ST ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH

COATBRIDGE

 

OUTLOOK – FEBRUARY 2003

 

Minister:                                                                                  Session Clerk:

Rev Ian G. Wotherspoon                                                   Mr Alex McKee

77 Eglinton Street                                                               34 Woodlands Drive

Coatbridge                                                                               Coatbridge

Tel: 437271                                                                             Tel: 421191

 

St Andrew’s Church Tel: 431385

 

Dear Friends,

 

As this is the first Outlook of the year I would like to thank all those who worked so hard to make Christmas very special in our Church.  As always there was a very happy spirit as young and old joined to celebrate the birth of Christ.

I would also like to thank you all for your support during 2002.  You have consistently shown your generosity as you gave not only to our church but to the many special appeals which we have had throughout the year.  I am always aware of the effort that goes into so many aspects of the life of our congregation, all involving time and effort.

We are now planning a very special celebration, this is to mark the tenth anniversary of the union which formed St Andrew’s Church.  It hardly seems possible that it is ten years since Dunbeth, Gartsherrie and Maxwell were united.  Though I was not here at the beginning I am proud to have been called to be your first minister and I look back over almost nine years now in which I have enjoyed your friendship and support.

The union took place on the 28th of February 1993 so we are going to have an evening of entertainment in the Church Hall on Saturday 1st March, being the nearest Saturday to the exact date.  It will take the form of a Buffet supper followed by some short speeches and then entertainment.  The cost will be £5.00 and as there are a limited number of places, it would be helpful if those who would like to attend would hand their names to Either Mrs Jean MacDonald Tel: 425301 or Mrs Jenny Ferguson Tel: 429333.

Sunday 2nd March is Communion Sunday so I hope we will all see this Sunday as a day of thanksgiving and rededication as we begin a other ten years in St Andrew’s Church.

For many people at the time the union seemed a very sad event as it marked the end of the independent life of three proud congregations.  In reality I think it has worked out well and it has done so entirely because you have worked together to make it a happy place where we witness, worship and serve together as Christ’s family.

 

With best wishes and every blessing,

Yours sincerely

 

Ian G. Wotherspoon

PARISH REGISTER

BAPTISM

8.  12.  02            Johnathan David Grabiec (d of B 8. 7. 02) 26 Bellvue Way, Coatbridge

 

FUNERALS

1.  12.  02            Miss Susan Clelland, 75 Cornhill Drive, Coatbridge

3.  12.  02            Mrs Nancy Eyles, Centenary House, Coatbridge

20. 12.  02            Mrs Mary Johnston, 3 Millbrae Court, Coatbridge

27. 12.  02            Mr Walter Johnston, 22 Reid Street, Coatbridge

21. 1.  03            Mr Thomas Renicks, 47 Old Monkland Road, Coatbridge

28. 1.  03            Mr Charles Bartlett, 18 Drummie Road, Devonside

 

COLLECTIONS

                                                F.W.O.                       Open Plate   Total

December 2002 5 weeks            £6465.04                    £408.61            £6873.65

January 2003                           £4941.50                    £133.97            £5075.47

 

The collection on Christmas Eve for the Boys Brigade Carronvale project amounted to £335.

 

The collection at the United Carol Service for Christian Aid was £550 and a very full letter of thanks has been received which outlines the way this money will be spent, here are the main points:

Christian Aid thanks everyone for their generosity  and goes on to say that the money will be used to support an organisation in North East Brazil called Passage House, which works with vulnerable children.  This house provides a safe environment for children living near Recife who are in danger of turning to a life on the streets.  It provides training and work experience which helps young people to get worthwhile jobs.

Christian aid is currently working with over 500 organisations around the world and our donation will enable the work in Brazil to continue.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday School enjoyed an excellent annual Coffee Morning on Saturday 1 February. The sum raised will appear in next month’s Outlook.

The Sunday School trip this year will be going to Leven on Saturday 31 May.  Perhaps you might like to put this date in your diary and give your name to a Sunday School teacher.  Prices will be announced as soon as they are available.  As usual this trip is open to any members or friends of the congregation and is usually a great day out.  George McCall

 

 

 

 

 

1ST COATBRIDGE BOYS BRIGADE

Anchor boys  - In the battalion competition we did very well in coming 2nd the model was on display in the window of John Orr’s in Airdrie . The boys had a Christmas party in the hall and also attended the pantomime in Coatbridge College.  The anchor boys and junior section attended the battalion carol service held in our church when some of our boys took part in the service.  We would like to thank all the members of the congregation who came along and supported this excellent service.

 

Junior section   - Went on a Christmas outing to the pictures and a good time was had by all.  In the top team quiz our boys were unlucky to be beaten in the semi finals.  The 5 asides were a similar story with our boys just being pipped to a place in the semi finals.  Three boys from our junior section took part in the swimming gala in Bellshill baths all three swam very well but were unable to reach the finals.  The boys are now preparing for bible knowledge and marching competitions.

 

Company section- came 7th in the squad drill competition despite having to throw in younger members at the last minute.  In the scripture knowledge we again entered and found ourselves finishing 7th.  In the swimming gala Andrew Bruin, Gary Dickson and the relay team all reached finals but could not win a medal .The cross country did provide us with medals -  Jonathon Mathieson came 3rd in the junior race and along with Darren Fairbairn and Gary Dickson came 2nd in the team event . Jordan Fairbairn 4th,  Calum Davidson 6th and Kris Moore 7th provided us with the winning intermediate team for the 2nd year in a row . We now have 5 boys who have been asked to take part in the national competition .

 

My thanks to all boys and staff who have been involved in all these activities.

Jim Elliot

 

GIRLS’ BRIGADE

Girls’ Brigade ended an exciting session in December – full of events, badge work & craft evenings.  Officers have attended specialized training where new ideas and new games are demonstrated.

6th Coatbridge organized a challenge day on behalf of the division for brigaders, at Drumpellier Park.  This was a great day (weather as well).  It was well attended with six different locations around the park – girls took part in – EGG DROP; SPIDERMAN; FIRST AID; SWING YUR SPUD and many other fun activities.

Juniors have taken part in ‘Design a Christmas Card’.

Brigaders have taken part in a ‘quilling’ competition, and the company also bag packed in Safeway, Airdrie just before Christmas as part of the division.

We still have lots of events for session 2003 and look forward to this.

If you have a Tuesday evening free – please do come along and help us!

Contact: Irene 01236 435611

 

FUNDRAISING

The Concert hosted by the Salvation Army was thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended and the sum of £150 was raised for funds after the Salvation Army donation was paid.

 

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

The social evenings of whist and beetle were resumed on Saturday 1st February and the next one will be held on Saturday 8th MARCH … please note the change in date… on the first Saturday the hall is needed for the church’s Anniversary Supper.

 

INDOOR BOWLING

MATCH AGAINST BELLSHILL CHURCHES

The arranged date of 22nd March has had to be changed because of Indoor club commitments.

The match will now take place on SATURDAY 15TH MARCH at 10a.m. with Bowler’s Lunch.  We managed a win last time, so here’s hoping, but the real winner is the friendly but very competitive manner of these matches.  Slips will be given out as usual.

 

Our own afternoon game is on SATURDAY 12th APRIL at 4p.m. with High Tea and players will be contacted in good time. Mrs J Ferguson, Social Convener.

 

TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

A Buffet Supper and entertainment will be held in the Church Hall on Saturday 1st March at 7.30 p.m.  There are a limited number of places, if you would like to attend please give your name to Jean MacDonald Tel: 425301 or Jenny Ferguson Tel: 429333 as soon as possible.

 

THE GUILD

The 2003 session of the Guild has got off to a good start in January when we were entertained by Fiona Marwick showing slides and telling us about her holiday travels.

On the 22nd January we had a beauty and hair demonstration by M Wallace.

We look forward to a ‘Café Chantant’ on 5th February when entertainment with a distinctly French flavour, will be organised by Pat Price.

On the 19th February we will be told about Bothwell Castle by Colin Bickerton.

At our A.G.M. on 5th March our speaker will be our own minister.

Our CLOSING SOCIAL this year on the 19th March is an open concert which will take place in the church.  We are delighted to have with us that evening the well known entertainer Alistair MacDonald.  This promises to be an evening of excellent entertainment, so please come along and bring your friends with you.  Make this evening a huge success!  Tickets price £5 (including tea) will shortly be on sale.

 

MARCH OUTLOOK

All items for the March edition of Outlook should be placed in the box marked ‘Magazine’ at the front door of the church before Sunday 23rd February