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The CompassDECEMBER 2016
No. 49The Magazine of South Wishaw Parish Church
of ScotlandA record of where we have been and where we are
going
CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGEAt the October Meeting of our Kirk Session and Congregational Board it was agreed we recommend to the Congregation that we move to the Unitary Constitution of the Church of Scotland.
At a similar meeting held last Tuesday 15th November some further detail regarding the operation of the Unitary Constitution was discussed and following discussion the recommendation including the operational detail was unanimously agreed.
WHY CHANGE THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION?
Over the last year there has been a review by our Trustees (i.e. The Kirk Session and Congregational Board) of the workings of the Congregation.
In January 2016 the Trustees agreed to investigate the merits of moving to the Unitary Constitution and appointed an ad hoc group to look further at what would be involved.
In May 2016 the General Assembly of The Church of Scotland urged all Congregations to adopt the Unitary Constitution to resolve potential legal issues arising from the two separate groups of Trustees making decisions for which all Trustees are liable, even where they were not involved in the decision making process.
As stated above the Session and Board agreed unanimously that the change should be made.
Proposed Organisational Structure in South Wishaw.
The present Trustees would, in essence, continue to carry out the work they are at present doing but have agreed that the organisational process should be undertaken by the Action Groups listed below.
ACTION GROUPS
1. Kirk Session 2. Coordinating Group (COG) 3. Property, Finance and Stewardship (PROFS) 4. Mission, Outreach, Discipleship and Evangelism (MODE) 5. Fundraising, Activities, Communication and Events (FACE)
Each of these Groups will have definitive Terms of Reference and Remits and these are all detailed in a document that will be issued to the congregation prior to a meeting to be held on 15th January of 2017.
LEST WE FORGET
A Capacity Congregation attended our annual Remembrance Sunday Service on 13th November 2016
We were again fortunate to have the Coalburn Silver Band lead the praise at that Service and this helped create a most reverent and respectful occasion.
The Group Scout Leader commanded the Scout and Guide contingent and the members of both Groups aquitted themselves with dignity as they carried their respective Group Colours.
The Scripture Lessons were read by Scout and Guide members.
The Congregational wreath was carried by Mr William Smith and wreaths were also laid on behalf of the Scout and Guide Groups.
Our Minister, as expected, conducted the Service in a manner that kept adults and Young People interested and engaged while the Congregations singing of the Hymns was both moving and inspirational.
As is our usual practice the Books of Remembrance listing the names of all members of the former Congregations of South Wishaw Parish Church who made the ultimate sacrifice were open and displayed on the Communion Table.
Our thanks to all the ‘volunteers’ who opted to sit upstairs because of the large attendance.
The document gives far more detail than can be shown here and members are asked to ensure that they read its detail prior to the Meeting
Letter from the Manse
Whose festival is Christmas? I found out by chance that the Christmas lights were being turned on in Wishaw by a young, local hopeful from this years’ X-factor programme. Great - but I found out AFTER it had happened! As one of the town’s parish ministers I found this somewhat surprising.
The same happened last year but I put that down to my being new in the area. Over the last year I have spoken to a number of people to try to make sure that all the churches were included, despite which it happened again. What this seems to mean is that the Christian church’s participation is not deemed important as far as the organisers are concerned. But whose fault is this? It has to be ours!
The Christian community has allowed the celebration of the birth of its Saviour to be taken over by the secular world. Indeed, we have encouraged it, as it means we don’t have to take the responsibility upon ourselves, both financial and organisational, to promote the gospel over this very special season. And it’s time this stopped! We have been entrusted with good news to share and what better time to share it.
Let’s give everyone we meet a special gift this year – the message that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life [John 3:16]. And let’s not allow the message to be lost or mishandled by entrusting its proclamation to those who have no faith in its truth.
Q. Whose festival is Christmas?
A. It’s ours. Let’s celebrate it, then, for all we are worth!
Your brother in ChristTerry
WEDNESDAY WELCOMELaunched in October this initiative continues to grow in enjoyment and numerically.
We usually start with a form of Table Quiz mostly in the form of a Word i Search or something along similar lines.
Our GET ACTIVE SESSIONS comprise of some Chair exercises (more energetic than you may think) and one or two of us are now aware of some muscles that we had long since forgotten about..
We may then try some line dancing, or simply have a wee sing-a-long session followed perhaps with a game of Bingo where the concentration on faces has to be seen to be believed.
The programme varies from week to week and has included Big Screen Movies, A Horse Racing Game (that was exciting). We were entertained by a professional Singer one afternoon and he had all of our feet tapping as he sang his way through some well-known 50s and 60s music. We have Craft Days, Karaoke Sessions and even a hilarious game of Charades.
On the horizon we are having a showing of the great Christmas Musical WHITE CHRISTMAS on 23rd
November. This is the ultimate feel good movie.
We have had the pleasure of the company of two young 4th year pupils from Coltness High School, Kyle and Sam, on a Work Experience placement. They have both proven to be very mannerly and helpful pupils who even stay on when their official time is up.
Of course we have a cup of tea and some refreshments during which we listen to a Thought for The Day message from the Minister or one of the Church personnel before departing around 3.30pm
Come along and enjoy a couple of hours with us. It IS good fun and you are among a great group of people.
If you wish to come early, around 12.30, you can have a delicious lunch
to ready yourself for the rest of the activities. If not then we start at 1.30pm
THE SHARING CIRCLE
If you want to spend a pleasant afternoon with friendly people then come along to the 'Sharing Circle' on a Thursday afternoon. We meet at 1.30pm (except the 2nd Thursday in each month when the time is 12.30pm). We take part in various activities (nothing strenuous) such as Tri-ominos, Jig-saws, Craft work, Snooker or just to have a relaxing time and a chat. On the 2nd Thursday in the month we have a light lunch consisting of homemade soup, filled rolls and tea or coffee. Near the end of the afternoon we have a short devotion in the form of a hymn, a scripture reading and a prayer. This is followed by tea or coffee and biscuits. The 'Sharing Circle' is open to everyone (not only for the 'over 50's, as shown on the church notice board at the front of the church) and all will be made very welcome.JBP
THE FELLOWSHIP
We have started this season with some interesting speakers and a visit. We have heard about the work and experiences of a Vet, local war veterans from WW1 and the history and refurbishment of 'The Flying Scotsman'. Our visit was to Thomas Taylor (Bowls), Glasgow which was very interesting, where we were given a detailed, conducted tour of the factory, showing us the manufacturing process, stamping and testing of all types and colours of bowls suitable for outdoor and indoor games. Other interesting speakers have been arranged for the future and all men (and ladies) will be made very welcome at any of our meetings.JBP.
As the year comes to its end the Messy Church Team will be
taking a well-deserved break till the
New Year. Our Halloween party saw 3 new families come to join in the fun and games and we spoke of how there is no fear in the Lord. Messy Church is an opportunity for families to ‘do church’ together in a more informal, creative way, with craft and activities - all based around a central theme from a scripture, character or story in the Bible. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and worship Jesus. Anyone is welcome to come and experience the fun and games! (S Moran)
Thursday EveningWe continue to meet in the Lounge on the second and fourth Thursday evening at 7.30pm. The Life Group is the new name for our Thursday evening Bible Study group. With the new name has come some new members and, although we are small in number, we are large in faith and have some thought provoking discussions on God and the part He plays in our lives.
It is encouraging for the leaders to hear ALL the members contributing to the evening’s discussions and to witness spiritual growth within our group. Please feel free to join us if you are interested in exploring and growing in your faith.
Wednesday MorningThis is the former Bible Study Group who met on a Wednesday morning. It is led by our minister and it takes the Scripture Reading from the previous Sunday and discusses it in more depth. The group is well attended by its regular members and it gives us all much food for thought as well as taking us to a deeper spiritual level. If you think you would like to be a part of us, please join us in the lounge on a Wednesday at 10.45am. For more details please contact our minister Terry on 07766007171
WORSHIP GROUPAs we once again approach the Christmas period, the worship group are hard at work putting the finishing touches on At Last, Noel, our gorgeous Christmas musical. We've been working on it for around twelve weeks, and I really hope you enjoy and find spiritual value in it. We're performing it on Saturday 10th December, as part of the church's Saturday Night Live series of entertainment evenings. If you come along, you'll experience original music, readings, and re-workings of some classic Christmas songs and carols, all performed alongside a small group of professional musicians. It's sure to be an evening to remember, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.
It might be thought that with such a large project, the worship group wouldn't have time for anything else, but that couldn't be further from the truth! What seems like months ago, back in October, we sang a short set at the Talent Night in the Hall. This gave us a chance to experience the hall's new acoustic padding, which removes a lot of the echo and makes it a more pleasant place to sing. And following our visits last year, we have been invited back to Cambusnethan Old Parish Church and St John’s Church in Carluke to sing in February. I can't wait to start selecting and working with the worship group on a new programme of songs.
In the meantime, all of our efforts are focused on At Last, Noel. If I don't see you there, allow me to wish you a very merry Christmas! Robert Newth
Light Upthe Church Building
A little story that illustrates the problem of attendance goes like this:
In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should
leave to people in his town. At last he decided to build them a church building.
No one saw the complete plans for the building until it was finished. When the people gathered, they marvelled at its beauty and completeness.
Then someone asked, “But where are the lamps? How will it be lighted?” The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls. Then he gave to each family a candle which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship. “Each time you are here the area where you are seated will be lighted, “the nobleman said. “Each time you are not here, that area will be dark. This is to remind you that whenever you fail to come to church, some part of God's house will be dark.”
Is anyone in South Wishaw ready to try saving the electricity we normally use on Sunday and Wednesday Services? Should we start giving out candles next Sunday? This is just a story but it has a stinging point. Those who seldom, if ever, attend worship may be like those of whom it was said: “The people whom sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matt. 4:16).
That is, if they happened to see the church building in the evening from a distance. Jesus also said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matt. 5:14-15).
Attending all services of the church is letting your light shine -- after all you come to worship God and study His word - then leave to serve. Maybe it would be good to pray, “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).Editor
WHAT ARE WE TRYINGTO DO
IN SOUTH WISHAW?Our Office-Bearers met a few weeks ago to discuss
creating a Vision and Mission Statement for South Wishaw Parish Church.
There were various suggestions as to what ought to be included in such statements and, in the end, it was concluded that we needed to have words emphasising that all we do in South Wishaw was the responsibility of our entire membership.
These statements have been appearing on our Order of Service each week but we recognise that a large number of members do not attend the Services so we print the statements below because ALL of us are involved.
We are all asked to remember that printing such words is easy. Carrying out what we strive to do depends on the participation of us all.
Session Clerk
LOCAL CHURCH REVIEW
We are now aware that our Local Church Review is pending and two persons from the Presbytery’s LCR Committee were expected to carry this out before the end of this year. It now looks like this will not now happen until into 2017
The Review will involve the Presbytery of Hamilton sending two representatives from the LCR Committee to hold discussions with us in respect of what we currently undertake in South Wishaw and what our plans are for future work and involvement in our Parish and Community. .The Visitors should offer us encouragement and advice and then a report will be submitted to the Presbytery for their consideration.
South Wishaw and St Mark’s
Parish Churchespresent
Pantomime by
GRAHAM
BARRACLOUGHG. WIZZ PROMOTIONS
Performances at SWPC on Friday 13th/Sat 14th JanAnd at St Mark’s on Fri 20th/Sat 21st Jan 2017
(Matinees on both Saturdays)
HALL USERS PLEASE NOTE THE HALL and LOUNGEWILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON WEEK BEGINNING 9 th JANUARY DUE TO PANTOMIME REHEARSALS
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
The November 12th Saturday Night Live event took the form of a Ceilidh Type Event. We danced to some music provided by two
talented musicians.
The Interval was taken up with the consuming of some Scottish Fayre rustled up by Sabah following which we had another round of dancing and then we enjoyed some solo singing of some fine old Scottish Ballads from Terry before he was joined by his daughter, Ellie, for a couple of very well performed duets.
All in all this was a most interesting evening and our thanks are due to Terry for organising the event due to an apparent communications breakdown (or a Senior Moment on the part of the Session Clerk).
The next Saturday Night Live Event is on 10th December when we will be having a Christmas Event. (More details in Worship Group Item on Page 6
We’ve had a spate of 80th Birthdays this year and some more are on the horizon. So to all who are now in the Octogenarians Club
TODAY DEAR LORD I’M 80
Today Dear Lord I’m 80And there’s much I have not doneSo, Dear Lord, please let me live until I’m 81But then, if I haven’t finished all I want to do,Could I stay, Dear Lord, until I’m 82I’ve many places I want to go, so much I’d like to see,So, Dear Lord, could You manage, please, to make it 83?The world is changing very fast,There is so much more in store,So I’d like it Lord to live until I’m 84.And if by then I’m still alive,I’d love to reach yon 85.More planes will then be in the airSo I think I’d like to stickTo see what happens to the world when I’m 86.I know, Dear Lord, it’s a lot to askAnd I know it will be nice in Heaven,But I would really like to be around when I’m 87By then, I know , I won’t be fastAnd sometimes I may be lateBut I’m sure I would love to be around when I’m 88.I will have seen so many, many things,And will have had a real good time,So I think I may be willing to go when I’m 89…..
Well Maybe|
WISHAW FOOD BANKThe Kirk Session has agreed to locate boxes on the Church premises where we can, if we so wish, place food donations for delivery to the local Wishaw Food Bank.
There are some specific items which the organisers have advised us are required
and we list these below.
Our boxes will be found in the Church Vestibule on Sundays and Wednesdays during the Services on these days.
If you require any other information on this initiative please contact Ann Gray who is coordinating our involvement.
Items required are
Tinned Meat, Potatoes, Fruit, Tomatoes, Hotdogs, Mixed Veg
AND Long Grain Rice, Coffee (Small Jars)
Please deposit your donation into any of the two Boxes that are situated in the Church Vestibule and Session Room
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Come to worship the Lord through contemporary Christian music. The hall is set up with space to pray, dance, wave flags or just fall on your feet in the presence of the Holy Spirit. There is a short sermon but the focus is very much to soak in the presence of the Lord and see what happens in our lives and surroundings through Him.
Next meeting is Nov 27th at 2.00pm although there is an opportunity to share a lunch starting at 12.30pm. Dates for the early part of 2017 are 8th January; 26th February and 16th
April. If you would like more information, please contact Terry on 07766007171.(S Moran)
WISHAW
South Wishaw was well represented at the Alternative Christmas Shop organised by Wishaw Churches Together at beginning of November. This venture helps provide quality items that may be used as affordable Christmas presents. All proceeds from the shop go to Local Charities.
Mary Louise Archibald has been our representative on this group since it began but she has now decided to take a well-earned break from this work.
We wish to thank her for what she has achieved in the Group and to assure her that what she has achieved through the Group has been greatly appreciated by all in South Wishaw and beyond.
WHAT IS A MINISTER?
Somewhere, between the call of God and the heart of the hospital, there exists a specialist in everything variously called minister or preacher.
He is a hero to his wife, a stranger to his children, a fine boy to his mother, an easy touch to the “down and outers,” a recipient of continual criticism, an expected example to the flock and a name on many mailing lists.
To some he is a fuddy-duddy; to some he is a stuffed-shirt; to others he is a guy who has nothing to do but prepare a 30-minute sermon each week; to some he is a person in whose presence certain things must not be practised; to some, if he tries to get things done better, he’s trying to run things; to some, if he works hard and does things that are left undone, he’s trying to get personalattention and glory.
To some he is a dear friend, a “Johnny on the spot”. When death hovers near, he is the one that stays on after the doctor leaves. He is the one who at times can mend up a broken marriage, but cannot find time to mend his wife’s broken toaster. He is the one who marries the young lovers, prays with the sick and buries the dead. He is a promoter, public orator, errand boy, typist, file clerk, public relations director, business executive, prophet, counsellor, bookworm, diplomat, human being, sinner scorcher, planner, pusher, and puller.
His hours run about 12 per day, seven days per week. So when one of the “40 hour-a-week,” (holidays with pay) brethren says, “Boy, if you had to work like we do....” he just swallows a couple of times and says“wouldn’t that be nice.”
So be patient with your minister. Remember he doesn’t have a Minister to go to with problems.
BOOM, BOOM!Printed in a Church Notice
Sheet after a Coffee Evening.
Our thanks are due to the Committee of Ladies, with Mrs Smith leading the way, who enthusiastically threw themselves into the tea!
CHRISTMASIN SWPC
Saturday 10th DecemberSATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
PRESENTS
CHRISTMAS CRACKERIncorporating
AT LAST NOELFeaturing our Worship Group
Starts 7pm (Doors 6.45pm)
Tinsel and Mince Pies Included
(Bring your own Mistletoe!)
DID YOU KNOW (1)According to the AA it costs £51.60 PER MILE to run a car.
This is based on buying a new petrol car for between £13,000 and £18,000, replacing it after 4 years, and averaging 10,000 miles a year.
DID YOU KNOW (2)
During June 2016 and average of 471 purchases were made in the UK every SECOND using debit and credit cards.(UK Cards Association)
Macmillan Coffee MorningOur annual coffee morning as part of the Macmillan ‘Biggest Coffee Morning in the World’ took place at the beginning of September. There was an excellent turnout of supporters to enjoy the cakes on offer. In total we raised £760.00 and, while this is lower than last year, it is still a fantastic effort. We are very conscious that there are lots of organisations trying to raise money and we are delighted that we achieved such a magnificent sum for this worthy cause.
The guild has almost reached the end of the first part of this session. The theme this year is “Go in Joy” which was ably introduce by our minister Rev Terry Moran. Mr Jim Paxton, the locum at Wishaw Old led a Bible Study as well as telling us something of his background. We heard of the work of The Haven and their operation in Wishaw General and the story of “Hummel figures. We have been well fed this session as the owner of Christies Bakers provided cupcakes for our tea after explaining what they baked and their methods and two staff from Tesco brought along an abundance of food to try, as they spoke on Healthy Eating and explained some new charity initiatives being introduced by Tesco.
At the time of writing we look forward to our Coffee Evening when we will be entertained by the Edward Tweedlie Quartet, Way Out Studio and our Christmas Dinner when we are joined by the Fellowship.
The second part of the session starts on 9 th January 2017, when we will hear of the guild project in Bolivia, classrooms for Malawi as well as nearer home the Fire and Rescue Service, Calmac Ferries, Museum of Country Life, Nursing in days gone by and Friends of Cambusnethan Priory.
In addition there will be some nights of entertainment which will be advertised in the church notices.
If any or even one of these items interests you why not come along and join us on a Monday evening. We meet in the Session Room starting at 7.30pm where you will be assured of a friendly welcome and of course have the essential cup of tea or coffee.
Kids Church (Ages 0-18)Sundays 10.50am in Church Hall
1st Sunday of the month Kingdom Teens join service in the Church, and will be on welcoming and tea
serving teams.
KINGDOM KIDSCHRISTMAS PARTYSunday 11th 1-3pm
CLUBFree kids’ drop-in club while parents go off to complete the essential Christmas shopping in
peace! Advent themed crafts and games to get you in the Christmas mood! Early booking
recommended as spaces limited!Sat 3rd, 10th & 17th Dec. 2-4pm (aged 5-12)
Plus join us for our 18th Dec Nativity Service 11am 24th Dec. Christingle Service For other Christmas Events
in South Wishaw See DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
On Page 8
Church Contact Numbers
MINISTER:Rev Terry Moran
_Flower Calendar 2016_Date Contributor Distributor04/12/16 Allison Reid J Easton
WANT TO BECOMEA CHURCH MEMBER?
If so contact the Minister as soon as possible
To be included in next intake
3 Walter Street -767459Church 375306 Session ClerkJohn Irvine,59 Coltness Road – 381512
Congregational Board Clerk -Jean Dawson27 Louisville Avenue – 383380
Treasurer:Peter McLaughlan,12 Hillfoot Gardens –07799 812529
Roll Keeper: Agnes Irvine,59 Coltness Road - 381512
Convener of Property Group: Tom Dawson27 Louisville Avenue – 383380
Compass Editor: e-mail [email protected]
WFO EnvelopesRichard McIntyre21 Avon Avenue, Carluke01555 770614
Gift Aid Convener –Barbara Vincent25 Mossland Drive - 384884
Sharing in Prayer
Please read through this edition of the Compass
and please remember in your
Prayers.
1. The new initiatives started in South Wishaw - but don’t forget the traditional groups who still serve a very useful purpose.
2. The Congregation as we look to changing the Constitution.
3. All of our members in Hospital, Care Homes or Housebound
11/12/16 Flower Fund L McNeill18/12/16 Margaret Smellie A Matthews25/12/16 NEW FLOWER CALENDAR M L Archibald01/01/17 FOR 2017 AVAILABLE IN THE Morag Smellie08/01/17 CHURCH’S FRONT VESTIBULE A Irvine15/01/17 J Dawson22/01/17 PLEASE APPEND YOUR NAME J Easton29/01/17 AGAINST THE WEEK YOU WISH L McNeil05/02/17 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO A Matthews12/02/17 AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT M L Archibald19/02/17 Morag Smellie26/02/17 A Irvine05/03/17 J DawsonContributions to the Flower Fund can be placed in the box at the front of the
Church. If you would like to help to distribute flowers please let any office bearer know.
_Church Register:_ Added to Church Roll –
Name AddressMrs Valerie Kidd Louisville AvenueMs Lynsey Smith Hill Court
Funerals Name Address Date of FuneralRobert McIntosh Muirhouse Tower 06.09.16May Wilson Hillfoot Gardens 14.09.16Hilda Marshall Shand Street 23:11:16
“In my Father’s House there are many mansions”
27th Nov Gift Service (for Women’s Aid) 11am27th Nov NOW Church 2.00pm (Lunch available 12.30pm) 3rd Dec Advent Club – see inside p7 4th Dec Communion Services 11am and 3pm10th Dec Advent Club – see inside p710th Dec Christmas Cracker with At Last! Noel – Worship Group11th Dec Kingdom Kids Christmas Party 1pm-3pm17th Dec Advent Club – see inside p718th Dec Children’s Nativity Service 11am18th Dec Evening Carol Service24th Dec Christingle Service 4pm-5pm24th Dec Community Carols 11-11.30pm24th Dec Watchnight Service 11.30pm 1st Jan Morning Worship 11am13th Jan Cinderella @ South Wishaw - evening14th Jan Cinderella @ South Wishaw – matinee & evening28th Jan Presbytery Youth Training Event 10am-1pm5th Mar Communion Services 11am &3pm
Deadline for next Compass – 19th Feb 2017e-mail: [email protected]
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
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