At Easter, we celebrate a victory

Transcription

1 At Easter, we celebrate a victory Dear Friends, Easter is the ultimate example of, what seemed like a defeat, actually turning out to be a victory. The disciples despaired because they had hoped for Jesus to be one sort of Messiah but instead He died and as far as they were concerned that seemed to be the end of it. Of course both they and we found out that it was not the end of the story and defeat turned into victory. Given all that, the temptation then is to think that the cross was the defeat, while the resurrection was the victory. However, it is not so straightforward as that in Colossians 2;15 Paul writes: And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. The cross was itself a victory and the effectiveness of that victory was confirmed by the resurrection. The New Testament rarely talks about one without mentioning the other and when Jesus predicted His death He very quickly followed it up by pointing towards His resurrection. So what was the victory at the cross? The New Testament sums it up as the victory over Satan. One of the most direct references to this comes in Hebrews where the writer points out that, by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death that is the devil (Hebrews 2; 14). When Satan thought he had the victory he was defeated. In the same verse we are reminded too that a victory over death was won at the cross. Death was the consequence of sin which came as a result of the fall, so because sin was dealt with on the cross death itself was defeated by the death of the Messiah. Thus the cross brought a victory over sin and death. So the cross brought a victory over the devil, sin and death. What does that mean for us? Firstly it means that although we have an enemy, he is a defeated enemy. The Bible is clear that the devil is the author of evil and that we are in a battle against him and the principalities and powers at his command. 1

2 The cross means that these enemies are living on borrowed time, and it is not inevitable that we will give in to temptation because Jesus has defeated the tempter. It also means that we no longer live under the tyranny of death. It is noticeable that in recent times there has been a subtle change in language. In the media people refer to the passing of someone rather than their death. Is this a subtle denial of death because we find it difficult to face up to? The Duke of Wellington is reported as having said that that man must be a coward or a liar who could boast of never having felt a fear of death. In some senses he was right in that we all have some fear of the unknown, and death but Jesus Christ has dealt with death. He has done so by removing what Paul describes as the sting of death. That sting is sin, but by dealing with sin Jesus has removed the sting of death and made it like a scorpion whose sting has been drawn. Thus death can no longer harm those whose confidence is in Jesus. At Easter we celebrate a victory. Celebrating a victory includes at least two components. After a victory in a war there is a celebration and so it is right that Easter is a celebration it is the Christian equivalent of V.E. Day. However, the celebration is not enough by itself. After any victory there is always an acknowledgement that it has been hard won, and so there is a duty not to betray those who have won the victory. We need to uphold the values they fought for. Similarly we are called not to betray the One who has won the victory for us, but to live for Jesus our Victor. Thus at Easter we celebrate and recommit ourselves to service and obedience in Jesus name. May He help us to live victorious lives this Easter and beyond. Your friend and minister, William Wilson. Details of our Easter services and activites can be found on page 10. Contact If you would like to receive a digital version of Contact instead of the printed version, you can have it sent by and it is also available on the church website - burnsideblairbeth.church. To change your delivery preference, the church office: theoffice@burnsideblairbeth.church. 2

3 Burnside Blairbeth Guild Go in love WHOSE WE ARE AND WHOM WE SERVE On 5 February, we took a trip down memory lane as Peter Samson gave us a most interesting talk on the history of Watt Brothers. Most of us could remember the days when Sauchiehall Street, with its many upmarket retailers e.g. Hendersons, Pettigrews, Trerons etc., was the most famous shopping outlet in Scotland. Dennis Kelly was our speaker on 19 February. He gave us a fascinating insight into the world's water supply and we soon began to realise how fortunate we are, in this country, to be able to access clean, fresh water at the turn of a tap. A most thought provoking evening. Despite the adverse weather conditions, we had a good turn out on 5 March to hear Rita Wilson, fire safety officer, advising us on how to reduce the chances of fire happening in our homes and, if it does, how to protect ourselves. Again a very informative evening. Our Spring Fayre was held on Saturday 10 March, a dreich, grey miserable day. A huge thank you to all our members and friends who braved the dismal weather to come and join us and help us raise 1,166. A magnificent sum. The money will go to the Guild projects (more details in the next issue of Contact). Again a huge thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to our success. Your help is very much appreciated. On a more serious note, we were saddened to learn of the death of our friend, Moira Johnston, a loyal, faithful, hardworking member of our Guild. She had served on the committee and also carried out the role of president. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this sad time. We will miss her. The last meeting of the session will be on Monday 19 March. This will be our AGM and after the business is concluded, we will be entertained by the Westerton Male Voice Choir. Jean Goldie. 3

4 TREASURER S REPORT Two months to February 2018 General Fund, Local Mission Fund & Missionary Partner Fund 4

5 For the two months to February the General Fund and the Missionary Partner Fund were respectively 125 and 732 above plan. The Local Mission Fund was 743 below plan. Cash Offerings As a congregation we are grateful to receive offerings by various different methods, allowing flexibility in the way in which individuals make their gifts to the church. As such we appreciate greatly the high amount of cash notes which we receive as they are placed in the offering bags without use of a freewill offering or a gift aid envelope. However, if you are making your offering in this way you may wish to consider a more structured way of giving, either using offering envelopes or giving to the church by standing order directly from your bank account on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. If you are a taxpayer the church may also be able to claim an additional 25 pence for every 1 given to the church. Please speak to me or Eleanor Crawford if you wish to consider the different options for giving. Alan Robertson. Tributes The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, where no torment can touch them, they are at peace. Myra Wallace (26 March December 2017) Myra Wallace died in Georgia Park Care Home, Cambuslang on 22 December She attended Fairie Street Primary School and then Gallowflat. When she left school she went on to train as a shorthand /typist which led to her employment in a Merchant Bank. Following her marriage in 1957 to Tom, a master butcher who came from Calderwood Road they lived with Tom s mother before moving to Kincath Avenue in In 1985 Myra and Tom moved to a cottage near Crocketford, Dumfriesshire, Tom having sold his business and taken early retirement. They came back to live in Blairbeth Road, Burnside during the early 1990s. Myra was a member of our congregation having joined in the 60s. She was a Guild member and served on the committee for a period. Her son Stuart and 5

6 daughter Val were also around the church in those days. She was a woman of principle who held firm to well established values of decency, honesty, and respect for others. Myra was exceptionally caring in her ways and always strived to do her best for someone else. We have been remembering Myra s family circle in our prayers throughout their time of loss. Moira Johnston (14 April February 2018) From childhood, Burnside Church and church life was huge part of Moira Johnston s life. Beginning in Sunday School, she progressed through Bible Class and Youth Fellowship etc. As her personal faith grew and matured, Moira progressively became involved in a whole range of areas of Christian service. She participated in two of our established small groups, which meet regularly for Bible Study and discussion. The weeks the groups met started with her attending on the Monday as well as the Tuesday evening group which she attended after finishing her weekly reception duty at the church, the same night as the Brownies met where the girls recognised Moira as a well kent face, as well as an ever welcoming presence. She seldom missed a Tuesday coffee morning, played a huge part in Little Creations where she helped quietly behind the scenes, and for over 10 years was a member of one of our Pastoral Care Teams. Moira was most diligent fulfilling this role, visiting members at home and principally in Abbeyfield. A faithful and conscientious visitor, Moira was a marvellous listener, a warm reassuring presence and was very much the visitor par excellence. A committed Guild member, Moira could always be relied on to be among the first to volunteer to provide baking for a range of Guild events. She was well known for her fine baking. Following the death of her husband Norman 25 years ago, Moira in time, began volunteering at the Lodging House Mission in East Campbell Street. She went along every Thursday, peeled and prepared vegetables for soup and served and chatted to many marginalised and homeless folk who used the Mission. To round things off, she also went to Mansionhouse Elderly Care Hospital on a Sunday afternoon and helped staff the tea bar which provided for patients and visitors. 6

7 Moira was a primary school teacher by profession, having trained at Jordanhill College, and spent many years teaching first at Burbank Primary School, Hamilton but for the vastly greater part at Loch Primary. She was respected, valued and loved by colleagues and pupils alike. Moira will be missed by lots of people within our church family and also more so by her family circle. Moira s son Stuart, daughters Morag and Ailsa, and members of Moira s extended family have been in our prayers during their time of loss and grief. Gladys Moffat (28 March February 2018) Gladys died in the tender care of Duncraggan Care Home on the 22 February at the age of 85. She was born at Mill Of Lour, Forfar on 28 March She was the only girl in the family and had three younger brothers. While she was born in Forfar, she was brought up at Dall, Kinloch Rannoch where her father worked as a farm manager. Sadly her father died when Gladys was 14 years old, and when she left Breadalbane Academy at the age of 15, she moved to Croftfoot to live with her Aunt Cathie and Uncle Jimmy. She began working at Clyde Paper Mill where she received excellent secretarial training. In 1952, Gladys married her husband Cameron in Cathcart South Church. They set up home at Kent Drive, went on to live in Highburgh Drive and latterly stayed at Lower Bourtree Drive. There marriage was blessed in the birth of two daughters, Tricia and Fiona. Gladys was a charming lady, and during her working life and was noted for her trustworthiness and dependability at all times. Although the family had a previous connection with Trinity Church, Cambuslang, Gladys membership at Burnside Church dates from the mid-1960s. Both Cameron and she were regularly at worship on Sunday mornings. She was a thoroughly decent lady who had many fine qualities, not least in her kindness and consideration of others. We commend Gladys daughters Tricia and Fiona to God in our prayers and also remember the wider family circle in their loss. 7

8 Missionary Partner Update James Fraser Release International It is a real privilege for me to write my first article for the Burnside Blairbeth Contact magazine. I truly value your commitment as a congregation to pray for me and support me in my role with Release International as we serve persecuted Christians across the world and challenge the church in the UK to stand with and learn from our brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith. As you may have already observed, 2018 is a special anniversary year for Release. Fifty years ago this year, after an inspiring encounter with the Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand, the Reverend Stuart Harris established our ministry. Richard Wurmbrand had been imprisoned for his faith for 14 years under the Communist regime in Romania. His escape from Romania and the publication of his book, Tortured for Christ, opened the eyes of many Christians in the UK to the persecution faced by their brothers and sisters behind the iron curtain. Today the iron curtain no longer exists but there are many places across the world where Christians continue to face intense discrimination, marginalisation, extreme violence, imprisonment and even death because of their faith in Jesus. Our 50 th anniversary year is a special opportunity for Release to profile these issues and encourage Christians in the UK to stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters. 8

9 In the last chapter of Tortured for Christ Richard Wurmbrand issued eight pleas to free Christians in the West: 1. Give us the tools we need. 2. Protest publicly. 3. Pray for the persecutors. 4. Bibles are urgently needed. 5. Give pastors the means to share the gospel. 6. Broadcast the gospel. 7. Help the families of prisoners and martyrs. 8. Ask your church leaders what is being done to help. These eight pleas form the framework for our ministry this year. Please do read our magazine and Prayer Shield, which are available in the church or online, to keep up to date. For me personally it will be a busy year and I would appreciate your prayers for strength and vision. My main focus is to engage with church congregations across Scotland bringing a biblical perspective to the whole subject of persecution, challenging Christians here to stand with our persecuted family, and showing just how valuable their example of discipleship is to inspire a deeper commitment in our own walk with the Lord. I will be looking to establish new connections with churches as well as encouraging our existing church partners and supporters. We are also encouraging a number of local fundraising initiatives which I will be supporting, and I will have the usual exhibition presence at large Christian events including Spring Harvest, the Keswick Convention and ReFuel. I am also planning an overseas trip later in the year to visit some of the courageous believers we are working with. I met a young woman recently who had been forced to flee her home country because of persecution and I asked her what she would say to Christians in the UK. She responded with these words: You cannot stay enclosed. You have to look further than the end of your nose. You cannot just enjoy your life; you also have to take care of the Body. Her challenge includes the call to visit and spend time with the members of Jesus Body where we are able. I would particularly value your prayers for all the planning, travelling and meetings during this trip. Pray for safety, wisdom and compassion. 9

10 Please also pray for my family, particularly when I am travelling. I thank God for their support in this role and I thank you for your friendship and care for them too. Once again, thank you for your partnership in the gospel and may God bless you richly as you serve him in Burnside and beyond. Every blessing, James Easter services and activities in our area Easter Services at West and Wardlawhill Church at 7.30pm 3 Western Ave, Rutherglen, G73 1JQ Wednesday 28 March - Stations of the Cross - a service reflecting on the events leading up to Jesus death Thursday 29 March - Interactive Last Supper- a service suitable for all ages, with communion Friday 30 March - Good Friday service - a traditional service, with activities for children organised by the Reachout Trust Easter at Burnside Blairbeth Church Blairbeth building, 1 Kirkriggs Ave, Blairbeth, G73 4LX Friday 30 March, 11.30am-1pm - Messy Church communion - activities, celebration, sandwich lunch. All ages welcome. Saturday 31 March, 11am-1pm - Easter Fun Day - Games, crafts, face painting, bouncy castle, Easter egg hunt, coffee, tea and cake, bacon rolls and hotdogs Burnside building, 2 Church Ave, Burnside, G73 5BX Easter Sunday, 1 April 9.45am Informal communion at Burnside building 10.30am All age worship - celebrating together Jesus resurrection! 10

11 Notes from the Kirk Session Meeting on 7 February 2018 The first meeting of the Kirk Session for 2018 took place on 7 February. Part of the business of every Kirk Session meeting is to review matters in relation to the ongoing life of the congregation since the previous meeting. On this occasion we reviewed the various Christmas events and services and noted the particular appreciation for Quiet Christmas. It was reported that the Family Fun Day on 27 January had been excellent and that JUMP, the new event for children of primary school age had got off to a good start on 7 February with 24 children attending (see last page for more details). With regard to Membership, and the ongoing work in connection with establishing Pastoral Networks, it was noted that those who no longer lived in the area and had no ongoing connection or involvement with the congregation had been removed from the roll. This largely accounted for the reduction in the roll as at 31 December 2017 to 514 members. As previously decided it was noted that a letter from the minister would be sent to some on the roll who no longer appeared to be actively involved in any way in the life of the congregation. The letter would invite them to re-engage and encourage them to do so, but, if they did not wish to do so, their names would be removed from the roll in due course. The initial Pastoral Networks were close to being finalised and the letter from the minister would be going out shortly to members of the congregation. It was recognised that the development of the pastoral networks would be an ongoing exercise. The services to take place over the Easter period were discussed and agreed. On Easter Sunday there will be an informal communion at 9.45am and an all age service at 10.30am. The minister reported on the meeting of the group thinking about What we do on Sundays?. The group had been thinking about the whole church family worshipping together, about the format of intergenerational worship, and recognised the need for those taking part in the services to receive training. One particular decision to be implemented was the introduction of the use of 2011 edition of the New International Version of the Bible, which is gender neutral where appropriate, and in which the English flows better. Marjory MacLean outlined the particular responsibilities which the Kirk Session have with regard to Safeguarding. She emphasised that before anyone starts working with children their PVG application has to have been 11

12 processed and approved, and the person concerned approved for such work by the Kirk Session. The PVG applications for Wilma Piggot and Linda Suttie had both been processed and they were approved for working with children. Our congregation is entitled to send an elder to the General Assembly as a Commissioner this year and it was agreed that Pat May would fulfil this responsibility. At the first meeting of the year the two principal Team Reports are Finance and Property. In introducing the Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2017, Alan Robertson reported on the substantial turnaround in the congregation s finances in the final weeks of the year, resulting in the General Fund having a surplus at the year end of 281, compared to a projected deficit in November of well over 25,000. Alan highlighted many of the key points contained in the financial statements which were approved. He concluded by saying that we continue to put our trust in God for our finances and gave thanks for the outcome of the past year. Alan Hudson then reported on Property, giving an overview of work done in the past year and highlighted the challenges of the plan for the next three years. He presented the budget for In addition to the details of the work to be covered by the property team over the coming year he highlighted the need for a replacement scrubber/drier for the floors in the Burnside building at a cost of about 1,800. The property budget for 2018 was duly approved, as was the purchase of the scrubber/drier. Lesley Mackintosh then spoke to two matters. First she addressed a proposal that a feasibility study be carried out in respect of improving the kitchen facility at the Rodger Memorial building, given the amount of catering being done in that building particularly in relation to Messy Church and other outreach activities. After some considerable discussion about the matter it was agreed that we should ask an architect, whom Lesley already had in mind, to inspect the building and prepare a report on the building and the feasibility of enlarging and improving the kitchen. The report should be available for the next meeting. Lesley then raised the question of the name we use for the Rodger Memorial building in our communications, having circulated a paper outlining the issues particularly as they relate to outreach and the identification of the building within the community. It was agreed that our publicity and communications should now refer to the Blairbeth building and not to the Rodger Memorial building. 12

13 The final item was the proposal that the amount payable from our SU Holiday Fund to support someone going on an SU holiday should be increased from 10 for a weekend and 25 for a week to 25 and 50, respectively. There was sufficient in the fund for the purpose and the proposal was agreed. Alan Thomson, Session Clerk. Parking request We have had some complaints from our neighbours at both church buildings about cars being parked over (and in some cases in) their driveways. Please park considerately and ensure you leave access to driveways clear, even if only parking for short periods, so we can maintain good relationships with our neighbours and continue the use of our buildings for church and community-based activities with their support. Thanks you for your cooperation. Walk to Church Challenge! For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. Romans 11:36 As an Eco-congregation we share in the vision of a Scotland that cares for God s creation, now and forever. We are called as a church and individuals to take practical action to reduce our environmental impact. One of the changes we can make is reducing our car use, so as the weather (hopefully) starts to improve, we are launching a Walk to Church Challenge for four Sundays starting on 29 April. There will be more information on Sunday 22 April and the opportunity to sign up to the challenge. Lodging House Mission update Following the success of the 2016 project to commence Saturday opening, LHM decided to open on Sundays for the duration of the Winter Night Shelter (1 December March 2018). The board have made a decision to open permanently on a Sunday. LHM s opening hours are now: 8am-3pm, 364 days every year (closed New Year s day). 13

14 Welcome rota for April, May & June 1 Apr Marjory MacLean Margaret McPherson Joyce Thornhill Susan McGregor Alan Robertson 8 Apr Marjory MacLean Margaret McPherson Joyce Thornhill Joan McNab Neil and Moira Hopper 15 Apr Marjory MacLean Margaret McPherson Joyce Thornhill Joan McNab Gwen Brown 22 Apr Marjory MacLean Margaret McPherson Joyce Thornhill Joan McNab Alan and Andrea Thomson 29 Apr Chris Mackintosh George Wynne Margaret Russell Joan McNab Linda Suttie 6 May Morag McGown Chris Mackintosh Bill McLennan Jean Goldie Helen Morrison 13 May Morag McGown Ross Galloway Bill McLennan Joan Low Chris Mackintosh 20 May Morag McGown Tom Pollock Bill McLennan Norma Duncan Irene Craigie 27 May Morag McGown Susan Gordon Bill McLennan Una Neil Alan Robertson 3 June Chris Mackintosh Liz Cherrie Eleanor Crawford Rona Weetch Neil and Moira Hopper 10 June Chris Mackintosh Liz Cherrie Eleanor Crawford Margaret Russell Gwen Brown 17 June Chris Mackintosh Liz Cherrie Eleanor Crawford George Wynne Alan and Andrea Thomson 24 June Chris Mackintosh Liz Cherrie Eleanor Crawford Jean Goldie Linda Suttie 14

15 SUMMER ISSUE OF CONTACT The deadline for copy is SUNDAY 20 MAY and will be available for distributors on Sunday 3 June Items can be handed in to the church office or ed to the editor, contact@burnsideblairbeth.church Data Protection Act, 1998 It is normal practice to include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of our office-bearers and other individuals in our church publications. If any person does not wish to have their personal details included they should inform the Communications Team Leader. Burnside Blairbeth Church Scottish Charity No. SC Church of Scotland Congregational Reference:

16 Our thanks to Alasdair Robertson For some 48 or more years there has been a routine prior to you receiving your copy of Contact. In the week before its distribution Alasdair Robertson would come into the church building, towards the end of the week, where he would painstakingly count out copies of the magazine into appropriate piles, ready for distributors to give them out. This is the first edition of the magazine where that has not taken place. The office team have now taken on this responsibility. We are very grateful to Alasdair for his quiet and conscientious service and acknowledge that in doing this he is typical of many in our congregation who faithfully and without fanfare get on with all sorts of practical jobs serving in Jesus name. Thank you Alasdair. JUMP - Wednesdays pm We kicked off JUMP kids club for P1-7 on Wednesday 7 February at the Blairbeth building, in place of Story Keepers and Megaquest. It has been an exciting start to the club with just over 30 children on our books since we started with us averaging between children per week. We have spent time looking at how God loves and welcomes children, can use whatever we have to offer and how he knows us. We have now moved on to who Jesus is and this will lead into the Easter story. We are so excited about where God is taking this group, please pray that the children would continue to grow in knowledge of who God is, pray that we can link some children into upcoming SU camps and pray for the continued strength and energy of our volunteers. We would still love for more people to join our team to help. And it could be in any capacity from registration to serving drinks and biscuits. If you are interested, please let Andy MacArthur know. 16