Autumn Tidings from

Killearn Kirk

September 2012 Volume 15 Issue 2

Details of regular activities and forthcoming events are on page 6

What a fantastic time we had at the “Champions” holiday club this summer with 30 children attending our Olympics themed Champions mornings. With great action songs, games Olympic crafts, torches, trophy’s and medals, as well as 3 legged races, quiz times and jelly beans hidden in baking flour much fun was had. The dramas and bible stories made up our morning programme, with three days culminating in a family lunch on the Friday.

A massive thank you to all the parents who took the time to bring their children each day, and it wouldn`t have been as good if we hadn`t had such enthusiastic primary kids shouting, singing, and enjoying themselves………roll on summer 2013 and we can do it all again!

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On Tuesday 14th August the Friends of Malawi held a meeting to hear an entertaining presentation from John Challis of the Raven Trust who has recently spent three weeks in Malawi overseeing ‘our’ projects as well as many others. He explained that were three aspects to the work of the Raven Trust.

The first is to send containers to Malawi which hold up to a 1000 boxes at a time. These supply schools, hospitals, and also The Hill Top Craft Centre run by the Rev Levi Nyondo and his wife Ruth. The next one would go at the end of August and was already full and contains the second boat for transporting sick people to Mlowe Clinic.

The second aspect was community development. One example of this was the repair of pumps in wells. Many wells had been supplied by charities but little thought had been given to the long term repair and maintenance of these. The average lifetime of a pump was 3 years before breaking down. So far 26 wells have been repaired in the Ekwendeni district for little cost. The long term hope is to have local people trained to repair these but John faced a cultural difficulty where to report something broken was to lose face.

The third aspect was the facilitation of visits to Africa. A three week visit might consist of a week’s introduction with experience of meeting people, then a focus on a particular project with some relaxation at the end. This might lead to a return for the progressing of further projects. Recently visits had been made by eye specialists and dentists. A key aspect of these visits was where to stay. The Malawi people are very hospitable but it was a strain on their resources to have

visitors for three weeks at a time. This was where the Jamieson House would prove to be invaluable as an overseas mission visitors’ house. John then gave us an update on the progress of the build.

The Jamieson house is nearly finished though not yet ready for habitation. The walls have been limed and the bathroom plumbed in. The ceiling boards are also in. Everything has been done by hand. No power tools have been available to local workers even if an electricity supply was secure. John had experienced problems with the local supply of paint which was of variable quality having been diluted and adulterated. Still good progress has been made. John is going out for three months next time and he hopes the work will be finished then. The house has three double bedrooms and a single, sleeping 7 people. Levi will handle bookings. There will be a slot meter for electricity and visitors will be expected to pay to stay. This will contribute to the long term cleaning and maintenance of the building. The good news from the Rev Levi is that he has been elected as General Secretary to the Synod of Livingstonia for another three years. This gives some stability to the projects.

Hilltop Craft Centre is in action. John saw the women sewing, knitting and generally learning good skills. They were very proud of the things they had made. John too was proud of the curtains he had made as a template for the windows of the Jamieson House. This led to further discussion as to how the house would be furnished and equipped.

Thanks to John and Sue Challis for an uplifting meeting and thanks to those Friends of Malawi who were able to come.

Progress Report from Malawi

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The Preshal TrustThis organisation, run in one of the poorest areas of Glasgow, is based on Christian principles but the doors are open to all. Over a hundred people pack into a small hall on a daily basis and receive perhaps their only meal of the day from a spotlessly clean but tiny kitchen. It is a charity run on low overheads but achieving wonderful work and this one off appeal is to create larger premises, a bigger kitchen and create facilities to extend their much needed education programmes.

I can confirm from experience that over the years I have witnessed the lives that have been changed completely. Preshal gives refuge to people who have suffered generations of abuse, some caused by drugs and alchohol. The wonderful amount of £700,000 has aready been raised with £45,000 to go. If anyone can help in any way or make a contribution I would be very pleased to hear from them. Also needed is good quality clothing which can be handed in to Little Carbeth.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this. This is a charity you never visit and leave without truly counting your blessings!

Agnes Bowie (01360 551595)

Thursday ClubDo you live in Killearn, are over 60 years of age and free on a Thursday afternoon?

Would you like to take part in social activities, have a chat and a cup of tea among friends?

Well, why not join us at the Thursday Club?

We meet in the Church Hall every Thursday afternoon from 2pm to around 4pm and refreshments are provided. Volunteer helpers drive members to the meetings and home again afterwards. You will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy activities such as card games, dominoes and scrabble and there are various events and outings planned for this coming session. Be assured of a warm welcome and time to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

The first meeting of this new session is Thursday 6th September.

If you are interested in joining the group, even if you are unable to come to the first meeting, please contact me and I will be able to give you further details and will arrange transport on your behalf.

Looking forward to welcoming new members and well-kent faces soon!

We should also be grateful for more volunteers to drive members of the Thursday Club to and from the meetings. If you feel able to make a commitment, however small, in this respect, please contact me.

On a personal note, I should like to take this opportunity to thank Moira Simpson for her contribution to the Thursday Club who has, for many years, been Treasurer. She has now decided to step down and my daughter, Kay Gardner, has kindly agreed to take on this role in her place.

Finally, may I also sincerely thank Betty Smith for 14 years of dedicated service and support as President of the Thursday Club. I'm sure she will be a hard act to follow however I shall endeavour to follow her example to ensure the continued success of the group.

All the members of the group, volunteer helpers and drivers and myself wish her all the best and would like her to know that we appreciate her continued involvement with the Thursday Club as a volunteer driver.

Peggy Gardner (01360 550558)Thursday Club President

Killearn Kirk GuildTo mark the 125th year the Guild has adopted its motto “Whose we are and Whom we serve” as its 3 year strategy. The theme for the first year is “A Faith to Proclaim.”

In Killearn our session opens with an outing to Luss Parish Church where Christian faith has been proclamed for 1500 years!

Our evening meetings include favourite inspiring songs, poems, readings and an evening with Jamie Stuart, author of The Glasgow Bible. If you have not had the pleasure of hearing him (and even if you have) do come along to this, our open evening and join us with guests from neighbouring Guilds. Fifty years of nursing is recalled by Doreen Snadden and Balfron Community Choir will join us for our Christmas evening. We hope you will come to any of our meetings and share warmth and friendship.

Finally our annual Sale of Work takes place on SATURDAY 17th November 10.30 - 12.30. We look forward to your support as always for this fund raising event for the wider work of the Church.

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Toddlers Toys and Tea / Messy Play

Over the summer months (June-August ) we’ve been looking at the creation story on Thursday mornings, we’ve had stars in shaving foam, rabbits in brylcream, runner beans who even stayed in their pots, and lots of printing, gluing, water and sand to help us learn of the wonders of the natural world. We’ve had lots of regulars and some new faces come along.

The next programme of messy play kicks off fortnightly from the 30th of August, culminating in our Christmas party on the 13th December. All pre-school children and their carers are welcome, for free fun - you don’t need to have a Church connection.

Kirk Kids

Over the summer we have been looking at some classic Bible stories, including Jonah, Noah’s ark, Joseph, Esther, Daniel, David and Goliath and Moses.

All change at Kirk Kids, Sundays - From 2nd September we have a re-arrangement of our younger children. We still continue to meet 10.25am in the halls prior to the service. The new look Kirk Kids is as follows:Crèche: Birth – starting Primary school.Lower Kirk kids: P.1-P.4Upper Kirk Kids: P.5-P.7Sunday Morning Group: S1-6All are welcome to come and try out Kirk kids, there’s lots to do with Bible based stories and activities, crafts, fun and games. Come and see what you’re missing, make some friends and enjoy refreshments at the close of the main service.

The Hoolie Banner

A belated thank you to all the children who came along to the Kirk art tent at the Hoolie. The banner is now proudly on display in the main halls of the Kirk, with all our helping hands having been turned into a tree, and extra big thank you to the lovely children who gave up some of their time over the summer break to glue and assemble the hands and paint in the fabulous tree. Well done everyone!

Primary 5, 6 and 7`s

Good times were had in the Kirk halls over 2 mornings in the summer with the drop in youth club. Snooker, table tennis, table football, air hockey, jewellery making, home grown Pictionary and make a silly story kept us all amused………..as did the snacks! Thank you for coming along.

TP7T and TFNT Lunch

Much munching and chat took place at our 2 joint lunch slots. It was great to watch some of the boys do a chocolate rice cake eating challenge, and catch up with all the holiday news. To be repeated…..

TP7T resumes on the 31st August at 6.30pm, looking forward to seeing some new faces……….and it was great to see our old TP7T group looking great in their uniforms at Balfron High at the start of this new term……guys you are welcome back to TP7T for one more year or come and join us at TFNT at 8pm Fridays.

I am really looking forward to this term, and hope to see as many of you around the Kirk or village as possible.

Amanda McCall (Killearn Kirk Youth and Family Outreach Worker)

THURSDAYS

30th Aug TOYS AND TEA13th Sept MESSY PLAY27th Sept TOYS AND TEA11th Oct MESSY PLAY25th Oct TOYS AND TEA8th Nov MESSY PLAY22nd Nov TOYS AND TEA13th Dec Christmas PartyKillearn Kirk Halls 9.45-11.15am

Young People at Killearn Kirk

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TFNT (The Friday Night Thing) continued over the summer break and we discovered how much fun you could have with a ping pong ball, table, and various targets....no really sounds a bit random, and I guess it is, but it did provide some entertainment. The activities planned for this term are a film night in the Church, yes big projector and a beefy sound system to match! Messy games, bring your friends, beat the other teams and make a mess in the process, what else needs to be said? Generation Game, learn some new skills, or at least try to! And a Trip to Laser Quest! And of course we still have our normal chilling nights, tuck shop and optional discussion at the end – These will be based on God’s character and the names God has, what they mean and why. TFNT for all those in secondary school and runs from 8:00pm – 9:00pm with an optional discussion from 9:00pm – 9:30pm

Curious? Was another club that ran over summer, however with a slightly more chilled approach. This included having time to ask any questions about Christianity, God or the Christian life. Also if I

THURSDAYS

30th Aug TOYS AND TEA13th Sept MESSY PLAY27th Sept TOYS AND TEA11th Oct MESSY PLAY25th Oct TOYS AND TEA8th Nov MESSY PLAY22nd Nov TOYS AND TEA13th Dec Christmas PartyKillearn Kirk Halls 9.45-11.15am

remember rightly time to search YouTube for Muppets videos!....probably best you don’t ask! We also had a meal at Amanda’s, and yes it did take a billion hours to get there.....Tim would prefer it if you don’t ask! Haha. Curious? starts up again this term with a new Bible study topic and runs from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Come and develop your faith, ask questions and munch food.

The Kirk’s Sunday Morning Youth Group (SMYG) also continued over summer, allowing for us to tackle the majority of our filming project. We start up again with more sessions based on the following series; God the creator, Power in action, Belonging, and God comes to his people

Boys Brigade managed to get in a paintballing session with other local groups at the beginning of summer and we also just went to Go Ape!.....and yes Tim is scared of heights! Boys Brigade is for boys of all ages and starts up again Thursday 30th August. Contact Neil for more detail (551715).

I am looking forward to another term catching up with the brilliant young people from Killearn and the surrounding area. And meeting the new S1’s at BHS where Amanda and I will continue to be at on Wednesday and Friday. Come speak to us, give us high 5’s and tell us your news!

Tim Burnham (Killearn Kirk Youth Worker)

I AM Word Search Do you know the word pictures Jesus used to describe himself? This word search will help you find the answer. Directions: Find the capitalized words and then memorize these "I Am" statements of Jesus.I am the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. I am the LIGHT of the WORLD. I am the GOOD SHEPHERD. I am the GATE for the SHEEP. I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the Life. I am the VINE, and YOU are the BRANCHES. I am the BREAD of Life.

M V I N E N S B C E F DU S Y T R W H C V F X S R E S U R R E C T I O N I H H L O K E P J L H G L C E D R D P B D F T D I N P S Y T M O T R U V G A H G R U O Y L W R H H R E T A G W S Y N T G T B R H M J D A E R B R M A D L R O W Y H T C V

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Weekly Activities at Killearn KirkWednesday - Meeting Point Bible Study GroupThe focus of the initial studies this session is the person and the power of the Holy Spirit and these will run over 6 weeks with a DVD and participant’s guide ‘ When God’s Spirit Moves’ by Jim Cymbala. Jim has served as pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle for more than twenty-five years & is the author of many bestselling titles. A warm invitation is extended to all and there is always tea, coffee, cake, biscuits and time to chat before and after the study. The group is meeting together as usual at 8pm at the Macintoshes, for more details please contact Scott or Agnes on 550794.

Thursday - Kirk Book GroupThe Book Group is now under way, looking at the late John Stott’s short book called The Radical Disciple. It was the last book he wrote as his physical powers failed and his awareness of the need for practical discipleship was particularly acute. The group is very informal and welcomes everyone. The members and the discussions are wide ranging and do not demand prior Bible knowledge or indeed church membership. It is an opportunity for people to meet, think honestly together on matters of faith and of course drink coffee and tea. Everyone is welcome to the meetings which are on Thursdays at 10.30am and 7.30 pm. For more information and venues please give Andrew Weir a ring at 550779.

Thursday ClubMeets in the Church Hall every Thursday afternoon from 2pm - 4pm, see article elsewhere in this magazine.

Young People Full details of activities for young people can be found on the centre pages of this magazine.

Forthcoming Events at Killearn Kirk14 September - Killearn Golden Years ClubThe musical evening arranged for 14th September at 7.30pm in Killearn church hall will feature the Gargunnock Songsters this year. All are welcome to come - tickets are available priced £4 (which includes light refreshments in the interval). This fundraising event supports the on-going provision of the dinner and annual outing for older residents of Killearn. A raffle will be also held. Please contact any of the organising committee for details or tickets: Peter Rea 550432, Bob Ballantyne 550310 Teresa Prescott 550050.

28/9 September - National Day of PrayerKillearn Kirk will be involved in a 24 hr local prayer chain to coincide with the National Day of Prayer (ndopwembley.com) on the 29th September (Saturday). Each church will take a 3 and a half hour slot over the 24 hour period, 2pm 28/9/12 - 2pm 29/9/12 and the slot for Killearn Kirk is from 9.00pm on the Friday to 00.30am Saturday morning. If you can attend please let Amanda know (familyworker@killearnkirk.org.uk), all help very much appreciated.

7 October - Harvest Thanksgiving The Harvest Thanksgiving service will be at 10.30 am in Killearn Kirk and will be followed by a soup lunch.

27 October - Kirk Work DayThis will be on Saturday 27 October. 10 am – 4pm. Painting, cleaning, fixing and more. Join in the fun for an hour or two or the day. Bring your own lunch. Drinks provided. More information contact Sue Beck - property@killearnkirk.org.uk

11 November - Remembrance Service The Remembrance Service will be at 10.45 am at the War Memorial (or in the Kirk if inclement weather).

17 November - Guild Sale of WorkSee Guild article elsewhere in this magazine.

The next edition of Killearn Kirk Tidings will be published at the beginning of December and will contain full details of the Christmas Services.

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PersonaliaKillearn Kirk People Minister Rev. Lee Messeder 2 The Oaks 550045 minister@killearnkirk.org.ukFamily Worker Amanda McCall familyworker@killearnkirk.org.ukYouth Worker Tim Burnham youthworker@killearnkirk.org.ukSession Clerk Chris Williams Blair House, Croftamie 660020Treasurer Bob Ballantyne Kilmorie Cottage 550310 Church Officer Iain Sinclair 18 Crosshead Road 550204Roll Keeper Kirsty Smith 26 New Endrick Road 550654

Killearn Kirk is a Charity Registered in Scotland No SC012140Killearn Kirk Tidings is produced by:

Scott Macintosh (tel 550794) - scott@themacintoshfamily.co.ukLaurie Crawford (tel 550525) - laurie@clancrawford.com

Printed by The Macintosh Partnership

Visit us online at www.killearnkirk.org.uk or visit our Facebook page:www.facebook.com/pages/Killearn-Kirk/116334885136784

WEDDINGS

12th May 2012Helen McGregor to Matthew Leeman

9th June 2012Margaret Ashworth to Kenny Milton

FUNERALS

4th April 2012Moira Norton, 1 Greenend Lane, Killearn

8th April 2012Archibald McQueen, 7 The Oaks, Killearn

Jean Paul, 92 Buchanan Street, Balfron

Our MinisterReaders will have noticed there is no letter from Lee in this edition of the magazine. He is just coming to the end of a period of sabbatical leave during which he has studied “The Historical Person of Christ”.

Mrs Pat MacCowan Killearn Kirk would like to take this opportunity to wish Pat all the best for her retirement, and thank her and the staff of Killearn Primary School for all the support they have given the Kirk-school link in years past. And it goes without saying that we warmly welcome Mrs Pamela Craigie to the village, and look forward to working alongside her and the staff as she takes up the post of Head Teacher.

Sue & Tony KiddOver the summer we said farewell to Sue and Tony who are off to Devon, although we are sure we will continue to see them from time to time.

They were presented with a canvas photograph of the Wednesday Meeting Point Group and we all wish them well.

Next Edition of TidingsThe next edition of Killearn Kirk Tidings will be published at the beginning of December. Submissions on Kirk matters are always welcome, please eMail the editors. Text should if possible be a Word document attached to an eMail. Pictures & graphics should also be separately attached, please do not embed pictures and graphics within documents or eMails, it can be difficult or impossible to extract them. If in doubt contact the editors beforehand. Thank you.

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Life of a Carpenter in the times of JesusMost villages supported a number of independent craftsmen, including carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, dyers, basket weavers and mat makers, and tanners and leather workers. These craftsmen often bartered their services for grain, oil, vegetables and other foodstuffs. Carpentry was one of the most respected trades. Whilst almost all villages could support at least one carpenter it is believed that Nazareth was known as a town of carpenters. As with any craft, each artisan learned his trade from his father or some other male in his extended family. According to tradition, one of the chief duties of a father was to ensure his son learnt a useful trade. A young boy would learn early by watching his father but a formal apprenticeship did not start until the boy was fifteen.

Carpenters normally worked in their doorways or just outside their houses. His tools and materials would be stored inside his house. Joseph must have owned a substantial kit of tools. At that point in time a carpenter would have had an ax for chopping down trees, an adz for shaping wood, and a hatchet. He would also have had iron saws, a bow drill and bits, a stone-headed hammer, a plane, a spoke shave, a wooden mallet, chisels, files, awls and a supply of nails. For measuring he would have a ruler, compass and dividers together with a pencil-like marker.

A carpenter would also have to know about wood. In Nazareth the principal choices would have been between sycamore (not the American sycamore), which is a species of fig tree, olive wood and oak. The sycamore is a softwood, the oak a hardwood and the olive a fine-grained hardwood. Cedar and cypress would not have been a choice as they would have to be imported which would have made them too costly for villagers.

There is not much worked wood surviving from those days so it is difficult to assess how good the carpenters were at their trade. However there was plenty of work for a carpenter in those times. They would be kept busy making house construction parts, furniture, kitchen implements and farm tools. Farm tools included wooden carts with wooden wheels, threshing boards, ploughs, winnowing forks, yokes and handles for various metal tools. House parts included various beams, doors and door and window frames.

Carpenters were essential and well thought of in the time of Jesus.

Flower FestivalOver the summer Killearn Horticultural Society held their annual Saturday show in the Church and halls and the building was beautifully decorated. This gave the opportunity to have a Flower Festival on the Sunday afternoon during which there was a visual presentation of “Killearn Then and Now”.

This was followed by a well-attended Songs of Praise worship evening during which many favourite hymns, old and new, were sung.