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MAGAZINE- DECEMBER 2007

Dear Friends,
The nights are fair drawing in and Christmas looms large around the corner. It seems so little time since last Christmas, and often we wonder where the time goes. My mother-in-law swears she has stopped counting birthdays and yet she would have been so disappointed if we had let it pass without marking it. For all our woes about how little time we have or where it goes, we also need to take time to mark events in our life, because without these markers, then we would not appreciate where we have been or look forward to what is to come.
In the life of the Church, we also mark time. We recognise that there is such a thing as a church year, starting on the first Sunday in Advent. We mark special days like Christmas and Easter, but did you also know that November is a busy month for marking time? In November we remember All Saints Day, remembering those who have walked the path of faith before us. We also remember those who gave their lives for us during the World Wars and conflicts since then. And then on the final Sunday of the month we celebrate the fact that Christ is King before heading into the Advent season once again. Oh yes, also it is Saint Andrew?s Day on the 30th!
Sometimes in the life of the Church we think there is nothing more than Christmas and Easter, because these are the festivals that are commercially friendly events. Yet there is a richness and depth to our faith that often we skate over the top of in our hurry to get to Christmas and Easter. Not that these two festivals are not important and certainly they are key in helping us understand our faith. But sometimes with a little digging we can find buried treasures. God likes us to dig. He likes us to ask questions, to search for him and to knock on his door. He wants us to grow in our faith, and to reach out to him. He also provides us with answers and with a rich vibrant faith that provides us with all we need.
So as Christmas fast approaches, as the decorations go up and the planning begins, take time to dig and look for buried treasure. It might come gift wrapped, it might come after a lot of prayer, but it will be treasure worth finding! After all, the greatest treasure God ever gave us was his one and only Son, so you will be guaranteed a great reward.
I pray that in this season of remembrance and of giving, that you will remember where you have been, and be able to give from your treasure trove of faith.
Keep praying, keep digging, and trust God to provide the treasure.
Warm wishes (and a very Merry Christmas!)
Regards
Sarah
Rev Mrs Sarah Ross
Interim Moderator Back to top

Mrs Jessie Burrell

Continuing our series of interviews with members of the congregation, we spoke to Mrs Jessie Burrell, a church member for many years and a member of the Guild.

When Jessie was asked if she would be willing to tell us about herself for an article in the church magazine, her first reaction was to say that she didn't think there was much to tell, as she had lived a very ordinary life.

She was born and brought up in Carstairs Village. Her parents, Tam and Margaret Martin lived on Lanark Road, opposite the church, and Jessie remembers a very happy childhood, with two older brothers and two younger sisters, and her father working on the railway. Her parents were church members and all the children attended Sunday School at the village church.

Jessie was educated at the Village school, and remembers going down to the Junction school on Fridays for cookery lessons. She left school when she was 14 years of age, and went to work in McDougall's factory in Lanark. She operated a big, heavy knitting machine and worked long hours for very low wages, often working through her dinner hour, eating her lunch-time "piece" while she worked. Jessie continued working in the factory until after her marriage.

Her husband, Abe Burrell, came from Douglas Water, and Jessie had originally known him from when he visited Carstairs as his brother was already married to a girl from the village. Abe worked on the railway too, and travelled from Douglas Water to Carstairs every day. When winter came travelling was more difficult and he approached Jessie's father at work to ask if he knew where Abe could find digs locally. Following consultation with Jessie's mother, Abe was offered a place in the Martin home.

Jessie and Abe began 'walking-out' together and they were married in 1943 by the Rev. John Smart in the Village Hall. She recalls that many people used their local hall for weddings, and didn' t go in for big hotel receptions like today.

Abe and Jessie's first home was a single-end on Avenue Road, Carstairs, next to the Co-operative and their daughter Margaret was born in the William Smellie Maternity during this time. They moved to Jessie's present home in Moss Road, Carstairs Junction, when Margaret was a toddler, and their son William was born at home there.

Jessie continued to attend church as often as she could, depending on Abe's shifts, and her children went to Sunday School. She has been a Guild member for many years and has served on the Guild Committee. Within the community, she has also served on the Gala Committee. When asked about her hobbies, she laughed and said her hobbies were her children and housework. There were no labour saving devices when she raised her family, and everything from the washing to the cleaning and cooking took much longer when she was a young mother, with a husband on shift-work. Sadly, Abe died some 23 years ago.

Jessie's living room is adorned with photographs of her children and their spouses, and her five grandchildren, a girl and two boys from Margaret, and a girl and a boy from William. She speaks with pride about all of them, and is grateful for her long and happy marriage.

Jessie is not as fit as she used to be and misses her jaunts to Glasgow on the train, and being able to walk up to the Village Church on a Sunday. She has had several falls recently, and is still recovering from the last one, on Lanark High Street, where the pavement dips down. She is less confident to walk down the High Street now.

Today, she is contented with a quiet life, going along to church every Sunday and attending the Guild meetings. She also enjoys the company, and the fun, at the Afternoon Club, playing dominos and bingo on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. In the summer months she enjoys going the bus trips, arranged by various local organisations. She enjoys watching television, reading the Gazette every week, spending time with her family, and visits for a chat from good neighbours. She says "I bother nobody and nobody bothers me".

Her hope is that we will soon have a new Minister, although she has enjoyed all the preaching during the current vacancy, especially Mr. Bill Love.

Jessie may have thought she didn?t have much of a story to tell. She thought she hadn't done a lot compared to others. But surely, her life of happiness in her marriage, commitment to raising her family, and pride in her grandchildren is a wonderful story in itself, as is her quiet contentment with her life now. It is an example to others, in a world where, at times, there seems little contentment, to live just "a very ordinary life". Back to top

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

September - The 2007-2008 session of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction Guild began on Sunday 9th September, 2007, when the Rev. Susan Cowell conducted Services of Dedication for the Guild, in both churches, during morning worship. The theme was this session?s Guild Theme, which is the second in a series over three years, entitled "Let's Live: Body, Mind and Soul". For the current session, under this heading, the theme is "Think on These Things". The Bible reading from Philippians chapter 4: 4-8 included these words from verse 8: "fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise; things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honourable."

The service included a memorable address asking "what is the mind"? and an examination of just how often in everyday conversation we use the word "mind". The Guild Centenary Hymn was included in the praise, and a prayer of dedication was spoken by Guild members present: "I, as a member of the Guild, choose to live according to the will of Jesus Christ whose I am and whom I serve and will try to live in body, mind and soul thinking on whatever is honourable, just, pure, lovely and gracious.

On Thursday 13th September the Guild met in Carstairs Community Centre, when Mrs Margaret Aitken convened the meeting and led the opening worship. Our speaker for the evening was introduced simply as "John - a recovering alcoholic". John spoke candidly about his early family life, and the effect of his father's drinking on him and his family. His working life began in the building trade where he was influenced by the lifestyle of his older workmates and he found that drinking alcohol provided him with the self-confidence he lacked socially. With surprising honesty John told of his falling in love, marriage, the birth of his children - and then, sadly, the loss of everything, as his life sank further and further into despair due to his alcohol dependency. Throughout his talk, John held our attention, making us laugh with him, suffer with him, and finally celebrate with him, the fact that he has been able to overcome his addiction and that he has given the praise and glory for his new life to God.

John has asked that we pass on a message to Guild members. He was very nervous as it was the first time he had spoken to any group outside of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was a big step for him and he was completely out of his comfort zone! He would like to thank our members for the friendly and welcoming reception given to him, and to his friend Davie, which made them feel at home and completely at ease.

October - On Thursday 11th October the Guild met in Carstairs Junction Church, when Mrs Barbara Kay was the Convener and led the opening worship. Ms Jill Fraser from C.H.A.S. was ill and unable to attend. She arranged for Mr. Lockhart Maxwell to take her place, and he gave us an excellent talk on the work of this charity. He explained the origins, and growth, and acknowledged the support provided by two well-known Scottish newspapers, the Daily Record and the Sunday Post, and readers' donations that helped to provide the funding for Rachael House and Robin House. The accommodation, and facilities, for children and their families, were described in detail, and the services provided at times of great need to everyone who uses them explained in full.

We were invited to look out for publicity about open days, and to come along and see for ourselves what a difference C.H.A.S. is making in the lives of young people and their families during serious, often terminal, illness.

At the time of writing, we are looking forward to our next meeting on Thursday 8th November, in Carstairs Community Centre, when the guest speakers are Mr Paul Oakes and Mr Alex Nelson from the State Hospital, Carstairs.

The Rev. Roy Cowieson is our guest speaker on Thursday 22nd November, in Carstairs Community Centre. This meeting has been arranged as part of the Guild Week celebrations.

Our Christmas Evening on Thursday 13th December, in Carstairs Community Centre, has an ALTERnativity theme and will include our Bring and Buy parcel, value £1, wrapped in Christmas paper.

For those who are wondering why so many of our meetings are in Carstairs Community Centre, and not alternating between there and Carstairs Junction Church, we would explain that Guild members agreed to adopt this arrangement temporarily, because of the uncertainty regarding the availability of kitchen facilities at the Junction, due to the impending sale of Church House. Of course, we hope to restore the arrangement of alternating meetings between our two villages again in the future, when kitchen facilities are provided within the Junction Church, as already planned.

After Christmas our session continues, with meetings held monthly, on the second Thursday of every month. We extend a warm welcome to everyone, and remember, the Guild is for men as well as women.

Details of meetings are intimated in advance from the pulpit and published in the Gazette under Church News. If you see something advertised which you feel might be of interest to you, please come and join us. We look forward to seeing you! Back to top

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

December: Looking forward to Christmas

The days leading up to Christmas are an exciting time for most of us, and a busy time too. Pray that we will remember the real message of Christmas as we prepare to celebrate. Pray for those for whom Christmas is a difficult time, especially those suffering bereavement. Ask God to bless the Rev. Susan Cowell as she leads us in our services throughout this season, and pray that many people from our villages will accept our invitation to come along.
Week beginning:
3rd Dec. Give thanks for God's gift to us in Jesus, and pray that we do not forget the real message of Christmas as we celebrate His birth.
10th Dec Ask God to bless next week's Joint Service of Lessons and Carols on 16th Dec. and the Bereavement Service on 17th Dec.
17th Dec. Pray for the children taking part in next week's Joint Nativity Service on 23rd Dec. and that the Watchnight Service on 24th Dec. will be well attended.
24th Dec Pray God's blessing on the short all-age Service on Christmas Day and on the Joint Service next Sunday 30th Dec.
31st Dec. As we approach the start of a new year, give thanks to God for all He has done here; and ask His guidance on our congregation for the year ahead.

January: Prayers for God's Guidance

The start of a new year can be a low time for many, with the passing of all the festivities and the thought of getting back to work, school, and the everyday tasks. Problems put aside during the time of celebrations must be faced again. The work of our church groups continue; our neighbouring congregations face many of the same tasks we do; and they and their Ministers need our prayer support.

Week beginning:
7th Jan. Pray God's guidance for those dealing with illness; family problems; unemployment; bereavement; etc.
14th Jan Pray God's guidance for the Nominating Committee as they work towards bringing the right person to minister here.
21st Jan. Pray God's guidance for our neighbouring congregations and their Ministers; Forth St Paul's and the Rev. Sarah Ross; Carnwath and the Rev. Bev. Gauld.
28th Jan. Pray God's guidance for all members of the Presbytery of Lanark in all that they do in His service.

February: Give Thanks to God

We have travelled a long way as a congregation, through difficulties and into a wonderful time of Interim Ministry. We are approaching the second anniversary of our Service of Union. Throughout our current time of vacancy we have been greatly blessed by God through the preaching each week and the support of two Interim Moderators. We have so much for which to give thanks to God.

Week beginning:
4th Feb. Give thanks for the Rev Iain Goring's Interim Ministry here.
11th Feb. Give thanks for the two Interim Moderators; the Rev. Allison Meikle and the Rev. Sarah Ross.
18th Feb. Give thanks for all those who have led us in worship every Sunday.
25th Feb. Give thanks for the second anniversary of our Service of Union next week and all of God's many blessings on our united Congregation. Back to top

The Meeting for Prayer

The prayer group continues to meet every second Wednesday in Carstairs Church Library, from 6.30 - 7 pm.

Following requests, an opportunity was recently given for anyone wishing to come along on a different day or time, to suggest a more suitable time. There was only one response, suggesting Tuesday evening at 7 pm. Tuesday evenings would not suit those who attend Presbytery or Presbytery Committees, or those involved with the Boys Brigade. It was therefore felt that there is insufficient need for change meantime but this can be reconsidered at a future time if it seems appropriate.

The dates of our meetings for the next quarter are as follows: December 5th and 19th; January 2nd, 16th and 30th; February 13th and 27th. Any necessary changes to these dates will be intimated from the pulpit and in the Gazette under Church News. Back to top

Child Evangelism Fellowship

The kirk Session are going to give each child who attends Carstairs and Carstairs Junction Primary Schools a small booklet called ?Meet the King? which has been published by the Child Evangelism Fellowship. We hope parents will encourage their children to read this booklet, to learn about Jesus, who He is and what He did. If any child wishes to hear more about this, they are welcome to attend the Sunday School at Carstairs Church at 12.00 noon Back to top

Bereavement and Loss

Difficult as it may appear for those who have suffered bereavement whether it has been lately or some time in the past, you can emerge from the experience of loss a stronger more mature and sympathetic person.

Working through grief towards an acceptance of what's happened is not easy, but it's essential if the bereaved person is to recover and go on leading a purposeful life.
No two people deal with bereavement the same way, as who is to say what the right way is, we are all different. Some times our friends don't know how to handle the grief we may be suffering at a particular time, they don't know what to say or do, they may even cross over the street just because they don't have the right words of comfort and are frightened to say the wrong thing.

Bereavement does not only affect the closest person to the lost one, it effects the whole community, and in a congregation where people are of the one family it hurts even more and we should all take a hand in the grieving process.

Last year Carstairs Parish Church held a Bereavement Service, this was a first for us, though many churches in the area hold them annually. This service created an opportunity for some to come a bit closer in dealing with their loss. This year once again we are holding a similar service. Back to top

Bereavement Service

This is a service especially for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, whether it has been lately or in the past, and is open to anyone who feels they would like to come along.
The Service will be held in Carstairs Junction Church on Monday 17th December at 7.00.pm. Back to top

Social Committee

A Social evening was held on Saturday 29th September in Carstairs Community Centre. The evening's entertainment was provided by Mr. Alex Nelson and there was a lovely buffet at the interval for everyone to enjoy. Although admission to this event was free admission, there was a disappointing turnout nevertheless everyone who was there enjoyed themselves. There was a basket for donations which realized over £100 for Church Funds.
The Social Committee would like to thank Mr. Alex Nelson, and everyone who donated items and helped in any way. Back to top

1st Carstairs Boys' Brigade

The Enrolment Service took place in Carstairs Church on Sunday 16th September, 2007, where there was a very good turnout of boys and their families. The Rev. Susan Cowell conducted this Service, which was a very moving and interesting Service for everyone. The Boys' were the football team, the Officers were the trainers and the hero was Mr. Ian Brown for his 31 years of service to the Company. This was acknowledged with a presentation from the Company and a Certificate of Service from the Kirk Session. A presentation was also given to Sylvia Pringle for her four years service to the Anchor Boys'.
During the Service, new Company Colours were dedicated to replace the old ones. Many thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Alex Stokes for donating money towards the New Company Colours and also local groups and fund- raising to achieve this purpose.

On Sunday 11th November, the Boys? were present at the Remembrance Day Service in Carstairs Church.

The Boys' Brigade will be doing a Christmas Fund Raiser selling Shortbread, Cookies, Fudge and Toffee. Once again we hope everyone will support us.

Elizabeth Brown represented the Company by attending an open service training night at Kirkmuirhill Church which was led by Miss Anne Anderson from the Child Evangelism Fellowship, this was an excellent evening. Miss Anderson was the Guest Speaker at Carstairs & Carstairs Junction Guild on Thursday 19th January, 2006.

On 18th December, 2007, the Boys' will be going to the pantomime at Motherwell to see "Cinderella". We hope to have a great night out.

Each boy has been working very hard to succeed in gaining their achievements. Many thanks for the support from the parents and Officers.

The Company will restart on Tuesday 8th January, 2008, after the Christmas break.

The Anchor and Junior Section have been asked by the World Mission department of the Church Of Scotland to collect for children in India. These children go out into the "dump" every day to collect plastic, tin etc. so that they can obtain money to take home to help with the lives of their families. These children do not go to school and they cannot read or write. This appeal is to help build a shelter and allow the children to gain an education. The Anchor and Junior Section of the Boys' Brigade hope that you will help with this appeal when they come round the doors in January. Back to top

Christmas Services 2007

Sunday 16th December 2007

Carstairs Junction Church: Service 10.30.a.m.
Carstairs Church: Service 12 noon
Carstairs Junction Church: Service of Lessons & Carols 7.00.p.m.

Monday 17th December 2007

Carstairs Junction Church: Bereavement Service 7.00.p.m.

Sunday 23rd December 2007

Carstairs Church: Childrens? Nativity: Service 12 noon
(There will be NO 10.30.a.m. Service in Carstairs Junction Church)

Monday 24th December 2007

Carstairs Church: Watchnight Service 11.30.p.m.

Tuesday 25th December 2007

Carstairs Junction Church: short all age service 10.30.a.m.

Sunday 30th December 2007

Carstairs Junction Church: Service 10.30.a.m.
(There will be NO 12 noon Service in Carstairs Church) Back to top

MAGAZINE- DECEMBER 2007

Minister's Letter

Mrs Jessie Burrell

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

The Meeting for Prayer

Child Evangelism Fellowship

Bereavement and Loss

Bereavement Service

Social Committee

1st Carstairs Boys' Brigade

Christmas Services 2007

Minister's Letter

Mrs Jessie Burrell

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

The Meeting for Prayer

Child Evangelism Fellowship

Bereavement and Loss

Bereavement Service

Social Committee

1st Carstairs Boys' Brigade

Christmas Services 2007