EK South Parish Church Winter 2016/17

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1 EK South Parish Church Winter 2016/17

2 Mission Statement By the grace of God, In the spirit of Christ, We are a people called by God To live and act by His Word, And spread the Good News In our community and beyond. 2

LOCUM S LETTER Christmas can be a very busy time for all as we make up our presents lists for family and friends and feverishly do our best to give to those who expect a gift from us.

3 LOCUM S LETTER Christmas can be a very busy time for all as we make up our presents lists for family and friends and feverishly do our best to give to those who expect a gift from us. Tradition has brought us to view Christmas in a different light as millions of pounds each year is spent on buying presents for those we love who in the main don t really need them. Oh you may say everyone loves to give and receive a present at Christmas and to see the faces of the children on Christmas morning, but for many people they ask the question What s the point of Christmas? The customs we have grown up with at Christmas are accepted by us like The Christmas Tree, Holly, Gifts, Meals, Santa, Celebration and holidays but does this represent the real Christmas for us? Out of all our traditions and customs the only one meaningful really is the Christmas paper we wrap our presents in which goes back to the present that God gave to humanity as the Babe at Bethlehem, when Jesus was born and wrapped in swaddling clothes. The early church did not know the exact date of Jesus birth and neither was there any annual celebration of the event. The Bible tells us that while the shepherds watched their flocks by night, Jesus was born. So we know it wasn t in December, for if it was then the Shepherds and the sheep would have frozen in the Palestinian winter. The first evidence for the celebration of Jesus birth on the 25th December is found in a Roman document dated AD 336. The date was chosen as a Christian alternative to the Roman festival celebrating the increasing sunlight on the 25th December. It was Augustine who told of the true God become man, so as in Rome instead of worshipping the Sun, Christians began to use the festival to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ instead of an unconquerable sun. And so the tradition of the 25th December was initiated as the birth of the Son of God and has remained with us ever since. So to focus on the real Christmas we need to go back to Bethlehem and be reminded of the great miracle that God performed for humanity. To bring the Saviour of the world into the world through a nor- 3

Going back to Bethlehem each Christmas needs to be for us like the shepherds on the angels announcement, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.

4 mal human birth and for Jesus to be a man as well as God in the flesh. Not many seemed to accept who Jesus really was. Only some shepherds and some wise men, the simple and the learned, those who knew that they knew little, and those who knew that they did not know everything. Going back to Bethlehem each Christmas needs to be for us like the shepherds on the angels announcement, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened. The wise men also enquired as to where is the one who has been born King of the Jews. Only the innocent and the faithful saw Jesus while Herod filled with jealousy and rage schemed to kill this new king. We know the story only too well from there but that night God came to earth to bring His very self to us in the present of his Son bringing us His values, promises and presence into the world. That is the real Christmas for us to celebrate that Hope, Peace, Joy and Love came into the world and into our hearts. During the four Sundays of Advent 27th November 18th December we will be celebrating our Advent themes and welcome all who attend our worship at 10.30am. Christmas Eve Service will commence on Saturday 24th December at 7.00pm and on Christmas Day we gather as God s family to Celebrate the joy of Christmas at 11.00am with participation from some elders and members. It has been an exciting year at EKS with many events and activities taking place and Betty & I have also found the church to be very welcoming. So as we look forward to an exciting 2017 may I wish you all a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year. Locum - EKS 4

5 Alasdair Sutherland A Tribute The congregation was shocked to hear of Alasdair s passing on 2nd December. After graduating from university, Alasdair began his teaching career in Glasgow, where among his pupils was Paul, the son of our first minister, Rev. Patrick Hamilton. He moved to East Kilbride in 1965 with his first wife, Monique, to teach at East Kilbride High School (the old Village School) and then became Principal Teacher of Modern Languages at Hunter High School where he taught until he retired. While there he organised regular trips to France and led a folk music group. In the 1970s he was on the working party for Tour de France, a new French course, which was widely used throughout the country. After retirement he continued to work in primary schools, helping with teaching French, and he also ran French classes for adults and children in his home. In the 1990s he was awarded an MBE for services to education. When he got the letter from Buckingham Palace, he initially refused to believe it, thinking Barrie Crawford was playing a practical joke on him. A short while later he received a phone call from East Kilbride News asking him about the award and so he knew the letter was genuine. Alasdair joined the South Parish in 1965 and was ordained as an elder in He started off serving as a BB officer, but over the years has been a tireless worker. Many of you will remember him running the book stall at fairs. He served as Presbytery Elder for 20 years, was on the Ways & Means Committee where he was the inspiration for the Not So Young Ones and last summer s auction. He was also prominent in organising the Men s Breakfasts. He was a great supporter of the Praise Group. He was on hand on Wednesday mornings to help his second wife, Sheena, with the Smarteenies and provided juice and biscuits for the children attending church and Sunday School. Alasdair was a regular attender at Bible Study and keen on fostering relationships with the other churches in the Murray area. Outside his teaching and church life Alasdair loved to be involved. He enjoyed the arts, running bus trips to theatre, opera and ballet performances. Enjoying good food, he organised regular lunches for former colleagues at South Lanarkshire College. A keen sportsman he had played rugby, cricket, tennis and golf. One cricketing colleague commented He was a classy gent and actually looked like a batsman. He helped East Kilbride Rugby Club forge links with the Châlons-sur- 5

Marne rugby club and acted as translator on exchange visits. He supported the Alliance Française both while working and in retirement, and continued his love for language by learning Italian.

6 Marne rugby club and acted as translator on exchange visits. He supported the Alliance Française both while working and in retirement, and continued his love for language by learning Italian. He was interested in politics and stood for the Liberal Democrats in local elections. Alasdair spent a lot of time in France, but he also enjoyed holidays in Spain and Italy, and more recently Seoul in South Korea in Alasdair s passing leaves a big void in the South Parish Church. We extend our sympathy to Sheena and Alasdair s four children, Pascale, Etienne, Marc and François, and their families, and give thanks for his long and faithful service, knowing that he will have heard the words, Well done, good and faithful servant! The Not So Young Ones Ways and Means Committee The last meeting of 2016 was a film show on Tuesday 29 November. It was a real trip into the past. Danny Kaye entertained us with his antics in 'The Court Jester'. Popcorn, ice cream and soft drinks were served before the start of the film. We even had a few torches around! In 2017 we have planned 3 events. Saturday 25 February : Quiz and fish supper evening. Monday 6 March : An interview with David Parker. Tuesday 4 April : A talk from John Wright ; Growing up in East Kilbride. Our Summer Event will take place on Saturday 20 May. Don't forget that we are looking for as many 5 gifts as possible for our May Bazaar. We have lost a vibrant and dedicated member of our committee with the passing of Alasdair Sutherland. The ideas for the Not So Young Ones meetings and our Grand Auction earlier this year originated with him. We will miss you Alasdair. The Ways & Means Committee. 6

7 PASTORAL CARE GROUP John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." As we approach Christmas, we must remember those in our church family who are no longer able to come along to church on a Sunday morning. This year, as in the past, we have sent Christmas cards to let them know we are thinking of them and will visit where we can. We also appreciate the pastoral care that goes on in our church when visits and phone calls are made by all of you when the need arises. There are others in our congregation we should remember as well. Those who have gone through ill health; those who have gone through anxious times due to the illness of a loved one and those who have lost a loved one over the past year. Christmas can be a difficult time for them so we ask that you remember in prayer those known to you and, as always, speak to one of us if you feel we can help in any way. New Year can also be an anxious time for some and we would like to share again the quote we put in last year s new year edition of the magazine, from the King George VI Christmas Broadcast 1939: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way. (King George VI 1939 Christmas Broadcast) We wish you a Happy Christmas and many blessings in the New Year. Elizabeth, Barrie, Jeanette, Jean, June and Alison Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter, 5:7, New Living Translation) 7

8 2nd East Kilbride Boys Brigade Company Over the last few months it has been a very busy time for the company. It was good to see a number of our boys on parade at the Remembrance Day Service in the church in November. As well as their weekly activities, the various sections have taken part in various special activities. The Juniors enjoyed taking part in a sleepover at the Glasgow Science Centre, where they joined with around 400 boys from various companies around Scotland. The Company Section have been taking part in the different National Competitions, playing 4 th /5 th Kilmarnock in the Badminton, 1 st Viewpark in both Chess and Table Tennis, and travelling to Overtown to take part in the Masterteam Quiz. As a Company we held a Coffee Evening at the start of December when we managed to raise Thanks to everyone who supported this. At the end of November we also had a special programme planned where boys from all sections took part in a Blind Night with Anchor Boys and Juniors wearing spots, learning about braille and taking part in some blindfolded activities. The Company Section tried Blind Drill, and Blind Football as some of their activities. As a result of these nights the boys all learnt a bit more about the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) and how they help blind and visually impaired people across the country. We were also able to donate 100 towards the work they do. In the run up to Christmas the Anchor Boys, Juniors and younger Company Section boys are looking forward to their Christmas parties in the hall, while the older ones in the Company Section are going on a mystery outing in Glasgow! To finish up the session, the entire company will make their annual trip to Motherwell for the pantomime. This year it is Peter Pan we are going to see. Thanks to all who supported our Company throughout 2016, and on behalf of all the boys and staff, I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and all the best for David 8

South Parish Christmas Greetings Iain and Ishbel want to wish you all a peaceful and blessed Christmas.

Whoever you are and whatever place you are in as you read this we pray that 2017 will be a year when God moves in your life in a

Helen Campbell would like to wish all her church family a Merry Christmas Can I wish a prosperous new year to all members of the

May you know the Joy, Peace and Love of Jesus and His abiding Presence in the year to come. Bill and Linda.

The girls and staff of 2nd EK Girls' Brigade would like to wish all members of the congregation a very happy Christmas and

9 South Parish Christmas Greetings Iain and Ishbel want to wish you all a peaceful and blessed Christmas. Many have had a difficult year and some known sadness, others have had better times. Whoever you are and whatever place you are in as you read this we pray that 2017 will be a year when God moves in your life in a wonderful way, that you will be overwhelmed by His Love In your life. This would be our prayer for our church as well. Helen Campbell would like to wish all her church family a Merry Christmas Can I wish a prosperous new year to all members of the badminton club Douglas Johnston Sending Christmas greetings to our church family and friends near and far. May you know the Joy, Peace and Love of Jesus and His abiding Presence in the year to come. Bill and Linda. Christmas Blessings to you all. The Ways & Means Committee. The girls and staff of 2nd EK Girls' Brigade would like to wish all members of the congregation a very happy Christmas and blessings for I'm sorry I haven't been able to join you in church since June, but have been comforted by your friendship, visits and expressions of concern and encouragement so I welcome this chance to wish all of you happiness and the special joy of Christmas. Isabel McKenzie. From Ian & Betty White to all at EKS PC 9

10 Girls Brigade We have been very busy since the beginning of the session and the time seems to have flown by. The Explorer theme this year is On The Move which has an outdoor aspect to it as well as looking at how they can keep busy indoors when the weather is not so good! They went on a walk around the church to collect leaves and twigs for their autumn pictures and prepared packed lunches and then enjoyed a picnic. The Juniors have been looking at Festivals and Events, the point of parables, team games, Scots in Comics, Crafts and making a difference which is a charity project. We will be writing Christmas cards and wrapping boxes of shortbread for the housebound members of the congregation as part of this topic. The Brigaders are playing a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball and badminton. They are making a variety of crafts to sell for a charity and are also looking at Bioethics as part of the spiritual and educational parts of the badge. The girls have enjoyed special nights aside from badgework. In October, we had a movie night when the Blood Transfusion Service were using the large hall. They watched a movie in the small hall complete with pyjamas and sleeping bags. In November we made chocolate apples and bonfire cakes and joined the congregation for the Remembrance Day service in the church. We were pleased that parents were also able to join us at this service. Brigaders and Officers were presented with Gideon New Testament Bibles at an event hosted by East Kilbride District, when a representative from the Gideon Society came along to tell us a little about their work. We are currently preparing for advent and Christmas. The girls will be learning about the true meaning of Christmas, making their own advent calendars and other Christmas crafts to take home. On behalf of the company, could I wish all members of the congregation a very happy Christmas and every blessing for 2017 and again thank everyone for their prayers and support to us. Eleanor 10

Origin Scotland had a concert in Findlay Memorial Church on 4th December with a theme of Light of the World a celebration of Christmas.

Origin s next Glasgow event will be and evening of Symphonic Praise at Glasgow Cathedral on Saturday, 3rd June and I ll give more information in the next magazine.

Information about rehearsals and the venue for the Big Sing will appear in the intimations as soon as I have details.

11 Origin Scotland had a concert in Findlay Memorial Church on 4th December with a theme of Light of the World a celebration of Christmas. The evening of praise led by the Origin Choir and Orchestra was a great way to get in the mood for Christmas. Origin s next Glasgow event will be and evening of Symphonic Praise at Glasgow Cathedral on Saturday, 3rd June and I ll give more information in the next magazine. We are having a planning meeting for the Big Sing for Christian Aid the week before Christmas, but I think it likely that this event will go ahead as usual. Information about rehearsals and the venue for the Big Sing will appear in the intimations as soon as I have details. Praise Gathering is also doing concerts in 2017 and these are planned for Saturday 10th June and Sunday 11th June 2017 in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Rehearsals start on Monday, 17th April in Clincarthill Parish Church, 1220 Cathcart Road, Glasgow G42 9EU. If you would like any further information, please speak to me. Finally, some people have been asking why I have stopped playing the organ. The reason is very simple some of the notes don t play and I m still waiting to have them repaired, which is not an easy task, given the age of the organ. Using the piano also means that I can use the transpose feature which allows me to put the tunes into a lower key, making them easier for congregational singing. Barrie Crawford 11

Sunday School As I write this this, the excitement of Christmas is very evident in the Sunday School children!

! It s so easy to get caught up in all of this that the real meaning of Christmas is sometimes pushed to the back ground.

The families who need help with essential food items also have children who need a little bit of Christmas cheer.

The younger children continue to collect 20p pieces for our charity helping the Dalit children in India while the older ones donate to

12 Sunday School As I write this this, the excitement of Christmas is very evident in the Sunday School children! The talk is all of parties, pantos, presents and fun!! It s so easy to get caught up in all of this that the real meaning of Christmas is sometimes pushed to the back ground. We are happy to join with the young ones in all the fun but always remind them that the best gift of all is God s gift to us Jesus and that it s Jesus birth we are celebrating. We also talk to them of the need to think of others not so fortunate as us and that is why we have the Christmas selection box appeal. The families who need help with essential food items also have children who need a little bit of Christmas cheer. Thank you to all of you for helping us with this. The younger children continue to collect 20p pieces for our charity helping the Dalit children in India while the older ones donate to other good causes, such as the Leprosy Mission. Again, these things help the children to appreciate what they have and of the need to share with others. We are looking forward to our visit to EK Rep s Panto, Robin Hood followed by a visit from Santa back at the church. The following day we have our Christmas Family Service in the church and finally, the big day itself! A very Merry Christmas from all of us in the Sunday School and our wishes for a happy, peaceful New Year. Elizabeth Crawford 12

Ladies Group This small faithful group continues to meet and learn together. We have enjoyed and been challenged in our continuing studies on some of the lesser known women of the Bible.

13 Ladies Group This small faithful group continues to meet and learn together. We have enjoyed and been challenged in our continuing studies on some of the lesser known women of the Bible. Our December meeting some of the healing rooms workers came to tell us about their ministry, an interesting evening for us all. Bible Study What a great group this is, everyone participates and we learn from each other and enjoy the fellowship that we share. Four very different churches are represented in our group and it has been a source of joy to see the group slowly grow. All ages from 20s up to 80s come along, so age is no barrier! We have been studying the book of Proverbs this session, will stop for some Advent Studies and be back in Proverbs when we begin the new session! Numbers really are not important but would it not be a real source of encouragement to any new minister to have a vibrant growing Bible study already established, a sure sign of a healthy church. So please, give it prayerful consideration and think seriously about joining us when we meet in the New Year on 11 January at 7.30pm. At least give it a chance! Transport can be arranged. Finally to all you lovely and special people who faithfully come to the Bible Study - thank you. Ishbel 13

14 Presbytery Matters I hope you will allow a slight detour from reporting what happened at recent Presbytery meetings. Most of you will know that our recently departed friend Alasdair Sutherland was the Presbytery Elder for many, many years before I took over. I decided to look into the archives for inspiration from one of his Presbytery Matters reports and he did not disappoint. What struck me was his willingness to challenge as well as to inform. In April 2012 Alasdair reported on a training event, he explained some of the highlights of the evening, but didn t stop there. He concluded with this challenge: Every time we take part in an event like Connecting Points we have to ask the following question; what difference will this make for our own people? For certain it will stay with those who were there. The big challenge is to feed it to others, I hope and pray that in the months ahead we will take time to work on some of the ideas cogently argued on the 8th of March. In our Autumn magazine, I reported that I would be attending a Going for Growth event in Glasgow and asked for anyone interested to come along - you can guess who it was that joined me! He was determined to serve till the end the girls at Smarteenies toddlers told me that he was still insisting, until very recently that he wanted to put on his red suit at this year s Christmas party! I will leave you with the lovely tribute that they have put on their Facebook page: Our amazing dad of the group Alasdair who has recently retired from Smarteenies due to ill health has sadly passed away today. He helped out with so much in Smarteenies and will be sadly missed. Love goes out to Sheena. I hope you all had a chance to meet Al, an amazing big gentleman. This will be the first year in many that he hasn t helped us deliver some special gifts this Christmas. A great example of human kindness! Wendy 14

Christmas services Sunday 18th December Christmas Family Service 10.

15 A Little Child A little child, A shining star, A stable rude, The door ajar, Yet in this place, So crude, forlorn, The Hope of all The world was born. Christmas services Sunday 18th December Christmas Family Service 10.30am Saturday 24th December Christmas Eve Service 7.00pm Sunday 25th December Christmas Day Service 11.00am (Note change of time!) Sunday 1st January Christmas Family Service 10.30am (normal Sunday service time) 15

16 Church Information Interim Moderator: Gordon Palmer Locum: Ian White Church Officer Andy Wilson Session Clerk Archie Gardner 1 Somerville Lane Ass Ses Clerk Eleanor Woodburn 9 Newlands Place Treasurer Roger Wilkinson 194 Sandpiper Dr Praise Group Barrie Crawford 96 Colonsay Mag Editor Wendy Kerr wendyhkerr@hotmail.com Congregational Activities Sunday 10.00am Prayer Time 10.30am Morning Service (Crèche available) am Sunday School 2pm Badminton Tuesday am Badminton 7.30pm Ladies Group (1st Tuesday of the month) Wednesday 9.45 am Smarteenies Toddler Group 6.00 pm Girl s Brigade 7.30pm Bible Study & Prayer Time Thursday 6.15 pm Boy s Brigade Friday 7.30pm Boy s Brigade Baird Hill, The Murray, East Kilbride, G75 0EA Church of Scotland Scottish Charity No

Kirknewton and East Calder Parish Church of Scotland Scottish Charity No: SC006973

Kirknewton and East Calder Parish Church of Scotland Scottish Charity No: SC006973 From the Manse In Focus House Groups EnerJ Men s Fellowship Thursday Prayer Group Boys Brigade The Break Prayer Matters