MAGAZINE JUNE 2008

MINISTER'S LETTER

Scottish Churches Housing Action

~Thought for a Sunday~

Summer services

CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

Christian Aid Events

QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

MEETING FOR PRAYER

BE STILL

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL / YOUTH GROUP

1st Carstairs Boys’ Brigade

Weekly Freewill Offerings

Gift Aid Declaration

Welcome

MINISTER'S LETTER

 

The mad rush to summer...

 

Dear Friends,

 

 

 

 

Maybe it is just me but somehow once May hits, there seems to be a mad rush to summer.  It’s like the whole world goes on holiday when the schools break at the end of June, and before that happens so much must be done.  I am not sure if it is worse than getting ready for Christmas but it is certainly on a par. 

 

 

 

 

 

By the time you read this, summer will be just about upon us.  The traditional season of holidays and weddings, long days (though technically they are already getting shorter in the summer!) and barbeques, where we slow down and for a wee while try to behave like some of our European brothers and sisters.  We enjoy books in the sunshine instead of being glued to the television.  We sit on our doorsteps or sun loungers and chat to our children or partners or neighbours and friends instead of worrying about housework.  Yes, summer is a different season altogether – perhaps the calmest season of all.  And even if the sun doesn’t always shine, there is still a sense of slowing down and relaxing. 

 

 

Even in the church we tend to slow down over July and August.  Committees take a break, and we have joint services across Presbytery.  Yet what always makes me smile is that there is an unwritten rule that even God goes on holiday in July and August.  Now I don’t know if it is just a British thing, or if it happens across the world.  I agree that we need rest periods and that the summer is the best time for it.  And like everyone, I can be heard to say, I can’t wait until the summer when hopefully it will be quiet.  Nevertheless God doesn’t go on holiday and no matter the time of day or night or season of the year, he is always present.

 

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.   Indeed, he who watches over his people never slumbers or sleeps.  The Lord himself watches over you! (Psalm 121:3-5 NLT)

 

So wherever you might travel in this beautiful season, wherever you find time to rest, to enjoy creation or simply sleep, know that God goes with you.  That he watches over you and will be faithful to you.  And though the church family might be resting over the summer weeks, there is plenty still going on.  And to all who work hard during the Church year, however long that year might be, thank you so much for everything you do.  You might not know it, but you are appreciated and valued.

 

Have a great and wonderful summer.  I hope you do find rest, especially in God’s company, and when the church is back in full swing come September, you are there too refreshed and raring to go. 

 

Warm regards

 

Sarah

 

Sarah Ross (Rev Mrs)

 

Interim Moderator

 

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Scottish Churches Housing Action

Scottish Churches Housing Action is a charity which encourages and enables congregations from all denominations to take action to do whatever they can to help people who are experiencing homelessness.  Guild members will remember hearing Diane Beckett when she was their guest speaker a few years ago.  Diane explained the work of Scottish Churches Housing Action and spoke about the difference even a simple box of toiletries could make to a homeless person.  Diane lives within our Parish and is a member of our congregation.

 

 

Some of you may have seen a report in the Lanark Gazette about meetings which have taken place in Lanark, and to which members of our congregation, along with others in the Presbytery, were invited.  You may be interested in knowing what has developed from the first of those meetings.  The following report was published in the newsletter for friends of Scottish Churches Housing Action for April 2008.

 

 

“Clydesdale churches to act on homelessness

 

  

Following Scottish Churches Housing Action’s Clydesdale Gathering on 26^th February, local churches have agreed to set up an initiative to help people who become homeless.  People from different church congregations and local projects met at St Nicholas Church Hall in Lanark.

 

 

Lesley Munro from the Blue Triangle Housing Association project in Lanark, and Meg Beresford from Wiston Lodge near Biggar outlined the problems of homeless people who use their services, and what each organisation does to help.  It was clear from their contributions that homelessness doesn’t just mean sleeping rough or selling the Big Issue: it’s a problem with local roots, and can affect a wide range of people.

 

 

Stewart Gibb of South Lanarkshire Council set out the problems they face.  ‘Last year, almost 600 families or individuals came to the council for help with homelessness - the families included 336 children, most of them under the age of 11‘.  The council has just over half the number of houses they did 25 years ago, so relies on other organisations to help.

 

 

His colleague Val Holtom explained what being homeless means: ‘Homeless people find themselves moving from address to address, being short of money, having nowhere to cook a healthy meal, experiencing stress and anxiety, and relying on the decisions of others.’

 

 

Dianne Beckett, Churches Housing’s Development Manager, explained that we are a national organisation which supports local action on homelessness.  Those present at the meeting agreed to bring local churches together to work out a way of helping people.

 

 

One idea is to produce ‘well-being packs’ hygiene items for people who have nothing to keep themselves clean and fresh.  The Blue Triangle project values these, but struggles to provide them.

 

 

A meeting will be organised during March.  Anyone interested in helping should contact Diane on 0130 477 4500 or diane@churches-housing.org

 

 

When Diane spoke at the Guild she pointed out that, contrary to the mistaken view held by many, most homeless people do not become so due to their own actions.  Most find themselves in this situation due to circumstances beyond their control.  Homelessness could affect any of us, at any time, if our circumstances were to change unexpectedly.

 

 

Scottish Churches Housing Action needs our support. If you would like to be involved in any future project started up within Lanark Presbytery please contact Diane for more information.

 

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~Thought for a Sunday~

If after church you wait awhile

 

Someone may greet you with a smile

 

But, if you quickly rise and flee

 

We’ll all seem cold and stuffy, maybe

 

The one beside you in the pew

 

Is perhaps a stranger too.

 

All here like you have fears and cares,

 

All of us need each other’s prayer.

 

In fellowship we bid you meet

 

With us around God’s mercy seat.

 

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Summer services

THE UNITED PARISH OF CARSTAIRS

 

          &

 

                    CARSTAIRS JUNCTION

 

 

We warmly invite you to our joint

 

Summer Services to be held on the following dates:

 

 

Sunday 22^nd June at Carstairs 11am (Service includes Sunday School Prize-giving)

 

Sunday 29^th June at Carstairs Junction 11am

 

Sunday 6^th July at Carstairs 11am

 

Sunday 13^th July at Carstairs Junction 11am

 

Sunday 20^th July at Carstairs 11am

 

Sunday 27^th July at Carstairs Junction 11am

 

 

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CARSTAIRS AND CARSTAIRS JUNCTION GUILD

Session Sept 2007 - June 2008

 

  

  

  

February - On Thursday 14^th February the Guild met in Carstairs Community Centre.  Mrs Mary Cowan convened the meeting and led the worship.  The DVD was shown from the Guild Annual Meeting, held in Caird Hall, Dundee on Saturday 25^th August, 2007.  We had been able to send four of our members as delegates to the Annual Meeting, which was a most unusual privilege.  Normally only one delegate from each Guild can be accommodated, unless demand for tickets allows and an extra ticket has been requested, and then it is sometimes possible to send two delegates.

 

 

The DVD can provide only a flavour of the atmosphere of the annual meeting, with clips of talks given by the guest speakers, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, as well as reports from some of the committees of the Guild, nationally, locally and on foreign visits.  Those who have attended as delegates in the past all agree that there is nothing quite like going along on the day.  Thanks to the kindness of one of our members, (and her husband, who did all the carrying) we were able to watch this year’s report on a large-screen TV.

 

  

March - On Friday 7^th March, members attended the World Day of Prayer Service in Cairngryffe Church, Carmichael.  This year’s service was entitled “God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding”, written by Christian women of Guyana.  Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America and was known as British Guiana before independence in 1966.  Now with a very mixed population, Guyana operates in an ecumenical society where all Churches unite for the common goal of Christianity.  Each denomination is represented on the World Day of Prayer National Committee.  Three of our members took part in the service, along with members from Carnwath and Cairngryffe Guilds.

 

 

After the service a lovely supper was provided by the ladies from Cairngryffe Guild, in Carmichael Hall.  Some of our members were interested to see the work which has been carried out to the Church, including the partitioning of an area of the building to provide a rather fine meeting room, which is used for Sunday School and Board and Session Meetings.

 

 

March - On Thursday 13^th March members met in Carstairs Community Centre for the Annual Business Meeting of the Guild.  Mrs Barbara Kay convened the meeting and led the opening worship.  Following the reading of the Minutes of the 2007 Annual Business Meeting, our Treasurer, Mrs Barbara Kay presented the Balance Sheet.

 

 

With a sum of £650 in their funds to be allocated, it was agreed to give £550 to the Church General Fund and £100 to the Manse Appeal.

 

 

Election of Office Bearers, Conveners, Guildlink Contacts and Tea Committee took place as follows:-

 

 

Treasurer - Mrs Barbara Kay; Secretary/Contact Person - Mrs Margaret Aitken; Project Partner - Mrs Ina Milne; Presbyterial Council Member - Mrs Grace Stokes; Conveners - Mrs Margaret Aitken; Mrs Roberta Finlayson; Mrs Ann Howland; Mrs Mabel Morris; Guildlink Contacts - Largs St John’s - Mrs Mary Cowan; Glasgow Springburn - Mrs Ann Howland; Tea Committee - Mrs Christine Baird; Miss Ann Boreland; Mrs Sheila Gauld; Mrs Cathie Henderson; Mrs Ann Howland; Mrs Ina Milne; Mrs Mollie Savage.

 

 

Delegates to the Annual Meeting in September were nominated; arrangements were discussed for our fund-raising Coffee Evening on 24^th April; and travel arrangements to the Summer Rally at Douglas St. Bride’s in May were discussed. The meeting was closed with members saying The Grace together, and tea was served afterwards.

 

 

March - On Friday 28^th March several members attended the Spring Rally in Greyfriars Church Hall, Lanark.  They enjoyed the meeting, and took part in a short service of Communion.

 

  

April - On Tuesday 1^st April, seventeen of our members travelled by bus to visit our Guildlink friends at Springburn Parish Church, Glasgow.  We received a very warm welcome and enjoyed meeting up with the members there.  The guest speaker gave a talk on the Book of Esther, while making a beautiful floral arrangement, using various types and colours of flowers and greenery to illustrate the story and the main characters involved.  A lovely tea was served by the Springburn ladies.  We look forward to meeting them again next April when they will be our guests.

 

  

April - On Thursday 24^th April the Guild raised £416.50 at their annual Coffee Evening held in Carstairs Community Centre.

 

  

May - At the time of writing members are looking forward to their Annual Joint Guild Trip with the ladies from Carnwath Guild on Saturday 17^th May, when we will visit Scone Palace and Perth.

 

 

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

 

 

The planning for the 2008-2009 Syllabus is underway and should be completed very soon.  In year 3 of our current theme “Let’s Live: Body, Mind and Soul” our theme will be “He restores my soul” Psalm 23:3.  The Guild Theme Guide for next session says “The soul has been defined as that part of a person which is spiritual, yet without shape and form, it cannot be seen.  The journey of the soul carries on beyond this life, and has been described as the moral and emotional part of a person’s being.  The soul seeks God; it longs for comfort and consolation, obeys God’s will and rejoices in his goodness and mercy.”

 

 

It should be a challenging session, as we consider our spiritual journey and our relationship with God.  We are also encouraged to have some fun built into our programme, apart from all the unscheduled laughter which we usually have.  Full details will follow in the Gazette and from the pulpit.  Please come and join us next session.  A warm welcome awaits you and we will be delighted to see you.

 

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Christian Aid Events

Christian Aid Service

 

On Sunday 4th May, a joint Service was held in Carstairs Church to celebrate Christian Aid Week.  The Congregation welcomed Mr Michel Chancy and friends from Haiti. Mr Chancy is the founder of Veterimed an organisation working in partnership with Christian Aid. Mr Chancy explained that Veterimed provides training and technical support for Haitian small farmers. He gave us an insight into Haitian dairy farmers whose livelihoods have been threatened by cheaper European milk imports. Now thanks to the dairy called Let Agogo (which means flowing milk) set up by Veterimed, farmers can now sell their milk to the dairy where it is processed into yogurt and sterilised milk which is then sold to shops, restaurants etc. Profits are then converted into dividends which are paid in kind rather than money so that the whole community can benefit. Following the service a lovely lunch was served in the Community Centre and a video of the ongoing work in Haiti was shown.

 

Christian Aid Lunch

 

On Tuesday 27th May 2008 our annual Christian Aid lunch will take place in Carstairs Community Centre from 12 noon to 2.00pm. If you can help make soup, sandwiches, bake or help at this event please contact Linda and Ian Brown .  Even if you can't help in the preparation, we do need people to come along and enjoy the food so put the date in your diary and we look forward to seeing you there.

 

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QUARTERLY PRAYER GUIDE

In this prayer guide you will find some suggested prayer topics for each week during June, July and August.  You are invited to include these topics in your own prayer time with God.

 

 

Of course, the work of the Nominating Committee and the search for a new minister is an ongoing topic for all our prayers.  Please continue to pray that God will speak to the heart of the person he has chosen to be our Minister.  Pray that he or she will clearly hear and recognise God’s call.   Pray that the Nominating Committee will be given wisdom and spiritual discernment and that they will seek God’s will in all that they do. 

 

 

June Theme: Seeking God’s Will

 

 

 Week Beginning 2^nd June

 

Ÿ  Pray for all members of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board, that they will always seek God’s will and guidance as they make important decisions for the congregation’s future.

 

Week Beginning 9^th June

 

Ÿ  Pray for all members of the Finance Committee, that they will seek God’s will and guidance in all they do, as they take responsibility, on our behalf, for the wise use of the resources God has provided.

 

Week Beginning 16^th June

 

Ÿ  Pray for all members of the Property Committee, that they will seek God’s will and guidance in all they do, as they take responsibility, on our behalf, for looking after our church properties.

 

Week Beginning 23^rd June

 

Ÿ  Pray for all members of the Social Committee, that they will seek God’s will and guidance in all they do, as they plan ahead for social and fund-raising events, on behalf of the congregation.

 

Week Beginning 30^th June

 

Ÿ  Pray for all members of the congregation, that God will bless them and lead them by his spirit, and in accordance with his will, as they participate in the life and worship of the congregation.

 

  

July Theme: God’s blessings during the Summer

 

 

Week Beginning 7th July

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing on the joint services over the summer months.  Ask his blessing for those who will lead us in worship each week.

 

Week Beginning 14^th July

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing on everyone going off on holiday, that they will be refreshed and renewed by their time away, and that they will be aware of God‘s presence wherever they are.      

 

Week Beginning 21^st July

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing on everyone spending their holiday at home, that they will make time to relax and rest.  Pray that they will be aware of God’s presence in all that they do during their holiday.

 

Week Beginning 28^th July

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing on all our school children during the holidays.  Pray that they will be kept safe and healthy and be refreshed ready for the new school term starting.

 

 

August Theme: Looking forward with God

 

 

Week Beginning 4^th August

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing and guidance for all the Sunday School teachers and leaders as they prepare for starting-up again soon, and for all the children who will be attending each week.

 

Week Beginning 11^th August

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing and guidance for the Boy’s Brigade leaders as they prepare for starting-up again soon, and for all the boys who will attend every Tuesday evening.

 

Week Beginning 18^th August

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing and guidance for the Guild, for office bearers, committee and all members, as they prepare for their new session starting soon.

 

Week Beginning 25^th August

 

Ÿ  Pray for God’s blessing and guidance for those who meet regularly, throughout the year, to pray for our congregation, our community, and our world.

 

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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: - June 4^th and 18^th; July 2^nd, 16^th and 30^th; August 13^th and 27^th.  You are very welcome to come along on any or all of these dates.

 

 

In recent weeks we have been learning much about prayer and about what is involved in having a relationship with God.  We have been learning to feel comfortable with silence, and have come to appreciate that we don’t just come to ‘talk’ to God; we come also to ‘listen’ to him.

 

 

Using music, Bible readings, meditation, breathing prayers, symbols, and other aids, we have been learning how to make time to be with God, to be aware of his presence in our everyday lives, and to just enjoy the peace and the pleasure of a stress-free half hour of prayer time.

 

 

If you have not been before, or have not been for some time, we would be delighted to see you.

 

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BE STILL

Time for myself …

 

Why is it that I find it so hard

 

to take time for myself?

 

Time to be, rather than to do.

 

Time to think, to talk to God,

 

and most of all

 

to be silent in his presence

 

while he talks to me.

 

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THE SUNDAY SCHOOL / YOUTH GROUP

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1st Carstairs Boys’ Brigade

The Anchor and Junior sections raised £316.50 for the boys brigade World Mission Fund.  This money will help to provide a support centre for the children in Nagpur, India who live off the refuse tips.  The boys received recognition for their fund raising efforts in the form of special certificates and thank you letters.

 

 

Gold Standard & special letter:    Ian Brown

 

Gold Standard:       Declan Boltan, Gavin & Lewis Campbell, Cameron Stokes, Jason Graham

 

Silver Standard:      Connor Fraser, David Mitchell, Kyle Morrow, Craig Galt, Mark Dougall, Joshua Peden

 

Bronze Standard: Callum Tennent, Sam Alvie, Jordan Ward

 

 

Well done to all the boys and to everyone who kindly gave a donation.

 

 

 

Boys Brigade 150^th Anniversary

 

 

The Boys Brigade is looking for any related memorabilia which could be loaned to them for their special Memorial Service in October.  This could be old uniforms, hats, certificates, badges or photo’s.  It is hoped to display these items at the Service to be held in Carstairs Church celebrating 150 years of the Boys Brigade. Please contact Elizabeth Brown for further details

 

 

The Company has now finished up until September 2008.  A big thank you to Davina, Fiona, Sean, Louise, Leah and Lyndsey for their valuable support throughout the winter.  The boys hope to see you all in September 2008.

 

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Weekly Freewill Offerings

We would like to encourage all members and friends of the Church who support the church by their regular giving.  For anyone without envelopes who would like to contribute in this way, envelopes can be obtained by contacting Robert Cowan Back to top

Gift Aid Declaration

Please note that if you are a UK tax payer you can further assist the church by completing a Gift Aid Declaration form which can be obtained from the Gift Aid Treasurers.  This will enable us to reclaim 28p for every £1 gifted.  For further information contact: Anne Stewart or Lorna Bruce.

 

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Welcome

A church is just not wood and stone

 

Stained glass and lofty steeple,

 

These cannot make the church alone

 

It needs prayer, love and people.

 

Nor bricks and mortar make a home

 

Nor windows, doors and walls.

 

Love is the keystone, and a WELCOME

 

To anyone who calls.

 

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