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I asked God to take away my habit God said, "No, it is not for me to take away, but for you to give up".
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said , "No, His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary".
I asked God to grant me patience, God said, "No, patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted it is learned".
I asked God to give me happiness God said, "No, I give you blessings; happiness is up to you."
I asked God to spare me pain, God said, "No, suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me".
I asked God to make my spirit grow, God said, "No, you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful".
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life, God said, "No, I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things".
I asked God to help me LOVE others as much as HE LOVE ME, God said, "Ahhhh, finally you have the idea".
(Shared by Eric Burton).

PRAYERS 2007
 

Spring 2007

Autumn 2007

PRAYERS 2008

Spring 2008

Magazine 2003

FEBRUARY 2003

Letter from Rev Ron Greig Interim Moderator

Dear Friends,

It will soon be 12 months since Whitburn South became vacant. In that time, there has been as great deal of work done to ensure that a minister can be called on full status. Now, our vacancy committee has been getting on with the important task of seeking out the right person to continue the ministry at Whitburn South. It is important that the right person is found and although a great deal of time has passed, we should not seek to rush an appointment of a new minister. Better to wait a wee bit longer, if necessary, and to get the right person.

It would be great if we were able to tell you in a month or two that an ideal candidate has emerged. I don't know if that will happen. What I do know is, that the South Church is well served by its Office Bearers and they deserve all the support that the congregation can give them. I am sure that this level of service and commitment will continue in a new ministry and the South will go from strength to strength.

For my part, I look forward to sharing worship with you on 9th March when we will hold our Annual stated Meeting - a great opportunity to hear first hand reports about the life of the congregation.

With all best wishes,

Ron Greig, Interim Moderator.

Vacancy Update
On Sunday 17th November 2002, a meeting of the congregation was held after morning worship at which a vacancy committee was elected.

At its first meeting the committee agreed on the wording of an advertisement, which duly appeared in Life and Work and Minister's Forum (a publication circulated directly to ministers by the Church of Scotland).

Whilst the work of this committee is required to be kept private, suffice to say that over the coming weeks we will be going out to listen to ministers, both those who currently have charges and trainees/probationers, and with guidance from the Holy Spirit, we will eventually make a selections to out to the congregation.

Please continue to pray for the Vacancy Committee, that God will help us to find the right minister for Whitburn South.

Iain Glen, Session Clerk.

Worship Group
As part of the Kirk Session Core Group structure, the Worship Group has been in existence since January 2001. Over this period it has been responsible for monthly evening services outwith communions, as well as occasional morning services. There has been an ongoing commitment to have a supply of readers and people willing to lead the prayers of the congregation. This list of volunteers will hopefully continue to expand. The group is looking anyone interested in providing fresh ideas in relation to the type and content of services for which it is responsible. This does not represent a large time commitment however fresh faces and fresh ideas would be most welcome. Since last summer, monthly evening services have featured Mike Blackwood, the Ladywell Baptist Church Praise Band and the South Kirk Singers. The April service will be led by a group from the Airdrie area known a 'Spiritual Harmony'.

Prayer Group
This new group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, over in the hall, after morning service (and a quick cuppa!). This is an informal group where everyone is welcome whenever they might be able to come. And prayer requests, reasons for thanksgiving or items for the group to shre would be much appreciated as with the Prayer Diary.

Dorothy Aitchison, Prayer Secretary.

Boys Brigade
The whole company enjoyed a very busy festive period participating in different events. Anchor Boys spent a morning at Mill Farm in Livingston. Apart from meeting Santa the boys enjoyed a tractor trailer ride, a train journey to the North Pole and had fun in the play area. The Junior Section went tenpin bowling in the Hollywood Bowl at Coatbridge, (the bumper bars proved useful!), followed by supper at MacDonalds. Company Section had a great time at Laser Quest in Edinburgh. All sections also enjoyed a visit to the pantomime at Glasgow Pavilion.

Battalion Events
Our CS came 3rd in the spiritual competition with two of our boys achieving 100%. The tenpin bowling event organised by 1st Whitburn was also a great success. Two younger members of the CS are just back from camp at Carronvale - still waiting to hear all the stories and adventures. JS took part in the try a sport event in Livingston and will shortly be participating in the spiritual competition. AB attended a fun day event in Livingston and had a superb time.

Company Events
AB and JS have been learning about the Church of Scotland World Mission Fund - Ghana project. This project supports Ghana BB companies is setting up vocational education centres for young people. AB and JS have just completed a sponsored event in aid of Sick Kids Hospital in Edinburgh and CS have just completed a message packing fund raiser for our own company funds. Our parent's and friend's evening will take place on Wednesday 4th June, further details about this event will be issued at a later date.

Queen's Man
In June 2002 I was approached by the Battalion to see if Kenneth Quin who had just achieved his Queen's award would be interested in competing for a year's scholarship at an American University - to be sponsored by Whitburn Rotary. After several meetings, form filling and achieving excellent SAT results, Kenneth has been successful in gaining a place at Augusta University. Kenneth well leaves for America at the beginning of August. Our thanks also go to Mr Alistair Marquis, Battalion President for all his help and encouragement.

Girls Brigade 
Christmas seems very far away, however, I must mention the Christmas Hampers that were made up and distributed by the Senior and Brigader's sections. These hampers were given to members of the congregation who do not find it easy to get out and about these days. It was a pleasure to meet and chat with them and their appreciation of these gifts made it all worthwhile.

The new session has got off to a great start and the girls have a busy time ahead. Since returning in January the girls have been working hard rehearing for a concert that they are performing at Mansewood Court on Tuesday 9th February; it is amazing the talent hidden behind those angelic faces, I', sure the residents are in for a very entertaining night.

Whitburn plays host to a GB training day on Sunday 23rd February with Eric Burton, Laura Quilter and Deborah Glen all taking part in training sessions. The girls will be going on their long awaited trip to see the Disney production of "Beauty and the Beast" on Saturday 15th March.

Our penny mile fund-raiser for CHAS is going really well and our current total is £388.26. This brings us to just under half a mile, your continued support of this project would be greatly appreciated, so if anyone has any spare pennies please send them along or give them to any of the Officers and I'm sure we will get to the mile eventually.

Dawn Brown has begun her Officers Training and on behalf of everyone in the Company I would like to wish her every success.

Womens' Fellowship
The fellowship continues to grow in number but we are still keen to welcome anyone who would like to join us. Recent meetings have included alternative relaxation techniques and a demonstration by the 'Body Shop'. The next meeting takes place on Thursday 6th March and shall be a demonstration and workshop of various paper craft techniques. Please come and join us in the hall at 7:30pm.

The Guild
The Guild meet every second and fourth Thursday each month between September and May. On Friday 7th March we are hosting the World Day of Prayer at 7pm. A warm welcome will be given to all. On 13th March we are having a concert with the group called "The Uddingstonians". Tickets will be available from all members priced £2.00.

South Kirk Singers
The singers have recently performed a concert for Condorrat Parish Church Guild and will be performing in Broxburn later in March. SKS annual concert will take place on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th May. Tickets are priced £4.00. Teas will be served in the church hall after the concert on both nights. We would appreciate help from anyone who is able to assist either night serving the teas. 

Money Matters

Dear Friends,

Well another year has ended and while 2002 was not the easiest year for our Church, it was nevertheless another healthy one for us financially. Another positive step along the steady path we have maintained over the past few years.

The accounts have now been completed and audited and will be available to the congregation in a week or two but I thought it appropriate to highlight one or two points prior to their issue. We ended the year with a very healthy bank balance in our General Account but this is in the main due to having reduced costs with regard to Ministerial duties and we all hope this will end soon! However, the fact that during this uncertain period, we maintained our level of offerings in line with previous years bears testimony to the sustained effort applied by all Elders and Office Bearers, to the callibre of the people we have secured for Pulpit Supply and most importantly to the the loyalty shown by you, our congregation.

This continued level of Christian giving has also included our accounts for Restoration and Fabric purposes, both by means of regular offerings and by support for special fundraising events.

I should like to say a very sincere 'THANK YOU' to you all for your continued support and generosity - you make my 'job' a 'pleasure'!

Irene Wright, Treasurer.

FUND RAISING COMMITTEE wish to thanks everyone who helped at the Silent Auction by donating baking, goods and buying. Total raised £538+.

 
Short Course in Human Relations

The six most important words:    "I admit I made a mistake"

The five most important words:    "You do a good job"

The four most important words:    "What is your opinion"

The three most important words:   "If you please"

The two most important words:      "Thank you"

The least important word:               "I"

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JUNE 2003

Letter from Rev Ron Greig, Interim Moderator

Dear Friends,

Many of you have been wondering how the vacancy is coming along. Indeed, you may well have been asking members of the committee the very same question, possibly thinking to yourselves - "how is it taking so long?". The sad fact is, that virtually every vacancy in the church is taking a long time to fill at present. Finding the right person is very important - and maybe the time is not yet right.

I realise how frustrating it can be when you're on the outside wondering what's taking so long. I can assure you that it's even more frustrating for those closely involved in the process. I can also assure you that lot's of hard work is being done to fill the vacancy as soon as it's possible to do so. What I ask for from you , the South Kirk folk, is that you be patient. Yes, I know I've been saying this for over a year now but I make no apology for saying it again. God will bring us a new minister and the committee you appointed to bring this about will fulfil their task. Please have faith in them. I know it's hard not to ask them questions, but it has always been a strict rule of the vacancy procedure, that complete confidentiality is maintained. So they can't tell you anything, in fairness to those with whom they are dealing.

So keep up the great work you're doing; keep the wonderful support you have shown for the church so far, going. And God will bring us a good outcome when he is ready. It is good to be involved with you all.

With all blessings

Ron Greig
Interim Moderator

Girls' Brigade
The Girls' Brigade has now completed a very busy year for all sections within the company. Attendance has been good throughout the year and the girls have enjoyed, amongst other activities, a trip to "Beauty and the Beast", an activities day at Lowport, Linlithgow, sleep-overs in the church hall, a very interesting visit from our Community Police Officer, Joe Sherridan, who gave the girls' advice about personal safety and a course on First Aid. The girls' also performed a concert in Mansewood Court which was much appreciated by the residents. At Christmas time the Brigaders prepared and distributed Christmas hampers to some of the "housebound" members of the congregation, the names of the recipients being suggested by the Pastoral Care Group.

The Parents and Friends night on Tuesday 10th June took the form of a concert in the Church with all the girls taking part enthusiastically and to great applause from the audience. A new trophy bearing the name of our former long-term captain, Jess McCracken, was presented for the first time at this evening.

This year the company has again been raising money for CHAS. This took the form of metaphorical "mile of pennies" which approximates to £800 and this target has now been passed with the total raised, as Linkline goes to print, being £854. The company would like to thank most sincerely everyone who contributed to this excellent total and to all who supported the girls in any other way throughout the year.

The officers and helpers, if not the girls, are now looking forward to a relaxing summer!

Womens' Fellowship
The Fellowship ended it's session in May, but already things are well under way for next year. The syllabus is already planned with the first meeting taking place on Thursday, 4th September. A day trip is also planned for late August, details of which shall follow later.

Boys' Brigade
We have now come to the end of another season and on behalf of the company we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who supported us throughout the BB year.

Our parents and friends evening on the 4th of June was a great success and enjoyed by all the boys and all those present. Thanks to Paul and Charlotte Coyle who presented the boys with their awards. The Anchor Boys sang the song, "I wanna be like a tree", and managed to get the whole audience to join in with the actions. The Anchor Boys were very enthusiastic displaying their parachute game. The Junior Section did very well as they performed two dramas, one called "Gods Plan" and the other "Follow the Leader". The Company Section shared a few jokes with the audience set in a Doctors surgery and completed the evening with a display of marching.

The company made the following donations:-
£100 to Church of Scotland World Mission Fund
£100 toward the Matthew Sommerville fund for Ward 6 Sick Children's Hospital
£50 towards the Carronvale refurbishment scheme
Various other smaller donations to other groups................

The end of session was marked by the annual water fight between staff and boys of the sections. It was safe to say that the staff this year received their biggest soaking yet! But there's always next year!

Registration Wednesday 27th August 6:30pm to 7:30pm in Church Hall
The new session commences with registration on Wednesday 27th August. New members would be made most welcome. 

The Guild
A good session has just passed once again. the highlight, (and our members and visitors will agree), was The Uddingstonians who were a group of "Golden Oldies" - they gave us stories, jokes, music and song. Wonderful singers, a stand-up comedian and music from the dulcimer and accordion. Another good night was the "Tramps Supper", and thanks to a benefactor who paid for the fish suppers and a message boy called Archie, who went for them, the committee and members had a great night!

Our trip on the day was mixed - our stop at Inverary was wet, but by the time we got arrived at Oban the sun shone until we left.

More news in the next Linkline of our syllabus which is varied and exciting.

COME ALONG AND JOIN THE FUN. 

May our Guild go from strength to strength.

Prayer Group
During July and August the Prayer Group will continue to meet over in the hall after morning worship, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, dates for July being 13th and 27th. ALL WELCOME.

For Thought and Prayer
God our Father, we thank You that we have the victory through Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. We thank You for the forgiveness of our sins through his precious, flowing blood, for the peace that is ours through Him, and for the hope, the joy and the love we share as your people. Amen.


GO SEE YOUR FRIENDS OFTEN.
WEEDS GROW FAST AND WILL ALL TOO SOON
OBLITERATE AN UNUSED PATH.

SOLAR GROUP
During the months of July and August, a summer holiday club will run in the church hall for all children from age three upwards. The S.O.L.A.R club will run from 9:45am until 11am every Sunday morning offering a wide variety of activities and games.

This is the first time that such a club has been run in the South Church and a great deal of energy has been put into ensuring that the club is a huge hit with all our young people. All Children will be made welcome. Please encourage any children you know to come along and give it a try!
 

Sunday School
Anne Gamble who has been a Sunday School teacher in Whitburn South for 37 years, has decided to retire this year. We thank her for all her commitment and dedication she has given the Sunday School over the years and we wish her a long and happy retirement.

George Smith presented the prizes this year at prize giving service on the 22nd June.

The Children's offering money was given to two worthwhile causes:-
£300 to Special Care Baby Unit at St.John's Hospital, Livingston, to help purchase Special Care Baby Incubators.

and

£100 towards the Matthew Sommerville fund for Ward 6, Sick Children's Hospital, Edinburgh.

The Sunday School starts back on the first Sunday in September. We wish all the children a safe and happy holiday.

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 OCTOBER 2003

Girls Brigade
The session has just started and it is great to be welcoming back all the girls from last year and also extending a warm welcome to all the new girls. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the girls who showed up to walk in the Organisations parade, it was great to see such a great number of girls walking. I would also like to thank all the girls who took part in all of the gala day activities. The girls made a great job of all their animal costumes and thanks to the new GB banner made for us by Eric Burton.

All officers and auxilliaries are back and well rested after the summer and we are looking forward to a busy year. We have a wide range of activities planned for this year; the explorers are already looking forward to meeting Santa t the Jellyclub in Edinburgh, the junior and senior sections are going to Hollywood bowl and we will soon begin rehearsals for our Christmas concert at Mansewood Court.

We would like to congratulate Dawn Brown who was recently commissioned and begins this session as an officer in the explorers section.

Our CHAS appeal is now closed and we are looking forward to presenting a cheque for £1000 to a representative from the CHAS organisation. We will let everyone know soon the date of the presentation and we hope you will come along, have a coffee and join in, without everyone's support it would not have been possible.

Boys Brigade
With our new session underway, the boys, young men and staff are enthusiastically tacking the various sectional achievement programmes. The deferred company section go-karting outing held over from last session has taken place. A great time experienced by all.

Once again we will be supporting the Blytheswood "shoebox" appeal and the Church of Scotland's World Mission Fund appeal.

In addition to our Wednesday programmes we will participate in the following battalion events and activities before Christmas:- 5th Oct our Founders day service will take place in St. Andrew's church Bo'ness and will follow the TGI Sunday format. Anchor boys will attend a Christmas craft event in Blackburn on 22nd November. Junior section will participate in the indoor 5's at Bathgate on 11th October and at the fun achievements in Linlithgow on 29th November. Company section will participate in the table games activities at East Calder on 27th September and volleyball on 15th November and a Bible quiz at Uphall on 1st December.

New members are always welcome and we would be delighted to see you on a Wednesday evening for fun and fellowship.

The Guild
Our first meeting was held on 11th of September. It was a theme night and our theme for 2003/4 is DARE TO CARE WITH COURAGE. There was a great turn out of members and we had some new members join us as well.

25th September - Rachel House, speaker.

9th October - The Ferry Singers. This is an open night and tickets are £2 (including refreshments). Come and have tea and enjoy the great choir.

23rd October - The Seagull Trust. This will take the form of slides and a talk on taking handicapped people on boat trips on the Union Canal.

13th November - Miss Carol Findlay from the board of World Mission. It is always good to hear from the board.

27th November - Silent Auction. Come along and get some bargains!

COME ALONG AND JOIN US. 
WE WELCOME YOU - WE MEET EVERY 2nd & 4th THURSDAY.

Prayer Group
The small group continues to meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month after morning service and invite your prayer concerns and/or reasons for thanksgiving, as well as yourselves any time you are able to come along. Whether you bring your prayers before the lord openly, or in the silence of your heart, your support would be very much appreciated.

"Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light"
Remember the smallest light can pierce the deepest darkness. Thanks be to Jesus, the Light of the world. Amen.

Sunday School
The Sunday School Teachers would like to give a warm welcome to two new members of staff - Anne Cartwright, who will replace Anne Gamble and Liz McFadzean who was a teacher before and has kindly come back to help out with classes.

Other information - Sunday school will be holding a SOUP LUNCH on 5th October, in aid of the Children's Christmas Party. Watch information sheet for details soon.

South Kirk Singers
With the rehearsal schedule in full flow the SKS are preparing for a busy year ahead. We would like to draw your attention in particular to the concert on 7th November, which is being performed in the Church. Details are listed below. We would be delighted to see you there and support this very worthwhile cause.

Friday 7th November - Charity concert in aid of Ward 6 of the Edinburgh Sick Children's hospital. Tickets are priced at £5 (includes refreshments served in the church hall after the concert).

Sunday 23rd November - Participating in Bathgate High Church Evening Service.

Tuesday 2nd March - Concert in Colinton Mains, Edinburgh.

Wednesday 31st March - Concert in Kirkliston.

The Singers annual dinner dance will take place in the Hilcroft on 5th March and the annual concerts on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th May.

Pastoral Care Group
The work of the Pastoral Care Group is ongoing. Although we try to visit anyone who is ill or confined to the home, we cannot visit if we are unaware of illness. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a visit tell your elder, or let Edith or Margaret know. The group held an afternoon tea in May for the housebound and the elderly members of the congregation. As this was a great success we are hoping to have a Scottish afternoon on Saturday 22nd of November, from 3pm til 4pm for the same group of people. The Pastoral Care Group will welcome anyone who would care to join us, the more helpers there are, the easier it is for everyone.

Mission Group
As you are aware the Parish Boundaries have been extended. In order to let the people in the new part of the parish know what we in the South Church are all about, we distributed leaflets to every household. Also every new house which has been built within the parish has been given a leaflet about our church. If you know of any house in the parish which has a new occupant, let your elder know, or let robin or John know and they will deliver a leaflet about the church, or you could get a leaflet from one of the committee and deliver it yourself. We are always looking for new members - why don't YOU come and join us.

Sunday Teas
These have just restarted after the summer break. Volunteers are sought to help on Sundays. Everyone of all ages are most welcome to come and share some refreshment and fellowship. If you can help, please give your name to Joyce or add your name to the tea list.

OLD - When Jesus was a Lad
You have all, since you were children, been aware of a burial mound called CAIRNPAPPLE! "Aye its up on the Bathgate Hills somwhere", our elders would say, (even if they had never been there themselves).

It may surprise you to know that Cairnpapple is approximately 4 - 4,500 years old and in fact is older than the great pyramids of Egypt.

West Lothian Council Museums Service is, until 8th November, holding an exhibition of original artefacts from Cairnpapple in Broxburn Library, East Main Street, Broxburn.

Take the children along and show them articles which were 2,000 years old when Jesus was born!!!.


Charity Runners
Three younger members of the congregation have recently been exerting themselves for the benefit of two charities.

Allan Stewart and Shaun Benfold, both seasoned runners, although Allan is more seasoned to sprints than distance running, competed recently in the Glasgow half marathon and together have raised approximately £800 for CHAS. 

Deborah Glen, who had never previously done any distance running, and who by her own admission had not done nearly enough training, ran in the Great North Run, also a half marathon. Deborah finished the run in a state of exhaustion but to date Deborah has raised £502 for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Nan Hendrie
Would like to thank everyone who supported her Garden Open Day in aid of CHAS. The grand sum of £1,300 was raised. Nan and a few friends have been invited to visit Rachel House next week. Well Done!

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DECEMBER 2003

The Prayer Group
"In God's hands, no one is a hopeless case".
God our Father, we thank you for the gifts of faith, hope, and love granted to us through Jesus, our Lord and Saviour and that nothing and nobody is ever hopeless in his eyes. Amen.

Meeting dates for December are:-
Sunday 14th - when the theme will be Worldwide Church and our Own Church.
Sunday 28th - with the theme being the Prayer Group and Individual Members.
YOU would be very welcome to join us in some /any/ all of the meetings, or to hand in prayer requests, but please remember to pray for the South Church Prayer Group in your own personal prayer time. Thank You.

FOCUS Group
With the new session now under way we felt we should tell you a little about ourselves. FOCUS was formed two years ago, its aim was to provide spiritual teaching and guidance to those children and young adults who perhaps felt a little too old for Sunday School but not yet mature enough for a full sermon in Church.

We started with one member but now have four who attend each week. Of course, we are always striving to encourage more young people to join us.

We are currently trying to embark on a project to up date the notice board in the Church Hall. We feel that for many people this would be an excellent place to find out what is going on the Church within the various organisations. We also feel that this board could provide a very attractive welcome to any visitor to Whitburn South. 

However, we do need some help. We would like to include information about all groups and organisations in our church and need a little information from the leaders and captains to get us started. We need to know the following things:-
- Who you are
- What yours aims are
- Where you meet
- When you meet
- Who to contact for more information

These details would be put on the notice board in the church hall. We hope that you will support us in this project as we really believe it could benefit the whole Church.
Please pass on any information you have to either Alan Thomson or Deborah Glen.

South Kirk Singers
The choir continued not only to entertain but to raise large amounts of money for worthwhile causes. On 7th Nov with a charity cheque for £1000 was presented to Susan Veitch fund raising co-ordinator for the Friends of the Sick Kids Foundation at the end of another highly successful concert by the Singers. Sincere thanks to everyone who supported this event.
The next major event is the Singers Annual Dinner Dance which will take place in the Hilcroft Hotel on Friday 4th March 2004. Tickets will be available soon.

The Guild 
Here we are almost at the end of our session. It has been a very enjoyable session so far. Our first meeting was on our theme "Dare to Care". We then had Mrs Allison from the charity CHAS, she showed slides and gave a talk on the work at Rachel House and we were all humbled when the talk finished. Next we had the Ferry Singers, it was a wonderful night of music. The Seagull Trust then took us by talk and film along the Union and Clyde Canal. 13th Nov we will have Ms Finlay from World Mission, 27th Nov we will have a Silent Auction. On 11th Dec we are going to Fauldhouse Golf Club for our Christmas night out. 

The Guild are having a soup and sweet lunch on 30th Nov. This lunch is in aid of the charity ANSWER a Whitburn based charity.

We would welcome anyone to come along and join our meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Margaret Bishop (Secretary). 
Seasons Greetings from the Guild.

Girls' Brigade
Tuesday Night: Explorers Section P1-P3 6:15pm - 7:30pm 
                         Juniors & Seniors P4 -S4 6:30pm - 8:30pm
All girls aged 5 to 16 years are welcome along and join.

On Tuesday 4th Nov the girls' held a coffee evening to thank everyone for their support in helping us achieve our "Penny Mile". We had a very special guest, Mrs Sandra Allison, to whom we presented a cheque for £1041 in aid of CHAS. Mrs Allison also gave a talk to the girls explaining the importance of a hospice in the lives of young children who are seriously ill. We would like to thank everyone who came along on the night and also take this opportunity to let everyone know that our mile of pennies is now closed.

The new season got underway with the girls' taking part in the Royal British Legions Remembrance Sunday parade: Mrs May Glen laid the wreath on behalf of the Girls Brigade. The Girls are busy rehearsing for their Christmas Carol Concert. The explorers will have an outing to the jelly club and I am informed that Santa has agreed to put in an appearance. The Juniors and Senior Section are looking forward to their trip to Hollywood Bowl in December. Anne Cartwright, Captain.

Sunday School
Our new teachers and Sunday School have now settled down in their classes for this session. We have approximately 30-35 young people on the register who are regular attenders. This number varies, week to week, as children visiting or staying with grandparents, join us on a Sunday morning. Everyone is made very welcome.
This year's Christmas Party will be held on Saturday 20th December.

Womens' Fellowship
Members have enjoyed a varied and interesting start to the season. We meet on the first Thursday of every month and would be delighted to welcome new members. Our next meeting is a "Christmas Treat" on Thursday 4th Dec at 7:30pm. Come and join us for fun and fellowship.

Pastoral Care Group
We would welcome new members with a couple of hours to spare, either per week, per fortnight or per month. We as a group would like to be aware of any member of the congregation, who is ill, at home or in hospital, who would welcome a visit. We cannot visit if we are unaware of a person being ill. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a visit - tell your elder, or phone Margaret or Edith.

A member of our group has undertaken the task of hospital visitor at St. John's, again we need to know who is in hospital to enable Ann to visit.

Everything is in hand for the Scottish afternoon on 22nd Nov. We hope this will be as great a success as our venture in May.

The Pastoral Care Group extend to you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Margaret and Edith Co-Convenors.

Boys' Brigade
We meet on Wednesday evenings in the Church Hall.
Anchor Boys 6:15pm to 7:50pm
Junior Section 6:15pm to 7:50pm
Company Section 7:30pm to 9:30pm

On 5th Nov we were visited by our Liaison Elders - Robin Gilchrist and Jim Egerton - who sat in with each section. I am sure they were suitable impressed by the boys' enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of the tasks they were set. Our total numbers this year are 45 and we are continually spreading the word and looking for new members to join the us. All sections are working very hard on their badge work and we hope that their efforts will be as successful as last year.

Already this year we have 3 boys in Company Section who have successfully passed the Battalion Leadership 2 course, (Adam, Stuart and Iain) and 3 of our senior boys, (Stephen, Alan and David), will attend a Leadership 3 course with the Battalion on 13th Dec. We are hoping that all 3 senior boys pass this course which will allow them to succeed in attaining their Presidents award and allow them to commence their Queens award programme.

In addition to our weekly achievement programme, the sections have attended several Battalion activities. Anchor Boys went to Blackburn to take part in the craft and colouring competition. Junior Section took part in the 5 aside football at Bathgate and the fun achievement day in Linlithgow. Company Section took part in the volleyball competition and as previously stated the boys have been working hard with their leadership grade achievements.

On 10th January we will be going to the Pantomime, (Pinocchio), in Glasgow Pavilion. The Anchor Boys made Christmas cards which were delivered to all the residents at Mansewood Court.

The boys and staff wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and Good Wishes for the New Year.  Alison Quilter, Captain.

Other Snippets
SHOEBOX APPEAL - Thank you for your generosity in supporting the shoebox appeal. The church collected 196 boxes and £292 toward petrol money for lorries. 

CHRISTMAS JOKE - The minister asked some children what the difference it would make if Jesus hadn't been born. One boy said there would be no Christmas tree, another boy said there would be no presents and a third boy said to the minister - aye and you would be oot o' a job!!!

SUNDAY TEAS - I would like to thank everyone for their continued support I have received this year in keeping the teas running. Its nice to have fellowship after the Church Service and if you can spare the time to come over to the hall please come and join us. Catch up on friend's news, find out how they are, spend some time in one an others company. We all live busy lives but spare a thought for the people who go home on their own.

Christmas will soon be with us, the New Year not to far away, I hope that next year will bring renewed friendship for us all. I wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and a New Year full of promise.

Thank you for all your help, if you would like to volunteer to help next year please add your name to the list in the hall.


USED STAMPS - This appeal seams to have fallen off lately - Whatever the reason please continue with this worthwhile venture. Stamp centre, last year managed to raise £2271.30. So far this year £1764 has been raised - so come on!

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Magazines 2004

MARCH 2004

Letter from Charlotte Coyle
Dear Friends,

It is a year past on the 12th of January since Ron Greig asked me to take the Sunday Services, as George was ill, and I have continued to take them since, as George has now retired.

I would like to thank all of you for the support you have given me during this difficult time in the congregation's life, as we seek a new minister to lead us. Paul and I would also like to thank you for your kind wishes and flowers on our Ruby Wedding anniversary last year.

This has been a very busy year in the life of the Church. We have been able to welcome new members into the Church and that is always a happy time. I hope that those who have become part of our Church family have felt at home. Sadly we have had to say goodbye to old members who have gone to be with God. We have also had the joy of new babies being born into our church family and the privilege of being present at the christening of others. I am sure, like me, you enjoy the young people coming into the church, Sunday after Sunday, seeing so many young faces as part of our Sunday and Focus Group. All of these things tell us, for all our difficulties in finding a new minister our Church is full of life. 

I know that many of you find it difficult to have patience when other churches find ministers and we don't - but your vacancy committee is working hard on your behalf and I would ask that you give them your encouragement and prayers.

It has been a privilege for me to be with you, sharing in your joys and sorrows over the past year, and now that we have a new Interim Moderator, Rev John Povey, who will guide us in the coming months, working together as a congregation with all the various