FOCUS

Christmas       2008

Kirk and Community News

For the Parishes of Cairngryffe and Symington

Church of Scotland

Cairngryffe with Symington Parish Churches

Minister:  Rev Dr Graham Houston

16 Abington Road, Symington (01899 308838)

Session Clerks: 

Cairngryffe - Mr Jack Meikle

Glenbow Cottage, Thankerton (01899 308397)

Symington -  Mr Ross Russell

Spindrift, Main Street, Symington (01899 308240)

SUNDAY SERVICES

December 2008

11.00am  Symington         09.30am  Cairngryffe

January, February, March, April 2009

11.00am  Cairngryffe       09.30am  Symington

Christmas and New Year Services 2008 – Everybody Welcome!

Sunday December 21st   9.30am and 11am

CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICES

Wednesday December 24^th  7pm Symington and 11.15pm Cairngryffe   

CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL SERVICES

Thursday December 25^th  10.30am Cairngryffe

UNITED CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

Sunday December 28^th    10.30am Symington

UNITED YEAR’S END SERVICE

Board and Session Meetings

Monday February 23^rd 2009 7.30pm Symington Board & Kirk Session

Monday March 2^nd 2009 7.30pm Cairngryffe Kirk Session

Communion Services

Sunday March 1^st 2008 9.30am (Symington) 11am (Cairngryffe)

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  

www.symingtonkirk.com Webmaster Robert Carson

www.cairngryffekirk.org.uk  Webmaster Jim Watt

From the Manse                                                      Christmas 2008

In October Irene and I went on the journey of a lifetime, as two of four delegates from the Presbytery of Lanark to Seoul East Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). Our ten days in the peninsula would enable us to make contact with churches, schools, and a theological college, and to meet many very friendly and welcoming Korean Christians. We would experience different foods, beds, customs, and language. After a long journey from Glasgow via Amsterdam we landed at Incheon Airport to be greeted by a group of our new friends who took us for lunch and then drove us into the great city of Seoul, with its 20 million population in the metropolitan area, and some of the worst traffic jams in the world. The weather was warm and sunny for most of the time, making up for our lack of a Scottish summer. That first night we were shown into our room in an elder’s home, and discovered that the bed was made of solid stone! Recovering from jet lag, sleep was not a problem! Our Korean hosts were very organised and had the details of our trip planned very carefully. We visited the HQ of the PROK, which has 350,000 members nationwide, and met the new General Secretary, Rev Bae. We met some of the support staff in various church departments and heard of the huge women’s association, equivalent to our Guild, which has 120,000 members!  Later we attended Rev Bae’s inauguration in a service at which the Moderator of their General Assembly preached. We went to Hanshin University’s theological seminary and met the Principal and some of the students who are preparing for ordained ministry. We attended a welcome ceremony for our delegation at the church of the presbytery moderator, which met in a shopping mall. We were treated to a wonderful cultural evening with performers from all over the presbytery, including a women’s drum ensemble, a male voice choir, an operatic soprano, a saxophone group, an accordion band, two dance troupes, and players of traditional Korean instruments. We were also taken on a visit to the Korean Folk Village south of Seoul, where you can see reproductions of historic buildings and demonstrations of ancient farming methods, as well as mingling with thousands of tourists and school children on day trips. We enjoyed a sunset cruise on the great Han River which flows through Seoul. We also went to the National Museum which was crowded with even more school children. For two days we were taken on a tour of the north-east mountains and coast, including a visit to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. A senior army officer showed us the border area and explained how both sides are constantly watching each other for signs of military movements, as they have not signed a peace agreement since the end of the Korean War in 1953. One minister shared his heartache that he had been separated from many family members since that time. During our tour we had two very fruitful discussion times, talking about issues of common interest and concern, like the current worldwide financial crisis and the growth of the church in China, and we spent time considering ways of developing our presbyteries’ partnership. We agreed to a number of possible initiatives for future interaction. You’ll hear more about that in the months and years to come.

 What impressed us most about Korean Presbyterians is their commitment. Nominal membership is not a concept which they understand. Men and women are involved in leadership in different ways. There were times during their lifetimes that they had to take a stand for Christ in the face of opposition from dictatorial military governments, and some theological students had to go into hiding due to persecution only 25 years ago. Today, ministers and elders share the tasks of leading congregations and implementing decisions and programmes. Many churches have early morning prayer meetings during the week, before people go to their daily work. They have two services on a Sunday at 11am and 2pm, with church lunch in the middle. Many elders take responsibility for midweek Bible discussion groups, and because of that they have close fellowships despite the large size of some congregations with thousands of members. There is a great respect for those in positions of responsibility, but also a lot of fun and laughter in their gatherings. They love to say “Amen” out loud during the sermon. Their worship services are quite traditional, and some of the tunes of their hymns are very familiar as they were brought into Korea by missionaries towards the end of the 19^th century. We made a special link with Songpa Church at which I had the opportunity to preach, with the help of an interpreter, on the Sunday of our visit. They asked me to take their Christian greetings to you in our two parishes, by singing in Korean “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Above all, they rejoice in the Scottish connection with their churches, because the first Presbyterian congregations were planted due to the vision of Dr John Ross, a United Presbyterian missionary from Easter Ross who translated the New Testament into Korean when he was stationed in Manchuria, north-east China. He had met some Koreans who lived over the border from their homeland, and learned their language from native speakers before working with them on the translation. He trained Koreans to take the scriptures south with the good news, and they gathered the first Presbyterian congregations, before there were any resident missionaries from overseas. Our Korean friends are very proud of this Scottish heritage, and we encouraged them to pray for the renewal of our churches here with the help, we hope, of some of their mission partners. The weather in midwinter is cold and they get a lot of snow, especially in the mountains where there are popular ski resorts. Koreans also love to walk in their beautiful national parks, one of which lies on the northern fringe of Seoul. As we gather over Christmas in Scotland and enjoy singing traditional carols, let’s think of our Christian friends in Korea, and pray for God’s blessing on the outreach of their churches over the festive season.

Advent 2008 Special Events

Sunday December 7^th at 6.30pm in Symington Kirk –

Slides and Videos of the Presbytery Visit to Korea and China with Graham and Irene Houston.

Sunday December 14^th ........Musical Evening at Cairngryffe......

As part of the Advent season, we are presenting an evening of organ and vocal music in the Kirk on Sunday 14th December at 6 pm, performed by Eleanor and Alan Potts with supporting items from other musicians in the Kirk ministry and congregation.   Refreshment will be available in the Kirk following the performance.

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                                                                   News from the Parishes

Wedding

September 5^th Cairngryffe - Marama Carmichael, Carmichael Estate and Takashi Kishimoto, Shikoku, Japan.

Funerals

September 18^th Biggar - Jane Sharpus-Jones Blackhouse Farm Thankerton.

September 23^rd Pettinain - Sam Melrose 18 Cairngryffe Street Pettinain.

November 19^th Mortonhall Crem. - Winnie Tucker Muirhouse Lodge.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CAIRNGRYFFE

This is to keep all our members up to date with what is happening in the Kirk Session at Cairngryffe.

* Are you looking for the ideal Christmas present? Then what about the 2009 Cairngryffe Church Calendar? Please order your calendars from our Calendar Coordinator, Lily Borthwick. The cost again will be £5 and all profits go to Church funds.

*Christmas cards will be delivered once again this year to all homes in the parishes and they will include a loose page which gives all details of our Organisations, Contacts and Service times. Many thanks to our nine volunteers who visit nearly 600 homes each year to do this.

*The money collected at our special Christmas services this year will go to Aberlour Child Care Trust. This is Scotland’s Charity for runaway children. They provide help and support to children who run away, often as a result of abuse.

*We have now purchased a small quantity of the “Words Only” edition of the CH4 Hymnbook. The idea is that these should be used by any member of the congregation who has difficulty holding the large version. Should any member wish to purchase their own copy however, please speak to me.

*The Church will be decorated for the Christmas season on Saturday 6^th of December and will be open that day from 10.00 a.m. until 12.noon to accept donations. Financial donations are always welcome to help the Flower Fund.

*Finally could anyone who has money for calendars or any other cash please ensure it is paid in before Christmas as our financial year ends at the end of December and any money paid in after that will be treated as next years income.

                                                      Jack Meikle. Session Clerk at Cairngryffe

THE GUILD

Cairngryffe Guild

Cairngryffe Guild continues to meet and enjoy the various speakers attending our monthly meetings.  We would welcome new members along to these meetings and remind you that we meet on the second Wednesday of each month in Thankerton Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.

This year's Christmas Presentation is taking place on Wednesday December 10 at 7.30 and we warmly invite you to come along and enjoy some Carols, Readings, a light supper and some good fellowship.  For further information please contact Mary McLellan on 01555 871114 or Margaret Watt on 01555 663394

Symington Guild

At our first meeting of the session in September our members were treated to an interesting talk and impressive display of photographs by Roy Plenderleith, and in October Edith Easton gave an excellent insight into a trip to India.   In November we look forward to a demonstration on Christmas Book Decorations by Mary McLellan and our meeting on Thursday 11 December will be Christmas Readings and Carols followed by a Christmas Supper.  The first meetings in the New Year are -

                22 January   Canterbury to Rome by Ian O'Brien

                26 February  Poetry on 'Childhood' by Alex Baird

Do come along and join us.                                        

Contact Sheena Carlyle, President at 01899 308269

                                                                        FLOWER LISTS

CAIRNGRYFFE SUNDAY SCHOOL

The children are busy working towards Christmas and will be giving their interpretation of the Christmas Story at the morning service on the 21st of December. We are going to a performance of the Purves Puppets at Biggar for our Christmas Treat on Saturday the 20th of December. The children and leaders will be having a well deserved break over Christmas and the New Year.

Our new term will begin on Sunday the 11th of January 2009. Meeting in the church at the start of the 11am service.  For further details, contact Rosmairi J Galloway 01555 880779.

SYMINGTON CHURCH CHOIR

The choir is now well under way for the winter session.  As always, we would be delighted to welcome anyone who would like to join us on Wednesday evenings at 7-30 in Symington Kirk, to help to make a joyful noise.  You don't even have to be a member of Symington congregation - we would be delighted to see anyone who enjoys singing. Contact Gaynor (01899 308240) or any member of the choir.

       PRAYER PAGE

Prayer and Praise Services

Cairngryffe and Symington churches look forward to welcoming everyone over this Advent Season and into the New Year.

Advent is a wonderful time to reflect on our Christian origins and if it has been some time since you have been to church it’s the perfect time for new beginnings. Come along and join us in Symington on Thursday 4^th December where we can praise the year nearly gone and pray for the year to come.

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.

In both Symington and Cairngryffe Church vestibule you will find a box for prayer requests.

The dates and times of the next Prayer and Praise Services are as follows:  

        Symington Church Thursday 4^th December at 7.30pm

        Cairngryffe Church Thursday 5^th February 2009 at 7.30pm

        Symington Church Thursday 5^th March at 7.30pm

        Cairngryffe Church Thursday 9^th April at 7.30pm

Keep the following in your thoughts and Prayers:

• All who are affected by the financial crisis
• The agencies working in this country helping the homeless and those with drug and alcohol abuse problems
• Prisoners Week  and everyone involved in this initiative
• World Aids day and all affected by this terrible disease.
• The continuing conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Congo
• All who are recovering from major surgery or illness. For those who are still sick, at home and in hospital, and for the bereaved.

Lord Jesus, you came into this world as our shining light help us to carry your torch to bring your light to everyone around us.

Prepare us to meet you at this time of Advent so that we will be ready to welcome you whenever or wherever you might be.

Amen

Prayer Promoters

Symington – George Mathew Tel: 01899 308648

Cairngryffe – Sandra Stewart Tel: 01555 880655

                   FROM OUR KIRK TREASURERS

Symington Church

We are now 85% of the way through the year and the situation has improved somewhat since my provisional report in August. Our income level continues at a level 15% lower than last year. Expenditure has increased by 6% compared with the same period in 2007.

If the present trends continue then it is anticipated that the account will have a deficit in the current year of around £2,000. This compares with a surplus of £7,000 for the same period in 2007.

Income to 09/11/08                               Expenditure to 09/11/08

Offerings                        £24350         Ministry & Mission         £17637

Other Income                £    386          Staff Costs                      £  4292

Special Income             £    379         Building Costs                £  5067

Tax rebate                     £  5466         Joint Cong Account        £  2500

                                                             Other Costs                      £  1369

TOTAL                       £  30,581         TOTAL                           £ 30,865

Robert Carson, Treasurer

Cairngryffe Church

The financial year ends on 31^st 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 1st Jan 2008 to 31st Oct 2008

Income                                           Expenditure    

Surplus to date £285

There has been no unbudgeted expenditure this year and all going well we should end the financial year with a small credit balance.

                                                               Linzi Struthers, Treasurer.

CAIRNGRYFFE EVERYOUNG CLUB

How I wish I could reproduce the lovely syllabus for this group, here in Focus.  It is truly  a mini-masterpiece and reflects the care the organisers put into the club.

On December 12^th 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 Thursday 8th January 2009 with guest Neil Robertson a “Scottish Farmer Photographer”.

On January 22nd we enjoy a Burns Celebration with various artistes and on February 12^th ‘Glenton Travel’.  On February 26^th we welcome “The Salvation Army” as our guest speakers.

  For more information contact Sadie Campbell at 01899 308328

Lanark Presbytery Report

This year began with the installation of an elder as Moderator. Mr Andrew Brown of Kirkmuirhill has the distinction of being the first elder ever to be Moderator in Lanark Presbytery. He is handling meetings very well and keeping business moving.

The major event of the autumn was the visit to South Korea by representatives from Presbytery. A report will eventually be issued. However, As Graham was one of the representatives, he has already been passing on some information about it to us and it sounds as if he and Irene had a very interesting time. We look forward to hearing more.

One item of interest is that the Moderator of the General Assembly has a meeting with the First Minister every year. We do not know what was on the agenda but they agreed that they would try to raise the profile of St. Andrew’s Day.

Much of the work of Presbytery is done by its committees. I have been placed on the Ministeries Committee whose main remit is to ensure every parish has the services of a minister. Ideally a minister is appointed to every parish but as the number of ministers is decreasing there are more vacancies and more burden is placed on the other ministers in the area. It is therefore essential that we keep our congregational numbers up, our buildings in good order and maintain our financial position so there is sufficient work and finance to warrant the appointment of a minister to our parishes. The future looks difficult. The Committee is also looking at the work load of ministers and ways in which they may be supported.

Lambert Allan (Elder to the Presbytery)

THE THREE PARISHES HISTORY PROJECT

As some parishioners will be aware Mr William Fleming, late of Warrenhill Farm now residing in Lanark, has produced an excellent history of the Parish of Carmichael (273 pages) covering all aspects of life in the parish – church, school, surnames, places etc. Copies are available from William on 01555 661386 priced at £15. He has now finished similar volumes on the parishes of Pettinain and Thankerton/Covington which will also be available for Christmas. Focus Editor Charlie Todd and Session Clerk Jack Meikle have been collecting and scanning old photographs and postcards from the 3 parishes to produce a complimentary volume for each parish which is still ongoing. If anyone has any black and whites of local interest (places, people, events, agriculture etc) can they please contact any of the above. 

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 2009.

Contributions from both village and church organizations and groups, covering the period from March 2009to the end of May 2008 should be sent to me by Sunday 15th February 2009 at the latest. 

I can be reached at: - Charlie Todd, 63 Station Road, Thankerton, ML12 6NZ   Tel: 01899 308327

or by email at charles.todd@southlanarkshire.gov.uk