Magazine JUNE 2007

MINISTER'S LETTER

MR JACK KAY

NEXUS SCOTLAND 2007

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

BIBLE CLASS (YOUTH GROUP)

HOLIDAY CLUB

JOINT SUMMER SERVICES

SOCIAL REPORT

BEAREVEMENT CARE GROUP

CHRISTIAN AID LUNCH

RESPONDING TO THE CALL.

FINANCE

FLOWER CALENDAR

MINISTER'S LETTER

Hello Everyone,
I begin with a story I heard; One day a young man was walking along a road, when he heard something like- crying. He couldn?t tell what the sound was, but it seemed to be coming from under a bridge. As he approached, the sound got louder and then he saw a pathetic sight, there, lying in the muddy riverbed, was a puppy, about 2 months old. It had a gash on its head, and was covered in mud. Its front legs were swollen where they were tightly bound with cords. The young man immediately was overcome and wanted to help the dog, but as he approached, the crying stopped and the dog snarled and started to growl. But the young man didn't give up. He sat down and started talking to the dog. It took a long time but eventually the dog stopped growling and the man was able to draw closer, slowly, and was able to touch the dog and began unwrapping the cord. The young man carried the dog home, cared for its wounds, gave it food and water and a warm bed. Even with all this, the dog still snarled and growled every time the young man approached. But the young man did not give up.
Weeks went by and the man continued caring for the puppy. Then one day, as the young man approached, the dog wagged its tail. Consistent love and kindness had won and a lifelong friendship of loyalty and trust began.
Paul wrote, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. "- Galatians 6:9, I know some of you are experiencing difficult times, I know some of you are grieving, I know some of you are wondering when will we welcome a new minister into our midst of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction, but if we don't give up praying, if we don?t give up caring, if we don't stop loving our neighbours, if we keep going in our faith, trusting and obeying God, then as Paul said, "we will reap a harvest". But it's up to you as the congregation and Kirk Session to keep going on together, to strengthen each other, to carry each other, meanwhile remembering God is carrying you. If you are one in Christ, then the right minister will arrive.
Keep up the good work, for I know it's still on-going in the United Parish of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction.
God Bless you all,

Alison Meikle (Interim Moderator) Back to top

MR JACK KAY

Continuing our series if interviews with members of the congregation, we spoke to Jack Kay, Elder and Former Church Treasurer.

Jack was born in Lanark in 1925, and his family moved to Carstairs Junction in 1928, when his father was employed by the Railway. Jack has lived in the Junction ever since, and his education, in both Primary and Secondary school, was at Carstairs Junction, where he was the Secondary School Dux Medalist.

On leaving school he attended a college for Business Procedures after which he commenced work as a junior in a firm of solicitors located in Trades House in Glasgow. In April 1941 he accepted a post as clerk in the LMS Railway Company at the P-way Depot at Carstairs (now Cheeseman's transport depot).

Jack was called to HM Forces in May 1943, where he served as a Coder in the Royal Navy, and saw action in the Normandy Landings and the subsequent liberation of France through to Germany. He returned from HM Forces in July 1946 to take up his former post of Clerk at Carstairs.

Following nationalisation of the Railways, Jack was transferred in 1949 to a post in the Works Section of the Chief Civil Engineers Office in Glasgow (St. Enoch). In 1975 he was promoted to Senior Clerical Officer in Buchanan House, Glasgow, where he was employed until accepting early retirement in September 1982.

On 9th February 1949 Jack was married to Madge (of same surname) in Cartstairs Junction Church, by the Rev. William D. McGill. Jack and Madge had one son, Gordon, who is married to Sheena, and they have a daughter Alison. Gordon is an Elder and the Session Clerk in his local church in Busby. Gordon?s wife Sheena is also an Elder.

When Jack and Madge were married, Madge had already been a member of the Junction church for some time. Jack was a member, of Pettinain Church, until the sixties when he transferred his lines to the Junction. Sadly, Madge passed away in January, 1989.

In 1968, as a member of the Congregational Board, Jack was asked to accept the position of Treasurer, which he was honoured to take. In 1970 he was ordained as a Ruling Elder by the then Moderator, the Rev. Archibald T. Black.

Other involvement at Carstairs Junction Church, over the years, has included serving on three Vacancy Committees, and also as Property Convener, playing an active part in the refurbishment of the Chancel, panelling of walls, and procurement and arranging provision of chairs, carpeting, and overhead heaters, and maintaining of lawns prior to this latter task being taken over by Mr. R. Crawford. He was also Convener to the Flower Show Committee, which was one of the highlights of the church's activities during the few short years in which it took place.

Although not a singer, Jack was a member of the mens Glee Club, under the director Mr. A. Forbes - many a good time was had entertaining not only in this community but elsewhere.

In 1993, after 25 years and 23 years respectively, Jack resigned from both his positions, as Treasurer and as Ruling Elder, although in latter years he was called upon to assist in Communion Services, due to lack of Elders.

Jack has also been involved in various activities outwith the church. He was a member of the Wolf Cubs, and Boy Scouts, where for some years he was Leader. He also served as a member of the local Gala Committee. In more recent times, he has enjoyed playing bowls, as a member of Carstairs and District Bowling Club in summer, and during the winter months, at the indoor Bowling Club at Livingston. He was also actively involved in setting-up the carpet bowls club, which meets in the Masonic Hall at Carstairs Junction, every Wednesday evening during the winter months, and he now helps with the organising and running of same.

When asked to comment on changes he has observed in the life of the church over the years, Jack expressed his concern at the falling-off of church membership. He recalled when he and his brother used to walk, from the Junction to the Village, every week, to attend Sunday School. Then, as a young man, he walked from the Junction to Pettinain to attend church. Sadly, there appears to be little interest in church attendance nowadays. He talked of his disappointment at this, and a feeling that his years of dedicated service had been somewhat in vain, as there is no one to follow on.

He feels more use could perhaps have been made of the Junction Church, to encourage young people to get involved, following the removal of the pews and the provision of the chairs and tables, making the church suitable for all-purpose use as a hall.

His hope for the future is for change, growth, and increased attendance, with an influx of young people. We share this hope and give thanks for Jack's past service, which has certainly not been in vain. His son Gordon is living testimony to that, as he follows his fathers example of service, in his local congregation. Back to top

NEXUS SCOTLAND 2007

After the success of "The Big Saturday" held at the SECC in September, 2005, Clyde Presbyteries are presenting "Nexus Scotland 2007" this year from 23rd - 25th August, 2007.
Tickets for Exhibition - £5.00: Childrens' event - £4.00: Worship - £4.00.
More information will be given later. Anyone wishing to go to "Nexus Scotland 2007" can place their name on the sheet of paper at the back of Carstairs Junction Church or in the Vestibule of Carstairs Church or speak to Elizabeth Brown
Please note, payment is required before ordering tickets. Back to top

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

February - On Thursday 8th February the Guild met in Carstairs Community Centre. Mrs. Margaret Aitken convened the meeting
and introduced the speaker, Mrs. Joan McLeod the Fundraising
Manager from the Yorkhill Children's Foundation. This was a most interesting evening and it was very moving indeed to hear stories
about the courage displayed by young patients receiving treatment
for serious illnesses at Yorkhill Hospital. The Foundation's work
provides funding for extra resources, which are of great benefit to patients and their families, making things easier and more comfortable during long spells spent in hospital. Some small items from the
hospital shop were made available for purchase at the end of the meeting. We received a letter of thanks from the Foundation for a total of £98.55 raised from the sales and donations made by members.

March - Carstairs and Carstairs Junction Guild hosted this year's
World Day of Prayer Service, which was held in Carstairs Church on Friday 2nd March. The Convener was Mrs. Barbara Kay and Carnwath and Cairngryffe Guilds joined us. Members from all three Guilds participated in the service and the guest speaker was Mr. Bill Love. The theme of the service was "United under God's Tent" written by the Christian women of Paraguay.

The Annual Business Meeting of the Guild was held in Church House, Carstairs Junction, on Thursday 8th March. Mrs Alix Muir led the opening worship and Mrs. Mabel Doak convened the business of the meeting. The Statement of Accounts were given by Mrs. Barbara Kay. A total of £630.00 was disbursed; £550 of which was allocated to the Church General Fund.
The Election of Office Bearers for Session 2007/2008 is as follows:-

Treasurer: Mrs Barbara Kay
Contact Person: Mrs Mary Cowan
Project Partner: Mrs Alix Muir
Presbyterial Council Member: Mrs Grace Stokes

Conveners: Mrs Alix Muir
Mrs Mabel Morris
Mrs Ann Howland
Mrs Margaret Aitken
Mrs Mary Cowan
Mrs Irene Williams

Guildlink Correspondent: Mrs Ann Howland
(Glasgow Springburn)

Mrs Mary Cowan (Largs St John's)

Tea Committee: Mrs Christine Baird
Mrs Shiela Gauld
Mrs Cathie Henderson
Mrs Ann Howland
Mrs Molly Savage

Mrs Alix Muir brought the Annual Business Meeting to a close with a DVD of Aled Jones, "Deep Peace". Tea was then served.

April - The Coffee Evening held in Carstairs Community Centre on Thursday 26th April, raised £292.70. Many thanks to all who contributed in any way in making this possible.
At the time of writing we are looking forward to a visit from our Guildlink friends from Springburn Guild, on Thursday 10th May.

Our joint outing with Carnwath Guild is on Saturday 19th May, going to Shambellie House, New Abbey, near Dumfries.

Our session will conclude with the Summer Rally on Friday 1st June at St John's Church, Carluke.

We are also planning for a group of our members to once again travel to Largs by train, to spend an afternoon with our Guildlink friends from St. John's Church. A date has not been set yet, but it will be a Monday, early in June. This is always a most enjoyable experience, not only during the time spent with the Guild members there, but throughout the day, travelling, sharing and laughing together. If you would like to come along, please contact Mary Cowan to arrange.

Planning ahead for the next session is already underway. Details of meetings, starting in September, will be intimated in advance from the pulpit and published in the Gazette under Church News. If any of the topics appeal to you, please do come along. We will be delighted to see you. Back to top

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

As people offer their prayers to God, in their own homes, in their private prayer time, they are invited to include the topics in this prayer guide, each week during June, July and August. This would be a way of uniting all of us in prayer, asking for God's help and guidance in the life of our congregation.


June Theme: Kirk Session and Congregational Board

Week beginning:
4th June The Kirk Session,Congregational Board and all
Office Bearers
11th June The Finance Committee
18th June The Property Committee
25th June The Social Committee

July Theme: Worship

Week beginning:
2nd July The joint services over the summer months
9th July Those who lead us in our worship
16th July Those who come faithfully to worship Sunday by
Sunday
23rd July Pray that more people want to share in the joy of
worship
30th July Pray for everyone involved in planning or running
a summer event for children, whether here, or
throughout Scotland.

August Theme: Church Organisations Planning Ahead for a New Session

Week beginning:
6th August The Sunday School
13th August The Boys' Brigade
20th August The Guild
27th August The Meeting for Prayer

The Nominating Committee and the search for a new minister is an ongoing topic for all our prayers. Please pray that God will bless this work, that the right person will be found to lead our congregation.

The Meeting for Prayer is every second Wednesday from 6.30 - 7 pm in Carstairs Church Library. Dates for June, July and August are as follows:

June 6h and 20th; July 4th and 18th; August 1st, 15th and 29th.
You are very welcome to come whenever you can. Back to top

BIBLE CLASS (YOUTH GROUP)

The youth of our churches have been very busy in the last few months and plan to attend more events in the future.

The Mission Praise evening in March was a great success, with hymns, songs, readings and plays chosen and presented by young members of church, greatly aided by Rob Hall on keyboard. Work has already started for the next night on Sunday 3rd June, a night for all ages, not to be missed!

In March Victoria and Holly visited the Kirk Session and took part in some discussion regarding the youth, (this may have been a first for Carstairs)

Also in March, along with other members of the community, some of the youth took part in the entertainment at the Stated Annual Meeting.

In April some of the group went to "Resurrection" an Easter praise night with the EXILE orchestra, choir and band at Ingliston Edinburgh.

Seats are booked for another night with the same entertainers EXILE for "Freedom" a night to celebrate the abolition of slaves, and to hear about slavery in our world today.

Plans are also being made for a return visit to "Jesus at Dundas" on Sunday 17th June, a dramatic five hour outdoor play about the life of Jesus from birth to death and resurrection. Last year thirteen of us shared an unforgettable experience.

Sara and Susan are to represent the Presbytery at the Youth Assembly at Dundee in September.

Susan and Daniel are also members of the Nominating Committee, a daunting task for most, let alone two so young.

We are blessed that the youth of "The United Parish of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction" are guided by the Spirit in all that they do, and seek to achieve for the Lord. Let all our prayers be with them. Back to top

HOLIDAY CLUB

SEASIDE ROCK

This year our summer holiday club will be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. We hope to create a seaside atmosphere where the children can come along and learn more about Peter The Rock.
Plans are progressing albeit slowly. We are compiling a list of items we will need to decorate the hall and this will be available shortly. In the meantime if you come across anything seasidey you think may be of use to us let us know.
We have already got a list of names of people who have volunteered to help but there is always room for more. If you can come along any of the nights or could be involved with preparation before hand please contact myself.
As always your prayers for this event will be much appreciated
Linda Brown. Back to top

JOINT SUMMER SERVICES

We warmly invite you to our joint Summer Services to be held on the following dates:-
24th June at Carstairs Church 11am (Sunday School prizegiving)
1st July at Carstairs Junction Church 11am
8th July at Carstairs Church 11am
15th July at Carstairs Junction Church 11am
22nd July at Carstairs Church 11am
29th July at Carstairs Junction Church 11am

Transport will be provided for the above services. Details will be given later.

5th August. Services resume at the normal time of
10.30am Cartairs Junction Church and 12 noon Carstairs Church. Back to top

SOCIAL REPORT

A successful Coffee Morning was held in Church House, Carstairs Junction on Tuesday 10th April, 2007, which raised the sum of £318.00. Many thanks to everyone who contributed in any way in making this total possible.

SPONSORED WALK:
Mr. Robert Cowan will be walking 15 miles on Monday 2nd July (or first dry day thereafter!) This walk is in aid of Church Funds. Sponsor sheets are available from any Board Member. Please support Robert by taking a sponsor sheet or sponsoring him.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
A part night is being organized for Friday 21st September, 2007; this being held in Carstairs Community Centre. Details are still being finalised, but mark the date in your Diary. Back to top

BEAREVEMENT CARE GROUP

The Bereavement Care Group has now been in existence for over a year and it's function is not to offer bereavement counselling but simply to let people know that the Church is there as a support and comfort at the loss of a family member or friend.
The work usually starts with the Minister informing the group of a bereavement in the parish, or of someone connected to residents within the area, not necessary members of the church.
Other information may come from members of the church or community, and for this the group are very grateful, as not all funerals are conducted by a minister.

We would ask for your help in that if you hear of any such loss to a family or friend, could you please inform one of the group or a Church Elder.

Bereavement Care Group - Flo Cheeseman, Margaret Jamieson, Anne Johnson, Mabel Morris, Liz Warnock, Alex Nelson.

Prayer
Almighty God, Lord of life and vanquisher of death.
We praise you for the sure and certain hope of everlasting life which you have given us in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ;
And we pray that all who mourn the loss of those dear to them may enter into his victory and know his peace; for his name's sake. Back to top

CHRISTIAN AID LUNCH

On Tuesday 29th May, we will hold a soup and sandwich lunch in the Community Centre, Carstairs, from 12 noon until 2.00 pm, with all proceeds going to Christian Aid.

If you can make soup, sandwiches, scones or pancakes please add your name to the list as you leave the Church.

We would also like to have a cake stall on the day and would appreciate donations of baking.

If you wish more information on either of the above, please speak to Linda or Ian Brown. Back to top

RESPONDING TO THE CALL.

If you are not sure where to begin, perhaps we could help you start the journey! The Church of Scotland?s fourteenth Enquirers? Conference is the place to be if you want to explore some of the ways in which you might offer service to God today through the Kirk. It may be that you are sensing God?s call on your life in a new way, but are not yet sure what that might mean ? if so, this is one way in which you can test it out a bit further.

Some people come to the Enquirers? Conference already thinking about, for example, training as a Reader, or as an ordained Minister. Others want to find out more about serving the Church overseas, or working in social care through Crossreach. It may be that you are looking for ways in which you might be better equipped for what you do in your local Church ? all of these and many more issues are covered in this 24 hour event.

Spaces are limited at the Enquirers? Conference ? it is normally over subscribed, so you need to book early to avoid disappointment. Overnight accommodation and meals are provided on campus for the minimal cost of a £20.00 booking fee.

Friday 22nd ? Saturday 23rd June 2007.
West Park Conference Centre, Dundee.
For further information or to register your interest please contact Margaret Johnston at the Church of Scotland offices.
Tel: 0131 ? 225 5722, or e-mail mjohnston@cofscotland.org.uk Back to top

The United parish of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction Offerings to the end of April 2007
February 2007 F.W. £1752.85
Ordinary £151.70
March 2007 F.W. £2330.70
Ordinary £89.80
April 2007 F.W. £2291.85
Ordinary £123.12

Total £6740.02

Retiring Offerings
*Earl Haig £90.16
*Friends of Lockhart Hospital £94.16
*St Andrews Hospice £242.61
Erskine £72.70
Maundy Thursday £44.50
Good Friday £49.20


Fundraising
*Christmas Fayre £1173.00
Coffee Morning £280.00
* These were omitted from last magazine

We would like to express our most grateful thanks to everyone
for their continued support of both churches.

*Please Note: All Cheques should be made payable to:
The United Parish of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction Back to top

FINANCE

The Treasurer's Report from a Church in our own Presbytery of Lanark shows that 75% of members have not increased their offerings in the last 6 years.

When I was F.W.O. Treasurer at Carstairs, prior to the Union with Carstairs Junction, I saw a similar pattern. This was not emphasized at any period because our commitments continued to be met.

It will be necessary for us to spend within the region of £10,000 on the Manse. A new kitchen, some electrical work and decoration etc. will be necessary before we can offer a Manse to a new Minister. Now would be the time for us all to review what we give in our weekly offerings to the Church. This applies to ALL OUR MEMBERS.

Weekly envelopes are available for those who are without. Contact J. Gauld or R.Cowan who will oblige.
We hope and pray that we will all make the right decision.

Robert C. Cowan,
Deputy Treasurer.

On behalf of the FINANCE COMMITTEE. Back to top

FLOWER CALENDAR

Carstairs Junction Flower Calendar

03.06.07 Mrs F Cheeseman
10.06.07 Miss P Little & Mrs I Milne
17.06.07 _
24.06.07 Mr Speedie

01.07.07 _
08.07.07 Mrs R Campbell
15.07.07 Mrs H Howitt
22.07.07 Mrs A Kirk
29.07.07 Mrs H Owen

05.08.07 Mrs M Aitken
12.08.07 Mrs C Henderson
19.08.07 Miss H Ferguson
26.08.07 Miss M Madill & Mrs A Bruce

02.09.07 Mrs M Jardine
09.09.07 Mrs M Jardine
16.09.07 Miss H Ferguson
23.09.07 Miss P Little & Mrs I Milne
30.09.07 Mrs J Burrell

Carstairs Flower Calendar
03.06.07 Mr J Davidson
10.06.07 Mrs Jean Barr
17.06.07 Mrs L Lauder
24.06.07 Mrs Gordon & Mrs Spence

01.07.07 Mrs M Brown
08.07.07 Mrs S Wilson & Mrs N Melvin
15.07.07 Mr W Smith
22.07.07 Mrs M Clelland
29.07.07 Mrs M Cowan, Carnwath

05.08.07 Mrs K Langton
12.08.07 Mrs G Stokes
19.08.07 Mrs A H Barr
26.08.07 Miss M Gibson

02.09.07 Mr & Mrs I Brown
09.09.07 Mrs D Broadfoot, Douglas
16.09.07 Mrs M Finlay
23.09.07 Mrs Baird & Mrs Stirling
30.09.07 Mrs M Morris Back to top