Menstrie Parish Church of Scotland Spring 2018 Newsletter
Our Interim Moderator I am pleased to write an article for the church magazine in order to introduce myself to those of you I have not already met and to explain how things will proceed with the vacancy. I have been minister at St. Serf s Church, Tullibody for just under two years and I was appointed as Interim Moderator of Menstrie Parish Church at the end of January. I am pleased to have met with the Kirk Session and to have conducted the service in Menstrie on Sunday 18 th February. I look forward to working with the congregation in the future. I am also grateful to your outgoing minister for meeting with me and making the transition an easy one. For the time being Sunday services are being conducted by a rota of pulpit supply. I am attending to pastoral matters along with the pastoral care group and Kirk Session. The Kirk Session and I are looking into the question of employing a locum minister. If we were able to do so this would provide continuity for the congregation over the coming months. In any case all the various church activities go on as before and it is very much business as usual. As far as processing the vacancy is concerned the process has been put on hold on a temporary basis. The official name for this is that the vacancy has been Sisted. This is being done for two reasons. The congregation will know that the previous minister was inducted on the basis that, had the minister of Alva left before she did, she would have become minister both of Alva and of Menstrie. This arrangement is called a deferred linkage. Because a vacancy has arisen the presbytery will automatically take the opportunity to review that arrangement. Representatives of the congregation have been asked to attend the presbytery meeting on 1 st March. 2
In addition it is widely known that the Church of Scotland is short of ministers. It is proposed that the General Assembly which meets in May will reduce the number of ministers allocated to each presbytery. The reason for this is to spread the available ministers fairly over the country. If the General Assembly agrees to this the number of ministers allocated to Stirling Presbytery will fall. The Presbytery will have to consider how best to deploy the ministers it has. This will probably result in an overall review being conducted and Menstrie may have to await the outcome of that review before being allowed to call a minister. While I appreciate this is frustrating for the congregation it is a situation which hopefully will be short lived. As things develop I will do my best to keep everyone informed as to how things are progressing. In the mean time I would encourage members of the congregation to pray for the church. We believe in the God who holds all things in his powerful hands. Because of that we should look to the future with hope and expectation. Although the church is described as vacant that is an unfortunate word. There is still a congregation who meet for worship Sunday by Sunday. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is present as people gather in his name. Over this next period in the congregation s life we will be sustained by that truth. With best wishes, Drew Barrie Interim Moderator. 3
Obituary Reverend George T Sherry. 1938-2017 George passed away peacefully on 14th December 2017. He had been seriously ill for a number of years. An illness which he bore with great courage, a strong sense of humour and a never failing faith no matter how difficult his path. He was nursed faithfully and lovingly by his much loved wife Maggie. George was minister of Menstrie Parish Church for 27 years retiring in 2004. During his time in Menstrie he had a busy congregation which included a BB company, a Sunday School, Youth Fellowship and Guild as well as other organisations. He was one of the original members of the Music and Drama Group. Many will remember with affection George's antics on stage that made the hall ring with laughter. George was not just minister to his congregation but also ministered to the whole village whether they attended church or not. Many tributes were made to George on the Menstrie Legends' website from those in the community who remembered him kindly for the way he touched their lives. He shared in the village joys and comforted in its sorrows. Many will have had a huge bear hug from George when no words were adequate. Perhaps the finest Tribute to our dear friend was the number who attended his funeral. The church was packed to capacity with standing room only. The congregation and village came together to say goodbye to a man larger than life who did so much for individuals quietly and unobtrusively. A true Menstrie Legend. 4
Office Bearer Appointments At the Kirk Session held on Tuesday 13 th February it was unanimously agreed that Margaret Perry and Isobel Munro should become Joint Session Clerks. Similarly, it was unanimously agreed that Cowan Macnair be appointed Presbytery Elder to the Presbytery of Stirling. Elders Districts At the Kirk Session meeting on February 13 th the undernoted Elders were appointed to cover the following areas- Forthvale ; Eastmains Laura Christie Glenview Ray MacLeod Middleton (odd numbers) Jim McAlpine Middleton (even numbers) Sandra Small Windsor Street (No s 2-20) Calum MacLeod Windsor Street (No s 22 & above) Les Sawers Victoria Terrace& Myreton Cottage Heather Bain Rowan Cres; Pine Cres; Willow Grove; Blackthorn Grove & Girnal Julie Lucas Farm 5
Christian Education Group Messy Church. Easter Messy Church will be held in Church Hall on 25th March from 3.00 p.m. until 4.30 p.m. There will be a mix of games, craft, stories, worship and sharing food together. Children must be accompanied by a parent or another adult. The Messy Church team look forward to welcoming families on that date. Lenten Reflections. These will be held on Wednesday evenings as part of the Bible Study Group. These Reflections will commence on 28th February in room one at 7.30 p.m. and will be led by Margaret and Lilian. A warm welcome is extended to all. 6
Holy Week services. There is a change to our usual pattern of services. As agreed by the Kirk Session due to falling attendances and our limited resources there will be no services on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of Holy Week. Easter Services will be held as follows: Monday, 26th March. Parish Joint Hillfoots Service at Alva Thursday, 29th March. Service of Holy Communion conducted by the Rev Denny Rose in Menstrie Good Friday 30th March. Service in United Free Church in Menstrie All services commence at 7.30 pm I do hope that you will manage to attend these services and you may be assured that you will be warmly welcomed. Lilian Christian Education Co-ordinator. 7
Menstrie Parish Church Guild The Guild meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm in Rooms 2/3 of the Church from September to April. The Guild is holding their Open Night on Tuesday 20th March at 7.30 pm in the Church. This year we are being entertained by Jack Delaney & Friends It should be a most entertaining and musical evening. Entry by donation and all proceeds are for our chosen project All Friends Together and other Charities. It is hoped for a good turnout of members, church members and friends. All welcome. Refreshments will be served in the hall. Tuesday 24th April at 7.30 pm is our AGM followed by a Cake decoration demonstration by Shona & Michelle. This should be most interesting for all the bakers. It will be followed by refreshments. All welcome to what should be a most informative demonstration. We are holding a Coffee morning on Saturday 28 th April from 10am to 12 noon in Rooms 2/3 with a Cake & Candy stall. It is hoped for a good turnout of members, Church members and friends. Donations would be appreciated. Entry is by donation. The annual Outing is on Tuesday 15 h May. Bus leaves from the Church at 1.30pm returning at approximately 6.00 pm for High Tea locally. It is hoped our programme will encourage new members to come along and enjoy the fellowship of the Guild. Laura Christie Secretary. 8
Finance Committee Notes The Church Accounts for 2017 are now with our External Examiner. A summary of the main aspects of these accounts are given below. The main source of our Church s income is the giving by members whether by Weekly Free-will Offering, Standing Order or Open Plate along with the associated Gift Aid Tax Recovery. Standard regular giving fell by 1874 to 45212 in 2017. We drew down 8500 from funds held by the General Trustees in Edinburgh. Income was supported with a total of 5399 being gained from Table Top sales, plant sales and the Christmas Fayre. Rental income from hall letting fell this year by 482 to 1269. Total Gift Aid Tax recovery rose to 16516 which is an increase compared with 2016 due mainly as a result of an additional claim being made for the period April to September 2017. Income from the Fabric Boxes was 1765. Special fundraising events such as the Shine Concert, the Music Evening and Quiz Night together raised 2022. The Sponsored Bike Challenge raised 2850. 9
These along with various additional other donations received from members including the Smarties Tube contributions of 1161 raised a total of 6885 towards the heating system replacement. Total income was 93889. Total payments of 86484 were made during the course of the year. The cost of the replacement heating system in the Church totalled 20681 with 9129 being paid in 2017 in addition to the 11552 initial payment previously made in 2016. The cost of the ministry was 45341 in payments made to The Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. Local Church fees and salaries totalled 9395. Heating costs were 4389 and general repairs and maintenance totalled 3950. As a result there was an overall surplus in the accounts of 7405 which is a significant turnaround from the 15840 deficit in 2016. This surplus has been achieved through a combination of the additional half year reclaim for Gift Aid tax recovery of 4654 in October and the 8500 drawn down from accounts held by the General Trustees. Our thanks is extended to all members and friends who have given financial support to Menstrie Parish Church during 2017. The first Fabric Box collection of 2018 will be made by elders during March and the second during September. It is amazing how all the small gifts of various coins can give an annual total approaching 2000. Your help and kindness is much appreciated. Jim McAlpine Treasurer 10
Extracts from Property Group Report to Kirk Session Maintenance work completed recently includes:- The organ has been tuned. Five new chairs have been purchased and installed in the church. Insulation has been installed in the Session / Vestry loft. The Ambi-Rad heating in the hall and gas boiler in the extension have been serviced. Church Heating:- It was agreed that a formal letter should be sent to Bill Hall of Alba Air regarding our disappointment in the performance of the air source heating system and requesting that he should visit the church before the end of January. (He has yet to confirm a visit) Following the identification of a gas leak in the Ambi- Rad heaters in the church it was agreed to obtain three quotes for repair and service of these heaters as a back-up to the air source heating. Church Manse A water leak had appeared in the manse kitchen due to condensation in the loft. The tank in the loft is to be drained and the fan extractor reconnected from the en-suite shower to try to eliminate the leak. Garden maintenance to be sourced from a suitable contractor. Three quotes to be obtained. Jim Young 11 Property Convener
Funerals The following funerals took place for: Rev. George Sherry 20 th Dec 2017 Jim Macfarlane 6 th Jan 2018 Bill Smith 22 nd Feb 2018 Our sympathies go out to their families. In my Father s place there are many rooms John 14:2 12
Guild Open Night The Guild are pleased to welcome back Jack Delaney & Friends, for a Musical evening in the Church on Tuesday 20th March 7.30pm Entry will be by donation. Proceeds will go to Charity & the Guild Project : All Friends Together. Refreshments will be served in the hall after this concert 13
Guild Coffee Morning is on Saturday 28th April 10am to 12 noon with proceeds going to Charity Plant sale Our annual plant sale will take place on Saturday 19th May From 10-12 noon Cake & candy stall. Teas/coffee will be served in Rooms 2/3. 14
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK. This year s Christian Aid Week starts on May 13 and the door to door collections will take place during this week. The Soup Lunch and the Sponsored Walk will be held on Sunday 20th May. We hope we can rely on your usual support during this fund raising week. Pastoral Care Group. 15
Heart and Soul Festival Sunday 20th May 2018 This great Church of Scotland Festival in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh will have a particular focus on children and young people. There will be a Family Village with stage events, a family picnic area, and lots going on. There will also be an evening music event for young people. This party in the Gardens is exciting and inspirational. It really is an opportunity to meet with others and find out what s going on in other congregations. If you ve wondered about the Councils such as World Mission or Mission and Discipleship then this is for you. You also experience open air worship. Do keep the date free in your diary. In the last couple of years we have joined Tillicoultry Parish Church bus and this may be possible again this year. 16
Music on Thursday This is held immediately after the fortnightly Community Council Lunch either in Rooms 2/3 or the hall and starts at 2 pm. All are welcome. Tea/coffee served. Dates for your diary. March 8 th Tea Dance 22 nd Old Favourites Sing along with Jim Young on Guitar April 5 th Tea Dance 19 th Film show May 3 rd Tea Dance 17 th Jim Young on Ukulele 31 st Tea Dance June 14 th Games afternoon 17
Myretoun Cottage I would like to thank the Church and everyone for flowers, cards, visits and phone calls whilst I was in hospital and at home during my illness. They were all very much appreciated. Thank you all. Mary MacKenzie ******** Thank you I would like to sincerely thank all at Menstrie Parish Church for the lovely bunch of flowers recently received. I am doing well though I get easily tired. Still have a long way to go yet. Many thanks once again for all your blessings. Grace Wallace 18
Letter from Maggie Sherry Margaret and the family would like to thank you all for your cards, flowers and phone calls and for your support during George s long illness. We were grateful for the spiritual comfort provided by the Rev. Maggie Roderick during our own Minister s sick leave. It brought us a great deal of comfort to see so many of you among the large attendance at his funeral. He would have been really pleased as his ambition was to fill the Kirk. Wishing Menstrie Parish Church every success in the future. Maggie 19
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Notes for your Diary March 20 th Guild Open Night Jack Delaney and Friends 7.30 pm 25 th Messy Easter 3.00-4.30 26 th -31 st Holy Week 26 th Hillfoots service, Alva Parish Church 29 th Good Friday service, UF Church Menstrie April 24 th Guild - AGM Cake Decoration Shona & Michelle 7. 30 pm 28 th Guild Coffee Morning 10am 12 noon 24
May 13 th Christian Aid Soup Lunch & Sponsored Walk 13 th 20 th week 15 th Guild - Outing 1.30 pm 19 th Plant Sale 10am 12 noon 20 th Heart and soul Festival, Edinburgh 31 st Guild Rally North Church, Stirling 7 pm The great gift of Easter is Hope Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake Basil C Hume (1923-1999) Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster 25
To Welcome You March 4th Margaret McKinnon, Susan Delaney Ray McLeod 11 th Jim Marshall, Margaret Perry Cowan Macnair 18 th Laura Christie, Ruth Gourley Brenda Cochrane 25 th Mary Bett, Isobel Munro Janet Leckie April 1 st Les Sawers, Heather Bain Nancy Stewart 8 th Jim McAlpine, Calum Macleod Helen Bett 15 th Jim Young, Annette Young Georgie Macnair 22 nd Sandra Small, Nancy Hay, Jim Hay 29 th Margaret McKinnon, Susan Delaney Ray McLeod 26
May 6 th Jim Marshall, Margaret Perry Cowan Macnair 13 th Laura Christie, Ruth Gourley Brenda Cochrane 20 th Mary Bett, Isobel Munro Janet Leckie 27 th Les Sawers, Heather Bain Nancy Stewart June 3 rd Jim McAlpine, Calum Macleod Helen Bett 10 th Jim Young, Annette Young Georgie Macnair 17 th Sandra Small, Nancy Hay, Jim Hay 24 th Margaret McKinnon, Susan Delaney Ray McLeod 27
Morning Services Each Sunday 11am Minister In Vacancy Our Church does not have a Minister at the moment. Anyone requiring the services of a Minister should contact- Rev Drew Barrie Interim Moderator Tel: 01259 213326 E-mail DBarrie@churchofscotland.org.uk Session Clerk: Joint Margaret Perry Tel: 01259 761398 Email : mag9per@btinternet.com And Isobel Munro Tel: 01259 762889 Email : isobel.munro11menstrie@btinternet.com Treasurer Jim McAlpine Tel: 01259 763004 Email : jimdmcalpine@yahoo.co.uk www.menstrieparishchurch.co.uk Registered Scottish Charity No SC004778 Menstrie Parish Church 28