ST ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH

COATBRIDGE

OUTLOOK  MARCH 2007

 

Minister:                                                                                                     Session Clerk             

Rev Fiona M Nicolson                                                                               Mr Alex McKee

77 Eglinton Street                                                                                      53e Blairhill Street

Coatbridge                                                                                                  Coatbridge

Tel: 437271                                                                                                 Tel: 421191                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

St Andrew’s Church Tel: 431385

www.saintandrewscoatbridge.org

 

March 2007

Dear Friends

 

I trust that this letter finds you all well and in good spirits.

 

I must admit that as Spring approaches I always feel a lifting of my spirit. It is so lovely to think that the lighter nights will soon be back with us. We see around us the first snowdrops and crocuses. Leaves and shoots are emerging where once there were bare branches and seemingly empty soil. I even have my first daffodils!! Surely all a sign of hope and expectation for new life which lies ahead of us.

 

As we see all this happening around us in nature – so too in the Christian year we look forward. At the moment we are in the period of Lent. That time before we celebrate Easter when we prepare ourselves for what is yet to come. As the weeks unfold we see the emergence of new life – offered to us through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. A truly special time lies just ahead of us – and we can and should rejoice in all that that holds in store for us.

May we each know that hope and expectation and rest assured in the knowledge of God’s continued blessing in the life of our Church and in our individual lives

 

With love and prayers as always

Fiona N 

 

Church Register

Baptisms

4th February                  Abbie Cornfield

10th February                Layah Graham

 

Funerals

1st February                 Isobel Simpson, Truro, Cornwall

8th February                 Eric McLoughlan,  42 Gartsherrie Road

8th February                 Robina Watson, c/o Coathill Hospital

22nd February              John Hall,  2b Melrose Place

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The stars for the Homeless was a great success, raising the sum of £200 which was sent to the Homeless Charity ‘Shelter’.  Thanks to everyone who bought stars.

 

The Coffee Morning on 3rd February was also a great success, when the sum of £420 was raised for Sunday School funds.  Thanks to everyone who donated baking, doll, sweets and goods for the stall.

 

The Sunday School trip is going to Largs on Saturday 2nd June, leaving the Church at 10.a.m.  Anyone wishing to go, please give their names to Joyce McClelland or any Sunday School teacher as soon as possible.

George McCall

 

The Guild

We thought we would bring you news of our NEW GUILD SESSION.

 

At our Annual Meeting in the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, our new National Convenor, 37 year old Lesley McCorkindale was introduced.  She carried in her arms her 5 week old son – she wanted him to meet the ‘Guild’ – what a wonderful reception they received from over 2,000 Guild members from all over Scotland and beyond.  This session begins our NEW 3 year Projects, and we also have our New National Theme of

LETS LIVE – HONOURING OUR BODY MIND AND SOUL

The Church is the Body of Christ and we all have our part to play in it. Jesus Came, that we might have life in all its fullness, and our ‘LETS LIVE’ strategy fits perfectly with that. Not only can we live our lives to the full, but we can help others to do the same.

Our Six Projects Are –

  1. Borderline – Supporting Homeless Scots – many sleeping on the streets of London.
  2. Christian Aid – Supporting the poorest people of the world.
  3. Beyond the Blues – 11,000 women in Scotland suffer from Post Natal Depression.  We hope to bring awareness to this terrible affliction through the BLUEBELL project.
  4. Walking in the light – This project is based in Nigeria, where we aim to improve the lives of the people affected by Leprosy, through the provision of footwear and other Orthopaedic Appliances.
  5. The Lydia Project – Changing the world together.  Our National Guild hopes to help women of East European Countries – Russia in the North to Albania in the South.  Giving support to those who create projects of practical work for the street/HIV/AIDS children and young folk – for abused and trafficked women – for refugees and aged.  All having no hope or future.
  6. Scottish Love in Action – Touching the untouchables – India.  S.L.A. cares for the destitute and orphan children.  This project started from a youth group from Greenbank Parish Church, Edinburgh in 1999.  It helps give aid to the untouchables (the bottom of the class system) and so far has helped 370 children by building a school, a clinic and a home for them – with Guild support their work can be expanded.

 

This is our challenge for the next 3 years, from the Project just finished (Dare to Care) the National Guild raised £693,564.24.  Besides our National Project we work earnestly for our Church, and many charities whose speakers come to tell us of their work.

 

We hope you will find the work of our Guild news interesting.  The bond of friendships is strong within our Guild Branch.  Our meetings are always interesting and there is always plenty of chat over our cuppa.  Why not pop in some evening.

 

Now Spring is upon us, do come and support our Strawberry Tea on Saturday 31st March. A Big Welcome awaits you.  Best wishes  THE GUILD.

 

 

 

 

6TH COATBRIDGE GIRLS’ BRIGADE

The girls have been very busy since the start of the year.   We had a visit from The Hearing Dogs for the Deaf  which was very interesting and the girls thoroughly enjoyed asking all sorts of questions.    The girls also visited Centenary House in Dundyvan Road to entertain the elderly residents.    The girls sang their hearts out for 45 minutes and the residents joined in with all the Scottish songs.    Well done to the entire company for taking part and to the girls who also played the recorder.   In early March we have a farm owner coming to the hall with some small animals.

We are waiting on confirmation of a date when the Police Dog Branch will come and visit the company.

 

Girls Brigade took part in a very successful joint Ceilidh on 2nd February and raised £1820  between MacMillan Nurses,  Boys Brigade and Girl Guides.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this a great night.

The parents of some of the girls are holding a Bingo night to raise funds on our behalf.    This will be on Thursday 29th March at 7.30 p.m in Crichton Street Hall.  Tickets are £1 and you can get them from Jane Armour or any Officer.   

 

As a result of a meeting held with parents in early January we have had donations of craft materials, thanks to everyone who has helped with this and new squad boxes are being made up with various new craft items.     The parents also decided at this meeting that we should withdraw our tuck shop and raise the dues to £1.50 per week.    This commenced the first week in February.

 

Congratulations to Linzi Munro and Jenni Krebs on gaining their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.  They have both worked very hard to get this and will be given every encouragement to go on and complete their silver award.

 

We have nine of the older girls going on a camp weekend from 16th to 18th March.   The camp is at Lochgilphead Scout Centre and we would like to thank 7th Coatbridge Girl Guides (All Saints, Coatbridge) for giving the girls the chance of this camp experience.

 

Your continued support at our fundraisers is important.   Thanks.  Irene Krebs

 

THURSDAY CLUB

The Club’s Afternoon Tea will be held on Thursday 8th March 2007 at 2pm.  Tickets priced £1.50 can be had from any of the committee. Donations of baking etc would be very much appreciated.  N Stoddart

 

GUILD

At the Closing Social on Wednesday 7 March at 7.45p.m, we will be entertained by the Theatre Guild.  All ladies will be very welcome

 

FUNDRAISING

The Fundraising Committee have several events planned to suit all tastes over the coming months.

 

16 March         Eastfield & Harthill Flute Orchestra will perform a Concert in the Church at 7.30p.m.  Tickets £5 incl tea and biscuits from Anne Owens, Sandra Burns, Susan McDougall and Jean MacDonald

18 March         Dress down day at Church.  Pay £1 and come casually dressed.  Pay £2  if  you don’t!!!!.

28 April           Saturday Night Quiz in the Hall

20 May            Sunday afternoon sponsored walk around

Drumpellier Loch.

16 June            Summer Fete in Church grounds

15 September  Table Top sale

1 December     Christmas Coffee Day with Christmas stalls

 

Next meeting of fundraising group will be on Sunday 11th March after Church.  

 Jean MacDonald, Chairperson 425301

 

 

INDOOR BOWLING

The match against the Bellshill Churches will be played on Saturday 10th March at 10am when we hope to bring the cup back to St Andrew’s this time – last time we were narrowly beaten at the “last hurdle” but it is always very enjoyable anyway.

 

Our own church afternoon game will be on Saturday 31st March at 4pm with High Tea to follow as usual.  Slips will be given out as usual so please get your return in as soon as possible.  J Ferguson  

 

CHRISTIAN AID

Christian Aid are looking for volunteers to help with our street collection on Saturday 24th March.  If you can spare an hour between 9am-3pm please see Sandra Burns.

 

APRIL EDITION OF OUTLOOK

All items for the April issue should be placed in the box at the Church door or handed in before Sunday 25th March 2007. 

 

 

 

 

DIARY

 

March 4           Communion 11.00a.m. and 3.00p.m.

March 5           Kirk Session 7.30p.m.

March 7           Guild Closing Social

March 16         Eastfield & Harthill Flute Orchestra 7.30p.m.  Why not get your tickets now £5

March 18         Stated Annual Meeting after the 11am service

Dress down Sunday.   If you wish you can come to Church dressed in anything you like.  Donation £1

March 21         Guild AGM

April 1             Palm Sunday Service 11am

                        12 noon informal communion