The Link. Church Calendar Weekly Events. Events: September Events: October Issue 47. September Sunday Morning Worship West Kirk

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1 Church Calendar Weekly Events Sunday Morning Worship West Kirk 9.45am September 2012 Issue 47 Polbeth Harwood 11.15am Sunday Club West Kirk Hall 9.45am JAM Club Polbeth Harwood 11.15am Monday Beavers West Kirk Hall 6.00pm Tuesday Craft Club West Kirk Hall 10.00am Bridge Club West Kirk Hall 7.00pm Wednesday Cafe Polbeth Harwood 10.00am Cubs West Kirk Hall 6.00pm Thursday Scouts West Kirk Hall 7.30pm Events: September 2012 Saturday 1st Candy Bar West Kirk 10.00am Sunday 2nd Communion Thursday 6th Session Meeting West Kirk 7.30pm Sunday 9th Souper Sunday Service followed by brunch in aid of Church of Scotland HIV/Aids Appeal West Kirk 9.45am Thursday 13th Joint Session Meeting West Kirk 7.30pm Tuesday 25th Emmaus Group 19 Learmonth 7.30pm Cres. W Calder Sunday 30th Back to Church Service West Kirk 9.45am Events: October 2012 Monday 1st Guild West Kirk 7.30pm Thursday 4th Joint Session Meeting Polbeth 7.00pm Saturday 6th Candy Bar West Kirk 10.00am Sunday 7th Harvest Thanksgiving Tuesday 9th WLPC Guild Autumn Rally West Kirk 7.30pm Friday 12th Harvest Hoe Down West Kirk 7.30pm 24 The Link The magazine for the linked congregations and communities of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood. 1

2 Interim Moderator Rev Dr Andre Groenewald 8 Manse Court, East Calder EH53 0HF Parish Assistant Diane Stirling 28 Kaims Court, Livingston EH54 7DB West Kirk Polbeth Harwood Session Clerk Session Clerk Stewart MacRae Marian Kinsman 23 Westmuir Road 12 Langside Crescent A prayer for anyone going through a storm (based on Mark 4:35-41) Lord when the storm rages, When the wind and the waves seem as if they will overwhelm us, Help us to know the stillness of your presence and your peace. And even if you seem to be sleeping through our storm, May that, in itself, be a reassurance that we are safe. You are with us. You will not abandon ship. You will bring us through any storm life throws at us. We will reach the end of our journey Safely in your company. Thank you Lord, Amen. By Daphne Kitching West Calder EH55 8EX Polbeth EH55 8UW sessionclerk@westkirkofcalder.co.uk Marian.kinsman@polbethharwood.co.uk Treasurer Deputy Session Clerk William Calder Irene Stevely 25 Harburn Road West Calder EH55 8AJ Treasurer Sandra McCabe treasurer@westkirkofcalder.co.uk West Kirk of Calder(Church of Scotland) Polbeth Parish Church of Scotland Charity SCO04703 Charity SC17373 Congregation Congregation Newsletter Editor Gardeners and Flower lovers! As well as new roses to celebrate the Queen s Diamond Jubilee, this year sees the introduction of a pink floribunda bush rose called Mercy Rose, specially grown in aid of Mercy Ships. Information can be got by ing info@mercyships.org.uk Gardeners, are by their nature, forward planners. It would be good to be able to plan ahead to fundraising ideas for a Fair or Candy Bar late next spring by potting up some of the extra growth on favourite plants this autumn and share them whilst contributing a little to church funds. thelinkeditor@west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk 2 23

3 Parish Record Baptisms Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 1st July 2012 Adam George Campbell, infant son of Joyce (nee Graham) and Andrew Campbell at West Kirk. Dear members August Manse Court East Calder EH530HF 29th July 2012 Laila Ann Rice, infant daughter of Ashley and Brian Rice at Polbeth Harwood. Deaths Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. 27th March Ian Whigham, Hartwood Road, West Calder 10th April Thomas Brunton, Cobbinshaw, West Calder 11th April Joseph Fleider, Livingston Nursing Home 27th April Catherine Calder, Woodlands Nursing Home 29th April Annie Muir Gibb, Woodlands Nursing Home 2nd May Jacqueline Nicholl, Everard Rise, Dedridge 18th may Keith Warrington, Westmuir Road, West Calder I hope you are all well. The summer has gone by almost too quickly. I had such an amazing time on Skye, Harris and Lewis - two weeks spent mostly resting, and admiring the beautiful landscape. It is no wonder that Skye is called God s own country. As a family we did not have one midge bite and only two days where it really rained. We are indeed so thankful. As soon as we got back from the holidays, things soon started moving again at a fast pace. The holiday club in my own Parish has been a huge success and I think we have done our part introducing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many children. Lorna Graham from the West Kirk participated in the Holiday Club and also invited others from West Calder to attend different events during the week. It would be very good for the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood to do something similar in combination next year. 18th May David Swan, Parkhead Cottages, West Calder 19th May June Kelly, Langside Gardens, Polbeth 13th June Nancy Byers, The Glebe, West Calder 15th June Jean MacKinnon, Main Street, West Calder 20th June Alan Mercer, Woodlands Nursing Home 25th June Jeanette Ferguson, Parkhead Gardens, West Calder 29th July Catherine Anderson, Parkhead Crescent, West Calder 4th August Stuart Fearn, Beechwood Gardens, Blackburn 9th August James Walkinshaw, Harburn Road, West Calder To all who have lost a loved one we extend our sincere sympathies and prayers. 22 Hopefully both churches can work closer together in the new year ahead sharing in more activities. Everything the church does, comes down to just one thing: sowing the seeds of our faith. But it is only seeds we sow - God is the only one who can make them grow as we read in Mark chapter 4:1-9. This passage tells about a farmer in Jesus day who was sowing seeds. He scattered the seed which fell on different types of ground. Whilst the first three places did not give the seeds any opportunity to grow, the fourth piece of ground was excellent for the growth of the seed. Then Jesus said to them: He who has ears to hear, let him hear. So what is the meaning? In his gospel, Mark tells us all about those who are part of the kingdom and those who are not. Clearly the seeds that fell on the worst possible soil did not have a chance. So what does it mean then to us? 3

4 There can be different interpretations, but the one that is most appealing to me is the fact that we as people of faith often find that our journeys of faith are not always the same. Sometimes it is as though we feel very close to God, while at other times we think we are praying to a brick wall. Sometimes we can be in a rocky place where we experience God to be distant and far away from us. Other times we can be among friends or in situations that are like thorns, preventing us from being close to God. Again, other times we can find ourselves on the hard paths of life where we are so busy with the temporal things we totally forget about the things that can give us eternal happiness and peace. We must be like sunflowers that always lean towards the sun. We must look up to God to strengthen our faith, hope and love in everything we do, think and say. Only God can help us when we find ourselves in a very bad place in our lives of faith. The most important lesson from this parable is that we need to understand that only God can make the seed grow even that which fell on bad ground. God is a God of mercy, grace and love. He is the Almighty God of heaven and earth who can do anything. May we never interfere in the workings of God and may we trust him enough to know that He is in charge. I pray that if you are currently experiencing that bad place with regard to your faith, just close your eyes and ask God to rescue you. All my best wishes, André (Interim moderator) Pulpit Supply 2nd September 9th September 16th September 23rd September 30th September 7th October Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald Ms Sarah Elliott Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald Rev Dr Andre Groenewald Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald 4 21

5 Alan Mercer Margaret & Alan Mercer, married in 1947, were a very devoted couple who had spent their last 2 years together in Woodlands Nursing Home. It seems such a short time since Margaret s funeral on 7th January this year and although Alan put on a brave face in his latter months, he pined for his wife and rapidly deteriorated. Alan, a Londoner from the Tottenham area, will be remembered by many as an unassuming and conscientious man, with a great sense of humour, always helping others and serving the community a real gentleman. As a boy growing up in the capital, his main passions were school, Tottenham Hotspurs football club and the Boys Brigade, in which he remained active for many years, serving as a captain. With the outbreak of war imminent in the late thirties, Alan was one of thousands of youngsters evacuated from the city, an experience which helped mould his character of optimism strengthened by Christian faith. After the war, and early in their married life, Alan studied architecture, then followed a career in new town planning, which, via Norfolk, Berkshire, and Essex, brought the family to West Lothian. In 1965, he became Principal Architect responsible for the development of Livingston New Town. A member of Polbeth Harwood, he regularly took his turn at readings and also playing the organ. This gave him the opportunity to further enjoy another of his passions, classical music. At Polbeth too, he met up with another Londoner, Frank Mabbot. The two had a great affinity with each other, often entertaining in cockney rhyming slang and introducing Rev William McLaren to the language. In retirement, Alan continued his work in the community as a member of the local Probus Club, helping out at Braid House. Our sympathies and prayers are with the couple s three daughters, their families and old friends in their loss of such a wonderful couple. AG Guild Corner This coming session will be the 125th anniversary of the Guild nationally and here in West Calder we will be doing our bit to celebrate this marvellous milestone. More on that next month. Over the years, the Guild has continued to embrace social change and still now today actively works and campaigns for a better world in Christ s name. It was initially founded to bring more women into the Church and with the start of our new session on Monday 1st October, we d like to invite anyone interested to join us. In keeping with social change, men are welcome to come along these days too. After all, the current General Secretary is a male! We are delighted Sadie Elliott will be with us on the opening night, talking to us on the topic of the new 3 year strategy, Whose we are and whom we serve with this session s theme - Faith to Proclaim. We will be welcoming our fellow Guild members across West Lothian to the church on Tuesday 9th October when we are hosts to West Lothian Presbyterial Council s Autumn Rally and the Moderator of West Lothian Presbytery, Rev Richard Houston, who will participate and celebrate communion with us. It is some years since West Kirk have hosted a rally and a good turnout of home support would be encouraging. On 15th October, we will have Glickmann s Sweets along to tempt us with tasty samples. We re looking for good support that evening so again, all are welcome - especially if you have a sweet tooth! Secretary WHY NOT.see this edition of The Link IN FULL COLOUR by visiting the web site www. west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk 20 5

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7 "Would you like to come to church with me? If you re stumped Answers can be found on the Sunday Club page of the church website on SUNDAY 30 th SEPTEMBER at 9.45am WEST KIRK Back to Church Sunday has caught on in many churches everywhere in many denominations since it was first introduced in At its heart is the oldest idea of all a personal invitation. It was one which made fishermen leave their nets; shepherds their flocks; tax collectors climb out of trees. Everyone in the community is warmly invited, personally. 7

8 West Kirk Fund Raising Group The group met recently to discuss events as we head into the autumn. On Saturday 1st September we held the first Candy Bar of the new session. This will be followed by a similar event on the first saurday of the month throughout the winter, with the exception of January. Morning coffee is served at 10am and lunches from 12 noon 1pm, when there is always a varied, home cooked menu to choose from. There are also stalls - for which donations are welcomed selling home baking, soft goods, books and gifts. Candy Bars have proved a popular social occasion over the years as well as raising much needed funds towards the upkeep of the West Kirk. Do come along and enjoy a pleasant morning with friends old and new. A family event is planned to celebrate Harvest see below. The annual Whist Drive is planned for late October. More details in the October edition of The Link. Jill Murray ( Convener) Whenever I buy something, the retailer makes a donation to my good cause. They've helped other causes raise over 3,000,000 so it really does work. I'd be really grateful if you could use easyfundraising too. It won't cost you a penny extra to shop through easyfundraising and you can even save money with special offers and voucher codes. So please make a difference to my good cause and take a look at easyfundraising today - Thank you very much. The Emmaus Group Eleanor Lawton The Emmaus group will be starting up again in September after our summer break. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at David and Aileen Hull's house; 19 Learmonth Crescent, West Calder from about 7.30 until 10pm. There are three main parts to the evening; a cuppa and a chat, Bible study, and a time for prayer. We like to have time at the beginning for a chance to catch up with one another and hear how things are going for our families and friends. We then read through a passage in the Bible; get background information on when or why it was written; talk about what it means to us; and discuss how it applies to our lives today. Finally, we have time to pray for one another, for our church, our community and for concerns in the wider world. 8 Please come and join us if you are able to on Sept 25th. We are aware that some people who would like to take part in the Emmaus group can't come along on the night, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you could take part in another way... by giving us suggestions for our prayer time. If there is anything you would like the group to pray about please let us know (speak to David Hull (phone ) or Jean Pringle). Amazing things have happened on the Emmaus road - we invite you to join us on the journey. Meeting dates for the Autumn/winter: September 25th, October 30th, David Hull 17

9 Eleanor Lawton s Fundraising News Eleanor has successfully been selected to travel with this volunteer organisation to Australia in July 2013 for either a 5 or 11 month placement as a teaching support assistant. She is working towards raising a total of 4,500 to enable her to accept the placement. She has much to offer those who will work and live with her during her time in Australia but she in return will gain so much confidence and self belief in her abilities from the experience. It is a wonderful opportunity that God has laid in her pathway into adulthood. To date she has raised 1,600. A very successful Beetle Drive raised 435 and a number of enquires have been received asking when the next one is as it was such fun...there will be another one but not until early next year as she has a few more fundraising ideas to complete first. Aonghas is hoping to gain sponsorship to climb Arthur Seat as his personal challenge, so watch out he will be round with his sponsor form soon before the winter weather sets in. One of the easiest ways to support Eleanor's fundraising without costing you anything extra is if you or any friends or family who shop online register using the following link with Easyfundraising. By registering and letting Easyfundraising be on your toolbar her account will automatically be boosted by 50p from the company. All the donations she will receive will be a percentage donation by the companies to her named charity and if you are a tax payer she can also benefit by gift aid so even the Government will help her on her way! Eleanor will now explain the technology bit... Dear Friends reading The Link I'm helping my good cause to raise money whenever I shop online - could you do the same? On Easyfundraising I am registered as Volunteering In Australia Eleanor Lawton It's very simple - just visit to register and shop with over 2000 well known retailers like Amazon, Argos, M&S, ebay and many more. 16 Sunday Morning Worship - Tanzanian style! Whilst with the Vine Trust in Tanzania in July, work party members spent a large portion of our time labouring to help build a home for 45 orphaned and vulnerable children affected by the fallout of HIV /AIDs in the rural parish of Fuka, Sunday morning was no exception for the hour s drive from our hostel in Moshi. Services are conducted locally in 2 churches, 25minutes walk apart, both at 7am and at 10.30am. The senior pastor advised us the 7am services were more popular with local people but the party opted to attend at 10.30am, making 2 groups so that we could have a presence in both congregations. After a warm welcome from the officiating pastor, protocol demanded a reply from the eldest member of the party (a privilege of age which required me to learn a few phrases in Swahili!) The service, attended by around 200 people, started with an exuberant gospel hymn from a choir of almost 40, followed by the reading of the intimations for 15 minutes! The congregation stand for the bible reading and prayers which comes as a welcome relief as the sermon lasted almost 40minutes. The giving of offerings plays an important part of the service. Everyone contributed to the first two, of freewill envelopes and open plate, then a special congregational appeal where several members came forward to the plate to contribute (and this was counted during the service to announce the total) and lastly an open appeal where anyone attending could donate. Interestingly, during the uplifting of the first two offerings the choir sang Mayenziwe ntando yakho (Your will be done on earth, O Lord) which Rev Gordon Jamieson had our own congregations singing recently. Those members who could not afford to give financially, brought produce which was auctioned after the service. So we came back to the main base with oranges, avocados and papaya for the children. The service ended with the celebration of communion in which all the congregation participated and was conducted very efficiently - there was hardly time to empty your thimble before empties were collected! By Scottish standards this was a marathon service of two and a half hours but we were assured it had been cut short for our benefit! Liz Dyer 9

10 On Sunday 24th June, the Jam Club planned the service and led us in worship and this was enjoyed by all who attended. Towards the end of the service, all children were presented with books. After worship was over, we climbed aboard the bus heading for the Silver Sands at Aberdour. It was good to have some friends from the West Kirk with us. When we arrived at the beach, we found 2 gazebos erected and a lovely picnic waiting for us. While we were eating we had to huddle together to shelter from a heavy shower. However, the rain soon went off and the skies cleared to leave us in beautiful sunshine for the rest of the day. The children had lots of fun on the beach and in the sea. At 5 o clock it was time to board the bus for the return journey. We were all tired but very happy and looking forward to the holidays from school. JAM Club resumes on Sunday 19th August at 11.15am. at Polbeth Harwood All children are welcome. Why not join us to find out what it is all about. We d love to see you there!! Contribution deadline for the next edition All contributions for the October edition of the magazine should be submitted to the editor, preferably by , before 23rd September. BLYSTHSWOOD SHOEBOX APPEAL 2012 This years appeal follows the usual format. The leaflets and posters are pending but in the interim Rhoda and her team of shoebox wrappers are busy wrapping empty shoeboxes ready to sell for 1 in the coming weeks for those who would like to support this worthy cause. The first boxes will be available for sale at the September Candy Bar in the West Kirk and every Sunday thereafter in both Churches until the last weekend in October. If filling a whole box is too much for you to do alone, why not team up with others to share filling a box. Take a box to work and let your colleagues help complete the list to fill a box. Others may feel they would find it easier to donate money for Rhoda to buy items to help fill the spaces in the boxes when we come to checking the boxes.any queries regarding the Appeal please contact Rhoda on in the evenings or by Rhoda@roseview.fsworld.co.uk The final Sunday for handing in completed Shoeboxes will be October 28th - you will all have had an extra hours sleep that weekend so should be full of energy for the Sorting Session that day! More information will be coming in the weekly intimations and once the leaflets arrive. Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. Yours in The Lord's Service Rhoda Lawton 10 15

11 Ever wonder what the Christians did for the Olympics? CROSSWORD Across 1 A little later someone else saw Peter and said, You are one of them (Luke 22:58) (4) 3 Giving (1 Peter 2:5) (8) 9 They came to Jerusalem seeking an infant king (Matthew 2:7) (3,4) 10 An athlete... does not receive the victor s crown unless he competes according to the (2 Timothy 2:5) (5) 11 Pacifist, temperance advocate, open-air preacher, leading 20th- century Methodist, Donald (5) 12 Come quickly to, O Lord my Saviour (Psalm 38:22) (4,2) 14 The God of Abraham,, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus (Acts 3:13) (5,3,5) 17 Sear by intense heat (Revelation 16:8) (6) 19 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust (Psalm 118:8) (2,3) 22 Goods (Nehemiah 13:15) (5) 23 i.e. train (anag.) (7) 24 Surrounding area (Luke 24:50) (8) 25 Righteousness will be his and faithfulness the sash round his waist (Isaiah 11:5) (4) Down 1 Elegant and creative (Exodus 31:4) (8) 2 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all, but we will all be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51) (5) 4 I... delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your is (Colossians 2:5) (5,2,6) 5 Enlist (2 Samuel 24:2) (5) 6 Of the Muslim faith (7) 7 Sharp intake of breath (Job 11:20) (4) 8 Woven cloth (Ezekiel 16:13) (6) 13 Plentiful (Romans 5:17) (8) 15 CIA char (anag.) (7) 16 Paul and Silas stopped him committing suicide after an earthquake in Philippi (Acts 16:27 28) (6) 18 One of the ingredients in the making of incense for the Lord (Exodus 30:34) (5) 20 Episcopal headwear (5) 21 Inhabitant of, say, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia or Bulgaria (4) 14 This past summer, thousands of Christians across the country have taken part in the Olympic Games. They may not have raced, jumped, swam or cycled, but they still gave their all in helping make the event a success. They were working with the Christian umbrella agency for the event, More Than Gold, which created the largest ever inter-church response to the Olympics. And so it was that Christians from all over the country spent the summer: running events for their communities, including large screen festivals (possible total attendance 500,000), family fun days, children s clubs, street parties and more. volunteering as Games Pastors (more than 300) to serve those passing though main transport hubs offering free accommodation for over 300 family members of competitors who would otherwise have been unable to attend serving in teams giving out water to visitors and spectators led by The Salvation Army welcoming more than 1,500 people mostly young adults who came in from 40 countries to support churches as they engage with and serve their communities attending almost 700 free performances by international musicians, dancers and visual artists across 30 venues including Southwark Cathedral, Westminster Abbey Green and Methodist Westminster Central Hall sep12_cartoon_1.tif Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be held on Sunday 7th October 9.45 am West Kirk 11.15am Polbeth Harwood 11

12 SOUPER On Saturday 4th August, 7 ladies from the two congregations met at Livingston Bus Station to head off to Bridlington on the church holiday. There were 27 people in total from various locations across the country.we stayed at the Balmoral Hotel in Bridlington, where we enjoyed comfortable accommodation and wonderful food ( full English breakfast and 5 course dinner each evening!) Our first trip was to Whitby with a stop in Goathland, the setting for Aidensfield in Heartbeat. Next day took us to York where we enjoyed a trip around the city on the open-top bus and a stroll through the Shambles. We had 2 half-day trips to Flamborough Head and Sewerby, and to Beverley with the opportunity to visit its very impressive Minster. Our final day was a visit to Scarborough. We were very lucky to have beautiful sunshine during our week away. We boarded the bus for our return journey with lots of new friends, happy memories and a few pounds heavier! Look out for the intimation ofnext year s destination in the New Year if you would like to join us. Marian Kinsman SUNDAY The West Kirk will be holding this event on 9th September as part of the fundraising arm of the Church of Scotland HIV programme. The Church is committed to supporting partners overseas as well as a number of projects at home. In Scotland, the Body Positive Tayside organisation is supported, whilst overseas, partners in India, Thailand, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Israel are helped. All the organisations are working to eliminate the stigma and isolation of sufferers in their communities. The overseas partners are also involved in the much wider implications including voluntary testing, counselling, education (both of youngsters in schools and adults in communities), treatment, nutrition, accommodation for children and shelter for adults. In Zambia, the theological college is giving consideration to and training in an HIV competent church as well as practical skills for trainee ministers in home- based health care, and counselling to help them run community HIV schemes. Current statistics from 2011 UNAIDS Report state on the plus side AIDs related deaths in under 15s has dropped by 20% since 2005 Antiretroviral medication is 96% successful in preventing onward transmission of the virus Annual new infection has fallen globally by 21% between THANK YOU to everyone at West Kirk Sunday Club! Thank you very much for the book that you gave to Adam for his Christening on July 1st Also thank you for making our friends children feel so welcome at your Sunday Club. Our friends have asked us to pass on their thanks and said their children had a great time playing in the church hall. From Andy, Joyce and Adam Campbell. BUT There are still 34 million people worldwide living with HIV Less than 50% of those needing medication have access to it Global funding for AIDs response fell by 10% in 2010 Editor s Note - Whilst out in Tanzania, I came in contact with several local NGOs who worked extensively and comprehensively trying to address all angles of this challenging situation. They have the plans, the belief and the commitment. The only thing they lack is resource to make life change in their communities