jrm deaf church autumn john ross memorial church for deaf … · 2019-11-02 · gifts to those less...
TRANSCRIPT
John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People —— The Vision Statement “To improve Deaf people’s access to pastoral support from a minister who can use sign language fluently, access to the Gospels preaching in a language they best understand, namely Sign Language, and to worship with other Deaf people in easily accessible venues.”
John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People
Ayrshire Mission to the Deaf Church: Clark Street, Kilmarnock Chaplain: The Rev Richard C Durno DSW CQSW Pg Cert Pg Dip NVQ BSL Level 4 Address: Church Admin Office, 37 South Portland Street, Glasgow, G5 9JL Mobile: 07748607721 Text/voice/voicemail Email: [email protected] Office Bearers: Elder, Session Clerk & Treasurer: Thomas Bryce Elder: Katrona Templeton Volunteer Member: Marjorie Bryce
Who’s who? Community Minister: Rev. Richard C. Durno DSW, CQSW, Pg Cert Pg Dip NVQ BSL Level 4
Session Clerk: Ronald MacDonald
Assistant Session Clerk: Jack Giffen
Treasurer: Margaret Giffen
Roll Keeper: Evelyn Adam
Elders: Ronald MacDonald Jack Giffen
Margaret Giffen, Muriel Nairne
Presbytery Elder: Jack Giffen
Bible Study Convenor: Rev R. Durno
Church Officer: Vacant
Church Deaf Choir & Music: Elsie Miller DCS (retired)
Flower Convenor: Margaret Giffen
Newsletter Editor: Rev Richard Durno
Technical Assistant Pauline MacDonald
Visiting Reader: Louise Holden MA
Safeguarding Coordinator:
Margaret Whitelaw, Lenzie Union Church. Mob.Text 07795916411
Church Admin. Office: 37 South Portland Street Glasgow G5 9JL Office Telephone: Mobile: 07748607721 Text/Voice/Voice mail Office Email: [email protected] Website: To be confirmed
Minister’s Home: 0141 772 1052 Text//Voice
E-mail address: [email protected] Mobile: 07748607721 Text/Voice/Voice mail
Celebrated 130 Years
1881 - 2011
Celebrated 190 Years of Worship
1822 - 2012
The community that prays together stays
together
Celebrated 80 Years of Founding of John Ross Church
1931 - 2011
Sept - Nov 2019 Vol 20 Issue 3
Autumn JRM Deaf Church Newsletter
H arvest is to me and my church one of the most important festivals in the
Christian calendar.
S ome churches, sadly, do not celebrate harvest festivals and yet it is biblical
and an event that we in the Deaf Church have celebrated faithfully each year!
I n the Old Testament book of Deuteron-omy chapter 24 verses 19-22 we find
these rules. When a farmer was gathering in his harvest he was to remember to leave some corn in the field so that the widows, orphans and the poor could come and take what was left. When the farmers picked the fruits they were to leave a little for the poor and when the farmers were gathering the grapes they also were to remember to leave a little for the less fortunate than themselves. This is what our church teach-es the deaf children when we have our children’s harvest service.
T his year, as always, we combine the Harvest
Thanksgiving Service with the gifts to those less fortunate than ourselves namely the sick, the poor, the needy, the elderly and the
housebound for they all need to be re-membered with gifts from the church.
T his is what we did at our recent Harvest Thanksgiving Service. We
gathered gifts of money for the Lodging House Mission in Glasgow to help feed the poor, the homeless and the hungry.
I n the last verse of Genesis chapter 8 says “As long as the earth continues, there
will always be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night on earth.” EVD (English Version for Deaf Bible)
T his reveals that the custom of holding harvest thanksgiving is one of the old-
est services in the Christian and Jewish faiths and in some ways it goes back to the days of Noah, when God made that cove-nant.
A s long as the earth continues we will always remember the people who are
elderly, sick and the housebound just as the Jewish farmers of long ago always remem-ber their own people who were in need of help with food to survive in those harsh days of living.
In 2011 we celebrated 80th anniversary of the founding of the John Ross Memorial Church 1931 - 2011
In 2012 we had the 190th Anniversary of the Founding of the Deaf Church in Glasgow 1822 - 2012
History: Church services for the deaf started in 1822 and John Ross
Memorial Church was established on 17th January 1931. The current minister, Rev Richard Durno, is the 6th ordained minister since 1931 and the 7th since 1870.
Aim: To provide access to pastoral support and worship services in
sign language for deaf people in venues nearest to their own town or city.
Church Services: The minister provides weekly and monthly church
services in the six venues in the West of Scotland. Areas Covered: John Ross Memorial Church covers, from its base in
Glasgow, twelve presbyteries and eight shires - Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, Argyll, Inverclyde, Ayrshire,
Renfrewshire, Dumfries & Galloway. Donations: We rely on the voluntary contributions of our members
and friends both deaf and hearing. Currently we are not self sufficient and we depend heavily on outside sources to support our work. We would like your help and welcome donations, grants and legacies (Wills).
Further Information: Please contact or send your gifts to: Rev. Richard C. Durno DSW, CQSW, Pg Cert Pg Dip NVQ BSL Level 4 Community Minister John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People Church Office, 37 South Portland Street Glasgow G5 9JL
Scottish Charity No: SC 027651
JRM Church News
Deaf
Church
John Ross Memorial
JRM Church News
I f you are planning to write a Will (Legacy) leaving your money to
your friends, loved ones and to charities then you might like to think about leaving something to the deaf church. Your Legacy will help the good work of John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People to carry on into the future. Would you like to receive help and advice on how to plan your Will? The Rev Richard Durno can meet and talk with you privately and confidentially.
W ould you like to make a Will and leave your money
to the Deaf Church?
The Kirk Session and members of John Ross
Memorial Deaf Church gives thanks to God for the faithful ministry of our minister the Rev Richard Durno on the
occasion of the 30th anniversary of his
ordination on 5th July 1989.
Deaths: Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (N.I.V.) Maureen Morrison, Glasgow aged 81on 27th March George McEwan, Glasgow, aged 83 on 8th April Sandy Moir, Glasgow, aged 67 on 24th April Beverly Dennis, Portugal (formerly Bothwell near Glasgow), aged 61 on 21st June Emily Ferguson, Coatbridge, aged 90 on 31st August Gavin Letham, Kilsyth, aged 97 on 1st September Cathie Malloy, Glasgow formerly Aberdeen on 17th October
JRM Church News Church Flowers Rota 2019
T here is a rota for church flowers for 2019
I f you wish to remember loved ones who passed away or celebrate your wedding anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, birth of your
babies, baptisms or just wish to give flowers then please see the Margaret Giffen the flower convenor or elders or the minister.
Baptisms: “Jesus was baptised and he came up out of the water. The sky opened, and he saw God’s Spirit coming down on him like a dove.” Matthew 3:16
Anyone wishing Baptism in Glasgow, East Kilbride, Greenock or Kilmarnock please contact Rev Richard Durno text 07740607721
Marriages:
Anyone wishing to get married in Glasgow and the West of Scotland please contact the Rev Richard Durno text 07748607721
Anyone wishing to put names of their loved ones anniversaries please let the deaf church know.
JRM Church News
Important Notice The Rev Richard Durno is back to work part-time then later full-time.
If you know of people ill at home or hospital or you have Funerals, weddings, baptisms please contact Richard Mobile: 07748607721 Text/Voice/Voice mail E-mail: [email protected]
Our New Church Home…….Rev Richard Durno
D ear Friends in the Deaf Community, We were very sad when our church home in Glasgow had to close
down suddenly on Thursday, 29th August when Deaf Connections went into voluntary liquidation (bankrupt) so we were made homeless immediately.
T he Deaf Church did not know what to do. My job, as minister, on that day was to do three things, write two letters, one to my manager at the
Church of Scotland HQ in Edinburgh and one to my supervisor at Glasgow Presbytery letting them both know that we were made homeless and one prayer to God. Words must have got round and surprisingly within a few days I had four offers of venues to consider! Two offers were from live churches and two from non church venues.
A fter some thinking over of what we were offered. I visited Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church (very near to the former Deaf Connections). I
liked everything of what they had offered the deaf church. We started wor-shipping in the new church on Sunday 8th September. I told my church mem-bers to come every Sunday for 4 weeks and then make a decision.
A fter 4 weeks the members told me that they were very happy and want-ed to stay. We all thought the hall suitable, the stage useful, the storage
space was very good, the café was great, the members of Queen’s Park Govanhill Church were very friendly, warm hearted, supportive and kind. Thank you God and thank you Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church. You made us all very happy again.
The Glasgow Deaf Church now meets weekly at 11am in Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church
170 Queen’s Drive, Glasgow G42 8QZ
JRM Church News
B everly Dennis formerly Willis, nee Nolan was born in Calcutta, India, the youngest child of Basil and Beryl Nolan. Beverly’s brother Basil was born
profoundly deaf and this led Beverly in later years to learn sign language and be-come involved with the deaf community in Glasgow. Beverly with her brother Brandon attended Martin George’s Private School which prepared pupils to sit the Eleven Plus exam in England. This did not go according to plan when her father transferred in 1965 within the same engineering company group to Coatbridge. Before the family moved to Scotland they travelled to Liverpool by ship on 3 occa-sions to spend time with relatives and at the age of 3 Beverly had a recognisable Merseyside accent. The early sea and rail journeys sparked within Beverly a life-long love of adventure and travel.
T he family settled in Uddingston where Beverly went to Muiredge PS and then Uddingston Grammar. She excelled academically and also at both running and
swimming. Beverly also developed a love of horse riding which became a lifelong passion. Beverly went onto study Business Administration and French at Strath-clyde University. Shortly after graduating in 1978 she moved to London and then on to Brussels where she worked in the HR department of Honeywell Europe. This provided her with a great opportunity to explore many European countries with friends and with her mother Beryl. Beverly also took time off work to travel around the world, West to East, flying into New York and then spending time with rela-tives in Los Angeles and then Hawaii before heading to Australia to spend time with Coleen, the eldest of her three older half-sisters from her father’s first mar-riage. Of all the countries Beverly visited, the Middle East and Israel in particular made a big impact on her.
I n 1990 Beverly left Brussels to join a Christian charity in Tunisia where she worked for two years. She returned to Scotland in 1992 to attend Bible school,
which in her words, changed her life. In 1993, Beverly joined Scottish Power, where she worked for the senior executive team. It was there that she met Tom Wil-lis and they married in 1995. These were happy days for Beverly, but they were cut short in 2003 when Tom suddenly passed away.
T he next ten years were difficult for Beverly but her faith sustained her and she was very active in her Church – Living Waters in Bellshill and then Destiny in
Glasgow. She would also bring Basil and his wife Patricia to the church for the deaf in Glasgow when they visited Scotland. A highlight was the Christmas service when Beryl would also attend.
I n 2012 Beverly met Andy Dennis and they were married by the Bishop of Glas-gow in St Andrew’s Church, Uddingston on 14 June 2014. This was the church
that Beverly had attended from childhood with her family. Andy had a chalet on a
Beverly Dennis Born: April 3, 1958 - Died: June 21, 2019
JRM Church News
Remembrance
Soldiers marching across the lands Extending always helping hands
Soldiers and heroes of Flanders fields What a wondrous cross to yield
Memories of world wars never die Courage and bravery lifted high
From years gone by to the current day Remember those who led the way
From North to South to East and West Their sacrifice has made us blessed
© Agnes Fisher Deaf, Ayr, 2012
John Ross Memorial Deaf Church Remembrance Sunday Church Service
Sunday 10th November 11am In Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church
170 Queen’s Drive Glasgow G42 8QZ
Notice of Cancellation
T he Trustees of the Stewart Lochrie Memorial Fund have made the difficult decision that there will be no Scottish
Deaf Choirs Festival this year.
W e are hoping to have the Festival arranged to be held in Perth in September 2020. We apologise for the disappointment we may have caused to all our
friends and supporters but we look forward to seeing you all next year.
A nyone looking for information about the Festival or wanting to bring or start up their deaf choirs please contact the Secretary/Treasurer, Charles Bleakley,
mobile: 07802 786763 Voice/Text or email [email protected]
JRM Church News Scottish Deaf Choirs’ Festival 2019
Beverly Dennis 1958-2019
(Continued from pages 4 & 5)
B everly gave the deaf church in Glasgow enormous support from around 2005 until
2012. In 2005 she helped with the planning of the first Alpha course with deaf people in Glas-gow. (Beverly is seen in the group photo stand-ing far left) From 2010–2012 Beverly provided our church with voluntary secretarial work.
F or every good quality in Beverly’s character, every grace in her actions and eve-rything she was as a sister, daughter, aunt, and friend and we thank God for Bev-
erly. We will always remember Beverly’s love for the deaf church family, her gener-ous of heart, her loyalty, wisdom, diligence, fabulous sense of humour and above all her love shared with us all in the deaf church. (Rev Richard Durno, Editor)
JRM Church News camp site in Luz in the western Algarve in Portugal and in 2015 the happy couple decided to emigrate to Portugal. They refurbished an apartment in the marina at Lagos with stunning views of the sea. Many friends and family came to visit. Bever-ly’s mother passed away in June 2016 and very shortly after that Beverly was diag-nosed with oesophageal cancer. Whilst this was devastating news Beverly ap-proached her rounds of chemotherapy with calmness and courage. She underwent substantial surgery in Lisbon in January 2017 and was well enough to make the trip in June 2017 to France by car with Andy to the wedding of her eldest niece, Victo-ria. Beverly went on to make a full recovery returning to horse riding and swim-ming in the sea. Beverly was also an active member of the New Frontiers church in Lagos where she was church secretary and also established a women’s ministry.
S adly in November 2018 Beverly became ill and received the devastating news that the cancer had returned and was terminal. During the remaining months of
her life Beverly witnessed to many people about her faith and her absolute convic-tion that eternity lay ahead. She was delighted to see her beloved nieces (Victoria and Rachel) and nephews (Ben and John) with Brandon and Liz in January 2019 and also to meet the newest addition to the family, Victoria’s daughter Eva.
B everly’s funeral in Lagos was a wonderful celebration of her life, a life well lived. She was an inspiration to many and leaves a legacy in the lives that she
touched in many countries.
T hank you to Brandon Nolan, brother of the late sister Beverly for the writing of
this obituary. Editor
This Obituary continues on page 12
JRM Church News
Let us pray for - The new home for John Ross Memorial Deaf Church in
Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church in Glasgow The future home for the deaf community The former staff of Deaf Connections. May they find jobs soon. The Rev Richard Durno who is still off work with an injured leg World peace The future responsibility of the new Prime Minister A successful Brexit The continuing growth of John Ross Memorial Deaf Church The Future deaf ministry in Scotland The future appointment of a minister in Edinburgh Deaf Church The family of the late Beverly Dennis, Portugal The future of John Ross Memorial Deaf Church’s office space,
storage space, administration facilities, finances and support The future help with the deaf children’s ministry Deaf people who are in hospital, care homes and nursing homes The future climate of UK and all over the world The homeless, drug addicts, gambling addicts, alcohol addicts
that they may receive help and find a way of changing their lives
You need a Prayer? Send in your Prayer requests to the minister on his e mail address or mobile text. All Prayers will be kept private.
Prayers for Everyone
St Paul says “….you can help us with your prayers. Then many people will give thanks for us – that God blessed us because of their many prayers.” 2nd Corinthians Chapter 1 verse 11 (English Version for the Deaf)
JRM Church News
Regular church services are held at:
Glasgow Deaf Church, Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church, 170 Queen’s Drive, Glasgow G42 8QZ . Weekly, Sunday at 11 am
Kilmarnock Deaf Church, 10 Clark St. twice monthly Sunday 2.15 pm. on 2nd and last Sunday of each month except December on 8th and 15th December
East Kilbride Deaf Church, Claremont Church, High Common Road, St Leonard’s, 2nd last Sunday of each month at 2.30 pm
Greenock Deaf Church, Westburn Church, Nelson Street, last Sun-day of each month at 2.30 pm………. Closed until further notice
Hamilton Deaf Church—Deaf Afternoon Club St John’s Church Cen-tre, Duke Street, Hamilton—Opposite Marks & Spencer. Club weekly on Tuesdays (Summer) Weekly on Fridays (Winter). Church service - second Tuesday or second Friday of each month.
Glasgow OAP Club, No church service until further notice.
Church Services for the Deaf in Glasgow and West of Scotland
Lunch Stop & Coffee Stop Queen’s Park Church Café
Lunch is served every Tuesday 12– 2pm (Last order 1.30pm)
Teas & Coffees are served every Thursday
10am – 1.45pm
All Welcome
Margaret Durno age 94, 4th June, Glasgow Margaret Cassidy age 90, 7th June, Glasgow John Morton age 84, 7th July, Kilmarnock Evelyn Adam age 93, 19th July, Glasgow Marjorie Bryce age 71, 20 August, Kilmarnock Christine Copeland age 85, 24th August, Wishaw Len Mellis age 70, 30th August, Aberdeen Ian Carmichael age 80, 3rd September, Bonnybridge near Falkirk Marian Provan age 73, 29th September, Hamilton Jean McCall age 73, 30th September, Blantyre
Happy Birthday 2 U all !
Wanted! Do you have any spare coppers—1p and 2p and sil-vers 5p, 10p, 20p etc lying at home? The Deaf Church is always very happy to have your loose change for their funds. Let us know or see the minis-ter or any of the elders. If the money is too heavy for you to bring to the office let us know and we can collect from your home.
Thank you to everyone who gave us coins and for your wonderful support. Margaret Giffen — Church Treasurer
Next Quarterly Communion - 2019 In John Ross Memorial Deaf Church
Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church Glasgow G42 8QZ
1st December 11am
All Welcome
Rev Richard Durno 41 years of working with deaf people in Glasgow on 1st August Margaret and Michael Connolly of Glasgow, 40th Wedding Anniversary on 12th
January 2019
A - Z Word Search 26 Well Known Names in the Bible in Alphabetical Order Word Search
A-Z Names of People in the Bible
14 NOAH 15 OBADIAH 16 PAUL 17 QUIRINIUS 18 REUBEN 19 SAMSON 20 THOMAS 21 URIAH 22 VASHTI 23 WORD 24 XERXES 25 YAHWEH 26 ZACCHAEUS
S B J Q U Y G Y M A F Y L A E
E C L R W Z H H A I D A B O D
X S L N E B U E R C I H P C H
R U M U H F O R Y E J W S G Z
E I S A A C Q S S U S E J X F
X N A S O P P U T D H H T E E
A I M H N W N V W B K K U C S
D R S A M O H T G H E R O D U
F I O I X R M X A E T M V B E
I U N R A D B Z B C U Q X A A
K Q S U T S E F R I R R Z G H
H M N E K U L E I N A D A D C
S A B B A R A B E U H O Y B C
G D O T C D C L L E G N W I A
E A P V B E J K I T H S A V Z
1 ADAM 2 BARABBAS 3 CALEB 4 DANIEL 5 EUNICE 6 FESTUS 7 GABRIEL 8 HEROD 9 ISAAC 10 JESUS 11 KETURAH 12 LUKE 13 MARY
16 people sent in the last Word Search. Two names were drawn by Richard Cross and Richard McDougall Congratulations to the two winners - Nancy Scott of Paisley & Phyllis Rollo of Aberdeen
Here is another Word Search for you to try. If you want to save your Newsletter you can photocopy page 7 and use this to post it to us or if you can scan the Word Search page and e mail to me at [email protected] Don’t forget to put down your NAME !
Thanks and best of luck! Richard
Closing date: Sun 8th Dec.
JRM Church News
Need Pastoral Help? Problems? Worried? Sad? Lost faith? Need someone to talk to?
I am a trained minister, social worker and person centred counsellor. I am happy to talk with anyone who feel they need help with different problems.
Deaf people can be church members, non church members, Christians, any faiths, no faiths.
Rev Richard Durno
Dip SW CQSW (1988) in Social Work (Polytechnic of North London) Ministry Ordination (1989) (Church of Scotland)
Pg Certificate (2007), Pg Diploma (2010) in Person Centred Counselling (University of Strathclyde) NVQ British Sign Language Level 4
Need Help? Contact me on:
07748607721 Text/Voice or E mail me on [email protected]
You Want to Become a Member of the Deaf Church?
Would you like to be part of the next generation church?
Would you like to join the Deaf Church? Would you like to know what deaf church is about?
The Rev Richard Durno is planning membership classes to explain why it is important to be part of a deaf church.
Email, or mobile text the minister Rev Richard Durno or see him in church or deaf club.
JRM Church News
The Glasgow Hard of Hearing Club Queen’s Park Govanhill 170 Queen’s Drive, Glasgow
Every 1st and 3rd Monday afternoon of each month October - April 1pm to 3pm
New members are welcome to join Membership - £10 per year
Office Bearers: President: Joyce Dickson Vice President: Nancy Scott Secretary/Treasurer: Elsie Miller DCS Committee Members: Evelyn Adam, Linda Durno Jack Giffen, Sheila Hall, Janice Hamilton
2020
Scottish Deaf Churches Together Annual Conference
Calder Avenue, Coatbridge ML5 4JS
Friday 29th - Sunday 31st May 2020 All welcome to attend. For more information please ask
Rev Mary Whittaker (Aberdeen) or Jack Giffen (Glasgow)
Electronic Church Newsletters
If you would like the Church Newsletters sent to you by e-mail on PDF File instead of paper copy. Please let me know and I would be happy to put your name on the mailing list. Richard (Editor) (Richard.durno)
JRM Church News
Need Pastoral Help? Problems? Worried? Sad? Lost faith? Need someone to talk to?
I am a trained minister, social worker and person centred counsellor. I am happy to talk with anyone who feel they need help with different problems.
Deaf people can be church members, non church members, Christians, any faiths, no faiths.
Rev Richard Durno
Dip SW CQSW (1988) in Social Work (Polytechnic of North London) Ministry Ordination (1989) (Church of Scotland)
Pg Certificate (2007), Pg Diploma (2010) in Person Centred Counselling (University of Strathclyde) NVQ British Sign Language Level 4
Need Help? Contact me on:
07748607721 Text/Voice or E mail me on [email protected]
You Want to Become a Member of the Deaf Church?
Would you like to be part of the next generation church?
Would you like to join the Deaf Church? Would you like to know what deaf church is about?
The Rev Richard Durno is planning membership classes to explain why it is important to be part of a deaf church.
Email, or mobile text the minister Rev Richard Durno or see him in church or deaf club.
JRM Church News
The Glasgow Hard of Hearing Club Queen’s Park Govanhill 170 Queen’s Drive, Glasgow
Every 1st and 3rd Monday afternoon of each month October - April 1pm to 3pm
New members are welcome to join Membership - £10 per year
Office Bearers: President: Joyce Dickson Vice President: Nancy Scott Secretary/Treasurer: Elsie Miller DCS Committee Members: Evelyn Adam, Linda Durno Jack Giffen, Sheila Hall, Janice Hamilton
2020
Scottish Deaf Churches Together Annual Conference
Calder Avenue, Coatbridge ML5 4JS
Friday 29th - Sunday 31st May 2020 All welcome to attend. For more information please ask
Rev Mary Whittaker (Aberdeen) or Jack Giffen (Glasgow)
Electronic Church Newsletters
If you would like the Church Newsletters sent to you by e-mail on PDF File instead of paper copy. Please let me know and I would be happy to put your name on the mailing list. Richard (Editor) (Richard.durno)
Margaret Durno age 94, 4th June, Glasgow Margaret Cassidy age 90, 7th June, Glasgow John Morton age 84, 7th July, Kilmarnock Evelyn Adam age 93, 19th July, Glasgow Marjorie Bryce age 71, 20 August, Kilmarnock Christine Copeland age 85, 24th August, Wishaw Len Mellis age 70, 30th August, Aberdeen Ian Carmichael age 80, 3rd September, Bonnybridge near Falkirk Marian Provan age 73, 29th September, Hamilton Jean McCall age 73, 30th September, Blantyre
Happy Birthday 2 U all !
Wanted! Do you have any spare coppers—1p and 2p and sil-vers 5p, 10p, 20p etc lying at home? The Deaf Church is always very happy to have your loose change for their funds. Let us know or see the minis-ter or any of the elders. If the money is too heavy for you to bring to the office let us know and we can collect from your home.
Thank you to everyone who gave us coins and for your wonderful support. Margaret Giffen — Church Treasurer
Next Quarterly Communion - 2019 In John Ross Memorial Deaf Church
Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church Glasgow G42 8QZ
1st December 11am
All Welcome
Rev Richard Durno 41 years of working with deaf people in Glasgow on 1st August Margaret and Michael Connolly of Glasgow, 40th Wedding Anniversary on 12th
January 2019
A - Z Word Search 26 Well Known Names in the Bible in Alphabetical Order Word Search
A-Z Names of People in the Bible
14 NOAH 15 OBADIAH 16 PAUL 17 QUIRINIUS 18 REUBEN 19 SAMSON 20 THOMAS 21 URIAH 22 VASHTI 23 WORD 24 XERXES 25 YAHWEH 26 ZACCHAEUS
S B J Q U Y G Y M A F Y L A E
E C L R W Z H H A I D A B O D
X S L N E B U E R C I H P C H
R U M U H F O R Y E J W S G Z
E I S A A C Q S S U S E J X F
X N A S O P P U T D H H T E E
A I M H N W N V W B K K U C S
D R S A M O H T G H E R O D U
F I O I X R M X A E T M V B E
I U N R A D B Z B C U Q X A A
K Q S U T S E F R I R R Z G H
H M N E K U L E I N A D A D C
S A B B A R A B E U H O Y B C
G D O T C D C L L E G N W I A
E A P V B E J K I T H S A V Z
1 ADAM 2 BARABBAS 3 CALEB 4 DANIEL 5 EUNICE 6 FESTUS 7 GABRIEL 8 HEROD 9 ISAAC 10 JESUS 11 KETURAH 12 LUKE 13 MARY
16 people sent in the last Word Search. Two names were drawn by Richard Cross and Richard McDougall Congratulations to the two winners - Nancy Scott of Paisley & Phyllis Rollo of Aberdeen
Here is another Word Search for you to try. If you want to save your Newsletter you can photocopy page 7 and use this to post it to us or if you can scan the Word Search page and e mail to me at [email protected] Don’t forget to put down your NAME !
Thanks and best of luck! Richard
Closing date: Sun 8th Dec.
JRM Church News
Let us pray for - The new home for John Ross Memorial Deaf Church in
Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church in Glasgow The future home for the deaf community The former staff of Deaf Connections. May they find jobs soon. The Rev Richard Durno who is still off work with an injured leg World peace The future responsibility of the new Prime Minister A successful Brexit The continuing growth of John Ross Memorial Deaf Church The Future deaf ministry in Scotland The future appointment of a minister in Edinburgh Deaf Church The family of the late Beverly Dennis, Portugal The future of John Ross Memorial Deaf Church’s office space,
storage space, administration facilities, finances and support The future help with the deaf children’s ministry Deaf people who are in hospital, care homes and nursing homes The future climate of UK and all over the world The homeless, drug addicts, gambling addicts, alcohol addicts
that they may receive help and find a way of changing their lives
You need a Prayer? Send in your Prayer requests to the minister on his e mail address or mobile text. All Prayers will be kept private.
Prayers for Everyone
St Paul says “….you can help us with your prayers. Then many people will give thanks for us – that God blessed us because of their many prayers.” 2nd Corinthians Chapter 1 verse 11 (English Version for the Deaf)
JRM Church News
Regular church services are held at:
Glasgow Deaf Church, Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church, 170 Queen’s Drive, Glasgow G42 8QZ . Weekly, Sunday at 11 am
Kilmarnock Deaf Church, 10 Clark St. twice monthly Sunday 2.15 pm. on 2nd and last Sunday of each month except December on 8th and 15th December
East Kilbride Deaf Church, Claremont Church, High Common Road, St Leonard’s, 2nd last Sunday of each month at 2.30 pm
Greenock Deaf Church, Westburn Church, Nelson Street, last Sun-day of each month at 2.30 pm………. Closed until further notice
Hamilton Deaf Church—Deaf Afternoon Club St John’s Church Cen-tre, Duke Street, Hamilton—Opposite Marks & Spencer. Club weekly on Tuesdays (Summer) Weekly on Fridays (Winter). Church service - second Tuesday or second Friday of each month.
Glasgow OAP Club, No church service until further notice.
Church Services for the Deaf in Glasgow and West of Scotland
Lunch Stop & Coffee Stop Queen’s Park Church Café
Lunch is served every Tuesday 12– 2pm (Last order 1.30pm)
Teas & Coffees are served every Thursday
10am – 1.45pm
All Welcome
Notice of Cancellation
T he Trustees of the Stewart Lochrie Memorial Fund have made the difficult decision that there will be no Scottish
Deaf Choirs Festival this year.
W e are hoping to have the Festival arranged to be held in Perth in September 2020. We apologise for the disappointment we may have caused to all our
friends and supporters but we look forward to seeing you all next year.
A nyone looking for information about the Festival or wanting to bring or start up their deaf choirs please contact the Secretary/Treasurer, Charles Bleakley,
mobile: 07802 786763 Voice/Text or email [email protected]
JRM Church News Scottish Deaf Choirs’ Festival 2019
Beverly Dennis 1958-2019
(Continued from pages 4 & 5)
B everly gave the deaf church in Glasgow enormous support from around 2005 until
2012. In 2005 she helped with the planning of the first Alpha course with deaf people in Glas-gow. (Beverly is seen in the group photo stand-ing far left) From 2010–2012 Beverly provided our church with voluntary secretarial work.
F or every good quality in Beverly’s character, every grace in her actions and eve-rything she was as a sister, daughter, aunt, and friend and we thank God for Bev-
erly. We will always remember Beverly’s love for the deaf church family, her gener-ous of heart, her loyalty, wisdom, diligence, fabulous sense of humour and above all her love shared with us all in the deaf church. (Rev Richard Durno, Editor)
JRM Church News camp site in Luz in the western Algarve in Portugal and in 2015 the happy couple decided to emigrate to Portugal. They refurbished an apartment in the marina at Lagos with stunning views of the sea. Many friends and family came to visit. Bever-ly’s mother passed away in June 2016 and very shortly after that Beverly was diag-nosed with oesophageal cancer. Whilst this was devastating news Beverly ap-proached her rounds of chemotherapy with calmness and courage. She underwent substantial surgery in Lisbon in January 2017 and was well enough to make the trip in June 2017 to France by car with Andy to the wedding of her eldest niece, Victo-ria. Beverly went on to make a full recovery returning to horse riding and swim-ming in the sea. Beverly was also an active member of the New Frontiers church in Lagos where she was church secretary and also established a women’s ministry.
S adly in November 2018 Beverly became ill and received the devastating news that the cancer had returned and was terminal. During the remaining months of
her life Beverly witnessed to many people about her faith and her absolute convic-tion that eternity lay ahead. She was delighted to see her beloved nieces (Victoria and Rachel) and nephews (Ben and John) with Brandon and Liz in January 2019 and also to meet the newest addition to the family, Victoria’s daughter Eva.
B everly’s funeral in Lagos was a wonderful celebration of her life, a life well lived. She was an inspiration to many and leaves a legacy in the lives that she
touched in many countries.
T hank you to Brandon Nolan, brother of the late sister Beverly for the writing of
this obituary. Editor
This Obituary continues on page 12
JRM Church News
B everly Dennis formerly Willis, nee Nolan was born in Calcutta, India, the youngest child of Basil and Beryl Nolan. Beverly’s brother Basil was born
profoundly deaf and this led Beverly in later years to learn sign language and be-come involved with the deaf community in Glasgow. Beverly with her brother Brandon attended Martin George’s Private School which prepared pupils to sit the Eleven Plus exam in England. This did not go according to plan when her father transferred in 1965 within the same engineering company group to Coatbridge. Before the family moved to Scotland they travelled to Liverpool by ship on 3 occa-sions to spend time with relatives and at the age of 3 Beverly had a recognisable Merseyside accent. The early sea and rail journeys sparked within Beverly a life-long love of adventure and travel.
T he family settled in Uddingston where Beverly went to Muiredge PS and then Uddingston Grammar. She excelled academically and also at both running and
swimming. Beverly also developed a love of horse riding which became a lifelong passion. Beverly went onto study Business Administration and French at Strath-clyde University. Shortly after graduating in 1978 she moved to London and then on to Brussels where she worked in the HR department of Honeywell Europe. This provided her with a great opportunity to explore many European countries with friends and with her mother Beryl. Beverly also took time off work to travel around the world, West to East, flying into New York and then spending time with rela-tives in Los Angeles and then Hawaii before heading to Australia to spend time with Coleen, the eldest of her three older half-sisters from her father’s first mar-riage. Of all the countries Beverly visited, the Middle East and Israel in particular made a big impact on her.
I n 1990 Beverly left Brussels to join a Christian charity in Tunisia where she worked for two years. She returned to Scotland in 1992 to attend Bible school,
which in her words, changed her life. In 1993, Beverly joined Scottish Power, where she worked for the senior executive team. It was there that she met Tom Wil-lis and they married in 1995. These were happy days for Beverly, but they were cut short in 2003 when Tom suddenly passed away.
T he next ten years were difficult for Beverly but her faith sustained her and she was very active in her Church – Living Waters in Bellshill and then Destiny in
Glasgow. She would also bring Basil and his wife Patricia to the church for the deaf in Glasgow when they visited Scotland. A highlight was the Christmas service when Beryl would also attend.
I n 2012 Beverly met Andy Dennis and they were married by the Bishop of Glas-gow in St Andrew’s Church, Uddingston on 14 June 2014. This was the church
that Beverly had attended from childhood with her family. Andy had a chalet on a
Beverly Dennis Born: April 3, 1958 - Died: June 21, 2019
JRM Church News
Remembrance
Soldiers marching across the lands Extending always helping hands
Soldiers and heroes of Flanders fields What a wondrous cross to yield
Memories of world wars never die Courage and bravery lifted high
From years gone by to the current day Remember those who led the way
From North to South to East and West Their sacrifice has made us blessed
© Agnes Fisher Deaf, Ayr, 2012
John Ross Memorial Deaf Church Remembrance Sunday Church Service
Sunday 10th November 11am In Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church
170 Queen’s Drive Glasgow G42 8QZ
Deaths: Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (N.I.V.) Maureen Morrison, Glasgow aged 81on 27th March George McEwan, Glasgow, aged 83 on 8th April Sandy Moir, Glasgow, aged 67 on 24th April Beverly Dennis, Portugal (formerly Bothwell near Glasgow), aged 61 on 21st June Emily Ferguson, Coatbridge, aged 90 on 31st August Gavin Letham, Kilsyth, aged 97 on 1st September Cathie Malloy, Glasgow formerly Aberdeen on 17th October
JRM Church News Church Flowers Rota 2019
T here is a rota for church flowers for 2019
I f you wish to remember loved ones who passed away or celebrate your wedding anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, birth of your
babies, baptisms or just wish to give flowers then please see the Margaret Giffen the flower convenor or elders or the minister.
Baptisms: “Jesus was baptised and he came up out of the water. The sky opened, and he saw God’s Spirit coming down on him like a dove.” Matthew 3:16
Anyone wishing Baptism in Glasgow, East Kilbride, Greenock or Kilmarnock please contact Rev Richard Durno text 07740607721
Marriages:
Anyone wishing to get married in Glasgow and the West of Scotland please contact the Rev Richard Durno text 07748607721
Anyone wishing to put names of their loved ones anniversaries please let the deaf church know.
JRM Church News
Important Notice The Rev Richard Durno is back to work part-time then later full-time.
If you know of people ill at home or hospital or you have Funerals, weddings, baptisms please contact Richard Mobile: 07748607721 Text/Voice/Voice mail E-mail: [email protected]
Our New Church Home…….Rev Richard Durno
D ear Friends in the Deaf Community, We were very sad when our church home in Glasgow had to close
down suddenly on Thursday, 29th August when Deaf Connections went into voluntary liquidation (bankrupt) so we were made homeless immediately.
T he Deaf Church did not know what to do. My job, as minister, on that day was to do three things, write two letters, one to my manager at the
Church of Scotland HQ in Edinburgh and one to my supervisor at Glasgow Presbytery letting them both know that we were made homeless and one prayer to God. Words must have got round and surprisingly within a few days I had four offers of venues to consider! Two offers were from live churches and two from non church venues.
A fter some thinking over of what we were offered. I visited Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church (very near to the former Deaf Connections). I
liked everything of what they had offered the deaf church. We started wor-shipping in the new church on Sunday 8th September. I told my church mem-bers to come every Sunday for 4 weeks and then make a decision.
A fter 4 weeks the members told me that they were very happy and want-ed to stay. We all thought the hall suitable, the stage useful, the storage
space was very good, the café was great, the members of Queen’s Park Govanhill Church were very friendly, warm hearted, supportive and kind. Thank you God and thank you Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church. You made us all very happy again.
The Glasgow Deaf Church now meets weekly at 11am in Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church
170 Queen’s Drive, Glasgow G42 8QZ
In 2011 we celebrated 80th anniversary of the founding of the John Ross Memorial Church 1931 - 2011
In 2012 we had the 190th Anniversary of the Founding of the Deaf Church in Glasgow 1822 - 2012
History: Church services for the deaf started in 1822 and John Ross
Memorial Church was established on 17th January 1931. The current minister, Rev Richard Durno, is the 6th ordained minister since 1931 and the 7th since 1870.
Aim: To provide access to pastoral support and worship services in
sign language for deaf people in venues nearest to their own town or city.
Church Services: The minister provides weekly and monthly church
services in the six venues in the West of Scotland. Areas Covered: John Ross Memorial Church covers, from its base in
Glasgow, twelve presbyteries and eight shires - Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, Argyll, Inverclyde, Ayrshire,
Renfrewshire, Dumfries & Galloway. Donations: We rely on the voluntary contributions of our members
and friends both deaf and hearing. Currently we are not self sufficient and we depend heavily on outside sources to support our work. We would like your help and welcome donations, grants and legacies (Wills).
Further Information: Please contact or send your gifts to: Rev. Richard C. Durno DSW, CQSW, Pg Cert Pg Dip NVQ BSL Level 4 Community Minister John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People Church Office, 37 South Portland Street Glasgow G5 9JL
Scottish Charity No: SC 027651
JRM Church News
Deaf
Church
John Ross Memorial
JRM Church News
I f you are planning to write a Will (Legacy) leaving your money to
your friends, loved ones and to charities then you might like to think about leaving something to the deaf church. Your Legacy will help the good work of John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People to carry on into the future. Would you like to receive help and advice on how to plan your Will? The Rev Richard Durno can meet and talk with you privately and confidentially.
W ould you like to make a Will and leave your money
to the Deaf Church?
The Kirk Session and members of John Ross
Memorial Deaf Church gives thanks to God for the faithful ministry of our minister the Rev Richard Durno on the
occasion of the 30th anniversary of his
ordination on 5th July 1989.
John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People —— The Vision Statement “To improve Deaf people’s access to pastoral support from a minister who can use sign language fluently, access to the Gospels preaching in a language they best understand, namely Sign Language, and to worship with other Deaf people in easily accessible venues.”
John Ross Memorial Church for Deaf People
Ayrshire Mission to the Deaf Church: Clark Street, Kilmarnock Chaplain: The Rev Richard C Durno DSW CQSW Pg Cert Pg Dip NVQ BSL Level 4 Address: Church Admin Office, 37 South Portland Street, Glasgow, G5 9JL Mobile: 07748607721 Text/voice/voicemail Email: [email protected] Office Bearers: Elder, Session Clerk & Treasurer: Thomas Bryce Elder: Katrona Templeton Volunteer Member: Marjorie Bryce
Who’s who? Community Minister: Rev. Richard C. Durno DSW, CQSW, Pg Cert Pg Dip NVQ BSL Level 4
Session Clerk: Ronald MacDonald
Assistant Session Clerk: Jack Giffen
Treasurer: Margaret Giffen
Roll Keeper: Evelyn Adam
Elders: Ronald MacDonald Jack Giffen
Margaret Giffen, Muriel Nairne
Presbytery Elder: Jack Giffen
Bible Study Convenor: Rev R. Durno
Church Officer: Vacant
Church Deaf Choir & Music: Elsie Miller DCS (retired)
Flower Convenor: Margaret Giffen
Newsletter Editor: Rev Richard Durno
Technical Assistant Pauline MacDonald
Visiting Reader: Louise Holden MA
Safeguarding Coordinator:
Margaret Whitelaw, Lenzie Union Church. Mob.Text 07795916411
Church Admin. Office: 37 South Portland Street Glasgow G5 9JL Office Telephone: Mobile: 07748607721 Text/Voice/Voice mail Office Email: [email protected] Website: To be confirmed
Minister’s Home: 0141 772 1052 Text//Voice
E-mail address: [email protected] Mobile: 07748607721 Text/Voice/Voice mail
Celebrated 130 Years
1881 - 2011
Celebrated 190 Years of Worship
1822 - 2012
The community that prays together stays
together
Celebrated 80 Years of Founding of John Ross Church
1931 - 2011
Sept - Nov 2019 Vol 20 Issue 3
Autumn JRM Deaf Church Newsletter
H arvest is to me and my church one of the most important festivals in the
Christian calendar.
S ome churches, sadly, do not celebrate harvest festivals and yet it is biblical
and an event that we in the Deaf Church have celebrated faithfully each year!
I n the Old Testament book of Deuteron-omy chapter 24 verses 19-22 we find
these rules. When a farmer was gathering in his harvest he was to remember to leave some corn in the field so that the widows, orphans and the poor could come and take what was left. When the farmers picked the fruits they were to leave a little for the poor and when the farmers were gathering the grapes they also were to remember to leave a little for the less fortunate than themselves. This is what our church teach-es the deaf children when we have our children’s harvest service.
T his year, as always, we combine the Harvest
Thanksgiving Service with the gifts to those less fortunate than ourselves namely the sick, the poor, the needy, the elderly and the
housebound for they all need to be re-membered with gifts from the church.
T his is what we did at our recent Harvest Thanksgiving Service. We
gathered gifts of money for the Lodging House Mission in Glasgow to help feed the poor, the homeless and the hungry.
I n the last verse of Genesis chapter 8 says “As long as the earth continues, there
will always be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night on earth.” EVD (English Version for Deaf Bible)
T his reveals that the custom of holding harvest thanksgiving is one of the old-
est services in the Christian and Jewish faiths and in some ways it goes back to the days of Noah, when God made that cove-nant.
A s long as the earth continues we will always remember the people who are
elderly, sick and the housebound just as the Jewish farmers of long ago always remem-ber their own people who were in need of help with food to survive in those harsh days of living.