Cairngryffe with Symington Parish Churches
FOCUS
Christmas
2010
Minister : Rev Dr Graham Houston
16 Abington Road, Symington
Session Clerks:
Cairngryffe - Mr Jack Meikle
Glenbow Cottage, Thankerton (01899 308397)
Symington - Mr Ross Russell
Spindrift, Main Street, Symington (01899 308240)
SUNDAY SERVICES
December 2010
9.30am Cairngryffe
11.00am Symington
January, February, March, April 2011
9.30am Symington
11.00am Cairngryffe
Christmas and New Year Services – Everybody Welcome!
CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICES
Sunday December 19th 9.30am (Cairngryffe) and 11am (Symington)
1pm Farewell Lunch for the Rev Dr Graham Houston at the Tinto Hotel
CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL SERVICES
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Friday December 24 7pm Family Carol Service at Symington and
11.15pm Watchnight Service at Cairngryffe
UNITED YEAR’s END SERVICE
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Sunday 26 December 2010 11.00am United Year’s End Service at Symington
(no Cairngryffe Service that day)
Sunday 2nd January 2011 11.00am United Start of Year Service at Cairngryffe
(no Symington Service that day)
Communion Services
Sunday March 7th 2010 9.30am (Cairngryffe) 11am (Symington)
The Season of Goodwill
Goodwill to All Men
MERRY MINCE PIES
Remember to pop into Symington Church Hall after the evening service on
Christmas Eve for mince pies, coffee and a chat with your friends.
Mince
pies will also be served at Cairngryffe from 11.00pm, prior to their late evening
service.
Visit our websites at
Kirk and Community News
For the Parishes of Cairngryffe and Symington
Church of Scotland
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www.symingtonkirk.com Webmaster Robert Carson
www.cairngryffekirk.org.uk Webmaster Jim Watt
LANARK PRESBYTERY REPORT
There is an old Chinese saying, ‘May you live in interesting times’. As we move
forward into a Vacancy following Graham’s retirement not only our two
congregations, but the Presbytery of Lanark and, indeed, the Church of
Scotland as a whole, are facing ‘interesting times’.
The Presbytery Report in the Autumn ‘Focus’ drew attention to the crisis facing
the Church of Scotland regarding the provision of ordained Ministers and to the
fact that the Presbytery of Lanark would be losing three ministers. In fact the
reduction will be of four, to 14 from the current 18.
A Presbytery Planning
Review Group (PPRG) has been set up to undertake the task of deciding how
the reduced number of Ministers can best be deployed. This process, however,
will be much more wide ranging than simply looking at how the number of
charges may be reduced. The Ministries Council has asked for a radical rethink
about the concept of Ministry and the forms this may take, including the Ministry
of all of God’s people.
The PPRG, of which I am a member, has therefore started a wide ranging
consultation which it hopes will involve every member of every congregation.
As a first step a Conference was held in late October at which representatives of
Kirk Sessions were appraised of the situation and the process of the review
outlined. A newsletter was also issued for distribution the following Sunday to
all members. If you did not receive a copy of this please contact your Session
Clerk who will be pleased to supply you with one.
The Conference was followed up in mid-November by a series of Area Meetings
at which all members of congregations were given the opportunity to contribute
to the process. Between the conference and the Area Meetings Kirk Sessions
were asked to discuss the implications for their parish and bring their views
forward to these meetings.
In addition, they have been asked to supply
Congregational Annual Reports for the last three years.
The Area Meetings have now taken place and have proved to be very
successful, with over 560 people attending the five meetings. They have given
the PPRG a very comprehensive overview of the nature of the communities in
each parish and of the vast amount of work which congregations are carrying
out as the minister to them. A number if interesting and innovative ideas have
also emerged. The PPRG will assimilate all the information and views gathered
and will then meet with every Kirk Session during the early part of 2011.
Following this they will prepare a Draft Plan for presentation to the May meeting
of Presbytery. Over the summer months there will be meetings with each
Session affected by the Draft Plan to discuss its implications for them with the
intention that the final Plan can be presented for approval by Presbytery at its
September 2011 meeting.
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It is to be hoped that this timetable can be adhered to, however there is a huge
amount of work to be done and it is essential that the process is carried out
diligently, so the later dates may slip slightly.
What will emerge is likely to be a very different pattern of Ministry to that to
which we are used. There comes a point in the life of every organisation when
a close look has to be taken at the way things are done and whether the way
they have always been done is still appropriate. This time has come for The
Church of Scotland and we must be prepared for radical changes in the way
Ministry and Mission is carried out to spread The Gospel in our communities.
The structure which has served us for the past 400 or more years may not be
the best for the way forward. It is up to each and every one of us to engage
with this process and play our part in shaping the future of Christ’s Church. The
‘Status Quo’ is not an option.
As we enter a period of Vacancy the outcome of the Plan will have particular
and immediate relevance for us, so it is in our own interests to engage closely
with the PPRG so that our views and aspirations for the future of our respective
congregations can be fully taken into account.
We are asked to approach this task with ‘faith filled imagination’ and I therefore
urge you all to think and pray seriously about the matter and, if you have not
already done so, to convey any ideas and suggestions to either of the Session
Clerks or to myself. Alternatively, you can send them directly to the Convenor
of the PPRG, Bryan Kerr, by one of the following means:
write:
Greyfriars Church Office, Bloomgate, Lanark, ML11 9ET
email:
[email protected]
or phone:
01555 661510
Finally, I would ask you all to remember those involved in this process, at all
levels, in your prayers, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit to produce a
Presbytery Plan which will enable The Church to fulfill its duty of furthering
God’s Kingdom in Lanark Presbytery.
Jim Watt (Cairngryffe Elder to the Presbytery)
NEWS FROM THE PARISHES
Cairngryffe
Funerals
Willie Gilbert, 94, (formerly of Cloburnwood Farm) died on 24th
November in Wishaw General and was buried at Pettinain on
st
Wednesday 1 December.
Symington
Deaths
November 2010 - Agnes (Nancy) Lean, formerly of Castlehill, Symington,
latterly resident at Auchlochan Trust.
Leaving us
November 2010 - Alan and Nan Mackie, 18 Carding Street who are planning to
move to Prestonpans. We extend our best wishes to Alan and Nan and
remember with gratitude their contribution to the life and work of Symington Kirk
over many years.
illness. The elders will be leading our worship on one Sunday each month for
the next 5 months and we will be doing the Watchnight service on Christmas
Eve, we see this as a possible solution to the reduction in ministers.
*This Christmas we have once again decided to deliver a Christmas card to
every house in our parish, this shows the times and details of all our Services
during the Christmas period. Thank you to all our volunteers who are delivering
them.
Jack Meikle. Session Clerk at Cairngryffe
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SYMINGTON
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CAIRNGRYFFE
This is to keep all our members up to date with what is happening in the Kirk
Session at Cairngryffe.
* Stuck for a small present for Christmas remember the church calendar for
2011is now available, this year we have followed a similar theme to 2010 and
used old photos the cost is the same as last year at £5per copy including the
envelope.
* Our Minister Graham has made the decision to retire at the end of the year on
health grounds and to mark the occasion a gift will be given to him from the
congregation of Cairngryffe and one from Symington. Letters are being
distributed to all members of both congregations at present giving them a
chance to contribute to this. We plan to present this to him at a lunch in Tinto
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Hotel on the 19 of December at 1.00pm to which all members of both
congregations are invited. Full details of this are also being sent to all members
at present via the Elders.
*The Presbytery report in this issue clearly explains the problems we have with
the reduction of ministers in Lanark Presbytery and I hope you will read this,
nothing has been decided at this moment but we must expect changes to the
way our Churches operate in the future.
I have attended several meetings recently including one in Dumfries which was
held by people from “121” and two local ones held by our own Presbytery in
Lanark. We have made our wishes known to the Presbytery planning group that
we wish to preserve Cairngryffe Church as it is at present and we are confident
that we can financially support a proportion of a minister as we do at present. At
present we have 50% of a minister as does Symington but this could be less in
future. We do not expect to have a minister every Sunday to take our services
but we do wish to have a service in our church every Sunday.
To accomplish this we have suggested that our team of dedicated elders lead
our worship on some Sundays as we have been doing recently during Graham’s
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You will be well aware by now of the action that is being taken within the
Presbytery of Lanark to address the challenge of reducing the ministerial
charges by 4 over the next three years. More detailed information on this is
included in this edition of FOCUS. Our congregation along with all others in the
area is involved in discussions to address the issues and to identify the way
forward for our church. As we move into a situation of vacancy, it is more
important than ever that members support the Board and Session by their
interest, their involvement, their views and their attendance at Sunday worship.
In this way we will be pulling together and able to present as a vibrant and active
congregation. Please do not think that you are unimportant or that your
contribution is not significant. This is far from the case. Remember that the
church is not just a building it is all of its people working together.
The Choir
After a short break due to holidays and illness, the choir has taken up again and
we are now well focused on Christmas – will this be the year that we actually
master ‘Jingle Bells’? We look forward to supporting worship in the church and
in being involved with groups elsewhere over the Christmas season. Looking
ahead, we are also beginning preparations for a concert in April 2011. More
about this later.
Visitors’ Groups
Gaynor and her visitors are preparing the annual distribution of plants to older
and housebound residents in the village. They try to keep the list up to date but
depend on friends and neighbours to let them know of anyone whom they feel
would appreciate a visit. They don’t need to be church members so if you wish
to pass on a name, give Gaynor a ring on 308240.
Christmas
You will shortly be receiving the church Christmas card which includes details of
all the Christmas services. Do please try to come along as often as you can –
you will be made very welcome. As before, the Christmas Eve service – carols
and Christmas readings- will be conducted by the office bearers who look
forward to seeing as many of you as can manage.
Thank you
Ross Russell, Session Clerk
THE GUILD
FLOWER LISTS
Cairngryffe Guild
We meet at 7:30 pm in Thankerton Village Hall on the second
Wednesday of each month from September to April.
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Dec. 8
A Celebration of Christmas Invited guests
th
Feb 9
Theme for the Session Rev Dr G Houston
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March 4 World Day of Prayer
Forth St Paul’s
March 9th Spring Rally (AGM) at Grayfriers Church Hall
7.30pm
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March 10 The Taking of Tea
Mr Dobbie
Symington Guild
Our opening meeting in September was chaired by Margaret McGregor. The
guest speaker was Kirkpatrick Dobie who gave a talk on Church Silver. This
proved to be very interesting. He also had slides showing many of the beautiful
pieces he had photographed on his travels around the Churches in Scotland.
SUNDAY
5th December 2010
12th December 2010
19th December 2010
26th December 2010
2nd January 2011
9th January 2011
16th January 2011
23rd January 2011
30th January 2011
6th February 2011
13th February 2011
20th February 2011
27th February 2011
CAIRNGRYFFE
Lily Borthwick
Sandra Stewart
Christmas Flowers
Christmas Flowers
Christmas Flowers
Christmas Flowers
Christmas Flowers
Warnock Girls
Nancy Galloway
Margaret Edge
Dorothy Scott
Nancy Nicholl
Moira Jarvie
SYMINGTON
Linda McKay
Muriel Knight
Janette Hope
Christmas Flowers
No flowers
Jessie Duff
Jessie Rodger
Isobel Grierson
Noreen Johnston
Hazel Howat
Rena Mitchell
Margaret Cleland
Sheena Carlyle
In October the meeting was chaired by Pat Allan. She welcomed members from
Cairngryffe Guild and introduced Brian Curle who had come along to share his
experiences and slides of his railway trip through the Andes. This was very
much enjoyed, so much so that we look forward to his return at a later date, to
continue on the second part of his journey.
CAIRNGRYFFE SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Nov meeting was chaired by Sheena Carlyle. Mr David Fanshaw was the
speaker for the evening and he spoke as a blood donor who had over the years
given 200pts after which he had received an invitation to 10 Downing Street
where he was presented with a Silver Plaque. His talk was inspiring, and most
appreciated as were his humorous anecdotes.
Our Dec meeting is on the 16th Dec when Tinto P School Choir led by Fiona
Mathers will entertain.
Our first meetings in the New Year are on 27th Jan - Light Hearted Burns Poetry
with Mr Alex Baird
After a well earned Christmas break, Sunday School restarts on Sunday 9th of
January 2011.
We meet in the church for the first part of the service and then go to our Sunday
School room.
We study bible stories by discussion and related arts and craft activities.
There will be no Sunday School on the 13th of February (mid term break).
We will take the same break as the local schools in early April.
For further information please contact Rosmairi J Galloway 01555
880779.
th
24 Feb - Tear Fund to Russia with Rev Una Stuart.
SundayZone @ Symington
New members always welcome.
Contact Helen Anderson 308598 or Martha Cowan 308657.
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Our nativity presentation will take place in Church on 19 December.
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SundayZone will restart on 9 January at 9.30am.
Our new topics will include David, Jonah, Following Jesus and What Jesus said.
We would like to wish the children a very Happy Christmas and we look forward
to seeing you again in the New Year!
Donna, Hazel & Susan
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FROM OUR KIRK TREASURERS
Symington Church
Treasurer’s Report
Our expenditure continues to exceed income as outlined below.
However the tax rebate, resulting from the “Gift Aid” scheme, has
partially offset the previous deficit.
Income to date 2010
Offerings
Other Income
Special Income
Gift Aid
£21,674
£400
£400
£6,048
TOTAL INCOME
Deficit y-t-d
£28,522
£4,040
Expenditure to date 2010
Ministry & Mission
£20,032
Staff Costs
£4,236
Building Costs
£6,794
Joint Cong Costs
£1,500
Other Costs
TOTAL EXP
£32,562
On December 9th members will enjoy a hearty Christmas Lunch at
Cornhill House Hotel (12.30pm for 1.00pm).
The fun doesn’t end there as the fortnightly meetings in Thankerton
Village Hall at 2.00pm resume on :13th Jan 2011 Burns Celebration Jessie Duff & friends
27th Jan 2011 Slides of Orkney Bob Copeland
10th Feb 2011 Trip to Korea
Rev Dr Graham Houston
24th Feb 2011 Hearing dogs for the Deaf
Eva Johnston
10th Mar 2011 VIP and Royal Security Ian Thomson
24th Mar 2011 Wind Farms Ruth Semple
For more information contact Sadie Campbell at 01899 308328
BIGGAR PROBUS
Robert Carson, Treasurer
Cairngryffe Church
The financial year ends on 31st December so I would just
remind anyone who has money to go into the church
funds before that to get it to treasurer as soon as possible
in order to finalise this years accounts.
Cairngryffe Financial Report from Jan 2010 to Oct 2010
Income
Expenditure
Offering
£13,115 Church of Scotland
Tax Back
4,279 Travel Expenses
Calendars
295 Joint Cong Account
Social Comm
428 Salaries
Donations
200 Printing & stationery
Misc
129 Insurance
Calendars
Misc
Total Income
£18,446 Total Expenditure
Deficit y-t-d
£2.912
Grills - Fabric Fund
The next meeting of the Biggar Probus Club will be on December 21st when
there will be a presentation of old photographs of the area from Charlie
Todd and Jack Meikle. This will be followed on 6th January 2011 by our
annual New Year Lunch at which the speaker will be Kitty Walker from the
Glasgow Panoptican and on 18th January by Archie Hunter talking on
Experiences of a Tropical Vet.
Meetings are in Biggar Municipal Hall at
10:30, with tea and coffee served from 09:45 - 10:15. The club is open to
retired PROfessional and BUSiness men and new members are always
welcome.
More details from Jim Watt or Henry McMahon.
THE UPPERWARD PARISHES HISTORY PROJECT
£11,880
480
2,500
2,431
192
1,400
975
1,500
£21,358
£7,209
Linzi Struthers, Treasurer
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CAIRNGRYFFE EVERYOUNG CLUB
The slightly overdue volume of old photographs and postcards of the three local
parishes is finally ready and contains over 900 local images with captions and
dates where known. Volume 1 Carmichael £9.20 Volume 2
Pettinain/Thankerton/Covington £5.50, both volumes + 42 page Index £17
Available from Charlie & Jack. The Quothquan/Libberton volume by Tom Brown
is currently with the Printer. William Fleming can be contacted on 01555 661386
for the existing books on Carmichael, Pettinain and Thankerton/Covington and
for a future one on Crawford/Abington/Crawfordjohn.
.
A Christmas Poem
or by email at [email protected]
Prayer Page
Prayer and Praise Services
A young girl stood at a store window, her face was pressed to the glass,
nobody took any notice, and the crowd they simply walked past,
She was looking at a picture, in a wooden gold painted frame,
at the bottom of that picture, Jesus had written his name.
She felt the dull blow, as the hammer swung low,
when they nailed her dear Lord to the tree,
As the cross they upraised, the multitude gazed,
on the Lamb of dark Calvary.
This was her Saviour, she’s heard His name
‘sadly and so often taken in vain’
She wanted that picture, ‘twas plain to see,
as she felt so loved, by the man on the tree.
She hadn’t a penny that picture to buy,
as she looked at that image with a tear in her eye,
Then a man’s voice said. As he looked at the frame,
if you cannot buy it, I’ve got one the same.
Then from his pocket, a picture took out,
like the one in the window, there was no doubt,
He gave her the picture, to her utter delight,
and with a smile, vanished into the night.
The girl stood for a moment, kindness gave her a lift,
for the stranger had given her, her first Christmas gift,
As she looked at the image, no words could she say,
For the Man in the picture, had just walked away.
Walter Jarvie 1998
Editor's Note
Thank you to all contributors who provided the information contained in this newsletter.
The Spring edition of FOCUS will be issued late in February 2011.
Contributions from both village and church organizations and groups, covering the period
from March 2011 to the end of May 2011 should be sent to me by Sunday 13th February
2011 at the latest.
I can be reached at: - Charlie Todd, 63 Station Road, Thankerton, ML12
6NZ Tel: 01899 308327
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The joint Cairngryffe and Symington Churches Prayer and Praise Services are
now held on the third Monday of every month and we invite everyone to come
along and be part of it. It’s an ideal opportunity to spend some time in prayer,
praise and fellowship.
The next Service is in Symington Church Monday 17th January ’11 at 7.30pm
Then at Cairngryffe Church Monday 21st February ’11 at 7.30pm and
st
Then at Symington Church Monday 21 March ’11 at 7.30pm
If you find coming difficult because of transport issues please contact either
Sandra Stewart or George Mathew and we will try to arrange a lift.
A box for prayer requests is held in the vestibule in both churches. Anyone can
ask for a prayer to be said for themselves or someone they know or for any
charities or organisations or any local, national or international issues.
Dear God, Thank you for showing us that your son Jesus is life. Thank you that
when we know him, we know life. Thank you that life in Christ is abundant and
beautiful. Thank you that the life of Jesus is stronger than death, that Jesus is
the resurrection and the life.
Help us to love life like you. AMEN
Dear God, Thank you for being with us in every season of our lives: for laughing
with us in the good times and crying with us in the bad times. Thank you for the
community of Jesus, for our church, where we share our lives together. Help us
to love life like you. AMEN
Dear God, Thank you that you always desire life. Thank you that sometimes we
experience your healing power over sickness and death. Thank you that we
always experience the life of your Son through grace. Help us to love life like
you. AMEN
Dear God, Thank you for your assurance that one day life will be different.
Although we may suffer in this life, in your coming kingdom, we shall experience
full-on, abundant life in your presence. There shall be no more death or
mourning or crying or pain. Thank you for life to come. Help us to love life like
you. AMEN
Prayer Promoters
Symington – George Mathew Tel: 01899 308648
Cairngryffe – Sandra Stewart Tel: 01555 880655
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