The CompassAUGUST 2016

No. 48The Magazine of South Wishaw Parish Church of

ScotlandA record of where we have been and where we are going

SWPC LAUNCHES TWO INITIATIVESWEDNESDAY WELCOME

These new initiatives are part of the renewed focus of our Church as we seek to strengthen relationships with the community. Through these activities we are exploring opportunities whereby we can share our lives of faith with others in a relaxing and fun environment. We urge everyone to become actively involved in supporting these and other initiatives as we look to the future of our Church. This is Vision 21 in action

Wednesday welcome is a social activity running throughout most of the year. There will be something to please everyone, with big-screen movies, bingo, seated keep-fit, entertainers, line-dancing, crafts and card making and much more

SAMPLE 2 MONTH PROGRAMME (1.30pm – 4pm)

September 2016Wed 7th Club Opening

Wed 14th Seated Keep-fit and Crafts

Wed 21st Bingo

Wed 28th Big Screen Movie

October 2016Wed 5th Games Afternoon

Wed 12th Seated Keep-fit and Crafts

Wed 19th NO CLUB

Wed 26th Entertainer

South Wishaw Parish

Church presents

Saturday NightLive!

(2nd Sat of the month or as advertised)

Our new evening of entertainment will be a variety of events with people seated at tables, cafe style. Tea, coffee, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be sold at the beginning and during the interval. Doors open at 6.45pm for 7pm start.

Tickets for each evening £5.00

Below is the scheduled programme for the months of September and October. A full Session Programme should be available to uplift from the Church at September Communion.

October 2016Sat 8th

SWPC’s Got TalentCome and join in the fun as friends entertain us with their many talents.(If you’d like to be a contestant please contact Terry/church office.

November 2016Sat 12th

Scottish NightSongs, dance and some good old Scottish fare. What more could you ask for?(Don’t forget to wear a bit of tartan!)

December 2016Sat 10th Christmas CrackerEverything but the turkey will be on the menu tonight! Carols, tinsel and mince pies incl.(Bring your own mistletoe!

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Letter from the ManseWhat a summer - wet, windy and miserable for the most part! Winter can be a bit depressing for many who look forward to

their spirits being raised by the fair skies of spring and summer. There hasn’t been so much of that this year which I’m sure leaves many miserable with little to look forward to except the even darker skies of autumn and the winter to come. This is why holidays are so vital! They are a break from the normal routine or an escape from the dreariness of ordinary existence. That is why we find them so necessary and often stretch our finances to make sure we get at least a little time away from it all, perhaps with our families or to visit them, knowing how the memories of our time away can sustain us through the seasons until our next one.

Our life of faith can be the same as our weather front. It can go through the seasons with rarely a moment of Son-shine! Where we look forward in the hope that things will improve but nothing much changes.

And so we become disconsolate and ‘take a holiday’ from the only One who can really make a difference to how we cope with our lot. But wouldn’t it be better to take a holiday WITH God rather than FROM Him? Spending more time with God helps us to strengthen our relationship with Him and provides us with new experiences of His love and compassion, His grace and His mercy, the memories of which can sustain us through the seasons of life.

What might spending more time WITH God look like? Well, for each of us it would be different, much as we would no doubt choose to go on different types of holidays. For some it might be spending time at a retreat centre such as The Bield in Perthshire, where expert spiritual guidance is also available. For others it may be to go on a walking holiday where you could spend time exploring and appreciating His glorious creation.

And for others it could be to find a sunny beach and lie down and stop for a while allowing God the time and space to speak and to minister to you. But it can also mean doing things differently where you are.

Engaging more with your heart and spirit in the music worship. Being open to receiving more from God through the preaching of His word. Getting alongside others in groups to explore your faith and supporting one another in prayer. Speaking more openly to others about your faith and inviting them to meet your Saviour.

Over the coming autumn and winter months there will be a number of opportunities to do some or all of these things within and outside of our church. Why not start planning your ‘holiday with God’ now? It will, I am sure, be quite an adventure and one I look forward to hearing all about and sharing in.

Your brother in Christ

Terry

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016

In May of this year our Minister and Session Clerk were commissioned to attend the General Assembly of The Church of Scotland in Edinburgh

We opted to travel daily and were pleasantly surprised to find we could travel direct from Wishaw Central to Edinburgh Waverley by train. This proved to be a bonus as it meant we could have some time for some chin wagging and planning

At the Assembly it was good to hear first-hand of all the work being done by The Church of Scotland at home and abroad.

The business was conducted by the Moderator in a most efficient but light hearted manner.

The Assembly was also attended daily by representatives of the Youth Assembly. While it was good to see the Young men and women present they did try to monopolise debates and all had the ability to talk incessantly.

All in all the Assembly was interesting and enjoyable and it was a pleasure to be one of SWPCs representatives.

LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES

The General Assembly gas had a change of mind in relation to Long Service Certificates.

A few years ago they stopped the presentation of any certificates after someone had received one. Now Certificates may be presented to anyone with 30, 40, 50 etc. years of service either as an Elder or IN ANY OTHER CONTINUOUS AREA OF CHURCH SERVICE.

If you fall into any such category then please contact the Session Clerk as soon as possible and certainly before end of September 2016

AUGUST HOLIDAY CLUB 2016The Summer Holiday Club took place during the week 8th-12th August.

ANOTHER HIT FOR THE SUMMER FETE!

OUCH! – THAT HURT

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This year the Title was ‘GOING BANANAS’ and scene setters erected a mock Tropical Island in the Church Hall ready to greet the children as they flew in on SWPC Airways Flight 101 from Wishaw International Airport made more realistic by Flight Attendants, and a simulate flight video.

On the Island the children were greeted by two BANANA BOYS, Ripe and Rotten who, in a series of fun packed sketches introduced Biblical Characters who all arrived via the TIME MACHINE and told their stories. In this manner we met Noah, Gideon, Zacchaeus. Elijah and Jemima (the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume.)

There were crafts appropriate to the character being discussed together with suitable games around the Theme.

Going Banana was explained to the children as the effect of someone being really very excited with doing as God had told them.

Each day the Kitchen staff ensured that all were fed and watered and our thanks is due to them, the Club Leaders and Helper and in particular to Ripe, played by Janette McIntyre and Rotten played by the Minister

.

Altogether the 35 children who attended each day reported having a great time as they participated in the various activities and sang songs and choruses with great enthusiasm.

The Leaders re-enacted some of what had been done at a special Sunday Service following the Club. We are indeed very fortunate to have a Team who have ran our Holiday Clubs, mostly 2 each year, with great enthusiasm and commitment and we express thanks to each of them.

Next Holiday Club Easter 2017. Like to Help?

Speak to ANY of our Team

Ready, Aim Fire, A youngster sores a direct hit on Minister’s face!

Our Fete total this year was a bit down on last year but in excess of £7000. That is still and impressive amount.

Once again the Congregation rallied to the cause by donating, baking, creating crafts, selling tickets making tea and coffee, serving tables, washing dishes, carting and erecting tables, counting money, organizing games, having your face and battered by wet sponges, operating various stalls and, in a number of cases making substantial donations.

A team of helpers spent a lot of time ensuring that tables were all in place and ready for the opening which this year was performed by our Minister, Terry Moran.

Thanks to everyone who helped in any way but particular thanks to Ronnie Murray who once again lead the SWPC Fete Team in another magnificent and successful team effort.

BOOM! BOOM!

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a

garage makes you a car.

South Wishaw and St Mark’s IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN 3

Parish Churchespresent

Pantomime byGRAHAM

BARRACLOUGHG. WIZZ PROMOTIONS

www.gwizzpromotions.co.ukGWizzProm@gmail.com

Performances at SWPC on Friday 13th/Sat 14th JanAnd at St Mark’s on Fri 20th/Sat 21st Jan 2017

(Matinees on both Saturdays)

Auditions will have taken place by the time you read this. But if you wish to be

involved just speak to Terry

RESPECT OF GIFT AID

As you are aware we receive annually from HM Revenue and Customs, a repayment of tax on your Annual donations and Offerings to the Church through the Gift Aid Scheme.

If you do contribute and are a tax payer please completes a Gift Aid Declaration Form, this enables the Church to benefit. If you have already completed a form then there is no need to complete another.

If However, you NO LONGER PAY TAX, the Church is NOT ENTITLED to claim Gift Aid on your behalf and you should notified our Gift Aid Convener as soon as possible to update our records.

Should you wish further information or clarification please contact Barbara Vincent on 384884 or email barbarav@btinternet.com.

The assistance of all of us in this respect will be greatly appreciated.

SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOROur current Safeguarding Co-ordinator, Mrs Anne Wight has resigned that position for health reasons.

We wish to express our thanks to Anne for all the work that she has done in this important, and possibly the only essential, position in the Church.

This position is one where confidentiality, discretion and tact are absolutely necessary and Anne always displayed these attributes.

We wish Anne well and trust that she will regain her strength so as she will be able to return fully to our fellowship.

WEDNESDAY WELCOME1.30pm-4pm

In South Wishaw Church HallFrom 7th September 2016

A sample of the first three months programme isPrinted on the first page

All for only £2.00 per week (incl. Tea and Cake)

So why not join us for some fun and friendship – you will be made to feel most welcome

South Wishaw Parish Churchpresents

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE2nd Saturday of month

or as advertisedFrom 8th October 2016

See front page for sample programme

Sharing Circle Outing to Dundee.

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This year the outing was to Dundee, leaving at 10.00am we went straight to Dundee passing over the Forth Bridge and arriving at about 12.00noon. This gave us a longer spell at Dundee allowing for a light lunch then time to explore the City, do some shopping or sightseeing. The weather was dry with a bit of cloud which was quite comfortable for walking about. One of the popular attractions is Captain Cook’s ship, the RRS Discovery which is at the waterfront.

Walking round the Centre of Dundee there are many nice buildings to be seen and visited. There are some old pals from years gone by that you are likely to see.

Leaving Dundee at 4.00pm we made our way to Inchture Hotel, which is about 5 miles out of Dundee on the way home, where we had a nice meal. Everyone enjoyed their meal and our thanks go to Iain who pre-booked the meal and organised the outing.

By this time it had started to rain and it was wet all the way home. However, we all had a nice day and arrived back home about 8.30pm.

LIFE GROUPS

This is the New Name for what was our Two Bible Study. Groups.

These two Groups meet in the Church Lounge on Wednesday morning and Thursday Evening throughout the Session. It is hoped that we will be able to develop these further, with groups being formed to meet throughout the area in people’s homes.

Such Groups are a great way to build existing friendships as well as getting to know a manageable number of new people quickly. Each group has its own distinct flavour, and all provide the opportunity to pray, share and learn about God, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

If anyone is interested in becoming involved, either by hosting, leading or attending such a group please contact the minister on 07766007171 or drop an email to TMoran@churchofscotland.org.

THE FELLOWSHIPThe 'Fellowship' known previously as 'The Men's Club' then 'The Men's Fellowship' had a name change to the 'The Fellowship' about two years ago.    This was to remove the implication that only men could attend these meetings and although at present it is mainly men who have been attending there have been occasions when some ladies did attend where the speaker was of particular interest.     We now would invite all members of the congregation, male and female (and friends) who may be interested in a particular speaker to attend on that night where a very warm welcome will be made.        A new syllabus for the coming season has been drawn up including a variety of interesting topics and speakers.   This will be available prior to the first meeting which will be on Monday 3rd. October 2016 at 7.30pm.        The meetings commence with a short devotion of a hymn, a scripture reading and a prayer followed by the speaker for that night then ending with a cup of tea and biscuits at about 9.00pm.

THE GUILD

The Guild will begin its new session on Monday 3rd October 2016 when we meet in the Session Room at 7.30pm. The Secretary has been working hard preparing an interesting syllabus which should be available in a few weeks.

However as reported in the June issue the ladies met informally on Monday evenings in May and June, this proved both enjoyable and popular so much so, that we plan to meet informally on Monday evenings in September starting on 5th September.

We will be glad to welcome both current and new members to all of the meetings or even just one if the speakers’ subject is of interest.

Of course all the meetings include time for a chat and the essential cup of tea

We look forward to meeting all interested on Monday evenings.

A YEAR’S REFLECTION(Session Clerk)

It is just over a year ago that I, as Chairman of our Church Nominating

Most of these initiatives are not designed specifically to ‘teach’ Christianity but rather to have participants ‘catch’ Christianity from

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING –

Over The last few years we have, as

RSS Discovery

Minnie the MinxDesperate Dan

Oor Wullie

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Committee, had the pleasure of reporting to the Congregation that the Committee had unnanimously agreed to recommend that we call Rev Terry Moran to be our new Minister. The Committee was pleased when the Congregation wholehearted voted to endorse our recommendation.

Discussions in the Committee had strongly concluded that our new Minister had to be someone who would initiate changes. Having interviewed Terry we were sure that he and the Committee were on the same wavelength in that respect.

That this has proved to be correct is now beyond doubt. There has been some change with some other changes likely to follow.

Another concern in the Nominating Committee was to ensure that the new Minister was a willing participant in Community outreach. We expressed the hope that whoever was to be the new Minister would help us ensure that what we did in our refurbished premises would appeal to people who did not normally frequent our buildings. We kept in mind that this was the whole rationale behind our Vision 21 project.

We have begun to undertake some new initiiatives. Messy Church has seen a number of new leaders in the Kingdom Kids Leadership Team. The Holiday Club continues to have a real community impact. Our Bible Study Groups have rebranded themselves as Life Groups and our Mid-Week Service has steadily grown since starting..

Elsewhere in this Compass Edition we can see details of some other new initiatives. A new WEDNESDAY WELCOME GROUP replaces the wound up Wedesday Afternoon Meeting. A SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE programme of events also looks far more likely to be of interest to people in the Community as well as to some of own members.. We are undertaking a Joint Venture with Saint Mark’s to produce and run a Pantomime in both places in January of 2017.

the people in South Wishaw Parish Church by means of our Love, our Welcome and our General Attitude.

All of these activities and Groups mean that some rearrangement of facilities will be necessary to provide storage for materials and equipment required.

What we do in South Wishaw Parish Church must be seen to be done to a standard that impresses participants. Amateurism, slipshod materials and presentation will never attract people in 2016,

Rearrangement will cause some inconvenience but there are very few groups in the church that are not inconvenienced in some way, some obviously more than others. Moving one Group’s storage from one cupboard to another has allowed 3 other groups to have storage facilities and this has, in turn, freed up a cupboard that can be used to store kitchen equipment that is not used on a weekly basis thus enabling reqularly used equipment to be stored more securely.

A realistic look at our ‘normal’ Church Groups, Guild, Men’s Fellowship, Sharing Circle etc show that all of them are experiencing a drop in membership some, of course, more than others. These Groups, of course, provide a valuable programme for those who have had long term membership of them. It is not suggested that they are past their ‘sell by’ date but only that their appeal to new Church personnel and others seems limited.

Our Kirk Sessioni is ageing fast and its declining number means that membership of the Congregational Bard has to be reduced to an equal number. That is why the Session and Board are actively looking at an alternative administrative model that could increase involvemnet of more members, particularly younger men and women.

All change causes concern. No change causes paralysis and eventual death.

part of the Macmillan Biggest Coffee Morning in the World, organised an event in the Church Hall. Every year the amount we raise is now over £1,000 – all of which goes to the Macmillan charity.

This year’s event is taking place on Saturday 3rd September from 10am until 1pm. We have delicious cakes to eat and to buy, tea and coffee as well as a tombola stall and home -made cards. I am sure there is no-one who has not been affected by cancer in one way or another and this is our chance to help Macmillan Nurses make sure that no-one faces cancer alone.

If you can help with your time, baking or tombola donations, please speak to Jean Dawson or just come along with your friends on the day and give your support by enjoying the goodies.

COMPASS THOUGHT“There is nothing valued more highly than to have people praying for us, God links up His power in answer to their prayers”

Mother Teresa put it very well when she said

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved”

We shoud take time to count and appreciate our partnerships and connections – especially in those moments when we need a bit of encouragement

(Submtted by Cath Brown)----------

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CHURCH FLOWERS –A big thank you to all who have donated flowers for the Sanctuary, or have given donations to the

Flower Fund. These flowers are much appreciated by those who receive them.

The current flower calendar is well underway and is in the front vestibule. Spaces are still available so feel free to add your name to it when passing.

THE WORSHIP GROUPThe worship group are just about to start back after a well-deserved summer holiday. I am immensely proud of everybody in the group for their hard work over the last year. We managed to put together a fabulous Christmas musical in Come Messiah King! Last December, when in the same fortnight we also had appearances at two other churches singing completely different programmes! Then to follow that we learnt some less familiar tunes for the Scottish night in January before careering headfirst into another musical. This time, Kingdom, Power, Glory was performed during the service on Easter Sunday. Even my illness could not stop the worship group from giving it their all!

In order to keep the forward momentum and to continue our ministry through music, as soon as the rehearsals start we will leap into At Last, Noel, a challenging Christmas musical which we will perform here in December. Much like last year, this show features readings and a mixture between well-known and new songs and music. I believe the worship group will love learning and singing it, and I do hope you will enjoy hearing it come winter!

In other news, for anyone who remembers from previous Compass editions my quest to write new worship songs for us to sing on Sunday mornings, you may wish to know that my mission was almost a total success in that I was only two songs below my target. If at first you don’t succeed...

In order to raise the stakes, I am now setting myself a more ambitious goal of composing 15 new worship songs before June 2017. And now that I’ve committed myself to it... I’d better get cracking! Robert

Kids Church (Ages 0-18)Sundays 10.50am in Church Hall

1st Sunday of the month Kingdom Teens join service in the Church, and will be on welcoming and tea serving

teams.

.18 Sept Messy Harvest 3.30-5.30

30 Oct Messy Halloween Party 3.30-5.30Come dressed up for games and fun!(Children must be accompanied by an adult)

CLUBFree kids’ drop-in club while parents go off to complete the essential Christmas shopping in

peace! Advent themed crafts and games to get you in the Christmas mood! Early booking

recommended as spaces limited!Sat 3rd, 10th & 17th Dec. 2-4pm (aged 5-12)

Plus join us for our18 Dec Nativity Service 11am

24th Dec. Christingle Service

WANT TO BECOMEA CHURCH MEMBER?

If so contact the Minister as soon as possible

To be included in next intake

8th October 2016

SWPC’s GOT TALENTCome and join in the fun as friends entertain us

with their many talents(if you would like to be a contestant please

contact Terry

Tea, Coffee, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be sold at the beginning and during the Interval.

Doors Open 6.45pm for 7pm start.

Tickets for each evening £5.00(free entry for under 12s)

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Church Contact Numbers –MINISTER:Rev Terry Moran3 Walter Street -767459Church 375306

Session ClerkJohn Irvine,59 Coltness Road - 381512Congregational Board Clerk -Jean Dawson27 Louisville Avenue - 383380Treasurer:Peter McLaughlan,12 Hillfoot Gardens - 294618 Roll Keeper: Agnes Irvine,59 Coltness Road - 381512Convener of Property Group: Tom Dawson27 Louisville Avenue - 383380Compass Editor: e-mail to –southwishaw@tiscali.co.ukWFO EnvelopesRichard McIntyre21 Avon Avenue, Carluke01555 770614Gift Aid Convener –Barbara Vincent25 Mossland Drive - 384884

Sharing in Prayer

Please read through this edition of the

Compass and remember in your

Prayers, items which have touched

you. Thank God for those who maintain our premises, clean them and work hard to keep the inside and outside of our buildings. Seek God’s blessing as we seek to progress and grow in Terry’s Ministry – and thank God for leading him to us now we’ve reached the first anniversary of his induction. Pray for the Leaders and Teachers of any of our Youth Groups as they encourage new youngsters into our fold. Pray for all involved as a new session starts within our buildings – all organisations and groups and those who lead them. Think of the people involved in the many aspects of our Church life– the Kirk Session, the Board – the Pastoral Visitors and our fellow members whether at home, in hospital or in nursing homes.

_Flower Calendar 2016_Date Contributor Distributor04/09/16 Betty Douglas J Easton11/09/16 Catherine Frame L McNeill18/09/16 Margaret Smellie A Matthews25/09/16 Elaine Renwick M L Archibald02/10/16 Marjory McGeary Morag Smellie09/10/16 Jean McMillan A Irvine16/10/16 June Easton J Dawson23/10/16 Margaret Wotherspoon J Easton30/10/16 B Anderson/J McDonald L McNeil06/11/16 Agnes Irvine A Matthews13/11/16 Emma Strachan M L Archibald20/11/16 Anne Weir Morag Smellie27/11/16 Anne Wight A Irvine04/12/16 Allison Reid J DawsonContributions to the Flower Fund can be placed in the box at the front of the

Church. If you would like to help to distribute flowers please let any office bearer know.

_Church Register:_Added to Church Roll –

Name AddressMiss Ann Gray Leighton Street

Funerals Name Address Date of FuneralLila Ferguson Stewarton Street 18.05.16Tom Rodger Branchalfield Drive 08.6.16Jean Glidden Waverley Drive 21.06.16Tom Watt Kirknowe Home 23.06.16Millie Cuthbertson Morningside Care

Home27.07.16

Isabel Taylor Heathfield 28.07.16“In my Father’s House there are many mansions”

BaptismsName Address Date of BaptismCorran Braithwaite Pather Street 24.07.16

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me”

3rd Sep Macmillan Coffee Morning 10am-1pm4th Sep Communion Services 11am and 3pm18th Sep Messy Harvest 3.30-5.30pm8th Oct SWPCs Got Talent – see inside for details9th Oct Harvest Sunday 11am30th Oct Messy Hallowe’en Party 3.30-5.30pm12th Nov Scottish Night13th Nov Remembrance Sunday4th Dec Communion Services 11am and 3pm

Deadline for next Compass – 13th November 2016e-mail: southwishaw@tiscali.co.uk

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