ST ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH

COATBRIDGE

OUTLOOK – APRIL 2006

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

April 2006

Dear Friends,

Well here we are finally into the lead up to Easter. Such a very special time in the life and witness of the Church. A time to celebrate the Risen Lord – to rejoice in all that Christ has achieved for us on the cross and in His triumph over death. A time to rejoice in new life and in the hope and expectation of the season.

I must admit that of all the seasons in the Christian calendar this is my favourite. Oh of course I know that it is the most important, and should be celebrated as such. But it’s still my favourite too!!! I love the way that Easter encompasses so much of the human experience. The lows and the highs, the pain and the pleasure, rejection and acceptance, loss and reconciliation, life and death, disappointment and renewed hope. I can’t help reflecting upon the way in which Christ experienced the full gambit of human suffering, from disappointment and sadness at the betrayal and later rejection of his disciples, to the awfulness of the cross with all the loss and separation which that entailed. But then the triumph over death, the victory, the final proof of who he was.

And all of that was for your sake and for mine. He understands, He knows what each of us goes through in our lives, He’s been there and He knows the cost. Wow what an amazing God – don’t you think? So of course we should celebrate Him and give Him all honour and praise.

I hope that you all have a very Happy Easter and that you will know the special peace, joy and hope of this season

With my love and prayers

Fiona N

Church Register

Admission of New Communicant

19^th March Linda Ward Redbridge Court

Funerals

20^th February Alex Jenkins 28 Reid Street

13^th March Hugh Thomson Portland Street

13^th March Lynsey Craig 3 Carrick Drive

OFFERINGS F.W.O. Open Plate Total

March £4592.80 £152.00 £4744.80

Sing-A-Long Coffee Morning

On Saturday 6^th May from 10 to 12 noon the Choir is holding a Coffee Morning in the Church Hall in order to raise funds to purchase copies of the new Church Hymnary (CH4).

At times throughout the morning the choir will be singing a selection of Hymns from the book, so do come along and hear what new Hymns are on offer. Tickets are priced £1.50 for adults and 75p for children and will be available from members of the Choir from 1^st April. Hope to see you there. Stewart Alston and the Choir

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The trip this year is going to Ayr on Saturday 10^th June. Anyone wishing to go can give their name to Joyce McClelland or any Sunday School teacher. The price is £8 for adults and £3 for non Sunday School children. Sunday School children go free.

George McCall, Superintendent

BOYS’ BRIGADE

The Anchor boys are currently working towards Parents night and recently enjoyed a visit to the police station after which all the boys were released without charge.

The Junior section have taken part in the Battalions Bible Knowledge and Figure Marching competitions. The football team have played two games this month winning one and drawing one. The section also went to the champions league for a visit which appeared to be enjoyed by all.

The Company section have also been involved in Battalion competitions taking part in the Scripture knowledge, P.T. and 5 asides.

The Batttalion had a church parade which unfortunately was held on Mothers day which meant we had a poor turn out but I would like to thank all the boys and officers who did turn out.

It is that time of the year again and our Parents night will be held in the hall on Friday 21st April starting at 7pm. We would like to invite all our family, friends and supporters along on this evening to see some of the activities which the boys have taken part in all session and we will finish off with our prizegiving. Our inspecting officer will be our newest officer Rev Fiona Nicholson which, if nothing else, it will be worth coming to see her salute. I would remind anyone coming along that the hall gets very busy and we ask you to come along early to guarantee a seat.

Jim Elliot, Captain

6th Coatbridge Girls' Brigade

Girls' Brigade will be off the two weeks of the school Easter break.   We will return on Tuesday 18th April 2006 at 6.30 p.m.    Our annual display and prize giving will be held in the Church Hall on Tuesday 9th May 2006 at 7.00 pm.    All parents, relatives and friends of the company are cordially invited.

The 9th May will end our 2005/2006 session.

Many thanks,Irene Krebs, Captain.

Christian Aid

Many thanks for the continued support of our collectors who came along on Saturday 18 March and helped raise the grand sum of £1,231. Our congregation and the people of Coatbridge have been very generous in our support of Christian Aid and we look forward to Christain Aid Week in May, a time for hard work and effort to help the poorest people of our world. Nessie and Sandra

INDOOR BOWLING

We had a most enjoyable match against the Bellshill churches, But unfortunately for us we just missed out on keeping the cup as they won by a small number of shots. However we look forward to the return match next season.

AFTERNOON CHURCH GAME

This is arranged for Saturday 8^th April at 4.p.m. We look forward to another good afternoon’s bowling and friendly High Tea together. This completes our programme for this season and I trust you will all have an enjoyable and relaxing summer. J Ferguson

DIARY

3^rd April Congregational Board 8.00p.m.

13^th April Maundy Thursday 7.30p.m St Andrew’s Church

14^th April Good Friday 7.30p.m. Blairhill/Dundyvan Church

16^th April Easter Service 11.00a.m.

No evening service

7^th May Informal Communion after the Service

8^th May Kirk Session meet 7.30p.m.