IN THIS ISSUE Summer 2015

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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 Friday 9am-1pm) bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com Church Website: Church Centre: Chapterhouse Café: Scottish Representatives of World Faiths meet at Bothwell. On Sunday 14 June, leading representatives of World Faiths in Scotland gathered together at Bothwell to lend support for an initiative taken by our Minister and Mushtaq Ahmad OBE, Her Majesty s Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire. This influential gathering held a unique Service of Unity, prepared by Mr Gibson, as a response to recent acts of inhumanity carried out by extreme fundamentalist Islamic groups in the Middle East and elsewhere in the name of religion; and, also, to continuing sectarianism and bigotry here in Scotland. During the Service, each representative denounced violence as an acceptable means to an end. Acknowledging differences of opinion concerning religious belief, the representatives declared our common dependence on the earth as our home and how the value of human worth is found through justice withy peace, love in our relationships and the willingness to serve one another, even when sacrifice is demanded. Our photograph (by N. McPherson) shows representatives of the Baha i, Buddhist, Christian (Church of Scotland, Episcopalian & Roman Catholic Churches), Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faith communities along with Al Ker our sitar player. At the end of the Service, each representative agreed to meet annually here at Bothwell to further strengthen bonds of unity between our religious traditions in Scotland. IN THIS ISSUE Summer 2015 World Faith Service of Unity P1 Brighter Bothwell P1 Red Sea/Noah s Ark Donation Church Register From the President Choir Recruiting Statement of Purpose A Pilgrimage to Turkey P3 Used Stamps Appeal P3 Living the Questions P3 Sunday Rotas Page P4 From the Minister Family Garden Party Summer Car Treasure Hunt Restoration News Autumn issue Deadline Living the Questions World Mission -Used Stamps MESSY Church P6 A Little Help Grace Whitton P6 GOOD LUCK to ALL local Volunteers!. as they prepare to defend and, if possible, improve their current status as justly proud winners of last year s Best Small Town in the annual Beautiful Scotland Awards. Judging is due to take place around Bothwell on July 29th. Whatever the result, our thanks to them all for working so hard to make our community such a pleasant place in which to live. Let s hope everything comes right for them. 1

2 Baptisms: April 26th. Claudia Isabella Peterkin, daughter of Emma Peterkin and the late William Peterkin, 5 Old Bothwell Road, Bothwell. William Cole Peterkin, son of Emma Peterkin and the late William Peterkin, 5 Old Bothwell Road, Bothwell. June 6th. Alexa Grace Allan, daughter of Perry and Emma Allan, 39 Smithycroft, Hamilton. Marriages: March 7th. Laura McConachy and Campbell Connor, 67 Reddeer Rd, Cambuslang. G72 6QA. May 9th. Rebecca Gilmour and Luke Scott, 54 The Fairways, Bothwell. G71 8PA. 29th. ` Ashley Millar and Anthony Kelly, 132 Butler Crescent, Blantyre.G72 9JH. June 12th. Hayley Bowman and Robert McDonald, 79 Cochrane Street, 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. from the Guild President Hello Everyone and, I mean, Everyone Church Register I am privileged to be the President of the Church of Scotland Guild at Bothwell. Indeed, I have been a member of the Guild for more years than I now care to remember and so have been able to see for myself the good work the Guild can do both locally, nationally and internationally. How about joining us. Our organisation is now open to both men and women and we would be delighted to welcome interested new members. We meet in our church Centre every second Monday evening, 7.00pm for our start at 7.30pm. Each session, we have varied and interesting programme. We always begin a new session with a Dedication Service held in the church and conducted by our minister. Last session, we welcomed speakers whose themes were as diverse as Glasgow Street Pastors, the Fighting Men of Bothwell and all about Beekeeping. Come November we enjoy an Open Evening and what would Christmas be without a wee Night Out! Summer warmth entices us further afield with our annual Day Trip. So, you see, we believe in enjoying our fellowship together. By the way, did I mention our members make a great cup of tea and cake for us all to devour come the close of our meetings? So, why not come along and swell our ranks? Whether you are a member of our congregation or not, male or female; if you would like to help us fulfil our aim and object as a Guild, you will be most welcome. Our new session begins on Monday, 5 October See you then, I hope! RED SEA & NOAH S ARK SUNDAY CLUBS Thanks to the generosity of parents, friends and our congregation we raised 333 at our Nativity Play last December. This was sent to our former Assistant Reader Mrs Monica MacDonald who remains our Scottish link with the Place of Restoration an orphanage for Children near Durban in South Africa. As a result, along with Will Hepburn and his mum Aileen, I travelled through to meet Monica and two ladies from the orphanage visiting Scotland. We heard an update of their work and how children are eventually fostered and adopted by families in the local community. On behalf of our Sunday Clubs, Will received the gift of special bookmarks and pin badges which were made at the orphanage. Will happened to be the only child present in a group of forty adults and proved himself the perfect representative of our church. Well done, Will! Though this information is coming as we head into summer, we would still like to say a special thank you to everyone who kindly contributed towards our fundraising at Christmas Someone is missing from our church Choir. Could it be Statement of Purpose Bothwell Parish 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 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 2

3 A PILGRIMAGE TO TURKEY - a personal view. Thank you for saving your used stamps and donating them in such quantities to boost the Stamp Appeal of the Church of Scotland s World Mission Council. Last year, the Appeal reached its target raising 4,500, all because kind folks like you placed your used stamps in our special World Mission Post Box in the Narthex of the church. Your old,used and unwanted stamps are now being recycled to make a world of difference to some of the world s most needy souls. Though it will cost you nothing, by giving these stamps, this year you can help women and men suffering from HIV and AIDS related illnesses. There is still no vaccine against HIV and while retroviral treatment is available for those lucky enough to be able to access it, there is still no cure. Each year 1.5 million people die without that treatment, while another 2 million new infections are recorded. It s so easy for us to be like the Good Samaritan. Just keep putting those used stamps in the church s Appeal Box on a Sunday morning. Ever since the first announcement was made that a new discussion group was going to be formed called Living the Questions, uptake for places in the various groups held has been almost immediate. In the early Autumn the present group will meet again to take their discussions further. Perhaps over the coming weeks you may hear about it from those taking part. The course is repeated at different times of the year and, so, if you hear favourable comments and think it might be the sort of thing for you in the future, just let the Minister know or contact the church Office to book a place! Nowadays, it is normal practice when planning a trip away to do quite a bit of research perusing travel books and brochures, talking to friends and family and spending time on the internet with special reference to that oracle for any traveller, Trip Advisor. It was therefore quite strange when very little of this process was required when we signed up to join the group from Bothwell Church on their pilgrimage to Turkey:Istanbul and the Seven Churches of Asia. My husband, Campbell, and I had heard such wonderful reports about the previous pilgrimage to the Holy Land; and, after reading the blurb from the tour organiser, McCabe Travel, we were sure that this was for us and so signed up immediately. Of course, as the trip drew closer, we did some reading on the places we would be visiting, but nothing could have prepared us for the totally magical experience we were to enjoy. From day one in Istanbul we were immersed in another time and culture and on many occasions were lost for words at the wonderful sights we saw and amazed at the skill and ingenuity of the ancient builders and architects. It is really hard to pick out favourites from the many places we visited. However, there are two aspects that I will never forget. One was the peace and total tranquillity that I felt at Sardis; and the incredibility when walking the marble Acadian Way in Ephesus picturing life that way it was when St Paul lived and taught there 2000 years ago. That particular day my post on Facebook read This actual road was the one used by St Paul when he arrived at Ephesus. Can t describe the feeling properly. Indeed, huge thoughts of a very personal and spiritual nature! The one element, however, that made our pilgrimage totally complete, memorable and so enjoyable was the other seventeen people who made up the group from Bothwell. The welcome extended to Campbell and myself was exceptional as each and every one reached out to us in Christian friendship and fellowship. As members of a c hurch across the border in North Lanarkshire, we felt very much part of this small satellite congregation from Bothwell and enjoyed both spiritual and social times together. In our own church on the first Sunday back after the trip, one line in Hymn 622 particularly jumped out: Come pilgrim love, livee in our hearts today. The love we were shown on this pilgrimage by the members of Bothwell church will live in our hearts for ever. On the first evening our waiter told us that the Turkish word for cheers was serefe. So to all the wonderful people we met, to the members of Bothwell Parish Church and to the Reverend Jim who brought the whole spiritual part together in his own wonderful and insightful way, Campbell and I would like to say thank you and a gigantic SEREFE! Barbara Sefton. 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. 3 For details on the current activities being held within the church Centre please see the noticeboard or look up: bothwellparishchurch.org.uk

4 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. JULY AUGUST 5 J Hart, I Henderson, J Henry, D Hepburn 12 L Horn, M Hutchison, M Jack, D Lee 19 H Marsh, J Marsh, G Moore, C McQueen 26 G Ormiston, R Parsons, J Provan, Dr Ritch SEPTEMBER 6 J Gilmour, S Greenshields, K Hamilton, J Hart 13 I Henderson, J Henry, D Hepburn, L Horn, 20 M Hutchison, M Jack, D Lee, G Moore 27 H Marsh, J Marsh, C McQueen, R Parsons 2 B Sharp, E Somerville, E Terrace, Dr Thomson, 9 A Watt, G Whitton, A Wilson, E Barr 16 E Buttery, J Carson, N Carson, S Cook 23 D Craig, J Crichton, S Crichton, J Cumming 30 J Dalziel, E Dempsey, V Gibson, B Gillespie OCTOBER 4 Boys Brigade Company 11 G Ormiston, J Provan, Dr Ritch, B Sharp, 18 E Sommerville, E Terrace, Dr Thomson, A Watt, 25 G Whitton, A Wilson, E Barr, E Buttery 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 JULY 5 Mrs Nan Carson AUGUST 2 Mrs Carol-Ann Cahill 12 The Ormiston Family 9 Mrs Jayne Craig 19 Mrs Ellen Buttery 16 Mrs Sara Crichton 26 Mrs Eleanor Dempsey 23 Frew and Hepburn Families 30 Mrs Jean Hamilton SEPTEMBER 6 Parson and Wilson Families OCTOBER 4 Boys Brigade Company 13 Mrs Arleen Thomson 11 Mrs Ellen Buttery 20 Mrs Nan Carson 18 Mrs Eleanor Dempsey 27 Ormiston Family 25 Mrs Carol-Ann Cahill Church Flowers Chancel War Memorial July 5 Mrs J Campbell Mrs E French 12 Ms Marilyn Jack Mrs M Mitchell 19 Mrs L Horn Mrs M McArthur 26 Mrs M Chalmers Mrs Una Morris August 2 Mrs J Neely Mrs J Marsh 9 Mrs N Robertson Mrs E Barr 16 Mrs C Jack Mrs S Greenshields 23 Mrs I Greenhalgh Mrs P Brown 30 Mrs L Leckie Mrs M Cunningham September 6 Mrs E Forrest Mrs M Jaap 13 Mrs S Crichton Mrs E Buttery 20 Mrs S R-Young Mrs M Maillie 27 Mrs Irene Glen Mrs G Whitton Sunday Crèche July NO CRECHE AUGUST 2nd NO CRECHE 9th NO CRECHE 16th Hazel Gilmour Jaynie Craig 23rd Janette Provan Pat Maxwell 30th Julie Wilson G illian Ormiston SEPTEMBER 6th Suzanne Smith Elaine Easton 13th Aileen Hepburn Eleanor Barr 20th Eleanor Terrace Elizabeth French 27th Shirley Frew Nan Carson October 4 Harvest Mrs J Provan Mrs P McAulay 11 Mrs B Peacock Mr J Dalziel 18 Mrs G Ormiston Mrs F Lorimer 25 Mrs F McOmish Mrs J Young 4

5 RESTORATION NEWS Over the past month, progress by the contractors has become visibly quite dramatic. After weeks of very careful preparation, hidden from view by the large temporary canvas covering, the ancient stone slabs that have covered the Quire roof for over 600 years have, literally, been brought down to earth. This removes a tremendous weight from bearing down on the walls and enables drilling to take place horizontally into the stonework of the walls. Thereafter, steel rods will be inserted and once the walls have been tied together, hopefully, never to move again, the roof slabs will be replaced. While every effort is being made to do this work without damage to the ancient slabs, sadly their antiquity has meant that some cannot be reused. Replacements have to be specially quarried in Ayrshire and the south of England and then cut by stone-masons so that, once finished, the roof will look as near as possible to how it has done throughout past centuries. Meantime, further repair work has had to be carried out on the structure of the tower. Windows have been replaced and the floor on the very top of the tower completely renewed. The ironwork securing the church bells has dangerously rusted causing it to weaken and will be replaced and a new flagpole erected. The Great East Window (Burne-Jones) is also receiving refurbishment and repair and will be reinstalled using more modern techniques to safeguard its longevity. Because of the technical complexities of the project, work is roughly six weeks behind schedule. However, it is surely better for the work to be carried out well and safely than for it to be hurried and damage occurs. Roll on the end of the year when we hope completion will be in sight! A Pause for Thought from the Minister Recently, I read this which I hope you might find of some interest and cause for thought: We have imagined that Christianity is a religion of virtue. But, no. Desmond Tutu reminds us, Christianity is not a religion of virtue; it is a religion of grace. And there s a huge difference. A religion of virtue says, If you are good, then God will love you. Whereas, as religion of grace says, God love you! In other words, God loves you despite your foibles and failures, not because you are so good but as someone who falls-short in need of mercy. God loves you: live then as one who is beloved, who has been forgiven. From Anthony Robinson SUMMER CAR TREASURE HUNT Yes, folks, the time is almost here for us to enjoy some of the best fun the summer has to offer! SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER is the date EVERYONE should have marked in their diary and on their calendar. NO excuses, now! John and Hazel Gilmour have risen to the challenge of organising this year s event. So, make sure you don t miss out. The church Centre is the place. 2.00pm the time. Tickets 10 per car Another little Thought Something to learn is that there is a lot to unlearn. ALLOVUS extends a warm welcome to EVERYONE who might wish to join their lunchtime activities! Now in their sixth year, the ALLOVUS team are excited about their programme for the coming session, offering: lots of laughter and fun outside visits interesting speakers films and music good food & friendships to enjoy and a whole lot more! ALLOVUS meets on the FIRST and THIRD Thursdays of most months at 11.30am SUMMER GARDEN PARTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY! Sunday 23rd August pm Manse Garden (4 Manse Avenue) Lots of fun Laughter & chat Burgers from the BBQ Activities (for the young) Relaxation (for the not so young) Tickets 3 On sale NOW from church Office (Wine 1per glass ) 5

6 A Little Help Goes A Long Way by Grace Whitton Most of February this year was spent in New Zealand. I was there for the Blind and Partially Sighted (VI s) and Physically Disabled (PD s) World Bowls, representing Scotland. I am a Scottish coach for bowlers with visual impairment. We were a small squad consisting of four bowlers, plus their coaches for the VI s along with 9 PD s, plus our head coach and his assistant. In all, we won 5 gold medals and 2 silver medals. I am pleased to report that my bowler and I were recipients of a gold medal. As you would expect, the journey was long and tiring, leaving Glasgow late one Wednesday afternoon and arriving in New Zealand on the Saturday thirteen hours ahead of GMT. However, our eventual success meant the journey was well worth it. For the past eight years, I have been coach for a totally blind bowler, George Gourlay. Unfortunately, George was unavailable for NZ but, in that time, we have enjoyed some significant achievements. Among them being: The UK Championship indoor The UK Championship outdoor The Scottish Championship 4 times and Runner Up 3 times George was selected for the World Bowls in South Africa Won the Elizabeth Taggart Cup singles competiton Won the Scottish Triples Won the Scottish Rinks Won the Scottish Invitation Outdoor Rink. Earlier in my life, I lost my sight for thirteen months and when, eventually, I watched visually impaired bowlers playing I felt here4 was a job I could do (even though I have sight in only one eye). A bling bowler has to rely on voice connections between them and their coach. The very first thing one has to do is to lead your pupil to the green itself. Its quite a feat of trust asking someone to step down some 10 inches from pavement to grass. Thereafter, the pupil may be guided by allowing them to hold your elbow or shoulder. It is imperative the coach knows exactly how much of an impairment the bowler has. Just as it is so important for each to enjoy a good rapport with the other. Confidence in each other is essential. A bowling green is approximately 31 to 40 metres long. The coach walks with the player up the green counting the paces they take to the half way point. This allows us to judge distance for the jack as well as the bowl. A string is placed down the centre of the rink. The jack i9s always set on the string and helps the player place his/her mat. Advise is then offered through reference to the hands of a clock. The top would be 12 o clock, to the right would be 3 o clock and so on. When delivering the jack, the player feels the string and sends the jack up the green as near to the string as possible. In starting the game, the coach stands with their feet slightly apart, about three yards in front of the bowler and talks to the bowler so that he/she knows in which direction to play. The bowler will swing their arm a few times to get their weight, then lets the bowl go hopefully between their coach s feet and on towards the jack. The Caller will then shout down the rink where the bowl has stopped, ie one yard at 4 o clock. Visually-impaired bowlers are classified according to the amount of vision they have. Each classification ha sits own league and championship. Winners can be put forward for international competitions similar to sighted bowlers. Our next competition is in Israel in May 2016, dependent on funding. I think it one of the most satisfying feelings one can enjoy to know that you are helping someone less fortunate achieve high standards in their chosen sport. I am very fortunate in being able to do so. 6 With a good, solid beginning to our very own MESSY CHURCH at Bothwell we look forward to building on the groundwork laid by so many enthusiastic helpers. It was really encouraging seeing some forty children with parents/adults members and non-members of the congregation coming along to take part in our launch. After sharing a simple meal made in our own kitchen everyone went to the main hall where various activities were waiting to be enjoyed. The evening was brought to a close with a brief explanation of the evening s Biblical theme. MESSY CHURCH participants next meet on MONDAY, 24 AUGUST at 6.00pm when, if weather permits, a BBQ is planned! Got kids? Then come along and join the fun! No obligation. No charge! AUTUMN 2015 ISSUE OF THE LANTERN Please submit all news, events, articles, rotas & photos for the next edition by Tuesday, 18 August 2015 You can the office: bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com Please save used stamps. Post them in the box in church narthex and help save a life!