36
Alison Berry 0141 563 5142 or 07927 049400 or email: [email protected]
I truly hope you all enjoy our Kirk Spring Magazine 2019 —thank you so
much for those who contributed—you make my heart “sing”.
Till next time...Summer and, hopefully I will have got to grips with our new
Magazine software, and new layout!
God bless.
Alison
FINALLY…...
1
MEARNS KIRK (CHURCH OF SCOTLAND) Scottish Charity No. SC007125
Mearns Kirk Church, 404 Mearns Rd, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 5BU
MEARNS KIRK CHURCH
SPRING MAGAZINE 2019
2
SPRING CALENDAR
MARCH
3rd TEAM “E” Donald Fraser 10th TEAM “F” *John Henderson
17th TEAM “G” Norman Anderson 24th TEAM “H” Elizabeth Harris
31st TEAM “I” Stewart Cairns
APRIL
7th TEAM “A” Beth Seymour 14th TEAM “B” *Gillian Eason (PALM SUNDAY)
21st TEAM “C” 9.30am Sandra McKay, Eric Rushworth
10.30am Marshall Wylie, Ronnie Sinclair, Anne Sword,
John Dawson (EASTER SUNDAY)
28th TEAM “D” 9.30am Anne Kerrigan, Ian Stubbs
10.30am Barbara Bremner, Robert Paton, Isobel
Alexander, Mary Paton
MAY
5th TEAM “E” 9.30am Isobel Dawson, Jim Carrigan
10.30am Donald Fraser, Violet Kavanagh, John Revill,
Marcus Bremner
12th TEAM “F” 9.30am Fiona Macleod, Stewart Drummond
10.30am Mary Deas, Hamish Cameron, Ramsay
Withycombe, John Henderson
19th TEAM “G” 9.30am Anne Sword, Norman Anderson
10.30am Heather Anderson, Christine Milliken, Bill
Jenkins, Kevin Cannon
26th TEAM “H” 9.30am Elizabeth Harris, Bryan Robertson
10.30am Liz Ronald, Isobel Alexander, Sandra McKay
Susan Fraser
A. Ramsay Withycombe, Beth Seymour, Mandy Stewart, Clare Wilcock, *Margaret
Withycombe. B. Des Young, Roger Eason, Bill Jenkins, Bea Young, *Marie
Andrews, Gillian Eason C. Marshall Wylie, Ronnie Sinclair, Sandra McKay, Eric
Rushworth, *John Dawson. D. Barbara Bremner, Ian Stubbs, Anne Kerrigan, Robert
Paton *Arthur Gardiner, Mary Paton E. Donald Fraser, Isobel Dawson, Violet
Kavanagh, Jim Kerrigan, *Marcus Bremner F. Mary Deas, Stewart Drummond, Fiona
Macleod, Marje Gillies, *John Henderson G. Heather Anderson, Norman Anderson,
Christine Milliken, Anne Sword *Kevin Cannon H. Liz Ronald, Isabel Alexander,
Elizabeth Harris, Bryan Robertson, *Jim Reid I. Sandra McFarlane, Stewart Cairns,
Susan Fraser, John Revill, *Harriet Reid
(PLEASE NOTE NAMES IN “BOLD” INDICATE TEAM LEADERS)
35
Without taking “Choice” accepting the risks and consequences of this,
I would never know the joy of love within a worldly relationship or with
my relationship with Jesus. With the help of the negativity of my
father, the positivity of Lynne and the love of Jesus, I have found
“ME”. I have found the joy brought by LOVE - given and accepted.
So I agree with Joe! If I was still in the Garden of Eden - there would
be no darkness! no hard work, no pain, but there would be no “ME”.
God bless. Al Thompson
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
MARRIAGE BLESSING
December 1: Neil Campbell, Mearns and Christy Ballantyne,
New Zealand
34
So I said “I love you sometimes,” and she hit me! I know Lynne loved
me but I never knew that I loved Lynne. How sad is that?? Incredibly
proud of our life together and of our children, but something missing.
More recently I have found someone that I know I love. It is so easy
to say “I love you” but, at times, I wondered if she loves me. I know I
offer my love to her but I have been unsure that she accepts this love.
My story showed me a marriage with love; a marriage where I enjoyed
love; and now a relationship where I offered love which is beginning to
be accepted and returned.
The second story is one of my belief. I used to go to Church
sometimes. My life had become directed by Christian values, but
when we discovered Lynne had cancer, I began to move away from
Jesus. Christian values appeared to have so little meaning to us then.
How could a compassionate God allow this?
Slowly I discovered choice. I cannot know ME with choice. Choices
defines “ME”. If I expected God to deliver the “Garden of Eden” to me
then “ME” does not exist. Just like my life when my father led it. No
room for “ME”. No room for my love. With this emergence of choice
came the emergence of my Faith. Jesus is not there to ensure my life
is perfect - he is there to offer love, always! As I felt this love; this
compassion; this support for my life I was able to choose that love
from Jesus. I found choice. I found His love. I was able to be so
much more; to choose so much more; to be ME so much more. Josh
Groban sings “You raise me up” - such meaning now. “Footsteps in
the sand” means so much more “being with” encourages so much
more!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
3
MESSAGE FROM JOE
Dear All,
The biggest upheaval in a while is about to take
place!
The Hall complex is to be closed from late April
until September. This will involve quite a bit of
disruption and obviously will mean life, as we know
it now, will be put on hold or juggled with in some way, which will include
Sunday worship. Please listen out for what will happen as we put together
the best possible plan to ensure minimum fuss for everyone.
The purpose of the closure is to refurbish the Hall and make it better
equipped for what lies ahead. This is what we need to keep in mind
as we plough through the next few months. We want a better Hall for our
Church members and we want to be better equipped for our mission.
An honest appraisal of what’s there at present would recognise that we
need to modernise, improve reconfigure the Hall complex which has
been there since 1971. This will allow us to do Church better and surely
that’s what we should all be wanting.
I am excited at what is going to be created in our midst. I am already
thinking about how we can use new spaces. Also, I am hoping that we
will be able to serve Jesus more with what we shall have, which is the
reason for this.
As a Church, we are indebted to Martin Sullivan who left us an
unexpected legacy which, for the most part, will finance our new Hall.
Could I ask we give of ourselves, in whatever way, to what lies ahead of
us, to ensure that we make the most of the new mission opportunities
offered by our new Hall.
Bless You Joe
.
4
The much needed upgrade/
refurbishment of our busy
Church Hall moves closer with the approval of the works by The
Glasgow Presbytery Property Committee and the submission by our
architect of our planning application to the Council’s Planning and
Building Control Division.
Robert Paton, who chairs the Project Group said “our Church Hall
has served us well over the last 48 years since it was built (1971),
however it is really showing its age, so our project plan for the
building will see a number of much needed works being carried out:
• Complete new heating system
• New gas supply from Eaglesham Road, replacing oil boiler
system
• Much needed new kitchen
• Improved entrance area to improve disabled access.
• Replacement windows to improve heat retention
• Additional insulation to improve heat efficiency
• Rewiring and improved lighting
• Creation of flexible cafe/meeting room area
• Improved meeting space given increased activities
• Improved sound and hearing aid systems
• Improved office area
all of which to make the building “fit for purpose” for the next 45
years!”
HALL REFURBISHMENT
33
Today - Sunday 27th January 2019, I listened to Joe talking about the
Garden of Eden, darkness and light, pan and hard work or a “perfect
life” which was provided by a greater being. It set me thinking about
my love just now; the pain, the darkness, the exhausting work. But
then I thought about the love I have lost and the love I have found.
Perhaps I can take you back many, many years. My father was a dour
man from Scotland. He knew how life should be lived. Not much room
for love to be expressed. Not much room for me to find “ME”.
Something in there reminds me of omnipotence, of a God-like belief in
“the way to live”.
My father was a GP and, as expected, I became a GP and joined his
practice. But, meeting all those people, listening to their life stories -
the pain, the pleasure, dark times and joy, a real ME poked a head
out. Not surprisingly, it got hammered back quite a few times, but this
head still began to emerge! Oddly, it was the discovery of love that
became the vehicle to my metamorphosis. Painfully, it was the lack
of love that destroyed my first marriage. Then I saw the light, my
second marriage, and fond someone who loved ME, and my children.
We had 30 years of what I believe was a wonderful marriage. Then
Lynne died of a brain tumour some 8 years ago.
At this point I will tell two parallel stories about love. One is about my
belief in Jesus, the other is my story - my discovery of love. Since
Lynne died I have explored many different relationships and reflected
on what love means to me within a relationship. I do not remember
telling my first wife that I loved her. I do remember my father
approving of this marriage but, perhaps, it was not the choice of “ME”.
In my second marriage Lynne once said “why do you not say you love
me sometimes?”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
32
The Spirit came in childhood
and pleaded “Let Me In”
But, no, the door was bolted
by heedlessness and sin
“Oh, I’m too young” the child said
“My heart is closed today”
Sadly the Spirit listened
Then turned and went away
Again He came and pleaded
In youth’s bright happy hour
He called, but found no answer
For, fettered by sin’s power
The youth lay idly dreaming
“Go, Spirit, not today
Wait till I’ve tried life
Once more He came in mercy
In manhood’s vigorous
He knocked, but found no entrance
“The merchant had no time”
“No time for true repentance”
No time to think, or pray”
And so, repulsed and saddened
Again He turned away
Yet once again He pleaded
The man was old and ill
He hardly heard the whisper
His heart was sear and chill
“Go, leave me! when I want You
I’ll send for you” he cried
Then, turning on his pillow
Without a hope, he DIED
Jim McKellar
THE FOUR CALLS OF THE
SPIRIT (Gen. 6:3)
5
“Strict control is being exercised over the design and spend allocated
for the works by the Kirk Session”, continued Robert, “our
architect and cost consultants know they have to keep within budget
with them hoping to put the detailed plans out to tender to a number
of construction companies at the beginning of March, all with the
intention of starting work on site for the fist week in May. If it appears
the costs for the works are above budget, we will revisit the
specification for the works and amend this to keep within budget”.
The Kirk Session and The Glasgow Presbytery Property Committee
will need to approve the final specification and contract appointments
before any works commence on site.
Robert Paton
Just a reminder that our chosen charity this year is Cancer Research.
So fare we have collected £140 - so we have a long way to go to
reach last year’s total of £460.
If you have not previously participated, please think about joining in.
All you have to do is collect your small change and when your jar is
full, bring it to Church and leave it in the box in the vestibule. When
the money is all added together - it really can make a difference!
Thank you in anticipation for another good response.
Mary Deas
JARS OF GRACE
HALL REFURBISHMENT
6
FUNERALS AT REST: Jesus said “ I am the
Resurrection and the Life”
BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Eastwood Bereavement Group meet in the Church Hall at
7pm on the 1st Tuesday of each Month. If you are
struggling with the loss of a loved one, please join us in
the Small Hall, where you will be made most welcome.
This Community Group is for ALL people trying to cope with the pain of
bereavement and our aim is to try to offer support at this very difficult time.
Please note that from 1st Tuesday in May—due to our Church Hall
renovations, we will be meeting at the Mearns Parish Church at the Cross.
Christina Shafi
PASTORAL CARE
The Pastoral Group makes visits to the elderly, infirm, housebound, those in
care homes etc. Please call Alwyn Landman on 07704 238318 if you know of
anyone who should be on our list. We will be delighted to visit them.
Alwyn Landman (Convener)
Please inform Joe if you are ill, in hospital or facing particular difficulties.
If he knows about your needs, he will endeavour to offer every possible
assistance. Contact him at the Manse or by phone on 0141 384 2218
November 19: Doreen Fleming, Mearns
November 27: Alasdair Hamilton, Mearns
December 10: Chris Hyndman, Mearns
December 11: George Weir, Mearns
December 12: Robert Campbell, Mearns
December 18: Pat Gammie, Mearns
January 4: Jill Dickie, Mearns
January 16: Ian Murray, Mearns
January 17: Said McGarva, Mearns
February 1: Fulton Lamont, Mearns
February 4: Andrew Watson, Mearns
31
ALISON’S 2018 REFLECTIONS
LOVE AND COMPASSION
One of my favourite pastimes (apart from Church Magazine!) is to
read and I normally get through about 5 novels each week!
As I know there are avid readers within our Church family. One book
I would highly recommend, for so many reasons, is The Tattooist of
Auschwitz by Heather Morris (a true story about two young people
(Lale Sokolov and Gita).
Gosh, don’t have enough room to highlight what makes this book so
special. Yes, we all have read the history about the atrocities of the
Holocaust but, this was personal. This was about enduring faith.
This was about humanity even in the darkest of times and, despite
what was witnessed and endured love and compassion for others
was still put first!.
I would encourage folks to check it out—best book I have read since
The Shack by William P Young. Would be delighted to hear from
folks who have read it!. Aka Church Book Club?, just a thought!
Lastly, unfortunately, my beautiful sister Anne’s health condition is a
worry. Bless her, never complains, spends on average 27 days 4
times a year in hospital and still maintains her stoic, spiritual, and
continued Faith. She is, undoubtedly, the strongest lady I know.
Never once has Anne spoken those words “why me” - she accepts
God’s journey for her and lives as He would want—having love and
having compassion for others first.
We thank God for our NHS system; for all the kind, lovely, caring
folks who visit Anne each week, trying to avoid admission to hospital
too soon. We applaud you and thank God we live in a country with
such amazing services available.
Count your blessings; encourage everyone in your life to have
“pockets of memories”, and thank God for each day.
Alison Berry
30
ALISON’S 2018 REFLECTIONS
LOVE AND COMPASSION
When we enter a New Year, it encourages me to reflect on personal,
spiritual and family journeys.
2018 was such a challenging year for my wee family. We lost, as you
all will know, one of our closest friends Timmy Matley. He was the
man who encouraged my sister Anne to travel; to meet up; to “live”. I
know God brought Timmy into my sister’s life , yet as I have said
before, why did God take a young man who brought so much joy to so
many at the young age of 36? (guarantee there are so many of you
who can relate to this!).
I kind of have a “coping strategy” to everything in my life!.
First, and foremost, I believe God has a plan for us all! Yes, we can
believe what career, house, relationship, family we are in control of,
BUT to me, God has already got it sorted!
Over the past year (or lifetime!), I have been in many a position to
“justify” my Faith.
As the very pragmatic person I am—it is really easy. God brought me
into this world; and only asked that I have love and compassion for
others first. How little did He ask from us? How sad and
disappointing that people don’t understand. Folks believing that
materialism and personal gratification is what life should be about!
Normally, every Saturday morning I travel into Glasgow, transfer the
limited cash I have into £1 coins, buy coffee, sandwiches and walk
along Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street, stopping to talk to our
vulnerable folks, give my small donations. It is a truly humbling
experience. Gus Smeaton from Lodging House Mission in Glasgow
told me once that if folks could just stop to talk to the vulnerable; just
to show we care; to show love and compassion for others first it
would mean so much.
7
PRAYER POINTS
Please pray for:-
• Joe and his family that God would be in the
foundation of all areas of their lives.
• Alwyn and his family that God continues to
support and guide each of them in their
plans for their future.
• That God be in the foundation of all the planning to redevelop
our Church Hall. May these changes enable a reaching out to
the wider community.
• Support and guidance for each of our Church groups.
• Support and encouragement for each of our Elders as they
work for God in supporting our Church family.
• The homeless during the cold winter months.
• Those, in our midst, going hungry through poverty.
• God’s wisdom to be with those governing our country ad for
God to be in its direction. For an amicable agreement for the
Brexit negotiation.
• Youth of today that they respond to God as He reaches out to
them.
• Wisdom for all world leaders.
• God’s protection against terrorist attacks across the world and
for those, who work to keep others secure, to be especially
vigilant.
Mary Paton
8
HALL CLOSURE
The Church Halls will close for use by groups and Church members on
18th April 2019 After this date, the contents will be packed up for
storage. Once we have handed the halls over to the contractors at the
start of May, there will be no access to the building for anyone; it will
be fenced off for safety reasons. This will be the case until we have
our refurbished halls handed back by the contractors, hopefully at the
end of August/start of September.
Our Church Office and the Mearns Kirk Helping Hands Office will both
remain open in the halls until later in April. Andrea, our Church
Secretary, will be based at Broom Church from 1st May until 31st
August (with the same email address and phone number - 0141 639
6555) and similarly Vicky and Laura from the Mearns Kirk Helping
Hands Office will be based in the Vestry within our own Church (again
with their usual phone number and email addresses).
The Church itself will have a few changes over this period as we will
be moving the photocopier into the Church to under the West Gallery
(where the chairs are). Here, there will also be a table and possibly
other items. This means that it may not be possible to use this area for
seating for Church services over the Summer.
29
We finished up the year with a Sunday Club Family Christmas Party,
which went down a treat, both with parents and children!
The afternoon consisted of a disco, dancing, party games, human
Christmas tree decorating, food and, of course, a Christmas Party
wouldn’t be a party without a visit from Santa who, like normal, was a
hit with the children.
A New Year, a new term and a new Programme . For all of you who
were at Cafe Church, you may remember a very catchy song that we
sung “GOD SUIT”
We have taken this as our theme for this term. Ephesians 6:10 - 18
Armor of God
We will be exploring with the children how the Armor of God is
important to wear/use in our daily lives. This will be done in our
normal creative Sunday Club style, in which our “Little Stars” can also
be involved.
It has been lovely and encouraging to see all the children coming
along to Sunday Club, building relationships with one another as well
as with the helpers.
Please remember to pray for Sunday Club and the young people.
SAM BROOKS
SUNDAY CLUB AND
LITTLE STARS
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As part of the new Data Protection/GDPR
legislation, a copy of a Privacy Notice about how we
keep your personal details is enclosed with your
Magazine.
Marje Gillies
DATA PROTECTION
DISTRICTS
We have had to make a few changes to Districts so a small number of
people have a new Elder, who will make contact with you.
Marje Gillies
Each year every Church gives a contribution to the Church of
Scotland (Ministries and Mission). Our total contribution for 2018 was
£123,730. This is split into Ministries which receives 83.5% and
Mission which receives 16.5%. The Ministries contribution goes
towards to cost of providng over 750 Ministers and other parish
workers including our own Minister. The Mission contribution is used
to support the Church’s work in, for example, Christian Education and
Outreach, Social Care Services, providing central day-to-day work in
administrative, financial and legal matters and in planning the General
Assembly and ensure the Moderator represents the Church.
Marje Gillies
CONTRIBUTIONS TO MINISTRIES & MISSION 2018
9
HALL CLOSURE
Our children normally finish Sunday Club for the Summer in mid June
and will do so this year. From mid April until then we will be holding
two Services (9.30am and 10.30am) and after Sunday Club stops for
the Summer, we will return to our usual one Service at 10.15am.
By the time of the June Communion, we will not have any access to
the dishwasher in the Halls, so we will be using plastic glasses at the
Communion Service - as a one-off.
We may ask for volunteers to help with various things - more nearer
the time!. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact
the Church Office.
Marje Gillies
Mother celebrated her 105th. birthday on January
15th. and received a lovely card from Her Majesty the
Queen which was delivered by special messenger, so
needless to say she was much impressed.
.
We took her out to lunch a few days later to the restaurant she
enjoyed last year.
She is still as talkative as ever and is especially pleased when the
grandchildren come to see her.
Roger Eason
MRS NECIA IRIS EASON MBE
10
EAST RENFREWSHIRE
FOODBANK
The main thing to report about the Food-
bank is that there has been a 20% rise in
the number of people using in the last few months. This is a very big
rise and it is worrying. After a very busy Christmas this year, where
more parcels than ever were handed out, volunteers have been kept
busy.
Sorting out food by date stamps, and getting rid of out-of-date food
which cannot be handed out, takes time, before packing the bags of
food which are given out to recipients. The bags contain three days
supply of food, which is all canned and packaged, as fresh food cannot
be stored at the Foodbank. Vouchers are obtained from Citizens’
Advice Bureau, doctors and health-care professionals, and are
exchanged for food at the Foodbank. A very careful note is kept of the
quantity of food received by the Foodbank, the quantity of food which
has to be discarded because of being out of date, and the quantity
given out to clients.
A reminder of the goods required is as follows:-
Canned soup, vegetables, spaghetti, baked beans, fruit, rice, custard,
meat, fish, cereal, pasta, sugar, jam, biscuits, tea, coffee, long-life milk
and fruit juice.
We are grateful for all your donations, and you can be assured that
they will be well used and appreciated.
Elaine MacNiven
27
On Mondays from 11th March to 15th April we will be running the 6
Session Introduction to Mindfulness programme again, in
partnership with RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health). This
programme was oversubscribed last year, so if you are interested
please contact Vicky as soon as possible for a space!
On Wednesday 27th February from 2pm to 3.30pm, we will be holding
the first of our monthly Cancer Support Groups. Anyone with a
current or historic cancer diagnosis who would like to access a peer
support group with input from professionals is most welcome to join us.
We are delighted to be welcoming a speaker from the Cancer Support
Network for our first meeting.
MEARNS KIRK HELPING
HANDS
And finally, no Magazine article would be complete without a huge
thank you to every who volunteers with Mearns Kirk Helping Hands.
Your generous contribution of your time and skills is really
appreciated and makes all that we do possible. As most of you will
know Laura and Vicky are holding a Spring Volunteer Coffee
Afternoon on Friday 8th March at 2pm; we do hope you can join us.
You can find all the information above on the website; there are also
posters in the Halls and in the Church with details of dates and times
of all activities and how to get involved. If you want to get in touch for
any reason, Vicky’s contacts are here. Or pop into the office and say
HELLO!
Vicky Attwood, Project Manager Mearns
Kirk Helping Hands
Tel: 07585 5227667
26
The Lunch Club for People Living with Dementia restarted after a
short, well earned Christmas break on the 10th January. The Club is
currently running at full capacity though we are still taking referrals for
our waiting list. The Friendship Club restarts on Tuesday 15th
January at 1.45pm and you will see the wonderful new syllabus
elsewhere in this Magazine. The Bereavement Group continue to
provide invaluable support on the first Tuesday evening of every
month at 7pm. The Blether and Brew restarted after a short break
on Tuesday 8th January and will run every other Tuesday throughout
the year at 2pm.
MEARNS KIRK HELPING
HANDS
On Monday from 21st January we are running a 5 Session
Introduction to Tai Chi group. The group is currently fully booked,
but if you are interested in the activity, please get in touch with Vicky
who can advise about possible future dates etc.
On Wednesdays from 6th February to 27th March, in partnership with
RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health), we are running a Fit 4
Sport Group, a free, gentle introduction to people who would like to
become more physically active focussing on low level sports and
activities in a safe setting. To find out more about this group, please
contact Graham on 0141 881 8811 or email
On Fridays from 1st March to 5th April from 10am to 11.30am, we are
running a 6 session Tablets for Beginners group, in partnership with
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust. Here you will be able
to learn all about using a tablet for emailing, using the internet, online
shopping, accessing information, books and magazines and much
more. To book a place, please get in touch with Vicky.
11
THE PRAYING HANDS OF A GRANDMOTHER
by Ruth Lennard
There were tiny flutters of a heartbeat before each child was born
She prayed with Joy
As the little fingers clasped her hand
She prayed
She asked for strength, She gave her thanks
She unburdened her fears and worries
Her children were unaware
Of her many times of prayers:
For their safety and protection,
For their health, For their education
Her most important prayer - was that they
Would love God
In the stressful periods
When she couldn’t find the words
God understood her heart
And her voiceless prayers were heard
Her children moved away
They led their own lives
From a distance - she prayed
Times when the family
Came together for celebration
Were always special
She rejoiced in her grandchildren
She blessed them
She asked about their lives
They waved as they said goodbye
She remembered what they had said
And she prayed
Today, if you look at her hands
They are lined and worn
But from the time her infants were born
She continued to pray
How precious are
The Praying Hands of a Grandmother
12
CARING FOR THE YOUTH
OF TODAY
It is 2019 and we are moving through
winter quite quickly. It is our 1st
winter in Scotland and so far it has
been an interesting one. The snow
finally arrived after we were looking for it to come sooner! The sound
that your footsteps makes on the fresh fallen snow was most
intriguing. As you may have gathered - we are not used to snow!
We, as a family, make time to experience new things - like the snow.
My youngest son, Werner, ran out with bare feet when the snow
came down for the first time. He came into the house very quickly
after that. It will be a memory treasured for the future.
That made me think of the challenges and struggles our young ones
are faced with every day. The sheer variety of challenges and the
lack of guidance experienced by so may of the youth is mind
boggling. What we as adults may have a suspicion of, is the huge
changes that took place within the world of the adolescent in recent
times. We are not quite sure what it really means, but we get some
glimpses when we pass them on the street or talk (rather try) to
them. I purposefully use the word “to” and not “with” them because
they will seldom let you into their real world.
The main concern that we need to look at is that the adolescents feel
abandoned. The systems in place are letting them down
spectacularly. I watched with horror a programme about Scottish
children with mental health problems who had to wait for three weeks
for an appointment to get help. The disintegration of the family
structures through divorce, no marriage or unexpected pregnancies
are taking a heavy toll within society. The traditional family (although
recognising it has problems) is still the best place to rear children -
that has been proven all over the world through decades.
25
Laura, our Volunteer Co-ordinator will be out and about in local
shopping centres and supermarkets spreading the word about all
the volunteering opportunities we have available and we will be
in local media too.
MEARNS KIRK HELPING HANDS
At present we are particularly keen to recruit
• Minibus Drivers
• Volunteers with Experience of Leading Groups
• Male Volunteers
• Volunteers to Help in the Kitchen
• Volunteers with Administration or IT skills.
Anyone with a couple of hours to spare each week is welcome to get
in touch; there are lots of different ways you can help. You can email
Laura at [email protected] or phone
07858 552767
On the 5th December we hosted “THE BIG CHRISTMAS LUNCH” ,
an opportunity provided by the Self-Directed Support Forum for
people from across East Renfrewshire to come together to find out
about lots of different services available to them, try some health and
wellbeing activities, share lunch and enjoy entertainment. Over 150
people attended on the day; 29 people made enquiries or referrals in
to organisations who were present on the day, including the Money
Advice Team and the Scottish War Blinded. MKHH will continue to be
involved in the organising committee for future “Big Lunch” events.
Our thanks to everyone who supported in the event.
And so to this year.........
24
HELLO and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!
2019 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting year for Mearns Kirk
Helping Hands as we grow and develop, We have some new groups
and activities starting up this year, all of which fit with our charity’s key
theme of “improving health and wellbeing, reducing isolation and
loneliness in our community”
We are pleased to report that, following the submission of our annual
monitoring reports to our funders detailing all we achieved in 2018
(including a visit from a Funding Officer) , we have been awarded our
second year of funding from The Robertson Trust. We have also
been given the second tranche of our funding from the Voluntary
Action Fund (VAF), again following submission of a monitoring report
demonstrating the successful achievement of targets for the 2018
period. We also anticipate securing our continued funding from the
Church of Scotland - Go For It Fund.
We are also delighted to say that our Mearns Kirk Helping Hands
WEBSITE is now live. You can find the site at
mkhelpinghands.org.uk/ Its full of information about the Charity, what
activities we have coming up and how people can get involved in what
we do. Do visit the site and tell us what you think; there’s a feedback
link at the bottom of the home page where you can send any thoughts
directly to us. We are also now on FACEBOOK; you can find us at
www.facebook.com/ MearnsKirkHelpingHands/ .
Please like and share our page!
This year will see a big push to recruit more volunteers to support all
the work we will be undertaking over the coming years.
MEARNS KIRK HELPING HANDS
13
The family offers security, a
certain amount of feeling loved
and providing shelter and
food.
If we want an excellent example of changes - take a look at sport.
Sport was meant to be a way of exercising, relaxing, enjoyment,
physical development and developing social skills. It has
become a toxic arena of fierce competition. Just watch the fist
pumping and screams by both genders on the tennis court. Each
point won, even by the mistake of your opponent, is thrown in the
face of your opponent. The celebration after winning the match has
become embarrassing. Not to the sports world - it is the survival of
the fittest. This impacts on the adolescent’s development. It is no
surprise that they are not interested in sport. Throw into the mix
multimedia (social media in particular), school, peers, sex, ethics,
morality and the party scene and you have a melting pot with an
awful brew. It is therefore no surprise that young adolescents create
their own world into which they can escape. They do not trust adults
because most of the time it will lead to disappointment.
The end results is children really struggle coping with the world. They
seem and are quick to offer a view that they have everything under
control. Friendships do not support the teenager because it is not a
question of friendship, but what I can get from you. The problem of
self-harming and suicide among teenagers is a real problem in the
United Kingdom. It was just this week that the suicide of a teenage
girl made the papers and the news on TV. Her father blames
images on Instagram, a social media platform which is run by
Facebook. It has a ring of truth but it ultimately shows how
vulnerable our children really are. They seem to have lost the ability
to make sensible choices. Some researchers call it “the death of
common sense”
So what can we do about it? It is very interesting that, after decades
of research with thousands of teenagers worldwide, the Search
Institute in Minneapolis USA, found that teenagers still want to
interact with adults.
CARING FOR THE YOUTH
OF TODAY
14
CARING FOR THE YOUTH
OF TODAY
The interaction needs to be constructive with a good understanding
what the teenagers of today are going through. This is a positive start
of how to help the teenagers and children.
Professor Chap Clark, after working with adolescents for than 30
years recommend 5 strategies to help teenagers. These 5 are:-
1. Those who work with adolescents (teenagers) should be trained
in the changing youth culture. They include educators,
government agents, counsellors, coaches, youth workers and
employees of youth.
2. Those who serve adolescents must work together, Adults in the 6
roles mentioned above must realise that, regardless of their
resources or expertise, they cannot turn the tide of abandonment
on their own. Group who want to help the youth are still
operating apart - they need to combine their forces.
3. Those who serve adolescents must understand youth and
provide boundaries. The basic response demanded by the
issues related to abandonment may feel overwhelming, but it is
actually straightforward, To nurture adolescents we need to
understand their changing world and provide boundaries so that
their choices have as few serious consequences as possible.
4. Parents need to be equipped and encouraged to parent the
changing adolescent. I have found few parents who, once the
children enter mid-adolescence, are not on the edge of panic at
some level. They see disconnectedness and callousness,
Parents feel insecure and alone. Parents need to know what is
happening. Then they can build good relationships with their
children.
23
Easter falls on Sunday 21st April this
year.
As of yet we have no details as to our
midweek services as discussions haven’t taken place with the other
Churches.
There will be a Maundy Thursday and Good Friday service at 7pm, in
one of the local Churches and our own Church will be open on Good
Friday from 12 noon till 3pm for quiet reflection. Our Easter Sunday
service will be at 10.15am with an informal Communion service
afterwards.
There is also to be a joint Lenten Studies Group with Newton Mearns
Parish Church and these will be
intimated in due course.
Look on our Website and follow the weekly Intimation sheet and you
will get to know all that is happening.
EASTER SERVICES
“He is not here, He is risen!”
Is probably the greatest announcement every made in history of
the world. Let these words assure you that your God is not only
alive and well, but lives within your heart.
(Luke 24:5, 6)
22
The distribution of Christmas presents has
become quite an undertaking, thanks to the
generosity of Mearns Kirk folk and our friends at
Orchardhill Parish Church. We received hundreds of wonderful
presents, which were a job to sort and find homes for. The gifts were
divided amongst the following organisations:
Aberlour Trust
Glasgow Care Foundation
Glasgow Befriending
Quarriers Family Centre at Ruchazie, Glasgow
Women and Children First in Paisley
Family and Addiction Support Services
Glasgow and Falkirk Social Services
Each organisation is asked to identify the children they need presents
for and we (the Outreach Group) try to match gifts to each child.
Some of you will have heard Joe read the reaction from a Mum who
received gifts via Women and Children First. She was reduced to
tears as it meant so much to her to have gifts to give her children at
Christmas.
All the organisations have spoken of their gratitude and I think we can
be sure that this effort is extremely worthwhile. Speaking personally, I
have enjoyed the opportunity to work with folks from Orchardhill on
such a constructive activity.
The Outreach Group is looking at other ways we could help our
organisations at different times throughout the year. For example, I
know that the provision of school uniforms can be difficult for
families and we are looking at how we could help with this.
Many thanks for all of you who helped.
SUSAN FRASER
OUTREACH GROUP
OUTREACH
15
CARING FOR THE YOUTH
OF TODAY
5. Communities must make sure that
each adolescent has a few adult
advocates who know and care for her
or him.
Research has consistently demonstrated that several positive and
supportive relationships that offer the same message must be
present to have an effect on the life of a child. Every adult must
attempt to add to the cumulative message of protection, nurture,
warmth and affection. By far the best way to help our young is by
being a chorus of support and a choir of commitment.
To all teenagers or adolescents, the failed promise of intimate
companionship and nurture is devastating. Unfortunately, an
individual does not have the ability to present in the variety of ways an
adolescent needs. If a child has a mentor who is gentle, supportive,
and affirming during a weekly encounter, yet the rest of the week he
hears that he is lazy, stupid and incompetent, the negative voices will
win out. One fan, even a great one, is not enough,
We CAN make a difference in a teenager’s life.
It takes a team to win a rugby match. God called us to be there for
children. Jesus could not have been clearer: “Do not keep the
children from me”.
Be part of the team that “ADOPT” a child. It may be your grandchild.
It may be your brother’s child. It may even ben that you are his/her
teacher. BE THERE for them - UNCONDITIONALLY.
I conclude by the words of Garrison Keillor:
“Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to
notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer
thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted”
Blessings till next time. ALWYN LANDMAN
16
We often think another’s shoes
Would make our life complete
For sometimes they look better than
The shoes on our own feet
Our neighbour’s shoes may seem to us
So polished and so neat -
But we can’t tell by looking where
They’re pinching his poor feet
You might suppose if you could wear
My shoes it would be a treat
But, confidentially, I’ve got
Some blisters on my feet
The moral that I want to leave
Is one that can’t be beat -
Let’s be content and happy with
The shoes on our own feet!
This was sent to David Arthur almost 25 years ago by
Florence Rowan whom, I understand lived in the “old”
Mearns Kirk Manse prior to moving to Washington USA.
David Arthur
SHOES
by FLORENCE ROWAN
21
The hospital closed in the 1980’s, with the exception of two wings at
Mearnskirk House which continued as a long-term care unit. Services,
though, never ceased and continued at Mearnskirk House up until the
present day. Sadly, this much need facility is due to close shortly and
so all the Churches’ involvement will now cease.
Congregations involved up to the closure were from Greenbank,
Busby, Cartbridge, Giffnock South, Williamwood, Mearns Kirk,
Netherlee, Brook and Stamperland.
A HUGE thank you to all those who have participated over the years -
bring God’s message to the patients.
You - the Sunday singers and musicians may have been the only
visitors that some patients may have had!
Thank you again.
Margaret Armstrong
Stamperland Church
MEARNS KIRK HOSPITAL
MEMORIES
20
MEARNS KIRK HOSPITAL
MEMORIES
Mearnskirk Hospital was located in open countryside and opened as a
Children’s TB hospital in 1930. It subsequently became a general
hospital and, at its peak, had more than 500 beds.
Services led by Churches began in 1933 by the then Minister of
Newton Mearns Parish Church, along with Mr James Rodger of
Maple Evangelical Church.
Stamperland Church’s involvement with the hospital began in 1958
when two members of the congregation joined in the Services, then
the Church became more fully involved in 1960, conducting short
services in a number of wards every Sunday. Mr Rodger continued as
leader for 40 years until just before his death in 1975 when Mr Alex
Muirhead of Victoria Hall succeeded him as leader until he retired in
1981. At that time, the late Jack Fraser of Stamperland took over as
leader.
Many local Churches readily joined the rota over the years to regularly
lead services Sunday by Sunday - some also being similarly involved
at the Victoria Infirmary. Several Churches such as Clarkston Baptist,
Greenview Church, Kingspark Baptist, Newlands South, Newton
Mearns, Victoria Hall, Maxwell Mearns, Mearns Parish, Giffnock Park
and Crosshill Queens Park played their part, but later dropped out.
17
MINI BUS DRIVERS
URGENTLY REQUIRED
This is an urgent appeal for additional volunteer
mini bus drivers to help driving the bus on a Sunday morning. As long
as you hold a current, clean driving licence and are under the age of
70, you will qualify.
It is not an onerous job as the 1st pick up is at 9.20am and currently
there are 6 collection points. After the Morning Service delivering the
various people home again which takes about 30 minutes.
If you feel you could help in this very worthwhile job, or need any
further information please contact me at [email protected] or
my mobile number is 07769-635573.
Des Young
Mini Bus Co-ordinator
WELCOME GRAEME FINNIE
We are delighted to welcome our new organist, Graeme
Finnie, who started with us at Mearns Kirk on 14th of January.
Graeme is an accomplished organist who has many years experience
playing in Churches.
Welcome Graeme to our Kirk.
18
I would like to thank the Kirk Session and congregation most sincerely
for their very generous gift of Amazon vouchers on the occasion of my
retirement as your Organist and Choirmistress.
I had meant to take a “back seat” when we moved here from Dunblane
11 years ago but, when Jean Binning retired, I decided to apply for the
position. I have certainly not regretted my decision as the last 10
years have been very rewarding and it has been my great privilege
and honour to play for the congregation, Joe and my wonderful friends
in the choir. Thanks are due to Liz Ronald and Jean Duffus for
working hard to keep the choir together during my absence. Had it not
been for my illness, I would still have been playing. My family and I
have been greatly sustained and encouraged by your kindness,
prayers, cards and help in so many forms over the last two years -
thank you so much.
Unfortunately, I have just learned that I have to undergo more
chemotherapy as my cancer reading is increasing again.
Best wishes to our new Organist, Mr Graeme Finnie
Doris Watson
THANK YOU
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
We meet in the Main Hall from 1.45pm - 3.15pm as
follows:-
March 12th Music Box: Keyboard/Singer Duo
March 26th The Razor Sharps: Barber Shop Group
April 9th Rev Alwyn Landman: My Time with the
South African Police
April 23rd The Friendship Singers
May 7th Outing (our last meeting of the session)
The Club will be taking a break as usual for the Summer and we look
forward to welcoming members old and new when we resume on
TUESDAY 10th SEPTEMBER
19
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Under the banner of our charity Mearns Kirk
Helping Hands, it is hoped to create a support for
people living with cancer. It will be very much centred on the needs
of those with the illness and whatever programme develops will do in
relation to their needs and wishes.
The first meeting will be in the Church Hall on Wednesday 27th
February and follow on a last Wednesday of the month basis.
It begins at 2.00pm and runs to 3.30pm
If you think that this would be helpful, please come along; you are
assured of a warm welcome.
For further information, please contact Joe 0141 384
2218 or Vicky 07858 552767
The charity’s AGM will be held on Saturday 30th March at 11am in
Church Main Hall which will include presentations on a wide range of
activities that the charity has been involved with over the last year
and of the excellent work our dedicated volunteers have carried out
to help those less advantaged in our local community. Robert Paton,
Chair/Trustee of MKHH said “we are delighted that Ken MacIntosh
MSP, the Presiding Officer at the Scottish Parliament, has agreed to
attend and participate in our AGM. We will also be inviting our part-
ners in the community who we have worked closely with us over the
last year making Mearns Kirk Helping Hands a major charity, working
in the community, helping those less fortunate than us, whether it is
about reducing social isolation or improving our health and wellbeing.
Please put the date in your diary......it is open to all!.
Robert Paton
HELPING HANDS A.G.M.