ST ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH

COATBRIDGE

OUTLOOK – MARCH 2006

 

Minister:                                                                           Session Clerk

Rev Fiona M Nicolson                                                    Mr Alex McKee

77 Eglinton Street                                                           53e Blairhill Street

Coatbridge                                                                       Coatbridge

Tel: 437271                                                                       Tel: 421191

 

St Andrew’s Church Tel: 431385

www.saintandrewscoatbridge.org

March 2006

 

Dear Friends,

 

Having just returned from holiday I must admit to feeling very relaxed.

 

It’s nice isn’t it, to take some time out from your normal routine, and to enjoy some time, either with family and friends or even to just get some time to yourself.

 

We are now in the season of Lent. We tend to think of this season as a time when we have to give up something. And of course that is part of it – but it is also a time when we are asked to think, to prepare and to examine our lives. Jesus took time out just before he began his public ministry to prepare himself and to get ready for what lay ahead. The other morning I was unusually listening to the radio, and I heard someone refer to this time of year as the sad season in the Christian calendar, and proceeded to play some incredibly mournful music. I very rapidly switched off telling the radio that it had got it all wrong. But I suppose on thinking about it you can understand why she might think like that.  Lent is the time when we are to be more reflective, more aware of the debt of gratitude that we owe to Christ for what he was about to do for us on the cross. So yes we should feel sorrow that because of mankind Christ had to die on a cross. But surely it is also a time to give thanks to God that despite our faults and failings, our lack of loyalty and commitment – Christ still died on the cross for each one of us – because he loves us. And as we reflect on our lives as they are, we are assured of one thing God never gave up, nor will He give up on anyone. Surely there is room for great joy within our reflections!!!

I hope this finds you all well and happy and looking forward to the joy that is the Easter season.

 

May God bless you and keep you.

With my love and prayers

Fiona N

 

Church Register

Baptism

12th February   Callum Thomas Loughridge

 

Funerals

7th February     Mary Higgins 24 Cornhill Drive

20th February  Alex Higgins 28 Reid Street

 

 

OFFERINGS             F.W.O.            Open Plate         Total

February                      £4,298.85          £352.91         £4,651.76

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

I would like to thank everyone who donated baking and attended the Coffee Morning on the 4th February. The sum raised was £410.  The dolls birthday was 26th May and the winner was Jean Russell.  Can I also thank the Sunday School teachers for all their hard work throughout the session. 

The trip this year is going to Ayr on Saturday 10th June.  Anyone wishing to go can give their name to Joyce McClelland or any Sunday School teacher as soon as possible so that buses can be arranged.  George McCall, Superintendent

 

GUILD

Programme

22nd March      AGM / Rev. Fiona Nicolson

8th April           Coffee Morning

Look forward to seeing you.     Senga Weir (sec)

 

BOYS’ BRIGADE

The Anchor boys are continuing to work on their world project for parent’s night which included the model of the world that was used in the recent youth service in the church.

 

The Juniors are continuing to work on their badgework and recently entered the bible knowledge competiton. Many thanks to Jack Fisher, David Jones, & Daniel Glendinning for taking part in this competition. The football season has restarted and the two games we have played we have drawn one and lost one, both results thanks to some dodgy refereeing.

 

The Company section have taken part in their scripture knowledge competition where, despite being a man down due to illness, the remaining three did very well. The PT team came fourth in their competition which was a very good result considering the lack of practice time. The boys also had the opportunity to take part in the recent cross country races and all our participants finished the course. Our company is also taking part in the battalion badminton competition and are improving all the time.

Jim Elliot, Captain

 

THURSDAY CLUB

The Club held its Afternoon Tea on Thursday 2nd March 2006.  It was very well attended and everyone enjoyed the friendship and the ‘food’.  The Committee were delighted with the amount raised of £300.00.  A good effort by everyone.  Netta  Stoddart

 

CHURCH FLOWERS

Thank you to the few people who came forward and offered to help with the Church Flowers.    Jean Reid

 

 

 

 

 

DIARY

 

 

          19th March                  Evening Service 6.30p.m.

                                                In the Memorial Chapel

            2nd April                     Informal Communion after

the morning service

            3rd April                      Congregational Board 8.00p.m.

          13th April                     Maunday Thursday

            14th April                     Good Friday

            16th April                     Easter Service 11.00a.m.

                                                No evening service