Govan and Linthouse

Parish Church

Magazine

March

2012

Mar2012

Sidelines.

As some of you already know, a group of elders and members spent an evening at the end of

January talking to architects about the refurbishment of the Govan Cross building.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of those conversations, apart from the ideas which were

on the table, lay in their perspective of the building itself. They recognised its iconic status on

the landscape of Govan, and the importance of its location on the newly-constructed square. It

is easy for us, living with water that runs down the walls and into the gallery, to forget how

much the original designers caught the mood and feel of the community around the church.

Govan, in the late nineteenth century, was independent of Glasgow, wealthy, and teeming with

life. The building has captured a sense of the pride and importance of that community which all

the bleak years, after the industry was gone, could never quite diminish.

To restore it, to all its former glory, is going to be an expensive project. It will take far more

money than we have as a congregation. It’s listed status will help us to draw in money from

external sources, as will the fact that Govan Cross is now a conservation area where heritage is

protected. Apart from the west end, Govan has more heritage buildings than any other part of

Glasgow and it is right to conserve them where we can. The loss of the Napier Building on Govan

Road, several years ago, a truly beautiful building, shows how easily heritage can slip beyond

the point where it can be restored.

But we are going to have to help ourselves too. Our new, refurbished Govan Cross church is

going to take a lot of fundraising. Is it worth it? After all, we can worship God anywhere. We live

in an age of disposable churches. The newly opened church in Gorbals replaced one which had

been there for only thirty years. Yet the great, gothic cathedrals of Europe are still standing

after 1000 years and those who saw their foundations never saw the completed church. What is

important to you? To offer something to God and to future generations of worshippers, for

which you have given the best you have to give, seems to me to be something worth doing.

‘I shall not offer to the Lord my God that which costs me nothing’ King David in 1st Chronicles

21.24.

Moyna.

Govan Old Re-display.

The York Archaeological Trust have begun work on the re-display of the Govan Stones. The

Stones are of international importance, as was pointed out to the Session by Professor Stephen

Driscoll who recently spoke to the elders on their significance and their place in a new tourist

economy for Govan.

The York Archaeological Trust manage several major historical sites in York including the

Jorvik Centre, the Barley Hall and Michaelgate Bar, encouraging half a million visitors each year

across these sites.

Prof Driscoll offered to lead a tour in a couple of months, when the initial work has been

mapped out. We will keep you posted as to the progress of the work.

Moyna

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I have a small pendant at home. It is about the size and colour of a 1p piece and has the imprint

of a dove on it. It isn't shiny and has no real characteristics which would make it a great seller on

the high street. It is attached to a piece of blue elastic about two inches long. On one side of it is

the imprint of a dove, the sign of peace and God's promise of new life to come. It was given to me

on Easter Saturday 2005 outside the Asda shop in Toryglen as I left. It was given to me by a nun

whose name I don't know and I don't even know which order she represented, but she was a

very kindly person and was handing these out to everyone who left the shop that day. Little did

she know when she gave it to me just what it meant at the time because it was a very low

morning and I had lots on my mind. My sister, who was with me, was as stunned as I was

to receive this little gift, and we both along with our families were also stunned and pleased to

receive the prayers of this nun as she handed to us something very precious.

The reason we were there in the first place was because our mum was in the Victoria Infirmary

and we had been called to the hospital very early that morning to be told that mum would be

having another operation that day. She had been in hospital since January that year with two

blood clots and we had been told that either of these clots alone could be dealt with, but because

both were present the doctors hoped medication would deal with them because an operation

was too risky. However, the medication didn't deal with them and mum had to have her leg

amputated below the knee. Soon after that she took the flesh eating bug which ravaged much of

the leg which was left. On this day, this would be her third operation and they would now have

to amputate above the knee in a bid to save her life. The situation was very grim and as a family

we decided to go to Asda for some breakfast and gather our thoughts before going back up to

the hospital. As we left the shop this kindly nun handed us each a pendant and said she hoped

we would know the blessings of the new life Christ brings at Easter. We told her of our own faith

and of the situation facing us as a family and I have often hoped since that day that she knew

what a difference her Christian service made to us. Mum died weeks after this as the damage was so bad that despite the best efforts of the

excellent staff at the hospital, there was nothing that could be done. Yet as I reflected on how we

dealt with mum dying I couldn't help but think of this pendant and the nun who had given it

with such a generous spirit, and how it seemed to bring a sense of peace and the promise of God

that no matter what happens to us in this life he will never abandon us. By the time you read

this we will be in the season of Lent and looking ahead to Easter.

I wonder if we could all just spend some time this Lent reflecting on where we are and who God

has placed in our lives to bring us that same sense of peace and new life given by this

anonymous nun. We get so busy at times thinking about too many things at the one time,

planning for things which may or may not happen, worrying about the future (or even the past),

and often it is good just to stop and look around and see where God is. Who are the people God

has sent into your life to bring you joy? Give thanks for them! In this life, as we know, things

change. Often that change comes about and there is nothing we could have done about it,

nothing we can do about it now. And it leaves us feeling sore, and angry, and frustrated. Yet,

isn't that the place we most clearly see God at work? When we really make the effort to stop

what we are doing and simply look for God, we find him, sometimes in the most unlikely place.

Who would have thought that a breakfast at Asda could be so meaningful? Especially on a day of

extreme hurt. I want to ask you friends, to stop wherever you are and give thanks for who you

are because you are precious to God, to stop on a Sunday morning or evening or when you

attend the daily service, and give thanks for the people around you, to stop in the street and give

thanks for your life and all it means to you and those who love you. And see where God is

bringing new life through Christ this Easter. And see where the messengers are he sends into

each of our lives day after day, sometimes going unnoticed in our busy schedules. And in doing

that, may you know the fullness of life Jesus promises to bring to us not just at Lent but beyond

Lent into each and every new day God gives you.

Happy Easter!

Paul

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On thinking about our “What’s your story” project in the last magazine, I began reflecting on my story so far…

As a child, I was part of Abronhill Parish Church, Cumbernauld, where my family were (are) active members. I loved school and being in the chess team. As a young teenager I was involved with youth organisations, particularly the Boy’s Brigade and the Army Cadet Force, later moving on to the Territorial Army.

On leaving school I was an apprentice at ICI in Grangemouth where I worked as an Electrical Engineer. After a number of years working in a ‘fact based logical’ world and having drifted from the Church, I became aware of a re-occurring thought in my mind that I was missing ‘something’ which led me to questioning my life and its purpose. It was at this point I went back to Abronhill Parish, studied the Bible and finding the answers to my questions, gave my life to Christ and started to view my life in a whole new way.

This, in turn, led me to applying for a place at University and undertaking a degree in Divinity at Aberdeen – which, as I am sure you can imagine, was not something a lot of people expected from the son of an engineer from Govan…

What occurred to me on thinking back over these experiences was that I have always been part of a group of like minded people, whether this has been my immediate family, the organisations I joined, the class of apprentices I qualified with, the colleagues I worked with, the students I studied with and now with my work in the Church, with the people I worship with on a daily basis.

Whilst I am on my personal journey with God, I am intrinsically part of a wider group of like minded souls. This has led me to think, are we who we are because of our ‘self’ or because of who we spend time with? How comfortable and easy it is to be and say the same as those

around us, against doing what we know in our hearts and minds is the right path for us personally. Nature or nurture is not too far from our everyday lives.

The Disciples walked a brave path, ridiculed by those who didn’t understand. However, supported by their like-minded friend’s, they spoke the truth in their hearts. My question to you would be, are you brave enough to walk your path with Jesus by your side or are you more comfortable walking the path others have chosen for you?

Kenneth

THE GUILD

It doesn’t seem long since we were celebrating Christmas, enjoying presents, dinners and the

lovely services held in the Church to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Our usual event in November was ‘Guild Week’. It has become a tradition now to share a

morning service with the congregation. The service was well attended and thanks to all who

faithfully support us at this time.

In preparation for Christmas the Guild held a most enjoyable carol service and during our last

meeting before the holiday we shared a very special Christmas Dinner. This is always great as

we have no preparations to make, just enjoy, all is prepared for us.

Fortunately the weather in December was so much better than last year and we were able to

have our carol and gift service in Shawlands, organised by South West Presbyterian Council

which we are members of.

I would like to thank you all for your kind donations of presents to be distributed to local

hospitals, Nursing Homes etc. This was my first year of wrapping mounds and mounds of gifts.

I now appreciate the work done by the local projects committee.

The Guild resumes in March and we have an interesting time ahead of us. Please feel free to join

us at any of our meetings.

This year starts the celebrations’ of the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the Guild

movement, so no doubt there will be plenty of events to organise later in the year.

With Every Blessing

Elspeth

Guild President

FRIENDS OF GOVAN OLD

Last summer was really busy for the Friends of Govan Old (or FOGO as it tends to be known).

FOGO was set up originally partly to take some of the strain of looking after the Govan Old

building and site away from the congregation, partly to encourage visitors and research into this

corner of Scotland’s heritage and partly to help the congregation and Kirk Session in whatever

way it could. It opened the building to visitors, sponsored an annual lecture and the Margaret

McGregor lectures and helped with the fabric. Open to anyone, it attracted people interested in

history, archaeology, architecture, or any combination of the above, whether or not they

belonged to this or any church. It has continued its work since the Union and was looking

forward with interest to the working out of the Options Appraisal Study and the formation of

the Trust that that study proposed.

And then the Riverside Museum opened.

And the Museum had information and publicity about Govan and Govan Old (not all of it

accurate, it must be said). And there was to be a Govan Ferry again, but why would people want

to use it unless they had something to go to at this side of the river – Fairfields is coming along,

but it won’t be ready for a while yet. So the Museum and Ferry people really wanted Govan Old

to be open more often and, to their eternal credit, FOGO stepped up. Last summer the building

was open for 5 afternoons a week instead of 3. Some new people agreed to become guides, but

they needed to be trained, so the existing guides generously gave extra time. And the number of

visitors increased. This may not have been apparent at the Doors Open Days, when all 3 of our

buildings are open, but it was a miserable weekend and apparently numbers were down across

the city.

Fortunately for our finances the heating is not used during the summer, only the lighting is on

when the visitors are in. Also, the package of funding to let us display the carved stones in a

more up to date way includes provision for lighting and heating costs. Nevertheless, FOGO has

always taken seriously its aim of helping the congregation financially when possible, so at their

Council meeting it was decided that they would make a donation of £750 to the church. This was

not only more than 50% of the total income over the summer, it also represented virtually all of

the donations received (the rest of the income is from purchases of books, etc).

So thanks to FOGO for its generosity and thanks to everyone who helped in any way during that

very hectic summer. Of course, the Museum hasn’t gone away, and the summer opening will be

upon us again before we know it. Some of the new guides last year were archaeology students,

who might not be around this time, plus we always need help with sales of books and the items

in the Fair Trade stall. It also helps to have someone (preferably male) just keeping an eye on

things. It’s not such a terrible way to spend the odd afternoon, feel free to try it.

Elsie Donald

Session Clerk (and ex officio member of the FOGO Council)

FINANCE REPORT

No, don’t just skip past this bit, its important!

First of all, the Kirk Session would like to thank everyone for their generous giving during 2011.

Not only do people give week by week, but they give to extra offerings at Communion and other

special occasions and they attend charity tearooms and events like the Christmas Fair. This not

only keeps this congregation going, it contributes to the wider work of the Church and it shows

compassion in a practical way for those worse off than ourselves.

However, here we have to hit you with a few hard facts. After going up year on year since the

Union, offerings during 2011 decreased by 10%. At the same time we became aware that we

had been underpaying our Ministry and Mission allocation to Edinburgh ever since the Union.

The reasons for this are very complicated, and partly due to the strange way this allocation is

calculated when a Union comes about. Glasgow Presbytery have been very supportive, giving us

grants over the years amounting to £20,000 in total, but after all the calculations were checked

and rechecked, it turns out that we still owe Edinburgh nearly £30,000. All this in a year that

has seen heating and lighting costs go up, something we can all testify to in our own homes.

This is not to depress you, but there is no point in keeping the congregation in the dark on these

matters. Our Treasurer, Mr Frank Brown, continues to do an enormous amount of work on your

behalf, and will be going over the Annual Accounts at the statutory congregational meeting in

March. He is always willing to answer any queries you may have. One way to help, for those who

pay income tax, is to fill out a Gift Aid form. You should find one in this magazine. This does not

commit you to any amount of money, but ensures that the income tax you paid on any money

you give to the church will be paid back to the church by the Government – money for nothing!

You will have seen the letter from the Moderator of the General Assembly that came with the

last magazine. In it, he asks everyone just to have a look at what they are giving to the church,

and reminds us that our giving is supposed to be a sacrifice. King David, whose life we were

studying before Christmas, said, “I will not give to the Lord that which costs me nothing.”

Once again, on behalf of the Kirk Session, thank you all very much.

Elsie Donald Frank Brown

Session Clerk Treasurer

Gift Aid Declaration The Church of Scotland Name of Congregation........................................................................................ Donor’s Full Name in Capitals............................................................................. Donor’s Title: MR/MRS/MISS/MS/REV................................................................ Donor’s Address in Capitals................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................. Post Code............................................................................................................. I want the congregation to treat all donations I have made since 6th April 2000, and all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations. Signature of Donor................................................................................................... Date of Signing......................................................................................................... Notes:

1. You may cancel this declaration at any time by notifying the Congregation. 2. You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal

to the tax that the Congregation reclaims on your donations in the tax year. 3. If in the future your circumstances change and you no longer pay tax on your

income and capital gains equal to the tax that the congregations reclaims, you can cancel your declaration (see note 1).

4. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief in your Self-assessment tax return.

5. Please notify the Congregation if you change your name of address.

34th GLASGOW GIRLS’ BRIGADE

It has been a busy session so far for our company. On Wednesday 30th November we had a St. Andrews night. This was very enjoyable as the officers and children joined together to dance and sing. Of course no party is complete without eating and there was plenty of food and the “National drink of Scotland” - Irn Bru.

Saturday 3rd December was the Christmas Tearoom and Fayre. We raised in excess of £2,700. Without the support of many people who helped us on the day and the people who made the effort to come and support us, this would have been impossible. So our grateful thanks go out to everyone. I must also thank the Girls’ Brigade leaders for not only their work on the day but for their work throughout the year which enabled us to raise such a wonderful amount.

From this money we paid nearly £1150 capitation fees to Girls’ Brigade Headquarters, we are subsidising the children going to the Heads of Ayr trip in the summer and we will also be going to the outdoor centre at Dalguise in May.

Wednesday 14th December, was our last night before Christmas and we had a party night. There were games, dancing and eating again. The favourite game of the evening was “Who can make the biggest snowman?” – two girls put on white suits and the children see how many balloons they can put in to the suit making a very fat snowman.

On Saturday 17th December some of the children and officers did carol singing on the Virgin Train to Carlisle and back. What a great day we had raising nearly £500 for the CLIC Sargent Children’s Cancer appeal which is the Virgin Train charity. You will see in the photo attached the girls’ (and boys) at Carlisle station waiting to get on another train and sing all the way home and of course Rosie Bear was there too.

We started back on 11th January after the holiday. Now it is time to think about the Display which will be on Friday 11th May at the same venue as last year. (The Govan Campus – the school next to the fire station).

As Burns night also was on a Wednesday night some of the children read poems, sang songs and danced. We do like parties at the 34th Glasgow!

Our guitar group are still getting lessons and hopefully will be playing a couple of tunes at the display.

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Sandra MacDonald

SHOEBOX APPEAL

I would love to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated goods or money to the shoebox appeal. We managed to send a staggering 213 boxes. This is an amazing effort from everyone.

It’s only February and I have already received many shoeboxes, socks, toiletries, hats and gloves. Please keep donating throughout the year - every pair of socks or gloves helps us to fill so many boxes. Once again THANK YOU. Karen Stevely on behalf of 34th Girls’ Brigade

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Since the last magazine article the children have, as always, been busy.

We do hope you enjoyed the Nativity Service. I think Gemma and Kyle made a delightful Mary and Joseph. The other children all looked very cute and played their parts well. It’s great that even the babies can take part as our sheep, even if they roam off to find ‘greener pastures’.

After the service it was lovely to receive many compliments about how well the children behaved and performed. Your comments are much appreciated.

Our Christmas party was a great success with games, dances and, of course, lots of food. We even had a visit from Santa. This was a real surprise to the children and they were all pleased with their gifts. Thank you to everyone who helped out at the party.

So far this year the children have enjoyed making decorations for Paul’s ‘shack’ and for taking part in the all age service. These things help the children feel they are part of the Church.

Thank you for your continued support, Karen Stevely

COMMUNION COLLECTION

The retiring collection for communion on 5th March is going to The Vanessa Riddle Appeal. Vanessa is an 11 year old girl who has Neuroblastoma which is a kind of cancer that affects mainly young children and babies. This very special young girl has a family connection to our very own Bill and Betty McGinn. Vanessa’s parents are on a massive drive to raise enough money to get Vanessa the treatment she needs which is only available in America. You will find on the next page a copy of the leaflet telling you more about the appeal, if you can help in any way it would be much appreciated.

Thank You

ACTION AID AND MARY’S MEALS

Hi everyone, There may be a letter attached to this if the magazine has the space, if not it’s to

announce that Mary’s meals has now been running for 10years, what an achievement from one

man’s idea, all because he was upset at what a small boy told him, all he dreamed off was not to be

hungry and to go to school. But of course that dream could never have come true without all of you

saving your loose change, so never doubt what a difference you are all making, and I CANT THANK

YOU ENOUGH.

I have just sent in our latest donation of £200 which now brings our total donations to £2,575.00

well done. NEW BOXS ARE AVAIBLE IF ANYONE WISHES ONE.

Now of course it’s that time of year again, when all my loyal supporters of ACTION AID yearly

donation is due, that’s if you can catch me, but I will reach you all eventually. I am looking as usual

for new supporters, as due sadly to several bereavements, I don’t have the full quota to cover my

payments (of course miracles happen every year and its always covered). To explain what this is

each supporter pays £6 per year, payable by one payment or 3 payments of £2, whichever you

prefer. This is sent in and we take part in a campaign called THE NEXT STEP, this varies depending on

what the contact of each village feels is the most important, but it sends kids to college after they

have finished school, train girls to be midwifes etc, supports farmers so they can send their children

to school, and run adult classes to help people who never had any hope of being able to learn to

read or write.

I work hard for both charities because I feel they complement each other. So if you would like to

help, please come and join this worthwhile cause, part of the fun is me trying to catch everyone. But

be warned I am getting better ha ha.

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE WHO HELPS IN ANYWAY.

One last plea, can you put your name in your bag of change, as I am being handed box’s and don’t

know who they have came from, so I can’t thank you.

Rose Mcloughlin.

WALKING GROUP

At last the Walking Group were able to get out a walk on Sunday 5th February. We have not been

out for a few months owing to the poor weather. We went down to Largs and managed to get a

dry afternoon for our walk. Being at Largs we of course had to go to Nardini’s for a fish tea. We

did have a lovely time.

We are hoping to go back to St. Andrews again this year for the weekend which we all enjoy

very much.

Sandra

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This was sent in by e-mail and I thought I would share it with you all:

Do we have people who really have genuine love these days. I was walking around in a WalMart store, when I saw a cashier hand this little boy some money back. The boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.' Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him, ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' The old lady replied, ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this, 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.'' My heart nearly stopped.

The little boy looked up at me and said, 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money. The little boy said, 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.'' 'My mommy loves white roses.' A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine, and in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him. God Bless You!

BAPTISMS

8th January 2012 – Casey and Abby McNamara – Daughters of Scott and Elisa McNamara

DEATHS

Jim Blaikie passed away on Sunday 5th February.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Sunday 1st April @ 11am (Govan Cross Building)

Sunday 1st April @ 6.30pm (Linthouse Building)

Monday 2nd - Friday 6th April @ 7.30pm (Govan Cross Building)

Monday 2nd – Friday 6th April @ 10am (Govan Old Building)

Sunday 8th April @ 11am (Govan Cross Building)

Sunday 8th April @ 6.30pm (Linthouse Building)

Hi All,

I just thought I would put in a wee update about Judith, there has been no news yet but her due

date was today as I write this (9th Feb) fingers crossed by the time you read this we will have a

beautiful, healthy new member of the ministry team!! Judith and Neal, we wish you all the very

best for your adventure ahead.

Gillian

KIDS CORNER

Song of Songs 2.1-17 G and L 5/2/12.

Last week, in the morning service, we talked about a song written by Euan MacColl about

travelling people. This week, the obvious comparison is with another of his songs ‘Sweet

Thames Flow Softly’ where a young man thinks wistfully of a girl he once took out for the day

and showed her the sights of London.

He meets her under a big crane at Woolwich Pier, goes for a sail along the river, and makes

jewellery and ribbons from all the sights they see: the Thames becomes a crown; London Bridge

a necklace; Richmond Park a ring; and Hampton Court a bracelet. Eventually it becomes clear

that the lover is the city itself, spreading along the river in all its beauty.

‘Earth has not anything to show more fair’, Wordsworth wrote, looking over the city from

Westminster Bridge.

But according to the writer of the Song of Songs, earth does – and it is Israel. But it is Israel in a

very particular role, as the example of the created world in complete harmony with the

heavenly realms; humanity as it is supposed to be, in full acknowledgement of God, worship,

and the joy of living.

The Song of Songs is a love poem, a passionate and intense love poem, a poetic drama designed

to be performed before an audience using different voices. It has been thought variously to

represent, literally, King Solomon’s love for the Shulamite girl, and figuratively, Christ’s love for

the church.

The girl, the bride, comes out of the darkness, and into the vineyard, that is the chosen people,

and into the light of the sun. She finds her way by the tracks of the flocks, and the flocks are the

prosperity and well-being of God’s people. The King, who loves her, describes her as being like a

mare among Pharaoh’s chariot horses: swift, graceful, strong, and he talks about the jewels on

her face and neck, recalling the harness and the bridle.

‘Behold, you are beautiful’ he says to her in wonder.

She goes on to speak about the house she dreams of, made of cedar with fir rafters, to which

later they add silver pillars, gold, and coverings of purple. This house is the Temple, which forms

the foundation of the earth. Its presence gives stability to the earth and all the hope of humanity

which unfurls from that central place of true worship. All human endeavour needs worship at

its heart, and from that grows beauty, outwards, like rippling waters, wild roses on the hillsides

and lilies along the valleys, fruits, and the singing of birds.

And even in the dark spaces, where nothing flowers or grows, in winter, in the dripping rain, in

the clefts of rocks, in secret caves, even there God, the beloved, is always with his people.

‘Have you seen him whom my soul loves?’ the girl says, as she searches for him, the lover who

gives everything, who has as she says, ‘ravished her heart’ bringing all kinds of fruitfulness,

speech as sweet as honeycomb, garments like a garden or an orchard filled with pomegranates,

and growing spices.

This love, this intense expression of love, requires absolute faithfulness. The girl is portrayed as

a locked garden, as a spring which is closed off, until she sees her lover, who appears with bright

stones on his hands and body, and feet overlaid with gold. He is the personification of the great

ruler in Ezekiel’s prophecy- the one who walks on God’s holy mountain and among all the

precious fiery stones of earth.

In this poem, the whole created world was made for the sake of Israel, God’s kingdom. All the

earth’s beauties and wealth are her and our betrothal gifts. The price for them is love,

unequivocal, heart-stopping love – the kind of love that Jesus showed when he gave his life for

us because we had become the unloved.

‘Wear me as a seal upon your heart, upon your arm, for love is as a strong as death’, says the

God/king in Song of Songs. We should not lose sight of our objective in living. It is the search for

God with us, in new life and in faithful death, in the world’s wonderful sights and species, and

the fruit and flowers that are her riches. It is the kingdom which cannot be overcome, and it is

the presence, the eternal presence of Christ who walks ahead of us.

Have you seen him whom my soul loves?

Let us pray,

Lord of the heavens and the earth,

You said, of the church in Laodicea that they had lost their first love. Have we too lost our first

love? Do we follow you now from tired habit or custom, without the spark of fire, the animation,

that only love for you can bring, that only love from you can give?

Lord, forgive us, and draw us once more into your created world, stunned by its beauty and the

life- gifts that surround us. And be the seal upon our hearts, for all eternity. Amen.

Contacts: Rev Dr Moyna McGlynn Minister 0141 419 0308 07532412496 moyna_mcglynn@hotmail.com Rev Judith Breakey Associate Minister 07858507282 Rev.judith.breakey@gmail.com Paul Cathcart Youth & Children's Outreach & Development Worker 01355 243970 07708396074 paulcathcart@msn.com Rev Andrew Thomson Pastoral Assistant 0141 641 2936 07772502774 thethomsons@hotmail.co.uk Elsie Donald Session Clerk 0141 883 0995 e_donald@ewkd.freeserve.co.uk Frank Brown Treasurer 0141 892 0283 frankbrown697@btinternet.com Gillian McIlreavy Communication Co-ordinator 07811332632 Church Office Tel: 0141 445 2010 glpcglasgow@googlemail.com Kenneth Naismith Parish Assistant 07789764105 kencaitheast@btinternet.com A copy of this magazine is available on our website which is:

www.govanlinthouseparish.org

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