Stamperland Parish Church Magazine

December/January 2014 /15

http://www.stamperlandchurch.btck.co.uk/home Registered Charity No SC003155

FocusFocusFocus

24.

The David Milligan QuizThe David Milligan QuizThe David Milligan Quiz Will take place on Saturday evening 31st January 2015Will take place on Saturday evening 31st January 2015Will take place on Saturday evening 31st January 2015

Come and join us for a family Christingle Service on Sunday

14th December at 4.30pm. Please bring one orange each and wear your Santa hat and/or tinsel.

More details to follow in the February Focus, out from 25th January

2

The Church of Scotland Stamperland Parish Church; Clarkston

Registered Charity SC003155

Stamperland Gardens, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 8LJ Church Telephone 0141 637 4999 (Answering Service)

(Interim Moderator) Gray Fletcher Telephone 0141 644 1578

grayfletcher@virgin.net

Locum Minister Jack Drummond 0141 571 6002

Session Clerk: Norman Bolton 3 Paidmyre Crescent, Newton Mearns, G77 5AQ

Telephone 0141 638 3502

Treasurer: Kay Bolton 3 Paidmyre Crescent, Newton Mearns, G77 5AQ

Telephone 0141 638 3502

Roll Keeper: William Paterson 1 Orchy Avenue, Clarkston, G76 8LS

Telephone 0141 571 8652

Editor of Focus; Fraser Neilson 56 Stamperland Drive, Clarkston G76 8HF

Telephone 0141 586 0955

Life & Work & Focus Distribution: Sheila Mackintosh 20 Tiree Place, Newton Mearns, G77 6UN

Telephone 0141 639 1323

Gift Aid Convenor: Norman Walker 66 The Oval, Clarkston, G76

Weekly Freewill Offering Convenor: Anne MacKenzie 76 Randolph Drive, Clarkston, G76 8AP

Telephone 0141 637 5576

23.

brucemarshall@sky.com

22. 3

A Message from our Locum Minister Reverend Jack Drummond

Dear Friends,

3.

Dear Friends,

Once upon a time a very young angel was being

taken on a conducted tour of the universe by a senior angel.

The older angel pointed out all the splendour of the vast uni-

verse. Then he indicated a small insignificant looking planet.

The young angel thought that it looked like a grubby tennis

ball, but the senior angel told him that it was a very special

planet.

“The planet is famous” said the senior angel, “because it has

been visited by the King of Glory himself”.

The young angel could not believe his ears. “You mean to say”

he stammered, “that our great and glorious King with all the

wonders of creation at his disposal, went in person to that dirty

polluted little planet?”

“Yes” he was told, “he actually visited that planet and became

a human being”.

The young angel was shocked. He had to stop for a minute and

try to take it in. “Do you mean to tell me that he stooped so low

to become one of these unattractive little human creatures?”

The senior angel answered “Yes, strange as it may seem, he

loves them. He went down to visit his human creatures because

he wished to show himself to them, and to help them become

like he is.”

Then the senior angel moved closer to the slowly revolving

planet, and spun it backwards in time two thousand years.

“Now look”, he said.

They saw a blaze of light on the dull surface of the planet. It

shone from a spot in Palestine, from a little village called Beth-

lehem. They peered closer, and saw that the light came from, of

all places, a dirty stable. It blazed all around a baby who was

lying in a cattle trough.

Our local one stop shop for DIY and hardware items, with the at-

traction of advice when needed. Save a drive elsewhere.

Ask for Billy

4

Nearby was a young couple, some men who looked like shepherds,

and a few animals. “That baby” said the senior angel “is the

King of Glory”.

The senior angel then spun the planet forwards to the present

day. The young angel now noticed little pinpoints of light

coming from all parts of the planet, making it glow.

“Those little beams of light which you see”, said the senior angel

Come from men , women and children who recognised the truth

of what happened long ago, and who have opened their hearts to

the same King of Glory. He lives in them now, and through them

his light shines out in the world.

May we be counted among those people whose light shines in the

darkness of a selfish, materialistic, often violent, world, this

Christmas time, and continue to shine on into 2015.

May God bless you all at Christmas and bring you peace and joy

in 2015.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Jack Drummond

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Funeral 6th November 2014 Mrs Elsie Smart formerly of 47 Stamperland Avenue

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Christian Aid Sponsored Swim was an enjoyable event, having a good turn out from Stamperland, where we raised £405 in total.

We now have a break for Christmas and New Year with our next event following in March 2015 with our Art Show in the Clarkston Halls.

Sandra Cowie.

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Dates for Focus Magazine

To ensure that publicised events at the beginning of the month can be included with the certainty of being delivered and seen before the event is likely to take place, with effect from the February edition, as a five month experiment, the Fo-cus will be available on the last day of the preceding month, instead of the first Sunday of the month. Thereafter the experiment will be reviewed. Electronic in-put (e mail) can now be as late as a Wednesday, rather than the Monday.

Focus will be put together on Wednesdays 18th Feb/25th March/22nd April/27th May.

Revised dates are shown above and simply mean that everything will be one week earlier. I trust this will not cause any confusion and that all contributors, collators and delivery folks will not be inconvenienced by this change of practice.

Please be aware that the editor is only responsible for assembling and editing input from others where necessary, and cannot compile articles on behalf of oth-ers. It only remains to wish everyone connected with the production of the magazine and readers alike, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Fraser Neilson ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A seven year old child was drawing a picture of the nativity. The picture was very good, including Mary, Joseph and, of course, baby Jesus. However, there was a fat man standing in the cor-ner of the stable that just did not seem to fit in. When the child was asked about it, she replied, “Oh, that's Round John Virgin.”

Issue Copy Input on or before

Electronic Input on or before

Collection Date for Distribution

January 2015 No Publication No Publication No Publication

February 2015 11th January 14th January 25th January

March 2015 8th February 11th February 22nd February

April 2015 15th March 18th March 29th March

May 2015 12th April 15th April 26th April

June 2015 17th May 20th May 31st May

20

STEPPING STONES

We at Stepping Stones have been working hard since the start of the session. Many of you will be aware of the tremendous crafting skills the children have displayed in and around the church. Our programme has followed the theme of friendship, from Jesus being left in the temple through to the congregation, who have our best interests at heart. The children have spread their love and friendship amongst you, in the forms of bracelets, poppies, handprint wreath and at the beginning of November, with doughnuts!!!! The lesson learned was that God’s love is all around us and never ending, just like the circles of bands, petals, wreaths and those delicious doughnuts. I bet many of you will see this cake in a new light now….. Christmas party season is coming, the older kids are having a movie night and pizza and the little ones are dining out, at a “Frozen” themed Christmas event. Good fun should be had by all. (“Frozen” is the title of the film—Ed) It’s heading to Nativity time, the time of year every Sunday School teacher loves?? Great debates, “who will be Mary”, “who can play the Donkey part” and “where did we put the baby Jesus after last year’s nativity?”!! Like all good events, ‘it will be alright on the night/morning’, the children are really excited and all their enthusiasm rubs off on us too. NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY: Nativity, Sunday 21st December, 11am. All the staff and children at Stepping Stones would like to wish you all….

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Recent Donations to Various Charities In October, 31 well-filled backpacks were donated to Mary’s Meals.

After the Harvest Service a full car load of food was delivered to the Lodging House Mission and a cheque for £215 was sent to Water Aid.

The retiral offering after the Remembrance Day Service was £164 and was donated to Erskine Home.

Norrie Bolton, Session Clerk

5.

PROGRESSING THE VACANCY

In the September issue of Focus I reported that Glasgow Presbytery’s plan for Stamperland and Netherlee churches was that they should come together in some mutually-agreeable way and share 1.5 full-time-equivalent ministry personnel. All of the existing church buildings at Stamperland and Netherlee (excluding Kirk House) would be retained and fully utilised and both churches would have regular morning worship each Sunday. I indicated that representatives from the Kirk Sessions of both congregations would meet under the guidance of Rev Hilary MacDougall and start discussing and investigating possible options. We had our first meeting on 9th October with the second meeting was scheduled for 25th November.

At the first meeting Rev Tom Nelson intimated that, after giving much thought to the matter, he had decided to retire from full-time ministry in four years time. Tom’s decision meant that there was now a clear timescale in place and that plans to seek “ministry personnel” could be formulated with this in mind.

It became clear at the meeting that elders at Netherlee had spent well over a year thinking about the significant potential opportunities which could be realised by our two, well-functioning congregations working closely in partnership. They had an almost tangible sense of enthusiasm. In contrast, the elders from Stamperland were considerably less enthusiastic and, indeed, some voiced opposition to the whole Presbytery Plan. Our wide spread of views really reflected the fact that our Kirk Session had never properly discussed or debated the issue and the meeting ended with a request from Hilary MacDougall that the elders at Stamperland discuss the Presbytery’s proposal at their next Session Meeting. We were asked to reach an agreed position in advance of the next facilitated meeting since only once there was a clear understanding of the opinions of Stamperland Kirk Session could there be any meaningful dialogue between the two parties.

Accordingly, the Kirk Session discussed the issue at its meeting on 3rd

November. The view generally expressed was that the majority of members at Stamperland simply wished to be able to attend Sunday services in Stamperland Church and, provided this continued, people would be content with sharing a minister or ministry team. No one at the meeting spoke to oppose the continuation of the dialogue with Netherlee. There was unanimous agreement that discussions should continue to explore ways of sharing ministerial resources and of working together.

It is likely to take a few months of facilitated discussions before plans can be shared with the congregations but I will try to keep everyone informed in relation to general progress. The members of the two congregations will be consulted before any decisions are finalised.

In the meantime we are fortunate to have Rev Jack Drummond as our Locum Minister for quite some time to come. Norrie Bolton, Session Clerk

19.

The month of November saw an increase in activity with regards to the vari-ous activities in which the Boys are involved. It also saw the annual Armi-stice Parade on the 9

th. The 231

st boys were exemplary in their appearance

and behaviour with special mention going to Pte Connor Black who per-formed a moving rendition of the Dark Isle to conclude the 2 minute silence.

At the Battalion solo instrument competition, playing the bassoon, I am de-lighted to say that Pte Josef Heidinger has obtained 1

st place in his section

and 3rd

place overall, a fantastic achievement! Well done!

The boys are also practicing for the Battalion Drill Competition scheduled for the 28

th. Last year they came within a whisker of 1

st place, so we hope to do

better this year. The results will be available in the next edition of Focus.

Our Queens Men continue to make good progress towards their award and they will be busy over the festive period gaining the relevant experience to-wards their goal.

Further, our Presidents men, L\Cpl Matty Bainbridge, L\Cpl Grieg McCall and L\Cpl Lewis Rankin are due to attend a Presidents Award course – we wish them the best of luck and am sure they will return successful.

Looking forward, the Company will be on as usual with the exception of the 5

th December when the halls are required for Christmas Fair preparations, so

no parade night. The 19th December will be a games night with the Boys

able to order Fish\Chips etc… for dinner!

Finally, on behalf of the Boys and Officers of the 231st I wish you all a Merry

Christmas and a Happy New Year when the time comes.

Forthcoming Dates:

5th / 7th December No Parade Night or Sunday Bible Class 12th December Parade Night , Uniform incl. Haversack 14th December Bible Class, 9:45am for rolls and sausage 19th December Games Night, no uniform

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR BREAK

9th January Parade Night – Full uniform incl. Haversack. 11th January Bible Class, 9.45am for rolls and sausage. 16th January Parade Night 18th January Bible Class, 9.45am for rolls and sausage. 23

th January Parade Night\Night out - TB

25th January Bible Class, 9.45am for rolls and sausage.

Capt. Peter Dale 07506441531

6.

79

th Glasgow (Stamperland)

Scout Group

Beaver Colony

The Beavers are now getting ready for Christmas with their craft work, which they have been doing each week and will carry on doing until we finish for the Christmas holidays. They are also looking forward to going to the Panto on the last night of this session.

They have been working on their Cyclist activity badge over the last couple of weeks to making sure they know what safety clothing is required, and to carry out a short cycle safely. It was nice to be able to give all the Beavers their badges last week.

On behalf of all the Beaver's and helpers we wish you all a Happy Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Alison Macfarlane – Assistant Beaver Scout Leader Tel: 0141 644 2712

Cub Pack

Promise Ceremonies – As indicated in the last Focus, the Cub Pack has welcomed a number of new boys this session and we have been delighted to hold 2 Promise Ceremonies where the boys made their Cub Promise to officially become members of the pack. So an official welcome to: Samuel, Daniel, Reece, David, Iain, Evyn & Joshua.

Night Time Bug Hunting­ – On a very wet night in October the Cubs met at the Dams to Darnley for a night time bug and bat hunt. Despite some very heavy rain the Cubs all had a great time hunting for bugs with the help of the Park Rangers. We did not see any bats, but did find plenty of spiders, huntsmen, beetles, flies and wood lice. A huge thanks to the Park Rangers and 3 parents that came along to help us.

Halloween Games Night – Due to a clash with a disco at Netherlee Primary School, the Cubs did not have a full Halloween Party this year, but instead had a games night with optional fancy dress. As always there were some great costumes and the Cubs enjoyed, hide & seek, dookin’ for apples and making chocolate filled bats – in theme with our outing the previous week!

Remembrance Activities – In the couple of weeks leading up to Remembrance Day the Cubs looked at some activities to understand what life in the trenches of the First World War was like. They also made a very nice poppy wreath that I hope you all saw at the Remembrance Sunday service.

18.

Feedback from Guild evenings. All of our Guild evenings have been excellent! making it so hard to pick out some highlights to try to tempt you along to our meetings. Two in particular though have stood out for most of us attending.

We had two speakers from the local Gideon group, who clearly explained the work that they are involved in distributing Bibles and New Testaments to secondary schools in the area and also Hotels in Glasgow. They brought samples of the New testaments given to Scouts and Boys’ Brigade with their crest on the front. It is hoped that soon other young people’s organisations will give permission for testa-ments to be handed out at their weekly meeting. Schools in the area are most re-ceptive to visits, as are some hotels. Not every hotel chain will allow Bibles to be in bedrooms, but many ask for them , and they are kept at reception for anyone wish-ing a copy. Both speakers were committed to the work they undertake voluntarily, and see it as a privilege to serve God in this way.

We also had a visit from the Manager of Thornliebank Resource Centre, who was a dynamic young man who spoke about the way in which the work there has changed in the last 20 years. From being a fairly passive, but secure place for people to at-tend, they now offer attendees many opportunities to develop their skills, offering support to them according to their needs. The attendees asked about developing a Food Bank in their Centre, and this is now up and running with them greeting peo-ple coming for food, offering them tea and coffee. The Food Bank operates on a Thursday in Thornliebank and all the food is carefully planned to meet nutritional needs for a family. The food bags are made up in Barrhead in the main depot. This is clearly a growing work and one which the attendees have embraced wholeheart-edly.

Do give us a try in the New Year!!

Grace Scott +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Times of Christmas Services December 2014

Sunday, 14th

Dec 16:30 Christingle Service

Sunday, 21st

Dec 11:00 Nativity

Wednesday, 24th

Dec 18:30 Pyjama Service 22:10 for 22:20 Watchnight Service

Christmas Day 10:30 Family Service

Sunday, 28th

Dec 11:00 Morning Service

Sunday, 4th

Jan 2015 11:00 Morning Service

7.

Emergency Aid – During November the Cubs have been learning about emergency first aid and what to do in an emergency situation. We are looking at things like treating cuts, burns, dangers in & around the home, helping at the scene of an accident by protecting a persons airway and putting them in the recovery position – hopefully something they will never need to use!. We hope to be able to award the badge before the Christmas break.

December – During December the Cubs will be making some Christmas crafts and joining with the rest of the group at the Panto at Eastwood Theatre. We also hope to join in the church’s Christingle Service.

Myself, Elaine, Pat and Megan would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Philip Moseley – Cub Scout Leader Tel: 0141 620 3146 Scout Troop & Explorers No main update from us this month – too busy! A full update will be included in the next Focus, but in the meantime on behalf of all the leaders and boys in the group I would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a Good New Year. Joe Mailley – Scouter-in-Charge Tel: 0141 571 0887 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What A Girl Wants For Christmas

The Santa Claus at the shopping mall was very surprised when a young lady, called Emily, who was aged about 20 years old, walked up and sat on his lap. Now, we all know that Santa doesn't usually take requests from adults, but she smiled very nicely at him, so he asked her, 'What do you want for Christmas?'

'Something for my mother, please,' replied Emily sweetly.

'Something for your mother? Well, that's very loving and thoughtful of you”,' said Santa. 'What would you like me to bring her?'

Without turning a hair Emily answered quickly, 'A son-in-law.' +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

8.

CHRISTINE MAILLEY

Congratulations to Christine who has been appointed County Commissioner for East Renfrewshire. Christine has been the Guider of 1

st Stamperland Guides for about 20 years and

has done an excellent job in running the Guide Unit. She has a wide experience in guiding, having held various positions, and has run many camps, both large and small, as well as being involved in international camps. She led a group of Stam-perland Guides on a very successful visit to New Zealand a few years ago. As an enthusiastic member of Girlguiding, with good leadership ability and organ-isational skills and having a good rapport with girls and adults alike, Christine will lead East Renfrewshire from strength to strength. We, in Stamperland, are delighted that she will continue to lead the Guide Unit here and wish her every success in her role as County Commissioner. Nancy Fisher +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We’ve had a busy time at Rainbows since the beginning of the session. The girls have been crafting, drawing, creating, singing and having fun. We had nine Rain-bows move to Brownies at the summer break and a further three moved on at the October week. These places have been eagerly filled by our new recruits, who on Tuesday the 25th November made their first promise in the guiding movement. Ann McCann, our Commissioner, presented them with their badges and certificates. The next big venture we had was a visit to the cinema on Saturday 6th December to see “Nativity 3”, the big girls as well as the little girls couldn’t wait!! We will finish this session with a Christmas party, food, games and presents for all! ( If we’re good!). On behalf of Lynsey, Alison, Caitlin, Kira, Ava and all the Rainbows we would like to wish you all……….

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A

HEALTHY NEW YEAR

17.

The Guild

Christmas is nearly upon us and we have a short programme for December. 02 Dec Advent Rev Wilma Pearson, Cathcart Trinity Church

09 Dec Christmas Party

We start our 2015 Session with an interesting selection:

13 Jan Box of Surprises and Friendship Evening

20 Jan Citizens Advice Bureau, Barrhead Rose Craig

27 Jan Puppets from East Kilbride Baptist Church Guest Night

As you can see we have a varied programme which we hope will be of interest to everyone. Please come along to any of our meetings which appeal to you. We meet in the Session Room at 7.30pm.

We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Evelyn Graham, Guild Secretary PTO for more Guild News! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I would like to take this opportunity, through Focus, to thank Reverend Jack Drummond for his visits to me and also a big thank you for the beau-tiful Church flowers which I received after the ser-vice on 16th November,

Terry Craig

I would like to thank our Minister, Reverend Jack Drummond,

my Elder, Bill Paterson, Janice Herriot from the Guild, and all

those who visited me during my month long stay in the Victo-

ria Infirmary. Thanks also for the Church flowers on my re-

turn home. All greatly appreciated,

Agnes Charlton

16

Digital Division

What would you like for Christmas? A new tablet? A faster quad core CPU and more RAM? Better download speed? A 32GB flash drive? An iKettle?* I know that some of you won’t have any idea what I’m talking about. But, as time goes on, that lack of understanding will become an increasingly real problem. These days we are being pressured, in a whole variety of ways, to adopt computer technology. Those of us with ready access to computers can save money on gas and electricity by having on-line billing; we can shop on-line for bar-gains of all kinds – eating out, going on holiday, buying clothes, booking tickets; we can watch films and listen to music free of charge. We can tell when the next bus is due; what the weather will be; how much money we have in the bank; and quite often, on a Friday or Saturday, what hymns will be sung in our church the following Sunday.

It is not just commercial organisations which are promoting the use of computers. Our UK and Scottish Governments are implementing processes and procedures so that claiming benefits, pensions and allowances, booking healthcare appointments or seeking employment will eventually rely on applicants having access to com-puters. A serious gap is opening up between those who can use and can access computers and those who can’t. This gap is known as the Digital Divide.

In the UK, one in four adults has never used the internet. Ten million people don’t have internet access. Of these, four million are aged over 65 and five million are in the poorest socio-economic groups. Families not using the internet are, on aver-age, spending £560 per year more than those with internet access because they can’t use on-line billing or shop at on-line discount retailers. Whilst 85% of UK households have internet access, in socially deprived areas, fewer than 15% have any access at all.

The Church of Scotland is concerned about the Digital Divide and what might hap-pen if nothing is done about it. Representations to the Scottish Government have been favourably received and government is keen to assist initiatives aimed at over-coming the Digital Divide. A small number of churches have already established schemes providing computer access and training. Two churches, in the most de-prived areas of Larkhall and Airdrie, are likely to be used in pilot studies. In our church Steven Owens is planning to provide basic training in computer use and internet access to an initial group of four adults and we hope to be able to develop from this. Speak to Steven or myself if you are interested in either being trained or in helping to train others.

Whether it’s going to be an on-line festive time for you or a traditional, computer-free Christmas I wish you all a very happy one.

Norrie Bolton Session Clerk * It is a kettle you can switch on and off using your mobile phone!!

Dec 7th – COMMUNION Dec 14th - TEAM 6 Dec 21st - TEAM 1

Mr R Allan (Con) Mr A Graham (Con) Mr W Paterson (Con)

Mr A Henderson Mrs E Graham Mrs M Young

Mrs J Cranston Mr N Walker Miss L Robb

Miss L Robb Mrs M Neilson Miss G Scott

Mrs J Silcock Mrs K Baird Mr D McKee

Mrs S Skelton

Dec 28th – TEAM 2 Jan 4th – TEAM 3 Jan 11th - TEAM 4

Mr G Fairweather (Con) Mrs A MacFarlane (Con) Mrs N Fisher (Con)

Mr G Robertson Mr A Henderson Miss J Barr

Mr R Russell Mrs S Bell Mrs J Cranston

Mrs J Silcock Mrs R McNiven Mr G Finlayson

Mr D Brown Miss J Stewart Mrs G Walker

Mr S Owens Mrs K Bolton

Jan 18th – TEAM 5 Jan 25th – TEAM 6 Feb 1st – TEAM 1

Mr R Allan (Con) Mr A Graham (Con) Mr W Paterson (Con)

Mrs J Herriot Mrs E Graham Mrs M Young

Mr J Curror Mr N Walker Miss L Robb

Mrs J Curror Mrs M Neilson Miss G Scott

Mr S Russell Mrs K Baird Mr D McKee

Mrs S Skelton

Any duty member who cannot attend on any date allocated should arrange a sub-

stitute for that date and inform the Duty Convener.

DUTY TEAMS FOR THE COMING MONTHS

9.

10.

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Victoria Infirmary Chaplaincy Diary Dates

For those interested, a Carol Service is being held on Sunday 14th December at 5.45pm for 6.00pm in the hospital canteen. Then on Tuesday 23rd Carols round the wards, again, 5.45pm for 6.00pm.

Looking further ahead, for those that participate in the Sunday Service, our desig-nated date in 2015 is Sunday 29th March, so can I ask you to mark this in your new diary. I will of course make contact prior to that date, in the hope of a good atten-dance. This will mark the end of our commitment to services at the Victoria Infirmary, due to its closure.

Margaret Hislop

(0141 637 6786)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Darren remembers accompanying his father out shopping in the toy department of

Hamleys one Christmas Eve. Dad said, 'What a marvellous train set. I'll

buy it.'

The girl behind the counter looked pleased and murmured, 'Great, I'm

December January

7th Mrs N Fisher 4th Mrs G Marshall

14th Mrs C Anderson 11th Mrs A Charlton

21st Mrs J Silcock 18th Mr W Anderson

28th Miss H Dunbar 25th Mrs E Moseley

February

1st Mrs J Marshall

Flower Calendar Coordinator

Edith Moseley 644 2628.

15.

Pastoral Care – Prayer Works! An up-date on the Prayer Meadow in the vestibule of our church:

In the months since March this year, prayer requests have been con-stant. It's good to hear of some results ….

A non-church-going young man had an accident at work and suffered severe pain as a result. He agreed to accept 'hands on' prayer and in three weeks all pain had gone. He now attends Sunday evening church services. A 13 year old girl, not a member of our church, became very ill two months ago with a viral infection. Her distraught mum asked if she could be on Stamperland's Prayer List. Her daughter is now well. One of our members suffering pain a long time has not yet been healed - but she reaches out to help others, enduring the pain with a smile, saying it gets worse, much worse, if she misses her Sunday morning worship. We continue asking the Lord for His healing.

There are requests on the Prayer Meadow for world situations. We ask God to deal with the evil that seems to be everywhere. The good news is that His Holy Spirit is working everywhere and answers come.

All are welcome to place requests on the Prayer Meadow and to come on a Wednesday between 10am-12 noon for your own 'quiet time' in the church - then enjoy good company and a cup of tea or coffee at 'Open Door'.

Our thankful prayers go with you, and for you into 2015. Grace Walker. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

It's Christmas, Eve!

Pastoral Care

Your Pastoral Care Team are here for you. If you need ;

Transport to Church Hospital

Doctors Appointment Shopping

Could do with a chat Have a prayer request

Please contact Grace Scott, 0141 637 2226

14.

SHARING IN PRAYER JANUARY 2015

Now hear the Word of the Lord:

'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word

was God. He was with God in the beginning.' John 1 : 1

' . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray

and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from

heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'

2 Chronicles : 7 : 14

'Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from sin.

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight

so that you are proved right when you speak

and justified when you judge …

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts,

you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. ..

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me fropm your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51 : 1 – 12

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked,

“Who is the greatest in heaven?”

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said:

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children you will

never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18: 1 - 3

Jesus said

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world

you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16: 33

Jesus said many things to guide and help us. He also promised -

'I will never leave you or forsake you' Taken from the Holy Bible

11.

231st Glasgow Company Boys’ Brigade Junior Section and Sparks

We have had a busy October and November and now we look forward to the fes-tive season. As the weeks have progressed we have been continuing with our usual Friday night activities with the boys enjoying making cakes and poppies as well as the usual achievements, which include home based tasks.

The boys all came superbly dressed for our annual fancy dress party on Friday 31

st October. There were some superb costumes, with lots of effort having obvi-

ously been made. We had attendances from scary creatures to cartoon charac-ters, from super heroes to supernatural. The boys enjoyed playing the games, dooking for apples, and creating chocolate apples on the night.

We started November thinking about Remembrance during BB activities, and cre-ated some poppies to make a wreath for the Church. Since my last article we have attended two parades this year, our Dedication and Remembrance parades.

There was a good turn out with around 20 Junior Section and Sparks in atten-dance at both. The boys have all enjoyed being able to march down the road be-hind the band and colours and we have been lucky that the weather was kind to us on those occasions. The boys have been a credit to themselves, their Com-pany, and Church, by showing exemplary behaviour during the service, and par-ticularly during the silence on Remembrance Sunday.

Our BB Christmas Fair was due to held on Saturday the 6th of December. This is our major fundraiser of the year and the money from it helps us provide a wide range of activities for the boys at a greatly reduced cost. It would not be possible without the help of all the parents who turn up to help prepare it, and who attend on the day. Thanks to everyone who helped, coordinated, and supported the event, it wouldn’t have been possible without you.

The boys Christmas party will be held on the 19th of December, which are looking

forward to, as it is always a fun night for them, and this year will be no different. We then have our annual trip to the pantomime at the Kings Theatre on the 2

nd of

January, to see Peter Pan.

In signing off, on behalf of all the boys and staff at the 231st can I wish you a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes.

Scott Russell 07917801622 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Church Bulletins The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

12113.

SHARING IN PRAYER – DECEMBER

“Who will pray for me if I lose my mother?” . . a man stationed overseas said when he learned of his mother’s incurable illness.? “Other people tell me they pray for me, but I don't know if they do. My mum is the only person on earth I can truly count on to stand with me in prayer.” Can all our children say that?

Prayers Shared by Mums of Younger Children: 'We pray that even while they are young, we can help them find the right instructors to train them in their field of interest, whether it is music, science, graphic arts, sports or whatever.

'We pray that they will be honest and not lie or exaggerate.

'We pray they will influence people for good and for God wherever they go.

'We pray that, in every season of their lives, the Lord will give them Godly friends who will influence them for the Lord.

'We pray Psalm 121, that the Lord will be their Keeper.

'We pray that the Lord would protect them - body, soul and spirit - against danger, harm and evil. (See Psalm 91 :14; and 1 Thessalonians 5 : 23)

'We claim they will accept Jesus Christ and make Him their Lord and Saviour

'We pray they will know that their parents love and accept them no matter what they do.

'We pray that they will be obedient to their parents and be honest and open in coming to us with any problem they face.

'We pray that they will respect laws but not be fearful of those in authority—school princi-pals, policemen, or others.

'We pray they will desire to make a difference for good in their world every day.

'We pray portions of Psalm 91 daily, particularly asking God to give His angels “(especial) charge over them to accompany and defend and preserve them in all their ways....to bear them up on their hands lest they dash their foot against a stone.” ' (Quin Sherrer) * * * Pray that children's minds will be protected from the standard bombardment of negativity and sometimes evil influences they face daily. Pray for strength to resist peer pressure to conform in order to be accepted.

Pray for Christian teachers, especially Head Teachers, for their protection against criti-cism and opposition. Ask God to bless them and increase their influence for good in their schools.

12.

SHARING IN PRAYER DECEMBER

'Twas the Night Before Christmas … for mums'

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode Only one creature was stirring - she was cleaning the commode. The children were sleeping all snug in their beds, while visions of Lego and Barbie flipped through their heads. The dad was snoring in front of a droning TV, With a half-built bicycle propped on his knee. So only Mum heard the reindeer hooves clatter, Which made her sigh, “Now what is the matter?” With the toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, She descended the stairs and saw the old man. He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug, “O great,” muttered Mum, “now I must clean the rug.” “Ho! Ho! Ho!,” cried Santa, “I'm glad you're awake, you're gift was especially difficult to make.” “Thanks, Santa” she said, “all I want is time alone.” “Exactly!” he chuckled, “So, I've made you a clone.” “A clone?” she muttered, “What good is that?” “Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat.” Then out walked the clone – the mother's twin; Same hair, same eyes, same double chin. “She'll cook, she'll dust, and she'll mop every mess. You relax, take it easy, now you can work less.” “Fantastic!” Mum cheered. “My dream has come true! I'll shop, I'll read, and I'll sleep a night through!” From the room upstairs, the youngest did fret: “Mummy! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet.” The clone replied, “I'm coming, sweetheart.” “Hey,” the mum smiled, “she sure knows her part.” The clone changed the small one and hummed her a tune, as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon. “You're the best mummy ever. I really love you.” The clone smiled and sighed, “And I love you, too.” The mum frowned and said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal. That's my child's love she is trying to steal.” Smiling wisely, Santa said, “To me it is clear, Only one loving mother is needed here.” The mum kissed her child and tucked her in bed. “Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head. I sometimes forget, it won't be very long, when they'll be too old for my cradle and song.” The clock on the mantel began to chime. Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.” With the clone by his side, Santa said, “Good night, Merry Christmas, dear Mum, you'll be all right.” (From 'Bursting at the Seams' by Killy John & Alie Stibbe – Monarch Books)

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Stamperland Parish Church

Come and join us for a family Christingle Service on Sunday

14th December at 4.30pm.

Please bring one orange each to make your own Christingle and

wear your Santa hat and/or tinsel.

Registered Charity SC003155

Stamperland Parish Church

Come and join us for a family Christingle Service on Sunday

14th December at 4.30pm.

Please bring one orange each to make your own Christingle and

wear your Santa hat and/or tinsel.

Registered Charity SC003155