the link - issue 4

The magazine for the linked congregations and community of the

West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood

The Link

Rev David A Albon BA MCS 01506 870460

The Manse, 27 Learmonth Crescent

West Calder EH55 8AF

[email protected]

West Kirk Session Clerk Stewart MacRae 01506 872486 23 Westmuir Road West Calder EH55 8EX [email protected] Treasurer William Calder 01506 871281 25 Harburn Road West Calder EH55 8AJ [email protected]

Polbeth Harwood Session Clerk Marian Kinsman 01506 871125 12 Langside Crescent Polbeth EH55 8UW [email protected] Treasurer Tom Griffin 01506 438038 60 Easter Bankton Murieston Livingston EH54 9BE [email protected]

News Editor

Colin Dempster 01506 414565

140 Staunton Rise

Dedridge West Livingston EH54 6PA

[email protected]

www.west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk

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Issue 4 December 2005 – January 2006

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A Word From Our Minister The Manse 27 Learmonth Crescent West Calder EH55 8AF 3rd December 2005 Dear Friends, Once again it is the month of December and we are in the wonderful Season of Advent. As always, many of us will be busy with the many things there are to do at this time of year, and in the middle of it all, trying to take time to focus on what is at the heart of it all – the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of what that means. In our Sunday services throughout Advent in the West Kirk and Polbeth Harwood we will be spending time preparing ourselves for Christmas. We’ll be lighting Advent Candles, singing seasonal hymns, carols and songs, listening to Scripture readings and praying our Advent prayers, as well as bringing gifts for those in need, and hearing the Christmas story again through our children and young people. And when Christmas comes, we will celebrate! Take a look at the list of the services and times in our churches throughout December. We are planning Christmas Eve services in both churches again this year. For the Christmas Eve Family service at Polbeth Harwood we would like to invite children aged around eight and under from the villages to come dressed as Mary, Joseph, the donkey, the innkeeper, shepherds, angels, wise men, kings and the star and join in the Nativity with us (it won’t matter if there is more than one of each!). There will also be a Watch-night Service at the West Kirk with carols, readings, poems and drama. This year, Christmas Day is on a Sunday and so is the first day of the New Year. After the success of our united services last year we will be gathering in each other’s churches for united services again this year. See the listing of services for details. You are very welcome to any or all of our services over this festive season! I’d like to leave you with a short poem that speaks about the importance of Advent. Celebrating Advent means being able to wait. Waiting, however, is an art That our impatient age has forgotten … We must wait For the greatest, most profound, Most gentle things in the world; Nothing happens in a rush, But only according to the divine laws Of germination and growth and becoming. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) I wish you a fruitful Advent, a very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year!

Rev David A Albon Minister of the Parish Churches of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood

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The Church Family (Parish Record)

West Kirk

Baptisms Sally Jane Calder (daughter of David and Sigrid) Logan John Dickinson (son of Alisdair and Melanie)

Polbeth Harwood

Funerals 3rd November Elizabeth Balloch, Parkhead Cottages 8th November Ellen Davidson, Parkhead Cottages

Funerals 17th November Betty Toynbee, Main Street, West Calder

Worship in the Linked Congregations Sunday Morning Worship will take place in the West Kirk at 9.30 am and in Polbeth Harwood at 11.15 am unless stated otherwise. Special services are as follows: 27th November First Sunday of Advent

4th December Second Sunday of Advent; Sacrament of Baptism; Admission of New Members and Communion at both Churches 6.30 pm – United Evening Communion – West Kirk 11th December Third Sunday of Advent; Gift Service – West Kirk Morning Worship – Polbeth Harwood 18th December Fourth Sunday of Advent; All-Age Nativity Service – West Kirk Morning Worship – Polbeth Harwood Christmas Eve 7 pm – Family Nativity Service – Polbeth Harwood 11.30 pm – Watch-Night Service – West Kirk Christmas Day 11 am – United All-Age Service – West Kirk Note: No Service at Polbeth today 1st January 11.15 am – United All-Age Service – Polbeth Harwood Note: No Service at the West Kirk today

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Reflections

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and on earth peace to all in whom

He delights.” Luke 2:14

“Gaun tae the shops, Maryam?” “Yes, Mary, I’m ready.” “See, Christmas shoppin’, Maryam, ah canny stand it nooadays. Presents for weans that hiv everythin’ a’ready, cairds, decorations, drink for the men, mountains i’ food. An’ ye ken me - hopeless at cookin’. Oh, my, but yer kitchen smells lovely! Is that thae spices?” “Yes, Mary, they make everything very tasty, especially when I can’t afford expensive food.” “Same as me! Is that no’ amazin’? Ah use spices in the Christmas dumplin’ - cheaper than a cake. Noo, if we’re quick we’ll catch that bus.” “Aw, look at thae Christmas lights, Maryam, are thae no’ braw? Fair cheers ye up in these grey days and long black nights! Ah’m no offendin’ ye, ah hope. Shall ah cau’ thaim ….. Winter Lights?” “Not at all! They are beautiful, whatever you call them ….. Will I help you to choose your cards, Mary?” “Naw, I got them in September at the Fair Trade stall. Nice ones, wi’ doves i’ peace an’ candles an’ that. Yer lucky, Maryam, no’ havin’ tae bother yersel’ wi’ Christmas ….. Dae you ever send cairds?” “Oh, yes, Mary. We have festivals too. At the end of Ramadan and Hajj we go to the mosque for prayers and then we meet in the community hall and have a big party with our families and friends and we send cards to those who are not with us.” “Whit dae yer cairds say, Maryam?” “We wish them peace and happiness.” “Same as us! Is that no’ amazin’? Here’s the toy shop. Ah want tae get your weans a wee mindin’ tae, Maryam. Will ye help me to pick something nice?” “That’s very kind, Mary. But I thought you couldn’t stand Christmas.” “Och whit’s another couple i’ toys between friends.” “So whit’s this Rammy thing, Maryam?” “Ramadan? Well we fast during daylight hours for a month, then we have our celebration. And Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca where our prophet Muhammad was born. And that ends with another celebration.” “Like oor Lent and Bethlehem an’ that? Same as us. Is that no’ amazin’? And you’ve got a prophet, tae, ye say?” “Yes. And Jesus is one of our prophets, too.”

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“No’ quite the same as us ….. but is that no’ amazin’?” “Jist time for a cuppa before the bus hame, Maryam. Aye, we hiv tae count oor blessin’s. There’ll be mony a sair heart this Christmas. Ah canny get yon wee lassie’s picture oot ma mind ….. ye know, the one that lost her dad in the train bombin’ an’ she an’ her mammy met the Queen at the memorial service? An’ yon other picture, tae, Maryam, i’ the bomber’s widow wi’ her new wee wean in her airms. Same as each other, Maryam, same as each other.” “Yes, Mary, it does not bearing thinking about. But what can we do?” “Oh, there’s the bus, Maryam. Oan ye go. Yer limpin’. Are yer feet sair?” “Yes, a bit, Mary. But my heart is sore too.” “Ye need stronger shoes for oor shoppin’ trips ….. But ye know whit ah think. If your ministers ….. whit dae ye ca’ them?” “Imams, Mary. And they preach the word of Allah from minbars.” “Ye hiv pulpits tae? Same as us! Is that no’ amazin’? Well, ah wis sayin’ ….. if yer imams announced fae their minbars that they would change the dates i’ Ramadan ….. jist for a trial, ye know ….. and oor ministers told oor congregations fae oor pulpits, that we were a’ invited tae each others’ churches an’ mosques for a celebration thegether ….. same as each other jist for a wee while like ….. wid that no’ stop the trouble? An oor members could ring the bells an’ your members could sing fae the minarets ….. An’ widn’t that be a grand sound tae start the prayers an’ the pairty!” “That would be a lovely Christmas present, Mary ….. to sooth all the sore hearts. Yes, would that not be amazing?” “Aye, an’ wid that no’ half please God or Allah ….. or whitever we like to ca’ Him?”

Ann

West Kirk Fundraising Group Report The hall was full for the Whist Drive in October, which raised the magnificent total of £420. Many thanks to Margaret Lamb and Jean Graham along with their families for organising this successful event. Also to the Fund Raising

Group members and friends who set up the tables and arranged for the catering by baking, making sandwiches, serving at the interval and tidying up afterwards. All very much appreciated. By the time you read this the Christmas Candy Bar will have passed and we hope that you all enjoyed it.

May we wish all our friends and regulars a very happy Christmas and a good New Year.

Jill Murray (Convener)

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West Kirk Guild Report At our meeting in October we welcomed Janet Graham and her friend Hazel. Janet told us about her training in the Bowen Technique of holistic therapy, whilst demonstrating on Hazel. Regular treatment can help manage stress and a whole range of health problems. Some of our ladies enjoyed a short “taster” treatment from Janet as we watched her using her thumbs and fingers to stimulate energy into the muscles and soft tissue. The Guild Coffee Day raised the excellent total of £606. Thanks to all who helped in any way. Mary Ferrie was our speaker on 7th November. Determined that the old traditional rhymes would not be lost, she has written a book entitled “the Gemme’s a Bogey”. She recited nursery, playground and party rhymes in Scots from it, which brought back happy childhood memories to us. We had forgotten how funny many of these rhymes were and agreed that the youngsters today would enjoy them too. We look forward to our guest night with Bill Russell on 21st November and our visit to the Clyde Valley on the 28th for a spot of Christmas shopping. Dates for your diary:

5th December Jint’s Jools – Modern Jewellery

12th December Christmas Meal – La Capannina

9th January Call My Bluff (Quiz Game)

23rd January The Body Shop - Rosanna Rabaeijs

6th February A Day At The Palace – Eileen Milne

Happy Christmas to you all and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Jill Murray (Joint Secretary)

Winter’s came, The snow has fell Wee Josie’s nosis frozis well, Wee Josie’s frozen nosis skintit, Winter’s diabolic, intit?

Bud Neill (Glasgow Cartoonist)

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Blythswood Care Shoe Box Appeal Thank you to everyone at the West Kirk who supported this worthy cause. The donations of paper, boxes, items, money donations and completed boxes realised a final total of 34 boxes. It was a great response to a fairly informal request this year. Watch this space … next year!! If anyone is buying shoes in the coming months please can you ask for the shoebox? If you don’t need the box yourself can you donate them for next year’s appeal? Thank you.

Rhoda, Mark, Kathryn and Eleanor Lawton

The Youth Link By now our rehearsals will be under way for the Nativity service on Sunday 18th December. The children have had quite a bit of input this year as we sent out a questionnaire to get their opinions on what they like and dislike doing in this service so hopefully we have managed to get something to suit every child, the feedback certainly made interesting reading. The children will also visit Stewart Court after our Nativity service to share their message with the residents.

We will be holding our gift service on Sunday 11th December, and if you would like to bring along a gift it would be very much appreciated. Children's gifts of primary school age will be given to Barnardo's, hats and scarves will go to the homeless in the Lothians and distributed by Bethany Trust or a gift for one of the young mums in Martha House in West Calder would be well received. Please just take a few minutes to clearly label where you would like your gift to go. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

The children and teachers of the Youth Link would like to wish all the readers of The Link a Very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year.

Lorna Graham

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Christmas Wordsearch

• Mary • Joseph • Jesus • Nazareth • Bethlehem • Baby • Angel • Son • God

• Inn • Night • Shepherds • Sheep • Birth • Manger • Wise Men • Star • Room

Christmas Quiz

1 Name the three wise men. 2 Irving Berlin wrote ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’. It was sung by Bing Crosby in

which 1942 film? 3 Name Santa’s reindeer. 4 How many ghosts visited Ebenezer Scrooge in a ‘Christmas Carol’? 5 ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was sung in the film ‘Meet me in St Louis’. Who

sang it? 6 Who wrote ‘The Little Match Girl’? 7 What is the more common name of the popular children’s poem written in 1822 by Dr

Clement C Moore and first published with the title ‘An account of a visit from St Nicholas’? 8 New York ad writer Robert May wrote the lyrics to ‘Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer’ in

1939. In 1947 it was set to music and recorded by whom? 9 What nine were doing what in ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’? 10 What joint contribution did Sir Henry Cole and John Calcott Horsley make to our

Christmas heritage? 11 What do W C Fields and Charlie Chaplin have in common? 12 How many birds were given as gifts in ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’? 13 Who sang, in December 1963, ‘All I want for Christmas is a Beatle’? 14 Name which Beatles songs were Christmas number ones in the correct year. The years

were 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1967. 15 Who sang ‘Last Christmas’ in 1985? 16 What is the connection between these two number one records? ‘It Doesn’t Matter

Anymore’ 1959 and ‘My Ding-A-Ling’ 1971? 17 From which Christmas song do these words come from? ‘City sidewalks, busy side walks

dressed in holiday style’ 18 Good King Wenceslas was ‘King’ of which modern day country? 19 St Nicholas was a 4th century bishop in which modern day country? 20 Who was Emperor of Rome when Jesus was born?

Answers on page 10

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Funny sketches, great songs and thought provoking activities, all in one worship. An alternative worship, an interactive worship, a 3D worship.

At the end of October a congregation from the West Kirk, Polbeth and many other churches met at the West Kirk to worship God in a different way. The theme of the service (if that’s what you want to call it) was based on the excess baggage we carry around in our daily lives and how we might ask God for help to get rid of it. This was illustrated using the television programs ‘What Not To Wear’ and ‘Changing Rooms’ as a basis for very funny sketches. It was a huge amount of fun and I would like to thank Loraine and Louise for listening to what we wanted in worship. I would also like to thank everyone who spent time organising the service to make it as enjoyable as it was. I can’t wait for the next one !!!!!!!!

Isla McNaught Answers to the Christmas Quiz

1 The three wise men were Casper, Melchior & Balthazar. 2 ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ was sung by Bing Crosby in ‘Holiday Inn’. 3 Santa’s reindeers were Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner,

and Blitzen. 4 Ghosts in a ‘Christmas Carol’? Four – Christmases past, present and future , and Jacob

Marley. 5 ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was sung by Judy Garland. 6 ‘The Little Match Girl’ was written by Hans Christian Anderson. 7 ‘An account of a visit from St Nicholas’ is known as ‘The Night Before Christmas’. 8 ‘Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer’ was recorded by Gene Autrey. 9 ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ nine Ladies were Dancing. 10 Christmas heritage? The Christmas Card - Cole commissioned them in 1843 and Horsley

designed them. 11 W C Fields and Charlie Chaplin both died on Christmas Day - 1946 and 1977. 12 ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ 184 birds in total. 13 ‘All I want for Christmas is a Beatle’ was sung by Dora Bryan. 14 1963 I want to hold your hand; 1964 I feel fine; 1965 Day Tripper/We can work it out;

1967 Hello Goodbye. 15 ‘Last Christmas’ was sung by Wham. 16 The connection is Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry. 17 ‘City sidewalks …..’ etc is from Silver Bells. 18 Good King Wenceslas was ‘King’ of the Czech Republic. 19 St Nicholas was a 4th century bishop in Turkey. 20 The Emperor of Rome when Jesus was born was Augustus.

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Hark, the Herald Angels Sing The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols traditionally finishes with Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. Like many popular carols, the words and music were written years apart, in fact they weren’t put together for 115 years and neither writer nor composer knew the end result.

In 1739 Charles Wesley – who, with his brother John, founded the Methodist movement – wrote the words. It originally began ‘Hark, how the welkin (sky or heaven) rings’, but George Whitefield, a Methodist colleague of Wesley’s, later changed it. The music comes from a cantata written by German composer Felix Mendelssohn, in 1840, to commemorate Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press.

It was not until 1855 – after Mendelssohn and Wesley had died – that Dr WH Cummings, Professor of Singing at the Royal Academy of Music in London, put the words and music together to form the carol we know today. It seems neither Wesley nor Mendelssohn would have approved. Mendelssohn maintained his music was for secular use, while Wesley had requested that his words be put to slow, solemn rhythms. But then we would never have had one of our favourite carols!

Traidcraft at the West Kirk Before the year closes, I wanted to say a heartfelt Thank you to all those of you who are supporting this venture. I am grateful to those of you who buy from the stall, whether it be regularly or on an occasional basis – your custom is always much appreciated. Interest and sales have increased recently and this is great news. I also want to say a big thank you to the young people who cheerfully and faithfully help me by manning the stall, tidying up at the end and counting the money! You make my life a lot easier! Finally, I know there are those of you who may not necessarily buy from the stall, but who I know encourage Fair Trade by buying from the supermarket or elsewhere. Indeed, buying from the supermarket is important because it sends the message to the big chain stores that we do care about how we spend our money and where the goods are coming from and what happens to the profits. So give this a thought next time you do your weekly shop! Let’s remember that supporting Fair Trade is important, wherever and however you may choose to do it – we can make a difference!

Jean Pringle

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Rota Information

West Kirk Crèche Rota Contact Freya Lornie 01506 870070 Note: Please check dates and arrange a substitute if you are unable to be there.

18th December Christine Paterson Freya Lornie

8th January Olive Gibson Val Occardi

15th January Louise Holden Rhoda Lawton

22nd January Margaret Farquhar Freya Lornie

29th January Christine Paterson Melanie Dickson

5th February Olive Gibson Louise Holden

12th February Rhoda Lawton Val Occardi

West Kirk Tea Rota Contact Olive Gibson 01506 871291 Note: Tea Makers, please bring milk.

18th December

Kate Jessiman Olive Gibson

25th December No Teas (Service at West Kirk)

1st January No Teas (Service at Polbeth Harwood)

8th January Katie Albon Olive Gibson

15th January Margaret Lamb Jean Graham

22nd January George Stott Morag Stott

29th January Mary Wyse Olive Gibson

5th February Irene Grindlay Margaret Rennie

12th February May Young Olive Gibson

West Kirk Flower List If you would like to give flowers in 2006, please add your name to the list when it goes up in the church vestibule. If you would like to give in January or early February, please make contact with the person arranging the flowers.

Given Arranged Delivered

18th December The Youth Link (Sunday School) Teachers n/a

25th December The Youth Link (Sunday School) Teachers n/a

1st January Service at Polbeth Harwood

8th January Margot McEwan & Margaret

Douglas

Kathy Black

15th January Rosanna Rabaeijs Moira McRae

22nd January Katie Albon Margaret Ann Smith

29th January Evelyn Paterson Ivy Johnstone

5th February Margot McEwan & Margaret

Douglas

Irene Grindlay

12th February Rosanna Rabaeijs Kathy Black

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West Kirk Duty Rota

Door Duty

Car Run

18th December Christine Nicholl Evelyn Paterson Jill Murray George Stott

25th December Hazel Tod Juanita Allan George Stott Stewart Munro

1st January Service at Polbeth Harwood Richard Bryce

8th January Liz Dyer Alex Easton Richard Bryce Derek Burns

15th January Victor Ferguson Lorna Graham Jeanette Ferguson Hugh Clarkson

22nd January Beryl Henderson Alan Jessiman Irene Grindlay Robert Hawes

29th January Stewart Munro Jill Murray Jim Milne Beryl Henderson

5th February Evelyn Paterson Alison McNaught Christine Nicholl Alan Jessiman

12th February Juanita Allan George Stott Hazel Tod Stewart Munro

Polbeth Harwood Duty Rota Door Duty

18th December Alice Mackay Kenneth Mackay Anna Muirhead Tom Walker

25th December Service at West Kirk

1st January Janet Russell William McCallum Etta Walker Gordon Erskine

8th January Lilias Fairley William Fairley Reeta Griffin Frank Mabbutt

15th January Betty Upton Anne Weston-Lewis Jimmy Greer Charlie Sturrock

22nd January Margaret Dempster Nancy Fitzpatrick Eleanor Davidson Margaret Hampson

29th January Jenny Doyle Janice Davidson Bob Dickson Wilma Dickson

Polbeth Harwood Café Rota

11th January

Jimmy Greer Maisie Baird Janet Wilson

18th January Finlay Carymillie Effie Halliday Grace Peace

25th January Gordon Erskine Chrissie McCormack Esther Hamilton

1st February Wilma Dickson Jenny Doyle Jessie Kelly

8th February

Frank Mabbutt Betty Upton Janet Walker

15th February Jimmy Greer Maisie Baird Janet Wilson

Polbeth Harwood Cleaning Rota

18th December Esther Hamilton Patricia Erskine

8th January Margaret Hampson Andrea Whigham

15th January Mary Mabbutt Frank Mabbutt

22nd January Anna Muirhead Betty McAulay

29th January Mary Gray Josephine Greer

5th February Marian Kinsman Joan Philips

12th February Linda Eardley Hazel Speirs

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Advent

Put simply, Advent is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. Originally it was similar in length to Lent, the 40-day period of fasting before Easter, and lasted six weeks. It was later reduced to include just four Sundays. The word derives from the Latin advenio, meaning ‘I come’, because it’s the time when we remember Jesus’ birth and also his promise that one-day he will come again. Churches throughout the world mark Advent in different ways. The Moravians hang a many-pointed star to remind them of the one that guided the Wise Men.

Elsewhere, many people count down to Christmas with an Advent wreath, which has five candles. Each Sunday a candle is lit and the final candle is lit on Christmas Day. The evergreen is the ancient symbol of immortality, life and growth, while the circle symbolises God’s everlasting love.

Contributions for the next edition Contributions for the February edition should be submitted to either Rev David Albon or Colin Dempster, by Sunday 22nd January.

Thank you

The congregations and community of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood wish to thank Hugh K Clarkson & Sons for their generosity and support in producing The Link. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and every good wish for 2006.

Paws… for thought

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.

Robert Brault (Author)

the link - issue 4

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