36

Alison Berry 0141 563 5142 or 07927 049400 or email: berryalison4@gmail.com

I truly hope you all enjoy our Kirk Spring Magazine 2019 —thank you so

much for those who contributed—you make my heart “sing”.

Till next time...Summer and, hopefully I will have got to grips with our new

Magazine software, and new layout!

God bless.

Alison

FINALLY…...

1

MEARNS KIRK (CHURCH OF SCOTLAND) Scottish Charity No. SC007125

Mearns Kirk Church, 404 Mearns Rd, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 5BU

MEARNS KIRK CHURCH

SPRING MAGAZINE 2019

2

SPRING CALENDAR

MARCH

3rd TEAM “E” Donald Fraser 10th TEAM “F” *John Henderson

17th TEAM “G” Norman Anderson 24th TEAM “H” Elizabeth Harris

31st TEAM “I” Stewart Cairns

APRIL

7th TEAM “A” Beth Seymour 14th TEAM “B” *Gillian Eason (PALM SUNDAY)

21st TEAM “C” 9.30am Sandra McKay, Eric Rushworth

10.30am Marshall Wylie, Ronnie Sinclair, Anne Sword,

John Dawson (EASTER SUNDAY)

28th TEAM “D” 9.30am Anne Kerrigan, Ian Stubbs

10.30am Barbara Bremner, Robert Paton, Isobel

Alexander, Mary Paton

MAY

5th TEAM “E” 9.30am Isobel Dawson, Jim Carrigan

10.30am Donald Fraser, Violet Kavanagh, John Revill,

Marcus Bremner

12th TEAM “F” 9.30am Fiona Macleod, Stewart Drummond

10.30am Mary Deas, Hamish Cameron, Ramsay

Withycombe, John Henderson

19th TEAM “G” 9.30am Anne Sword, Norman Anderson

10.30am Heather Anderson, Christine Milliken, Bill

Jenkins, Kevin Cannon

26th TEAM “H” 9.30am Elizabeth Harris, Bryan Robertson

10.30am Liz Ronald, Isobel Alexander, Sandra McKay

Susan Fraser

A. Ramsay Withycombe, Beth Seymour, Mandy Stewart, Clare Wilcock, *Margaret

Withycombe. B. Des Young, Roger Eason, Bill Jenkins, Bea Young, *Marie

Andrews, Gillian Eason C. Marshall Wylie, Ronnie Sinclair, Sandra McKay, Eric

Rushworth, *John Dawson. D. Barbara Bremner, Ian Stubbs, Anne Kerrigan, Robert

Paton *Arthur Gardiner, Mary Paton E. Donald Fraser, Isobel Dawson, Violet

Kavanagh, Jim Kerrigan, *Marcus Bremner F. Mary Deas, Stewart Drummond, Fiona

Macleod, Marje Gillies, *John Henderson G. Heather Anderson, Norman Anderson,

Christine Milliken, Anne Sword *Kevin Cannon H. Liz Ronald, Isabel Alexander,

Elizabeth Harris, Bryan Robertson, *Jim Reid I. Sandra McFarlane, Stewart Cairns,

Susan Fraser, John Revill, *Harriet Reid

(PLEASE NOTE NAMES IN “BOLD” INDICATE TEAM LEADERS)

35

Without taking “Choice” accepting the risks and consequences of this,

I would never know the joy of love within a worldly relationship or with

my relationship with Jesus. With the help of the negativity of my

father, the positivity of Lynne and the love of Jesus, I have found

“ME”. I have found the joy brought by LOVE - given and accepted.

So I agree with Joe! If I was still in the Garden of Eden - there would

be no darkness! no hard work, no pain, but there would be no “ME”.

God bless. Al Thompson

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

MARRIAGE BLESSING

December 1: Neil Campbell, Mearns and Christy Ballantyne,

New Zealand

34

So I said “I love you sometimes,” and she hit me! I know Lynne loved

me but I never knew that I loved Lynne. How sad is that?? Incredibly

proud of our life together and of our children, but something missing.

More recently I have found someone that I know I love. It is so easy

to say “I love you” but, at times, I wondered if she loves me. I know I

offer my love to her but I have been unsure that she accepts this love.

My story showed me a marriage with love; a marriage where I enjoyed

love; and now a relationship where I offered love which is beginning to

be accepted and returned.

The second story is one of my belief. I used to go to Church

sometimes. My life had become directed by Christian values, but

when we discovered Lynne had cancer, I began to move away from

Jesus. Christian values appeared to have so little meaning to us then.

How could a compassionate God allow this?

Slowly I discovered choice. I cannot know ME with choice. Choices

defines “ME”. If I expected God to deliver the “Garden of Eden” to me

then “ME” does not exist. Just like my life when my father led it. No

room for “ME”. No room for my love. With this emergence of choice

came the emergence of my Faith. Jesus is not there to ensure my life

is perfect - he is there to offer love, always! As I felt this love; this

compassion; this support for my life I was able to choose that love

from Jesus. I found choice. I found His love. I was able to be so

much more; to choose so much more; to be ME so much more. Josh

Groban sings “You raise me up” - such meaning now. “Footsteps in

the sand” means so much more “being with” encourages so much

more!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

3

MESSAGE FROM JOE

Dear All,

The biggest upheaval in a while is about to take

place!

The Hall complex is to be closed from late April

until September. This will involve quite a bit of

disruption and obviously will mean life, as we know

it now, will be put on hold or juggled with in some way, which will include

Sunday worship. Please listen out for what will happen as we put together

the best possible plan to ensure minimum fuss for everyone.

The purpose of the closure is to refurbish the Hall and make it better

equipped for what lies ahead. This is what we need to keep in mind

as we plough through the next few months. We want a better Hall for our

Church members and we want to be better equipped for our mission.

An honest appraisal of what’s there at present would recognise that we

need to modernise, improve reconfigure the Hall complex which has

been there since 1971. This will allow us to do Church better and surely

that’s what we should all be wanting.

I am excited at what is going to be created in our midst. I am already

thinking about how we can use new spaces. Also, I am hoping that we

will be able to serve Jesus more with what we shall have, which is the

reason for this.

As a Church, we are indebted to Martin Sullivan who left us an

unexpected legacy which, for the most part, will finance our new Hall.

Could I ask we give of ourselves, in whatever way, to what lies ahead of

us, to ensure that we make the most of the new mission opportunities

offered by our new Hall.

Bless You Joe

.

4

The much needed upgrade/

refurbishment of our busy

Church Hall moves closer with the approval of the works by The

Glasgow Presbytery Property Committee and the submission by our

architect of our planning application to the Council’s Planning and

Building Control Division.

Robert Paton, who chairs the Project Group said “our Church Hall

has served us well over the last 48 years since it was built (1971),

however it is really showing its age, so our project plan for the

building will see a number of much needed works being carried out:

• Complete new heating system

• New gas supply from Eaglesham Road, replacing oil boiler

system

• Much needed new kitchen

• Improved entrance area to improve disabled access.

• Replacement windows to improve heat retention

• Additional insulation to improve heat efficiency

• Rewiring and improved lighting

• Creation of flexible cafe/meeting room area

• Improved meeting space given increased activities

• Improved sound and hearing aid systems

• Improved office area

all of which to make the building “fit for purpose” for the next 45

years!”

HALL REFURBISHMENT

33

Today - Sunday 27th January 2019, I listened to Joe talking about the

Garden of Eden, darkness and light, pan and hard work or a “perfect

life” which was provided by a greater being. It set me thinking about

my love just now; the pain, the darkness, the exhausting work. But

then I thought about the love I have lost and the love I have found.

Perhaps I can take you back many, many years. My father was a dour

man from Scotland. He knew how life should be lived. Not much room

for love to be expressed. Not much room for me to find “ME”.

Something in there reminds me of omnipotence, of a God-like belief in

“the way to live”.

My father was a GP and, as expected, I became a GP and joined his

practice. But, meeting all those people, listening to their life stories -

the pain, the pleasure, dark times and joy, a real ME poked a head

out. Not surprisingly, it got hammered back quite a few times, but this

head still began to emerge! Oddly, it was the discovery of love that

became the vehicle to my metamorphosis. Painfully, it was the lack

of love that destroyed my first marriage. Then I saw the light, my

second marriage, and fond someone who loved ME, and my children.

We had 30 years of what I believe was a wonderful marriage. Then

Lynne died of a brain tumour some 8 years ago.

At this point I will tell two parallel stories about love. One is about my

belief in Jesus, the other is my story - my discovery of love. Since

Lynne died I have explored many different relationships and reflected

on what love means to me within a relationship. I do not remember

telling my first wife that I loved her. I do remember my father

approving of this marriage but, perhaps, it was not the choice of “ME”.

In my second marriage Lynne once said “why do you not say you love

me sometimes?”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

32

The Spirit came in childhood

and pleaded “Let Me In”

But, no, the door was bolted

by heedlessness and sin

“Oh, I’m too young” the child said

“My heart is closed today”

Sadly the Spirit listened

Then turned and went away

Again He came and pleaded

In youth’s bright happy hour

He called, but found no answer

For, fettered by sin’s power

The youth lay idly dreaming

“Go, Spirit, not today

Wait till I’ve tried life

Once more He came in mercy

In manhood’s vigorous

He knocked, but found no entrance

“The merchant had no time”

“No time for true repentance”

No time to think, or pray”

And so, repulsed and saddened

Again He turned away

Yet once again He pleaded

The man was old and ill

He hardly heard the whisper

His heart was sear and chill

“Go, leave me! when I want You

I’ll send for you” he cried

Then, turning on his pillow

Without a hope, he DIED

Jim McKellar

THE FOUR CALLS OF THE

SPIRIT (Gen. 6:3)

5

“Strict control is being exercised over the design and spend allocated

for the works by the Kirk Session”, continued Robert, “our

architect and cost consultants know they have to keep within budget

with them hoping to put the detailed plans out to tender to a number

of construction companies at the beginning of March, all with the

intention of starting work on site for the fist week in May. If it appears

the costs for the works are above budget, we will revisit the

specification for the works and amend this to keep within budget”.

The Kirk Session and The Glasgow Presbytery Property Committee

will need to approve the final specification and contract appointments

before any works commence on site.

Robert Paton

Just a reminder that our chosen charity this year is Cancer Research.

So fare we have collected £140 - so we have a long way to go to

reach last year’s total of £460.

If you have not previously participated, please think about joining in.

All you have to do is collect your small change and when your jar is

full, bring it to Church and leave it in the box in the vestibule. When

the money is all added together - it really can make a difference!

Thank you in anticipation for another good response.

Mary Deas

JARS OF GRACE

HALL REFURBISHMENT

6

FUNERALS AT REST: Jesus said “ I am the

Resurrection and the Life”

BEREAVEMENT GROUP

Eastwood Bereavement Group meet in the Church Hall at

7pm on the 1st Tuesday of each Month. If you are

struggling with the loss of a loved one, please join us in

the Small Hall, where you will be made most welcome.

This Community Group is for ALL people trying to cope with the pain of

bereavement and our aim is to try to offer support at this very difficult time.

Please note that from 1st Tuesday in May—due to our Church Hall

renovations, we will be meeting at the Mearns Parish Church at the Cross.

Christina Shafi

PASTORAL CARE

The Pastoral Group makes visits to the elderly, infirm, housebound, those in

care homes etc. Please call Alwyn Landman on 07704 238318 if you know of

anyone who should be on our list. We will be delighted to visit them.

Alwyn Landman (Convener)

Please inform Joe if you are ill, in hospital or facing particular difficulties.

If he knows about your needs, he will endeavour to offer every possible

assistance. Contact him at the Manse or by phone on 0141 384 2218

November 19: Doreen Fleming, Mearns

November 27: Alasdair Hamilton, Mearns

December 10: Chris Hyndman, Mearns

December 11: George Weir, Mearns

December 12: Robert Campbell, Mearns

December 18: Pat Gammie, Mearns

January 4: Jill Dickie, Mearns

January 16: Ian Murray, Mearns

January 17: Said McGarva, Mearns

February 1: Fulton Lamont, Mearns

February 4: Andrew Watson, Mearns

31

ALISON’S 2018 REFLECTIONS

LOVE AND COMPASSION

One of my favourite pastimes (apart from Church Magazine!) is to

read and I normally get through about 5 novels each week!

As I know there are avid readers within our Church family. One book

I would highly recommend, for so many reasons, is The Tattooist of

Auschwitz by Heather Morris (a true story about two young people

(Lale Sokolov and Gita).

Gosh, don’t have enough room to highlight what makes this book so

special. Yes, we all have read the history about the atrocities of the

Holocaust but, this was personal. This was about enduring faith.

This was about humanity even in the darkest of times and, despite

what was witnessed and endured love and compassion for others

was still put first!.

I would encourage folks to check it out—best book I have read since

The Shack by William P Young. Would be delighted to hear from

folks who have read it!. Aka Church Book Club?, just a thought!

Lastly, unfortunately, my beautiful sister Anne’s health condition is a

worry. Bless her, never complains, spends on average 27 days 4

times a year in hospital and still maintains her stoic, spiritual, and

continued Faith. She is, undoubtedly, the strongest lady I know.

Never once has Anne spoken those words “why me” - she accepts

God’s journey for her and lives as He would want—having love and

having compassion for others first.

We thank God for our NHS system; for all the kind, lovely, caring

folks who visit Anne each week, trying to avoid admission to hospital

too soon. We applaud you and thank God we live in a country with

such amazing services available.

Count your blessings; encourage everyone in your life to have

“pockets of memories”, and thank God for each day.

Alison Berry

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ALISON’S 2018 REFLECTIONS

LOVE AND COMPASSION

When we enter a New Year, it encourages me to reflect on personal,

spiritual and family journeys.

2018 was such a challenging year for my wee family. We lost, as you

all will know, one of our closest friends Timmy Matley. He was the

man who encouraged my sister Anne to travel; to meet up; to “live”. I

know God brought Timmy into my sister’s life , yet as I have said

before, why did God take a young man who brought so much joy to so

many at the young age of 36? (guarantee there are so many of you

who can relate to this!).

I kind of have a “coping strategy” to everything in my life!.

First, and foremost, I believe God has a plan for us all! Yes, we can

believe what career, house, relationship, family we are in control of,

BUT to me, God has already got it sorted!

Over the past year (or lifetime!), I have been in many a position to

“justify” my Faith.

As the very pragmatic person I am—it is really easy. God brought me

into this world; and only asked that I have love and compassion for

others first. How little did He ask from us? How sad and

disappointing that people don’t understand. Folks believing that

materialism and personal gratification is what life should be about!

Normally, every Saturday morning I travel into Glasgow, transfer the

limited cash I have into £1 coins, buy coffee, sandwiches and walk

along Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street, stopping to talk to our

vulnerable folks, give my small donations. It is a truly humbling

experience. Gus Smeaton from Lodging House Mission in Glasgow

told me once that if folks could just stop to talk to the vulnerable; just

to show we care; to show love and compassion for others first it

would mean so much.

7

PRAYER POINTS

Please pray for:-

• Joe and his family that God would be in the

foundation of all areas of their lives.

• Alwyn and his family that God continues to

support and guide each of them in their

plans for their future.

• That God be in the foundation of all the planning to redevelop

our Church Hall. May these changes enable a reaching out to

the wider community.

• Support and guidance for each of our Church groups.

• Support and encouragement for each of our Elders as they

work for God in supporting our Church family.

• The homeless during the cold winter months.

• Those, in our midst, going hungry through poverty.

• God’s wisdom to be with those governing our country ad for

God to be in its direction. For an amicable agreement for the

Brexit negotiation.

• Youth of today that they respond to God as He reaches out to

them.

• Wisdom for all world leaders.

• God’s protection against terrorist attacks across the world and

for those, who work to keep others secure, to be especially

vigilant.

Mary Paton

8

HALL CLOSURE

The Church Halls will close for use by groups and Church members on

18th April 2019 After this date, the contents will be packed up for

storage. Once we have handed the halls over to the contractors at the

start of May, there will be no access to the building for anyone; it will

be fenced off for safety reasons. This will be the case until we have

our refurbished halls handed back by the contractors, hopefully at the

end of August/start of September.

Our Church Office and the Mearns Kirk Helping Hands Office will both

remain open in the halls until later in April. Andrea, our Church

Secretary, will be based at Broom Church from 1st May until 31st

August (with the same email address and phone number - 0141 639

6555) and similarly Vicky and Laura from the Mearns Kirk Helping

Hands Office will be based in the Vestry within our own Church (again

with their usual phone number and email addresses).

The Church itself will have a few changes over this period as we will

be moving the photocopier into the Church to under the West Gallery

(where the chairs are). Here, there will also be a table and possibly

other items. This means that it may not be possible to use this area for

seating for Church services over the Summer.

29

We finished up the year with a Sunday Club Family Christmas Party,

which went down a treat, both with parents and children!

The afternoon consisted of a disco, dancing, party games, human

Christmas tree decorating, food and, of course, a Christmas Party

wouldn’t be a party without a visit from Santa who, like normal, was a

hit with the children.

A New Year, a new term and a new Programme . For all of you who

were at Cafe Church, you may remember a very catchy song that we

sung “GOD SUIT”

We have taken this as our theme for this term. Ephesians 6:10 - 18

Armor of God

We will be exploring with the children how the Armor of God is

important to wear/use in our daily lives. This will be done in our

normal creative Sunday Club style, in which our “Little Stars” can also

be involved.

It has been lovely and encouraging to see all the children coming

along to Sunday Club, building relationships with one another as well

as with the helpers.

Please remember to pray for Sunday Club and the young people.

SAM BROOKS

SUNDAY CLUB AND

LITTLE STARS

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As part of the new Data Protection/GDPR

legislation, a copy of a Privacy Notice about how we

keep your personal details is enclosed with your

Magazine.

Marje Gillies

DATA PROTECTION

DISTRICTS

We have had to make a few changes to Districts so a small number of

people have a new Elder, who will make contact with you.

Marje Gillies

Each year every Church gives a contribution to the Church of

Scotland (Ministries and Mission). Our total contribution for 2018 was

£123,730. This is split into Ministries which receives 83.5% and

Mission which receives 16.5%. The Ministries contribution goes

towards to cost of providng over 750 Ministers and other parish

workers including our own Minister. The Mission contribution is used

to support the Church’s work in, for example, Christian Education and

Outreach, Social Care Services, providing central day-to-day work in

administrative, financial and legal matters and in planning the General

Assembly and ensure the Moderator represents the Church.

Marje Gillies

CONTRIBUTIONS TO MINISTRIES & MISSION 2018

9

HALL CLOSURE

Our children normally finish Sunday Club for the Summer in mid June

and will do so this year. From mid April until then we will be holding

two Services (9.30am and 10.30am) and after Sunday Club stops for

the Summer, we will return to our usual one Service at 10.15am.

By the time of the June Communion, we will not have any access to

the dishwasher in the Halls, so we will be using plastic glasses at the

Communion Service - as a one-off.

We may ask for volunteers to help with various things - more nearer

the time!. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact

the Church Office.

Marje Gillies

Mother celebrated her 105th. birthday on January

15th. and received a lovely card from Her Majesty the

Queen which was delivered by special messenger, so

needless to say she was much impressed.

.

We took her out to lunch a few days later to the restaurant she

enjoyed last year.

She is still as talkative as ever and is especially pleased when the

grandchildren come to see her.

Roger Eason

MRS NECIA IRIS EASON MBE

10

EAST RENFREWSHIRE

FOODBANK

The main thing to report about the Food-

bank is that there has been a 20% rise in

the number of people using in the last few months. This is a very big

rise and it is worrying. After a very busy Christmas this year, where

more parcels than ever were handed out, volunteers have been kept

busy.

Sorting out food by date stamps, and getting rid of out-of-date food

which cannot be handed out, takes time, before packing the bags of

food which are given out to recipients. The bags contain three days

supply of food, which is all canned and packaged, as fresh food cannot

be stored at the Foodbank. Vouchers are obtained from Citizens’

Advice Bureau, doctors and health-care professionals, and are

exchanged for food at the Foodbank. A very careful note is kept of the

quantity of food received by the Foodbank, the quantity of food which

has to be discarded because of being out of date, and the quantity

given out to clients.

A reminder of the goods required is as follows:-

Canned soup, vegetables, spaghetti, baked beans, fruit, rice, custard,

meat, fish, cereal, pasta, sugar, jam, biscuits, tea, coffee, long-life milk

and fruit juice.

We are grateful for all your donations, and you can be assured that

they will be well used and appreciated.

Elaine MacNiven

27

On Mondays from 11th March to 15th April we will be running the 6

Session Introduction to Mindfulness programme again, in

partnership with RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health). This

programme was oversubscribed last year, so if you are interested

please contact Vicky as soon as possible for a space!

On Wednesday 27th February from 2pm to 3.30pm, we will be holding

the first of our monthly Cancer Support Groups. Anyone with a

current or historic cancer diagnosis who would like to access a peer

support group with input from professionals is most welcome to join us.

We are delighted to be welcoming a speaker from the Cancer Support

Network for our first meeting.

MEARNS KIRK HELPING

HANDS

And finally, no Magazine article would be complete without a huge

thank you to every who volunteers with Mearns Kirk Helping Hands.

Your generous contribution of your time and skills is really

appreciated and makes all that we do possible. As most of you will

know Laura and Vicky are holding a Spring Volunteer Coffee

Afternoon on Friday 8th March at 2pm; we do hope you can join us.

You can find all the information above on the website; there are also

posters in the Halls and in the Church with details of dates and times

of all activities and how to get involved. If you want to get in touch for

any reason, Vicky’s contacts are here. Or pop into the office and say

HELLO!

Vicky Attwood, Project Manager Mearns

Kirk Helping Hands

Vicky.attwood@mkhelpinghands.co.uk

Tel: 07585 5227667

26

The Lunch Club for People Living with Dementia restarted after a

short, well earned Christmas break on the 10th January. The Club is

currently running at full capacity though we are still taking referrals for

our waiting list. The Friendship Club restarts on Tuesday 15th

January at 1.45pm and you will see the wonderful new syllabus

elsewhere in this Magazine. The Bereavement Group continue to

provide invaluable support on the first Tuesday evening of every

month at 7pm. The Blether and Brew restarted after a short break

on Tuesday 8th January and will run every other Tuesday throughout

the year at 2pm.

MEARNS KIRK HELPING

HANDS

On Monday from 21st January we are running a 5 Session

Introduction to Tai Chi group. The group is currently fully booked,

but if you are interested in the activity, please get in touch with Vicky

who can advise about possible future dates etc.

On Wednesdays from 6th February to 27th March, in partnership with

RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health), we are running a Fit 4

Sport Group, a free, gentle introduction to people who would like to

become more physically active focussing on low level sports and

activities in a safe setting. To find out more about this group, please

contact Graham on 0141 881 8811 or email

graham.cossar@ramh.org

On Fridays from 1st March to 5th April from 10am to 11.30am, we are

running a 6 session Tablets for Beginners group, in partnership with

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust. Here you will be able

to learn all about using a tablet for emailing, using the internet, online

shopping, accessing information, books and magazines and much

more. To book a place, please get in touch with Vicky.

11

THE PRAYING HANDS OF A GRANDMOTHER

by Ruth Lennard

There were tiny flutters of a heartbeat before each child was born

She prayed with Joy

As the little fingers clasped her hand

She prayed

She asked for strength, She gave her thanks

She unburdened her fears and worries

Her children were unaware

Of her many times of prayers:

For their safety and protection,

For their health, For their education

Her most important prayer - was that they

Would love God

In the stressful periods

When she couldn’t find the words

God understood her heart

And her voiceless prayers were heard

Her children moved away

They led their own lives

From a distance - she prayed

Times when the family

Came together for celebration

Were always special

She rejoiced in her grandchildren

She blessed them

She asked about their lives

They waved as they said goodbye

She remembered what they had said

And she prayed

Today, if you look at her hands

They are lined and worn

But from the time her infants were born

She continued to pray

How precious are

The Praying Hands of a Grandmother

12

CARING FOR THE YOUTH

OF TODAY

It is 2019 and we are moving through

winter quite quickly. It is our 1st

winter in Scotland and so far it has

been an interesting one. The snow

finally arrived after we were looking for it to come sooner! The sound

that your footsteps makes on the fresh fallen snow was most

intriguing. As you may have gathered - we are not used to snow!

We, as a family, make time to experience new things - like the snow.

My youngest son, Werner, ran out with bare feet when the snow

came down for the first time. He came into the house very quickly

after that. It will be a memory treasured for the future.

That made me think of the challenges and struggles our young ones

are faced with every day. The sheer variety of challenges and the

lack of guidance experienced by so may of the youth is mind

boggling. What we as adults may have a suspicion of, is the huge

changes that took place within the world of the adolescent in recent

times. We are not quite sure what it really means, but we get some

glimpses when we pass them on the street or talk (rather try) to

them. I purposefully use the word “to” and not “with” them because

they will seldom let you into their real world.

The main concern that we need to look at is that the adolescents feel

abandoned. The systems in place are letting them down

spectacularly. I watched with horror a programme about Scottish

children with mental health problems who had to wait for three weeks

for an appointment to get help. The disintegration of the family

structures through divorce, no marriage or unexpected pregnancies

are taking a heavy toll within society. The traditional family (although

recognising it has problems) is still the best place to rear children -

that has been proven all over the world through decades.

25

Laura, our Volunteer Co-ordinator will be out and about in local

shopping centres and supermarkets spreading the word about all

the volunteering opportunities we have available and we will be

in local media too.

MEARNS KIRK HELPING HANDS

At present we are particularly keen to recruit

• Minibus Drivers

• Volunteers with Experience of Leading Groups

• Male Volunteers

• Volunteers to Help in the Kitchen

• Volunteers with Administration or IT skills.

Anyone with a couple of hours to spare each week is welcome to get

in touch; there are lots of different ways you can help. You can email

Laura at laura.watts@mkhelpinghands.org.uk or phone

07858 552767

On the 5th December we hosted “THE BIG CHRISTMAS LUNCH” ,

an opportunity provided by the Self-Directed Support Forum for

people from across East Renfrewshire to come together to find out

about lots of different services available to them, try some health and

wellbeing activities, share lunch and enjoy entertainment. Over 150

people attended on the day; 29 people made enquiries or referrals in

to organisations who were present on the day, including the Money

Advice Team and the Scottish War Blinded. MKHH will continue to be

involved in the organising committee for future “Big Lunch” events.

Our thanks to everyone who supported in the event.

And so to this year.........

24

HELLO and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!

2019 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year for Mearns Kirk

Helping Hands as we grow and develop, We have some new groups

and activities starting up this year, all of which fit with our charity’s key

theme of “improving health and wellbeing, reducing isolation and

loneliness in our community”

We are pleased to report that, following the submission of our annual

monitoring reports to our funders detailing all we achieved in 2018

(including a visit from a Funding Officer) , we have been awarded our

second year of funding from The Robertson Trust. We have also

been given the second tranche of our funding from the Voluntary

Action Fund (VAF), again following submission of a monitoring report

demonstrating the successful achievement of targets for the 2018

period. We also anticipate securing our continued funding from the

Church of Scotland - Go For It Fund.

We are also delighted to say that our Mearns Kirk Helping Hands

WEBSITE is now live. You can find the site at

mkhelpinghands.org.uk/ Its full of information about the Charity, what

activities we have coming up and how people can get involved in what

we do. Do visit the site and tell us what you think; there’s a feedback

link at the bottom of the home page where you can send any thoughts

directly to us. We are also now on FACEBOOK; you can find us at

www.facebook.com/ MearnsKirkHelpingHands/ .

Please like and share our page!

This year will see a big push to recruit more volunteers to support all

the work we will be undertaking over the coming years.

MEARNS KIRK HELPING HANDS

13

The family offers security, a

certain amount of feeling loved

and providing shelter and

food.

If we want an excellent example of changes - take a look at sport.

Sport was meant to be a way of exercising, relaxing, enjoyment,

physical development and developing social skills. It has

become a toxic arena of fierce competition. Just watch the fist

pumping and screams by both genders on the tennis court. Each

point won, even by the mistake of your opponent, is thrown in the

face of your opponent. The celebration after winning the match has

become embarrassing. Not to the sports world - it is the survival of

the fittest. This impacts on the adolescent’s development. It is no

surprise that they are not interested in sport. Throw into the mix

multimedia (social media in particular), school, peers, sex, ethics,

morality and the party scene and you have a melting pot with an

awful brew. It is therefore no surprise that young adolescents create

their own world into which they can escape. They do not trust adults

because most of the time it will lead to disappointment.

The end results is children really struggle coping with the world. They

seem and are quick to offer a view that they have everything under

control. Friendships do not support the teenager because it is not a

question of friendship, but what I can get from you. The problem of

self-harming and suicide among teenagers is a real problem in the

United Kingdom. It was just this week that the suicide of a teenage

girl made the papers and the news on TV. Her father blames

images on Instagram, a social media platform which is run by

Facebook. It has a ring of truth but it ultimately shows how

vulnerable our children really are. They seem to have lost the ability

to make sensible choices. Some researchers call it “the death of

common sense”

So what can we do about it? It is very interesting that, after decades

of research with thousands of teenagers worldwide, the Search

Institute in Minneapolis USA, found that teenagers still want to

interact with adults.

CARING FOR THE YOUTH

OF TODAY

14

CARING FOR THE YOUTH

OF TODAY

The interaction needs to be constructive with a good understanding

what the teenagers of today are going through. This is a positive start

of how to help the teenagers and children.

Professor Chap Clark, after working with adolescents for than 30

years recommend 5 strategies to help teenagers. These 5 are:-

1. Those who work with adolescents (teenagers) should be trained

in the changing youth culture. They include educators,

government agents, counsellors, coaches, youth workers and

employees of youth.

2. Those who serve adolescents must work together, Adults in the 6

roles mentioned above must realise that, regardless of their

resources or expertise, they cannot turn the tide of abandonment

on their own. Group who want to help the youth are still

operating apart - they need to combine their forces.

3. Those who serve adolescents must understand youth and

provide boundaries. The basic response demanded by the

issues related to abandonment may feel overwhelming, but it is

actually straightforward, To nurture adolescents we need to

understand their changing world and provide boundaries so that

their choices have as few serious consequences as possible.

4. Parents need to be equipped and encouraged to parent the

changing adolescent. I have found few parents who, once the

children enter mid-adolescence, are not on the edge of panic at

some level. They see disconnectedness and callousness,

Parents feel insecure and alone. Parents need to know what is

happening. Then they can build good relationships with their

children.

23

Easter falls on Sunday 21st April this

year.

As of yet we have no details as to our

midweek services as discussions haven’t taken place with the other

Churches.

There will be a Maundy Thursday and Good Friday service at 7pm, in

one of the local Churches and our own Church will be open on Good

Friday from 12 noon till 3pm for quiet reflection. Our Easter Sunday

service will be at 10.15am with an informal Communion service

afterwards.

There is also to be a joint Lenten Studies Group with Newton Mearns

Parish Church and these will be

intimated in due course.

Look on our Website and follow the weekly Intimation sheet and you

will get to know all that is happening.

EASTER SERVICES

“He is not here, He is risen!”

Is probably the greatest announcement every made in history of

the world. Let these words assure you that your God is not only

alive and well, but lives within your heart.

(Luke 24:5, 6)

22

The distribution of Christmas presents has

become quite an undertaking, thanks to the

generosity of Mearns Kirk folk and our friends at

Orchardhill Parish Church. We received hundreds of wonderful

presents, which were a job to sort and find homes for. The gifts were

divided amongst the following organisations:

Aberlour Trust

Glasgow Care Foundation

Glasgow Befriending

Quarriers Family Centre at Ruchazie, Glasgow

Women and Children First in Paisley

Family and Addiction Support Services

Glasgow and Falkirk Social Services

Each organisation is asked to identify the children they need presents

for and we (the Outreach Group) try to match gifts to each child.

Some of you will have heard Joe read the reaction from a Mum who

received gifts via Women and Children First. She was reduced to

tears as it meant so much to her to have gifts to give her children at

Christmas.

All the organisations have spoken of their gratitude and I think we can

be sure that this effort is extremely worthwhile. Speaking personally, I

have enjoyed the opportunity to work with folks from Orchardhill on

such a constructive activity.

The Outreach Group is looking at other ways we could help our

organisations at different times throughout the year. For example, I

know that the provision of school uniforms can be difficult for

families and we are looking at how we could help with this.

Many thanks for all of you who helped.

SUSAN FRASER

OUTREACH GROUP

OUTREACH

15

CARING FOR THE YOUTH

OF TODAY

5. Communities must make sure that

each adolescent has a few adult

advocates who know and care for her

or him.

Research has consistently demonstrated that several positive and

supportive relationships that offer the same message must be

present to have an effect on the life of a child. Every adult must

attempt to add to the cumulative message of protection, nurture,

warmth and affection. By far the best way to help our young is by

being a chorus of support and a choir of commitment.

To all teenagers or adolescents, the failed promise of intimate

companionship and nurture is devastating. Unfortunately, an

individual does not have the ability to present in the variety of ways an

adolescent needs. If a child has a mentor who is gentle, supportive,

and affirming during a weekly encounter, yet the rest of the week he

hears that he is lazy, stupid and incompetent, the negative voices will

win out. One fan, even a great one, is not enough,

We CAN make a difference in a teenager’s life.

It takes a team to win a rugby match. God called us to be there for

children. Jesus could not have been clearer: “Do not keep the

children from me”.

Be part of the team that “ADOPT” a child. It may be your grandchild.

It may be your brother’s child. It may even ben that you are his/her

teacher. BE THERE for them - UNCONDITIONALLY.

I conclude by the words of Garrison Keillor:

“Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to

notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer

thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted”

Blessings till next time. ALWYN LANDMAN

16

We often think another’s shoes

Would make our life complete

For sometimes they look better than

The shoes on our own feet

Our neighbour’s shoes may seem to us

So polished and so neat -

But we can’t tell by looking where

They’re pinching his poor feet

You might suppose if you could wear

My shoes it would be a treat

But, confidentially, I’ve got

Some blisters on my feet

The moral that I want to leave

Is one that can’t be beat -

Let’s be content and happy with

The shoes on our own feet!

This was sent to David Arthur almost 25 years ago by

Florence Rowan whom, I understand lived in the “old”

Mearns Kirk Manse prior to moving to Washington USA.

David Arthur

SHOES

by FLORENCE ROWAN

21

The hospital closed in the 1980’s, with the exception of two wings at

Mearnskirk House which continued as a long-term care unit. Services,

though, never ceased and continued at Mearnskirk House up until the

present day. Sadly, this much need facility is due to close shortly and

so all the Churches’ involvement will now cease.

Congregations involved up to the closure were from Greenbank,

Busby, Cartbridge, Giffnock South, Williamwood, Mearns Kirk,

Netherlee, Brook and Stamperland.

A HUGE thank you to all those who have participated over the years -

bring God’s message to the patients.

You - the Sunday singers and musicians may have been the only

visitors that some patients may have had!

Thank you again.

Margaret Armstrong

Stamperland Church

MEARNS KIRK HOSPITAL

MEMORIES

20

MEARNS KIRK HOSPITAL

MEMORIES

Mearnskirk Hospital was located in open countryside and opened as a

Children’s TB hospital in 1930. It subsequently became a general

hospital and, at its peak, had more than 500 beds.

Services led by Churches began in 1933 by the then Minister of

Newton Mearns Parish Church, along with Mr James Rodger of

Maple Evangelical Church.

Stamperland Church’s involvement with the hospital began in 1958

when two members of the congregation joined in the Services, then

the Church became more fully involved in 1960, conducting short

services in a number of wards every Sunday. Mr Rodger continued as

leader for 40 years until just before his death in 1975 when Mr Alex

Muirhead of Victoria Hall succeeded him as leader until he retired in

1981. At that time, the late Jack Fraser of Stamperland took over as

leader.

Many local Churches readily joined the rota over the years to regularly

lead services Sunday by Sunday - some also being similarly involved

at the Victoria Infirmary. Several Churches such as Clarkston Baptist,

Greenview Church, Kingspark Baptist, Newlands South, Newton

Mearns, Victoria Hall, Maxwell Mearns, Mearns Parish, Giffnock Park

and Crosshill Queens Park played their part, but later dropped out.

17

MINI BUS DRIVERS

URGENTLY REQUIRED

This is an urgent appeal for additional volunteer

mini bus drivers to help driving the bus on a Sunday morning. As long

as you hold a current, clean driving licence and are under the age of

70, you will qualify.

It is not an onerous job as the 1st pick up is at 9.20am and currently

there are 6 collection points. After the Morning Service delivering the

various people home again which takes about 30 minutes.

If you feel you could help in this very worthwhile job, or need any

further information please contact me at des.young@ntlworld.com or

my mobile number is 07769-635573.

Des Young

Mini Bus Co-ordinator

WELCOME GRAEME FINNIE

We are delighted to welcome our new organist, Graeme

Finnie, who started with us at Mearns Kirk on 14th of January.

Graeme is an accomplished organist who has many years experience

playing in Churches.

Welcome Graeme to our Kirk.

18

I would like to thank the Kirk Session and congregation most sincerely

for their very generous gift of Amazon vouchers on the occasion of my

retirement as your Organist and Choirmistress.

I had meant to take a “back seat” when we moved here from Dunblane

11 years ago but, when Jean Binning retired, I decided to apply for the

position. I have certainly not regretted my decision as the last 10

years have been very rewarding and it has been my great privilege

and honour to play for the congregation, Joe and my wonderful friends

in the choir. Thanks are due to Liz Ronald and Jean Duffus for

working hard to keep the choir together during my absence. Had it not

been for my illness, I would still have been playing. My family and I

have been greatly sustained and encouraged by your kindness,

prayers, cards and help in so many forms over the last two years -

thank you so much.

Unfortunately, I have just learned that I have to undergo more

chemotherapy as my cancer reading is increasing again.

Best wishes to our new Organist, Mr Graeme Finnie

Doris Watson

THANK YOU

FRIENDSHIP CLUB

We meet in the Main Hall from 1.45pm - 3.15pm as

follows:-

March 12th Music Box: Keyboard/Singer Duo

March 26th The Razor Sharps: Barber Shop Group

April 9th Rev Alwyn Landman: My Time with the

South African Police

April 23rd The Friendship Singers

May 7th Outing (our last meeting of the session)

The Club will be taking a break as usual for the Summer and we look

forward to welcoming members old and new when we resume on

TUESDAY 10th SEPTEMBER

19

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Under the banner of our charity Mearns Kirk

Helping Hands, it is hoped to create a support for

people living with cancer. It will be very much centred on the needs

of those with the illness and whatever programme develops will do in

relation to their needs and wishes.

The first meeting will be in the Church Hall on Wednesday 27th

February and follow on a last Wednesday of the month basis.

It begins at 2.00pm and runs to 3.30pm

If you think that this would be helpful, please come along; you are

assured of a warm welcome.

For further information, please contact Joe 0141 384

2218 or Vicky 07858 552767

The charity’s AGM will be held on Saturday 30th March at 11am in

Church Main Hall which will include presentations on a wide range of

activities that the charity has been involved with over the last year

and of the excellent work our dedicated volunteers have carried out

to help those less advantaged in our local community. Robert Paton,

Chair/Trustee of MKHH said “we are delighted that Ken MacIntosh

MSP, the Presiding Officer at the Scottish Parliament, has agreed to

attend and participate in our AGM. We will also be inviting our part-

ners in the community who we have worked closely with us over the

last year making Mearns Kirk Helping Hands a major charity, working

in the community, helping those less fortunate than us, whether it is

about reducing social isolation or improving our health and wellbeing.

Please put the date in your diary......it is open to all!.

Robert Paton

HELPING HANDS A.G.M.