OUTLOOK - SEPTEMBER 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 Sunday saw the start of Sunday School and I found it quite exciting to
come into church to see such a large crowd of children, how lucky we are in
St Andrew's Church to have a thriving Sunday School.  We should not forget
that over the summer there has not been one Sunday without some of our
children being with us at our morning service.

For me, the start of Sunday School always signals the start of the winter
session of activities as our organisations swing into action once again.  I
hope that all our organisations, catering as they do for young and old alike,
will have a happy and successful session, adding to the vigour and vitality
of our congregation.

Without exception, our organisations offer a warm welcome to all who care to
come along, so I would invite you to think about how you might find a place
in one of our organisations, if you  have not already done so.

Finally, a wee reminder, if f you are going into hospital, or know of someone
who is in hospital, it is helpful if you phone me to let me know.  Also if
anyone would like a visit, give me a phone and I will do my best, or if you
think I have forgotten something or someone, give me a wee reminder!

With every good wish and blessing,
Yours sincerely

Ian G. Wotherspoon


JAMES SHAW
Jimmy Shaw, one of our elders, died in the Monklands Hospital on Tuesday the
27th July 2001 after a long illness which he fought with great courage to the
end.

Jimmy was ordained to the eldership in Dunbeth Church in 1960, an event which
entailed an interview to examine his faith and the purchase of a morning suit
for communion duties.  He served Dunbeth diligently and faithfully until the
union of the churches when his energies and loyalty transferred
wholeheartedly to the new congregation.  For me as minister Jimmy was a 'St
Andrew's man' through and through.  He had his own vision for the new
congregation and did his best to achieve that vision.

Many will remember Jimmy's work with the Sunday School in Greenhill and as
Superintendent in Dunbeth.  A deep knowledge of the Christian faith and care
in all he did marked his service.

In St Andrew's he willingly took over as Church Officer during Bob Berwick's
illness and until David Goldie was appointed, but his great input was to
visit our members in Residential Homes.  It was a great experience to
accompany Jimmy on these visits as he used his unparalleled knowledge of
Coatbridge and its people to stir old memories which were precious.

His professional life began working in Glasgow with the Public Analysts. 
Then came war service in the navy.  It is typical that this young lad, away
from home for the first time, with a background of faith within the Baptist
Church, finding himself in Aden, threw himself into an involvement with the
Church's mission there.  On  his return he took up a post as analytical
chemist at Organon and later turned his skills to research.

Jimmy was also involved in the life of the community, working to establish a
Post Office at the Red Bridge, fighting for Greenhill School as chairman of
the P.T.A.

Jimmy could also enjoy the fun of watching Airdrie play, the excitement and
fellowship of the Victoria Bowling Green, Coatbridge Indoor Bowling and the
friendship of Probus.

We give thanks for a life of faith and for a life of service to Christ and
his church.

COLLECTIONS
                  WFO            Open Plate         Total
August 2001         £5,386.50       £178.10        £5,564.60

PARISH REGISTER
MARRIAGES
25. 8. 01   Gail Andrews, 36H Bute Street, Coatbridge to Stewart Kirkcaldy

FUNERALS
31. 7. 01   Mr James Shaw, 13 Reid Street, Coatbridge
12. 8. 01   Mrs Agnes Rabone, 52 Deveron Street, Coatbridge
15. 8. 01   Mrs Carol Straight, 17b Entwhistle Road, Rochdale
18. 8. 01   Mrs Jane Peat, Wellhall Home, Hamilton
19. 8. 01   Mrs Mary Gray, Arran House, Airdrie
24. 8. 01   Mrs Mary Mutch, Carrickstone House, Cumbernauld
29. 8. 01   Mrs Margaret Fairley, 38 Church Street, Coatbridge
29. 8. 01   Mr James Williamson, 48 Kelso Quadrant, Coatbridge

FUND RAISING COMMITTEE

CHRISTMAS FAYRE - 17th November
Plans are well on now for our annual Christmas Fayre which will be in the
High School on Saturday 17th November from 1.00 - 4.00 p.m.  We will have all
the usual stalls and that means we will need plenty of help and donations for
the stalls if the Fayre is to be as successful as usual.  If anyone has any
new ideas or suggestions for improvements to the normal arrangements please
let us know.

FLOWER DEMONSTRATION
Mrs Jean Reid will be giving a Flower Demonstration at a Coffee Evening on
Wednesday 5th September at 7.30 p.m. In the Church Hall at 7.30 p.m.  Tickets
£1-50 available from committee members or the Manse.

GUIDES
The Guides begin their new session in September in the Church Hall.  The
sections are as follows:
Rainbows:       5 - 7 years Friday 7 Sept       6.15 - 7.15p.m.
Brownies:       7 - 10 years    Monday 3 Sept   6.30 - 8.00p.m.
Guides:     10 - 15 years   Monday 3 Sept   7.00 - 9.30p.m.
Senior:         15 - 25 years   Monday 3 Sept   7.00 - 9.30p.m.

All girls are welcome to attend.

GUILD
The first meeting of the Guild is the Opening Social in the Large Hall when
we will be entertained by the Muir Memorial Choir, whom we are pleased to
welcome back. We are sure they will provide an excellent and  varied
programme to start the Guild off on another session of meetings.  Tickets are
available from committee members at £1-50 and we hope there will be a good
turn out of members and friends.

INDOOR BOWLING
The first afternoon game for the new session takes place on Saturday 8th
September.  Regulars should have been notified by now, but if anyone else
would like to have a go at this enjoyable sport, just get in touch. 

J Ferguson

LINE DANCING
After an enjoyable summer session, the class will revert to the winter time
of 8.15p.m. every Tuesday night starting 4th September.  New members always
welcome, - why not give it a go?

MENS' CLUB
The Mens' Club will begin its winter session on Thursday 6 September at
7.30p.m.  We look forward to seeing lots of new members come along to join
the fun, and to greeting all the 'regulars' as well

R.N.L.I. COFFEE MORNING
The R.N.L.I committee is holding a Coffee Morning in the Church Hall on
Friday 28th September from 10 a.m. - 12 noon.  Tickets £1-00 are available
from Alex McKee, Joan Hamilton, Senga Weir, Fiona Marwick, George McCall, and
Beth Baxter.

Come along and enjoy a cup of coffee and a chat, and if you feel inclined to
donate some baking we will be absolutely delighted!
R.N.L.I. Christmas Cards will also be on sale.

SCOTTISH BIBLE SOCIETY
I regret to intimate that the Coatbridge Branch of the Scottish Bible Society
has had to close when our Chairman, Bill Ewart,  retired recently and we were
unable to find a replacement for him.
I would like, at this time, to take the opportunity to thank all the ladies
who have collected for this group for many many years.  I have always
appreciated your continued loyalty and wish you all well.

The usual annual Bake for Bibles will be held on Sunday 28th October in the
Church Hall.  Donations of baking would be very much appreciated,  and your
support in purchasing the baking would also be appreciated.   Jessie Rock

SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Our winter programme of social activities starts with our usual Whist and
Beetle Drive on Saturday 6 October at 7.15p.m. and 7.45p.m.  All friends and
any new members would be made most welcome.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
The new session of the Sunday School has now commenced.  All children will be
made very welcome. 

George McCall Superintendent

THURSDAY CLUB
The Thursday Club will commence on Thursday 4 October 2001 at the usual time
of 2pm - 3.30p.m.  Old members and new members will be made most welcome and
we will look forward to seeing you on the 4th October.  Our guests on our
opening afternoon will be the McDonald Memorial Ladies Choir from Bellshill. 
N Stoddart