Parish News. Dear Friends, Rev. Grace Saunders. C u m b e r n a u l d : C o n d o r r a t P a r i s h C h u r c h

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1 C u m b e r n a u l d : C o n d o r r a t P a r i s h C h u r c h Parish News Dear Friends, I spent yesterday afternoon with a painting party which consisted of young people from our Sunday School, the Boys Brigade and the Girls Brigade and their leaders. We painted Noah s Ark - a piece of art work organised by the Residents and Tenants Association. This means that we are working with the community to enhance Condorrat ahead of the Scotland in Bloom competition and to decorate the front of the church. Yet there was so much more to it than that. This is not just about a colourful picture, it is about involvement with the community and giving our young people the opportunity to express their talents. It was wonderful to see everyone working together so well... and with such imagination and flair. It looks rather impressive and very colourful, and will be displayed at the front of the church. Many thanks are due to Mr. Eadie for organising us so well. I have been watching the football on the TV and I m looking forward to a summer of sport - with Tennis, Football, and the Olympic Games. Not that I can play any of these but I am a very good and interested spectator. Talking about the Games, there was such excitement when the torch was brought through Cumbernauld and I know those who saw it felt that they were witnessing a part of history as this event is unlikely to happen for a long time. The athletes which take part in all of these events have something in common, despite their particular sport. Dedication, training, a focussed approach, a will to win; all of these 2012 go towards making a successful sporting person. We have then before us great examples not only of young people getting involved in life, but examples of how to live the Christian life. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians in Chapter 3 at verse 14, says So I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize which is God s call through Christ Jesus to the life above. Apparently Paul was inspired to write this letter in an area famous for athletic games and he observed the athletes in training and thought how much this mirrored the Christian life. To take a leaf out of the athlete s book means to have a focus on the Lord, to be dedicated and disciplined in our prayer life, and in reading the bible and to have a will to follow Jesus no matter what. At this time of year when we all go off on holiday or take days away, it is good to remember these things as it is tempting to take a holiday from our common sense or our usual way of life. I pray that the summer brings for everyone all that they could hope for, that you all travel safely, and enjoy the company of family and friends. The Lord Bless You and Keep You this summer season and remember that you are always in my prayers. Rev. Grace Saunders Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom Theodore Rubin.

Cumbernauld: Condorrat Parish Church Minister Rev. Grace Saunders (Tel: 01236 452090) SESSION CLERK Mr. Harvey Baird Tel: 729963 SUNDAY SERVICES: Morning Worship in Church & Sunday Club.11.00 a.m. ( Tea/Coffee is served after the Service ) - All Welcome - Communion Services (1st Sun March; June; September; December).

2 Cumbernauld: Condorrat Parish Church Minister Rev. Grace Saunders (Tel: ) SESSION CLERK Mr. Harvey Baird Tel: SUNDAY SERVICES: Morning Worship in Church & Sunday Club a.m. ( Tea/Coffee is served after the Service ) - All Welcome - Communion Services (1st Sun March; June; September; December)...11 am & 6.30pm. Charity No.: SCO Weekly Diary Monday BB Anchor Boys BB Company Section Choir Hall 6.30pm Hall 7.00pm Church 7.00pm website Sunday Welcome Duty Teams July 2012 Tuesday Girls Brigade Explorers Juniors & Brigaders Wednesday The Guild (alternate weeks) Hall 6.30pm Hall 7.30pm Hall 7.30pm 1st. Mr. J. Allan & Team 3. 8th. Mrs. J. Ward & Team 4. 15th. Mr. I Miller & Team 5. 22th. Mrs A. Russell & Team 6. 29th Mr. J Newlands & Team 1. Thursday Prayer Group BB Junior Section Ch. House 1.30pm Hall 7.15pm CLERK to the BOARD Mr. Gordon Ross Tel: TREASURER Mr. John Allan Tel: HALLS LETTING Mrs. Evelyn McKie Tel: ROLLKEEPER Mr. Ian Miller Tel: Parish News Editor P Taylor Logan Tel: ( ; tayval@tiscali.co.uk ) CHURCH OFFICER Mr. John Graham Tel: Points North Development Worker Donald Morrison

3 Notes from..the Session Clerk July 2012 Hi Folks, In my June notes I referred to end of term but it seems I was somewhat previous in saying that as little did I know when writing them that the esteemed, worthy and noble (just saying that to keep in his good books) editor of Parish News was planning a July Issue. However, as there was a meeting of the Kirk Session just after the June edition it gives me a chance to mention a few things which have cropped up. Also the previous edition may have given the impression that I was attending all of the Annual Displays of our uniformed organisations but in fact I was only standing in for the minister at two of them as she was away at the General Assembly. The Girls Brigade and BB Company Section Displays were absolutely terrific and at the BB one I felt very humble presenting all the awards particularly the 2 President s Badges and also the Queen s Badge awarded to Scott Simon. He. and indeed all of the boys (actually young men in some cases) were a real credit to themselves, their families, the Company and its leaders. A huge Well Done to all. I mentioned that the minister was at the General Assembly and I should add that one of our Presbytery Elders, John Newlands, also attended from Condorrat and gave a report on his attendance to the Kirk Session. The new Moderator was installed and his theme for his year in office is to be Passing the Faith to the Next Generation.A small number from Condorrat attended the Heart and Soul event in Princes Street Gardens on the Sunday and by all accounts found it both interesting and enjoyable. At our Service on 27th May, Carol Conetta, Charlene MacDonald and James Johnston were admitted to membership by Profession of Faith so I extend a welcome to them. Over recent months we have also had a number of new members by resolution of the Kirk Session or by Certificate of Transference, so although in some cases somewhat belated I welcome them also. As the minister will be on a well deserved holiday which will include 3 Sundays in July, our services then will be conducted by the Rev Marion Perry although I gather there is an intention that the Elders who attended lay preaching training may assist her. During the minister s absence any urgent pastoral matters will be dealt with by Rev Catriona Ogilvie, minister at Cumbernauld Old. In the last issue I mentioned that we had substantially agreed upon adopting a Bible Verse and a Vision Statement appropriate for Condorrat Parish Church and these were finalised at the Kirk Session meeting. The Verse is Mark chapter 9 verse 23 Everything is possible for the person who has faith and the Statement is Our vision is to be a Church which seeks to inspire the people of our community and beyond with the Good News of Jesus Christ through enthusiastic worshipping, witnessing, nurturing and serving communities. Three Aims under the headings Communication, Growth and Community Outreach were also approved. I won t go through these in detail as I understand that it is possible that this will be printed in a future edition of Parish News. The collection for Christian Aid at the Summer Fete and the Sunday following raised just over 300 so thanks to all who contributed to this worthy cause. Our Stewardship Programme in September will have as its main part a Commitment Sunday and a small group will now work on it s exact details. The Pastoral Care Team which I mentioned last month will require to undergo PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) checks, as it is likely many of those whom they visit will be elderly. They will also be given some informal training but it is hoped that visiting should begin as early as possible in the new session. As one of our afore-mentioned aims includes Community Outreach, Session has also agreed to the setting up of an Outreach Committee though at the moment membership of that is yet to be finalised. I want to conclude these notes by saying just a little about our Sanctuary Refurbishment. There was a high expectation that we might have been able to start work this summer. Unfortunately this is not going to be possible. The reason is that over the last couple of weeks or so we have heard that the 2 Major Grant Applications into which we have put a huge amount of work, and for which, with good cause we had high hopes, have not been successful. Therefore sufficient funding to allow us to proceed is not in place. One Application is subject to a Review by the funding body. For the other, we feel that the Funder has perhaps misunderstood the main basis of our need to have work carried out. We have drawn this to its attention in hope it may reconsider. I realise this news will be as disappointing for the Congregation as it is for the Steering Group. On a more positive note I can say that a number of other possible Funding/Grant sources have already been identified and researched and we are now looking to take these further. I recognise that it seems that this project has been a long time in the making but there has had to be a great amount of work going on unseen in the background. In the meantime it is only right that I acknowledge the tremendous efforts and the very generous contributions towards our own fundraising - a very essential element in seeking grants - and which I hope and pray will continue to have your support. I can now repeat what I said last month by wishing you, whatever you are doing, a very pleasant (and hopefully sunny!) summer and may God bless, guard and guide you, Harvey Baird (3)

4 Church Register Deaths: Blessed are they who die in the Lord. June (* member) (* member) 4th. Luigi Sonvico Condorrat. 7th. Alice King Carrickstone. 12th. Margaret Winters Condorrat. Marriages : Those whom God has joined together June 3rd. Miss Kirsty MacColl to Mr John Oswell London 16th. Miss Karen Hay to Mr Robert Duncan Cumbernauld A warm Welcome to our New Members all from Condorrat Carol Conetta Charlene MacDonald James Johnston Hospital Visitations. It would be extremely helpful if the Minister could be informed as early as possible, of members who have been hospitalised, giving her as much information as possible and allowing time to organise visits : Member s Full Name; District of Parish; Hospital; Ward number; etc. The Fellowship & Prayer Group Thursday Afternoons pm in Church House You will be kept in perfect peace by God, if your mind is steadfast and you trust in Him Isaiah 26:3 The peace of God assures us in troubled times that He is here; He knows about us; He will always love and be with us. Knowing this is how a discouragement or disappointment can be turned into a blessing. PEACE IS WHEN WE TRUST IN GOD! Remember: - Boxes are available at the inner doors for prayer requests. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth; rebuking error; correcting faults; and giving instruction for right living. 2Tim. 3: vs16,17. Valerie Armstrong Tel: (4) Its funny how you go through the year day by day but nothing changes, then. when you look back everything s different!

Church Flowers July 1st Mrs. Robertson 8th Mrs. Clarke 15th Mrs. Kenny 22nd - 29th Mrs. Rankin July Tea Rota 1st Mrs. Muirhead & Mrs. Robertson 8th Mrs. McKinnon & Mrs. Henderson 15th Mrs.

5 Church Flowers July 1st Mrs. Robertson 8th Mrs. Clarke 15th Mrs. Kenny 22nd - 29th Mrs. Rankin July Tea Rota 1st Mrs. Muirhead & Mrs. Robertson 8th Mrs. McKinnon & Mrs. Henderson 15th Mrs. McCallum & Mrs. Innes 22nd Mrs. Graham & Mrs. Gibson 29th Mrs. Flavell & Mrs. Rankin Many, many thanks to all who help beautify the Sanctuary each week with flowers ; and also to those who deliver them each week to the deserving. Please Note. There are some diary dates free for Flowers for the Sanctuary Please contact any office-bearer at the church door any Sunday should you wish to make this donation. The Guild July 2012 Although officially finished for the Session, we are busy planning for next year. Since the last Parish News we have had two very different outings. Eleven of us attended the Summer Rally at Abronhill Parish Church on Thursday, 7th June where our new General Secretary, Mr. Ian Whyte s address was based on the last part of our theme - "to walk humbly with our God" and was reminding us of the contribution that the Guild has made to the life and work of the Church in our local communities. This year we celebrate 125 years nationally and we have 28,000 members. Over the last three years we have raised the total of 727,756 for our 6 projects - so once again our thanks to everyone who support our Fund Raising events. We began our Annual Outing on Saturday, 2nd June by wearing Jubilee stickers, provided by Mary McKinnon, and decorating the bus with bunting. Also en route, we had a Diamond Quiz which was won by Maureen (complete with tiara) and Pamela runners-up were Irene and Norma. Altogether a great day of fun and fellowship!! Mary M Innes (Secretary) Why not come along and join us for a cup of Tea/Coffee after the Services on a Sunday? Enjoy a bit of chat and fellowship.. you may find you wish to help out! See Mrs Mary Innes. Cumbernauld Churches Together Please continue to remember our Parish in Prayer. Prayer for Condorrat Circle Condorrat, Lord. Keep protection near and danger far. Keep hope within and despair without. Circle Condorrat, Lord. Keep light near and darkness far. Keep peace within and anxiety without. Eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit Shield Condorrat on every side. Amen We are made wise not by the recollection of our past.but by the responsibility for our future. George Bernard Shaw. Parish News. All articles for the September Issue should be handed to or ed to Taylor Logan by Friday, 24th August. to tayval@tiscali.co.uk Our thanks to all who promptly deliver Parish News to our members throughout the year. (5)

6 Social/Sanctuary Refurbishment Fundraising Committee Final total raised from the Fete 1, This excellent amount is due totally to everyone's hard work and enthusiasm!!! Now on to our next endeavour-- Car Treasure Hunt on 11th August. Our next event is our Car Treasure Hunt which should be a lot of fun. We realise that there are a lot of the congregation who aren t drivers but we would love you all to be a part of this event. From the beginning of July, there will be two lists up in the coffee room. One is for all car drivers who won t have 4 members in their team and would like more expertise. The other is for the non-drivers. Please put your name on the appropriate list or ring me on The cost will be 10 per car ( ie 2-50 per person and will include food after. Time is really going in quickly and we are also looking forward to the Fashion Show As before, it will be in the Westerwood Hotel on Saturday October 6th at 12noon for Tickets are 25 and this includes a 3 course meal. Money must be paid by Sun., 26th August. Tickets will be available from beginning of July and there will be a list in tea/coffee room for orders or any member of the Social Committee will be pleased to help.. All friends, family and colleagues are more than welcome so feel free to ask anyone. Once again, Westerwood have donated a 3 month membership to the Golf Club and Two, 6 month Memberships to the Fitness Club and entries for these are open to anyone without having to attend the show itself and will be 5 a go. Everyone s support in the past has been appreciated and we hope both these events will be a great success. We look forward to seeing you all. Margaret McCallum (Convenor) (6) Remember to bring your used postage stamps to church to help in the wider work of the Church of Scotland. (N.B. It helps if you leave a bit of the envelope around the used stamp). Check out the INTERNET The 5 Cumbernauld Churches of Scotland have come together to launch a new website to share our News online. Have YOU checked it out yet? Check it out! You can t have everything. Where would you put it? Steven Wright. Important Announcement. Noah s Ark.. HAS BEEN FOUND!!! On Sunday, 17 th June 2012, the Children from the Sunday School, Girls Brigade and Boys Brigade of Condorrat Parish Church, discovered the remains of the boat that Noah built, lying at the foot of the large hall. Thoughtfully and carefully, the children began rebuilding and painting this mighty ship and brought it back to its former glory. It will now be displayed in all its splendour at the front entrance of the church for all to see and admire. Many Thanks to everyone who came along to assist with this work.

7 1st Condorrat Boys/Girls Brigade Annual Camp 25 th /27 th May 2012 Dalguise, Perth. This year s camp got off to a cracking start! The weather was perfect and the journey - by bus supplied by McDonald Coaches taking only 90 minutes to get us there was excellent (no tantrums on the bus). On our arrival we were met by Scott and Ollie our Team Leaders for the week-end. We were taken to our rooms and after depositing all the bags, on to the dining room for soup and sandwiches. Hunger pangs satisfied we returned to check out our rooms - our living quarters for the next 2 nights. The rooms were more modern than what we had experienced at our previous camps showers and toilets in each room magic! We had an area all to ourselves called Craigvinean House. This was formerly stables which had been refurbished to a high standard in the ideal setting for our week-end of fun and games among beautiful scenery. On Saturday morning everyone was up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (well sort of we were up early). Breakfast at 7.30am was quickly devoured and then off for the start of the activities. This year we were treated to 8 different activities. Four 2 hour sessions on Saturday and four on Sunday. The Sessions included Climbing, Survival, Giant Swing, Fencing, Archery, Zip Wire, Challenge Course, and Problem Solving. All courses were given by fully qualified Instructors and a full induction/instruction lesson was given before anyone was allowed to take part in that activity. The children were on their best behaviour during these talks; taking in everything and practicing/rehearsing what had to be done before venturing into the unknown. It was interesting to watch how the various age groups cope with the allotted tasks they had to undertake. Some had to overcome a fear of heights and once up in the trees they either, jumped, slid, swung, or in some cases, flew back to earth by means of the various contraptions. While this was happening, others were coming to terms with crawling through mud, getting soaked by dirty water, and making their way through a sewer pipe which ran along the side of the path, this might sound disgusting (it was!) but they all loved it so much they wanted to go through for a second time. The Challenge Course involved building a shelter made out of logs and branches; it had to be wind and water tight - with our lot, no chance! At another part of the complex, Problem Solving threw up an interesting situation where one member of the group had to take the lead in getting everyone across an imaginary crocodile infested river using only 3 planks of wood. This worked very well with lots of fun and imagination, hanging on to each other with that courage required to venture forward. On Saturday night after tea, Scott and Ollie led us in a game called Hadrian s Wall. The rules were a bit complicated and chaotic, and it lasted for ages, but all seemed to enjoy this unusual game. Later we had our campfire, where we sat around reminiscing about the day s activities and singing (well, belting out ) a few well-chosen choruses learned from Sunday School days. Violet, unknown to everyone, had managed to obtain enough bread and butter to make toast and cheese (where did that cheese came from?), which was gratefully received by everyone! On Sunday morning, no bright eyes and bushy tails today! Everyone continued their individual tasks and activities. However, after lunch, one young man was ceremoniously shaved in front of everyone. Lying on a bench, his face was covered in foam and then, a very nervous officer (Capt. Eadie), removed the covering with a very sharp knife with, thankfully, no mishaps and no blood! (7)

8 From the Treasurer Offerings (2011) Total 1st Qtr (13 weeks) April ( 5 weeks) May (4 weeks) Total (22 weeks) FWO Ord. Bank/D.D Total Wk Avge 7,598 1,499 4,492 13,589 1,045 2, ,444 4, , ,461 4,101 1,025 12,541 2,637 7,397 22,575 1,026 Last month we were 40/week up on offerings compared to last year but down by 26/week against Budget. GIFT AID Everyone who has signed a Gift Aid Declaration Form that is current should have received a letter from me as Treasurer detailing the amount of Gift Aid donations that they have made in the 2011/2012 Tax Year and the amount of Tax that has been recovered on their donations. If anyone has any questions regarding the information on their own letter or unfortunately did not receive their letter they are asked to speak to me as soon as possible. On the letter there is mention of a scheme whereby anyone who is entitled to a tax rebate may nominate a charity to receive this rebate as a donation. Please ignore this as after the letters were issued I received information that the UK Government has withdrawn this scheme from April 2012 as the scheme has not been used very much and would need an extensive upgrade to safeguard it from fraud. In fact, no one made any such rebate donations to our Church. John Allan (Treasurer DALGUISE 2012 contd. from P7. I can t mention the young man s name, but Thanks to Euan Scott for being a good sport and allowing me to perform this ancient ritual on his face. Euan is now a fully paid up member of the Pixie Club!! (Sorry I cannot reveal any details of this exclusive Club which goes back many years. It has many members who, I am sure if you meet any, will be only too happy to tell you all about it and how they became a member). A total of 52 Boys and Girls from our church Youth Organisations attended this year s Week-end Camp, and judging from the comments on the bus, all thoroughly enjoyed this new camp experience. 11 adults also attended..and.sh..ssh.. boy, were they glad when it was all over! I would like to thank all the adults, and all the Senior Members of the 1 st Condorrat Boys/Girls Brigade, for their time and assistance in making this Camp one of the most memorable we have had. I am confident that it will be a talking point for many years. A DVD has been made of the Camp and we will arrange a date when, hopefully, everyone can come along with parents and friends to enjoy the happy activities once more s Camp is booked for the 24 th /26 th May, and I am sure there will be broad smiles from our BB/GB members when they read this. Andrew Eadie Tel. No andy_eadie@hotmail.co.uk (8) NOW on

Parish News. My Friends, C u m b e r n a u l d : C o n d o r r a t P a r i s h

Parish News. My Friends, C u m b e r n a u l d : C o n d o r r a t P a r i s h C u m b e r n a u l d : C o n d o r r a t P a r i s h My Friends, Parish News What a summer we have been through. I went f on holiday the day after the vote in June and what a change that decision brought.