FOCUS
Christmas 2005
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 Euan Davidson
Redmires, Carmichael (01555 880555)
Symington- Mr Ross Russell
Spindrift, Main Street, Symington (01899 308240)SUNDAY SERVICES
December 2005
9.30am Symington 11.00am Cairngryffe
January, February, March, April 2006
9.30am Cairngryffe 11.00am Symington
Sunday December 18th CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICES
9.30 am Symington 11.00 am Cairngryffe
Saturday December 24th CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL SERVICES
7.00 pm Symington 11.15 pm Cairngryffe
Sunday December 25th UNITED CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
10.30am Symington
Sunday January 1st UNITED NEW YEAR’S DAY SERVICE
10.30 am Cairngryffe
This year's Christmas Appeal, through retiring offerings at our Family Services and offerings at Christmas Eve Carol Services, will go to Scottish Churches Housing Action. This ecumenically- supported organisation spearheads initiatives in affordable rented housing, as well as working to reduce homelessness, here in Scotland. Please give generously to this appeal.
Session and Board Meetings
Monday February 20th 7.30pm Cairngryffe
Monday February 27th 7.30pm Symington
FROM THE MANSE Christmas 2005
One of our favourite Christmas carols, “Once in Royal David’s City”, contains these words: “He came down to earth from heaven, who is God and Lord of all.”
The amazing claim of Christians for 2000 years is that Jesus Christ is both down to earth and from heaven. His humanity is seen in many of the accounts of his life in the Gospels, from humorous episodes, like teaching seasoned fishermen to catch people, or speaking of judgmental people as those who are like folk with planks sticking out of their eyes while they try to take a speck out of a neighbour’s. Or think of scenes when his vulnerability is only too clearly noted, like when he wept at the funeral of his good friend Lazarus, or cried out in mental and physical agony on the cross. We’re in no doubt that this is a real human being, like us in so many ways. Yet he is also unique and very different. His humanity is not flawed by the failings and weaknesses with which the rest of us struggle. That’s all the more remarkable because we know that Jesus was subjected to terrific pressures, throughout his life, to compromise with evil and take an easier road. He had time for people at the margins of society, as well as for those who were at the centre. In fact, most of his named disciples would never have been famous had they not been called to follow Jesus, and even those who were listed are strangers in many ways. We know so little about the exploits of most of them. Yet they turned the world upside down; a world which is currently being depicted, in all its filth, immorality, violence, greed, and savagery, in the television series Rome. Just 350 years after Julius Caesar came to power, his successors as Roman emperors began to profess the Christian faith, and to model their manhood and majesty on Jesus of Nazareth.
But the carol also stresses that this down-to-earth person was “from heaven”, and I want to spend a little time with you reflecting on this fact. CS Lewis was fascinated by the notion that there is such a world beyond space and time, called “heaven”. In his children’s books, he created the land of Narnia, which is full of strange creatures and ruled by a wicked witch, yet is awaiting the return of Aslan, the lion, to end her chilling influence in the land
where it is always winter and never Christmas, and bring in a new reign of joy and peace. He also wrote a novel about a journey through space to a distant unknown planet where life is very different from that on earth. This expressed, for Lewis, the human longing for another world, as the song-writer wrote, “This world is not my own, I’m just a-passing through”. Long before, the biblical philosopher said that God “has set eternity in the hearts of people.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) That means that human nature can only find true fulfilment in the eternal world yet to come, which for now we can call heaven.
Some say that to be too heavenly-minded is to be of no earthly use. But if heaven is the ultimate destiny of humanity, it seems sensible to keep that in focus as we continue on life’s journey, especially as we are warned that it is quite possible not to arrive at that destination, and to get lost. Many people today are experiencing long-distance travel with a regularity which our forebears could never have dreamed of. Others are seeking the fulfilment of their life’s dreams in moving to exotic places where they hope to be happier. The preparation and the journeying involved can certainly captivate people in travelling or transportation, but what keeps them going is the end they have in view. It’s the same with Christians, as we keep moving on in the journey of faith. Paul says, “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God…not on earthly things.”(Colossians 3:1-2) That means getting rid of the self-centred lifestyle which characterises those who are purely focused on the physical world of the here and now: “Rid yourselves of all such things as these- anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language…Do not lie to each other…Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience...Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love.”(3:8-14) And where are we to find the resources to live like that? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach each other with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”(3:16)
It is in Christian worship and fellowship that we get things into proper perspective, and prepare ourselves to press on in the journey through this life to a better world, beyond.
That’s one reason why Christmas services are such a wonderful opportunity for us, our friends and our families to taste the joy which praising and thanking God can bring, as we learn together and encourage one another as fellow travellers. Here we can have a foretaste of heaven on earth, because Jesus came down to earth from heaven so that he might be the trailblazer and lead us homewards, and heavenwards, one step at a time. Yes, the journeying is important. Our daily living is supposed to reflect the difference that only Christ can make. Our lives now demonstrate the direction we are taking. But our destiny is that which determines our direction, now and for all eternity.
May you and yours have a truly Happy Christmas and a very Good New Year!
Yours in Christ
Graham Houston.
MERRY MINCE PIES
Mince pies and coffee will be served in Symington Church Hall immediately after the Christmas Eve Service in Symington Church. In Cairngryffe Church members will enjoy mince pies in Cairngryffe Church bat 11.00pm, just before the start of their Christmas Eve Service. Forget stuffing the turkey, wrapping presents or flaking out in front of the TV! Come along and start the Christmas Celebrations in fellowship with friends and family.
Parish Development Plans
Both sets of office-bearers had special meetings in August to focus on the implementation of the recommendations of last year’s Presbytery Quinquennial Visits, and the results of our Stewardship Programmes. It was recognised that a lot of excellent work had been done over the past year to promote Christian commitment and giving, and that both congregations had been greatly encouraged by the special efforts made.
A full report of Parish Development Plans will be included in our spring edition of FOCUS.
News from the Parishes
Baptisms
Symington September 18th Daisy Sarah Shannon, Thankerton Camp Farm.
Cairngryffe October 30th Cameron Donald Montgomery, Toll House Thankerton
Symington November 20th Jennifer Craig, 21 Mercat Loan, Biggar.
Funerals
Cairngryffe
September 23rd Margaret McMahon
24 Sherifflats Road, Thankerton.
September 20th Mary Crozier Fallburn Thankerton
(funeral at Yarrow)
Symington October 3rd Lewis Noble 70 Main Street.
October 12th Margaret Proudfoot, Whim Hall Nursing Home.
Pettinain October 20th Annie Gibson, 1 Grange Terrace.
Members Leaving
Symington
October 2005, James and Jean Elliott, 2 Castlehill Lane,
Cairngryffe
October 2005 Meikle Tennant, 3 Secaurin Drive Stonehouse
THE GUILD
Cairngryffe Guild
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Mrs Margaret McMahon. Margaret had been, at various times, Treasurer, President and most recently Secretary to the Guild in Thankerton. She was one of those quiet, unassuming, gentle people who just got on with the job and did it very well. She will be missed by all who knew her as a friend and colleague.
The next meeting of the Guild will be an Invitation Night for a ‘Celebration of Christmas’ on December 14th at 7.30pm in Thankerton Hall. The first meeting in the New Year is on Wednesday February 8th 2006 when Sandy Gilchrist of Biggar will tell us about ‘Talking Books for the Blind’. (Same time and place)
Contact Jessie Duff, President. Tel. 01899 308365.
Jessie Duff
Symington Guild
We have had an interesting and varied start to our year. Do come along and join our Quiz Night and Christmas Supper on Thursday December 15th at 7.30pm in the Church Hall. We are always pleased to welcome new members
On January 26th 2006 we look forward to a thought provoking talk on CHAS by Jill Fraser and on February 23rd Liz Hanson will be speaking to us about her much acclaimed photography.
Contact Sheena Carlyle President. Tel. 01899 308269.
Sheena Carlyle
The session is now in full swing and we are busy preparing for the Christmas festivities. Make plans to attend the Family Service in Cairngryffe on Sunday 18th December at 11.00am when the little ones will be presenting a seasonal item. We are also looking forward to the Christmas Party on December 17th. You will hear more details from the leaders nearer both dates.
It seems a long way off but remember that, from January, we revert to the earlier time of 9.30am for the Sunday School.
Contact Rosemairi Galloway.
Tel. 01555 880779
SYMINGTON TRAILBLAZERS
Trailblazers have had a very busy time over the past few months, we held a coffee morning for the UNICEF Jar of Grace Campaign and raised a wonderful £192. Well done to all the Trailblazers and their Mums and Grans who baked and helped out.
Christmas is looming large and the Nativity play "Shine your Lights" will take place on the 18th December this year. The Trailblazers Christmas Party will be on Saturday December 17th with a visit from Santa himself.
Then after the usual break during the school holidays we will restart in January at the later time of 11.00am,
For information, contact Linda Tucker at 01899 308943.
SYMINGTON CHOIR
We are all thoroughly enjoying using the new church hymnaries and are beginning our preparations for the Christmas Season. Our numbers at the weekly choir practices in Symington Church on Wednesdays at 7.30pm have been somewhat depleted, partly due to illness of choir members. If anyone out there would like to get into the Christmas Spirit early by joining us we can promise you a rousing time. Recently a group of choir members entertained Symington WRI at their ‘At Home’ and plans are afoot for a Festive entertainment at Greenhills in Biggar during December. Why not join in?
Contact Gaynor Russell, Choir Director. Tel. 01899 308240
FLOWER LISTS
CAIRNGRYFFE SYMINGTON
December 4 Lily Borthwick Gaynor Russell
December 11 Sandra Stewart Susan Matthew
December 18 Christmas Flowers Muriel Knight
December 25 Christmas Flowers Janette Hope
January 1 Christmas Flowers -
January 8 Christmas Flowers Rena Mackenzie
January 15 Christmas Flowers Jessie Duff
January 22 Mary McLellan Jessie Rodger
January 29 Jean Warnock Isobel Grierson
February 5 Nancy Galloway Noreen Johnston
February 12 Margaret Edge Rena Mitchell
February 19 Dorothy Scott -
February 26 Nancy Nicholl Margaret Cleland
CAIRNGRYFFE CHURCH 2006 CALENDAR
The new calendar, with twelve beautiful parish scenes in full colour, is now available and is on sale for £5 from Isobel Brown(01555 663107) or Lily Borthwick(01555 880254). How about buying some now as Christmas presents? Supplies are limited!
FROM OUR KIRK TREASURERS
Symington
It now looks fairly certain that we will end the year in the “black” providing we don’t have any unexpected expenditure before the year end.
This is a much better outcome than anticipated previously and has come about because of the success of the “Money Matters” initiative.
Robert Carson, Treasurer
Cairngryffe
The Income for the year until the middle of November was £21952. The Expenditure for the same period was £21776. A few expenses are still due, such as Presbytery Dues of around £400 and various sundry expenses totaling around £500. Please can anyone who has money to come in or accounts to be paid, submit the monies to the treasurer by the middle of December at the latest. This will allow the accounts to be finalized for the year.
Linzi Struthers, Treasurer
Cairngryffe Stewardship
We have now analysed the information on the response cards and are in the process of following that up as appropriate. If your response included an offer of help and you have not yet been approached, be patient, we will get round to you! It may be that there is no immediate requirement for your help. In the mean time we thank everyone for participating in the meals and for their responses
These responses have given us a clear idea of the level of commitment, the resources within, and the needs of, the congregation at this time and will enable us to put in place initiatives, which will be both beneficial to the congregation and achievable.
As a first step we are aiming to raise the profile of the Church within the Parish and you can expect to see evidence of that in the near future. Jim Watt, Stewardship Convener
CAIRNGRYFFE EVERYOUNG CLUB
The enjoyable fortnightly sessions on Thursdays in Thankerton Village Hall at 2.00pm continue. Topics and events planned for the coming months are as follows:-
December 15th Christmas Lunch in Cornhill House Hotel
January 12th 06 Talk on Stanmore by Lorraine Swan
January 26th 06 Burns Celebration with Mr William McIntyre,
Jessie Duff and Mr J Wilson
February 9th 06 Rev J Stewart on Ministering in Glasgow
February 23rd 06 Film Show on China by Margaret Gilbert.
For more information contact Sadie Campbell at 01899 308328
Lanark Presbytery Report
Firstly news of recent changes within the Presbytery:-
The Presbytery has completed its Draft Presbytery Plan and it now goes to the appropriate Council of the Church for further consideration. Whilst no change is proposed for Cairngryffe and Symington there are four significant changes proposed in the document.
The Big Saturday is seen to have been an outstanding success and the organising committee has been asked to consider how this success can be perpetuated. The Big Saturday was also a financial success with a surplus of just over £1,000 being achieved.
The Rev. Alan McDonald, minister of Cameron linked with St Andrews, St Leonard’s has been nominated as the next Moderator of the General Assembly.
Robert Carson
FOCUS Costs and Distribution
Perhaps you wonder what it costs for the kirks to produce our quarterly newsletter, FOCUS. We are very grateful to our friends at Lanark Greyfriars, who grant us use of their state-of-the-art printing equipment for a small fee. Following Rena Mitchell’s editorial work, Irene Houston prints the magazine, which is then collated by Rena and her husband, Frank.
The average cost per copy for each issue is just 9.3p, which, you will agree, is a real bargain! 500 copies are distributed each quarter, to members’ homes, and, through the two primary schools, to many more in our parishes. This is a strategic part of our outreach, and much appreciated by community groups as well as the congregations.
Any donations towards costs are always gratefully received!
Whose Job?
This is a story about four people named: -
EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY and NOBODY.
There was an important job to be done
and EVERYBODY was sure that SOMEBODY would do it.
ANYBODY could have done it, but NOBODY did it.
SOMEBODY got angry about that, because it was EVERYBODY’S job. EVERYBODY thought ANYBODY could do it,
but NOBODY realized that EVERYBODY wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that EVERYBODY blamed SOMEBODY
and NOBODY did
what ANYBODY could have done.
Christmas Cinema 2005
Why not take the family, of all ages, out for a Christmas cinema treat? On December 8th, the film of CS Lewis’s famous novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is being released. It’s 20 years since the BBC TV adaptation was a big hit in many of our homes, and grown up children can remember the images and the tale of the land where it is “always winter and never Christmas”.
But make sure you watch out for the deeper meaning of the story!
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. Contributions from both village and church organizations or groups, covering the period from March 2006 to the end of May 2006 should be sent to me by Sunday 12th February 2006 at the latest.
I can be reached at: - Rena Mitchell, Mossgiel, 64 Biggar Road, Symington, ML12 6FT Tel: 01899 308261
or by email at mossgiel64@tiscali.co.uk
