CROSSTALK Magazine

DECEMBER 2011

Temple-Anniesland Parish Church 869 Crow Road GLASGOW G13

Tele: 0141-959 1814

Congregational Number : 161054 Scottish Charity Number : SCO15579

Christmas trees and decorations are beginning to appear in the shops, and

we are becoming aware that it will soon be Advent, and we will have the

opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is a

wonderful time of families coming together, of celebration and fun. Yet it is

more than that. Jesus came as the Word of God made flesh – so we could see

the true nature of God. He came to demonstrate that things are not always

what they seem – and that the most High God came to earth in the vulnerable

form of a baby. And although many came to worship Him, he was not

welcomed by everyone.

As we celebrate the Christmas message in the next weeks, I pray that the

church will be a place where everyone will feel welcome, from babies to senior

citizens. The services on 11th December at 11am, and the Christingle service

on Christmas Eve at 7pm are particularly family orientated. When we

remember the Christmas story is of such love and forgiveness and peace, it

seems good to decide to show these same qualities to all who come to worship

with us. The words of the hymn are:

“ O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem”

We all have a call to put aside the superficial, and instead to come to God and

to give thanks to Him. Yet we are all too aware that Bethlehem is not an easy

place for Christians to live these days, and that there are many places in our

world where Christmas is also a time of fear of what might happen. Having just

come back from a World Mission visit to our church partners in Pakistan, I am

very conscious that many Christians face discrimination and persecution –

going to church in some places is an act of courage, because of fear of

intimidation or attack. At Christmas, we need to pray for protection upon our

Christian family around the world, that they might have freedom to worship, and

to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And here in this land, may we not take

our freedom for granted.

Wishing you the joy and peace of Jesus Christ, Yours thoughtfully

(2) MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE

Fiona Gardner

TREASURER’S REPORT ( 3 )

There was me packing for my golfing holiday in Florida when “her indoors” asked whether or not I had my passport, my tickets and my dollars to which I of course answered that I had. Then she dropped the bombshell “have you done your report for the magazine????” I had completely forgotten all about it. I tried to plead that I would do it as soon as I got back from holiday but she insisted that it had to be done before I went. I got the impression maybe rightly or wrongly that there would be no golfing holiday if the article was not done. In a case like that what does one do? Panic of course!!! You now ask did I do the article before I went of course I did. At least I was early rather than late with it. “Her indoors” had a major operation as you probably know in October and I was chief cook and bottle washer. What it is to be in charge of the household. As you know I used to be a Senior Bank Manager many years ago but running a house is much harder. The day I went to pick her indoors up from hospital I should have washed the kitchen floor as the dogs had made a bit of a mess of it as it had been a wet day. I thought to myself I would bring “her indoors” in the front door and she would go straight upstairs to her bed so therefore I would leave it till later to do the floor. Well I get “her indoors” indoors and she decided that she will have a cup of tea before she goes upstairs - I am sure therefore you can guess the rest. Maybe that is a cue for me to get on with telling you something about the church finances. I’m always talking about the generosity of our congregation and last month once again I found this to be the case when I received an anonymous donation of £15,000. Straight away I paid for the new boilers, which appear to be working well. I have now been informed by the Fabric Committee that they have quite a list of work which requires to be done but they will wait until they get the Presbytery’s Quinquennial Fabric survey which is due shortly before completing the list and then prioritising it. I cannot wait to see it!!!!! I mentioned in my last article that we were instructed per the General Assembly to have a Stewardship Campaign which will be organised shortly. There will be a pamphlet from the Moderator issued with the March Crosstalk regarding this campaign. It does get harder and harder to balance the books and I must thank everyone for making this possible by mainly reviewing their giving’s on a regular basis. I have a few more things that I would like to say but time is pressing and Florida beckons therefore I will finish with my usual plug if you pay tax and have not yet signed a gift aid form please ask Elisabeth Robertson (Tel 959 0498) for one.

Fergus

( 4 ) JOHN BROWN’S COLUMN

Festivals form an important part of our cultural heritage, apart from the

holiday aspect; we can relax away from work and enjoy time with family

and friends. Festivals also draw us together as a nation due to our

common heritage. The festival of Christmas will be upon us soon, to

celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. With this thought in mind

perhaps a moment to consider how our faith is perceived by others?

As you unwrap your Christmas presents this year perhaps you could see

the gifts in a new light.

The address label and wrapping paper - the outside face our faith

presents to the world is at once personal and noticeable. The interface

between the Christian population and society and will by its very nature be

adaptable to respond to the needs of the time. The packing material - is

there to protect, sometimes give a hint of the gift within. The customs we

observe, our traditional trappings and rituals are symbols to remind us of

our heritage, they tend to give a firm foundation to our worship, this should

not be at the expense of remaining relevant and meaningful to us today.

The body of the church is part of the human fabric of our society and has

to respond to the conditions society presents. The gift within - is the gift

that God gave to all of us, his son, the baby Jesus Christ - the centre of our

faith, must be freely accessible to all.

The message of the “Good News” about Jesus is timeless and as relevant

today as it was long ago and should not be allowed to slip into the

background due to other pressures. We must focus on the main things

we share with other branches of our faith and respect the differences that

exist between us. Any family including the church family encompasses a

broad spectrum of views but remains agreed on various basic points and it

is these which bind us together. Helping our neighbours, the needy and the

homeless is important at any time of year but is needed more than ever

now with the pressing economic pressures placing a heavy burden on all

of us.

If we can get away from the commercial aspects of Christmas you find that

people who do not profess to be religious in any way still manage to get

involved in Christmas, such is the power of Christmas.

A time of peace, friendship, worship and celebration of the birthday

of Jesus.

JOHN BROWN

REGISTER ( 5 ) DEATHS 21.09.11 Mr J Primrose Dorchester Place (04) 03.11.11 Mrs C Rankin Gt Western Road (07) NEW MEMBERS Rev Fiona & Mr Colin Gardner Victoria Park Drive (22) Mrs Aitken Fulton Street (12) CHANGE OF ADDRESS Mr J Houston to Gilmour St Eaglesham (Postal) Mrs E Attrill to Munro Court (04) Miss H MacKenzie to Drymen Road (10) THE CHURCH LIBRARY

Also on the shelves are a few commentaries by Tom Wright. This former Bishop of

Durham and now Professor of New Testament at St Andrew’s University, has just

completed a set of commentaries on every book of the New Testament. Like William

Barclay’s they are founded on superb scholarship, are written in a lay person’s language

and, in an entertaining and enlightening way, bring fresh understanding to the meaning

and purpose of the various books of the New Testament. There are also in the Church

Library a number of books on prayer, which are very much worth checking out. My own

particular favourite is ‘A Diary of Private Prayer’ by the Scottish theologian, John Baillie;

something of a classic it has remained in print since 1949. It includes prayers for every

day of a month, and though the language might now seem old-fashioned, the feelings

and sentiments remain true. They are beautifully written and together provide something

of a model for the Christian’s devotional life.

A notebook is now in place for the signing out and in of books borrowed.

If you have been in the Old Hall recently you will have noticed that there are new bookshelves in place to allow for an ever increasing number of books to be better displayed. There is still some work to do in the classification of the books but there are certain distinct categories that you will be able to identify when you look at the books on the shelves. There are sections, for example, on the Old and New Testaments, which include some introductory volumes and general guides as well as quite a wide-ranging set of commentaries, covering many of the books of the Old and New Testaments. There are several by William Barclay, which combine scholarship with commentary that is easy to understand and which give real insight into the meaning of the text. These may be used on an occasional basis just to get a clearer understanding of a particular passage or they can form part of a Christian’s daily devotional reading.

Jim Stewart

( 6 )

The Brownies have been very busy as usual. They have been to Bellahouston Swimming Pool, where they ALL passed their “Swimmers” Badge. Currently, they are now working on their “Cooks” Bade and the their “Stargazer’s” Badge, which involves the Brownies making 3D models of the Solar System! Four Brownies and their friends had great fun at the recent Dr Who Night in the Church. In December, the Brownies are going to be “entertaining” ex-leaders at their Christmas Tea Party ; they are busy practising theirs songs!!

Lesley Murray

1st Kelvinside Rainbows

We have a very “lively” group of girls and we are about to start working on one of the “Roundabouts”, as we learn about our theme of “Look, Learn, Love and Listen”. We will also be selling a Christmas Quiz over the next few weeks to raise funds for the Unit - please help by buying one if you can! The Assistant Guider is, unfortunately, unable to help every Monday evening at the Rainbows, therefore I am looking for adult help for some Monday evenings to either do some Guiding Training or to help as a Unit Helper. If you or anyone you know may be able to help, please come along on any Monday evening between 6.15 – 7.15 and speak to myself and I will give more information as to what is required. Thanks in anticipation.

Fiona MacIntyre

Fay Platt

( 7 ) THE GUILD

We have had a successful “first half” session with lots of different items on the

Syllabus and I attach a copy of the Syllabus for January to March next Year. I

am quite sure there are one or two items which may be of interest to you so

please do come along an join us, we really are quite a good bunch of people.

Jan 10 New Year Message – Rev John Wilson

17 Missionary Life – Sheena Buchan

24 Glasgow Botanical Gardens - Louise Bustard

31 Guild Project- HIV/Aids – Elspeth Dale

Feb 7 Drama by Guild Committee – Bring & Buy Stall

14 Valentines Day – Love Songs over the Years

21 The Comries Entertain - Stewart Henderson

28 Preparation for the World Day of Prayer

Mar 6 Why I became a Nun – Sister Smith

13 Talk on the Holy Land – Rev Colin Renwick

20 A.G.M.

27 Daffodil Tea

To all my friends at Temple-Anniesland, I wish to thank everyone – Rev Fiona

Gardner and Rev David Keddie, for the love and support we received during

Jim’s illness and after his death. Such kindness will never be forgotten.

Thank you all.

Marilyn Primrose

Thanks to one and all for the cards, flowers and telephone calls (which were

ably handled by my secretary – “Him Indoors”. I am well on the road to

recovery, somewhat slower than I would like but nevertheless progress is being

made, even though there are times when I am still a wee bit “dizzy”, though not

sure if this is anything to do with being “blonde and female”?

Thank you to Clare Sinclair for printing the last 2 weeks Intimations Sheets

when my secretary was on a course – well 16 courses in fact!

( 8 )

AFTER CHURCH FELLOWSHIP

DEC

2012 JAN

FEB

4

11

18 8

15

22

29 5

12

19

26

Mrs N Sinclair, Mrs M Paton, Ms S Campbell, Mr J Brown, Mrs J Steele, Ms C Sinclair, Miss M Milliken, Mrs H Slater, Mrs A Crawford, Mrs B Zangrade, Mrs C Robertson, Mr D Cumming. Mrs L Murray, Mrs H Provan, Mrs J Smyrl, Mr L Smyrl, Miss J Greenlees, Mrs E MacDonald. Mrs M Stewart, Mrs M McCormack, Ms A Gray, Mrs M Hutchison, Mrs A Issa, Mr W Hutchison. Mrs M Stewart, Mrs J McGregor, Mrs J Edgar, Mrs A Cowan, Mrs P Dawson, Mr J Muldrew. Miss F McIntyre, Mrs M Blackley, Mrs H McLean, Mrs I Brown, Mrs G McMillan, Mr M Macleod. Mrs M Stewart, Miss K Creelman, Mrs R Donnelly, Mrs M Reith, Miss A Weir. Mrs G Cullen, Miss J Maughan, Mrs C Lintott, Mrs S Kerr Mrs E Todd, Mrs M Campbell. Mrs M Begg, Mrs M Cowan, Mrs A Paterson, Mrs D McKinnon, Mrs J Murray, Mr I Murray Mrs N Sinclair, Mrs M Paton, Ms S Campbell, Mr J Brown, Mrs J Steele, Ms C Sinclair, Miss M Milliken, Mrs H Slater, Mrs A Crawford, Mrs B Zangrade, Mrs C Robertson, Mr D Cumming.

Please NOTE: There will be NO tea or coffee on 25th December 2011 nor on 1st January 2012

I can do all things through prayer and a coffee

( 9 )

MONTH

DATE FLOWERS FLOWER DELIVERY

DEC

2012 JAN

FEB

4 4 11 11 18 24 25 1 1 8 8 8 15 22 29 5 12 12 19 26 26

Mrs M McDonald In Memory of Violet Hunter Mrs I Anderson Mr C Munn Mr & Mrs G Watson Mrs L McPhee In Memory of D.B. Paton Mrs H Brebner Mrs L Pollock Mrs R Donnelly Mrs M Picken In Memory of Bob Provan Free Date Mrs M Wilkie In Memory of Jean Edwards Miss J Greenlees Mrs E Robertson Mrs E Hedges Mrs M Cowan Mrs B Loudon Mrs M Meldrum

Mrs M Cowan Mrs C Griffiths Mrs E Robertson Mrs S Macdonald Mrs P Dallas Mrs R Donnelly Ms A Wright Mrs J Murray Miss A Weir Mrs J Steele Mrs E Robertson Mrs M Cowan Ms E Macdonald

There are several free dates if anyone would like to put flowers in Church in memory of a loved one or to commemorate a Special occasion. Please contact Elisabeth Robertson on 0141-959 0498. Dates available are:-

15th

January 2012; 13th

May 2012; 27

th May 2012; 10

th June 2012; 29

th July 2012

I would like to thank all those who help with the Ministry of Flowers, the friends who donate to put flowers in the Church, the Team who wrap up the flowers after the Service, especially the ‘new’ helpers on the Team. Special thanks to those who deliver to members of the parish, who greatly appreciate the gift of flowers. Anyone who can spare on Sunday in the year to delivers flowers would be welcomed to the “Team”. Thank you all . Elisabeth Robertson.

Seasons change, God never does

( 10 ) WELCOME TO CHURCH

DEC 2012 JAN FEB MAR

4

11

18

25

1

8

15

22

29

5

12

19

26

4

11

18

25

Communion John Brown, Maureen Milliken, Annette Wright, Cathie Lintott, Isobel Brown, Jean Steele Murdoch MacLeod, Molly Begg, Christine MacLeod, David Murray, Isobel Haddow, Andrea Murray Les Smyrl, Jessica Smyrl, Marilyn Primrose, Fred Tosh, Danny Cumming, Evelyn MacDonald Anne Weir, Kathleen Creelman, Tom Griffiths, Marion Stewart, Maureen Mee, Isabel Barrie Margaret Maclean, Alison Gray, Fergus Stevenson. Bill Hutchison, John Edgar, Phil Brien, Alison Brien Fiona McIntyre, Clare Sinclair, Andy Robertson, Catherine Robertson, Ian Murray, June Murray Iain Smith, Audrey Spence, Elisabeth Robertson, Fay Platt, Margaret Campbell Robert Dallas, Rae Donnelly, Nancy Sinclair, Betty Spence, Stella MacDonald, Pamela Dallas John Brown, Maureen Milliken, Annette Wright, Cathie Lintott, Isobel Brown, Jean Steele Murdoch MacLeod, Molly Begg, Christine MacLeod, David Murray, Isobel Haddow, Andrea Murray Les Smyrl, Jessica Smyrl, Marilyn Primrose, Fred Tosh, Danny Cumming, Evelyn MacDonald Anne Weir, Kathleen Creelman, Tom Griffiths, Marion Stewart, Maureen Mee, Isabel Barrie Margaret Maclean, Alison Gray, Fergus Stevenson, Bill Hutchison, John Edgar, Phil Brien, Alison Brien Iain Smith, Audrey Spence, Iain Smith, Elisabeth Robertson, Fay Platt, Margaret Campbell Robert Dallas, Rae Donnelly, Nancy Sinclair, Betty Spence, Stella MacDonald, Pamela Dallas Communion Fiona McIntyre, Clare Sinclair, June Murray Andy Robertson, Catherine Robertson, Ian Murray, John Brown, Maureen Milliken, Annette Wright, Cathie Lintott, Isobel Brown, Jean Steele

( 11 ) CHURCH CONTACTS

Minister

Church

Session Clerk

Treasurer

Clerk to Board

Church Officer

Roll Keeper

Fabric convener

FWO/Planned Giving

Hall Lets

Flower Convener

Organist/Choir

Crosstalk Editor

Intimations

Welcome To Church (Team Leader)

Church Link

Church Web Site

Fiona Gardner fionandcolin@hotmail.com 869 Crow Rd Glasgow G13

James Stewart

Fergus Platt

Clare Sinclair

Evelyn Greechan

John Edgar

Robert Dallas

Elisabeth Robertson

Evelyn Greechan

Elisabeth Robertson

Stewart Henderson

Fay Platt

fayplatt@btinternet.com

Jean Findlater

Elisabeth Robertson

www.tachurch.org.uk (Tom Griffiths)

959 5647

959 1814

959 5814

952 2626

950 2679

579 9958

339 1707

944 1551

959 0498

579 9958

959 0498

954 9226

952 2626

952 2626

959 3219

530 9745 954 9098

For God so loved the world

that He didn’t send a Committee

WEEKLY DIARY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Prayers before Service 10.10am Public Worship 11.00am and 6.30pm Crèche during morning worship Sunday Club : 11.00am till 12.15pm Beginners; Primary; Juniors & Seniors Rainbows 6.15pm Mothers & Toddlers 9.30am The Guild 2.00pm Brownies & Guides 6.30pm & 7.30pm ALL Sections of Boys’ Brigade 6.30pm Mothers & Toddlers Group 9.30am Prayer Meeting 10.00am Coffee 10.30 & 11.30am Midweek Service 11.00am Brownies 7.00pm Choir Practice 8.00pm The Silver Threads 2.00pm (1st Friday of the Month)