offered turkey mince. On the eighth day of Christmas, the dog had run for shelter, For he d seen our turkey pancakes and the glass of alka-seltzer. On the ninth day of Christmas, by lunchtime dad was blotto, He knew that bird was back again, this time as a risotto. On the tenth day of Christmas we were drinking home-made brew, Anything to help us face that steaming turkey stew. On the eleventh day of Christmas our lovely tree was moulting, And with chilli, soy and oyster sauce, the turkey was revolting. On the twelfth day of Christmas we had smiles back on our lips, The guests had gone, the turkey too WE DINED ON FISH AND CHIPS.

27 West Kirk Gift Service This service will take place on Sunday 14th December. This year, we re collecting ONLY for Bethany Trust in Bathgate where shelter is given to young adult males of 16 21years. Donations of non-perishable food, which can be distributed to young and needy people in local hostels, are also acceptable. Should children wish to bring a toy, this can be passed on to River Kids, West Lothian Toy Appeal. Please clearly label all donations so they can be easily directed to the appropriate need. Many thanks, in advance, for your generous response. Christmas gifts A grandfather was talking to his granddaughter, When I was a child all we got for Christmas was an apple and an orange. The little girl clapped her hands in joy. Brilliant! I d love a new computer and a mobile!

28 Congratulations! We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Louisa-Faith Margaret Curtis, Born on Friday 24th Oct (weight 8lb 2oz). 9 days late but well worth the wait! Many thanks for the lovely cards, gifts and kind wishes we have received from people from both the West Kirk and Polbeth Harwood. Roy, Catriona, Philippa, Theodore and Louisa-Faith. Thank You John and Betty Lauder would like to thank Nanda and their friends at West Kirk for all the Good Wishes sent on their Diamond Wedding anniversary. Thank you

29 Parish Record Deaths Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. 2nd Nov David Reid, Cairnview Farm, West Calder 5th Nov Rae Watson, Stewart Court, West Calder 8th Nov John Irving, Limefield Road, Polbeth 13th Nov Vivienne Vinter, Dickson Court, West Calder To all who have lost a loved one we extend our sincere sympathies and prayer Advent God, At times the world seems dark, cold and lonely. Help us be inspired by your promised coming, confident that your love is working to bring warmth and light. Be with us, Immanuel; the God who comes close. Seasons & Celebrations

30 Events: January Sunday 4th United Worship West Kirk 10.30am Sunday 11th Morning Worship West Kirk 9.45am Polbeth Harwood 11.15am Monday 19th Guild West Kirk 7.30pm Wednesday 21st Board & Session Polbeth Harwood 7.00pm Thursday 22nd Session Meeting West Kirk 7.30pm Saturday 24th Scots Night West Kirk 7.00pm Friday 30th 50th Anniversary Ceilidh West Calder High School Saturday 31st Thrift Shop Polbeth Harwood 10.30am Events: February Monday 2nd Guild West Kirk 7.30pm Thursday 5th Board Meeting West Kirk 7.30pm Saturday 7th Candy Bar West Kirk 10 am Contribution deadline for the next issue.. All contributions for the February edition of the magazine should be submitted to the editor, preferably by , before 24th January 2015

31 Events: December Monday 1st Guild West Kirk 7.30pm Thursday 4th Board meeting West Kirk 7.30pm Saturday 6th Xmas Candy Bar West Kirk 10.00am Sunday 7th Communion West Kirk Polbeth Harwood 9.45am 11.15am 7th Bereavement Service West Kirk 3.00pm Monday 8th Guild Xmas Meal 7.30pm Thursday 11th Beyond the Kirk Walls Stewart Court 10.00am Sunday 14th Gift Service West Kirk 9.45am Monday 15th Pastoral Care Christmas Party West Kirk 1.00pm Friday 19th Evening of Xmas Music West Kirk 7.00pm Sunday 21st United Nativity Service West Kirk 10.30am Tuesday 21st Nativity Service Stewart Court 11.30am 23rd Parkhead School Christmas Service Wednesday 24th High Lights with Jesus West Kirk 9.15am Polbeth Harwood 6.30pm 24th Watchnight Service West Kirk 11.30pm Sunday 28th United Worship Polbeth Harwood 10.30am

32 Weekly Events Church Calendar Sunday Morning Worship West Kirk Polbeth Harwood Sunday Club West Kirk Hall JAM Club Polbeth Harwood 9.45am 11.15am 9.45am 11.15am Monday Beavers West Kirk Hall 6.00pm Tuesday Craft Club West Kirk Hall 10.00am Babies Painting Polbeth Harwood 10.00am Class Minister s Office Polbeth Harwood 10.30am Star Harmonies Polbeth Harwood 5.30pm Bridge Club West Kirk Hall 7.00pm WRI Handcrafts Polbeth Harwood 7.00pm Wednesday Calder Kids West Kirk Hall 9.30am Minister s Office West Kirk 10.30am Dance Class Polbeth Harwood 5.00pm Cubs West Kirk Hall 6.15pm Strategy Games West Kirk Hall 8.00pm Thursday Scouts West Kirk Hall 6.30pm Thrift Shop Polbeth Harwood 6.30pm Slimming World Polbeth Harwood 7.30pm