the link - issue 1
DESCRIPTION
The Link! The magazine for the linked congregations and community of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth HarwoodTRANSCRIPT
The magazine for the linked congregations and community of the
West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood
The Link!
Minister
Rev David A Albon B.A. M.C.S. 01506 870460
The Manse, 27 Learmonth Crescent
West Calder EH55 8AF
West Kirk Session Clerk Stewart MacRae 01506 872486 23 Westmuir Road West Calder EH55 8EX [email protected] Treasurer William Calder 01506 871281 25 Harburn Road West Calder EH55 8AJ [email protected]
Polbeth Harwood Session Clerk Marian Kinsman 01506 871125 12 Langside Crescent Polbeth EH55 8UW [email protected] Treasurer Tom Griffin 01506 438038 60 Easter Bankton Murieston Livingston EH54 9BE [email protected]
News Editor
Colin Dempster 01506 414565
140 Staunton Rise
Dedridge West Livingston EH54 6PA
www.west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 3 –
A Word From Our Minister The Manse 27 Learmonth Crescent West Calder EH55 8AF 3rd September 2005 Dear Friends, In the July/August issue of the West Kirk News, Morag Stott, the editor for twelve years wrote to say she was stepping down as editor. We are all very grateful to Morag and her husband, secretary and ‘gopher’ George (Morag’s words), for all the hard work and the many issues of the West Kirk News they produced. And now I want to welcome you to the first issue of ‘The Link!’ After quite some thought we have decided that since the West Kirk has a linked congregation: Polbeth Harwood Church, it makes sense to produce a newsletter that represents both churches (and that is why we are calling it ‘The Link!’). Just a reminder: our church websites already share a joint homepage: www.west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk. Colin Dempster, of Polbeth Harwood, has agreed to be the new editor and he will have a team of people (or should that be gophers?) from both churches to help him. I am going to leave it to Colin to introduce himself to you. Some of you already know him; others will get to know him. And that is one of the benefits we will get from a newsletter that represents both churches in the linkage. We will be able to add to our ability to communicate and be aware of what is happening in both congregations and villages. ‘The Link!’ intends to continue to provide the items you are used to seeing in the West Kirk News, as well as new some new ones and we look forward to seeing how it evolves. Look out for some more new developments in this first edition of ‘The Link!’. Best wishes,
Rev David A Albon Minister of the Parish Churches of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 4 –
The Church Family (Parish Record)
West Kirk
Weddings 8th July: Lorna Struthers to Kenny Johnstone 9th July: Kelly Wood to Guy Milford 16th July: Joyce Graham to Andrew Campbell
Polbeth Harwood
Weddings
27th August: Alison Tattersall to William Gilmore
Deaths 6th July: Agnes Thompson, Parkhead Crescent 25th July: Malcolm Wyse, Hermand Gardens 26th July: Jeanie Walker, Hartwood Road 2nd August: Robert ‘Bob’ Scott, Burngrange Cottages
Deaths 31st July: Margaret Rankine, Dickson Court 2nd August: Jean Mowat, Woodlands Nursing Home 14th August: Thomas ‘Tom’ Cunningham
Worship in the Linked Congregations Sunday Morning Worship will take place in the West Kirk at 9.30 am and in Polbeth Harwood at 11.15 am unless stated otherwise. Special services are as follows: 4th September Sacrament of Holy Communion West Kirk of Calder - 9.30 am Polbeth Harwood - 11.15 am United Evening Communion Polbeth Harwood - 6.30 pm
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 5 –
Polbeth Harwood Church Pastoral Care Group Kay MacIntosh, our Deaconess during the vacancy, formed the Pastoral Care Group to help her and the elders to visit as many parishioners as possible. When Rev David Albon was appointed in January 2004, he found it valuable to keep it going, given his huge commitment to visiting within the new linked parishes. One of the group members keeps a record of church members in Sheltered Housing and Care Homes in West Calder and Livingston visited on a regular basis. If we hear of members going into hospital we arrange a visit and keep in touch for some time after they return home. Once a month we have an informal meeting to discuss their progress and to plan future visits. We decided to have small ‘calling cards’ printed. These are a means of identifying our group members to Care Home staff. They are also very useful if for some reason a person is out or is not well enough for a visit. By leaving a card, we let them or their family members know that we have called and are concerned about them. For many years our floral arrangers have kept detailed diaries of flowers sent on Sundays to celebrate events, or to commiserate with sick members or bereaved families. This information has been kindly offered to us to extend their work and ours by marking such events with an anniversary card from the Church. Two elders have developed the pastoral care work further by attending training sessions to support the minister at funerals. They visit bereaved families with him and take part in readings and prayers at funeral services. Some of our members are more experienced than others, having been in nursing professions; so sometimes we visit in pairs. This often creates an informal atmosphere so that the person and visitors enjoy their time together. This is a relatively new venture for us. We feel sure there are readers and other groups who have ideas for improving our pastoral care work. We would welcome your suggestions.
Ann Watson
West Kirk Pastoral Care Committee Report Wed 24th July 2005 On a warm sunny morning 23 men, women and children met on the platform of West Calder railway station for a train journey, and boat trip, ‘down the water’. The journey to Glasgow was exciting for some, as they used their travel card concession for the first time!
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 6 –
The train conductor was busier than usual, as he wondered why there had been a mass exodus from West Calder. On arrival at Central Station it was decided that we should fill in time, before the boat trip, by having a coffee break. Groups then went off in several directions – not a good idea! We did all meet at the boat on the Clyde at midday in spite of the fact 2 groups had to be rescued as they were found wandering off in the wrong direction. No names will be mentioned! The half-hour boat trip was very interesting, having a continual commentary on the history, and of future plans for that area of the Clyde. Work is to start soon on a 2.5-mile stretch, revitalising the area, on what appears similar to what has been done in Leith, in Edinburgh. The boat dropped us off at the Braehead Shopping Centre, where we all had lunch, before spending the afternoon in and around the area. Some of us visited the Maritime Museum before meeting back at the boat shelter at 4 pm, with most of us armed with M&S green carrier bags! There is a large M&S store at Braehead! On the return journey by boat, the commentary kept us interested again, but unfortunately did not keep some of us warm. The folk who chose to sit out, on the top, therefore open to the elements, were frozen by the time we docked back in Glasgow. The ones who had chosen to sit, ‘inside’ had been cozy and warm throughout the trip. There was just enough time for everyone to have a cup of tea, before our return journey from central Station to West Calder at 6.15 pm. We all had a great day, and look forward to our next adventure to Biggar, later in August.
Beryl Henderson
West Kirk Bible Study Group The next meeting of the Bible Study group will be on Tuesday 27th September. We generally rotate round people's homes and the location this time is 4 Hermand Gardens, West Calder. We start at 8 pm and part of this meeting will be spent deciding what to do over the next few months. One suggestion so far is to look again at the Psalms, inspired by the minister’s recent thought provoking series. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month and anyone is very welcome to join us. We are a small informal group trying to find out how God wants us to live our lives in the 21st century here in West Lothian and how the Bible can help us to do that. Please feel free to join us. Further details from Jean Pringle 01506 873532.
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 7 –
West Kirk Sunday School
Sunday school resumed on Sunday August 28th at 9.30 am, where we cater for children of all ages. Primary: ages 3 to 7
Juniors: ages 7 to 12
Explorers: ages 12 to 15
We have a great time together on a Sunday morning, and we love to welcome new children so if you know of anyone who might like to join us please tell them all about us. For further information contact Lorna Graham 01506 872953.
In our ever-changing world we need to be aware of how things are changing for the children of today. With this in mind we have been talking to the children and asking what they want from our children’s fellowship on a Sunday morning and after some discussion, the name “SCHOOL” was not so appealing so with this in mind the children have been in great debate on a new name, and they are now in the process of making a very important decision. So watch this space and we will keep you posted!
Finally, Brothers & Sisters A Sunday School teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to ‘honour your father and your mother’, she asked, ‘Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?’ Without missing a beat, one boy (the oldest of a family of seven) answered, ‘Thou shalt not kill.’
From: A Box of Delights, J. John and M. Stibbe, Monarch Books
Lorna Graham (Sunday School Superintendent)
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 8 –
West Kirk Guild Report The new session of the Guild will begin with a dedication service on Sunday 2nd October at 9.30 am in which Guild members will take part. The first evening meeting is on Monday 3rd October with an introductory talk given by our minister Rev David Albon. On October 17th we shall be learning about the Bowen technique of relaxation and restorative treatment. The Guild meets at 7.30 pm in the West Kirk Church Hall on the first and third Mondays of the month. The Syllabus is varied and interesting and we look forward to seeing our regulars and to welcoming new members.
Jill Murray (Joint Secretary)
West Kirk Fundraising Group Report The group met at the beginning of August to organise the first Candy Bar of the new session. Before business commenced we thanked Hettie Macintyre for her work as our secretary before handing over her duties to George Stott. We are grateful to her and welcome George as our new secretary. The dishes will have been washed, the kitchen made ready and the September Candy Bar will have passed by the time you read this. Hopefully it will have been successful and enjoyable. Many thanks to all concerned. The October Candy Bar is traditionally run by the Kirk Session and will be on Saturday 1st October, with morning coffees from 10 am and lunches from noon to 1 pm. We welcome contributions for the stalls including fancy goods, books and especially home baking. The annual Whist Drive organised by Margaret Lamb, Jean Graham and friends is planned for Monday 26th October. The next meeting of the group is on Sunday 18th September after the morning service to finalise arrangements for the Whist Drive. On Friday 14th October the group will meet in the hall at 7.30 pm to discuss the Christmas Candy Bar. New members will be most welcome at these meetings. Thank you for your continued support.
Jill Murray (Convener)
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 9 –
Time and Money in India Returning from holiday in Austria, I read the following amusing article in the Lufthansa in-flight magazine. In Shahjahanpur, a good ten hours east of Delhi, I found that I needed to change some money. I finally managed to find a bank deep in this Indian province. An enormous ceiling fan, whose slow rotation evenly distributed the dust over mountains of yellowed files, dominated the counter room. When I was eventually,
as the sole customer, served, I passed a hundred-mark note over the counter with my passport.
“Change please.” The man took the note, waggled his head in the affirmative according to Indian custom and returned to his desk with the note. Two other colleagues joined him there. My hundred-mark note was examined and inspected. They even hunted out a thick book in which banknotes from foreign countries were depicted. Gesticulating wildly, they argued in Urdu, constantly interrupted by the telephone. Many minutes went by before the clerk came back to me, shaking his head again, but in a different way this time, and pushed the banknote back to me with the little finger of his right hand with the words: “No good!”
I had to hide a smile. My hundred-marks, this tidy banknote from a world currency that I obtained from my tidy local bank, was being rejected by this untidy bank? The Indian bank employee, seeing my questioning expression, indicated a ridiculously small tear in the note. I breathed again, took out another, undamaged note from my wallet, passed it over the counter, watched the time-consuming inspection ritual and then, after sufficient time had passed, the clerk came back to me with a thick bundle of dirty, worn rupees and carefully counted them out in front of me. Now it was my turn. Using the same little finger, I pushed the unappetising pile back and said with a friendly and decisive smile:
“No good!” It was now the Indian’s turn to be amazed: he then consulted his colleagues again before disappearing into another room, returning after a while with brand new banknotes. We were quits.
Stewart MacRae
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 10 –
Traidcraft Traidcraft is a large Christian fair trade organisation, selling goods from the
third world. Traidcraft ensure that the growers and crafts people are paid a fair price for their labours, helping them to be rescued from poverty.
At Polbeth Harwood Church we support Traidcraft with a stall every Sunday morning from 10.15 am to 11 am, and Wednesday mornings between 10 am and 11.30 am (during the café time) when you can purchase tea, coffee, biscuits, honey, muesli, confectionary and some Christmas goods. Catalogues are also available which show the full range of products, which can be ordered on request. Contact Margaret Dempster 01506 414565. The contact for Traidcraft at the West Kirk is Jean Pringle 01506 873532.
Rota Information
West Kirk Crèche Rota Contact Freya Lornie 01506 870070
18th September Olive Gibson Moira McRae
25th September Rhoda Lawton Christine Paterson
2nd October Pauline Jackson Freya Lornie
West Kirk Tea Rota Contact Olive Gibson 01506 871291 Note: Tea Makers, please bring milk.
18th September Morag Stott George Stott
25th September Kate Jessiman Olive Gibson Fundraising for
Alzheimer’s
2nd October Margaret Lamb Jean Graham
9th October May Young Olive Gibson
16th October Irene Grindlay Margaret Rennie
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 11 –
West Kirk Flower List If you would like to give flowers one week, please add your name to the list in the church vestibule.
Given Arranged Delivered
18th September Viv Vinter Evelyn Paterson Margaret-Ann Smith
25th September Margaret McEwan and
Margaret Douglas
Ivy Johnstone
2nd October Cheryl Stuart Rosanna Rabaeijs Irene Grindlay
9th October Margaret Douglas Katie Albon Kathy Black
16th October
Evelyn Paterson Moira McRae
West Kirk Duty Rota Door Duty
Car Run
18th September Jim Allan George Stott Hazel Tod Beryl Henderson
25th September Angus Baxter Juanita Allan May Arnott Richard Bryce
2nd October Alex Easton Richard Bryce Liz Dyer Derek Burns
9th October Lorna Graham Jeanette Ferguson Victor Ferguson Hugh Clarkson
16th October
Alan Jessiman Irene Grindlay Beryl Henderson Robert Hawes
Polbeth Harwood Duty Rota Door Duty
18th September Marian Kinsman Betty Macauley Chrissie McCormack Esther Hamilton
25th September Effie Halliday George Halliday Margaret Mercer Alan Mercer
2nd October Hazel Speirs Linda Eardley Alice Mackay Kenneth Mackay
9th October Anna Muirhead Tom Walker Finlay Carmyllie Moira Mushet
16th October
Ena Prentice David Prentice Janet Russell William McCallum
_____________________ The Link!
Issue 1 September 2005
– 12 –
New Church Hymnary We have now received delivery of nearly all the new Church Hymnary (CH 4). We are planning to start using it in both churches soon, probably from the 11th of September. We are holding a special service to celebrate the new Hymnary. We will sing hymns we know well, sing some we have learned recently and perhaps learn a few new hymns and songs as well. This will be held in the West Kirk on the 25th September at 6.30 pm with refreshments in the hall after the service. All are welcome!
Contributions for the next edition of ‘The Link!’ Contributions for the next edition of ‘The Link!’ Magazine should be submitted by the first Sunday after the 15th of the month. For the October issue, this will be Sunday 18th September. Contributions can be emailed to [email protected] or handed in person to either Rev David Albon or Colin Dempster.
Paws… for thought
When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we don’t see the one, which has been opened for us.