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The Church of Scotlandcenter15766193894576449 Rutherglen Old Parish00 Rutherglen Old Parishcenter54618800center7626898 Church Newsletter 00 Church Newsletter November 2020Registered Scottish CharityScottish Charities Number SC0068564209415889000Dear Friends,??????????????????????? I hope you are well and continuing to cope with the many changes being made as we attempt to bring ‘the virus’ under control.??????????????????????? Have you noticed recently the beautiful, rich colours of autumn? The golden leaves send out a warmth and a brightness during the otherwise driech days. The beauty of the season is also a reminder of God’s hand at work. He can bring colour and joy to the most dull and dismal day.????? ??????????????????Probably, like myself, you feel the need to scream every time you hear Covid 19. It dominates the news and fills every newspaper and magazine. Yes it is a very serious problem and we do have to be sensible but let us also draw comfort from the knowledge that God is in control.??????????????????????? We have been told to prepare for a digital Christmas. Others have foolishly remarked that Christmas will be cancelled this year. Perhaps some of the totally irrelevant nonsense will be cancelled but the true meaning of Christmas cannot be.???????????????????????? Soon we will be preparing for the Holy Birth. Our preparations should include times of prayer, times of reflection and reading our Bibles. As we look towards that cold, draughty stable let us remember how important that little baby in the manger is.? He will become the Light of the world and will go on to die on a cross for us. He will suffer so that we can be redeemed. The helpless Child in the manger will become the Saviour of the world. All this happened because God loves each one of us so much.???????????????????????? This year we may not be able to sing Carols in Church but when you listen to them at home or in the car – remember the real joy of Christmas...................our redemption! When we focus on what Christmas is REALLY about then we find a peace beyond our understanding, happiness that is lasting, and most of all the ability to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God loves us.Many blessings,Katie FORTHCOMING COMMUNION SERVICESDue to the current Covid-19 pandemic we are not permitted to celebrate the sacrament of communion until further notice.Covid-19 GuidelinesPhase 3 of the Scottish Government’s four-phased approach to easing Covid-19 restrictions allowed church buildings to reopen for worship and outlined a number of rules to which we must adhere. The Kirk Session approved the following measures as being appropriate to our premisesPhysical DistancingTo minimise the spread of COVID-19 the church will encourage social distancing at all times.The maximum occupancy of the church will be 50. One person or household per pew, pews will be marked to show available seating. When entering the church you will be directed to the next available seat and are asked to remain there throughout the service. Leaving church both the main door and St Mary’s door will be open to allow everyone to leave. You will be directed to leave pew by pew.Only one toilet, the accessible toilet on the ground floor, will be available. Cross ContaminationHand washing facilities are provided in the toilet and small kitchen / copier room.Hand sanitiser will be provided at all entrances/exits and in the session house and pulpit. Full clean down of all areas and touchpoints will be carried out after the service, this will be carried out by an identified cleaning team. There will be no singing of hymns to minimise the spread of COVID 19.Face masks/coveringsThe Scottish Government, as part of its easing Covid-19 restrictions, requires all individuals not in exempt categories to wear a face covering when entering enclosed public spaces. Please comply with this advice. Notices will be displayed at the main entrance to remind the congregation and visitors. Incidents and EmergenciesFirst aid provisions are available and guidelines for first responders during COVID 19 have been provided. PPE is available for first responders. Further informationA salver will be located on a table where the aisles cross. The offering will not be uplifted during the service so, if you have an offering, please place it in the salver as you enter or leave. We do encourage giving by standing order and further information is available from Jim Alexander.Changes to these GuidelinesThese Guidelines will be changed as required by the Scottish Government, Church of Scotland and the Kirk Session. You will be informed of these changes.CHURCH ON THE SOFA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ASCHURCH IN THE SANCTUARY.731393021717000CONGREGATIONAL ROLLChange of Address:NameAddress??????????District?ElderGordon Spence? from Flat 2/3, 4 Baronald Street, Rutherglen, G73 1AH?? ?1C Brodie ??toFlat 2/2, 12 Hardie Avenue, Rutherglen, G73 3AS ? 9A BennetThe following members have died:NameAddressDistrict?ElderAndrew Horne144 Calderwood Road, Rutherglen, G73 3ST 14M AlexanderJohn Aitchison337 Main Street, Rutherglen, G73 3AQ???10M RobinsonRobert CrossettAbbeyfield, 78 Stonelaw Drive, Rutherglen 26K MorrisonMarjory Bradford3 Eastcroft, Rutherglen, G73 3AN??? 7E PatonFunerals: 15/8/20Andrew Horne144 Calderwood Road, Rutherglen, G73 3ST?21/8/20John Aitchison337 Main Street, Rutherglen, G73 3AQ?16/9/20Marjory Bradford3 Eastcroft, Rutherglen, G73 3AN?21/9/20Robert CrossettAbbeyfield, 78 Stonelaw Drive, Rutherglen, G73 3NZROBERT CROSSETTMembers of the congregation will be saddened to learn of the death of Robert Crossett just a few days after his 80th birthday.Robert was brought up in the former East Church where he passed through the Sunday School and became a member of the Bible Class and Youth Fellowship. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Boys’ Brigade, later becoming an officer. Having become a member of the church he went on to join the East Parish Deacon’s Court, contributing greatly to all matters relating to fabric.When the East Church united with the Old Parish, Robert became a member of the Congregational Board and was a stalwart of our Fabric Committee for many years, saving the Old Parish considerable expense by his willingness and ability to undertake personally a range of tasks which would normally have required to be completed by tradesmen.On 1 May 1983 Robert was ordained to the eldership, thereafter quietly but effectively carrying out his duties as a district elder.In his later years Robert experienced a number of health problems, particularly affecting his vision, but even so his infectious laughter was often to be heard when he was arriving at, or leaving, church on Sundays.Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert’s sister, Catherine Doyle, her husband, George, and their family.Hugh MillarSession ClerkRETIRAL OF WILLIAM W COWANOn 1 August, William W Cowan, commonly and affectionately known as “Bill”, wrote expressing the view that he must retire as a member of the Kirk Session and step down from his elders’ duties. It is now only fitting that we give thanks to God for providing Bill with the ability to serve His church so faithfully for so long and to Bill for being so enthusiastic in that service.For six decades (or more) Bill has been very actively involved in the administration necessary for a congregation to function successfully. Within the East Parish he was a member of the Deacons’ Court, Newsletter Editor and Deed of Covenant Convener. Each of these positions made demands upon his time which were not reduced by his unfailing attention to detail and self-imposed insistence on perfection.When the East Church united with the Old Parish Bill continued his devoted service on the Congregational Board and in the uplifting and counting of the collection. On 1st May 1983 he was ordained to the eldership and was exemplary in the conduct of his elders’ duties. Once again he meticulously carried out the duties of Deed of Covenant Convener until that scheme was replaced by Gift Aid. Despite the difficulties he has experienced for some time in relation to his vision, he has faithfully and frequently visited our Carpet Bowling Club and has set his fellow elders a very fine example of thoroughness in the subsequent reports he has given at Session meetings.In addition to all of the things which Bill himself has done, many members of the congregation have benefitted enormously from the encouragement he has given. It is no secret that one of his favourite sayings is, “Well done!” What a boost that encouragement has given us. It has been appreciated. Thank you.What is perhaps less well known than the above are Bill’s quiet acts of kindness to individuals and of generosity to the Old Parish, but it is appropriate to acknowledge that they have happened and to thank him for them. Bill can be assured that he is retiring from the Kirk Session with the respect, admiration and good wishes of us all. Hugh MillarSession Clerkcenter35392 Woman’s GuildIn this newsletter I should be talking about our opening social and the entertainment we enjoyed that evening, but unfortunately everything has now changed. We are very disappointed that our Christmas fayre cannot go ahead. This was a very successful day and offered a wide range of items for sale and also a welcome cup of tea and home baking upstairs. It also allowed us to give a large donation to the church.Until there is a vaccine, I am afraid we will still be at home on a Monday evening and remembering happy times gone by. A very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year to you all. Myra McNairPresidentYour support for Christian Aid has meant that families around the world have been supplied with clean water to drink and soap to wash with. This has helped ease the problems caused, worldwide, by Covid-19. This virus impacts all our lives, but with love and compassion, we are united.Marjory GreigChristian Aid Committee Member.764274116010038347652476500 WORLD MISSION NEWSOur Missionary Partner, Anne Davidson, in Zambia, has sent word to let us know she is well. She is extra busy looking after the children as the pandemic is all around. Perhaps we could remember her in our prayers, and ask God’s Blessing on her, and all that she does.Marjory GreigWM CONTACTleft95250041965151938500 SCOTTISH BIBLE SOCIETYLike most charities, the work of The Bible Society is carrying on, throughout the pandemic. The workers continue to help and counsel trauma victims. They do it all in a practical way, but always with the hand of God guiding them. In Moldovia, after a shutdown, due to the virus, permission was given to deliver 300 food baskets, each with a Bible included. So moved was the mayor of one of the villages, he fell on his knees and, with tears of gratitude, expressed his thanks.Work is also going on in the North of Scotland, with food supplies being delivered, along with a copy of Mark’s Gospel, to those who are self-isolating.Marjory GreigSBS Contact4789805952500DALSERF: A GEM IN THE CLYDE VALLEYThe historic village of Dalserf dates back to 1655. The name derives from the Gaelic; dail meaning field, and Serf, a 6th century saint, who lived and worked there. The Romans occupied the area between 80-100 A.D. and built up a harmonious relationship with the people there, known as the Dammoni Tribe. The invaders called the region Strathclyde and the immediate area Clydesdale. In days gone by Dalserf was a place of importance. A halting place for travellers, the village is reputed to have had five hostelries. The church and some 17th century cottages, their thatched roofs mainly replaced by tiles, are all that remain of the once flourishing ‘Dalserfe Toun’. The railway station has gone, along with the ferry that crossed the river. In 1817, the ferry was replaced by the Telford-designed Garrion bridge. More recently, a new Garrion bridge was constructed. The church, built in 1655, was dedicated to Saint Serf, who is said to have built a place of worship on the same site. A stone excavated from the old churchyard in 1921 is thought to come from a Norman Church, although it has never been proved. In 1947 decorated urns containing cremated human remains were found. These date back to the Beaker people, who were living in Dalserf in the middle Bronze Age. The churchyard houses the graves of some notable characters. One such is William Hamilton, known as ‘The Persecuting Raploch’, one of the most notorious persecutors of the Covenanters. History describes this period as ‘The Killing Time’ and records tell that ‘52 brave men and women from Dalserf’ suffered for the cause. The Hozier family, who owned nearby Mauldslie Castle, were generous benefactors, by financing the extension of the church, adding a transept and three galleries. One of the family’s relatives was Clementine Hozier, the American wife of Sir Winston Churchill. It is believed that the Churchills worshipped in the church during visits to Mauldslie Castle. An interesting story is that of Dalserf resident, Andrew Shaw, born in 1892. The Shaw family lived in Burnside Cottage in Manse Brae, and Andrew attended the village school. His father was a coal miner and Andrew’s connection with Dalserf Church came through his father, who was organist there.In 1905, when Andrew was thirteen, the Shaw family left Dalserf and settled in America’s Midwest. He later became a United States citizen and joined the US Army during World War I. He married, survived the Great Depression and built parts for aeroplanes used in World War II. He died in Indiana in 1962, never having returned to the country of his birth.But in 1980 his daughter Margaret, accompanied by her daughter, Diana, visited the village and saw the family cottage and the church where they worshipped. In her privately published book, ‘Hands Across the Sea’, Andrew’s granddaughter, Diana, writes of her grandfather’s life in Dalserf. When, on 3 August, 1985, she and her fiancé, Charles, travelled to Dalserf to be married, they gave the village its own ‘Charles and Di’ wedding. There was even a flag bearing the Stars and Stripes. 42957751333500In 1999 Andrew’s daughter, Margaret, gifted memorial windows to Dalserf Kirk in memory of her father. The windows, with thistles and the Stars and Stripes, highlight Andrew’s life both in Scotland and America.Little could Andrew Shaw have dreamt almost a century before when attending Dalserf Kirk as a boy that his name would be honoured in this way.Yes, hands across the sea indeed. Thanks to Irene Lebeter for submitting this article731393021717000CHRISTMAS SERVICESAt the time of writing it is far from clear what the Covid situation will be in December but it is certain that we shall have to abide by whatever Scottish Government and Church of Scotland regulations are in place at the time. That being said, the Social Work Department remains happy to accept Christmas gifts for children, so our intention is to hold our annual Christmas Gift Service on Sunday, 13 December. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to hold our Christmas Eve Watchnight Service.Naturally, we pray that an effective Covid vaccine will be developed which will allow us in 2021 to return to a much more normal lifestyle and to resume church services in which we are able to worship God more fully, for example, by including the singing of hymns when we meet.Hugh MillarSession ClerkThoughtful ThursdaysThe church is open to the public from noon till 2pm each Thursday for private prayer only. There will be no tea or coffee served at this time. We look forward to welcoming you back to our more ‘normal’ Thoughtful Thursday when it is safe to do so.Elsa Muir.2398395000MONTHLY COFFEE MORNINGGreetings from The Coffee Morning Crew. Our arms are getting a bit sore now, holding the Teapot, ready to open, when given the word. Hope to see you all soon.Best Wishes to all from Alison, Betty, Marjory and Sandra.418465000FLOWER FUNDDonations and DeliveriesDue to the current Government Guidelines it is with regret that we are unable to display flowers in the church and make deliveries to the housebound.Donations can still be made to the fund via the “Flower Boxes” located at the entrance to the church. Anyone who normally donates to the fund to commemorate a special date can still continue to do so and it will be banked for future use. If you require further information please contact Alison Bennet - 647 44151524004953000Jean and Allan Caldwell would like to thank their friends at Rutherglen Old for the kind wishes, cards and flowers on their 50th Wedding Anniversary.A Note from the TreasurerFollowing the corona virus lockdown, our 2019 Accounts were eventually agreed by the Congregational Board at a short meeting following the service on Sunday 6 September. To summarise, the General Fund finished 2019 with a surplus of ?9,034. WFO and Open Plate had fallen by just over ?3,000, but income from Use of Premises had increased by almost ?2,400 and expenditure had fallen by almost ?2,600. These factors, together with various other smaller increases and decreases, meant that we covered our day-to-day expenses during 2019 with a little to spare. Bearing in mind the uncertainty we have been dealing with in recent years, this was no mean feat and, on behalf of the Congregational Board, I would take this opportunity to thank those of you who have contributed faithfully over the years.As you know, the Old Parish was closed for 5 months between March and August and, although services resumed on 9 August, it would seem we are unlikely to return to Church life as we knew it for quite some time to come. It was inevitable that our income would suffer, and it has, but we are in the fortunate position of having some Reserves. However, from past experience, we know that it is possible that some of you, who are unable to attend church, will have been setting aside your weekly offerings and, under normal circumstances, would have given these to your Elder. If you find yourself in this situation, please feel free to contact me, and I can arrange to collect your envelopes - as part of my daily exercise! Alternatively, you may wish to consider giving by Standing Order. Many members, who previously gave by WFO envelopes, are now using this method and this, indeed, was our financial lifeline during lockdown. If you are interested in setting up a Standing Order, please contact either Jim Alexander or me for details.Finally, may I wish you health and strength to see you through the weeks ahead.With best wishesIrene KayCONGREGATIONAL GIVINGW F OOpen PlateOther IncomeFabricTotalB/f?17,854.30?408.50?8,429.79?11,065.34?37,757.93Aug2?1,788.25?1,809.00?3,597.259?3,603.00?17.00?3,620.0016?1,313.90?13.00?1,000.00?2,326.9023?1,249.00?28.00?50.00?1,327.0030?850.00?13.00?28.00?891.00Sep6?3,049.00?1.00?3,050.0013?166.00?3.00?169.0020?553.00?10.00?563.0027?2,688.00?7.00?132.47?2,827.47Oct4?166.00?8.00?174.0011?174.00?5.00?179.0018?133.00?3.75?136.7525?103.00?14.00?300.00?417.00?33,690.45?514.50?10,466.01?12,365.34?57,036.30Income for period ending 31/10/20 (excluding Fabric) =?44,670.96Budgetted income requirement per week =?1,479.00Budgetted income requirement to 30/10/19=?63,597.00-727710-20955GIFT AIDAre you a Taxpayer?If so your offerings and any other donations you make to the Old Parish couldhave 25p per pound added to them. For further information please contact Jim Alexander, Gift Aid Convener. 25?pence per pound added to them.For further information please contact Jim Alexander, Gift Aid Convener00GIFT AIDAre you a Taxpayer?If so your offerings and any other donations you make to the Old Parish couldhave 25p per pound added to them. For further information please contact Jim Alexander, Gift Aid Convener. 25?pence per pound added to them.For further information please contact Jim Alexander, Gift Aid Convener257111548577500CHURCH DIRECTORY INTERIM MODERATOR:Rev Jeanne N Roddick B.D.??Tel: 644 1395Greenbank Manse, 38 Eaglesham Road, Clarkston, G76 7DJJRoddick@.ukLOCUMKatie MorrisonMob:?078523738403b / 16 Stockiemuir Avenue, Bearsden, G61 3JLTel:?942 3024SESSION CLERK:Hugh Millarsessionclerk@137 Blairbeth Road, RutherglenTel: 634 4355ROLL KEEPER:Brian Keenan56 Highburgh Drive, RutherglenTel: 647 8828CLERK TO THEAlison G Bennet HYPERLINK "mailto:alisongbennet@tiscali.co.uk" alisongbennet@tiscali.co.ukCONGREGATIONAL BOARD3 Drumsargard Road, RutherglenTel: 647 4415TREASURER:Irene Kay15 Ettrick Crescent, RutherglenTel: 316 4235GIFT AID AND W.F.O.James G Alexander CONVENER:9 Jedburgh Avenue, RutherglenTel: 647 0593ORGANIST:Gordon I Callaghan18 Reid Grove, MotherwellTel: 01698 277002CHILD PROTECTIONAlison G Bennet alisongbennet@tiscali.co.ukCO-ORDINATOR:3 Drumsargard Road, RutherglenTel: 647 4415NEWSLETTERKaren Morris??????caldwellkaren@yahoo.co.uk EDITOR:6 Highburgh Drive, Rutherglen, G73 3RZTel: 562 1755 PLEASE NOTE: Anyone wishing to consult the Locum may do so after the Morning Service any Sunday.Intimation of change of address should be given to the Roll Keeper as soon as possible.Website: : : OF ADDRESSTo enable the Congregational Roll to be kept up to date would members who have recently, or are about to, change their address please either complete the form below and forward it to our Roll Keeper, Brian Keenan, or telephone him at 0141?647?8828. RUTHERGLEN OLD PARISH CHURCHName ………………………………………….Date …………………………………….is moving fromAddress …………………………………………….…………………………………………….Postcode……………………………………………. Tel. No.……………………………………………. ?? toAddress …………………………………………….…………………………………………….Postcode…………………………………………….Tel. No.…………………………………………….Please forward the completed form to:Brian KeenanRoll Keeper56 Highburgh DriveBurnsideRutherglenG73 3RZ ................
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