LARBERT EAST CHURCH – LIST OF OFFICE BEARERS

Ministers: Rev Melville Crosthwaite Mr Roy Cordukes Church Officer: Mr John Carmichael Organist: Mrs Margaret Appelbe Session Clerk: Robin Duncan Depute Session Clerk: Mrs Eleanor Neilson Roll Keeper: Mr Duncan Paterson Clerk and Depute Clerk to Deacon’s Court: Duncan and Margaret Walker Treasurer: Mrs Kate Duncan:

Assistant Treasurer: Mr Stuart Rae Gift Aid: Mrs Kate Duncan Property Convener: Mr John Green Deputy Convener: Mr Eric Oswald Flower Convener (Acting): Mrs Margaret Walker Hall Lets Convener: Mrs Margaret Anderson

Young Church Leader: Mrs Senga Smith 562785

Crèche Organiser: Mrs Charlene Jamieson Website Editor:

Mr Stuart Jamieson

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JUNE 2013

Scottish Charities No. SC006456

Dear Friends

The Quiraing on the island of Skye is about a 5 mile walk, rising to a height of 1781 feet. The descent is sharper than the steepest part of the climb and at this time of the year it is extremely boggy. On our recent holiday, it took Irene and me nearly 4 hours. When faced with the steepest part, I had to stop several times and catch my breath. But we managed the whole walk unscathed, apart from me slipping on the way down and ending up in an undignified, muddy heap!

I found the Quiraing quite a challenge, but for some just getting out of bed in the morning and facing the day ahead, can be tough. We may have to cope with the exhaustion of sleepless nights courtesy of young children whilst trying to function like a normal human being at work. We may have to find a way of communicating with teenagers whose only word seems to be a gruff ‘Whatever’. We could be battling low self-esteem because we simply cannot find employment. Or we may wear a ‘crown of grey hair’ whilst struggling to come to terms with a body and mind that simply cannot do what it once did. Life is challenging.

American Christian channels on cable TV, have evangelists who proclaim that ‘if we come to Jesus, all our problems will be solved.’ Well – Jesus has never promised that. But He has promised He will always be with us. As He faced the challenge of the Crucifixion, Jesus said:

‘The Helper will come – the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God and who comes from the Father. I will send Him to you from the Father, and He will speak about me.’ John 15:26

So we do not face life’s challenges on our own. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to enable us to follow Him, and to overcome whatever problems we face. That includes challenges which daunt us, just as the steep final part of the Quiraing daunted me. Some problems will never have an instant solution. It may take a lifetime to come to terms with some things. But the Holy Spirit strengthens and guides us. And when we reach our journey’s end, Jesus, who was with us every step of the way, will be there to meet us. And we will hear him say;

‘Well done, you good and faithful servant! Come on in and share my happiness!’ Matthew 25:23

Until then, let’s keep on keeping on! May you know God’s richest blessings, Melville

CONGREGATIONAL REGISTER

BAPTISMS

‘LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME’

31/03/13 Eddie Burgess Webster Ellie Anderson

MARRIAGES

‘HE WHO LOVES IS A CHILD OF GOD AND KNOWS GOD’

26/04/13 Mr Steven Knight to Miss Dawn McCallum

DEATHS

‘I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE’

05/12/12 * Mr Alexander Erskine 06/02/13 Mr William McLean 05/03/13 * Mr John Harley 12/03/13 Mr Robert Ballantyne 14/03/13 Mrs Olive Balfour 18/03/13 Mrs Janet Phillips 28/03/13 *Mrs Margaret Ritchie 30/03/13 Mr Eddie Allan 06/04/13 *Mrs Jenny Jack

* denotes member

‘A MESSAGE FROM

THE MANSE’

MAY 2013

MAY 2013

CHRISTINE STONE - Our Mission Partner in Nepal

Dear Friends

There are plenty of difficulties in Nepal. For example I have just been talking to a teacher who is low caste, yet the children from his community don’t come to school at all regularly, and he is obstructed in his efforts by high caste or the many teachers who are in political parties and don’t turn up to teach yet have lots of power. A common problem, but it is always a pleasure for me to tell of some of the many good things about this country.

You will remember Dorje the gentleman from Crak with the smashed leg that we were able to bring to Kathmandu. Before he returned to Crak he was baptised in the Tibetan church here and a photograph of him as he came out of the water says far more than I can about his new life in Christ. So now he and his wife are in Crak and in nearby Bihi there is Sonam and family, growing in their new faith. There will be plenty of opposition that they will have to face.

Many teachers never work or have no motivation, but I am helping a dynamo of a gentleman who lives in Dolakha district and has a vision of a model school in each village area. And he knows this is impossible without helping teachers to teach the subjects in a friendly interesting way. He himself is trained to help teachers address children’s mental health. There is a lot of alcoholism amongst fathers and trauma from the Maoist war. I keep going to different parts of the district to show teachers how to teach the new grade one’s (they start in mid April). NK as he calls himself, does follow up and lots of meetings for parents. (parents wrong ideas and expectations are one of the major problems in education here). I am going again shortly after Easter and again two weeks later to different parts of this very big hilly and mountainous district stretching to Tibet. It is to the east of Kathmandu.

Before that there will be another group of UK volunteers with the International Citizenship Service programme. They come for only three months and Restless Development runs the programme. Restless’ main work is sending Nepali volunteers into remote villages attached to schools to do health teaching and life skills and helping to start work opportunities and community work. The ICS volunteers join the Nepali volunteers, like them living with a village family. For all the volunteers it is a challenging but thrilling time, and the school children are transformed. I help in all the training to equip both lots for their time in the villages. This includes a great session of ‘sport that needs no or little apparatus. A superb private school here which uses part of fees to train government teachers has a conference after Easter for government high ups as well as trainers and teachers and I am privileged to have 4 workshops to run, 3 on maths and then on...rote learning, but the government has said no exams till grade 5, but teachers are lost without being able to fail students.

But we are Easter people. Not fatalists, not trying to escape, but people with the power of a risen Saviour to give us a firm hope, not just for Heaven, but that every situation can be salted and changed. Let’s stand firm in that hope. With my love, Christine.

LARBERT CHURCHES YOUTH TRUST UPDATE:

(Registered Charity SC040524)

Our schools' youth worker, Mike Glass has become well established in our schools and is recognised and welcomed by staff and pupils in the High School and the associated Primaries. The High School Easter service was well received and Mike received good feedback from the school leadership team for the way the Trust is engaging with our young people. The Scripture Union Group in the High School is continuing to be a success and 15 of the group recently had an excellent Saturday trip to the outdoor adventure course, "Go Ape" in Aberfoyle. The group, who meet at lunchtimes, are currently engaging in a "Christianity Explored" course. Mike also has another group within the school who are using "Christianity Explored" to examine their own faith. All pupils have the opportunity to approach Mike with questions or for advice at "drop-in" sessions in the High School. These have grown in popularity as the pupils recognise Mike's role in the school and get to know and trust him. In early May Mike joined a series of S1 groups on overnight trips to Lendrickmuir. This is a fantastic opportunity to build and extend relationships with the younger secondary pupils. Mike is already making plans for the summer and expanding the Trust's opportunities to engage with the young people in our community. Anyone who would like further information; to receive Mike's prayer letter, or to offer financial support to the Trust should contact Robin Duncan or the Minister.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday 2nd June – Communion

The Morning Family Communion is at 10.30am

The Evening Communion is at 6.30pm

The Retiring Offering will be for the McMillan Nurses

Thursday 6th June – Weekday Worship

The final Thursday service before the summer break is at 11.15am

Sunday 9th June

The Morning Service at 10.30am

Sunday 16th June – Father’s Day

The Morning Service at 10.30am

Sunday 23rd June

The Morning Service at 10.30am will be the Young Church Prizegiving

Family Service

Sunday 30th June – Sunday 18th August – Summer Services

All at 10.30am – Summer Sunday Club will meet

Sunday 25th August

The Morning Service at 10.30am – Young Church resumes

N.B. Larbert East Holiday Club for P1-7’s will be Monday 12th – Friday 16th August 10.30am -12.30pm. Don’t miss it!

KIRK SESSION NEWS…..

The arrangements for June 2nd Communion:

The Morning Communion at 10.30am will be our annual Family Communion.

The Evening Communion is at 6.30pm.

Weekday Worship

The increasingly popular Thursday morning short service has seen a number of new people come along this last session. It has been wonderful to be able to welcome them to Church. Every one of the different speakers has had their own unique style. We have been encouraged, and challenged in our walk with Jesus; we have laughed and occasionally, have shed a few tears.

Stenhousemuir Primary has continued to hold their monthly Coffee Morning in the Small Hall on the last Thursday of the month, from 10.45am until the start of the service. The children from the Enhanced Provision Unit, helped by the staff, have done an excellent job.

The final Weekday Worship before the summer break will be on 6th June at 11.15am, followed by tea/coffee and ‘summer goodies’ in the Church. Weekday Worship resumes on Thursday 5

th September at 11.15am.

News of the Presbytery Plan for the Larbert Churches

The proposed changes to the Presbytery Plan for the Larbert area have still to be finalised. It was to have been discussed at the May Presbytery, but as one of the local ministers is on holiday, he asked if it could be postponed to the June meeting, so he can be present. The plan is still that Larbert East and Larbert Old remain as having their own minister; Airth and Bothkennar and Carronshore link, and Stenhouse and Carron and Larbert West link, reducing the number of ministers from 5.5 to 4. All the churches still have to agree to changes in parish boundaries to ensure a more equal distribution of parish populations. Stenhouse and Carron Church are considering withdrawing their appeal against the proposed changes, but Bothkennar and Carronshore’s appeal stands. So at the time of writing, we still await the outcome. Please remember that no changes will take place until one or other of the present ministers in the 4 churches most affected by the changes retires or moves to another charge.

How time has flown, already we are in the last quarter of

the Young Church Year. Numerous memorable events come

to mind not forgetting the Trailblazers assisting in the

Easter Sunday Service and the Palm Sunday procession

round the church- many thanks to Andy Goodwin for helping

to lead the way. From April, we are now saving up our

collection for the Vine Trust Tanzanian Homes Project and

hope through the BUY A BRICK scheme, to complete many

houses by the end of session in June.

Also it does not stop there, we still have the following

events to look forward to:

Cradle Roll service: 19th May - Sparklers will return to sing

the Sparklers song.

Young Church Prizegiving - This will be held on 23rd June .

Church Trip: this will be after the service on 23rd June

within our Church grounds. So, please join us, all are most

welcome. Come sample a

sausage or burger at the BBQ,

enjoy TUG O’ WAR and many

more fun games - make it a

great start to the summer !

KCB needs your help ....

So to family, friends and neighbours please tell

Such lovely clothes we have to sell

Our prices are unbeatable – Come

have a look and see

We’re open every Thursday in

the upper room we’ll be

9.15am till 10.45am is when KCB is open

Come on in everyone and grab yourself a bargain !!

A Circle of Friendship

A circle of friendship…

is bound together,

by sharing good moments

and life’s stormy weather:

And should you feel lonely…

you needn’t pretend;

surrender your false pride

and lean on a friend.

A circle of friendship…

is a growing delight;

it helps dispel sadness,

as it lets in the ‘light.’

A circle of friendship…

warms you in its glow;

take that warmth with you

and feel the ‘love’ grow.

You stand in a circle…

with hands reaching out;

the giving of yourself,

is what friendship’s about!

CVM Scotland, to infinity and beyond….. Over the last 18 months or

so CVM Scotland has been steadily gathering momentum, from not being very well known in Scotland to now working with 12 or so churches. The work in these churches range from the initial contact and discussions on how to get started in men’s ministry right through to churches who have signed up to partner their men’s groups.

It is also massively encouraging to receive requests from other Christian churches and organisations to participate and contribute to their events. This includes:

Delivering “Winning Men” seminars at the Elim Scotland Men’s Day

Delivering “Purity in the Workplace” Seminars at Purity events organised by CARE Scotland

Exciting discussions are taking place for joint working between CVM Scotland and CLAN

Working with More Than Gold 2014 and Christians in Sport to provide effective strategy and resources to churches during the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014

Delivering the Inverness Regional Day in association with Alive Ministries

One of the most significant partnerships that we have set up is with Scottish Christian Broadcast (SCB), the number one platform in Scotland for connecting Christians in Scotland. SCB publishes a glossy magazine twice a year and monthly e-newsletters. Through SCB, CVM Scotland will be bringing the latest developments in men’s ministry and details of all the latest CVM events to the Scottish church.

Although all of the stuff above is massively exciting, this is only the tip of the iceberg as to what is needed and potentially could be done in Scotland. Our vision is to increase the number of partner churches in Scotland by at least 10 in 2013, to recruit Area Co-ordinators in all major cities, to have Regional or Town days in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen and ultimately we want to equip, resource and encourage the local church to focus on men’s ministry in Scotland so that Jesus can transform the men of this great nation.

We have managed to achieve all of the success in Scotland simply by giving up a few hours each week. Thanks to a very understanding wife and a not so understanding four year old, I am able to put in the time and effort required, often involving very late nights after a hard day in the office and weekends away from my daughter’s swimming lessons and trips to the park.

The vision that God has given us for reaching the men in Scotland goes way beyond giving up a few hours each week as and when required. We have an urgent need for support to enable me to be realised into this ministry full time and equipped and resourced for the years ahead so that we can fulfil the vision we believe God has given us.

Do you want to reach the men in your town or city for Jesus? Will you join me in this challenge? Can you support me and my family as I move into this full time ministry and beyond?

100 men supporting me with a pledge of £20 per month will enable us to equip, resource and train the local church to reach the men of Scotland with the message of Jesus.

As my daughter’s favourite film character would say…. to infinity and beyond…… Stephen McGuire, Director Scotland

WORLD MISSION S.O.S. Save Old Stamps

Every year the Church of Scotland raises thousands of pounds for World Mission thanks to many people in our congregation and others all over Scotland. A big “Thank you” to all those who support this work and special thanks to our local “Age Concern” who now, thanks to Ernie Macintyre, are saving every stamp they can lay their hands on!

Last year’s Project helped refugees in Lebanon to learn agricultural skills to enable them to earn a living. The final total for that project was £3,282.50. This year’s project is for a church in the Czech-Moravian Highlands. Since 2001, the ECCB* congregation of Horni Krupa has been heavily involved in raising awareness of ecological issues and began restoring a disused school and campus to turn it into a centre for environmental education that will benefit the whole community. Now they aim to expand the project by restoring an old well and building a small lake with an access jetty. This would improve their practical teaching, but to do this, they require more financial assistance. You can help this Protestant church with materials and building work by saving your used stamps which World Mission will sell to raise money. The total to date for this new project is £740. Use the boxes at the back of the church or give your used stamps to Ernie Macintyre. CUT carefully round the stamps leaving a border of at least a centimetre. Remember – damaged stamps have no value! Thank you to all those who collect used stamps – every stamp makes a difference. * The ECCB is the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. It is a Protestant Church and is part of the World Council of Churches. The Church of Scotland has an active partnership with ECCB.

Jubilee Hope - Summer Tour Dates (tbc)

Our third medical ship is visiting a port near you! Jubilee Hope is undertaking a UK port tour during summer 2013 before setting off for Lake Victoria. She should then be ready for service early in 2014. YOU are warmly invited on board when she visits a port near you. Come along, bring your friends, take a tour and find out more! Our two week volunteering opportunities in Peru and Tanzania are not restricted to clinicians! Our volunteering programmes offer everyone the experience of a lifetime, whether in a medical, general or schools (S5 and S6) work team. ALL ARE WELCOME: Whether you are up for volunteering or just interested in how Vine Trust is serving some of the poorest and most isolated in the world, just come along when she’s in port and find out more!

June/July 2013

29th - 1st Bristol July 2013

6th - 7th Plymouth 9

th Brixham

11th Poole 13th - 15th Southampton 17th Brighton 21st - 25th London (St. Katharine Docks) 30th Great Yarmouth August 2013

2nd - 3rd Hull 5th Whitby 7th - 8th Newcastle 10th An East-Coast port (to be confirmed)

August 2013 13th - 17th Edinburgh 18th Bo'ness 21st - 22nd Perth 25th - 26th Aberdeen 29th - 31st Inverness September 2013

4th Fort William 6th - 7th Oban 9th Portree 12th - 13th Belfast 16th - 17th Ayr 18th - 19th Greenock

The ship will be open to the public from 10.00am – 6.00pm each day she is in port (with some exceptions) as well as specialist medical tours from 6.00pm – 8.0pm. Please contact Christine (christine@vinetrust.org) with specific enquiries or keep an eye on the Vine Trust Facebook and Twitter accounts for regular updates. For more information about the ship’s tour; when you can visit, how you can help or queries about bringing larger groups on board, please contact Christine: christine@vinetrust.org or, phone 01442 823 498.

If you aren’t able to attend but would like to keep up to date with the tour at each stage follow the Vine Trust Twitter account or like our Facebook page for weekly updates on her progress.

Young Church Puzzle

A weekend away from home trying out new ways of reading

and studying the Bible, meeting people and sharing fellowship,

and enjoying the great outdoors in the stunning Cairngorms

National Park EXPLORE the Bible WILD about the WORD is an opportunity to try out new ways of reading and studying the Bible. Individually, together, for families and people on their own, the weekend is about equipping each other to do more than just read.

DISCOVER new methods With inspiring teaching and expert facilitation, the programme has something for everyone including a tailored children and young people’s stream and evening celebrations to add to the fun.

LIVE the adventure Based at the activity centre Abernethy Nethybridge, there is room for adventure both in the Bible and in the outdoors. The weekend includes an optional action-packed outdoor activity programme.

"A great mix of fun, activity and Bible study,

please run this weekend again next year – we will be back." These are some of the comments from people who attended WILD about the WORD last year, and it's returning this year on 4th - 6th October. Don't miss out on an exciting weekend away from home trying out new ways of reading and studying the Bible, meeting people and sharing fellowship, and enjoying the great outdoors in the stunning Cairngorms National Park.

An early bird booking discount available if you book before 30 June subject to availability.

For further details call Abernethy on 01479 821279

DEACONS COURT

COIN CANS

A BIG thank you to all who participate in donating via coin cans. £714.28 was raised last year.

If you wish to take part, you can collect a coin can from the foyer or see Eleanor Neilson.

Thank you to everyone for their tremendous support during Christian Aid Week. It started off with a visit from C.A. Youth Workers Catherine Falconer and Sharon McNamara who gave the ‘all age talk’ and followed it up with a variety of activities which were greatly enjoyed by the Young Church and which gave them a greater insight into the work of Christian Aid. The following Saturday we were delighted to host the Christian Aid Coffee Morning which was well supported by members and friends of Larbert East. Thank you for your generosity in supporting this happy occasion, whose proceeds will make such a difference in helping Christian Aid tackle hunger and poverty where that support is desperately required. Finally a big thank you to all those who gave of their time and talents to make this appeal a great success. Final totals raised will be given in the September Eastwords.

Have a look at our website:

http://www.larberteastchurch.com

Faith Explored: The Recent Discipleship Explored Course proved so successful, that by popular demand, we are going to hold a 'Faith Explored' course over the summer!

Every Wednesday evening, at 7.30pm, beginning on Wednesday 3rd July and running for 8 consecutive weeks, 'Faith Explored' will be led by either Melville or Roy in the Small Hall. Discussion will be based on the Bible passage from the previous Sunday. Each week will be a topic in its own right, so that people can 'dip in and out' whenever they wish over the summer.

This is not only for those who were at either Christianity Explored in 2011, or Discipleship Explored, or either of the Wednesday or Thursday Discussion Groups. It is for anyone interested in exploring the subject of faith a little further. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Speak to Melville or Roy for further details.

Just One

One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey. One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what’s true, One life can make a difference, You see, it’s up to you!

WORLD MISSION….Have you ever been hungry? REALLY hungry?

Hunger is not an incurable disease or an unavoidable tragedy. It is a tragedy that there is enough food for everyone in the world, yet 1 in 8 people will go to bed hungry tonight.

It’s unfair, it’s unjust and it’s totally preventable. That is why the Church of Scotland has joined with other organisations to tell our government that if they take action against the fundamental causes of hunger, then there would be enough food for everyone.

The “IF” campaign tackles 4 main issues that affect food availability: AID, TAX, LAND and TRANSPARENCY.

There would be enough food for everyone IF we gave enough aid to stop children dying from hunger and help the poorest families feed themselves. The UK government promised to spend 0.07% on aid from 2013 and in the recent budget, they have agreed to keep this promise.

IF governments stop big companies from dodging tax in poor countries there would be enough money to care for the most vulnerable in those societies. IF poor farmers are not forced off their lands and are able to grow food to feed themselves and their families and IF big companies stop using land to grow food for fuel, there would be enough land to grow food for local consumption. (Shades of the Highland Clearances?) IF governments and big companies were TRANSPARENT and open about the consequences of their actions, resources would not be used wrongly and food would be made more available to those in need.

In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”

Help play your part in bringing an end to world hunger. In June, the UK government will be chairing the G8 Summit in N. Ireland. Lobby your MP and help bring change to “the least of these.” More information at www.enoughfoodif.org Taken from the WM magazine April / May 2013

VINE TRUST TANZANIA 2013 UPDATE

At time of writing it is now just a short four and a half months before the team heads for Tanzania. The level of support from members of Larbert East to individuals on the team, and to the project, has been incredible and we have much to give thanks for in this update, especially to everyone who has helped organise and arrange events and to those who have been contributing financially to our fundraising efforts.

Fundraising differentiation You have quite rightly been asking for clarity around how fundraising is being used. For integrity, and for the avoidance of any doubt or confusion, it is essential that we make absolutely clear the two types of fundraising that is ongoing (Project Support and Trip Cost support), and for us to differentiate both types of fundraising within each individual initiative.

i) Project Support Every penny of funds raised from all of our collective team events (e.g. Buy-A-Brick, The Coffee Morning, Concerts etc) will be used by Vine Trust to benefit the project directly in Tanzania, by covering the cost of building materials for the homes being built to support orphans and widows affected by HIV/AIDS. ii) Trip costs Most of the team are personally fully funding their trip costs (e.g. paying for their flight, food, accommodation and insurance), whilst some are fundraising part of their trip e.g. Margaret Lightly is doing “Go-Lightly” to help part cover her costs and Fiona Jardine’s “Swim Kilimanjaro” is doing likewise. Once trip costs are covered, any additional funds raised from this type of event will go directly to support the project as in i) above.

Spring into Tanzania – 22 March 2013 Our first fundraising event was a great success and £500 was raised for the project. Susan Appelbe and her band entertained the audience with an eclectic mix of brilliant music from all over the globe, starting with an African theme, and then taking us on a journey via Eastern Europe, to Paris, to South America, and eventually finishing off with some fine tunes from home, and a rousing finale with “Wild Mountain Thyme”. She certainly got the crowd going and helped to keep them warm on a night that was far from Spring like. Thanks go out to Margaret Appelbe for helping to secure the booking, to Susan and the band, to John Carmichael for setting up the church, to John Main for helping with tickets and posters, to Fiona Jardine and Ray MacLeod for Tanzanian baking and Chai Tea and to the small army of helpers who helped serve food on the night.

Coffee Morning – 27 April 2013 Most recently, the Coffee Morning on Saturday 27th April was very well attended, and over £318 was raised for the project. We are grateful to everyone who helped to make the event a great success; thank you to Jean Neish for the Tanzanian

flowers for the tables, to Andy Goodwin for providing butter, flora and jam, to everyone who provided cakes and home baking and especially to Fiona Jardine who baked fresh hot cheese, fruit and plain scones “live”. Thanks to Janette Leask for co-ordinating things in the kitchen and to the other ladies and gents who helped serve up the coffee and cakes. Special thanks also to June Clark from Perth for coming to sell home made jewellery and Tanzanian souvenirs. It was a great morning.

Summer Concerts - Yvonne Lyon – Friday 10th May – 7:30pm

David Tooth has secured the booking of three very high profile, high quality singer- songwriter’s to perform in the church.

Our next fundraising event is on Friday 10th May (though by the time you read this the concert will be passed). Yvonne Lyon is among the best and brightest emerging talent in Scotland. She has consistently drawn and stirred crowds across the UK with her emotive performances.

In 2009 Yvonne won the “Burnsong International Songwriting Competition” and sang her winning song “All Is Not Lost” at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. She has enjoyed television appearances on BBC 1, and BBC Alba. Yvonne has also had the privilege of 2 sessions and interviews with Bob Harris playing three songs ‘live‘ on BBC Radio 2.

Most recently Yvonne secured a position on BBC Radio Scotland’s playlist with her new single “The Coffee Song” as well as being nominated songwriter of the week. She is currently performing and promoting her new album “More Than Mine” across the UK. Be sure to get along. Tickets are priced £8 (£5 for concessions). Gareth Davies-Jones then plays the church on Saturday 22nd June, watch the notices for more information.

SWIM KILIMANJARO!

At almost 6000m Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. It is in Tanzania close to where our Vine Trust work party will be based in September. One of the team members, Fiona Jardine, has come up with a novel fund-raiser for both the project and to assist her own travel costs. She plans to swim the equivalent height of Kilimanjaro in a sponsored swim of 236 lengths at Grangemouth pool on 13th May. By the time you read this, we hope and pray Fiona has completed this incredible goal successfully. She’s looking for your support for this long distance endurance test. Please see Fiona to arrange sponsorship contribution or go on line at http://www.vinetrust.org/support/fionajardine

Speaking Engagements into 2014

The Tanzania team have begun to be approached from groups outside Larbert East to go and speak about our trip next year, once we’ve been. The first of these in the diary on 17th March 2014, in Grangemouth, with Abbotsgrange Parish Church Men’s Association. If you know of any group that would like a speaker from the team to come and speak please do not hesitate to ask.