Carstairs & Carstairs Junction Church of Scotland

Dear Friends

This is one of those years when we fall out of Christmas and pretty much straight into Easter with barely time to catch one’s breath. It must have been a real struggle for our commercial friends to work out how early they could put up their Easter displays given that the season is very early this year!! But the timing is also very helpful because the season of Lent, which starts on the 6^th February is a time of reflection and preparation. Many of us will have started 2008 and with good intentions and desires to be healthier, more active, take more time to read our Bibles or pray, to learn a new skill or make more effort to be with family and friends.

The problem as we know is not the intentions but the crazy world in which we live. So often we can’t break the habits of the previous year because there is simply so much to do. But perhaps for the season of Lent we can begin new habits. We often talk about giving something up for Lent – chocolate, coffee, alcohol, sweeties, cakes – things that we enjoy but we know are not good for us if we are generous in our portions. And this is certainly a justifiable thing to do but if giving up something wouldn’t actually affect you that much, how about taking something up? And no, I don’t mean more chocolate, coffee etc... I mean how about reflecting on how you live your life and whether or not you need to reconsider your priorities.

Now I know that by the time you read this letter, the bulk of Lent will be passed, but remember time matters not to God, it is what we do with it that matters to God. Lent is a time of reflection, penance and preparation for Easter. By taking time to love ourselves, we come to realise how much God loves us. If we are so busy that life is actually more hard work than enjoyable, then there is a major imbalance.

Easter is about new life – about eternal life. And this new life doesn’t start after we have worked ourselves into the grave. It starts now. We are already living it – so try and live life as God intended, not as this world tries to inflict on us. Yes there will always be lots to do, but we love God, we love ourselves and we love our neighbours when we live life in all its fullness. Share the Easter hope that there is more to life than all work and no play, or all problems and no solutions.

Have a blessed Lent period and a fabulous Easter, rejoicing in the gift of genuine life given through the life of Jesus Christ our Lord and the love of our God.

Warm Regards

Sarah Ross

Interim Moderator

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MRS MOLLIE SAVAGE

Continuing our series of interviews with members of the congregation, we spoke to Mrs Mollie Savage, a church elder for thirty years and a member of the Church Guild.

Mollie was born in Greenock, the eldest of eight children, and lived with her parents in Kilmacolm. Her father was a joiner and he worked in the shipyards at Port Glasgow. Mollie was educated at primary school in Kilmacolm and at secondary school in Greenock.

Her church life began at an early age when she attended Sunday School. Her parents lived centrally in Kilmacolm, their flat was right above the local post office. On a Sunday evening the folks from the Gospel Hall nearby would bring their piano onto the street for an evening of singing right outside Mollie‘s home. She went along to the Gospel Hall too, because it was close to home, and she remembers that it was always good fun, with lively music etc.

Mollie was a member of the Girl Guides, and in her teens she was a member of the Girls Training Corps (GTC) another uniformed organisation. The GTC met in the school hall in Kilmacolm and Mollie remembers taking part in marching training and games, including netball, and going to the café afterwards for hot orange juice in the winter time. In time the GTC disbanded but not before Mollie became an officer with a smart uniform and officer’s hat.

Other pastimes included monthly film shows at the local hall, the nearest cinema was in Greenock or Paisley, too far with bus or train, and few people had their own car. The hall was also the venue for dances, after which most girls were picked-up outside the hall by their fathers (at 10 pm) to be escorted home.

On leaving school Mollie went to work as a shop assistant in a local baker’s shop. Later she moved to the local Co-operative, before transferring to the Co-operative in Port Glasgow. Mollie’s maternal grandmother lived in Carstairs, on Lanark Road, and Mollie visited her often. It was during these visits that she became friendly with a young man, Fred Savage, whose parents lived across the road from her grandmother.

Fred and Mollie were married on 2^nd April, 1960, in Carstairs Church, by the Rev N. Douglas Craig. They set up home together on Carstairs Road and had two children, Sheila and Janette. In September 1967 they moved to their present home in Railway View. Shiela now lives near Inverurie, and has a son aged 23 and a daughter aged 19. Janette lives at the Westend, and has two sons aged 26 and 23. Mollie and Fred also have two great-grandchildren, a girl and a boy.

Fred began his working life as a joiner. He retired several years ago from the State Hospital, Carstairs where he was an Occupational Therapist. He has kept busy, using his tradesman’s skills around the house, and making beautiful traditional-style rocking horses, which are an absolute work of art. Mollie is delighted to show visitors the one presently standing in the hallway of their home, and she talks with pride about Fred‘s handiwork.

Fred and Mollie are enthusiastic members of The Caravan Club and have travelled all over Britain to attend rallies. They don’t go away with the caravan as often as they used to but still enjoy going when they can. They also enjoy their holiday each year around October when they like go abroad, as the weather is not too hot then.

Mollie used to enjoy knitting and sewing, but finds these activities difficult nowadays due to arthritis. She enjoys going to the Community Centre every Wednesday for a game of dominoes.

Within the local church Mollie has served as an elder for 30 years, and has been a member of the congregational board for 31 years. She has been a Guild member for many years, most of that time as a member of the committee. For several years she was also involved as a Leader in the Girl’s Brigade.

On Sunday 20^th January this year, as Mollie arrived at church, she noticed several family members were in the congregation, whom she hadn’t expected to be there, and she wondered if there was perhaps a baptism she did not know about. Following the children’s address, about “doing as we’re told” and about obeying God, the Rev Susan Cowel referred to “someone who has been doing what God has told her for 30 years now“. Mollie says that was the moment when the penny dropped and she realised why her family were present. She was invited to come forward to receive a Long Service Certificate for 30 years as elder in the Church. Mollie was taken by surprise, but she was delighted to receive her Certificate. We were privileged to see the photographs which were taken of the presentation, and with her family and the Rev Susan Cowel afterwards.

When asked about the changes she has observed in church life over the years, like others before her, Mollie immediately mentioned falling numbers attending church, and she remembers a time when you had to go along early on a Communion Sunday to be sure of a seat.

Her hope for the future of the congregation is that we will soon have a new minister and that more people will come along to church.

We appreciate Mollie taking the time to share her story and we give thanks for her faithful service as an elder for 30 years. We pray for God’s continued blessing on Mollie and Fred and on their family.

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POEM

~Faith~

Faith can move mountains, fulfill impossible dreams,

Lessens the task which insurmountable seems,

Faith walks with hope, grows stronger with love,

And deepens each day with help from above.

Faith bridges each chasm, gives succor to all,

Who stumble with burdens, uplifts those who fall;

Faith comes even closer with problems we meet,

Turns tears into laughter and conquers defeat.

When death touches our lives, when a loved one is gone

‘Tis faith that comes softly and helps us go on;

Gives meaning to loss, offers calm to our fears

As, through the love of a savior, faith dries all our tears.

L.M. Wadlow

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HOLY WEEK SERVICES

THE UNITED PARISH OF CARSTAIRS & CARSTAIRS JUNCTION

We warmly invite you to our EASTER Services

PALM SUNDAY 16^th March 2008

Carstairs Junction Church 10.30 a.m.

Carstairs Church 12 noon

MAUNDAY THURSDAY 20^th March 2008

Carstairs Junction Church 7.00 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY 21^st March 2008

Carstairs Church 7.00 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY 23^rd March 2008

Carstairs Junction Church 10.30 a.m.

Carstairs Church 12 noon

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Nominating Committee has been working very hard in recent months. Although they are not free to talk about their work, it isn’t because they haven’t been doing anything. An application was received, and dealt with carefully and prayerfully, but for both applicant and the committee, the match wasn’t quite right. It is a difficult job to discern and decide who should come to our United Charge, especially with a lengthy vacancy. However, it is wiser to wait for the right person than to grab the first person who sticks their hand up and says they’ll consider coming.

As the Bible reminds we have to wait patiently for God. Remember he promised Jesus to us at least 800 years before he arrived! And no, that isn’t a prediction on when your new minister will come! The Committee has been boosted back to 11 members with the arrival of Hazel Orr, Liz Warnock and Sara Gilchrist. We are starting a new advertising campaign with a new style of advert (see Life and Work in March and April) and we are updating and freshening the Parish Profile, and will be targeting ministers again in the coming months.

Please continue to encourage and pray for your Nominating Committee. It is a huge responsibility, and they are carrying it well on your behalf. And if over the coming months you are a-wandering in Church of Scotland land, and hear a minister you would like us to follow up, then please tell a member of the Nominating Committee or the Interim Moderator. And on your behalf, I would like to thank the Nominating Committee for their faithfulness to their Church and for their enthusiasm and courage in all they do.

Rev Sarah Ross

Interim Moderator

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CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

November - On Thursday 8^th November the Guild met in Carstairs Community Centre, when Mrs Mabel Morris convened the meeting and led the opening worship. Our guest speakers from The State Hospital, Carstairs included Mr Alex Nelson, Mr Paul Oakes and Ms Carolyn Walker.

In his introduction, Alex Nelson referred to our three-year Guild Theme “Let’s Live: Body, Mind and Soul” and this year’s theme “Think on These Things” focusing on “the mind”. Alex illustrated how difficult it is to define what is meant by the word “mind”.

Mr Paul Oakes then gave a short talk about the State Hospital. This was followed by a presentation by Ms Carolyn Walker. As members arrived for the meeting they had been given a questionnaire to complete, asking them to describe the degree of anger they might feel in various situations. Carolyn asked everyone to consider their answers and take part in discussion about the things which made them very angry.

Carolyn went on to explain that some people are unable to control their anger, even over very minor things, and her presentation illustrated ways in which they can be helped to learn to control their anger. It was a very interesting and informative evening.

November - On Thursday 22^nd November members met in Carstairs Community Centre for a special meeting, arranged as part of the Guild Week celebrations. Mrs Irene Williams convened the meeting and led the opening worship. The guest speaker was the Rev Roy Cowieson, from Carluke St. John’s, accompanied by his wife Christine. They took turns throughout the meeting to share their story of how they were called by God to a ministry in Canada. Their story was very interesting, from their journey to Canada, their initial re-adjustment to a life which was very different from all they had left behind in Scotland, the amazing experiences of God’s blessing on their ministry and growth in the church, to their recent calling to return to Scotland.

December - The Guild Christmas Evening, in Carstairs Community Centre, on Thursday 13^th December, had an ALTERnativity theme. Mrs Margaret Aitken convened the meeting and led the opening worship.

Supported by Christian Aid, the Church of Scotland, and the Iona Community Wild Goose Support Group, ALTERnativity is a charity, which arose from the concern that, while Christmas should be a time of great celebration, for many it is a time of stress and worry. ALTERnativity exists to offer help to all who wish to rediscover the real meaning of Christmas, to remember the simplicity of the Incarnation and to resist the excesses of consumerism.

We considered the origins of some of our Christmas traditions, and looked at ways to make our celebrations more relevant; having a Chrismon Tree or Jesus Tree, with symbols which tell the Christmas story - Star, Angel, Crook, Crown, Crib; having a crib scene as the central point of our Christmas decorations instead of Santa; sending cards which tell the Christmas Story, and trying new food ideas.

Mrs Ann Howland gave an entertaining demonstration of a new recipe she had learned on her visit to Canada in the summer, and everyone enjoyed sampling this tasty tit-bit. Afterwards we enjoyed a lovely tea with the usual mince pies, shortbread and dumpling and our Bring and Buy parcels, all nicely wrapped in Christmas paper, were distributed.

January - On Thursday 10^th January the Guild met in Carstairs Community Centre. The meeting was convened by Mrs Ann Howland, who led the opening worship. Our guest speaker was Mr Bill Love, a reader with the Presbytery of Lanark, and well-known to us from his many weeks with us recently leading our Sunday worship.

Bill had been asked to speak to us on any topic, of his own choosing. He chose to speak about his love for the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. At the age of about seven, he had been taken to the King’s Theatre in Glasgow for a performance of the Pirates of Penzance and from this early beginning his love of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan grew. He went on to explain that his interest developed beyond just attending and enjoying such performances. Bill became interested in knowing everything about these two men, their individual talents, and the way their coming together brought out the best in each of them. He has an extensive collection of recordings and other memorabilia, and he played several old recordings which included a conversation between Sir Arthur Sullivan and Thomas Eddison in 1888; an extract from the Pirates of Penzance in 1910 and another from the Mikado in 1908. We enjoyed seeing Bill again and hearing about his interesting hobby.

Syllabus to May 2008

Ÿ February At the time of writing we are looking forward to our next meeting on Thursday 14^th February, when we will watch the DVD of the Guild Annual Meeting held in Caird Hall, Dundee on 25^th August 2007. The Conveners for the evening are the four delegates who attended the Annual Meeting.

Ÿ March - On Friday 7^th March members and friends are warmly invited to attend this year's World Day of Prayer Service which will be held in Cairngryffe Parish Church at 7.30 p.m.

Ÿ The Annual Business Meeting will be held in Carstairs Community Centre at 7.30 pm on Thursday 13^th March.

Ÿ On Friday 28^th March members and friends are invited to the Spring Rally in Greyfriars Church Hall, Lanark at 7.30 pm.

Ÿ April - On Thursday 24^th April the Guild will hold their annual fund-raising event in Carstairs Community Centre. Details to be announced.

Ÿ May - The Joint Guild Trip with the ladies from Carnwath Guild will take place on Saturday 17^th May, to Scone Palace and Perth.

Ÿ The session ends with the Guild Summer Rally on Friday 30^th May in Douglas St Bride’s at 7.30 pm.

A very warm welcome is extended to everyone to come along to any or all of our meetings. We will be delighted to see you.

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STATED ANNUAL MEETING

The Stated Annual Meeting of the United Parish of Carstairs & Carstairs Junction will be held after Morning Worship on Sunday 9^th March, 2008, at the JOINT SERVICE in Carstairs Junction Church at 11.00 a.m. Please note: There will be NO SERVICE at Carstairs Church on Sunday 9^th March, 2008.

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QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

March Theme: Services or Worship

Week Beginning 3^rd March

Ÿ Ask God’s blessing on the Joint Service of Worship next Sunday in Carstairs Junction Church and on the Stated Annual Meeting which follows the service.

Week Beginning 10^th March

Ÿ Pray that God will bless the Palm Sunday Services in both churches next Sunday, and that they will be well attended.

Week Beginning 17^th March

Ÿ As we celebrate Easter and attend three services this week, we pray for God’s blessing on the Maundy Thursday Service at Carstairs Junction on Thursday at 7 pm; the Good Friday Service at Carstairs Church on Friday at 7 pm; and the Easter Sunday Services of worship in both churches.

Week Beginning 24^th March

Ÿ As we look forward to the lighter nights and the start of British Summer time when the clocks change next week, give thanks to God for his creation and for the joy of each of the four seasons of the year.

Week Beginning 31^st March

Ÿ Pray that, as we move on from Easter into Summer, we do not forget the sacrifice Jesus made, for us, so that we might become God’s children.

April Theme: Those with additional responsibilities

Week Beginning 7^th April

Ÿ We all have responsibilities, at home, at work, within our families. This week we want to pray for all those who take on additional responsibilities in our congregation, and serve as Office Bearers. Pray that they might find joy and fulfillment as they carry out their duties.

Week Beginning 14^th April

Ÿ Pray for all those who serve on the Congregational Board, that they may be blessed by God in all that they do.

Week Beginning 21^st April

Ÿ Pray for all those who serve as ordained elders in our congregation, that they may be aware of God’s will and the Spirit’s guidance in their lives.

Week Beginning 28^th April

Ÿ Pray for members of the Nominating Committee as they continue their work of seeking a new minister for our congregation, asking God to lead them and guide them by his Spirit.

May Theme: Blessings and Thanksgiving

Week Beginning 5^th May

Ÿ Pray for all conveners and members of the Way Ahead Groups - Publicity Group, Pastoral Care Group and Exploring Worship Group - and give thanks for all the time and commitment which each one of them gives.

Week Beginning 12^h May

Ÿ Pray God’s blessing and a safe journey for Guild members as they share fellowship and relaxation on their Annual Outing with Carnwath Guild on Saturday, and thank God for all that they do, and the support they provide, within the church family.

Week Beginning 19^h May

Ÿ Pray for all convenors and members of the Finance Committee, the Property Committee and the Social Committee, and give thanks for all the time and commitment given by each of them.

Week Beginning 26^h May

Ÿ Pray that God will bless the young people in the congregation in their preparation and as they lead the Mission Praise Service next Sunday evening, and give thanks that we have such a talented and committed group of young people in our congregation.

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MEETING FOR PRAYER

The Meeting for Prayer continues, in Carstairs Church Library, from 6.30 to 7 pm every second Wednesday. The dates of our meetings for the next quarter are as follows:- March 12^th and 26^th; April 9^th and 23^rd; May 7^th and 21^st.

You are very welcome to come along on any or all of these dates. We enjoy a quiet time of prayer, and although our group is small, we feel it is an important part of the life of the congregation.

We would be greatly encouraged if you came along and joined us every second Wednesday. We would be delighted to see you and have your support.

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LONG SERVICE AWARD

On Sunday 20^th January, 2008, Session Clerk Mrs. Mary Finlay presented Mary M. Savage (Carstairs) with a Long Service Certificate to mark 30 years as an Elder in Carstairs Church.

Our appreciation is extended to Mrs. Savage for her dedication to the Church.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday School meets each Sunday in Carstairs Village Church at 12 noon, all school age children are welcome.

From time to time there is a Family Service where the children stay in the Church until 1.00 p.m, but usually we all leave the Church and go along to the Community Centre for 12.20.p.m..

In the Community Centre the children come together for any announcements relating to the Sunday School, and where possible we acknowlege any birthdays.

The children then go into a class with children of similar age for stories and lessons from the Bible.

Activities throughout the year include, projects run by the Board of Parish Education, such as an Art Competition, Bible Quiz and concert.

Family Services, Nativity Play, Easter and Palm Sunday Services, Sponsored Walks, Christmas Party and Summer Trip.

As you can see there is plenty to keep both the children and teachers busy and we will make every effort to keep you informed of any events.

The Sunday School term runs from August to June, as it always takes a few weeks for the children to start or return to the Sunday School the attendance record will begin on the third week of the new term and will finish a few weeks before the prize giving date to allow us to arrange books and certificates.

I hope the above gives you an idea of what the Sunday School is all about and you will encourage your children to come along.

Heather Forrest ( Superintendant)

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COFFEE AFTERNOONS _- 2008

Due to the falling numbers it has been decided to continue with the Coffee Afternoons but less frequently. As always, the Coffee Afternoons are held in Carstairs Community Centre from 1.30 p.m.

The dates for the 2008 Coffee Afternoons are as follows:-

Tuesday 25^th March Coffee Afternoon 1.30 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Tuesday 27^th May Christian Aid Lunch

12.00 noon - 2.00 p.m.

Tuesday 30^th September Coffee Afternoon

(MacMillan Cancer)

1.30 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Tuesday 25^th November Might do Lunch, not sure yet.

Offers of assistance to bake for the Coffee Afternoons would be gratefully appreciated and also to make soup and sandwiches for the Lunch. Please get in touch with Linda Brown (870028) if you can help in any way.

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CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING

All volunteers please note that a training session will be held on 27^th May in the Gillespie Centre, Biggar at 7 p.m. To book a place contact Ruth Tel. 870251.

Training is important for all new volunteers and as a refresher for those previously trained. “The world of safeguarding changes at lightning pace!”

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THE WAR IS ON

We, that is, all of us in the Church of Scotland are in a war. A war that’s ongoing, and has been for many years. It’s a war on many fronts, sometimes too much for us to cover at any one time. We sometimes win a few battles, we often have success in the small skirmishes, but the real big battle still allude us, and there’s a victory there for the taking.

These days when you see gangs of youth roaming our village streets do you ever think ‘where did it all go wrong’? We accept things now that would never have happened a few years ago, and despite the good work done by volunteer workers in our communities, things are getting no better. When old people don’t go out at night in the winter unless escorted be friends, when most lock themselves in their home before its dark, and when, if troubled by teenager they retreat into their houses for the night just in case saying anything attracts more attention.

It’s a sad reflection on us as parents and grand parents, aunts and uncles that we just can’t get through to those sad unfortunate members of our community who create havoc daily.

We in the United Parish of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction are very lucky with the youth that attend our churches. They are not always the angels we would like them to be, and after all they are only human, but with the work done in the past by mothers and fathers, family and friends, past and present Sunday school teachers we should be very proud of them all. Plus, the work they each have put into their own lives, the paths they all took then they saw a better life, where you can have great fun without harming anyone, in fact where they can each give great pleasure to many through their work in the church.

Back to the war, we need young troops; we need more young people to build on the progress that has been made so far.

If you have teenagers in your family, and you would like to help them further along the right path, could I suggest you challenge them to come along to the Bible class on a Sunday, the only cost will be time, or bring them along yourselves to the Mission Praise on Sunday on March 2^nd at Carstairs Junction Church. A service created and led by young people with a lot to give to everyone who attends.

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1ST CARSTAIRS BOYS' BRIGADE

A bus of 50 boys, parents and friends went to the pantomime at Motherwell to see “Cinderella”, everyone had a lovely evening.

The boys’ have restarted the new session until Easter. Before the Christmas break, they were busy making calendars, as well as a few surprises for ‘Burns Night’ and ‘Valentines’.

We are very grateful for everyone’s support.

Boys Brigade Christmas Fundraiser - The excellent sum of £211 was raised by the Boys Brigade from the sale of shortbread, cookies and sweets in the lead up to Christmas. Thank you to everyone who supported the boys and officers.

Boys Brigade - India Appeal - The next fundraising challenge is to raise money towards the building of a Support Centre for children living in Nagpur, North India. The support centre will enable older children to receive an education which should help them get better employment. Currently these children receive no education and are required to scavenge in local refuge tips, for this they get as little as 85p a day in order to support their families. The Boys Brigade hope that you will be able to give generously to this appeal to ease the suffering of these children.

Magazine MARCH 2008

MINISTER'S LETTER

MRS MOLLIE SAVAGE

POEM

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

NOMINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

STATED ANNUAL MEETING

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

MEETING FOR PRAYER

LONG SERVICE AWARD

SUNDAY SCHOOL

COFFEE AFTERNOONS _- 2008

CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING

THE WAR IS ON

1ST CARSTAIRS BOYS' BRIGADE

MISSION PRAISE

MINISTER'S LETTER

MRS MOLLIE SAVAGE

POEM

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

NOMINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

STATED ANNUAL MEETING

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

MEETING FOR PRAYER

LONG SERVICE AWARD

SUNDAY SCHOOL

COFFEE AFTERNOONS _- 2008

CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING

THE WAR IS ON

1ST CARSTAIRS BOYS' BRIGADE

MISSION PRAISE