Sunday June 7th 9.30am Cairngryffe

11.00am Symington

Sunday July 6th 11.00am Cairngryffe United Service led by Elders.

( NB no service at Symington)

Dates to Remember

Friday May 29^th Carmichael P.S. Open Day 1-3pm & 7-9pm

Saturday June 7th Tinto Village Day at Symington Playing Fields

Sunday June 14th 9.30am Sunday School Prizegiving, Cairngryffe

Saturday June 20^th 2009 – “Dae ye Mind Lang Syne” old photograph slide show of Carmichael, Thankerton/Covington & Pettinain in Cairngryffe Kirk at 7.30pm. Light supper Tickets £3.

Sunday June 21st 11am Trailblazers Prizegiving, Symington

Board and Session Meetings

Monday June 1st 7.30pm Kirk Session Cairngryffe.

Monday June 15^th 7.30pm Joint Office Bearers Meeting at Cairngryffe.

Monday August 17th 7.30pm Kirk Session Cairngryffe

Congregational Board and Kirk Session meetings will be held at 7-30pm on Monday 24 August and Monday 9 November 2009 at Symington. These dates are provisional and may be changed.

Visit our websites at

www.symingtonkirk.com Webmaster Robert Carson

www.cairngryffekirk.org.uk Webmaster Jim Watt

From The Manse Summer 2009

When the storms and troubles of life assail us, the most natural thing in the world is to ask the question "Why?"

The Bible does not seem to be great at answering such questions. That is not to say, of course, that the Holy Scripture does not ask some big "why" questions. The Second Psalm asks "Why do the heathen rage?" The Tenth asks God why He is so far away? The Forty-Second Psalm asks, "Why am I so sad?" In every one of these instances however, no answer comes forth. Yet again, when one turns to the New Testament, the same seems to pertain. For example, there is no quick answer to that awful question our Lord raises when he cries from the cross saying, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

The truth of the matter seems to be that Holy Writ is not so much a "why" book as a "how" book. In many ways, the Bible appears less concerned to explain why we suffer than to show us how to endure and deal victoriously with our sorrows. Here the good news of the Gospel is that, through Christ, we have vast spiritual resources upon which to draw.

At this time, I am so very conscious of the burden being borne by Graham, Irene, their family and the people of Cairngryffe and Symington. But you are all folk who believe in the Lord Jesus. I know that your faith in Christ will hold you steady and strong as you travel through one of life's dark valleys.

God Bless you all.

Rev Harry Findlay

Please note that the Rev Iain Cunningham, Kirkton Church, Carluke, has been appointed as Interim Moderator for the joint congregations during Graham’s absence.

NEWS FROM THE PARISHES

Weddings – 28^tth March 2009 Ina Prentice from Westbank Ravenstruther married Alistair Marshall from Law Carluke

Moved lines – Heather Gardiner from Symington to Christ Church Lanark

THE GUILD

Symington Guild

Our February meeting proved to be very entertaining when Mr Alex Baird recited "Poetry on Childhood" interspersed with humorous stories. In March we welcomed Ann Gordon who gave an excellent talk on R.N.L.I. We now appreciate even more so, what dangers they face, risking their lives to save others.

Our Final meeting of the session was at Coulter Mill where we had a lovely meal and on behalf of members Margaret McGregor presented retiring President Sheena Carlyle with a lovely arrangement of flowers. Sheena had completed 4 years as an excellent and very enthusiastic President. We have not found a replacement for her, so it has been decided that Committee Members will each take a meeting in turn.

Our meeting are on the 4th Thursday of the month, in the Church Hall at 7.30pm, the first being on Thursday 24th September. New members are always welcome.

For further information contact - Helen Anderson 308598 or Martha Cowan 308657

Cairngryffe Guild, Thankerton

The Guild 2008/2009 Session finished in April with a very interesting talk from Charlie Todd and Jack Meikle on Past Times - so successful that they have been invited to participate in the 2009/10 Syllabus in order that we can continue our study of "local airts and pairts and people"!

The Annual General Meeting was also held on that evening and the Guild is now in Summer Recess. The first meeting of the new Session will be on the second Wednesday in September. The Guild is also planning a Summer Outing to Kailzie Gardens in August and we warmly invite any potential new members to join us on this occasion. Anyone wishing to join us can obtain further information from either

Contacts:- Mrs Margaret Watt, Secretary 01555 663394

Mrs Mary McLellan, President 01555 871114

SUNDAYZONE

The leaders and children of Symington have had a good year using Bible based material which has led to great discussions about things like "Why does God want to love us?", "How do we know that the stories of the Bible tell us what God is like?" or "If He is in charge why do things go wrong?" Reminding us of the phrase "out of the mouths of babes", we have so much to learn from our young folk.

We have had a great year with leaders who are themselves mums. They know what itis like to get kids to church even at 9.30 and have done a brilliant job! Thanks to them for their perseverance and complete dedication to offer not only their kids but others around the opportunity to share the gospel story. It has been lovely to see new families come on a Sunday morning.

As leaders we would love to see other families join us. Perhaps you are new to the village or never had a personal church connection. Next school session may be the opportunity to find out why we believe faith can offer wholeness and completeness as a family.

We would love to see your children, more so we would love to see your family or part of it in church in August.

Stick your neck out, who knows we may answer some of your questions about life similar to those quoted above."

Irene Houston

CAIRNGRYFFE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Sunday School meets every Sunday in the Church at the start of the service from now until the 21st of June. We stay in the Church for the first part of the Service, and then go to our meeting room. We are currently finding out about Paul.

Dates to Remember:

14th June : Prize-giving

21st June Funday, Last meeting before our Summer Holidays.

New Autumn Term starts on Sunday 23rd of August.

Contact Rosmairi Galloway 01555 880779 for further information.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT CAIRNGRYFFE

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

*As I write this we have the situation that our Minister Graham is in Hospital and we all pray that God will look after him and look after his family during this very difficult time for them all.

*The Presbytery have appointed an Interim Moderator to assist us during Grahams illness He is The Rev Iain Cunningham from Kirkton Church in Carluke. We will have a number of ministers preaching for us on a Sunday but The Rev Harry Findlay will be doing as many Sundays as he can to help us.

* Our calendar for 2010 using old local photos showing what life was like in our parishes last century. is in the process of being printed and should be available next month.

*I would like to thank our small team of people who visit our housebound members, your efforts are very much appreciated by the people you visit and I would also add the thanks of the Kirk Session.

*Finally could you continue to let Mary McLellan or Lily know on a Sunday if you are aware of any members who are ill or in hospital so the flowers can be sent to them.

Jack Meikle, Session Clerk at Cairngryffe

CAIRNGRYFFE EVERYOUNG CLUB

A Mystery Tour is planned for Thursday 2nd July to round off the activities for this session. Meetings will resume on Thursday 8^th October in Thankerton Village hall at 2.00pm.

For more information contact Sadie Campbell at 01899 308328

CAIRNGRYFFE CHURCH SOCIAL COMMITTEE

The next event planned by the Social Committee is a slide show of old photographs collected by Charlie Todd and Jack Meikle from the 3 former parishes. There will be a musical interlude from Alan and Eleanor Potts and tea and biscuits at half time. Tickets are £3 and the evening starts at 7.30pm.

Charlie Todd (Convener) 308327

FLOWER LISTS

SUNDAY	CAIRNGRYFFE	SYMINGTON
17^th May 2009	Agnes Mundell	Nan Warwick
24^th May 2009	Isobel McClymont	Penny Nisbet
31^st May 2009	Carol Gardner	Jean McCurrach
07^th June 2009	Vacant	Frances Sandilands
14^th June 2009	Elizabeth Galloway	Peggy Prentice (Park)
21^st June 2009	Kris Todd	Laura Dewson
28^th June 2009	Ann Murray	Pat Allan
05^th July 2009	Sheena Baillie	Jenny Newlands
12^th July 2009	Margaret Watt	Susan Craig
19^th July 2009	Cathryn Forrest	Margaret Prentice (Leafield)
26^th July 2009	Claire Scott	Nan McKie
02^nd Aug 2009	Marion Clarkson	Gaynor Russell
09^th Aug 2009	Ena Meikle	Jessie Duff
16^th Aug 2009	Sadie Campbell	Martha Cowan
23^rd Aug 2009	Vacant	Vacant
30th Aug 2009	Isobel Brown	Annie Gilchrist
06^th Sept 2009	Margaret Cooper	Christina McKenzie
13^th Sept 2009	Mamie Gilmour	Betty Morton

FROM OUR KIRK TREASURERS

Cairngryffe Church

The figures below represent income and expenditure for the first quarter of 2009

Jan 2009- Mar 2009

INCOME EXPENDITURE

Offerings £4,208 Ministry & Mission £ 3,667

Donations 363 Joint Cong 500

Calendars 81 Salaries 630

Organ repairs 327

TOTAL £4,652 TOTAL £5,124

Deficit to date £472

Linzi Struthers, Treasurer

Symington Church

Our expenditure continues to exceed income as outlined below. However the tax rebate, resulting from the “Gift Aid” scheme, should offset the balance when it is claimed later in the year.

Income to date 2009 Expenditure to date 2009

Offerings £9342 Ministry & Mission £5661

Other Income £ 100 Staff Costs £ 377

Special Income £ 0 Building Costs £2070

Tax rebate £ 0 Joint Cong Account £ 500

Other Costs £ 974

TOTAL £9442 TOTAL £9582

Robert Carson, Treasurer

SYMINGTON CHURCH CHOIR

The choir has now finished for this session and will resume again in August. As always, we are looking for anyone who wishes to come and join us for a good ‘sing’.

Gaynor wishes to thank all who contributed to the great success of the concert which was held in Symington Kirk on Friday 27 March – to the choir for all their hard work, to Alan Potts who accompanied, to those who came along to give added voice and to Sheena Carlyle, Janette Hope and their team who organised the after-show social and the ‘door’.

The evening realised the excellent total of £730 which has been disbursed to several local and national charities.

Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact Gaynor Russell, Choir Director at 01899 308240

PRESBYTERY NEWS

Rev Alan Gibson (Carstairs and Carstairs Junction) has been appointed as Interim Moderator and Rev Susan Cowell as Locum at Forth: St Paul’s during Rev Sarah Ross’ maternity leave.

Rev John Turnbull has been appointed as Locum at Carnwath.

The Commissioners to this year’s General Assembly will be the Minister and one elder from each of the following charges:- Lanark: Greyfriars, Lesmahagow: Abbeygreen, Cairngryffe linked with Symington, the Presbytery Clerk, Rev Alison Meikle and an elder from Carnwath.

Rev Robert Clelland has been called to be the new minister at the Douglas Valley Churches

The Moderator of the General Assembly will be visiting Lanark Presbytery from the 6^th to 10^th March 2010.

The General Trustees have approved the replacement of Biggar Manse.

Mr Alan Shearer from Kirkmuirhill has been nominated as the Presbytery Youth representative at the General Assembly.

Rev Jim Cutler has been appointed as part-time Chaplain at the Kello Hospital.

Rev Roy Cowieson has been appointed as Interim Moderator at Biggar.

Rev Iain Cunningham has been appointed as Interim Moderator at Cairngryffe l/w Symington during the period of Rev Dr Graham Houston’s illness.

Rev Ian Watson will replace Rev Dr Graham Houston as a Commissioner at the General Assembly.

Lambert Allan, Elder to Presbytery

TINTO VILLAGE DAY

TINTO VILLAGE DAY - is nearly here - make sure you don’t miss it on Saturday 6th June.

Tinto Village Day Committee

PETTINAIN VILLAGE DAY

We don’t have full information regarding the annual event at Pettinain but we are sure it will involve all the usual enjoyable activities for the whole family. The fun will begin on the sports field at 1.30pm on Saturday 13 June. Come along for a memorable day out.

Tinto School After School Club

The club is very busy. 3 children from the chess team played in the second round of the UK Chess Challenge which was a great achievement. They made it through to the last 7500 from 67000. They played really well and 2 children have qualified for the third round in July. Badminton, Tinto did really well in the LABSA league. Our fashion show with Peacock's was a huge success and we raised £506, the children looked great strutting their stuff. This term we have tri-golf, yoga, photography as well as our usual clubs, next term we already have old and new playground games and judo booked. The garden club is now up and running as well. A massive thank you to Jane Stevens who founded the club and has worked tirelessly for the club for the last 5 years, Jane stepped down in April. Should you have any talents you can share with the children or would like to help in the school garden, please contact Rhona Spence on 01899 308432.

PRAYER PAGE

Lift up your Prayers.”Do not worry about anything; instead Pray about everything”

- Philippians 4:6

Prayer and Praise Services

The joint Cairngryffe and Symington Churches Prayer & Praise Services continue to be held on the first Thursday of every month and we invite everyone to come along and be a part of it. The current session will conclude in June when we will take a short break for the summer.

The next Prayer & Praise Service will be held in

Cairngryffe Church on Thursday 4^th June ’09 at 7.30pm

Prayer & Praise Service starts again at

Symington Church on Thursday 3^rd September ’09 at 7.30pm

GOD KNOWS

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless effort –

GOD knows how hard you have tried.

When you have cried so long your heart is in anguish –

GOD has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by –

GOD is waiting for you.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated –

GOD has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope –

GOD has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for – GOD has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe –

GOD has smiled upon you.

Remember that wherever you are and whatever you are feeling

GOD KNOWS!

Prayer Promoters

Cairngryffe – Sandra Stewart Tel: 01555 880655

Symington – George Mathew Tel: 01899 308648

THE 3 PARISHES HISTORY PROJECT

Individual detailed histories on the parishes of Carmichael, Thankerton/Covington and Pettinain are now available from Mr William Fleming (tele 01555 661386) or the Focus Editor at a cost of £16.50 per 2 volume set or from the Atkinson-Pryce Bookshop, 27 High Street, Biggar. Each set contains about 300 pages of information and some photographs and illustrations. Separate volumes containing a wide variety of photographs of life and work in the parishes are presently being prepared by the Editor. Anyone with old photographs or postcards of the parish not already borrowed and scanned is invited to contact Charlie.

CARMICHAEL PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY

Carmichael Primary School is schedules for demolition and replacement and they are planning to hold an “Open Day” on the afternoon (1 – 3pm) and evening (7 – 9pm) of Friday May 29th All former pupils and interested visitors are welcome and a loan of any photographs and memorabilia in advance, for an exhibition, would be appreciated. To give the school some idea of potential numbers attending please contact them on 01555 880216 or by E-mail at office@carmichael-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk

Editor's Note

Thank you to all contributors who provided the information contained in this newsletter.

The autumn edition of FOCUS will be issued early in September. Contributions from both community and church groups and organisations, covering the period from September 2009 up to the end of November 2009 should be sent to me by

Sunday 6th September 2009 at the latest.

For those organisations which have an annual syllabus, it would be very helpful if I could receive a copy prior to the September deadline.

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

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