THEUNITED PARISH

ofCARSTAIRS

&CARSTAIRS JUNCTION

Spring 2015

Dear Members and Friends

I have been working with you as your ‘volunteer’ Interim Moderator for just over a year but will now be moving to a new ‘day job’ which, sadly, doesn’t allow me the time to continue with you. It is terrific news to me that Lanark Presbytery has worked so hard to find a replacement in Rev Gordon Jamieson who has been ‘borrowed’ from West Lothian Presbytery. Gordon is hugely experienced as a parish minister and was Head of Stewardship for 12 years before retiring in 2012, with his successor in Alan Gibson who is well known to Carstairs. I really appreciate what others in the ‘team’ have provided to support the congregation through this vacancy period with Richard leading on worship and Alan providing important pastoral cover along with so many volunteers in the congregation including our two clerks, Keith and Mabel. A period of vacancy calls on everyone to step up to the mark!

At this point I have a sense that you are now moving forward with a bit of a vision having made some very difficult decisions. Without a ‘reality check’ of what could be afforded and where you might get support for looking after your buildings I fear that you would still be on a downwards spiral with the real danger that it would be difficult to ‘save’ either of your buildings in a few years’ time.

PRESENT POSITION WITH BUILDINGS

1. WHAT HAS BEEN AGREED

The Kirk Session recommended a Building Plan which was approved by the congregation after consultation, approved by Lanark Presbytery and by The General Trustees of The Church of Scotland. a) The cost of the external renovation of The Village Church will

be about £250,000 which should be mostly grant-aided by The Heritage Lottery Fund.

b) The cost of a new stair and toilets plus a room with small kitchen and store under the gallery with flexible seating and quality redecoration of the sanctuary should be around £150,000 depending on the extent of work and funding available. This might be afforded from existing funds including a £20,000 legacy & reserves, applications to trusts and land-fill, value of sale of The Junction Church and local fundraising.

c) Closure of The Junction Church with continuation and development of activities in The Junction as a clear commitment of mission.

2. VISIT TO SEE OTHER CHURCHES

We had a group visiting 3 other churches on the afternoon of Sunday, 1st February to get an idea of their vision for their buildings and to see how they have made adaptations. It was inspiring to see how church buildings could be used in a more flexible way to offer space at the heart of their communities for all kinds of spiritual and community activities. In Carlops we heard that the community had supported the new work to the church in a big way and also how the church and the neighbouring Village Hall work together to offer different spaces for different activities. Where local people are coming in and out of the church more often the barrier between church and people is much less and the church is a real resource and asset to the parish.

Carlops Village Hall and Church work well side-by-side with the church renovation well appreciated and supported by the community.

3. BUILDING PROJECT GROUP

Five people have stepped forward to form a Building Project Group which will be supported by a good friend of mine, David Menzies, as a ‘mentor’ to the group over the next few years. David is an elder at Tranent Church which we visited and were well impressed with and where David was the lead person for a quality building upgrade. He worked as a senior Project Manager, was a ‘mentor’ on my Priority Areas ‘Chance to Thrive’ Project and is now a General Trustee of The Church of Scotland. This support should allow the Building Project Group to move forward with interviewing and selection of an architect and then to make grant applications.

I will be returning to be part of the Church of Scotland Interim Ministry Team where I will be involved with churches in Lothians, Edinburgh and Fife. This was work I was involved with for 5 years before taking on my present post with Priority Areas of the Church of Scotland as Coordinator of the ‘Chance to Thrive’ Project supporting congregations in some of the poorest parishes in Scotland to take

forward some amazing ideas coming from local people.

I wish you well for the future and look forward to hearing great and good things about Carstairs Village and Junction with its linkage to Carnwath.

Richest blessingsRussell

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CONGREGATIONAL REGISTER

Please remember in your prayers the families and friends of:

Andrew H Barr, HarelawIan Turner, RavenstrutherAnn Allan, CarnwathDavid Crilly, CarstairsMaisie Clellland, LanarkJean Denholm, LanarkErnie Rae, CleghornBetty Scott, Carstairs Junction

Alec McKillop, CarnwathMargaret Renton, Carnwath

Olivia Alison TaylorBaptised 25th January 2015

May God richly bless youAs you take this step of faith,Being baptized in His nameAnd to walk within His graceSo you may always carryThe light of Jesus loveTo those who may not haveFaith in God above.© By M.S .Lowndes

From 5th April the Morning Services will be held at 10am alternating to 11.30am on 2nd August.

The United Parish of Carstairs & Carstairs Junction

Warmly invites you to join our church family on

Sunday, 1st March 201511.30am Carstairs Village Church

When the Sacrament of the Lords Supper will be celebrated

We look forward to your company

If you are entertaining visitors that day we hope you might also ask them to share in this invitation.

THE GUILD

As you read this article the Guild will already have held its AGM. We have an ‘At Home’ in April when we will play host to our Guild friends from Springburn along with members from other local Guilds. After a break the new session will start again in October.

Everyone is welcome to come and join us as a member or visitor. We start our meetings with devotions followed by a guest speaker who will normally give a talk / presentation for half an hour. We close our meetings with tea/coffee & lovely home baking.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DRAMA GROUP

The Drama Group exists both to build fellowship through a fun community group and to find new, creative and inclusive ways to share the gospel message.

We took part in the Christmas service and hope to perform at the Easter service. After a

Summer break we will be in rehearsals to put on a production in the Autumn. The Drama Group continues to look for new members either to act or help out behind the scenes. Contact Maggie on 07977134854 if you are interested. Come along, get involved and enjoy drama and seasonal sketches with fun loving people.

Walking Forward With a Spring in the Step

We all have our favourite times or seasons of the year. For some it is summer. During a raw winter's day, when it is bitterly cold or torrential rain and a howling wind, the thought of a warm, sunny, pleasant, summer's day is very appealing. We may even picture ourselves just sitting at the back garden with not a care in the world.

For others, the sight of the changing colours of the leaves in Autumn is a welcome sight; that and knowing that the gardening season is coming to an end and so there will be a break from having to cut the grass every couple of weeks and the weeds will stop growing.

And, of course, there are some who like winter. Watch the look on the children's faces when they rise in the morning to see the place covered in a layer of snow; snow so thick that school is cancelled for the day and they have an unexpected holiday. Sledges come out and snowmen of all shapes and sizes pop up.

Myself, I prefer this time of year, Spring. The harshness of winter is coming to an end. The days are becoming longer and, usually, warmer. Bulbs are sprouting, snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils make increasing appearances. There is growth and greater colour around. Many people actually feel happier. With Spring we see potential. It is a season where things happen and we can look forward. It is a time of new growth.

And it is during Spring we celebrate Easter. From the darkness of Jesus' betrayal at Gethsemane and death on the cross we have the transformation of the Resurrection and new life with death defeated.

With the Easter story, we look forward and see the new life Jesus won. Yet, perhaps that is not what we do in our own lives. There may be times when we tend to look back more than we look forwards. We can allow events in the past to hold us back and so prevent us seeing the way ahead clearly.

This year, as we follow the Easter journey let's try and let go of whatever sadness, upset or disappointment that may have been holding us back and let's look forward. Let's move forward, leaving the past behind and sharing in the new life won with all the possibilities that lie ahead.

And as we go forward, let us be reminded of Jesus' last words to his Disciples - “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”, (Matthew 26:20),

Every blessingAlan

Ringing the Praises of Robert Cowan

“Without the church I don’t know what else I would’ve done,” says Robert Cowan, reflecting on a remarkable six decades of service. Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, Robert will now take a well-deserved step back from commitments to his local parish.

Born in Peebles but growing up a Junction boy, Robert was Primary Dux at Carstairs Junction before attending Lanark Grammar. Afterwards, he started his apprenticeship as an electrician – a trade he would stick to all his working life.

Robert and wife Mary met for the first time as teenagers on a trip to Edinburgh Zoo organised for the workers of Steele Howe. Though they can’t quite remember who made the first move, they were happily married in Carstairs in 1959 by the Rev. Douglas M. Craig. This came after Robert’s mandatory period of National Service where he served in the R.A.F, applying his skills as an electrical mechanic at Kinloss. “I did enjoy working on the planes, but not so much being on

them. One time, coming in over the Moray Firth, the pilot was so low you could practically see the fish in the water. I was glad to get down!”

Since then, only once have the Cowans boarded a plane on a so-called ‘pleasure flight’ around Blackpool tower. However, over the years they have explored all corners of the British Isles by car and coach, listing the Lake District and Dornoch in the Highlands among their favourite destinations.

Mary trained at Coatbridge College as a shorthand typist and worked in Glasgow for many years, including a job with the Scottish Professional Footballers’ Union. “I used to walk down for the train every day. It was a busy time back then with a train-load of folk at Carstairs all heading into Glasgow, so I was never short of company!”

Robert, meanwhile, worked with the South of Scotland Electricity Board covering the South Lanarkshire region. “I was responsible for

bringing electricity into the homes of Leadhills and Tarbrax for the very first time. I remember when we went to wire up a local Butcher’s house - we were told not to bring a piece the next day… I’ll tell you, it was the best work lunch I ever had!”

The Cowans have resided at the same Lime Walk address since the scheme was built 48 years ago. However, they reveal they actually spent their early married life living in a caravan (22 foot long, Robert hastens to add) next to Mary’s parent’s home.

Robert and Mary welcomed a son and a daughter, David and Doreen, and now have three grandsons. After taking time off work to care for her young children, Mary returned to work at William Low’s supermarket on Lanark High Street whilst Robert, attracted by the relatively short commute, moved to work at The State Hospital where he would finish his career in 1991.

Robert’s steadfast devotion to the church and local community increased when then Minister Archibald Black popped in for a visit back in 1972. “Robert was out, and I had to keep the minister talking for two long hours but he wouldn’t say why he had come!” said Mary.

“When I came in and saw him sitting there, I thought he must be after some sort of electrical job from me... turns out he wanted me to become an elder. It came out of the blue. I said, ‘let me think about it’. After about two weeks I realised I couldn’t find a good enough reason not to do it!” smiles Robert. Robert and Mary have been integral behind the scenes at the church and have held numerous committee positions. Of his many roles, perhaps Robert’s most prominent duty (or at least, the loudest) has been as the Church’s bell-ringer. “Well, there’s a wee knack to it… but you can learn it in a few minutes” he says.

Though enjoying football and golf in his younger days, Robert’s favourite past-time became walking. In 2000, to mark the millennium, he decided to walk the Carstairs circle 100 times. To add a little more interest and fun to his hobby, he would mark out the distance he had travelled on a map of the British Isles. “I’d start at say ‘John O’Groats’ and work my way down, measuring the distance I’d covered each day. Eventually, I reached the far south of England. So as a kind of treat, we got on the train and had a nice little trip down to Penzance!” Robert remarkably managed to cover an astounding distance

equivalent to doing a complete figure of eight on his map of Britain. After also embarking on a challenge to walk across all of Scotland’s great bridges, Robert’s grand total on his map came to a staggering 2112 miles. “I don’t walk now…well, I still walk to the shop” he laughs.

On one memorable trip to Braemar, the Cowans decided to take in the local Sunday service. “There was all this commotion outside the church,” recalls Mary, “all the women were having their bags searched”. It turned out Robert and Mary were not the only visitors that particular Sunday as Prince Charles and Camilla were also in attendance!

Of course, the Cowans have seen many changes and comings and goings over the years. They both remember back in their youth, a bustling Sunday school with four full classes of a dozen children in each. Mary herself would later teach at the Sunday school. “The church has just got to keep going. I hope we get a new minister and we can continue building and keep fighting on just as strong as before”, says Robert.

Out of their many fond memories, both agree the concerts performed by the wonderful African Children’s Choir are a definite highlight.

But just what time of year do they enjoy most in the church? “People really embrace the church at Christmas time”, says Mary. “I do like the carol singing and, in years gone by, we had great Christmas Fayres”.

And Robert? “Every Sunday…” he says, with a grin.

Written by Fraser Bruce

When you have read your magazine, please feel free to pass it on to someone else who may be interested.

Spare copies are available on the leaflet stand in the Church

vestibule.

Doughnuts and Daulighiri......

At a recent service Richard Beattie had a lovely wee poem to share "In this life, make this your goal, to see the doughnut and not the hole." This little ditty made me smile, as I had just returned from Nepal from a trek in the Annapurna region for Marie Curie, where the main lesson I picked up from the people was the positive attitude with which they accepted their lot.

As we walked through small, undeveloped villages we were struck in equal measure by the simplicity of the surroundings and obvious hardships the people deal with on a daily basis and by the total contentment and warmth they show despite their apparently often difficult circumstances.  

I was one of a group of 32 walkers, from all over the UK. Collectively we had raised upwards of £110k + gift aid for the charity in the months leading up to the trek.  We were supported by a trek guide, two charity staff reps and a huge team of local sherpas and porters/kitchen staff, taking the total group size to nearer 100!  It is a small wonder then, that the people in the isolated local communities we walked through were a little bemused by our presence. The hardy local porters glided swiftly up the winding paths in jeans and trainers, carrying loads of up to 120kg with ease. We followed on after, dragging our western legs and lungs slowly up the steep embankments, kitted out in the best boots and mountain gear we could afford (or borrow!)

During the day the sun was bright and the villagers live a lot of their life outdoors in front of their small houses. Sewing, cooking, tending to animals, washing, chatting and dandling babies or rocking them to sleep in

make-shift cradles, they really only go inside to eat their diet - of mainly home-grown rice and vegetables - and to sleep. They were extremely welcoming with even the tiniest children smiling widely and calling "Namaste!" and "Welcome!" It was a beautiful and somewhat

surreal experience - a little like entering a parallel universe! 

Whilst the farms are mostly self-sufficient, older children have to go away to school, taking lodgings for which money is needed. In the rural areas many of the parents go away to work in the city or abroad, leaving younger children at home with grandparents, so there is no quiet retirement for the people of Nepal!  My sherpa was shocked to hear that our parents did not live with us at home. In the small communities everyone helps each other at times of need such as births, deaths and marriages. They are a very spiritual people too. Predominantly Hindu, they offer colourful tributes of fruit, flowers and prayers at the temple in the city or at small shrines in the country - prayer is just part of day to day life for many people there. Within their ceremonies, red paint on the "third eye" is often used to represent their willingness to be open to a higher consciousness and to dedicate themselves to their gods/goddesses. Whilst it was very different from our own way of life and worship, it was wonderful to see the humility with which they take part and undertake the service of others.  No muttering and grumbling about their duty! Apart from the temples, in serene countryside spots the Buddhist influence is also seen, with prayer flags strewn across trees and river crossings. Statues of Buddha are often included in the Hindu temples too, reminding the people to live peacefully together and reinforcing their strong commonality over the differences between traditions.

At night the temperature falls dramatically and suddenly, and though we still felt the cold, we were grateful for sleeping bags and down jackets. It was hard not to be conscious too of the lack of facilities local people had to keep warm - some of the children we saw along the way were very poorly clothed.

At the peak of our trek we had fantastic panoramic views of some of the biggest mountains in the world Daulighiri, Annapurna 1 & 2, and the Fishtail. Most of us had our own very personal reasons for undertaking the challenge and it made for a very emotional journey, through which we supported each other as best we could. On a personal note, I am tremendously grateful to every individual who

contributed or encouraged me in any way. It really was the experience of a lifetime. At one point, walking the most gruelling day whilst suffering the worst D&V I had ever had (along with about 8

others in the group - we must have picked up some bacterial infection!) I was challenged to the limit. My smiling hero sherpa Santosh was patient and encouraging all the way, and practically dragged me up the last gasp of the hill that day! I will never forget it! 

God-willing, I would love to go back to Nepal one day soon. Some see only the material poverty but there is so much cultural richness and inner peace there, it is a very attractive way of life. 

For now, it will be challenge enough to try to retain some of that spirit of gratitude from Nepal, to make it my goal to serve more freely, and to remember to see the doughnut, and not the hole! 

RegardsMaggie

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BOYS BRIGADE

Both the anchor and junior section have been keeping busy doing various activities in crafts, sport and song and dance in order to be awarded with their achievement badges. We celebrated Burns night with the traditional helping of haggis, neeps and tatties. The boys also had the opportunity to attend the Fischy Music

event in the Community Centre, which was enjoyed by all.

The company will be finishing up on March 24th. Sadly Jacob Hall and Finley Callan will be leaving us this year having attended right through both anchor and junior sections. They have worked extremely hard and brought great ideas to the company and will be missed by all. We wish them both well as they head off to Lanark Grammar and Biggar High School in August.

We are honoured to have dedicated helpers every night and would like to thank Abbie, Allan, Cameron, Connor, Ian Snr, Ian Jnr, Louise and Sannie for all their support and commitment.

The boys are currently doing the ‘Smarties Challenge’. Once they have eaten their tube of smarties, they have to return the tubes filled with 20 pence coins. All the family can get involved. If anyone wishes to join in please contact Elizabeth Brown on 870787. All proceeds will go towards the running costs of the company. Come along and join in the fun!

Gods Promises

The little booklet ‘God's Whispers are wrapped in His Promises’ (printed by Christian Media and available from the Glow Centre, Motherwell) discusses Gods Promises and provides us with encouragement. There is one thing you can hold onto and that is that God is a "promise keeper" and not a "promise breaker".

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?  (Numbers 23:19). Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:13 (c) 14).

The Russian author Leon Tolstoy said: "where there is faith there is love, where there is love there is peace and where there is peace there is "GOD". Paul explains it even better in (Philippians 4:7) When God is with you, you can depend on three promises:1. You will experience something supernatural - beyond anything

you had imagined.2. A guard will be placed around you - The word "guard" means that

an army will encamp around you to protect you. This is what the Holy Spirit does for you.

3. You will experience peace - this means you will be a peacemaker as well as being a peaceful person.

Faith knows that you can trust in God with everything because a PROMISE which GOD makes is a promise which HE keeps.

A prayer from the same booklet reads:

Lord, as I walk through this life, help me to create laughter instead of tears, joy instead of discouragement.

Help me not to become immune to the wonder in the eyes of a child or the sparkle in the eyes of an elderly person.

Never let me forget that my purpose is to encourage others and to help make them happy.

Help me focus on your Promises and may I hear you whisper"when you made my people smile, you made me smile too"

AMENChristine Dunn

Glo Centre publications are available at: www.globookshop.com

Financial Report

We would like you all to be aware of the current financial position in our Church.

Based on 2014 figures each month the following overheads have to be paid: Insurance, Cleaner, Organist, Pulpit Supply, Scottish Power, Locum Costs and Factor Fees for the Manse. The total for this is: £1400.

Other costs including Stationery, Heating Fuel, Repairs, Community Centre rent, Supply minister expenses, Presbytery Dues and Copyright License fee amount to an average of £550 per month.

Our average Income is just over £3000 per month (Donations, Fundraising and Annual Gift Week are not included in this total as this income is uncertain)

Please realise that these figures are based on last year. There could well be different circumstances this year. Any exceptional costs have not been included.

Income: Approximately £3000 per month.Expenditure: Approximately £2000 per month.

Working on these figures there is a balance of approximately £1000 per month.

However, we still have to pay our Ministries and Mission of over £22,000 per year. This is paid over ten months at £2200 per month.

Taking into account our income/expenditure we have a monthly Deficit of approximately £ 1200 .

We are sorry for painting such a dismal picture but we feel it is our duty for everyone to be aware of this situation.

The Congregational Board ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FundraisingSmall model churches which can be used as a ‘piggy

bank’ are available for collecting loose change. All monies will go towards helping the Fabric of the

Church. If you would like to participate in this scheme please contact Barbara Kay (870043).

FLOWER CALENDAR

01.03.15 Mrs M Brown08.03.15 VACANT15.03.15 Mrs O Henderson22.03.15 VACANT29.03.15 VACANT

05.04.15 Mrs M Savage12.04.15 Mrs I Jarvie & Mr R Clelland19.04.15 Mrs K Langton26.04.15 Misses A & E McInnes

03.05.15 Mrs M Jamieson & Mrs A Howland10.05.15 Miss J Wallace17.05.15 Mr T Mee24.05.15 Miss M Madill & Mrs A Bruce31.05.15 VACANT

07.06.15 Miss E Brown14.06.15 Mrs S Wilson21.06.15 Miss P Little & Mrs I Milne28.06.15 VACANT

Anyone who would like to donate flowers please put your name at the appropriate date or contact Mary Cowan (870580) or

Hazel MacDonald (870694).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Net

The Net enjoyed a trip to the Panto and a Christmas fun night when we even managed to build a snowman indoors! From now until summer we are thinking about ’Journeys’. We have drawn our life journeys, made pancakes and thought about Lent and we hope to have some visitors share their journeys with us. If you are in P7 to S6 and looking to escape for a while then join us on a Sunday night at Carstairs Community Centre at 7pm.

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The Girls Brigade Parent’s Night will be held on 26th March in Carstairs Community Centre. All are warmly invited to attend.

Messy Church

At our January Messy Church we heard the story of the Wise Men’s Visit to Jesus; how they followed a star and how once they had seen Jesus they went home by a different route. Our theme: - ‘Being a Light in our Own Home’.

We made tealight houses from jam jars (thank you to everyone who handed in jars) covered in sand with masking tape used to create ‘windows’ for the light to shine through, star bookmarks, thank you cards for all the blessings in our lives, crowns and a Beacons of Blessings banner where each of us cut out our own house on black paper, added it to the banner and had bright yellow rays of light shining from the windows.

At each craft table we had to think about a question – how can we be a light in our own home? how do we follow Jesus?, what have we to be thankful for?, what things do we sometimes make our ‘King’ instead of Jesus and how are we blessings in our communities?

During our celebration (worship) time we sang ‘We Are Marching In the Light of God’ and this time for our prayers we had to ‘journey’ from one prayer table to another. At Prayer Table 1 we stuck our star next to the big star to say we want to follow Jesus. At Prayer Table 2 we drew a teardrop to help us pray for all the children who are ill, hungry or sad in our world and a Prayer Table 3 we added a present to the Wise Men’s gifts telling Jesus of the gifts we have for Him to use.

Messy Church is always good fun, always uplifting but this Messy Church seemed particularly special. No one wanted to stop their crafts even for shepherd’s pie! Families who had missed Messy Church a few times were back and new ones had appeared and there just seemed to be a sense of belonging, a sense of peace, a sense of family and a true feeling of blessing.

The next Messy Church is Friday 13th March at 5.00pm in Carstairs Junction Hall. Do come along and join us – Messy Church is for everyone not just children and not just families. It’s about fun, fellowship and worshipping God.

Miracle of new life at Springtime

By the time you read this we will be hopefully that wee bit nearer Spring and approaching Easter. There is appropriateness in our celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the Spring when nature is again waking to life after her long winter of sleep. I don’t know about the gardens of Carstairs but down here in Hamilton even though it is early February our daffodils are about 3 inches through the ground and there are other signs of growth starting to show. It is also at this time that our thoughts turn to the wonder of Christ’s resurrection after the ordeal of his crucifixion. God’s working in redemption and the springtime of life in the earth illustrates the miracle of new life.

A few hundred years ago Nicholas Herman, known as Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, was brought to Christ at the age of 18 years by seeing in midwinter a dry and leafless tree and thinking what a change the spring would make in its condition. He reasoned that if God could make such a difference in a tree he could change the heart of a sinner too and God did not fail him. His heart was changed and from that day on his life was devoted to the service of Christ. Uncounted thousands of Christians over the last 300 years have thanked God that young Nicholas saw that leafless tree.

It takes some faith to stand in a winter’s landscape surrounded by the chill of snow and ice and believe that in a few short weeks every trace of frost will be gone, that the snow covered hills will be green again, and the ice locked streams will be running swift. Yet our confidence is never disappointed. Our Lord always brings about the new life which is seen in Spring.

And it is the same within the church. This week starts a new chapter in the life of our church. Gordon Jamieson starts as our Interim Moderator and we wish him well in his new post and I am sure we all look forward to this new chapter and like the springtime plants may we grow individually and as a church benefitting from Gordon’s wisdom and guidance in all matters of church life but especially in matters of vacancy.

Best RegardsRichard

"I walk before God simply, in faith, with humility and with love; and I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think nothing which may

displease Him."..... Brother Lawrence

The Rowing Boat

One of my lunch friends the other day enthused about hearing an Olympic rower speak. The rower spoke of the winning race and the feeling of exhilaration when crossing the finishing line. However the rower spoke more about the time training, the time in the boat and the race course. Before she could get to the finishing line she had to get in the boat not on the day itself, not the day before but weeks, months and years before but from the first time in the boat her eyes were always focused on the finishing line. At the times the rower was in a boat on her own practising her technique, working on her speed, looking at her posture. On some of those occasions she could see others around her who had better techniques, who were quicker, fitter and at times it seemed pointless but she never got out the boat. Other times she was in the boat with her teammates working together, encouraging each other, getting to know and understand each other better what made them tick, what ticked them off! How best to use each person to focus on their strengths not their weaknesses.

The rower spoke of others those on the banking who cheered, encouraged and even hugged when it all went wrong. She spoke of the finishing line seemingly so far away and yet how along the way there were markers 50 yards, 100 yards etc. Markers that indicated they were moving forward, they were heading in the right direction, still on course. The rower spoke of times when those markers were missed and the course seemed endless. She spoke of times when it would have seemed easier to stop rowing but all rowers know that in that time the muscles cease up, the discipline of training which was a way of life became more difficult to get back into. Ultimately the rower spoke of her coxswain shouting commands, giving direction, encouraging keeping the rowers on course, sharing in the highs and in the lows until that moment when the rower crossed the finishing line became a reality.

The rower’s journey seemed to echo another journey a journey of faith. From the moment we meet Jesus, hear of God’s love for us and accept that invitation to follow we are in the boat. At times we are in that boat with others all encouraging one another, all rowing in the same rhythm and direction. At times we are in the boat with others but not rowing together. We have lost sight of each other’s needs, weaknesses and strengths and yet by talking, sharing and listening to one another we can all still row together. At times we are in the boat alone surrounded by others who seem to have it all sorted, who know how to be the best Christian ever and know exactly what God wants from them. They know how to talk to God, live the way God wants them to live and we’re just rowing along trying to work it all out and keep up, wondering whether we should stay in the boat or just get out there and then.

The Olympic rower spoke of those on the banking, they’re not in the boat with us, they don’t know how we really feel but they like the rowing, they like to cheer the rowers on, and they like to support them.

Our Christian journey is like that too. There are many on the ‘banking’ who are intrigued, want to come along, want to be there but can’t quite get into the boat at this moment but as they encourage us so too we can inspire them. There are the markers that although the surroundings seem the same, that the finishing line is not within view but indicate we are moving forward.

God gives us signs that we are still on course, he shows us that we have to be uplifted and encouraged by the small steps of progress but always we have to watch and listen to see them. The rower spoke of the times when it seemed easier to get out the boat and yet to stop rowing was the hardiest. At times on our journey of faith it might seem easier to get out the boat but always God is in that boat with us. He knows when we need to rest, He knows our every need and all we need to do is draw close and listen to His voice. Ultimately the rower spoke of the coxswain we too have that voice keeping us on course, giving us direction, steering us through the rough times and the smooth.

We can talk to God in prayer but we have to listen for His response. We can read our bibles but we have to respond to what we read. God is always with us whether we are in the boat alone or together but always we have to listen and follow.

Anon------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JIGSAW (BIBLE STUDY)

We are a friendly group that meets fortnightly in Carstairs Community Centre at 7pm. Please feel free to join us at any of the meetings. You will find a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with no pressure put on anyone. This session we continue looking at the book of Revelation. For details please contact Alex Nelson (840459).

Joining ingrowthsharingandworship

Stated Annual Meeting

Sunday, 1st March 2015 at 12.30pm(Immediately following the Church Service)

All are welcome to attend.

As Jesus journeyed through the last week of his life, let us journey together from the Triumphal entry into

Jerusalem to the Resurrection on Easter Day.

Palm Sunday – 29th March, 11.30am The Youth of our Church will join us to celebrate the Triumphal

entry.Palm Sunday Evening at 7pm – A Walk with Jesus

Come and hear the story of the last week of Jesus life through words and music.

Tuesday, 31st March - Mid Day ReflectionJoin us at Carstairs Junction Community hall at 12noon for a

short 15 minute service, followed by tea/coffee and sandwiches.

Maundy Thursday – 2nd April, 7.00pm at Carstairs ChurchService to be led by Rev Elizabeth Clelland.

Good Friday – 3rd April The Church will be open from 12noon – 3pm for Personal

Reflection.Easter Sunday – 5th April

Our day starts early at 8.45am with Easter Breakfast in Carstairs Community Centre. Please bring your daffodils for our

cross. Following breakfast we will carry the daffodil cross around the Village Green and from there into the Church for the

Easter Service at 10am. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christian Aid Week - 10-16 May 2015

Christian Aid Week is the single biggest act of Christian witness in the UK. For thousands of people throughout the country, it's a way of answering

Jesus’s call to help people in need, and showing the community just how much good the church is doing in the world.

You can support Christian Aid Week by volunteering for our local door to door collection in Carstairs Village & Junction. Please contact Christine Lothian on 07917138387. It is hoped to

have a fundraising Lunch at the Community Centre. If you are available to help at this lunch please contact Christine or a member of the Social Committee.

On Sunday 25th January we had the pleasure of a visit from Stephen Fischbacher and Margaret McLarty from Fischy Music. We began at 2pm with a workshop for the adults who work with the young people in our Church, Boys

Brigade, Girls Brigade, S Club, The Net and Messy Church. We all had a great time as Margaret taught us how to lead the Children in song and action, we even learned some sign language, she encouraged us to share our thoughts and feelings and by the end of the workshop I think most of us were more confident than when we began.

At 3pm. it was time for another workshop but this time for the P5-7 kids, I was amazed at how quickly and easily they learned and interacted with Stephen and Margaret leading them. I think it’s fair to say that the kids settled in a lot quicker than some of us adults. After much needed refreshments we prepared ourselves for the concert, the Community Centre became packed with enthusiastic kids, mums, dads, grannies and grandpas all there to be entertained by the Fischy Music team. By this time we have had two hours of practice but I still couldn’t get my feet to move in the right direction ….never mind, I enjoyed every minute, and in my observation of others I would say we had a rare old time.

For me it was a welcome change to be able to praise God in a lively, fun way with laughter and joy in a room filled with others who were doing the same.

A quote from the Fischy newsletter: “In Fischy Music, we believe that laughter and humour are amazing resources that enable us to go through tough times as well as helping us to celebrate the good times.”

One of the songs we sang on that day was titled “We’re on this road …. You, Me, Everybody together”. Stephen describes the meaning behind this song as follows…. “Everyone faces changes in their lives and this can lead to a wide range of feelings, comfortable and uncomfortable. Recognising the ‘road’ we are all on and the different stages that we are all at on the journey”

Sometimes in the busyness of our lives we tend to forget that children are also on a journey and not always an easy one, the songs are written with a message designed for children to easily understand and to be encouraged by.

When we sang this song in the adult workshop we were asked what we got from the song, I thought of my own journey through life, the good times and the difficult times, the journey ahead and the road I had left behind. I thought of my time as a member of the congregation, of the

past and the people who have encouraged me in my faith, and the road ahead with the uncertainties of buildings, finance, ministry and fewer people coming to worship on a Sunday. The road is never straightforward for anyone of us but as the song says ….we are travelling on that road together!

Joshua 1:9:  Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Thanks to the Fischy Music Team!

Liz Warnock

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nominating Committee

The work of the Nominating Committee is ongoing but so far has borne no fruit. Before Christmas we sent a maildrop to approx. 150 1st charge ministers who had been in their post for more than 5 years in the hope that we could create some interest. The net result of this, was five responses all of which thanked us for our initiative but they were not looking for a new charge at present.

A 2nd advert was placed in January issue of “Life & Work” but this has produced no responses.

At present there are 8 vacant charges in Lanark Presbytery all of which make our task more difficult but in an effort to move forward, a meeting was arranged with the Presbytery Advisory group on 16th February to discuss what further actions we can take to advertise/sell ourselves as a vacant charge.

We hope that our new Interim Moderator will also be able to attend our meetings & may indeed have some ideas of his own with which to generate interest.

In his last meeting with the committee as Interim Moderator, Russell McLarty, reminded us that in order to move projects forward and find a new minister we have to believe we are an attractive charge and as a congregation positively promote our vision, our challenges and opportunities.

Through this difficult period please continue to pray for our church and nominating committee. Give thanks for the work of Richard Beattie & Alan Grant who bring to us each week the constant reassuring message of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness & love.

The Congregational Board’s Financial Report highlights that we are running at a monthly deficit and are facing financially difficult times ahead. As Gift Aid Treasurer, I would like to encourage all members and friends to consider their level of giving, commit to regular giving and complete a Gift Aid Declaration.

‘Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.’

(2 Corinthians 9:6)

Gift Aid is a simple way to increase the value of your gift - at no extra cost to you. If you pay tax in the UK the Church can reclaim the basic rate tax (25%) on your gift. So, if you donate £10, it is worth £12.50 to the Church. Forms are available from the Gift Aid Treasurers, or pick one up from the church vestibule.

Methods of giving: Standing Order/Direct Debit contact Lorna Bruce (870426) or

email lorna.bruce1@nhs.net for details. Weekly Freewill Envelopes - anyone who would like to

contribute in this way can obtain envelopes from Jennifer Whitton (870642).

Open Plate - direct giving each Sunday. Please Note all cheques should be made payable to: The United Parish of Carstairs and Carstairs Junction.

Lorna Bruce, Gift Aid Treasurer

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Treasurers Quarterly Report on Offerings

November - January

Nov 2013 F.W. 2485.00 Nov 2014 F.W. 2006.00Ordinary 446.90 Ordinary 190.40

Dec 2013 F.W. 2886.52 Dec 2014 F.W. 2719.50Ordinary 383.90 Ordinary 297.40

Jan 2014 F.W. 2075.40 Jan 2015 F.W. 2052.50Ordinary 370.00 Ordinary 264.40

Total £8647.72 Total £7530.20

The Offerings show a decrease of over £1100 from the same period

2013 to 2014.

OFFICE BEARERS

Pastoral Emergencies Rev Helen Jamieson Tel. 771218

Session Clerk Keith Whitton Tel. 870642

Congregational Board Mabel Morris Tel. 870676

Treasurer Barbara Kay Tel. 870043

Deputy/FWO Treasurer Jennifer Whitton Tel. 870642

Gift Aid Treasurers Lorna Bruce Tel. 870426Anne Stewart Tel. 660678

Presbytery Elder Mabel Morris Tel. 870676

Roll Keeper Barbara Kay Tel. 870043

Social Convenor Roberta Finlayson Tel. 870817

Child Protection Trevor Mee Tel. 870558Co-ordinators Kate Langton

Youth Co-ordinator Linda Brown Tel. 870028

Christian Aid Christine Lothian Tel. 870031

Magazine Mary Cowan Tel. 870580Co-ordinators Lorna Bruce Tel. 870426

Flower Convenors Mary Cowan Tel. 870580Hazel McDonald Tel. 870694

CCL Licence Jennifer Whitton Tel. 870642

Organist Mrs Ann McMillan Tel. 771039

Web Site Liz Warnock Tel. 870243carstairschurches.btck.co.uk

Published by The United Parish of Carstairs & Carstairs JunctionRegistered Charity No SCO 28124.

Thank you to all contributors for their articles and photographs.

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