LARBERT EAST CHURCH – LIST OF OFFICE BEARERS

Ministers: Rev Melville Crosthwaite Church Officer: John Carmichael Organist: Margaret Appelbe Session Clerk: Robin Duncan Roll Keeper: Simon Hessett Clerk to Deacon’s Court: Catherine Nichol Depute Clerk: Irene Railton Treasurer: Kate Duncan

Assistant Treasurer: Stuart Rae Gift Aid: Kate Duncan Property Convener: John Green Deputy Convener: Eric Oswald Flower Convener Roberta Caldwell Hall Lets Convener: Margaret Lightly

Young Church Leader: Senga Smith 562785

Crèche Organiser: Elizabeth Dick Website Editor:

Stuart Jamieson

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JUNE 2016

Scottish Charities No. SC006456

Dear Friends

I’ve always admired people who can find the time and concentration to write a

book. I never thought I would be able to do that myself as I find writing this

letter every 3 months a challenge, never mind a whole book! Well after 2 years

of many late nights writing and rewriting, ‘Team Tanzania’ was published last

month. I still find it hard to believe this has happened.

But this letter isn’t really about the book, but about something Willie McPherson,

the Chief Executive of the Vine Trust said to me after he came to speak at Church

the Sunday the book was launched. He described the occasion he was invited to

preach at an evening service. In his sermon, he said, in the passing, that we can

know all the finer points of New Testament Greek, and be able to give a

wonderful definition of what we mean by God’s grace, mercy and love, but if we

don’t actually live it, then we are living a lie.

It really made me think of all the times I’ve spoken about God’s grace, but been

ungracious in my manner towards others. It made me realise all the times I’ve

spoken about God’s mercy, His undeserved loving kindness, and been anything

but loving and kind in my own life. And it made me think about all the times I’ve

spoken about love and had no love whatsoever in my heart.

Jesus said:

‘My commandment is this: love one another, as I have loved you.’ John

15:12

Such a simple sentence – and yet so challenging. If we all loved one another as

Jesus loves us, what a change there would be in us, our church and our

community.

The work of the Vine Trust and all the Work Parties who go out to Tanzania, as

well as Peru, may not know the 4 different Greek words for love, but they

certainly embody it. The challenge is for all of us to do the same.

May you know God’s richest blessings,

Melville

Copies of Melville’s book ‘Team Tanzania’ (£7.95) are available every Sunday at

church or can be ordered directly from:

http://www.gileadbookspublishing.com/team-tanzania

CONGREGATIONAL REGISTER

BAPTISM

‘Let the children come to me’

27/03/16 Joanne Emma Paterson(adult baptism)

Scarlett Rose Paterson

Ellis Duncan Paterson

Owen Harley Paterson

01/05/16 Gracie Rose Brandrick

Isaac William Brandrick

MARRIAGES

“He who loves is a child of God and knows God”

21/02/16 Alan Graham to Rhona McDonald

(in Glasgow: Tron St Mary’s where Rhona is now minister)

19/03/16 Jaimie Morton to Nicola Galloway

22/04/16 Scott Rutherford to *Nina Webster

DEATHS

“I am the Resurrection and the Life”

01/02/16 *Mrs Agnes Bryans

09/02/16 Mrs May McCormick

10/02/16 Mr Alexander Sinclair

13/02/16 *Mrs Betty Roughead

14/02/16 *Mrs Phoebe Smith

19/02/16 Mr John Weir

27/02/16 Mrs Phyllis Lowther

05/03/16 *Mrs Nellie Breton

18/03/16 *Mrs Maimie Miller

01/04/16 Mr Campbell Barrowman

13/04/16 *Mrs Mary Lunn

15/04/16 Mrs Grace Hay

21/04/16 *Mrs Greta Cowie

* Denotes member

A message from the

Manse 2016

WORLD MISSION STAMP APPEAL

NEW PROJECT 2016/2017

The Church of South India has recently opened the

Othara Eco – Spirituality Centre near Thiruvalla in Keralla.

People can go there to learn about climate change and

how important it is to conserve the world God has given us.

The money raised from the Stamp Project will support some of their ecological

innovations such as the harvesting and re-use of rain water - the establishment

of a bio gas plant to power the kitchens – and the development of a small dairy

and chicken farm.

The Church of South India (CIS) hopes to encourage people to appreciate and

understand that caring for our world means having a different lifestyle, living

sustainably and encouraging others to do the same.

Help support this new project by saving every used stamp you see. Old stamp

albums are also gratefully received. CUT round each stamp carefully – it takes

only a few seconds. Please do no tear stamps off as this often results in a

damaged stamp which is worthless. Leave a margin of at least 1cm round each

stamp and do not attempt to remove from the backing paper.

There are 3 collecting boxes – two at the back of the church and one in the hall.

Ernie will see that they are sent off to World Mission in Edinburgh.

Many thanks to all who regularly support World Mission and its work overseas.

The FINAL total for the last Project was £3,511. Well done! Keep it up!

Why not log in to our

Church website

http://www.larberteastchurch.com

A Sincere ‘Thank You’

As his health has not been very good, sadly Sandy Knox has had to step down

from the Deacons’ Court. He handed in his resignation at the April meeting.

We will really miss Sandy’s insightful contributions to discussions, as well as his

sense of humour. But as his wife Margaret continues on the Deacons’ Court, no

doubt he will still keep a keen interest in proceedings! We are truly grateful to

Sandy for all he has done as a deacon, including his membership of the Finance

Committee. We reassure him and Margaret of our prayers for them both.

What’s happening about the organ in church? …

At the time of writing (beginning of May), the work on the organ is still on course

to begin later this month. It will last around 12 weeks, 8 weeks of which will be

‘off-site’. This will inevitably mean that for the majority of the summer, the organ

will not be in use.

However, we still plan to show our grateful thanks to God by holding a

thanksgiving concert in the autumn.

Retiring Offerings…Thank you for your donations for Strathcarron Hospice

which amounted to £387.05 from the March Communion Services.

The June Communion Services retiring offering is for Red Cross International.

Your continued support is much appreciated.

Coin cans... A BIG thank you to all who participate in donating via coin

cans.

£459.66 was raised last year. If you wish to take part you can

collect a coin can from the foyer or see Eleanor Neilson.

Sunday 29th May

Morning Service at 10.30am – Cradle Roll Service

Thursday 2nd June

Weekday Worship at 11.15am – last service before summer break

Sunday 5th June – Communion

The Morning Communion is at 10.30am

The Afternoon Communion is at 2.30pm

Sunday 12th June – Baptism

The Morning Service at 10.30am

Sunday 19th June – Father’s Day

The Morning Service at 10.30am is a Family Service and the

Young Church Prizegiving

Sunday 26th June – Sunday 21st August – Summer

Services

All the summer services are at the usual time of 10.30am

NB The Summer Sunday Club for 3-12 years meets every

Sunday during the summer in the Small Hall

Sunday 28th August

The Morning Service is at 10.30am – Young Church resumes

Don’t forget!!!!

Larbert East Church Holiday Club Monday 4th – Friday 8th July

every morning in the Church Hall.......

Come and be a Polar Explorer!

KIRK SESSION NEWS…..

Communion…

Please remember that all four Communion Sundays have services at 10.30am

and then again at 2.30pm.

Weekday Worship:

In spite of the delay in spring-like weather reaching us, throughout the last few

months, ‘Weekday Worshippers’ have kept on coming! Once again we have

seen one or two new faces who haven’t been regularly before, though sadly,

two or three of our regular worshippers are no longer with us.

It reminds us of the fact that everyone who comes to Weekday Worship is no

stranger to bereavement, anxiety, various health issues and so on. Yet the short

mid-week service, ideal when we struggle with longer services on a Sunday

morning is a truly joyful time together.

Stenhousemuir Primary School P7s continued to organise the monthly Coffee

Mornings (with help from staff member Mrs Donaldson who is also one of our

church members) in the Small Hall on the last Thursday of the month. The last

Coffee Morning of this session is on 26th May. Entry is by donation and all

proceeds go towards school funds.

Weekday Worship concludes for the summer on 2nd June when we will have

tea/coffee and home baking after the service. Thursday services will resume on

Thursday 1st September at 11.15am.

Farewell to Raheel Arif…

As many of you will know, Raheel finishes his placement with us at Larbert East

on 22nd May.

Having been forced to seek refuge because of the persecution of Christians in

Pakistan, some 4 years ago, fearing for his and his family’s lives, Raheel had to

leave behind his work as a Vice-Principal in a secondary school and leave his

home and extended family. With his wife Humaira and their two children he

came to Scotland.

As a family, they have had to adapt to a huge cultural change as well as a very

different climate. Having settled in Grangemouth and joined the church where

his cousin and brother in law Aftab Gohar is minister, Raheel felt a very strong

call from God to enter the Church of Scotland full-time ministry. That call was

confirmed by the Church’s enquiry process, and he began his academic work last

autumn.

During his placement, Raheel has coped with speaking, leading worship and

talking with others in a language which is not his own. He has grown in clarity

and confidence and it has been wonderful to see. But what most people in the

congregation haven’t seen is that throughout his placement, Raheel has also

coped with continual academic commitments and a part time job.

In June he begins his second full time, 10-week placement over the summer with

the Chaplaincy of Polmont Young Offenders Institute. We will miss not only his

stylish shirts and ties (!) but Raheel’s warmth, sincerity and obvious faith. We

would like to thank Raheel for the huge commitment he has given to his

placement and pray God will continue to lead and guide him as he continues on

the path to which he has been called.

MINISTRIES & MISSION - ANNUAL REPORT ON OUR FINANCIAL

CONTRIBUTION TO CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 121 GEORGE STREET

EDINBURGH

A total of £76,225; of which 85.3% (£65,020) went to Ministries and 14.7%

(£11,205) to Mission.

Plans for summer term are now in place and both Jack and Mike will be

busy with High school transitions, school trips, SU groups and leading the

Bible Alive programme. Plans are also in place for the summer holidays

with the Football Outreach Mission taking place in local parks from 27-29

July – adult volunteers would be very welcome and should contact Jack at

jack@lcyt.org.uk Our workers will also be involved in local holiday clubs

and SU summer camps at Lendrickmuir.

Jack will leave his work with us in August in preparation for returning to

university. We thank Jack, and give thanks for his service with us and wish

him well for the future. We recognise that there remains work and

opportunities for the Trust beyond that of a single schools’ worker and

have already advertised for someone to replace Jack.

We have completed visits to our supporting churches and are thankful

for the additional financial supporters who have signed up as a result. The

Management Committee are continuing to explore all available avenues to

ensure finance is in place for the Trust’s work to continue

in the future.

Our next prayer support and newsletter will be available in churches

soon. This will also be emailed to our registered supporters. If you would

like to receive a copy please send your email contact details to Ewan

Forgie at e.forgie@sky.com The Trust’s AGM will be held in Falkirk Free

Church on Friday 10th June at 7.30pm, all are welcome.

Andrea Dunkin

Publicity Officer

Larbert Churches' Youth Trust

Scottish Charity No: SC040524

Members and friends of Larbert East are well familiar with Christian Aid

sponsored activities like, for example, the Forth Road Bridge Cross.

Christian Aid nationally is organising something new later this year, an

“Another Way” event and plans are progressing for it; read on to find out

more from information provided by Christian Aid.

A sponsored walk is to be held at 'The Helix Home of the Kelpies' on

Saturday 27th August, starting at 11.00a.m. Routes and distances are not

yet finalised, but likely to range from 1 mile upwards. Although a 'walk'

we are happy for youngsters to use 'another way', such as scooter, bike,

etc. to make their way round the route.

We are hoping that this will be a family day and fun for everyone. Other

activities being considered are face painting, a scavenger hunt en route

and we would like some fun photographs of the event. Around

12/12.30pm there will be a picnic on the Great Lawn.

Please come along and walk even if you are not being sponsored, or just

be there to support Christian Aid. We are also looking for volunteers to

help set up at the Great Lawn or perhaps help to marshal the route.

An information pack will be provided in June, which will include a map

and you can register as an individual, a family or a group.

This is a new venture which we hope will appeal to everyone and be well

supported. Further information will be passed on as it becomes available

or speak to Fiona Jardine, who is the Christian Aid Co-ordinator for

Larbert East Church.

FORTH BRIDGE CROSS: Thanks to all the walkers and sponsors of the Forth Bridge Cross. A good

day enjoyed by all who crossed the bridge. The weather was very good to

us again this year, which made for a very pleasant afternoon, with good

company.

We look forward to the event again next year again. Helping those less

fortunate than ourselves makes it all worthwhile.

The total monies raised will be announced as soon as possible.

MAKE IT MACHU PICCHU IN 2017

Blythswood Care is offering the opportunity to

trek to Machu Picchu, Peru, from 6-15th October

2017. The route from Cusco goes though high

mountain passes with spectacular views and even

dinner at 4378 metres above sea level, on the

way to this World Heritage site. There are a

range of fundraising and payment options.

More information can be found at www.blythswood.org.

LARBERT WAR MEMORIAL.....CAN YOU HELP????

Russell MacGillivray is looking for information, photographs, letters etc

about any of the First World War soldiers on Larbert War Memorial, or our

own Church memorial for the book he is researching and writing about

Larbert during the Great War. Russell can be contacted at

grmacg@outlook.com or at 01324 553586.

Your help would be much appreciated.

I have been a volunteer at the foodbank for about three years now. I work on a

Friday morning until twelve o’clock. To keep this smooth operation moving,

volunteers weigh all the food that comes in and record the weight and who has

donated it. Next the food is sorted into different types and in date order. It is

placed in baskets and shelves until it is taken through to the main unit, where

more volunteers fill boxes for single people, couples and families ready to be

delivered by the drivers, who deliver it direct to the doors of our customers or to

the Salvation Army and Social Work where they have several boxes to give out to

people in need, as required.

It’s an amazing set up as all the food is donated by you, the people of Falkirk,

Larbert, Stenhousemuir, local businesses, schools, Scouts, Boys’ Brigade and

other organisations.

So to be a volunteer all you have to do is get in touch

with the foodbank and you can be shown round and if

you think it’s for you, then you can organise a day and

time you would like and suits you. We’re all very

friendly and it does not take long to find your way

round. Matthew Innes

To contact the foodbank phone Jim (the manager) 07809340981

Or the duty mobile; 07809340919

www.falkirk.foodbank.org.uk/how-it-works

*****************************

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES

CAN YOU CONNECT? 1) Mint 2) Stool 3) Water 4) Back 5) Pole 6) Part 7) Crash 8) Door

9) Cloth 10) Trunk 11) Time 12) Line.

CAN YOU GUESS.....? Seashells 2) Waves 3) Rocks 4) Breakwater 5) Jellyfish

6) Bathing hut 7) Promenade 8) Bucket and spade 9) Windbreak

FALKIRK PRESBYTERY PLANNING

Larbert Old and Larbert West Churches

Larbert Old and Larbert West Churches agreed to a Union subject to Arbitrators

selected by the Church of Scotland deciding the place of Worship. On Thursday

28th April in Larbert East Church, the Arbitration Team consisting of 5 people gave

their decision to Members from both Churches and any other interested parties.

Larbert West Church was selected as the place of worship and Larbert Old Church

will close in July.

The reasons for their decision would be sent to both Churches Kirk Sessions in the

next 7 to 10 days.

Vacancies

The Church of Scotland Vacancies for Ministers at the present time is around 130.

Falkirk Presbytery Churches listed have been vacant for the period of times

shown.

Denny West Park – 5 years 9 months.

Denny Old – 2 years

Haggs – 10 months.

Cumbernauld – St. Mungo’s – 4 years 9 months.

Cumbernauld – Kildrum – 1 year.

Falkirk – Bainsford – 1 year 10 months.

Falkirk – St. James – 5 years 3 months.

Bo’ness Old – 1 year.

Bo’ness St.Andrews – now vacant.

Larbert Old – 2 years 8 months.

Larbert West – 2 years 7 months.

Slamannan – 3 years.

Shieldhill and Muiravonside – now vacant.

*********************

So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith,

Just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

A LETTER FROM CHRISTINE IN FORT WILLIAM

Dear friends

Again I'm thanking you all for messages, flowers and gifts and above all for your

prayers. Things have continued to be an interesting new adventure. The chemo

was a drip for one drug that just gave very tingling and fumbling fingers and a

face and throat that went completely numb when outside. Neither too serious.

The other drug was daily tablets supposedly for fifteen days. This wiped me out

completely, mentally as well as physically so that by day 9 I called on our minister

to take Nim and I ended up with two wonderful nights in our super Belford

hospital. What bliss. No medicines, no need to make an effort to get up and lots

of kind people and three other patients to get to know. And afterwards to stay

with Debbie and Stephen in Strontian again as I was still so tired a walk in the

house was enough for the day and I had other effects like terrific pain in my leg

leaving me walking with difficulty. But as soon as my mind was functioning as

properly as it can I prayed about what to do next. MacMillan nurses were helpful

and two doctors I respect urged me, without my asking, to stop the chemo. So

that is what I have decided, and I'm not continuing. It was only a “may or may

not” give longer time before secondary cancer and I am happy to leave that in

God's hands and use the time now for the things He will have for me. I'm really

glad I experienced chemo, and admire all those who persevere with it. I

understand a little of what it involves. But I am very happy with my decision. All

the effects haven't quite finished yet but they are going and I am feeling very

well with the joy of Easter in my heart. The world speaks of 'end of life'. Christians

can say ’beginning of life'.

With my love

Christine

We pray that God will stay close to Christine in the days ahead as

she continues her work for Him.

AN UPDATE ON CHRISTINE......

Christine is now back working - teaching Maths and Physics and doing some

community work - as busy as ever!

"Chemo is a thing of the past," she says, and she is feeling fine.

CAN YOU CONNECT?

Can you find a word which will make sense when added to the end of the first word and also to the beginning of the second word?

1.SPEAR ---------------------CONDITION

2) FOOT -----------------------PIGEON

3) HEAVY ---------------------BUTT

4) CHAIR ----------------------PEDAL

5) TELEPHONE --------------STAR

6) COUNTER -----------------TIME

7) GATE ----------------------LANDED

8) GLASS --------------------FRAME

9) TABLE --------------------CAP

10) TREE ---------------------CALL

11) PLAY ---------------------TRAVEL

12) WAIST --------------------UP

CAN YOU GUESS..........?

Who or what are these? They can be found at the beach. ( Vowels are missing!)

1) sshlls

2) wvs

3) rcks

4) brkwtr

5) jllyfsh

6) bthnght

7) prmnd

8) bcktndspd

9) wndbrk

Jean Neish