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Christmas 2012

VILLAGERTHE

C h u r c h N e w s f o r t h e V i l l a g eIssue 23 . Christmas 2012

“…We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God. God made him-who-had-no-sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NIV)

On behalf of our minister, Nigel Barge (who is recovering well, see page 2), I offer you Christmas greetings from Torrance Parish Church.

On behalf of its members, (I’m one) I can say you will be as welcome at the services, the cafe and other events, as I was when newly retired.

On behalf of the residents of Torrance (I‘m one) I encourage you to check out how the church contributes to the well-being of our community.

On behalf of humanity, God came to earth that first Christmas. Every one of us had fallen short, far short, of his design for us. We were living at odds with God. He came to re-model humanity, to be the second and last Adam.

On behalf of sinners (I’m one), Jesus faced our temptations, but without falling for them. He lived our life, but perfectly, and then died our death, though he did not deserve it. He took our sins and guilt, paying in full for them all. He made it possible for us humans to be reconciled to God.

On behalf of Jesus, I invite you to use this Christmas to enter, and/or live out, life at peace with God.

That will bring, for you, your family, our village, and humanity, a really joyful Christmas and a newly good year.

Phil Malloch (Interim Moderator)

Christmas Greetings fromTorrance Parish Church

inside this issue: Autumn Gold • Why The Alpha Course? • International News • Christmas Eventsdesi

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Christmas 2012

In theblink ofan eye...

On the 12th September I was awakened at 5.30 am and I couldn’t see through my left eye and I couldn’t speak. Jen phoned the emergency services, (the Nicolson’s and NHS 24!), and they arrived within minutes, the Nicolson’s first! By this time my vision had come back, I could walk but I couldn’t speak; a small mercy some would say!

The ambulance took me to The Royal where I was admitted to the stroke ward. Subsequent tests showed that a clot had caused damage in or around the speech centre of the brain. This meant that though I had the intention, I could not express what I felt (It should be noted that this was not an infrequent general failing prior to the incident!)

I was given multiple scans on account of my youth (!), which though confirming the event, did not show any outstanding reason for it. Over the following weeks I have been like ‘a bubble coming to the surface’. I am fit in body though easily tired, I am increasingly able to express myself when not under pressure, and my writing is slower and even untidier than usual!

Looking forward, the prognosis is good, though uncertain. Once I have established ‘new pathways’ in my brain, my speech should return to approximately that which it was before; an improvement is too much to hope for!

As I reflect on the experience in general there are a few things that strike me:

1) The kindness and generous spirit of many folk whatever their belief and religious affiliation.

2) The amazing complexity of the mind.3) The brevity of our existence in time and space.4) The eternal perspective of God’s rule over all things5) The redeeming love of Jesus for all people.

More of this anon. Meantime, if you are able, come and join us at Christmas. Whatever your past experience, celebrate with us that God became man as we are, so that in Him we might become right with God.

May this hope give you joy at Christmas

NigelPASTORAL HELP The church wants to be available to all in our village. If you wish any particular pastoral help please contact (while our Minister, Nigel is absent)The Session Clerk, Brian Mackenzie - Tel: 01360 622767 orThe Interim Moderator, Rev Phil Malloch - Tel: 01360 620089

We came to Torrance in 2011 when Peter retired from parish ministry in Glasgow.

We both love the country and after 40 years of city living, it is a great pleasure to be living in a village where people greet one another in the street and which has easy access to countryside for walks and cycling. We have a dog, and one of the boons of living here is the variety of dog walks which do not require a car journey before starting. Not only that, we appreciate the convenience of local PO, church, pharmacy, shop, not to mention hairdresser, dentist, garage, take-away, and several inns - Torrance has it all!

We love our new home and are grateful to have lovely neighbours. A major benefit is the friendly church. In Nigel Barge we are fortunate to have a very fine and affirming minister. The Sunday services are lively and full of the spiritual presence of Jesus Christ. There are lots of different things going on during the week too, for everyone not just church members. We are looking forward to getting even more involved over the next how-ever-many years we have.

Peter and Liz White

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‘What we thank God for this Christmas’

When we moved to Torrance five years ago, our first visit to Torrance Church was when our neighbour, Robin, invited us to the Christmas Carol Service. We were warmly welcomed. A few years later when we decided to leave our previous church, after 27 years, the decision to join TPC was easy and we have enjoyed the love and fellowship in various aspects of the church.

Christmas is a family time, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Our thoughts go back to the birth of our first grandchild, just after Christmas and the special love you have when the child is first placed in your arms.

It reminds us of the special love Mary must have had for Jesus on that very special day. She must have been overcome by responsibility; that God had chosen her to nurture and guide this small infant until he grew up and began to proclaim the Good News of Eternal Life.

God has shown us his love and guidance as we have entered a new phase in our lives, with a new house, good neighbours, community and church.

Malcolm and Fiona Douglas

Margaret and Bob are thankful for the Lord’s long term planning. Their first encounter was as pupils at Secondary School in Glasgow. The next meeting was when they both worked in Yarrows Shipyard. Bob, an apprentice engineer, needed a partner for a Scout dance and remembered seeing this girl from school that worked in one of the offices. She accepted the invitation 59 years ago and they have been married partners for the last 54 years.

Bob and Margaret Burrell

This Christmas we would like to thank God for giving us Emma and Joel, for good friends, family and placing us in a church where we feel so welcome.

Merry Christmasfrom the Reid Family.

Youth ActivitiesIf you are interested in joining one of the youth groups please contact Linda at office@tpc.org.uk

GIRLS’ BRIGADE The Girls’ Brigade meets

every Wednesday at Torrance

Parish Church (during school term).

Explorers: 6:15 - 7:15pm (P1 to P3)

Juniors: 7:00 - 8:15pm (P4 to P7)

Brigaders: 7:00 – 9:00pm (S1 to S6)

THE BOYS’ BRIGADEThe Boys’ Brigade meets every

Thursday at Torrance Parish

Church (during school term).

Anchor Boys: 6:15 - 7:30pm (P1 to P3)

Junior Section: 7:00 - 8:15pm (P4 to P6)

Company Section: 7:30 – 9:45pm (P7 upwards)

THE CROSSOVER CLUB Crossover is a youth club for all in P7 to S3 and meets on the first Saturday of every month at 7pm. They enjoy a great variety of activities, often going out to a particular event.

Their annual Christmas Dinner will be on Saturday 1st December at 7pm.

CARROT CAKE CLUBS5 to University age group meet every Sunday evening from 8 to 10pm. Lively discussions, guest speakers, fun and social events provide fellowship as a follow on to church on Sunday.

JUNIOR CHURCHCaters for 3 year-olds old to S2 every Sunday. They start off in church and then go to the halls for Bible teaching, crafts and fun activities.

THE CRECHEBabies and toddlers under 3 years old can be brought to the Meeting Room from before the Sunday morning service starts and any time during it. The Crèche Team will care for them so that you can enjoy the church service.

Community Police In Torrance Church Meeting Room

On the 2nd Wednesday of each month 10:15 – 11:15am approx.

The Community Police, who cover the local area, will be available to offer general advice or you can speak personally, if you have a particular concern.

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Christmas 2012

Autumn GoldIn October, Dave spent the week at various events throughout the village, at the Church, Schools and Bowling Club. His powerful illusions helped to bring

home to us the nature and love of God.

We were entertained and enlightened by Dave as he used his skills to take a Bible Story or theme from everyday life and

bring it to life through the use of illusion! A typical example of this was the story of the widow whose jar of oil never ran dry while she cared for God’s prophet Elisha. Dave’s jug that seemed to have an endless supply of liquid in it not only amazed us but clearly illustrated the miracle and God’s care for us.

One comic moment was when a volunteer had her mind ‘read’ by the audience! The fact that she had a pan on her head at the time (to focus the thought waves) added humour to the more serious message that God knows our every thought!

A sumptuous meal was served which was worthy of an award. The chefs were six members of Torrance Church – Bill, Valerie, Bert, Anne, Hilary and Mary……….take a bow! Young folk from Carrot Cake Club provided the extremely efficient waiting service.

Emma Brockett, Singer Songwriter, (Runner up in the semifinal of Channel 4’s Unsigned Act), played the guitar and sang some of her own compositions and other gospel songs.

The highlight of the week was...

DINNERWITH DAVE

A DROP-IN-CAFÉ attracted teenagers to an evening with computer games, table tennis, snooker and entertainment by Dave Glover!Interest was expressed in doing this again on a regular basis – watch the church website for further details.

Hing Leung, one of the organisers summed up the week, ‘It was a great week with a lot of fun and opportunities to share the Gospel. Dave was excellent with all age groups. I was particularly thankful and impressed at the same time by how the entire church came together for a shared purpose of outreach. All in all, it was an enjoyable week and a big thank you to all who either helped or invited someone to come along. Do remember to pray for the Alpha and the youth groups that have started since then.’

Drop-in Café

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At first, the appeal of a hot dinner at Alpha was the decider for me. I had a young child so dinner was often reheated a number of times before I had the time to sit down and eat!

After the course finished, Zoe told me about the Monday morning ‘Women’s Group’ and I joined in on a few occasions. I thought everyone at the group seemed to know the whole Bible and I didn’t even know a sentence, so, as you can imagine, I felt overwhelmed! Over time I dwindled away from the church and from God as I always seemed to have something else to do.

Looking back over the years, I felt God and I had some issues we needed to deal with and the best way I could describe it is as an on-off relationship on my part. But as I was soon to find out, God doesn’t give up easily! Last year, I had been thinking about trying the Alpha course again, especially as I kept seeing advertisements for it one after the other and I knew then God was calling on me to come back.

On both occasions, when I went to the Alpha course, I always left feeling stronger and learnt so much about myself and of Christ, although I still have so much to learn. The course is excellent and I would recommend it to anyone, and I do mean anyone!

The Alpha group starts off with a delicious meal which gives you the chance to chat and get to know each other. Afterwards, we watch a video of Nicky Gumble, who tells how he came to Christ in his twenties. He describes himself as an atheist beforehand and talks of his journey along the way in a funny and visual way. I was quite relieved at this, as I thought before I started Alpha the videos might be a bit boring, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Nicky is a great speaker, and has an excellent way of making things clear and easy to understand. There are many parts of the course that have been very memorable and beneficial to me.

Nicky tells us that he realised in his journey to Christ that Jesus died for

him. ‘God’s only Son had to die for all of us for our sins.’ But up until the Alpha I didn’t realise that Jesus died for me! God loves me; he loves all of us, and how wonderful that makes me feel. Before, the devil always seemed to be on my shoulder telling me, God doesn’t love me, how could he have time for me, with all the people in the world who need him more and anyway I had sinned too much over the years. I recently came across a verse in the Bible: ‘This is a trustworthy saying “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” and I am the worst of them all.’ Jesus broke the sin barrier so that we could have an open relationship with God.

Nicky makes an excellent point that really made me think about my faith. If you ask people if they believe in God, some will say “yes”, some say “no” and some will say “well kind of”, but if you were to ask people if they are married, you wouldn’t expect them to say, “well kind of”! He also talks about how being around other Christians and attending church is great for your faith. You can’t keep a fire burning if you don’t have fuel to keep it alight. The more you put into your relationship with God the better it will become.

I really do strongly recommend the Alpha course to every one of all ages and at all stages of their relationship with God.

Vanessa Anderson

* The current Alpha course is nearly finished, contact Bert Cooke Tel 622326 for details of future courses.

WHY THE ALPHA COURSE?WELL, WHY NOT?

I first got invited to the *ALPHA Course a few years ago by my sister-in-law and decided, “Why not?” My friend and brother were going, and I thought, if my brother is going, it could be very interesting. When he was younger he didn’t seem to believe in God, and I do like a good debate!

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News from Torrance folk at home and abroadHard GoodbyesAfter four years of living and working in Northern Thailand the Muir family finally boarded a plane in Chiang Mai and cried all the way down the runway. We watched as our house, the river, the trees and the familiar mountains faded into the distance and knew that somehow a precious part of each one of us was being left behind.

The Child Protection Office was growing in strength and influence with very capable Thai Nationals at the helm. Our season to be part of it all had come to an end. The difficulty was we had grown to love Thailand, the people that had become like family and the place we had called home. We hadn’t banked on leaving being such a wrench. We never realised we would feel such a sense of loss when it was time to let go.

It’s easy to give up the things we don’t love, the things we don’t have a passion for, but sometimes God asks us to lay down something precious. As I struggle to let go of this part of my life and say goodbye to people I may never see again I am reminded of the story of Abraham and Isaac. God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his only son and his most precious thing in all the world. How could a loving God do that? Surely it doesn’t make sense!

Just as Abraham, in total obedience to God, was about to bring down the dagger into Isaac’s heart God suddenly intervened and stopped him. He provided a ram instead, caught by its horns in the nearby bushes. God told Abraham to let the boy go free. He had severely tested Abraham but now he knew his heart. Abraham was willing to

give EVERYTHING for God, even the son he treasured.

At Christmas time we see a baby in a manger: a baby who is destined for a cross. But this time there would be no ram caught in the bushes, no eleventh hour reprieve. The child Jesus, whom God treasured as his own son, was to be crucified in place of you and me.

Choosing to follow Jesus is no easy path. God may call on us to let go of many things that are precious to us. He may even ask us to risk following him into the unknown but I am reminded this Christmas that God has never asked us to face anything that he hasn’t faced himself. He knows all about loss and laying things down. He knows all about grief and sacrifice and the quiet tears of letting go.

Like many others in the village this Christmas we will miss some precious people in our lives but we are thankful for the baby in the manger, and the God who understands our hard goodbyes.

Stu and Jen Newland

We returned to Scotland in early September from our year serving in Thailand. We thoroughly enjoyed the year, despite the many challenges, and were aware of God teaching us so much during our time away.

We were sad to leave behind both the work we were doing there on the Thai/Burma border and the lovely people we met during the year, but we are enjoying being back home and have very much enjoyed catching up with friends and family and are especially enjoying the cooler weather!

We have started to turn out minds to what is next. We sensed very strongly that God was calling us to something new, something different to working full time in our professional jobs, and that our year in Thailand was just the start of a longer journey.

We felt that God was leading us to become involved in a ministry that involved hospitality, community and discipleship, and therefore we have spent the last two months pushing various doors to see where He was leading. We sensed God was pointing us to become involved in a church in St Andrews. It is still early days and we have many things to work out. At this stage Stu is hoping to work with a Christian group called The Navigators and Jen is hoping to be involved with a group of Christian women who are setting up a cafe. As we step in out in faith in response to God’s leading, we trust that He will work out the details!

The Muir Family

Big changes for Torrance teenager “Muli Shani”,

from Zambia!

I have survived my first 2 months in hot, beautiful Zambia. Only 4 months, 9 days and 2 hours and 47 minutes till my flight home!

Life out here is great; there are lots of colours, smiles and heat. It does however, have its problems; Snakes are a pretty common worry, as is having a gecko drop on me, and walking around at night with no lights.

Also... did I mention snakes? Apart that, I am really enjoying myself! I have made some great friends out here. We have a brai (BBQ) most weeks, which is a lot of fun!

The school children are so cute! I love them all! Some are challenging but God really does give me the strength to deal with them! On a school day I read with the children from Grade 1 to grade 7, then after break, I swim with grades 1 to 3. I long for 10.30 when I know I can jump into a pool of cool water. The rains are about to arrive so I am told to expect a change in temperature. We had rain a couple of weeks ago and the temperature dropped from 35 degrees to 18 degrees. I was

cold, whereas back home 18 degrees is beach weather!

Church services are very different! We dance when we sing. I say ‘we’ because if you don’t dance then you look silly! It is so amazing being in an environment where God is at the centre of everything! I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me in my time here! I am thankful this Christmas for the opportunity to experience Christmas in a different culture. I am also thankful that my family are coming out to visit me!

Ruth Barge

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Christmas 2012

Ross, Tracy, Eden and Daniel Mackenzie

It’s great to be able to visit our family and friends in and around Torrance just now. We have actually missed the cold days and the rain – the hot season high this year was 37C and we have had no rain since early March!

The pupils are what we love most about Zambia. Chengelo is a boarding school so we have a big pastoral role to play, as parents are not there to help children deal with issues.

Life at Chengelo has its fair share of challenges. We thank God we will return at the end of December to a department, fully staffed for the first time since we arrived in June 2010. Chengelo is an intense environment – you live, work and worship with the same group of people. There are a huge number of cultural differences all staff have to get used to, one of the main ones being the differences between the focus on using time by the Western staff and that of having time by the African staff.

We have a much less convenient lifestyle. The school is 10 miles from the nearest town and a 3-hour drive from the nearest supermarket. We are well supplied with meat and vegetables (i.e. cabbage) from the school farm but generally, if you don’t grow it you don’t eat it. Our planning and innovation skills have improved immensely! We miss a stable power supply (we often have power cuts from 1 to 12 hours long and during the rainy season there’s a high risk of electrical surges) and access to plentiful, clean water with no leaves in it.

Zambia is a developing nation facing huge issues like AIDS/HIV, poverty and famine. Chengelo’s vision is to give a first class, Christian education to those who will go on to be leaders in the country and to reach out to students, pupils, supporters and the wider community. The students have great ambitions: to be doctors, lawyers, accountants, or business people. We hope that through the education and experiences provided at Chengelo students will become witnesses to the Light of Jesus Christ in Zambia and beyond.

www.chengelo.sch.zm

Carols by Candlelight

TORRANCE CINEMA CLUB“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Cert. U)

Begins 5pm on Saturday 15 December 2012 at Torrance Parish Church on our giant 10ft screen!

Big budget remake of the classic cartoon about a creature intent on stealing Christmas. Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen and Jeffrey Tambor.The Church Cafe will be open from 5pm serving teas, coffees and snacks so parents can watch the film with their children, or relax in the cafe until it finishes. Later on, at 7.30pm we will be showing the much loved Christmas Classic

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (Cert. U)

All are welcome and admission is free.For more details please contact cinema@torrance.org.uk

Monday 17th December at 7:30pm Please join us to sing carols, old and new, in a candlelit setting, feast on mince pies and chat around the tables. The Carols and Readings will tell the Christmas story, and help us reflect on what it’s all about.

Torrance Church Coffee ShopNow open Monday, Wednesday and Friday9am to 12 noon

Friday 9am to 2pm during school term.

MoNday: teas, coffee, hot chocolate and cakes

WedNeSday: teas, coffee, hot chocolate, scones and shortbread

Friday: teas, coffee and lunches (during school term)

“you will find a warm welcome”

The Prayer CliNiC The Prayer Clinic continues to be available each Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am to 12 noon.The church vestry provides a quiet, comfortable and confidential setting where you can be supported in prayer (for yourself or others known to you)a Prayer Box is available in the Café area (church foyer) you can write out a prayer request and pop it in the box and it will be confidentially prayed for during the following week

THE FRIENDSHIP‘CHRISTMAS’ LUNCHwill be at 12:30pm on Tuesday 4 December

This popular event is for any retired folk in the village. Please come along, you will be very welcome.

The children from Torrance Primary School will be singing.

(Note change of time!)

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Christmas 2012

Torrance Parish Church of Scotland is a Scottish Charity No. SC016058

www.tpc.org.ukTorrance Church | 01360 620 970 | office@tpc.org.uk

Torrance Parish Church

Services unless otherwise advertised are at 10:15am and 6:30pm every SundayThere will be no evening services 9 December to 5 January inclusiveA crèche is available for under 3’s and JUNIOR CHURCH for 3 years to S2.

ALL ARE WELCOME

TPC Social MediaIf you want to keep up with all the latest news, events and sermons - and let us have your views too - then join us on:Twitter: @torrancechurchFacebook: www.facebook.com/torrancechurch

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Christmas EVENTSCarols by Candlelight Mon 17 December 7:30pm

Family Service Sun 23 December 10:15am

Christmas Eve Family Service 7:30pm Watchnight Service 11:15pm

Christmas Day Family Service 11am

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