OUTLOOK - APRIL 2001

Minister: Session Clerk:
Rev Ian G. Wotherspoon Mr Alex McKee
77 Eglinton Street 34 Woodlands Drive
Coatbridge, ML5 3JF Coatbridge, ML5
Tel: 437271 Tel: 421191
Mobile Tel: 07711 706634
St Andrew's Church Tel: 431385

Dear friends,

Last Saturday our daughter Kirsty was married in Collessie Church in Fife, by
my successor Rev Marion Paton. She decided to get married in the church
which she loved when she was a 'wee girl'. As with all family weddings it
was a very special day.
Kirsty's husband, Stef, is a Roman Catholic and so we invited Father Sweaney
of St Patrick's Church, Coatbridge to take part in the wedding service. This
he did in a most gracious and lovely way. Perhaps the highlight of a
beautiful and moving service was when Marion Paton and Eamon Sweaney
pronounced the Benediction together.
I was very proud that Coatbridge was represented in this very special way,
just as St Andrew's Congregation was with us in the many expressions of good
wishes and gifts which Kirsty and Stef received.
I have seen many changes in the Church of Scotland. In Fife most of the
small villages like Collessie had their own minister when I began studying
for the ministry almost forty years ago, now most are linked or united with
their neighbours or no longer have a church at all.
What the future holds for the church no one knows, but I believe that the
future will be better if we can live in harmony and friendship with our
neighbours of whatever denominations, co-operating, helping, even worshipping
together from time to time. We can do all of this and still hold firm to our
own ways and beliefs while respecting the beliefs of our brothers and sisters
in other branches of Christ's family, the church.
I also believe that we all hold the future in our hands and what we do today
can dictate what tomorrow will be like. So let us be a kindly, open,
welcoming Christ like congregation, stretching out welcoming and friendly hands

to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to those who are seeking the meaning of life

which only God's love in Christ can give.

How lovely it was that Collessie Church was still there for Kirsty and Stef,
let us do our best to make sure St Andrew's is always there for young and old
alike to worship God to celebrate events, to be the church.
With every blessing and good wish,
Yours sincerely,



Ian G. Wotherspoon

PARISH REGISTER
BAPTISM
18. 03. 01 Abbie Lee Farrell Mills (d of b 25. 6. 00) 41 Coltswood
Court, Coatbridge
FUNERALS
12. 03. 01 Mrs Elizabeth Calder, 93 Burleigh Street, Coatbridge
16. 03. 01 Mr Donald McLean, 13 Mosspark Road, Coatbridge

SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Sunday School trip is going to Largs this year on 9 June. Anyone wishing
to join us should give their names to any Sunday School teacher.
George McCall Superintendent

BOYS BRIGADE
Our anchor boys recently held a sponsored obstacle course/fun day in the
hall. All the boys seemed to enjoy the day and we hope to raise a lot of
money for our funds. On Wednesday 21st March both anchor boys and juniors
visited Coatbridge police station. A possibly quiet night for the police was
disrupted as 40 boys and staff descended on their station. We would like to
thank the community police for giving us an interesting tour.
Our junior section recently won the figure marching competition. The boys
produced an excellent performance to win the competition in New Monkland
church hall. It has been some time since a Coatbridge company has won this
particular trophy so well done to Matt Whiteside and his team. The football
season is coming to a close and although results have gone against us the
boys have to be congratulated for turning up in good numbers.
The company section recently took part in the battalion 5 asides both the
junior and intermediate teams played well but failed to make the finals.
Craig McHugh took part in the national x-country held at Bannockburn High
School. Craig ran a difficult course very well coming a respectable 19th and
helping to gain the team overall 2nd place.
Parents Night is on Friday 11th May at 7p.m. in the Church Hall when our
inspecting officer is Mr Frank Burns, Battalion treasurer and x-country
convenor. We extend a warm welcome to all parents, family and friends to come

along and see the boys in action.
Due to limited space we ask you to come along early to guarantee you get a
seat.
Finally, a big thanks to all who supported our dance recently, a very
enjoyable evening. Jim Elliot Captain


THURSDAY CLUB
The Thursday Club Afternoon Tea was held on March 1st, 2001 and despite the
dreadful weather that week, it was well attended.

The Committee would like to thank everyone who attended, everyone who
donated baking etc which helped to make it an enjoyable afternoon. Thank you
to everyone who helped in any way.

Thursday Club Outing
The outing this year takes place on Thursday 17th May. Our destination is
Ayr, leaving at app. 10.30a.m. We should arrive about lunchtime and High Tea
will be at the Savoy Hotel returning to Coatbridge at app.8 p.m. The buses will
leave from the Church Hall. We still have seats available and if you care to
join us please contact Mrs Stoddart at 424744 or any other Committee Member.

THE GUILD
The Guild held its closing social on March 21. Entertainment was provided
by the Albany Singers =E2=80=93 an enjoyable end to a successful season. However,
members and friends still have the outing in June to look forward to. Before
that the annual Guild Coffee Morning will be held on Saturday 7th April from
10.00 a.m. till 12 noon. As with other years we hope you will come out and
support us. Tickets can be obtained from any committee member or you are
welcome to pay at he door

SOCIAL COMMITTEE
With the winter session nearing an end, the last social evening is arranged
for Saturday 7th April at 7.15p.m. for Whist and 7.45p.m. for Beetle. All
welcome. As in the past, these social evenings have proved very popular
during the winter months and we thank all who have given us their support.
We will now have a summer break, and hope to resume on the first Saturday of
October, November and December.

Indoor Bowling
We have had a great season at the Indoor Bowling, and the last game for this
session is on Saturday 21st April at 4p.m. Slips will be given out as usual
and as Easter intervenes, please make your return as soon as possible.

Line Dancing
This continues to do well, and the class will continue every Tuesday night at
8.15p.m. until the end of April. Thereafter a summer session will run from
May-August and the earlier starting time will be advised in due course.

Mrs J Ferguson, Convenor

ST ANDREW'S PARISH CHURCH
COATBRIDGE