Filename: ChLarge with Text
The Church of Scotland
Rutherglen Old Parish
Church Newsletter
November 2020
Registered Scottish CharityScottish Charities Number
SC006856
2
10
ISSUE 4/20
Dear Friends,
I hope you are well and continuing to cope with the many changes
being made as we attempt to bring ‘the virus’ under control.
Have you noticed recently the beautiful, rich colours of autumn?
The golden leaves send out a warmth and a brightness during the
otherwise driech days. The beauty of the season is also a reminder
of God’s hand at work. He can bring colour and joy to the most dull
and dismal day.
Probably,
like myself, you feel the need to scream every time you hear Covid
19. It dominates the news and fills every newspaper and magazine.
Yes it is a very serious problem and we do have to be sensible but
let us also draw comfort from the knowledge that God is in
control.
We have been told to prepare for a digital Christmas. Others have
foolishly remarked that Christmas will be cancelled this year.
Perhaps some of the totally irrelevant nonsense will be cancelled
but the true meaning of Christmas cannot be.
Soon we will be preparing for the Holy Birth. Our preparations
should include times of prayer, times of reflection and reading our
Bibles. As we look towards that cold, draughty stable let us
remember how important that little baby in the manger is. He
will become the Light of the world and will go on to die on a cross
for us. He will suffer so that we can be redeemed. The helpless
Child in the manger will become the Saviour of the world. All this
happened because God loves each one of us so much.
This year we may not be able to sing Carols in Church but when you
listen to them at home or in the car – remember the real joy of
Christmas...................our redemption! When we focus on what
Christmas is REALLY about then we find a peace beyond our
understanding, happiness that is lasting, and most of all the
ability to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God
loves us.
Many blessings,
Katie
FORTHCOMING COMMUNION SERVICES
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic we are not permitted to
celebrate the sacrament of communion until further notice.
Covid-19 Guidelines
Phase 3 of the Scottish Government’s four-phased approach to
easing Covid-19 restrictions allowed church buildings to reopen for
worship and outlined a number of rules to which we must adhere. The
Kirk Session approved the following measures as being appropriate
to our premises
Physical Distancing
To minimise the spread of COVID-19 the church will encourage
social distancing at all times.
The maximum occupancy of the church will be 50.
One person or household per pew, pews will be marked to show
available seating.
When entering the church you will be directed to the next
available seat and are asked to remain there throughout the
service.
Leaving church both the main door and St Mary’s door will be
open to allow everyone to leave. You will be directed to leave pew
by pew.
Only one toilet, the accessible toilet on the ground floor, will
be available.
Cross Contamination
Hand washing facilities are provided in the toilet and small
kitchen / copier room.
Hand sanitiser will be provided at all entrances/exits and in
the session house and pulpit.
Full clean down of all areas and touchpoints will be carried out
after the service, this will be carried out by an identified
cleaning team.
There will be no singing of hymns to minimise the spread of
COVID 19.
Face masks/coverings
The Scottish Government, as part of its easing Covid-19
restrictions, requires all individuals not in exempt categories to
wear a face covering when entering enclosed public spaces.
Please comply with this advice. Notices will be displayed at the
main entrance to remind the congregation and visitors.
Incidents and Emergencies
First aid provisions are available and guidelines for first
responders during COVID 19 have been provided. PPE is available for
first responders.
Further information
A salver will be located on a table where the aisles cross. The
offering will not be uplifted during the service so, if you have an
offering, please place it in the salver as you enter or leave. We
do encourage giving by standing order and further information is
available from Jim Alexander.
Changes to these Guidelines
These Guidelines will be changed as required by the Scottish
Government, Church of Scotland and the Kirk Session. You will be
informed of these changes.
CHURCH ON THE SOFA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AS
CHURCH IN THE SANCTUARY.
CONGREGATIONAL ROLL
Change of Address:
NameAddress District Elder
Gordon Spence from Flat 2/3, 4 Baronald Street,
Rutherglen, G73 1AH 1C Brodie
toFlat 2/2, 12 Hardie Avenue, Rutherglen, G73 3AS
9A Bennet
The following members have died:
NameAddressDistrict Elder
Andrew Horne144 Calderwood Road, Rutherglen, G73 3ST 14M
Alexander
John Aitchison337 Main Street, Rutherglen, G73
3AQ 10M Robinson
Robert CrossettAbbeyfield, 78 Stonelaw Drive, Rutherglen 26K
Morrison
Marjory Bradford3 Eastcroft, Rutherglen, G73
3AN 7E Paton
Funerals:
15/8/20Andrew Horne144 Calderwood Road, Rutherglen, G73 3ST
21/8/20John Aitchison337 Main Street, Rutherglen, G73
3AQ
16/9/20Marjory Bradford3 Eastcroft, Rutherglen, G73
3AN
21/9/20Robert CrossettAbbeyfield, 78 Stonelaw Drive,
Rutherglen, G73 3NZ
ROBERT CROSSETT
Members of the congregation will be saddened to learn of the
death of Robert Crossett just a few days after his 80th
birthday.
Robert was brought up in the former East Church where he passed
through the Sunday School and became a member of the Bible Class
and Youth Fellowship. He was also an enthusiastic member of the
Boys’ Brigade, later becoming an officer. Having become a member of
the church he went on to join the East Parish Deacon’s Court,
contributing greatly to all matters relating to fabric.
When the East Church united with the Old Parish, Robert became a
member of the Congregational Board and was a stalwart of our Fabric
Committee for many years, saving the Old Parish considerable
expense by his willingness and ability to undertake personally a
range of tasks which would normally have required to be completed
by tradesmen.
On 1 May 1983 Robert was ordained to the eldership, thereafter
quietly but effectively carrying out his duties as a district
elder.
In his later years Robert experienced a number of health
problems, particularly affecting his vision, but even so his
infectious laughter was often to be heard when he was arriving at,
or leaving, church on Sundays.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s sister, Catherine
Doyle, her husband, George, and their family.
Hugh Millar
Session Clerk
RETIRAL OF WILLIAM W COWAN
On 1 August, William W Cowan, commonly and affectionately known
as “Bill”, wrote expressing the view that he must retire as a
member of the Kirk Session and step down from his elders’ duties.
It is now only fitting that we give thanks to God for providing
Bill with the ability to serve His church so faithfully for so long
and to Bill for being so enthusiastic in that service.
For six decades (or more) Bill has been very actively involved
in the administration necessary for a congregation to function
successfully. Within the East Parish he was a member of the
Deacons’ Court, Newsletter Editor and Deed of Covenant Convener.
Each of these positions made demands upon his time which were not
reduced by his unfailing attention to detail and self-imposed
insistence on perfection.
When the East Church united with the Old Parish Bill continued
his devoted service on the Congregational Board and in the
uplifting and counting of the collection. On 1st May 1983 he was
ordained to the eldership and was exemplary in the conduct of his
elders’ duties. Once again he meticulously carried out the duties
of Deed of Covenant Convener until that scheme was replaced by Gift
Aid. Despite the difficulties he has experienced for some time in
relation to his vision, he has faithfully and frequently visited
our Carpet Bowling Club and has set his fellow elders a very fine
example of thoroughness in the subsequent reports he has given at
Session meetings.
In addition to all of the things which Bill himself has done,
many members of the congregation have benefitted enormously from
the encouragement he has given. It is no secret that one of his
favourite sayings is, “Well done!” What a boost that encouragement
has given us. It has been appreciated. Thank you.
What is perhaps less well known than the above are Bill’s quiet
acts of kindness to individuals and of generosity to the Old
Parish, but it is appropriate to acknowledge that they have
happened and to thank him for them. Bill can be assured that he is
retiring from the Kirk Session with the respect, admiration and
good wishes of us all.
Hugh Millar
Session Clerk
Woman’s Guild
In this newsletter I should be talking about our opening social
and the entertainment we enjoyed that evening, but unfortunately
everything has now changed. We are very disappointed that our
Christmas fayre cannot go ahead. This was a very successful day and
offered a wide range of items for sale and also a welcome cup of
tea and home baking upstairs. It also allowed us to give a large
donation to the church.
Until there is a vaccine, I am afraid we will still be at home
on a Monday evening and remembering happy times gone by. A very
happy and healthy Christmas and New Year to you all.
Myra McNair
President
Your support for Christian Aid has meant that families around
the world have been supplied with clean water to drink and soap to
wash with. This has helped ease the problems caused, worldwide, by
Covid-19. This virus impacts all our lives, but with love and
compassion, we are united.
Marjory Greig
Christian Aid Committee Member.
WORLD MISSION NEWS
Our Missionary Partner, Anne Davidson, in Zambia, has sent word
to let us know she is well. She is extra busy looking after the
children as the pandemic is all around. Perhaps we could remember
her in our prayers, and ask God’s Blessing on her, and all that she
does.
Marjory Greig
WM CONTACT
SCOTTISH BIBLE SOCIETY
Like most charities, the work of The Bible Society is carrying
on, throughout the pandemic. The workers continue to help and
counsel trauma victims. They do it all in a practical way, but
always with the hand of God guiding them. In Moldovia, after a
shutdown, due to the virus, permission was given to deliver 300
food baskets, each with a Bible included. So moved was the mayor of
one of the villages, he fell on his knees and, with tears of
gratitude, expressed his thanks.
Work is also going on in the North of Scotland, with food
supplies being delivered, along with a copy of Mark’s Gospel, to
those who are self-isolating.
Marjory Greig
SBS Contact
DALSERF: A GEM IN THE CLYDE VALLEY
The historic village of Dalserf dates back to 1655. The name
derives from the Gaelic; dail meaning field, and Serf, a 6th
century saint, who lived and worked there. The Romans occupied the
area between 80-100 A.D. and built up a harmonious relationship
with the people there, known as the Dammoni Tribe. The invaders
called the region Strathclyde and the immediate area
Clydesdale.
In days gone by Dalserf was a place of importance. A halting
place for travellers, the village is reputed to have had five
hostelries. The church and some 17th century cottages, their
thatched roofs mainly replaced by tiles, are all that remain of the
once flourishing ‘Dalserfe Toun’. The railway station has gone,
along with the ferry that crossed the river. In 1817, the ferry was
replaced by the Telford-designed Garrion bridge. More recently, a
new Garrion bridge was constructed.
The church, built in 1655, was dedicated to Saint Serf, who is
said to have built a place of worship on the same site. A stone
excavated from the old churchyard in 1921 is thought to come from a
Norman Church, although it has never been proved. In 1947 decorated
urns containing cremated human remains were found. These date back
to the Beaker people, who were living in Dalserf in the middle
Bronze Age. The churchyard houses the graves of some notable
characters. One such is William Hamilton, known as ‘The Persecuting
Raploch’, one of the most notorious persecutors of the Covenanters.
History describes this period as ‘The Killing Time’ and records
tell that ‘52 brave men and women from Dalserf’ suffered for the
cause.
The Hozier family, who owned nearby Mauldslie Castle, were
generous benefactors, by financing the extension of the church,
adding a transept and three galleries. One of the family’s
relatives was Clementine Hozier, the American wife of
Sir Winston Churchill. It is believed that the Churchills
worshipped in the church during visits to Mauldslie Castle.
An interesting story is that of Dalserf resident, Andrew Shaw,
born in 1892. The Shaw family lived in Burnside Cottage in Manse
Brae, and Andrew attended the village school. His father was a coal
miner and Andrew’s connection with Dalserf Church came through his
father, who was organist there.
In 1905, when Andrew was thirteen, the Shaw family left Dalserf
and settled in America’s Midwest. He later became a United States
citizen and joined the US Army during World War I. He married,
survived the Great Depression and built parts for aeroplanes used
in World War II. He died in Indiana in 1962, never having returned
to the country of his birth.
But in 1980 his daughter Margaret, accompanied by her daughter,
Diana, visited the village and saw the family cottage and the
church where they worshipped. In her privately published book,
‘Hands Across the Sea’, Andrew’s granddaughter, Diana, writes of
her grandfather’s life in Dalserf. When, on 3 August, 1985, she and
her fiancé, Charles, travelled to Dalserf to be married, they gave
the village its own ‘Charles and Di’ wedding. There was even a flag
bearing the Stars and Stripes.
In 1999 Andrew’s daughter, Margaret, gifted memorial windows to
Dalserf Kirk in memory of her father. The windows, with thistles
and the Stars and Stripes, highlight Andrew’s life both in Scotland
and America.
Little could Andrew Shaw have dreamt almost a century before
when attending Dalserf Kirk as a boy that his name would be
honoured in this way.
Yes, hands across the sea indeed.
Thanks to Irene Lebeter for submitting this article
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
At the time of writing it is far from clear what the Covid
situation will be in December but it is certain that we shall have
to abide by whatever Scottish Government and Church of Scotland
regulations are in place at the time. That being said, the Social
Work Department remains happy to accept Christmas gifts for
children, so our intention is to hold our annual Christmas Gift
Service on Sunday, 13 December. Unfortunately, it will not be
possible to hold our Christmas Eve Watchnight Service.
Naturally, we pray that an effective Covid vaccine will be
developed which will allow us in 2021 to return to a much more
normal lifestyle and to resume church services in which we are able
to worship God more fully, for example, by including the singing of
hymns when we meet.
Hugh Millar
Session Clerk
Thoughtful Thursdays
The church is open to the public from noon till 2pm each
Thursday for private prayer only. There will be no tea or coffee
served at this time. We look forward to welcoming you back to our
more ‘normal’ Thoughtful Thursday when it is safe to do so.
Elsa Muir.
MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING
Greetings from The Coffee Morning Crew. Our arms are getting a
bit sore now, holding the Teapot, ready to open, when given the
word.
Hope to see you all soon.
Best Wishes to all from
Alison, Betty, Marjory and Sandra.
FLOWER FUND
Donations and Deliveries
Due to the current Government Guidelines it is with regret that
we are unable to display flowers in the church and make deliveries
to the housebound.
Donations can still be made to the fund via the “Flower Boxes”
located at the entrance to the church. Anyone who normally donates
to the fund to commemorate a special date can still continue to do
so and it will be banked for future use.
If you require further information please contact Alison Bennet
- 647 4415
Jean and Allan Caldwell would like to thank their friends at
Rutherglen Old for the kind wishes, cards and flowers on their 50th
Wedding Anniversary.
A Note from the Treasurer
Following the corona virus lockdown, our 2019 Accounts were
eventually agreed by the Congregational Board at a short meeting
following the service on Sunday 6 September. To summarise, the
General Fund finished 2019 with a surplus of £9,034. WFO and Open
Plate had fallen by just over £3,000, but income from Use of
Premises had increased by almost £2,400 and expenditure had fallen
by almost £2,600. These factors, together with various other
smaller increases and decreases, meant that we covered our
day-to-day expenses during 2019 with a little to spare. Bearing in
mind the uncertainty we have been dealing with in recent years,
this was no mean feat and, on behalf of the Congregational Board, I
would take this opportunity to thank those of you who have
contributed faithfully over the years.
As you know, the Old Parish was closed for 5 months between
March and August and, although services resumed on 9 August, it
would seem we are unlikely to return to Church life as we knew it
for quite some time to come. It was inevitable that our income
would suffer, and it has, but we are in the fortunate position of
having some Reserves. However, from past experience, we know that
it is possible that some of you, who are unable to attend church,
will have been setting aside your weekly offerings and, under
normal circumstances, would have given these to your Elder. If you
find yourself in this situation, please feel free to contact me,
and I can arrange to collect your envelopes - as part of my daily
exercise! Alternatively, you may wish to consider giving by
Standing Order. Many members, who previously gave by WFO envelopes,
are now using this method and this, indeed, was our financial
lifeline during lockdown. If you are interested in setting up a
Standing Order, please contact either Jim Alexander or me for
details.
Finally, may I wish you health and strength to see you through
the weeks ahead.
With best wishes
Irene Kay
CONGREGATIONAL GIVING
W F O
Open Plate
Other Income
Fabric
Total
B/f
£17,854.30
£408.50
£8,429.79
£11,065.34
£37,757.93
Aug
2
£1,788.25
£1,809.00
£3,597.25
9
£3,603.00
£17.00
£3,620.00
16
£1,313.90
£13.00
£1,000.00
£2,326.90
23
£1,249.00
£28.00
£50.00
£1,327.00
30
£850.00
£13.00
£28.00
£891.00
Sep
6
£3,049.00
£1.00
£3,050.00
13
£166.00
£3.00
£169.00
20
£553.00
£10.00
£563.00
27
£2,688.00
£7.00
£132.47
£2,827.47
Oct
4
£166.00
£8.00
£174.00
11
£174.00
£5.00
£179.00
18
£133.00
£3.75
£136.75
25
£103.00
£14.00
£300.00
£417.00
£33,690.45
£514.50
£10,466.01
£12,365.34
£57,036.30
Income for period ending 31/10/20 (excluding Fabric) =
£44,670.96
Budgetted income requirement per week =
£1,479.00
Budgetted income requirement to 30/10/19=
£63,597.00
GIFT AID
Are you a Taxpayer?
If so your offerings and any other donations you make to the Old
Parish could
have 25p per pound added to them.
For further information please contact Jim Alexander, Gift Aid
Convener.
25 pence per pound added to them.
For further information please contact Jim Alexander, Gift Aid
Convener
CHURCH DIRECTORY
INTERIM MODERATOR:Rev Jeanne N Roddick B.D. Tel: 644
1395
Greenbank Manse, 38 Eaglesham Road, Clarkston, G76 7DJ
[email protected]
LOCUMKatie MorrisonMob: 078523738403b / 16 Stockiemuir
Avenue, Bearsden, G61 3JLTel: 942 3024
SESSION CLERK:Hugh
[email protected]
137 Blairbeth Road, RutherglenTel: 634 4355
ROLL KEEPER:Brian Keenan
56 Highburgh Drive, RutherglenTel: 647 8828
CLERK TO THEAlison G Bennet [email protected]
CONGREGATIONAL BOARD3 Drumsargard Road, RutherglenTel: 647
4415
TREASURER:Irene Kay
15 Ettrick Crescent, RutherglenTel: 316 4235
GIFT AID AND W.F.O.James G Alexander
CONVENER:9 Jedburgh Avenue, RutherglenTel: 647 0593
ORGANIST:Gordon I Callaghan
18 Reid Grove, MotherwellTel: 01698 277002
CHILD PROTECTIONAlison G Bennet [email protected]
CO-ORDINATOR:3 Drumsargard Road, RutherglenTel: 647 4415
NEWSLETTERKaren
Morris [email protected]
EDITOR:6 Highburgh Drive, Rutherglen, G73 3RZTel: 562 1755
PLEASE NOTE: Anyone wishing to consult the Locum may do so after
the Morning Service any Sunday.
Intimation of change of address should be given to the Roll
Keeper as soon as possible.
Website: https://rutherglenoldparish.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RutherglenOld/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RutherglenOld/
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
To enable the Congregational Roll to be kept up to date would
members who have recently, or are about to, change their address
please either complete the form below and forward it to our Roll
Keeper, Brian Keenan, or telephone him at
0141 647 8828.
RUTHERGLEN OLD PARISH CHURCH
Name ………………………………………….Date …………………………………….
is moving fromAddress …………………………………………….
…………………………………………….
Postcode…………………………………………….
Tel. No.…………………………………………….
toAddress …………………………………………….
…………………………………………….
Postcode…………………………………………….
Tel. No.…………………………………………….
Please forward the completed form to:Brian Keenan
Roll Keeper
56 Highburgh Drive
Burnside
Rutherglen
G73 3RZ
11
