THEUNITED PARISH

ofCARSTAIRS

&CARSTAIRS JUNCTION

SUMMER 2014

Members and Friends,

ATTRACTING A NEW MINISTER

Over these months I have been getting to know you better, and I am hugely impressed with the great youth work and wonderful youth leaders in Carstairs Village and Junction. Also very inspiring was the way church members led a variety of different services through Holy Week. These things really cheer me because I know they will give a very positive message to any minister who might be looking at the parish. I would encourage you all to engage in a positive way in all areas of the congregation’s life over these months. Some people think that it is important to wait until a new minister arrives before anything much can happen but I would suggest otherwise. You should be looking to attract a minister to help you develop your work and your mission and not looking to help a minister develop his or her ideas. In the search for a new minister we must all support the Nominating Committee in our daily prayers that they would be guided well and represent the congregation well to any ministers who express interest in the charge.

BUILDING OPTIONS STUDY

I have said before that the congregation faces a huge challenge is finding a way to afford buildings where condition studies have shown both building need significant repair work not to mention the alterations needed to make them suitable for the 21st century. That is why we have commissioned the architect helped by a significant grant from the General Trustees to help us carry out a Building Options Study. We want to make sure that all options are properly and openly considered.

The architect presented an INTERIM REPORT at the OPEN MEETING on Wednesday 2nd April in Carstairs Community Hall and there was some very good discussion at that meeting. Having listened closely to what folk said and a further meeting with the buildings’ group the architect has been working to develop the four options. He has now prepared a Summary Report (enclosed with this magazine) and will make a final presentation of the options at another OPEN MEETING on Wednesday 4th June. I would encourage you to look very carefully at the Report and to take part in the discussion at the meeting on 4th June. Your questions and your thoughts are absolutely vital if we are going to come to a good decision about the future of buildings for the congregation.

After the OPEN MEETING we will move ahead to try to find an agreed way forward over the summer months:

1. The Congregational Board and Kirk Session, having considered all the points made at the OPEN MEETING, will meet on Wednesday 18th June for further discussion. They will then look to agree recommendations to be put to the congregation bearing in mind the need for church owned buildings and costs and likely funds available over the next 25 years.

2. These recommendations will be put to a formal meeting of the congregation at a date which is yet to be decided. This meeting will involve a vote to agree the congregation’s BUILDING STRATEGY.

3. There will likely then be a meeting with representatives of The General Trustees of the Church of Scotland and Lanark Presbytery in order to see how they view the congregation’s BUILDING STRATEGY and allow us to gain their support.

4. After these various steps we should be able to take the BUILDING STRATEGY to the meeting of Lanark Presbytery in September 2014 for their formal approval.

5. With approval of a BUILDING STRATEGY the congregation will then need to find ways of raising the funding to put it into action. We will need to look at how best to get various grants, possibly a loan, using existing congregational property funds and building up these funds over the coming years.

We have tried to make this whole process as transparent as possible to make sure that when decisions are made the congregation can unite behind what is agreed. I don’t need to underline the importance of this at a time when you are trying to attract a new minister and need to plan building maintenance and development.

PULPIT SUPPLY & LOCUM

Richard Beattie and Alan Grant, both Readers in The Church of Scotland, have been serving the congregations of Carnwath and Carstairs well over these months and I express my appreciation to them for all their caring work. Hold them in your prayers and don’t be backward at coming forward to share your own appreciation with them.

Blessings to each and to all.Russell McLarty (Interim Moderator)

The United Parish of Carstairs & Carstairs Junction

Warmly invites you to join our church family on

Sunday, 1st June 201411.30am Carstairs Village Church

When the Sacrament of the Lords Supper will be celebrated

We look forward to your company

If you are entertaining visitors that day we hope you might also ask them to share in this invitation.

CONGREGATIONAL REGISTER

Please remember in your prayers the friends and families of:

Cheryl Anne Wright, Carstairs JunctionElizabeth Tennent, Carstairs JunctionPhil Siddall, Carstairs VillageBetty Gebbie, Carstairs VillageJean Jamieson, Formerly Carstairs JunctionGrant Robertson, Carstairs JunctionJohn Greenshields, Carstairs VillageTom Mitchell, Carstairs VillageHarry Nixon, Carstairs Village

Matthew 11:28Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and

carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.(NLT)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CAR ROTA

With continued support from our existing volunteers we have been able to maintain the Car Rota till December 2014. More volunteer drivers would be welcome as we have to put on 2 cars per Sunday. If you are able to help out please contact Elizabeth Brown (870787). Copies of the Rota are available in the church vestibule.

GETTING TO KNOW RICHARD BEATTIE

It is great to have the opportunity to worship with you each Sunday and as time goes I will get to know you better as you will me but I am aware that the people of Carstairs & Carstairs Junction are at a disadvantage since I have been conducting worship at Carnwath for the last 2 years and as a result they know me well.

So, I thought I would take this opportunity to rectify the situation and tell you a little about myself and my family. I am 56 years of age, married to June and we have 3 daughters (destined to a life of poverty and watching football in the porch). Gillian is the oldest, she is married to Chris and she is a Sister in A&E at Hairmyres Hospital. Gail is engaged to Adam and works with drug addicts in Ibrox. Amy is by far the youngest. I used to say Amy was just Amy but now Amy is just Amy with attitude. I suppose it comes with being a teenager!

I currently work as a Biomedical Scientist in the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratory at Wishaw General Hospital and sometimes get seconded to other hospitals throughout Lanarkshire.

Although my work and my family take up a lot of my time I do try and play football twice a week and fit in a run round Strathclyde Park as well.

I was a member of St Andrew's Church in Hamilton before its final service of dissolution in December 2013. I still have to submit my lines to another Church with Cadzow, Hamilton being the likeliest as it ticks most of our boxes. As I was a “Son of the Manse” I have been involved with the Church all through my life and over the years I have occupied many roles. In recent years, with being a Reader in Hamilton Presbytery, my roles have been limited to attending Board and Session meetings and being a Presbytery Elder.

I have also, for the last 16 years, been heavily involved with the Hamilton Churches Drop in Centre. I have been a team leader for 2 teams and a member of the Management committee for many years. Last year I took over as Chairman of the Management Committee and it is our responsibility to provide a 3 course meal for all who visit the centre, we are also the only place in the area that issues free clothing to our visitors. There are washing facilities available but mostly the centre is a place where people can feel safe and welcome. We endeavour to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere to all who come each evening.

I hope this helps you to know a little more about me and if I mention any of my family during a children's address or sermon then you will know who I am talking about. But and there is always a but!.....I have one failing (if truth be told I have many) I have a hopeless memory for names so I will apologise in advance if I forget your name or get it wrong.

Please be patient with me.Richard

PLEASE NOTE FROM 3rd AUGUST – 7th DECEMBER

SUNDAY SERVICES AT CARSTAIRS VILLAGE WILL BE HELD AT 10AM

FOODBANK FOCUS

Dear Friends

Since the last magazine was issued, referrals to the Carstairs Foodbank satellite have averaged one per week. Yes, every week some family within our local area has found themselves in such desperate circumstances that they have had to swallow their pride and request a food parcel. It cannot be easy to ask for or to take delivery of such a parcel. Let me assure you that each and every parcel is received with heartfelt thanks and humbling gratitude by those families.

As I walk away from each door I hope this is a turning point for those inside. Please remember them in your prayers and if possible contribute with generosity of spirit.Yours, Ruth

2 Corinthians 9:7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or

under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

A big thank you to Alex Nelson for his photographs (check them out at our website: carstairschurches.btck.co.uk) and to all our magazine

contributors.

GETTING TO KNOW ALAN GRANT

In the last edition of the magazine, Russell reported that he was looking to find someone to form a third member of the Ministry ‘team’ to undertake Pastoral Support. A couple of months have passed since I started in this role and for those whom I have not yet met or who do not know me, a short introduction might be helpful.

My name is Alan Grant and I am a member and Elder of Carluke St John's. I am married to Carole and have two 'grown up' sons. I am also a Reader and have conducted worship in various Churches, mostly within Lanark Presbytery, for some 20 years. A number of folks from both Carnwath and Carstairs may recall previous involvement at times of vacancy or holidays.

By profession, I was a Mining Surveyor mostly concerned with problems associated with old mine workings. Recent retirement has now allowed opportunity for greater involvement in the Church. As a result, when approached I was delighted to offer my services in Pastoral Support. Whilst I will be primarily involved with Pastoral work, I shall also provide cover on those Sundays when Richard is on holiday.

So far, I have been finding my way around each community to meet, visit and generally introduce myself to folks, particularly those who are unwell or do not find it so easy getting out and about. During several visits I have found an unexpected connection with some who were formerly associated with the Railway and who recalled my late father, Jim Grant, a Signalman. Along with my mother, they had their first home, a railway house, at Carstairs Junction in the 1950s.

To those who have already invited me into their homes, thank you for making me so welcome. To those I have not yet met, if you see me walking around the place, please introduce your self. I trust that, over time, I can be of service to the folks of Carstairs Village, Carstairs Junction and Carnwath.

With every blessing,Alan

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

On Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th March, the congregations of Carnwath and Carstairs & Carstairs Junction selected their nominating committee. A total of 9 people were chosen 5 from Carstairs & Carstairs Junction and 4 from Carnwath. The Nominating Committee is charged with the task of finding a new minister for our parishes and bringing the name of that person to our congregations as their nominee. As such it was important that a good cross section of the congregations was found and hopefully you will agree that has happened.

Who Are We? – United Parish Carstairs & Carstairs Junction

Alan Gilchrist Alan being an accountant is auditor of our accounts, he married to Joan an Sclub Leader and has 2 daughters who have both been very active in church life and are currently at University.

Allan BurnettAllan is a Youth Leader at The Net; he is a sports instructor at the State Hospital and is married to Karen, a Girls Brigade Leader.

John MitchellJohn is a member of Carstairs & Carstairs Junction Church Board; he is an excellent baker and sings with our praise group So Sing.

Linda BrownLinda is our Youth Co-Ordinator, is involved with Messy Church and married with 2 teenagers.

Ruth CampbellRuth is an Elder and co-ordinates the Clydesdale Foodbank collections and distributions. Ruth is a Primary School Teacher.

Who Are We? - Carnwath

Betty McLeodBetty is Session Clerk, a member of the Guild and of course a familiar face at Yuill’s, Opticians in Lanark.

Elizabeth MoffatElizabeth is assistant flower convenor, is a member of the Guild and President of the local Rural.

Charlie ForrestCharlie is an Elder is a keen golfer and is a local heating engineer.

Jimmy Henderson More affectionately known to all as ‘Jimmy the Joiner’ is a co-opted member of Carnwath’s Kirk Session.

At the first meeting Alan G agreed to be Committee Convenor, Betty was nominated Vice-Convenor, Linda was elected as Clerk and Ruth as Assistant Clerk.

Progress to Date The newly elected Nominating Committee has already met three times & currently is designing a suitable Parish Profile. This profile will include, who we are, a brief history of our churches, our aims & goals, what is happening in our churches including properties, and description of local area with all it offers. A suitable advert is also being created which will be placed in Ministers Forum and possibly Life & Work Magazine. A great deal of discussion has surrounded the type of Minister we ideally would like. It is anticipated both processes will be complete by the end of May 2014. The committee will use this Church Magazine & intimations to keep you well informed of developments. “May the Lord lead us clearly and with great wisdom in our search for a new Minister”.Please keep the committee members in your thoughts and prayers as we undertake the task of finding the right person to become our new Minister.

Alan Gilchrist, Convenor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~THE GUILD

The Guild Session has finished for the summer.  We had a good day out with our Carnwath friends at Dunfermline on 10th May.  The Guild Annual meeting is in September and will be held at Caird Hall, Dundee.  Full details of all trips will be announced in the Sunday intimations and local Gazette.

The new session will start in October and meetings will be held in Carstairs Community Centre at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come and join us as a member or visitor. Meetings commence with devotions followed by a guest speaker who will normally give a talk / presentation for half an hour. We close our meetings with tea/coffee & lovely home baking.

REMINDER ABOUT OUR SUMMER GARDEN FETESaturday, 7th June from 1pm - 4pm at Carstairs Junction

Church/Grounds. In the church, there will be teas and various sales tables. Tea tickets cost £2 for adults, £1 for children.

In church grounds we are arranging all the ‘fun of the fair’.

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Sitting down with a coffee and enjoying the peace I become aware of the noises outside the lorries and cars, the engine left running, the clatter of machinery at the new school and inside the noise too - the ticking of the

clock, the whirr of the washing machine. But the longer I sit and the more I listen I become aware of the birds cheeping and the more I listen I hear not just one but several all with their own unique sound. I can hear the gentle breeze blowing through the trees and just briefly feel the warmth of the winter sun on my face. That still small voice

of God ever present amid the hustle and bustle and yet so easy to miss in the busyness of everyday life.

So like my own prayer life - quick, busy prayers for this one or that one. Sometimes, often feeling as though they are never answered and yet how often do I just sit quietly in God's presence and listen for his voice, for his answer, for his guidance, for his reassurance.Anon~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FLOWER CALENDAR

01.06.14 Miss E Brown08.06.14 Mrs S Wilson & Mrs J Summers15.06.14 Miss P Little & Mrs I Milne22.06.14 Mrs S Gauld29.06.14 Mrs Gordon & Mrs Spence

06.07.14 Mrs M Jardine13.07.14 Mr W Smith20.07.14 Mr & Mrs K Whitton27.07.14 Mrs F Cheeseman

03.08.14 Mrs K Burnett10.08.14 Mrs N Melvin & Mrs J Thomson17.08.14 Mrs M Morris24.08.14 Mrs K Langton31.08.14 Miss M Gibson

07.09.14 Mrs M Jamieson & Mrs A Howland14.09.14 Mrs M Jardine21.09.14 Mrs E Baxter28.09.14 Miss P Little & Mrs I Milne

If you would like to donate flowers speak to Mary Cowan (870580) or Hazel MacDonald (870694).

The Girls Brigade have successfully completed its 1st year and we celebrated this by hosting a Parents evening on 27th March. When we first began training we hoped for 25/30 girls. At the end of our first year we have 44 girls registered. Over the year we have been very busy doing badge work and with special events.

Our year began in September and as it was a brand new company it was important that we all learn about the meaning behind the GB badge and our motto ‘Seek, serve and follow Christ. The Explorers made a lovely banner with their handprints and the Juniors helped make a giant badge from crepe paper which is now on display in Carstairs Village Church.

During the year the girls work towards badges. In order to achieve these badges the girls have to complete 4 elements: Spiritual, Physical, Educational and Service. The initials of the elements make up the Latin word for hope (‘SPES’) and represents how each and every member of The Girls’ Brigade is a hope for the future. Equal emphasis is placed on each of the four elements to offer girls a balanced programme of activity that is designed to challenge and stimulate their personal development. We do not award separate badges for each activity so the girls have to complete each key element before being presented with a badge.

The Explorers are the youngest section and as such are just beginning their GB journey. They work for Explorer stars to represent this. As well as learning about the GB Badge we chose Animal Kingdom as our topic. Through this topic the girls learnt about the different types of creatures in our world and our responsibility to look after them. The girls have had so much fun and we covered an array of animal topics (amphibians, fish, mammals, bugs and pets at home). For the Spiritual section of our badge we heard some brilliant bible stories like Jonah and the whale, Daniel and the lions den and Noah’s ark. For Physical the girls loved playing bear and the honeypot, what’s the time Mr Wolf and they loved playing parachute games like sharks & cat and mouse. The Educational section was a big hit as they created loads of arts & crafts, like hedgehogs from their own hand prints, butterflies out of lollipops and animal masks. The girls also made some candles at Christmas time and did some baking where the girls decorated biscuits and cakes. We had a visit from the Guide Dogs for our Service section and the girls met 2 very clever dogs and discovered what a guide dog does and what it takes to train a guide dog. We had some fun blindfolding the girls and letting them lead each other through an obstacle course.

The Junior badge work is slightly different in that each element is a different topic and the girls work for circles and diamonds. The GB badge covered the Spiritual element of our award. The girls learnt about Jesus being our King, a lamp unto our feet, dying on the cross for us and being a living flame within us. Under the section Physical - undertook team games.....again the rationale for this was that the girls came from different schools, so we felt it would be great way for them all to get to know each other. For Educational we learned about the Girls brigade fellowship around the world, Africa, Europe and America, what it would be like to be a girl out there. We even had a pupil from Lanark Grammar who came to tell the girls about a recent trip she took to Zambia. Under the element of Service we learned about helping others and showing people that we do appreciate them. The girls made candles, painted glasses and made beautiful cards for Christmas (this tied in nicely with the Christmas story). Read on to find out about our French Café.

As well as badge work the girls enjoyed a fancy dress night at the end of October …..everyone, including the leaders made a huge effort…..some girls were more gruesome than others!

In November we had our Commissioning and Dedication Service in the Church which was a very proud moment for all of the leaders and although probably the girls won’t appreciate it just the same we do hope they remember it as a very special day.

At the beginning of December we had the nativity family who stopped into Girls Brigade on their journey through the villages and we were able to share the true meaning of Christmas with all the girls. Many also took part in the Messy nativity Sheep trail. We also had a visit from Santa who took time out of his busy schedule to come to our Christmas Party.

In February for Valentines, the Junior girls opened a French Café, learned some basic French they made invitations, place settings, decorated the tables, and invited along someone special and made them coffee with a cake just to show them that they are loved and appreciated.

Our first year ended with Parents evening when all the girls put on a show to reflect their work throughout the year. The Explorers told the story about the life of a hungry caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly. The girls all decorated their own wings and put on a brilliant display of singing and dancing. The Juniors took us on a journey round the world with an African dance, a beach ball game, a fast food song and dance and brought us all back to Scotland with a ‘heilan’ fling! On that night all the girls were presented with their badges.

It’s been a busy time, a challenging time, an enlightening time but most importantly a very fun time for everyone and we all look forward to our 2nd session in Girls Brigade when we start back on 4th September.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~DRAMA CLUB

The drama group put on a performance on Palm Sunday evening in Carstairs Junction Church. It was ‘the Not so Wise Men’.  Sandra and Archie played the part of the wise men, or not so wise men.   We had great fun rehearsing this.  We also took part in the Easter Sunday service.  We told the Easter story on the Village Green before the Church service.   We are having a break until mid May when we will start rehearsing for the autumn production.  This is a play written by Bill Angus.   If you would like to come and join us, we meet in the Community Centre on a Sunday evening at 7.30 p.m.

The Ivy LeafFaith is like an ivy as it clings to the rock,

By changing direction it’s able to take stock,As it grips every crevice to help shape its form,Ensuring it’s capable of weathering any storm.

No matter the width, no matter the length,Its sole purpose is to gain strength,

Faith is reality, not just a belief,Like the determination of that ivy leaf.

Bill Angus (Drama Group) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PEDAL FOR SCOTLAND, 7 SEPTEMBER 2014

If you are in 3rd – 6th Year at Secondary School and interested in taking part in Pedal for Scotland this year, please see Allan Burnett at The Net or contact him on

07536014688.

CHOICES AND CHALLENGES

That was the theme for The Net this last session and yet as we stand at the end of another session for all our youth groups it is a phrase that is so relevant to them all.

I don’t think there will be a youth leader just now who isn’t glad to have finished or just be finishing. I don’t mean that disrespectfully because every single youth leader in our church enjoys working with our young people, they enjoy serving God in that manner and yes they do enjoy the fun and chaos that is inevitable when around young people. But we are all tired, our batteries are all needing recharged and we need time out to relax and take stock.

I’m one of these sad people who always likes the recaps of the year just gone that appear on our TV at Hogmanay. It’s good to be reminded of the good bits and not so good bits. In our youth groups, the end of our session is the run up to summer but it is still good to look back and see what we did, what we achieved, what worked well, what didn’t, what made us cry then but makes us laugh now.

This year I have been very aware of the ‘choices and challenges’ that our youth leaders have faced and dealt with. September saw the reinstatement of a Girls’ Brigade Company in Carstairs and I am thankful to those who chose to speak out and dared suggest it may be possible. Likewise I am thankful for all the ladies who chose to commit themselves to a Thursday night. But it doesn’t just apply to GB, it is also true for Sclub, BB and The Net - every leader we have chose to work with young people and chose to serve God in this way. They have chosen and committed to attending each week, to preparing activities, to go to trainings and to providing a safe and fun place for all our young people.

But we have to be thankful too for all the young people who have chosen to come along and join in. In today’s world our groups are competing with dancing, swimming, martial arts and so much more but they choose to come to us. They bring enthusiasm, vibrancy and fun to every one of our groups. They make the leaders laugh and yeah sometimes cry and tear their hair out but they are all amazing and unique.

We have so much to be thankful for and yet so much to be challenged by. Both Sclub and The Net saw a drop in numbers this year which can be disheartening for all the leaders. It would have been easy to say ‘why bother’ but instead both groups saw the need

to change and accepted the challenge. Sclub introduced new material ‘Spill the Beans’ which can more easily be adapted to work with a smaller group and a wider age range. The Net threw out the activities that only work when you have 15+ and introduced activities that work better for small groups and the opportunity for more discussion. Neither changes have increased numbers but both seem to have had a positive impact on the groups and those who come along.

Leadership always provides a challenge particularly having enough leaders. The Net this year wished one of our founder leaders, Louise a sad farewell but are extremely thankful for all she brought and committed to the group in those years. We also lost our young, ‘attractive’ leaders (apologies to the remaining team but you know what I mean) who had a great rapport with all our young people. But they too had to move on and take up new challenges in their own lives. We ask God’s blessing on them all. The Boys Brigade is ending its session with a new gap in their leadership team. As a church we are challenged to support these groups to ensure their continuation and sometimes that means by giving of our time and talents.

Relevance is another challenge our youth leaders face. As I said before our young people have so many activities to choose from. When they choose us we have to ensure the activities, the ‘lessons’, the language is all relevant and meaningful to them. When you’re not the most technical minded or up to speed on the latest hits, that can be hard but to be able to meet these amazing youngsters where they are we have to do just that.

Recently someone commented to me about the lack of children in our church. It made me think and also made me sit up with surprise which is a worry given I am the youth co-ordinator. Did you know that in the weeks when Sclub, The Net, BB and GB are all on, there are over 80 children in our ‘church’? We only ever have them for a short time but as youth leaders we have to ensure every moment they spend in our groups counts. In the short time they have with us at the various youth groups, our youth leaders have to see these young people as God sees them. They have to be able to share the message of God’s love with them in a way they will understand and be able to respond to. Sometimes that means more by action than by word. Our youth leaders have to make it possible for them to meet God at their ‘church’. What a challenge but wow what an opportunity!

“Today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow”.

The boys are currently on their summer break and will resume in September. The Anchor Boys are looking for leaders/helpers. If you would like to volunteer please contact Elizabeth Brown (870787) for full details.

On 29th March the boys and family had a memorable trip to Motherwell Football Club to watch Motherwell vs Kilmarnock. A big thank you to the staff of MFC for giving the boys a day to remember. Thanks also to Carstairs Masonic Club for their generous donation of snack packs.

The Callan brothers Jordan & Findlay wrote about their experience:

“I thought today was a really good day and I really enjoyed it when Motherwell went 1-0 up, but you have to give credit to Kilmarnock they showed hustle and determination right to the end of the match which paid off for them as they won 2-1. Thank you to MFC and Carstairs Boys Brigade for all the freebies. Especially the Tickets.” Jordan Callan

“I really enjoyed the game, I thought it was really good when Motherwell went 1-0 up at half time and you saw the devastation on the Kilmarnock fans and players. I also learned that when you are getting beat you don’t give up you must keep your head up and keep playing good football, this is what Kilmarnock did and they won the match 2-1. At full time the players and fans were amazed”. Finlay Callan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Messy Church is a way of being church for families involving fun. Its

values are about being Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Our team will be getting together over the summer break to organise the September evening. Messy church meets in Carstairs Junction community hall. If you want to be involved please contact Linda (870028).

SoSing

SoSing continue to perform at Sunday Worship and Church events. We normally practice on the first Sunday each month. If you enjoy singing please join us, there’s no need to have a stunning voice – the main thing is that collectively we lift our voices and make a joyful noise. If you would like more information or just want to chat about it please call Ann on 0782685 2391. Or speak to any of the SoSing members.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~JIGSAW

Joining In Growth, Sharing and Worship

This is a good opportunity to study the Bible in a bit more detail, in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Everyone is most welcome, why not

come along and try it.

We meet in Carstairs Village Community Centre at 7 pm.

Study Three - Monday, 2nd JuneHebrews Chapters 3 - 4:13 - Law and Grace Study Four - Monday, 16th JuneHebrews Chapter 4:14 - 5:14 - Jesus, the Great High Priest. Study Five - Monday, 30th JuneHebrews Chapter 6 - Becoming Mature Study Six - Monday, 14th JulyHebrews Chapter 7 & 8 - Jesus the High Priest of the New Covenant

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When you have read your magazine, please feel free to pass it on to someone else who may be interested. Spare copies are

available on the leaflet stand in the Church vestibule.

THE UNITED PARISH OF CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTIONFinancial Report

Offerings February - AprilFeb 2014 F.W. 2013.50 Feb 2013 F.W. £2594.00

Ordinary 128.00 Ordinary £137.00Mar 2014 F.W. 2892.20 Mar 2013 F.W. £2991.30

Ordinary 154.05 Ordinary £300.50April 2014 F.W. 2065.80 April 2013 F.W. £2199.20

Ordinary 236.90 Ordinary £95.80Total £7490.45 Total £8317.80

The Offerings show a decrease of approximately £825 over the same period last year.

Retiring Offerings Fund RaisingClydesdale Food Bank: £90.00 Lite Bite (February): £145.00

Lite Bite (March): £155.00Lite Bite (April): £133.00

The Congregational Board would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone who has helped in any way to achieve all the above totals.

Retiring Offerings for 2014 June Communion- Loaves and Fishes

September Communion- Youth OrganisationsArmistice Sunday- Erskine Hospital

We would like to encourage all members and friends to support the Church by regular giving and we offer various ways of doing this.

Standing Order - contact Lorna Bruce (870426) or email lorna.bruce1@nhs.net to get a Standing Order Mandate.

Weekly Freewill Envelopes - anyone who would like to contribute in this way can obtain envelopes from Robert Cowan (01555 870580).

Open Plate - direct giving each Sunday. Please Note all cheques should be made payable to: The United Parish of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction.

If you are a UK tax-payer no matter which method you use we would ask you to complete a Gift Aid Declaration Form. Gift Aid is a government scheme which allows members of the congregation to reclaim the tax already paid on the money you give in your

offering. Forms are available from the Gift Aid Treasurers, or pick one up from the church vestibule. For further information contact Anne Stewart (660678) or Lorna Bruce (870426)

OFFICE BEARERS

Interim Moderator Rev Russell McLartyof Linked Charge

Pastoral Emergencies Rev Helen Jamieson, Presbytery Clerk Tel. 771218

Session Clerk Keith Whitton, 69 Lanark Road, Carstairs, ML11 8QL, Tel. 870642

Congregational Board Mabel Morris, 72 Lanark Road, CarstairsClerk ML11 8QH, Tel. 870676

Treasurer Barbara Kay, 6 Howe's Way, Carstairs Junction, ML11 8SE, Tel. 870043

Deputy Treasurer Robert Cowan, 2 Lime Walk, Carstairs, ML11 8PX, Tel. 870580

F.W.O. Treasurer Robert Cowan, 2 Lime Walk, Carstairs, ML11 8PX, Tel. 870580

Gift Aid Treasurers Anne Stewart, Braxfield Road, Lanark, Tel. 660678Lorna Bruce, 8 Railway View, Carstairs, ML11 8QA, Tel. 870426

Presbytery Elder Mabel Morris, 72 Lanark Road, CarstairsML11 8QH, Tel. 870676

Roll Keeper Barbara Kay, 6 Howe's Way, Carstairs Junction, ML11 8SE, Tel. 870043

Property Convenor Vacant

Social Convenor Roberta Finlayson, 50 Carstairs Road, Carstairs ML11 8PS, Tel. 870817

Child Protection Trevor Mee & Kate Langton, 4 SilvermuirCo-ordinators Cottages, Cleghorn, ML11 Tel. 870558

Youth Co-ordinator Linda Brown, 87 Lanark Road, Carstairs, ML11 8QQ, Tel. 870028

Christian Aid Christine Lothian, 1 Howe’s Way, Carstairs Junction, ML11 8SE, Tel. 870031

Magazine Mary Cowan, 2 Lime Walk, Carstairs, Co-ordinators ML11 8PX, Tel. 870580

Lorna Bruce, 8 Railway View, Carstairs, ML11 8QA, Tel. 870426

Flower Convenors Mary Cowan, 2 Lime Walk, CarstairsML11 8PX, Tel. 870580Hazel McDonald, 72 Strawfrank Road,Carstairs Junction, ML11 8RE, Tel. 870694

CCL Licence Jennifer Whitton, 69 Lanark Road, Carstairs,Correspondent ML11 8QL, Tel. 870642

Organist Mrs Ann McMillan, 45 Belstane Road, CarlukeML8 4BG Tel. 771039

Web Site Liz Warnock, 12 Park Ave, Carstairs Junction, ML11 8PW, Tel. 870243carstairschurches.btck.co.uk

Published by The United Parish of Carstairs & Carstairs Junction

Typeset & compiled by Lorna Bruce

Printed by Riverside Printing

Carstairs & Carstairs Junction Church of Scotland Registered Charity No SCO 28124