The Church of Scotland

February 2019

ISSUE 1/19

Rutherglen Old Parish

Church Newsletter

Registered Scottish Charity Scottish Charities Number SC006856

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PASTORAL LETTER

Dear Friends,

We are now truly into winter! Often people complain -dull days - dark nights - too much rain - dangerous ice and so the list goes on.Sadly, there are few who see any joy in this season. Snowdrops and other plants pushing through the earth go unnoticed. The beauty of frost on the branches of the trees and on the grass fails to make any impact.Some people see life as an area of darkness and concentrate on the negative.Of course, we face many challenges throughout our lives and there will be times of sorrow, but there are also times of great joy.If we allow Jesus, the light of the world, to enter our lives we will find that life is much happier and brighter. He will guide us through difficult days and give us strength to cope with life. When we feel we can’t carry on- we don’t have to – Jesus will take our burden and gently lead us.Next time you feel the day is dull, read Psalm 121. It will remind you from where your strength and courage come. God is always there regardless of season.Let us rejoice in all that he has created - Yes even Winter!

blessings,

Katie.OUR CURRENT SITUATION

On 6 January at a Congregational Meeting the following members were elected to form the Nominating Committee charged with the task of finding a sole nominee to be our next Minister: J Alexander, A Bennet, G Callaghan, D Clark, I Kay, J MacDonald, H Millar, K Morris and R Stewart. For very good reasons the Church of Scotland requires the work of Nominating Committees to be undertaken with the utmost discretion so the Committee asks for the congregation’s understanding that its members are not at liberty to discuss its activities or progress.

In the event of major progress prior to the publication of the May issue of the Newsletter the congregation will be informed during our services so, to ensure that you are fully informed, please (continue to) attend church as frequently as possible. Hugh MillarSession Clerk

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CONGREGATIONAL ROLL

The following members have died:Name Address District ElderAnn Hume Dungraggan Care Home, Rutherglen, G73 4JD    26 K MorrisonMary Ewart Georgia Care Home, Cambuslang, G72 8YN   27 K MorrisonMary Reid 78 Reid Street, Rutherglen, G73 3DR    10 M Robinson

Funerals:  9/11/18 Ann Hume Dungraggan Care Home, 73 Blairbeth Road, Rutherglen, G73 4JD16/11/18 Margaret Laughland 400 Main St, Rutherglen, G73 3AU26/11/18 Hilda Callaghan 8 Wensleydale, Stewartfield, East Kilbride, G74 4QT.29/11/18 Alexander Monk 9 Victoria St, Rutherglen, G73 1DT13/12/18 Mary Ewart Georgia Care Home, 73A Greenlees Road, Cambuslang, G72 8YN21/12/18 Mary Reid 78 Reid Street, Rutherglen, G73 3DR21/12/18 Dorothy Martin 10 Greenhill Street, Rutherglen, G73 2LH

FORTHCOMING COMMUNION SERVICES

WOMAN’S GUILD

The Christmas fayre held in November was again well supported, raising over £1300. The guild were able to donate £1500 to the church funds in December.The guild project this session is Prince and Princess Wales Hospice. To raise money for this project the guild members and friends filled Smarties tubes with 20p pieces. Our final total is not yet known but a very generous amount will be forwarded to the Hospice.The guild outing this year, on Monday 13th May, is still in the planning stages, but we are intending to visit Dundee and Perth.

Myra McNairPresident

ANNUAL PARISH VISITATION

Thank you to all members of the congregation who assisted in any way (whether by delivering cards or praying for the success of the visitation) with our annual Parish Visitation at the end of last year.

Hugh MillarSession Clerk

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The main quarterly celebration of the sacrament of communion will take place during our service on Sunday, 3 March. We also celebrate Lent (10 March) and Easter (21 April) in short communions during our morning services.

While all are welcome to attend any of our services, a special invitation is extended to anyone wishing to attend our communion services.

SCOTTISH BIBLE SOCIETY

Nabil Omiesh visited various churches in Scotland, telling of the work of the Bible Society in Iraq. He and his colleagues have seen the horrors of a war torn country, yet still work with peace and joy in their hearts. He shared stories of refugees, fleeing Isis in Iraq, to neighbouring countries. Some are slowly returning, to find devastation and ruined communities, and they have emotional and physical wounds. The Bible Society in Iraq has introduced a Bible based trauma healing programme. This helps the participants to find healing and hope in God’s Word, and to discover God’s love for them.

Nabil thanked the Scottish Bible Society supporters for praying for Iraq, and all the people involved in the conflict there.

The above is small example of the daily work being carried out around the world in God’s Name.

Marjory GreigSBS Contact

Our Coffee Morning in October raised a final grand total of £799.50, for which the Committee is delighted. We had a great turnout of folks from all congregations in Rutherglen and beyond.

Our next Fundraiser is a Concert on 28th March in Stonelaw Church at 7.30pm. The entertainment will be provided by some pupils from various Stonelaw High School Bands. This promises to be a good evening, and tickets will be available in February at £5 for Adults and £2 for children. All money goes directly to further the work of Christian Aid throughout our troubled world. Thank you in anticipation of you support.

Jean Caldwell & Marjory GreigCA Committee Members

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS

The church is open to the public from noon till 2pm each Thursday for a quiet visit or meditation. We also serve tea, coffee and biscuits, but bring your own packed lunch!  This has become a very pleasant interlude for chat and company and any member of the congregation will be most welcome.

Elsa Muir.

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MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING

We were delighted to host a very successful Coffee Morning, in November, for Erskine Hospital. We received a very nice letter of acknowledgement, appreciating the £260 we were able to send them. This was due to the continuing support and hard work of our visitors and volunteers. We are open on the second Saturday of each month from 10am till Noon, so we shall look forward to welcoming some new faces in the coming months. The three Cs are always available (Coffee, Cakes and Chat).Best Wishes from The Coffee Morning Crew

ALISON, BETTY, MARJORY and SANDRA

SCRABBLE

We meet each Wednesday, till Easter, in the Session House at 2pm, and enjoy Scrabble, laughter and tea. What’s not to like about that? Come along any Wednesday and join us, whether you have played before or not. It is not a difficult game, and helps to keep the little grey cells working.

THE SCRABBLERS

WORLD MISSION NEWS

The WM Council tell us that 37 million people live with HIV worldwide. They do not look for sympathy, but support and solidarity. One way of doing this is to order Red Shoelaces from hiv@churchofscotland.org.uk sending along a donation to support the work. Then, lace up your boots, and organise a sponsored walk with friends.

Currently the Church of Scotland HIV Programme supports 18 projects in 13 countries, including Scotland. This is only possible thanks to funds raised by congregations throughout Scotland, and beyond. THANK YOU FOR CARING.

Please remember, in you prayers, all the work and workers in World Mission, and also our own Missionary Worker, Anne Davidson in Makululu.

Marjory GreigWM CONTACT

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CONGREGATIONAL GIVING

W F O Open Plate

Other Income

Fabric Total

B/f £37,896.48

£1,599.72 £13,038.34 £3,060.00 £55,594.54

Amend

-£1,000.00 £1,000.00

Oct 28 £751.00 £12.40 £508.00 £1,271.40Nov 4 £1,460.30 £66.00 £2,927.13 £4,453.43

11 £812.80 £387.37 £442.50 £1,642.6718 £967.25 £54.00 £108.60 £600.00 £1,729.8525 £981.80 £19.00 £60.00 £1,060.80

Dec 2 £1,840.30 £58.45 £846.57 £2,745.329 £2,284.30 £28.85 £1,720.00 £4,033.1516 £822.80 £48.50 £100.00 £3,000.00 £3,971.3023 £696.30 £42.04 £180.00 £918.3430 £1,701.00 £16.30 £226.36 £1,943.66

£50,214.33

£2,332.63 £19,157.50 £7,660.00 £79,364.46

Income for period ending 31/12/18 (excluding Fabric) =

£71,704.46

Budgetted income requirement per week = £1,401.00Budgetted income requirement to 31/12/18 =

£72,852.00

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GIFT AID

Are you a Tax Payer?

If so your offerings and any other donations you make to the Old Parish couldhave 25p per pound added to them.

For further information please contact Jim Alexander, Gift Aid Convener.

LEPROSY MISSION

As a congregation, we collect used stamps for the Leprosy Mission. Please use the envelope in the vestibule to donate your used stamps.

New leprosy collecting boxes are now available in the vestibule along with the summer issue of their magazine. Please take one if you are interested.Elsa Muir.

February - May Flower List

Date Donnor Deliverer Driver

17th Feb Miss M Dobbin Miss M Dobbin

24th Feb Mrs A Brown Mrs A Brown

3rd Mar Mrs J Alexander Miss J TMcTaggart Mrs M Greig

10th Mar Miss I Kay Miss I Kay

17th Mar . Mrs E Muir Mrs E Muir

24th Mar Miss I Kay Mrs J Keenan Mrs J Keenan

31st Mar Mrs E Duncan Mr T Duncan

7th Apr Ms E Cunningham Mrs I Campbell Mrs P Cumming

14th Apr Mrs A Horne Mrs C Brodie Mrs C Brodie

21st Apr Easter/ committee Miss E Paton Mrs J Caldwell

28th Apr Miss J McIntosh Mrs M Robinson Miss A Bennet

5th May Mrs J Hurst Miss M Dobbin Miss M Dobbin

12th May Mrs S Stevens Mrs A Brown Mrs A Brown

19th May Mrs P Caughey Miss J TMcTaggart Mrs M Greig

26th May Miss I Kay Miss I Kay

If you have an interest in flowers and would be willing to join the weekly rota please contact Alison Bennet Tel No 647 4415 or speak to any of the flower arrangers who are listed below for further details.

M Alexander, R Bradley, S Horne, J Keenan, and M Greig.

If you wish to make a donation to the Flower Fund this can be placed in the “Flower Boxes” located near the Church doors on a Sunday or if you wish to commemorate a special date please contact Alison Bennet.

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We thank everyone who contributes to the Church Flowers and our faithful Flower Arrangers listed above.

The flowers are very much appreciated by those who attend our services and by those who receive then afterwards.

Alison Bennet

CHURCH DIRECTORY

INTERIM MODERATOR: Rev Jeanne N Roddick B.D.   Tel: 644 1395Greenbank Manse, 38 Eaglesham Road, Clarkston, G76 7DJ

JRoddick@churchofscotland.org.uk

LOCUM Katie Morrison Mob: 078523738403b / 16 Stockiemuir Avenue, Bearsden, G61 3JL Tel: 942 3024

SESSION CLERK: Hugh Millar sessionclerk@rutherglenold.com137 Blairbeth Road, Rutherglen Tel: 634 4355

ROLL KEEPER: Brian Keenan56 Highburgh Drive, Rutherglen Tel: 647 8828

CLERK TO THE Alison G Bennet alisongbennet@tiscali.co.ukCONGREGATIONAL BOARD 3 Drumsargard Road, Rutherglen Tel: 647 4415

TREASURER: Irene Kay15 Ettrick Crescent, Rutherglen Tel: 316 4235

GIFT AID AND W.F.O. James G Alexander CONVENER: 9 Jedburgh Avenue, Rutherglen Tel: 647 0593

ORGANIST: Gordon I Callaghan18 Reid Grove, Motherwell Tel: 01698 277002

CHILD PROTECTION Alison G BennetCO-ORDINATOR: 3 Drumsargard Road, Rutherglen Tel: 647 4415

NEWSLETTER Karen Morris       caldwellkaren@yahoo.co.uk EDITOR: 6 Highburgh Drive, Rutherglen, G73 3RZ Tel: 562 1755

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PLEASE NOTE: Anyone wishing to consult the Locum may do so after the Morning Service any Sunday.

Intimation of change of address should be given to the Roll Keeper as soon as possible.

Website: https://www.rutherglenold.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RutherglenOld/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RutherglenOld/

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

To enable the Congregational Roll to be kept up-to-date would members who have recently, or are about to, change their address please either complete the form below and forward it to our Roll Keeper, Brian Keenan, or telephone him at 0141 647 8828.

RUTHERGLEN OLD PARISH CHURCH

Name …………………………………………. Date …………………………………….

is moving from Address …………………………………………….

…………………………………………….

Postcode …………………………………………….

Tel. No. …………………………………………….

   to Address …………………………………………….

…………………………………………….

Postcode …………………………………………….

Tel. No. …………………………………………….

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Please forward the completed form to: Brian KeenanRoll Keeper56 Highburgh DriveBurnsideRutherglenG73 3RZ

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