THE MAGAZINE OF BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH ‘SCOTLAND’S OLDEST COLLEGIATE CHURCH’

Registered Scottish Charity No: SC009819

WINTER 2018 JANUARY 2019

From the Minister P1, P2 Church Register P2 People to Know P3 Remembrance 2018 P3 Rotas P4 Statement of Purpose P5 ‘Allovus’ Luncheon Club P5 Bothwell Guild P5 Thanks P5 Car Rally P6 Society of Friends P6 Dementia Café P6 Farewell from Jade P6

Minister: The Revd. J. M. Gibson, TD.

The Manse of Bothwell, 4 Manse Avenue, Bothwell, G71 8PQ

Tel: 01698 853189. Email: jamesmgibson@msn.com

Church Office Tel: 01698 854903 (Tuesday — Friday 9am-1pm)

Email: bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com

Church Website: www.bothwellparishchurch.org.uk

Church Centre: 854987 Chapterhouse Café: 858566

FROM THE MINISTER One of the curious things come Christmas Eve is that as secularism and commercialism seem to gather ever increasing momentum as each year passes so, too, does a very different phenomenon. Throughout the land on Christmas Eve, literally hundreds of thousands of people from every conceivable background, many of whom are to be seen in church on no other regular occasion, come in increasing numbers to participate in the worship of the night.

Though many of them will say they do so because the Christmas story is a ‘lovely idea’, research makes it clear that they are seeking something more. Not a picturesque fantasy merely, but a reality in some ways more profound than that afforded by the rationalist expectations that have been led by a secular culture to exercise.

And is it true ?

Though the ancient story of the Christchild’s birth can be easily sentimentalised, the meaning it is meant to convey cannot. It is a meaning which confronts not only the violence and pride of humanity but, also, humanity’s pretentions to be able to contain ‘all knowledge’ within the boundaries of our own understanding and to know what is ‘true’ by the power of our own unaided powers. At least, for a brief time over Christmas festivities, people are prepared to ask with Sir John Betjeman

And is it true? And is it true, This most tremendous tale of all ..

The Maker of the stars and sea Become a child on earth for me ?

Love, eventually, means loss; and loss can mean loneliness of a kind which is very hard to bear—particularly when the world around is en fete.

To say we are living in interesting times in our country is a massive understatement. Apart from periods of World War, it is doubtful if ever our country has faced such uncertainty regarding its future. Brexit has created an almost impossible conundrum for our politicians and the proposed draft deal with the European Union has unleashed behaviour in some of those involved which, at times has, sadly, been far from enlightening.

Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and whatever their consequence perhaps it is possible to take solace and hope from this proven truth. Once Christmas is over, should it be our unaccustomed churchgoers fail to return, let it not be because the reality of the Christmas message has been proclaimed by the Church with less than whole-hearted conviction. The wonder of the Christmas story is no pretty seasonal confection. For all its joy, its implications are in deadly earnest.

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Until fairly recently, in historical terms, Christmas was not universally celebrated in many parts of Scotland. People’s celebration was held instead on Hogmanay, with festivities continuing into the new year. England, meanwhile, largely ignored New Year (apart from in the North). However, over more recent times, the two festivals have tended to coalesce. In part, as a result of greater affluence: in part because the media have been a standardising force.

The existence of the two coalescent feasts, of course, is an answer to those who complain that there is no ’Christ’ left in Christmas. In a well ordered world, Christmas would be a day of religious and family observation, whereas New Year would be saturnalian and pagan. In truth, both festivals emerged from earlier rituals, just as great cathedrals rose on the sites of earlier temples and shrines. Bothwell Church could be said to be just such an example, rising from the shrine thought to have been erected by Kentigern in the sixth century. The Yuletide log, the evergreen mistletoe, the holly and the ivy were, and are, assertions of survival in the harshness of winter, promising new life come spring. While the dram and the lump of coal for the fire represent a wish and a hope of renewed future abundance.

Spirit of Christmas

Wherever the weight of conviviality lies, whether at Christmas or New Year, this is also a time not only for thanksgiving but for remembrance, especially of those with little for which to give thanks.

If the family is a source of great joy, it can also be the cause of great pain.

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Statement of Purpose

Bothwell Parish is a congregation of the Church of Scotland and is part of the worldwide family of people belonging to the Christian Faith, worshipping God through Jesus Christ. In to the love of God for all, we seek to serve our community through worship, friendship, care and education; and to promote Christian values of concern for others, forgiveness, healing and justice.

Whatever level of prosperity and success we shall enjoy in the future as one of the world’s major trading nations, it is those suffering from abject poverty, those deprived of fundamental human rights, those who daily must risk the sniper’s bullet in order to feed their family who can best attest to the fact that their knowledge of the dignity of humankind comes from their knowledge of the humility of God.

And is it true? For if it is, No loving fingers tying strings… No love that in a family dwells,

No caroling in frosty air, Nor all the steeple-shaking bells

Can with this single truth compare- That God was Man in Palestine,

And lives today in Bread and Wine.

Wishing you the Blessing of

a very Merry Christmas and great health and contentment

in the coming year.

Jim Gibson.

From the Minister Continued ..

CHURCH REGISTER

According to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation which took effect in May 2018, we are updating our congregational priva-cy policy. Consequently, we will no longer publish addresses/telephone numbers (other than of the church/Centre/Manse). We respect the right of privacy of all members and others; and will do all we can to ensure the security of all personal data. Baptisms: October 28th. Alexander Scott Haldane, son of Blair and Gillian Haldane. Marriages: October 4th. Linsey McLean and Robert Ross. Funerals: The Minister invites the prayers of the congregation for the family and friends of the following who recently received Christian funeral: October. Peter Vance Esq. Mrs Elaine Graham. Mrs. Ada Thomson. November. Mrs Helen Bryce. Mrs Jean Sneddon.

Special Advent and Christmas Services

December 16th. Gifts laid at Church Christmas Tree for Homeless People. December 24th. Service for Christmas Eve begins at 11.30pm. December 25th. Short Christmas day Family Communion. January 6th Service for Epiphany Sunday begins at 10.30am January 6th. Christingle service at 5.00pm.

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PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Minister Revd J M Gibson 4 Manse Avenue 853189

Session Clerk David Craig c/o Church Office 854903

Treasurer Jim Provan c/o Church Office 854903

Gift Aid Donald Lee c/o Church Office 854903

Roll Keeper Church Secretary Church Office 854903

Property Ken Hamilton c/o Church Office 854903

Organist & Director of Music Peter Shepherd (Please consult at church)

Presbytery Margaret Hutchison c/o Church Office 854903

Crèche Nan Carson c/o Church Office 854903

Sunday Clubs (Pre-school and Primary) The Minister Church Office 854903

ACTs (Teens) Rhona Armes-Martin Church Office 854903

BB Coy. Robin McLean c/o Church Office 854903

Allovus Heather Duddy c/o Church Office 854903 The Guild Doreen Gibson 4 Manse Avenue 853189

Church Centre Management Margaret Dobie c/o Church Office 854903 Church Centre 854987.

CHRISTMAS

CAROL CONCERT

(for all the Family)

conducted by

Peter Shepherd

with

Choir & Orchestra

including

Percussion Band from

Ayr Academy

SUNDAY

16 DECEMBER

Adult £10 Children £2.50

(Inclusive of wine or soft drink)

A Prayer for Advent and Christmas

Lord Jesus Christ The advent of your birth draws near. The time of waiting and wonder, the time of longing and lingering is nearly over. As one year rolls into another we teach ourselves amidst the rush to listen and be still. Let us listen for the sound of angel’s wings, bringing word of good news. Let us listen for the sound of shepherd’s feet, running to worship a new-born hope. Let us listen for the steady step of camels bearing wise men, offering rich gifts in worship. Let us listen for the distant tramp of hostile soldiers, reminding us that new birth is not always celebrated. Let is listen for the cry of an infant, heralding the Divine breaking into our human story with love. Lord Jesus, vulnerable yet strong, helpless yet unbreakable, the persistence of your love renews each year; and many near to or far from faith find hearts warmed, spirits lifted, hope renewed and love made real. Be near to us, stay by our side; close by. For you are the Lord of presence, the source of comfort, the promise of peace. In prayer, in song, in silence and service we worship you Lord Jesus and ready our bodies, minds and souls throughout this Advent-tide as we move to Christmas.

AMEN.

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Church Flowers

Crossing War Memorial October: 7. Janette Provan Myra McMurdo 14. Betty Peacock Sandy Campbell 21. Jean Hamilton Fiona Lorimer 28. Gillian Ormiston Janellen Young November: 4. Dr Genevra Ritch Pat McAulay 11. Jan Lee Eliz. Somerville 18. Ellen Buttery Alison Freeland 25. Aileen Hepburn Doreen Gibson December: 2. Tom Abercromby Suzanne Smith 9. John Dalziel Veronica Crate 16. Meg Greenshields Una McLundie 23. David Craig Marilyn Jack 30. Jack Lewis Shirley Frew. 2019 January: 6. John Gordon 13. Nancy Robertson Anne McMillan 20. Ann Sharp Nancy Struthers 27. Janet McDougall Ann McQueen.

Sunday Church Welcome Rota Officebearers should please report for duty at 9.45am.

Sunday Crèche October: 7. Elaine Easton Aileen Hepburn 14. Eleanor Terrace Eliz. French 21. Eleanor Barr Morven Donnelly 28. Nan Carson Jen Robertson November: 4. Janette Provan Emily Barr 11. Pat Maxwell Gillian Ormiston 18. Suz. Smith Louise Parsons 25. Elaine Easton Aileen Hepburn December: 2. Eleanor Terrace Eliz. French 9. Nan Carson Jen Robertson 16. Eleanor Barr Morven Donnelly 23. Janette Provan Emily Barr 30. Pat Maxwell Gillian Ormiston. 2019 January: 6. Suz. Smith Louise Parsons 13. Elaine Easton Aileen Hepburn 20. Eleanor Terrace Eliuz. French 27. Nan Carson Jen Robertson.

OCTOBER: 7 J Henry M Jack D Lee G Moore 14 H Marsh J Marsh B Moyes R Parsons 21 S Smith J Provan J Provan B Sharp 28 G Ormiston E Somerville E Terrace Dr Thomson

NOVEMBER: 4 Communion Arrangements. 11 G Whitton A Wilson E Barr E Buttery 18 J Carson N Carson J Crichton J Dalziel 25 E Dempsey M Dobie H Duddy V Gibson

DECEMBER: 2 B Gillespie K Hamilton J Hart S Greenshilds 9 H Gilmour J Gilmour D Hepburn I Henderson 16 J Henry M Jack D Lee G Moore 23 B Moyes S Smith J Provan J Provan 30 R Parsons B Sharp G Ormiston E Somerville

2019 JANUARY 6 E Terrace Dr Thomson G Whitton A Wilson 13 E Barr J Carson N Carson E Buttery 20 D Craig J Crichton J Cumming J Dalziel 27 E Dempsey M Dobie H Duddy B Gillespie

Coffee Rota OCTOBER: NOVEMBER: DECEMBER: 07 Mrs S Crichton 04 Ormiston family 02. Mrs J Craig 14 Mrs N Carson 11 Mrs E Dempsey 09. Mrs E Dempsey 21 Parson family 18 The Guild 16. Mrs J Hamilton 28 Mrs E Buttery 25 Mrs CA Cahill 23. Mrs Carol-Anne Cahill 30. Mrs Arleen Thomson 2019 JANUARY 06. Frew & Hepburn families. 13. Mrs S Crichton 20. Mrs N Carson 27. Parson family