New St Andrew’s Parish Church

 

 

 

              April/May 2011

 

Scottish Charity Number SC013521
CHURCH DIARY

 

APRIL

4th            7.30pm             Congregational Board

10th                12noon             Informal Communion

7pm                  GLOW – Alternative Worship Service

17th                11am                Palm Sunday Service

6.30pm             Evening Service

21st           7.30pm             Maundy Thursday Communion Service

22nd          12noon             Good Friday Service MIDDLE CHURCH

7.30pm             Good Friday Evening Service  MIDDLE CHURCH

24th           11am                Easter Day Service

 

MAY  

8th            7.30pm             Kirk Session

15th           6.30pm             Evening Service

 

JUNE  

5th            11am                Communion

3pm                  Communion

12th           7pm                  GLOW – Alternative Worship Service

19th           11am                Sunday School Prize Giving

6.30pm             Evening Communion Service

 

         

 

 

      

PRAYER

 

Remember to keep praying for the different issues in the Church and the wider community

Over the next 2 months please pray for

- the forthcoming Scottish Parliament Elections

- our young folk who are preparing for exams

- those who are currently out of work and seeking employment

                                   

        


Dear Friends

 

As I write this I am beginning to think about Easter and all the different services and activities which happen around this very special and significant time in the Christian Year. I love this time of year because I always think that there is a real sense of expectation. The days are getting longer and lighter, the bulbs are making an appearance, buds are forming on shrubs and trees which have for so long looked like they were finished, and there is a definite feeling of hope all around. New life is all around us, and I don’t know about you, but that always makes me feel so much happier and ready to take up all the challenges which life tends to throw up in a more positive and optimistic way.

 

For it is true isn’t it that as we prepare for Easter we are looking forward to the resurrection and all that was achieved on our behalf  by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. So why shouldn’t we be excited and full of hope and expectation?

 

Over the years of my ministry I have often been chided for making such a big deal of this time of the year. People say to me that it comes around every year just the same, so why make such a big deal of it. Surely we all know what it is all about and should just get on with life as it is and not get so excited!!!!  Well all I can say if we can’t get excited about Jesus coming to earth sharing his ministry with us his people, dying on a cross for us and then rising again to prove just how much we are loved, forgiven and given free access to God – then what’s the point. For of course as we all know that is exactly the point of Christianity – that’s what Christians believe and this is the time of the year that we get to celebrate it big style. So I hope that we can celebrate Easter this year with joy and hope and expectation!!!!

 

Now don’t get me wrong – I know that this time of the year can be difficult for some people  - and some of you will be experiencing difficulties, and maybe not feel like celebrating anything. But you know I believe that in the midst of our difficulties we need to search for Christ – for he has promised us that he will be in our difficult situations with us and he’ll give us what we need to cope, and to get through the tough times. So maybe even that little glimmer of hope is worth celebrating. It is certainly my prayer that the hope and expectation of this season will bring you some re-assurance at this time.

 

I also pray that we can all, in whatever way is best for our circumstances, find the hope of this season and celebrate it in some way. Please do try to come along to the Holy Week services, (Maundy Thursday at New St Andrew’s and Good Friday at Middle Church) and of course it will be great to see you on Easter Day, if you can manage along.

 

May I take this opportunity to wish you a very HAPPY EASTER when it comes and may the season of hope bring you everything that is good for you and those you love.

 

With my love and prayers as always

Fiona N 


Fundraising

 

Our "Over the Rainbow" Coffee Morning was an outstanding success, despite our fears when snow started falling in the early morning.  The result of £627 sent us "over the moon"!  Many thanks to all who braved the elements to help make this total and to all who donated baking and Pot of Gold parcels.


Sharing Easter breakfast together is now a tradition in New St. Andrew's, so on Easter Day - 24th April - we shall again be celebrating in this way, with the Guides as usual preparing and serving breakfast.  Tickets priced £2 are on sale in the Hall on Sundays after worship.


Next look out your walking shoes!  A Sponsored Walk will be held on Sunday 8th May.  The walkers will have plenty of sponsor sheets available.  Please give your support.


That will bring the first part of our year to an end, but on September 17th there will be a Coffee Morning at which we hope to put on a display of Bridal and Baptismal gowns.  If you have any of these which you would be willing to have displayed, please speak to a member of the Committee.


Thank you again for all your support and encouragement over these past months, and please put these future events into your diaries.

Anne Clemenson

 

Christian Aid

 

The Christian Aid house-to-house collection will take place from Sunday 15th to Saturday 21st May.  If you miss the collector, and you would like to donate, envelopes will be available at the door of the Church on Sunday 22nd May.  If you are able to give a few hours to collect house-to-house around the parish please speak to Sandra Burns or Moira McCall.

 

A Collector’s Prayer

 

Lord of life,

Underneath me are two feet –

Please may they do this task willingly;

In front of me are rows of doors –

Please may they open to me cheerfully;

In my hand are dozens of envelopes –

Please may they be filled generously;

In my heart are millions of needy people –

May all I do this week make this a world in which they can thrive.

                                                                                                Amen

THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

MINISTRIES AND MISSION CONTRIBUTIONS 2011

 

Thank you for supporting the worship, mission and service of the Church through the money you give in your offering.  It is important that you know what happens to this money. 

The information below shows how your congregation’s contribution is used to support Parish Ministries, Mission and Renewal, and general support and services provided for congregations and the councils of the General Assembly. 

 

COATBRIDGE: NEW ST. ANDREW’S                                                 £75,775

Parish Ministries (87%)                                                                         £65,167

Cost of ministry in your parish                                             £39,600

Contribution to the cost of ministries in other

parishes and training for ministries:                                    £25,567

 

Mission and Renewal (5.5%)                                                                £  4,547

Supports resourcing Christian education and Outreach, in caring for the vulnerable in society.

 

Support and Services for Councils and Congregations (7.5%)   £  6,061

Provides financial, legal, safeguarding and other services.

I hope that this helps you to understand Ministries and Mission Contributions and shows you we are enabling the sharing of the gospel through the money your congregation sends through the Church Offices to all parts of Scotland and beyond.

 

Gordon D Jamieson

Head of Stewardship

 

 

CHURCH REGISTER

       

BAPTISMS

6th February              Macey Lynn Buchanan

13th February            Elliot James Bell

 

FUNERALS

4th February              Lucy Beck 27 Dunbeth Avenue

7th February              John Lawson 9 Dunnachie Drive

17th February            Jean Frew 7 Crichton Street

21st February            Euphemia Kennedy Woodside Care Home

23rd February            Jenny Gilmour Centenary House

3rd March                  Nan Tennent 38 Calderview Avenue

17th March                        Thomas Dodds 48 Lloyds Street

18th March                        Peter Paterson 11 Chassels Street

18th March                        Bill Rodger  25 Alberta Avenue

Our Organisations

 

BOYS BRIGADE

 

Our Anchor boys attended the bowling in Airdrie along with our Junior section and all enjoyed a good evening. Our Anchor Boys recently had a visit from the Kirk Session and Battalion representatives, and we would like to thank them for taking the time to come along.

Our Juniors reached the semi finals of the 5asides where they were narrowly beaten by the eventual winners. We also hosted the Battalion figure marching competition where we came 6th. Our team of Ewan Ross, Alastair Peat and Craig McKee came 2nd in the bible knowledge competition. Our football team have won one and lost one but again two games have been postponed due to inclement weather. We are preparing for mind and creativity and sports before the end of the session. We also had our annual visit from the battalion.

The Company section took part in the Battalion cross country and squad drill where we encountered an unexpected problem that some of us don’t know our left from our right. Oh well always next year. We did well in the P.T competition coming third. We are having a red nose night on Friday 18th March as part of the boys badge work. Five of our boys recently attended a build skills course which will help them in pursuit of their Presidents badge. Lee Findlay recently completed his Queens Badge book and now goes forward to a completion course on 27th March and 30thApril/1st May.

We as a company would like to thank Alan Walker for his work on our finances. It is an unseen job but a vital one.
Our parents night is on Friday 13th May at 7pm. We are delighted that as well as Fiona being in attendance, that Hugh McKee will be our inspecting officer. All friends and family are invited on this evening.
On Sunday 27th March we are hosting the Battalion parade and for the first time since 2004 we will be leading the parade. The service is scheduled to start at 3pm.
From the 15th-17th April most of our Juniors and Company section will be attending a weekend camp to Dalguise in Perthshire, with everyone looking forward to it.
Finally we would like to send our best wishes to Stuart McDougall (known now as the cat or spiderman) after his recent injury, he will be missed while he recovers but we hope it won’t be too long until he is back among the ranks again. Get well soon Stuart

Jim Elliot, Captain       

Mobile 07983450183  Email : Jim-karenelliot79@hotmail.co.uk

1st Coatbridge Girls’ Brigade                                               


Our Company have once again been busy with badgework, Spiritual Competition, rehearsing for Brigader Dance Competition and arranging our programme for Prize Giving/Parents Night.

 

Thanks go to the three girls who took part in our Spiritual Competition.   Well done to Gemma Prince (Explorer), Alyson McDougall (Junior) and Amy McDougall (Brigader) for their hard work.

 

The Parents Committee held a fundraiser on 24th February and raised the sum of £735.00.   Thanks go to Jane and Morag for their hard work in organising the night, thanks also to the parents who participated.  This money will help with Prize Giving.

 

The Company also had a visit to the newly refurbished Time Capsule.   Everyone had a great time in the fun pool and our evening ended with a snack and juice.  Thanks to Nicola for organising this event and making sure it was a success.

 

Pancake Tuesday was a success with all the girls, making their own pancakes and choosing their own topping – some strange choices but the girls all enjoyed it.

 

We also had our Division visit on Pancake Tuesday and as always our girls showed Girls’ Brigade hospitality to Heather and Gillian.

 

The Brigaders have their Netball competition on Friday 25th March, good luck to all of the girls.   Brigaders also have their dance competition on 30th March.  They have been practising very hard for this and we wish them good luck on 30th March.

 

Monklands Division Praise Service will be held on Sunday 17th April at 3.00 p.m in Jackson Parish Church, Glen Road, Petersburn, Airdrie.    Please come along and give our Company your support and also see the trophies we have achieved this session.

 

Girls’ Brigade will only be taking one Tuesday off in April and that will be Tuesday 19th April.   Prize Giving/Parents Night will be held on Tuesday 17th May. More details will follow regarding this.

 

The Officers and Brigaders are heading off to Disneyland, Paris at September weekend 2011.     Our group will be 8 adults and 10 girls.

Watch out Mickey and Minnie here we come again.

 

We will update you all with our competitions as they take place.

 

Thanks to Officers for all their help.

Irene Krebs (Captain)
(Mobile: 07731342570 - Email: krebsi@blueyonder.co.uk)

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and Senor Section

 

All Sections have been very busy.   We took part in the Division Thinking day Party on Tuesday 22nd February 2011 at Blairhill/Dundyvan Church when everyone made a keepsake box for all the items that they received during our centenary year. We also played some games and had a campfire to finish the evening off.   During the campfire some of our Rainbows who had not been enrolled made their promise and received their promise badge.   One of our Rainbows came up to me after receiving her promise badge and said that this was the first badge she had ever received

 

Our Rainbows have been busy doing their Jigsaw challenges, pancake races and a craft night where they made lambs to say that hopefully spring was coming.

 

The Brownies have had quite a lot of new brownies coming up from the Rainbows so they are busy working through their pre promise challenge books and craft badge.

 

The Guides have been doing the Science Badge and had lots of fun making volcanos, ice cream and their Aliens which are up on the wall.   We had a sewing night when the girls made Dutch Dolls and then we had a Ready Steady Cook night when they were given certain items of food and they had to make a dish.   We had two main courses and two sweets, the girls did very well.

 

Senior Section :  They have done their own programme and have decided to learn First Aid, help a Third World country by either raising money or they are trying to see if Guiding has anything going on this summer where they may be able to help.  

 

During our Centenary Year all units in Coatbridge were given a Duck and we had to get as many pictures during the year with the duck in them.   I'm pleased to say that our Rainbow and Guide Units put forward a photo album in their different sections and our Rainbow Unit won Most Original Picture and the prize is a Magic Show in the hall on one of their nights.   The Guides won Best Picture and their prize is a Funky Feet Disco.   Both sections are looking forward to their night - not bad that 2 prizes out of 4 came to New St Andrews Church well done girls.   We will put the winning pictures up in the hall.

 

Alexis Crichton, Guide Leader

For information on the guides please contact Alexis Crichton

(tel no 755222 and e-mail alexis_douglas@btinternet.com)

 

Guild

 

Well, that’s another year just about over and I hope you have all enjoyed the Syllabus so far.  On our first night, we tried a new format, starting with Hymn – Prayer – Collection, and then our wee cuppa and chat, then on to our speaker Rev Fiona, once again with our theme ‘Called to Love Mercy’.

 

Our Opening Social was the ‘Covenanters’ and this was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  In November we had the Gideon’s – having been cancelled last year by snow.  Ray Logie gave a very interesting talk and I think a lot of us didn’t know exactly what was all involved.

 

Then the night everyone enjoyed the most (voted best night) Panopticon – this was all down to Kitty Walker and her fabulous show ladyship, she was absolutely suberb.

 

November 21st was the start of Guild week and usually that clashed with the Church Fayre, but this year we managed to participate in the church service, with some of the ladies reading a lesson, a prayer, Elma on the organ and some taking the offering – it was a lovely service, and hopefully we may manage it again.

 

Our next meeting was cancelled due to snow; this was the Humane Society – so look forward to this being first on the agenda next year!

 

Now we are on to 2011, and again we had a superb talk from ex Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox and then it was our own ‘Burns Supper’ (brought forward a week as the Salvation Army were on the same night) and I would say that the entertainment that night was on par with Kitty Walker’s – with our own ladies and Jean Boyne supplying it.

 

Then in February, Lindsay from Soko Malawi came along – this is run by herself and her father to help the children in Malawi have an education.

 

The last meeting we had  was ‘Birds of Prey’ – not as well attended as we would have hoped but we all enjoyed it, with nearly all there holding a bird (except Susan – I think she had palpitations!) and tonight we had a truly amazing insight into Neo Natal Care, and the wonderful work these nurses do.  Some of our ladies have a knitting pattern from Neo Natal so if anyone would like a copy for the tiny hats let me or any Guild lady know and we’ll get it photocopied.

 

Friday 4th March was World Day of Prayer and quite a number of our ladies were at Calder Church.

 

Then the highlight of our year – Ibrox.  It’s all organized and I hope you all enjoy it.  But I would ask one thing – no flags or streamers out the bus windows please!! 

 

Senga Weir

Sunday School

 

The Sunday School would like to thank everyone for their support of our coffee morning in February.  We have been following the sermons and are enjoying our topics… to help reinforce the topic of Jesus praying in solitude we recently held a fun mini sponsored silence and raised over £150! 

 

We are now looking forward to Easter time (and Easter eggs… of course)… but our next big event is our Sunday School trip which is going to Largs on Saturday 11th June.  Although buses are much more expensive this year we are keeping the costs low (£10 for adults, £4 for non Sunday School kids and it’s FREE for Sunday School kids). 

 

The trip is a great day out for young and old alike and I would encourage anyone to come along… sea air, races, ice-cream and fish suppers… what could be better?  Please let Joyce McClelland know ASAP if you are coming along so that we can finalise bus sizes.

 

Gordon McRae

Sunday School Leader

Mob 07770 701 087  Email rgmcrae@blueyonder.co.uk

 

Men’s Club

 

On Thursday 24th March we had a very enjoyable visit from the Bargeddie Men’s Club.  As usual, we had a very close carpet bowling match which New St. Andrews won by one shot!  The top scorers for the team were Bill Stone and Sam Johnston who won the prizes kindly donated by Gavin Rankin.  We look forward to our next visit to Bargeddie.
Bill Duncan

 

GLOW

 

Our first Alternative worship event, with the theme of “Barriers to Faith” was a great success.  Thank you to all who attended and made it an enjoyable evening.

 

Our second event is on Sunday 10th April at 7pm and we will be following an Easter theme.  We aim to make this an atmospheric and thought provoking event and once again would welcome all to come along and take part.

Laura Duncan and Emma Garvey

 

 

If you would like to comment, suggest an article, or provide something for inclusion in the next edition of the Church Magazine, please contact Moira McCall on 01236 764065 or by email at