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The The SentinelSentinel
Magazine of Giffnock South Parish Church
November
2015
I’m wearing my poppy. Are you?
Volume 53 No 9
Remembrance Sunday is
8th November
Replica Coffin of the Unknown Warrior
In 1920 the Rev David Railton, who had served as chaplain on the Western Front, thought of having an
Unknown Warrior as a central remembrance of those who fought and were sacrificed in the Great War.
From Flanders, the body of an unknown soldier was raised, placed in an
oak coffin (pictured) and on the morning of November 10th was taken
aboard ‘Verdun’, a British destroyer, which sailed to Dover. It was then
taken to a railway coach converted to a chapel on wheels and in the
evening, linked to a train for London.
On the morning of November 11th the Unknown Warrior was mounted on
a gun carriage drawn by six horses and proceeded to Westminster
Abbey, pausing at the Cenotaph where the Lord’s Prayer was said and a
hymn sung. At the Abbey it was placed in a purple-lined grave with soil
from a Flanders field sprinkled on top. Part of the inscription reads
“Beneath this Stone rests the Body of a British Warrior, Unknown by
Name or rank….They buried him among the Kings because He Had done Good to God and
toward His House. In Christ shall all be made Alive.”
The railway van in which the body of the Unknown Warrior was carried
The grave in Westminster Abbey
Thanks to KF
The service will start at 10.55am and there will be a
short ceremony after the service at the War Memorial.
The Unknown Warrior
Memories of Malawi GORBALS PARISH CHURCH DESTITUTION CUPBOARD
A donation box has been placed in the church vestibule, where
you are invited to place items to help stock the ‘Destitution
Cupboard’ operated by Gorbals Parish Church. Most welcome
would be tinned and dried food. Other items which would be
appreciated:- corn flakes, biscuits, UHT milk, cooking oil, salt,
sugar, tea, coffee, juice, rice, pasta, spices, tomato paste etc.
Page 2
Contributions for the December edition of The Sentinel should be sent to the
Church office or emailed to [email protected] by 15th November.
GIFFNOCK SOUTH NEWS
The Monthly Roof Fund Quiz
September’s ’Countries’ quiz produced nine correct solutions
from Elspeth Turnbull, Dorothy Scott, Sheena Ireland, Iain &
Marjory Grimmond, Myra Rao, Beth Morton, Martin Bennie,
Marjory Fairbairn and John Fitzgerald and the name drawn by
Catherine was that of John Fitzgerald, who was presented with
the winner’s medal and prize. The correct answers are displayed
on the notice board.
The result of October’s quiz will be announced on Sunday 1st
November when a new quiz will be available at a cost of £1 in aid
of the roof fund.
Macabre humour this month…but did you hear about the bemused couple wandering about in the cemetery? Yes, they had definitely lost the plot!
Would Elders please note that the date of the next Kirk Session Meeting has been changed from Wednesday 11th of November to Wednesday 4th of November . This meeting will be held in the church at 7.30pm.
Here I am helping Muriel and Jeanette to assemble the
auction catalogue and just checking that I wasn’t included
as a lot number. The auction will take place after this
edition of the ‘Sentinel’ is printed but next month’s
magazine will have a full report. Boris
Come along and enjoy Alistair
Swan’s superb MOVING PICTURE SHOW with
musical accompaniment. It’s an unforgettable
experience. See Guild article on page 4.
Donations to the roof fund
Don’t miss this great night
out—full of fun—on Saturday 21st November at
7.30pm. Full details on page 5
CARPET BOWLERS WANTED
An invitation is extended to all, men and ladies,
to join the church carpet bowling club which
meets on Tuesdays (1.30pm-3.30pm) and
Thursdays (10am-12noon).
NEWS FROM POLLOKSHAWS
Hello Everyone
Greetings from Pollokshaws once again.
Our busload of parishioners enjoyed Bill’s induction and we wish him well as the minister in his first charge.
We now welcome Ruth Forsythe, who is also in her final placement as a probationer for the Ordained Lay Ministry. Ruth had a heavy cold when she first joined us at our Session meeting recently. In spite of this, she came along to the Nearly New the following day and she was immediately roped in to washing dishes.
Last week there were interviews for a Congregational Transition Worker who will help us, hopefully, in regard to our place in the regenerated Pollokshaws. I can’t give you a name yet as the position has to be ratified by Church of Scotland Human Resources.
The last high rise building (‘multi’ as it’s known affectionately to us!) still hasn’t been brought down. Apparently other work has to be done first, so Jean, our Session Clerk, thinks it will be in 2016 when the ‘last man standing’ will de demolished.
Similar to Catherine’s ‘Blue Christmas’, Roy is initiating a Service of Grieving and Thanksgiving on Sunday Nov 1st at 3.00pm. Any who are interested are more than welcome to attend.
Isn’t it marvellous to have had summer recently? Late but still welcome.
Cheers Frances Macarthur
Pollokshaws Parish Church
Toys for Christmas The Sunday School are again collecting new toys to give to children in some of the poorest/disadvantaged families in Glasgow this Christmas. The toys will be distributed by the Welfare Officer of the Glasgow Care Foundation who has personal knowledge of the families that would benefit most. We are, therefore, appealing to the congregation again to help. Last year there was a fantastic response from the congregation and Sunday School and it meant many families were able to enjoy Christmas without the added financial burden of borrowing money to buy toys. If you can hand in new toys (they don't need to be wrapped) to the Vestry no later than 13th December (to allow time for wrapping and distribution before Christmas) I will pick them up and transport them to the Glasgow Care Foundation. Many thanks in anticipation of your help.
CHURCH
DIRECTORY
The Minister:
Rev Catherine Beattie BDMin
0141 258 7804
07709 086 767 Mobile
Church Officer:
Graham Morton
0141 638 3594
Church Office Hours:
The church office is open in
the mornings from Monday to
Thursday from 9.30am till noon
0141 638 2599
Session Clerk:
Alison Fenton
07713 242 080 Mobile
Church Website:
Www.giffnocksouth.co.uk
Scottish Charity:SCO007807
Page 3
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before and after
the service every Sunday
TEXT OF THE
MONTH
May the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace as you
trust in Him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of
the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Dear Friends,
As we approach Remembrance Sunday, we will again, in Giffnock South, pay tribute in our own outdoor installation using our hand-made poppies.
Of course, the poppy is an enduring symbol of the sacrifice made by troops in the battlefields of the First World War and partly came about because of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. He was inspired to write it on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of friend and fellow soldier Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second
Battle of Ypres. According to legend, fellow soldiers retrieved the poem after McCrae, initially dissatisfied
with his work, discarded it. “In Flanders Fields” was first published on December 8 of that year in the
London-based magazine Punch. It is one of the most popular and most quoted poems from the war. As a result of its immediate popularity, parts of the poem were used in propaganda efforts and appeals to recruit soldiers and raise money selling war bonds. Its references to the red poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers resulted in the remembrance poppy becoming one of the world’s most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
As we continue to remember the battles of the wars of the 20th Century, may we include in our prayers all those who fight today on the battlefields of the world, facing danger in the conflicts of countries far away. As we pray for them, let us pray for peace and justice, for reconciliation and resurrection in countries that have seen so much war and sorrow.
Wishing you every blessing,
Catherine.
The Minister’s Letter
Those who attended the Contemporary Evening Service on October 11th were
treated to a thought-provoking but humorous story and some well-loved hymns
and are already looking forward to November’s service which will be at 6.30pm on
the 8th. All are cordially invited to attend these uplifting and stirring musical
services.
Don’t forget that there is an informal get-together every Tuesday morning (10.30am onwards) for coffee and chat in the church lounge. All welcome.
(I think that sometimes there’s home baking too- Ed)
A Remembrance Day service will
be held in the church on
Wednesday 11th November at
10.55am
The lunchtime service is every Wednesday at
11.30am
Lunchbite is on Wednesdays at 12.15pm. Come sharp, because when it’s gone, it’s gone!
Saturday coffee mornings have restarted at 10am till noon. Come and enjoy the company.
The Guild
Eastwood Court Care Home
ORGAN RECITALS Alan Gillon will be performing at
Kelvingrove on Wednesday 4th and
Saturday 14th November and
Wednesday 16th December at 1pm.
GIFFNOCK UNITED REFORMED CHURCH NEWS
One hundred years old, but sadly no telegram
from the queen! Despite not hearing from Her
Majesty we will celebrate in style. On Sunday, 1st November
at 11am, the Rev Catherine Beattie will conduct our special
service using Guild hymns and appropriate readings.
On Wednesday, 4th November we will have our Centenary
Lunch at 1pm, when the cake will be cut and the Guild toasted.
After the meal we will enjoy superb musical entertainment
from Iain and Kirsteen McLean. Everything will be relaxed and
informal—no speeches—just a happy afternoon. Contact Pat
Connell on 638 1352 if you wish to come along.
On Wednesday 18th November at 2pm Grant Campbell will
speak about the Glasgow City Museum and on Wednesday 2nd
December at 2pm Mrs Natalie Elliott and friends will enlighten
us with a “Renfrewshire Witch Hunt” and maybe terrify us?
The Guild welcomes everyone—men as well as ladies—with
visitors being especially welcome.
Page 4
November Dates at a glance Sun 1st 11am: Guild Anniversary Service
Wed 4th 1pm The Guild Centenary Lunch
7.30pm: Session Meeting
Sun 8th 10.55am: Remembrance Sunday Service
6.30pm: Contemporary Evening Service
Wed 11th 10.55am: Remembrance Day Service
Tue 17th 6.30pm: Remembrance Service at Eastwood Court
Wed 18th 2pm: The Guild: Grant Campbell
Sat 21st 7.30pm: Quiz Night
Wed 25th 11am: Line Dancing –Taster Session
Sun 29th 7pm: The Guild: Moving Picture Show
December Dates Wed 2nd 2pm: The Guild: Natalie Elliott
Sun 13th 12noon: Christmas Party with visit from Santa
As always the November service at Eastwood Court Care
Home will be our Remembrance Service. This is especially
meaningful to the residents as most have their own memories
of World War II. We will sing four hymns, have two readings, a
poem and an input from our choir all associated with
remembrance. Members of Giffnock South and friends are
welcome to share our 30 minute act of worship, which will
take place at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th November.
My friend tried to get me to bungee jump but I
wasn’t falling for that!
LODGING HOUSE MISSION
LHM’s stock of Christmas cards is now
available and the brochure with order
details has been posted on the notice
board. These cards have always been
very popular and are excellent value.
Filled shoe boxes are no longer wanted but supporters are
invited instead to make an equivalent financial donation to
help meet the cost of festive meals and to purchase modest
individual gifts for the service users. This change followed
discussions with Guilds earlier in the year when the majority
were in favour of doing away with shoe boxes but providing
finance instead. Despite the above, loose toiletries are very
welcome to augment gift packs. Donations should be handed
to Ronnie MacIntosh who is Giffnock South’s representative.
RAISING THE ROOF
An invitation to all members and friends.
The Guild is hosting “The Moving Picture Show”
by Alistair Swan, on Sunday 29th November at 7pm and is our
main effort for the roof fund. Alistair Swan, a kirk elder, is a
semi-professional photographer and his moving pictures from
all over the world, accompanied by music, are more than equal
to anything we see on TV.
Come along and enjoy an evening of sheer delight. Bring your
friends. No ticket is required, but a donation to the roof fund is
This popular, and now annual,
event will take place on 21st
November at 7.30pm when Scott Cuthbertson, Scotland’s
magician, will host the evening. Come on your own, bring
a friend, host a table. As always sponsors are required for
each round and donations for the raffle welcomed. The
evening is being organised by a team from Woodfarm
School who are raising money for the charity ‘Wildhearts’ which provides
microloans for poor entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Tickets are now on sale at £6 (BYOB) and the
proceeds from the evening will be divided
between the roof fund and Wildhearts.
Allison's Line Dancing Absolute Beginners Line Dancing - Taster Session
A taster session has been arranged for anyone who would like to have a go at this fun pastime. This taster session will also determine interest for running a regular class.
Line Dancing is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows all facing the same direction and executing the steps at the same time. Unlike in circle dancing, line dancers are not in physical contact with each other and you don't need a partner. This is modern line dancing, therefore, you will not see cowboy boots or hats. You can expect to dance to pop, soft rock, 60's music as well as country music. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, with shoes that you can dance in.
Details of the taster session are - Wednesday 25 November 11am - 11.40am at Giffnock South Parish Church - Winton Hall
Although there will be no charge for the taster, a donation for the church roof fund would be appreciated.
Parking is available on the surrounding streets. There is no parking in the church grounds.
For Further information please email [email protected] or tel. 07783 027 757
Giffnock South Sunday School, Camp Cool
Hi everyone, we are looking forward to
seeing you at Sunday School, Camp Cool or
Creche. If you have any questions, please
text, phone or email: Kirsty Duncan and
Diane Johnston, Sunday School
Coordinators
Kirsty on 07739041712 or
Are you, or is someone in your family, a
member of the ‘Giffnock South Sunday
School, Camp Cool and Creche’ Group on
Facebook? If not, ask to join and keep up
‘In Harmony’ Community
Choir
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
8th & 9th December in the
church
Proceeds to the Roof Fund
Page 5
ADVANCE NOTICE The date for the 2017 trip is
Sunday 28th May and is to Harrogate with visits
arranged to different places of interest from the last
time we were there.
Jack Longwe, Session Clerk, and Songelwayo Banda, Chairman of their Kwenderana committee, came to Scotland for a fortnight on 16th September and had a wonderful visit. World Mission proposed a farming theme for the programme since they are farmers and we have invested in their successful community horticultural garden.
They visited Kittochside farming museum, a dairy farm at Eaglesham, the Scottish agricultural college at Dumfries, Whitelees wind farm and Pollok gardens (where they were able to compare notes as tomato farmers with an excellent young member of staff). They went to a Scottish wedding (lots of kilts!), to the Trossachs, Edinburgh, the Clyde coast, concerts, the Glasgow bus tour, heard Williamwood pipe band and visited Bridging the Gap in Gorbals, Barrhead food bank and Eastwoodhill care home. They went to New Lanark and, of course, Livingstone's Blantyre.
There was an evening of Scottish entertainment where a highlight was a duet by them. There were lovely opening and closing parties with our Kwenderana committee, nice meals and lots of good fellowship.
They have now arrived home safely.
Do look at the big selection of photographs on the Kwenderana Facebook page. Our grateful thanks to all who made the visit so special.
MALAWI VISIT TO SCOTLAND
Page 6
NOVEMBER EDITION OUT NOW
Parish Register
If any of your personal details
change,
please notify the Church Office at:
4 Greenhill Avenue, Giffnock,
Glasgow G46 6QX
Or telephone 0141 638 2599
Or email:
To ensure that we comply with the Data Protection Act, we will no longer publish addresses in Sentinel.
Anyone who requires further information about any of the intimations above should contact the Church Office.
Duties
Date 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29 November
Office Bearers Team 8 Team 9 Team 10 Team 11 Team 12
Crèche Marjory Grimmond
Karen Taylor
Linda Stevenson
Diane Johnston
Mhairi McAllister
Margaret Scott
Katy Moffat
Laura Amner
Susan Morton
Sue Harvey
Tape Recording Alastair Campbell Neil Grimmond Tony Ireland Charlie Hunter Alastair Campbell
Café Rota 1 Sue Harvey
Pam Wallace
Kathy Fitzgerald
Wilma Grant
Bet Coutts Marjory Grimmond
Anne Gilchrist
Liz Burns
Morag Lambert
Café Rota 2 Bill Steven
Morag Steven
Gavin Bodie
Grace Bodie
Di Fotheringham
Sheila Dunbar
Sheila Walker
Elaine Crawford
Sandra Mitchell
Alison Campbell
Sunday School Nativity Rehearsal Nativity Rehearsal Nativity Rehearsal Nativity Rehearsal Nativity Rehearsal
Flower Delivery Pat Connell Remembrance Eileen Crawford Sheila Dunbar Kathy Fitzgerald
Baptism: Suffer the little children to come unto me
Lucca Jon Thomson
Joining: We extend a warm welcome to:
John Menzies
Sheila Going
Letters from the Front In the month of Remembrance we look back at the letters sent by Church of Scotland chaplains to Life and Work during the First World War. Ministers of the Future An introduction to three people studying for the ministry, whose pro-gress we will be following in the coming year. A Global Challenge Adrian Shaw, the Church of Scotland’s climate change officer, looks ahead to the Climate Change Conference in Paris. Bold and Strong Lynne McNeil reports from the Annual Gathering of the Church of Scotland Guild I Pray That They Find Peace’ The Rev Aaron Stevens, minister of St Columba’s Church of Scot-land in Budapest, gives a powerful account of this summer’s refugee crisis in the Hungarian capi-tal and his church’s efforts to help. Comfort and Trouble The Rev Dr Martin Fair considers the uncomfortable messages of James about hoarding wealth. A Recovery of Joy The Moderator highlights why the challenges facing today’s Church present a new opportunity for mission. A Thin Place The roots of a 25-year pilgrimage to Assisi, led by a Church of Scotland Minister A Starting Point for Mission A memorial garden created by an Edinburgh church on the banks of the Union Canal. Plus news, reviews, letters, registers and crosswords – all for just £2.20
Order your copy now from
Alan Gray on 0141 639 1401
Page 7
Hot water system at Kumbali Village where
we spent the first and last nights Shower curtain Malawi style ..and you thought our church roof was bad!
Fish market at Ekwendeni School dinner time
Jilly and Catherine rounding up dinner
It’s great to relax once in a while….here at Elaine’s fund-raising party
Kay McMillan at Elaine’s
Auction items being prepared Boris helping Jeanette and Muriel Pictures being
numbered
Clive and Pauline Bell’s daughter Dawn and her husband Derek Houston after their marriage
ceremony on 19th September
...and here’s sister Jilly (under the) Bell in
Malawi in July
Songelwayo and Jack, visitors from Ekwendeni at
Giffnock South
Songelwayo talked to the congregation
Some of the Sunday School children with the
Noah’s Ark brought from Malawi as a gift from the
community at Ekwendeni
The Sunday school children at harvest thanksgiving
Songelwayo and Jack with Helen Vipond
and a friendly owl at the David Marshall
Lodge, Aberfoyle
You wouldn’t be so friendly to
the ones in Malawi
A welly white
footnote from
Kumbali, Malawi
where a pair of
these would have
kept the dreaded
red dust at bay.
