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December

2016

Volume 54 No 9

Magazine of Giffnock South Parish Church

TheThe SentinelSentinel

Sunday 27th November at 3pm: A Time to Remember

Sunday 4th December from 2.30 to 4.30pm: Mulled Wine & Mince Pies at the Manse

Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm: ‘In Harmony’ Concerts

Sunday 11th December at 11am: Nine Lessons & Carols

6.30pm: A Christmas Sing—all your favourite carols

Sunday 18th December at 11am: Children’s Nativity Play

Saturday 24th December at 6.30pm: Christingle Service

11.30pm: Watchnight Candlelight Service

Sunday 25th December at 11am: Christmas Morning Service

There will be Advent Bible Studies in the Manse at 7.30pm on Wednesdays,

30th November, 7th December and 21st December….and...…. Advent Services

at 10.45am in the Church on Fridays 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December.

Don’t miss the

Children’s

Nativity on

Sunday 18th

December

And—-don’t miss the ‘In

Harmony’ Christmas concert in

the church on Tuesday or

Wednesday 13th or 14th

December at 7.30pm.

Contributions for the February edition of The Sentinel should be sent to the

Church office or emailed to [email protected] by 15th January.

Page 2

GIFFNOCK SOUTH NEWS

PRIZE QUIZ

There were 14 correct answers to October’s quiz and it was the entry

by Sheila Walker which Catherine pulled out of the bag. The answers

are shown below. Entries for November’s quiz should be handed into

the office by the end of that month and December’s quiz will be

issued on Sunday 4th.

Owing to production difficulties there will be no

‘Sentinel’ issued in January.

Freewill Offering Envelopes

The 2017 FWO envelopes will be available for

collection at the front door of the church on

Sundays 11th, 18th and 25th December.

The joint 254 and 86th BB on parade at Orchardhill

BRIDGING THE GAP—GORBALS DESTITUTION CUPBOARD

Clemence Butoyi emailed us from Gorbals to thank Giffnock South

members for the magnificent response to their appeal and has listed

items specially in demand. These are:- non-perishable food, tins of

tuna or sardines, tins of soup, long-life milk, juice, pasta, also

toiletries, bleach, washing-up liquid, washing powder, deodorant,

shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toilet paper etc. Contributions

should be placed in the receptacle at the front door of the church or

in the box at the foot of the stair outside the kitchen.

We have been richly blessed this month with a bountiful cascade of magnificent pictures

from many talented photographers- we will not embarrass them by naming them - they

know who they are. But we are very grateful for all of them though sorry we only had

space for just a few.

All the staff here at Sentinel Towers wish our readers a Joyous and Happy Christmas. Ed

1 Plane is remodelled Spaniel

2 Lash favourite Whippet

3 It’s in décor gimmick Corgi

4 Mother’s squabble Mastiff

5 Hiz huts demolished Chitszu

6 Darwin’s ship Beagle

7 Heavyweight or

lightweight?

Boxer

8 Looped round Poodle

9 Hoarse? Husky

10 A1 leader confused Airedale

11 Arrow? Pointer

12 American bus? Greyhound

13 Chop up T trees Setter

14 Craze huns crazy Schnauzer

15 Alpine saviour? St Bernard

16 Grand Scandinavian Great Dane

17 Part of Newfoundland Labrador

18 Mince knee pies Pekinese

19 Mixed a tin lad man Dalmatian

20 Nosh nosh Chow chow

21 Unscramble 100 eo Deerhound

22 Gosh deep troubled Sheepdog

23 Nicol lied but had it

inside

Collie

24 Ho! Fund ox mince Foxhound

It is hoped that, by the time you read this, the West

transept will be ‘carpeted and chaired’ and ready for use.

The general feeling is that this intimate space adds

greatly to the facilities in the church and we look forward

to experiencing services there. All who have been

involved in the transformation of what was a little used

area deserve our heartfelt thanks.

The poppy display on the communion table

beautifully arranged by our talented flower

convener, Mora Kerr.

Fun morning

at Sunday

School and

crèche.

Thankful for

all God

gives.

A caretaker for the church, Ronnie Blair, has been

appointed and will take up his duties on

Wednesday 24th November.

CHURCH

DIRECTORY

The Minister:

Rev Catherine Beattie BDMin

0141 258 7804

07709 086 767 Mobile

[email protected]

Church Office Hours:

The church office is open in

the mornings from Monday to

Thursday from 9.30am till noon

0141 638 2599

[email protected]

Session Clerk:

Alison Fenton

07713 242 080 Mobile

Church Website:

Www.giffnocksouth.co.uk

Scottish Charity:SCO007807

Page 3

Dear Friends,

As we approach the darkest time of year, we journey through the season of Advent in our churches before we celebrate the birth of Christ, who brings light and hope into the world. We gather to hear the ancient prophecies and texts read out in our churches and chapels. We hear on television and radio how dark and bleak the world is for so many people, and we struggle to understand why there is so much hatred between peoples. The light of Christ shines out in the darkness, a fragile, vulnerable light, but a light that no depth of darkness can extinguish. God calls us to carry this light, to share it and keep it alight, God comes to the world at Christmas, risking

everything so that we might see the world through the radiance of the light shining from the manger where our Saviour was laid.

Carrying a candle from one little place of shelter to another is an act of love. To move through the huge and hungry darkness, step by step, against the invisible wind that blows forever around the world, carrying a candle, is an act of foolhardy hope. Surely it will be blown out: the wind is contemptuous, the darkness cannot comprehend it. How much light can this tiny flame shed on the great issues of the day? It is as helpless as a new born child. Look how the human hand that cradles it has become translucent: fragile and beautiful, foolish and loving, step by step. The wind is stronger than this hand, and the darkness infinite around this tiny here-and-now flame, that wavers, but keeps burning: carried with such care through an uncaring world from one little place of shelter to another. An act of love. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never put it out.

Jan Sutch Pickard (The Iona Community)

May the light of the Christ-child bless you and guide you this Advent and Christmas time,

Catherine

The Minister’s Letter

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before and after the service every Sunday.

TEXT OF THE MONTH

‘Here is my herald whom I send on ahead of you and he will prepare your way. A voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare a way for the Lord; clear a straight path for him.”’ And so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness proclaiming a baptism in token of repentance, for the forgiveness of sins; and they flocked to him.

Mark 1;1-4

The ’BIG SING’ Evening Service will be at

6.30pm on Sunday 11th December -

- all your favourite carols

The FAIRTRADE Mark is a registered certification label for products sourced from producers in developing countries. Products with the FAIRTRADE Mark must meet international Fairtrade standards. These are set by the international certification body Fairtrade International. These standards are agreed through research and consultation with members of the Fairtrade scheme, including farmers and workers themselves, traders, NGOs, academic institutions and labelling organisations such as the Fairtrade Foundation.

With Fairtrade you have the power to change the world. With one simple choice you can get farmers a better deal. That means they can make their own decisions, control their future and lead the dignified life everyone deserves. FAIRTRADE PRODUCTS are on sale before and after the service on the second Sunday of every month.

Order now for Christmas

Page 4

The Guild

December dates at a glance Fri 2nd 10.45am: Advent Service in the Church

Sun 4th 11am: After Morning Service - Communion

2.30-4.30pm: Mulled wine & mince pies at the manse

Tue 6th 6.30pm: Service at Eastwood Court

Wed 7th 1pm: Guild Christmas Party

7.30pm: Advent Bible Study at the Manse

Fri 9th 10.45am: Advent Service in the Church

Sun 11th 11am: Nine Lessons and Carols

6.30pm: A Christmas Sing

Tue/Wed 13/14th 7.30pm: In Harmony Concerts

Fri 16th 10.45am: Advent Service in the Church

Sun 18th 11am: Children’s Nativity

Sunday School Christmas Party

Wed 21st 7.30pm: Advent Bible Study at the Manse

Fri 23rd 10.45am: Advent Service in the Church

Sat 24th 6.30pm: Christingle Service

11.30pm: Watchnight Service

Sun 25th 11am: Christmas Morning Service

Some January 2017 dates Wed 11th 2pm: The Guild—Maureen Potter

Fri 13th 8pm: New Members’ Night

Sun 22nd Souper Sunday after service (for LHM)

Wed 25th 7.30pm: The Guild—Tom Marchant

Some February 2017 dates Wed 8th 7.30pm: Session Meeting

Sun 26th 12.30pm: Session Conference

GIFFNOCK UNITED REFORMED CHURCH NEWS

POP-IN COFFEE MORNINGS

All are welcome to pop in each Tuesday at 10.45 to the POP-

IN COFFEE MORNING where you can meet friends old and

new in the church lounge. EASTWOOD COURT CARE HOME

THE CHURCH CHOIR

The choir is busy with

rehearsals for the Festival of

Nine Lessons and Carols which

will be held on Sunday 11th

December at 11a.m. This

service will consist of the traditional Christmas lessons

interspersed with choir items (in the form of carols from

different countries) in addition to carols for the

congregation to sing.

Having celebrated our Harvest Thanksgiving and our Service of

Remembrance, we now look forward to celebrating Christmas

in Eastwood Court Care Home. The Rev. Catherine Beattie will

lead us in this special act of worship on Tuesday 6th

December at 6.30pm. Members of Giffnock South are always

welcome at our informal, varied and very meaningful 30-

minute services.

The Guild meets on Wednesday 30th November at 2pm

when the Rev Barry Dunsmore will take us from winter in

Scotland to sunny Bermuda, where he was a Church of

Scotland minister for several years. Barry’s connections to

Giffnock South are through Mildred, his mother and Carol

Cochran, his sister.

Our only meeting in December is our Christmas party on

Wednesday 7th at 1pm, eating promptly at 1.15pm. There

will be a turkey dinner followed by entertainment with

audience participation. Cost £18 and all are welcome to

experience the friendship.

Presbyterian - Best in

prayer

Astronomer - Moon

starer

The Eyes - They see

Dormitory - Dirty Room

Animosity - Is no amity

Mother-in-Law - Woman

Hitler

The Morse Code - Here come dots

Snooze Alarms - Alas, no more Zs

Election Results - Lies, let’s recount

A Decimal Point - I’m a dot in place

The Earthquakes - That queer shake

Eleven plus two - Twelve plus one

Slot Machines - Cash lost in me

APT ANAGRAMS

Very many thanks for all the donations of pants for the children in Ekwendeni. We have sent about 1600 pairs, a magnificent total.

Grateful thanks also to those who filled a 'Busy Bee' box for the beehive initiative to help their community. This total came to £320. See the photos of the beehives being erected in Ekwendeni on page 7.

KWENDERANA

Giffnock URC will be hosting a Christmas Day lunch, at the church, at 1pm on Christmas day, for anyone who might benefit from it. It'll be open to anyone in the area (with the widest possible parameters!) who might not have somewhere to go otherwise, or anyone else who simply fancies it! So far we've got sponsorship from Wholefoods, the Co-op Funeral Services, and Austen Lafferty, and we hope that the other local churches may also contribute. The lunch will be a full traditional Christmas dinner. I imagine we wouldn't be able to pick folk up, but we could liaise with taxi services etc, and some lifts may be possible. Suggested donation would be £3-5, but it would by no means be a requisite. Further details from:- Rev Judith Tatton 0141 638 0668/ 07787 040 043 The lunchtime service is every Wednesday at 11.30am. Lunchbite is at 12.15pm. Saturday coffee morning is from 10am till noon. If you are interested in a Friday afternoon walk in Rouken Glen, meet at the car park beside the vets' practice at 2pm.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

The Park Church Ravenscliffe Drive Giffnock

Friday, 9th December

6 to 9 pm.

Saturday, 10th December

10 am. to 4 pm.

Tickets £3 adults, £1 child (includes light refreshment)

Stalls include: preserves, craft, jewellery, garden, lucky dip

Charity number SC002965 www.parkchurch.org.uk [email protected] 0141 620 2204

Page 5

The newest Line Dance class for beginners is on a Thursday evening 6.30pm–7.30pm at Giffnock South Parish Church - £4.50 pay as you go. A partner is not required and you do not need fancy footwear or clothing. Routines are fun and easy and there is no need to book just come along. It is not a workout, more like a night out. So if you like nights out and dancing, then please come along and give it a try. A friendly welcome awaits you. The Wednesday morning beginners class also has spaces available at £4 pay as you go at 10am-11am For more information call Allison 07783 027 757 or have a look at the website www.glasgowlinedancing.co.uk<http://www.glasgowlinedancing.co.uk/>

‘In Harmony’ community choir’s Christmas concert

will be held on two nights, 13th & 14th December at

7.30pm on both nights.

A PILATES CLASS is held every Tuesday at

Giffnock South Parish Church from 10 to 11am

and if you are interested contact Janey on 07714

677 993 or email [email protected]

Cost:£30 for a block of 4 weeks or £8 per ses-

sion pay as you go.

Facebook: janeysPilates

www.janeyspilates.co.uk

The work on the roof and masonry is progressing well and the contract will run through to March 2017 with regular progress reports being published in the Sentinel. First indications are that the stonework is in good condition meaning that repointing will be needed less than expected. There is flaking of the stone around the Kennedy window and signs of water ingress however, which needs attention and there is the likelihood of some rot being present but nothing untoward is expected. The organ has been sheathed in Polythene to protect it for the duration of the works which may muffle the sound slightly.

Everyone is reminded again to keep clear of construction work and observe safety notices.

The sound system is being gradually fine tuned but proving complex and it will take some time to train sufficient operators to cover all the services. It is important to acknowledge the generous contribution to both these projects from Viridor-Credits.

As a result of the Mortons' retirement, the house in the church grounds is being brought up to an appropriate standard preparatory to letting.

Finally, discussions are taking place with the War Memorial Trust and the Council regarding the refurbishment of the War Memorial. WD

Latest news from the Fabric Convener

2017 EVENTS for your new diary

New Members’ Night-Friday 13th January 8pm

Souper Sunday in aid of the Lodging House Mission, after church on Sunday 22nd January.

The Guild - Bridge Afternoon on 1st February.

Sunday lunch after the service on 19th March in aid of Gorbals Destitution Cupboard.

Sunday lunch after the service on 30th April for Christian Aid.

Outing to Harrogate on 7th May.

Page 6 Parish Register

Duties

DECEMBER ISSUE OUT NOW

Life and work Magazine 2017

A letter is currently being issued to all existing purchasers of the Church of Scotland Life and Work magazine, inviting them to renew their subscription for the period January 2017 to December 2017 inclusive.

If you do not currently subscribe to this excellent publication, may I suggest that you consider taking it? The cost is only £2.50 per issue which equates to £30.00 for the whole year and your magazine can either be delivered direct to your home by one of our Sentinel Magazine Distributors or left in your pew in the church.

If you would like to subscribe, please contact me by phone on 0141 639 1401 or email: [email protected] by 18th December 2016. Thank you.

Alan Gray Magazines Convener

Baptism: Suffer the little children to come unto me

On 27th November Lucy Coleman

Deaths: Well done thou good and faithful servant. Rest safe in the Lord

Parish: On 2nd November Anne Cromer (Broom Parish Church)

On 7th November John MacLean

Leaving us: Joan Campbell

The Dundas Window in the East Transept was presented by Mrs Margaret Dundas in memory of her husband Alexander and was dedicated on 12th May 1991. It depicts Christ as the Good Shepherd caring for his flock and was designed by Mr Brian Hutchieson. Text by Eleanor Spalding

To ensure that we comply with the Data Protection Act, we will no longer publish addresses in Sentinel.

Anyone who requires further information about any of the intimations above should contact the Church Office.

If any of your personal details change,

please notify the Church Office at:

4 Greenhill Avenue, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6QX

or

telephone 0141 638 2599

or

email: [email protected]

Date 4 December 11 December 18 December 25 December 1 January 2017

Office Bearers Team 6 Team 7 Team 8 Team 9 Team 10

Crèche Alison Campbell

Janie MacFarlane

Sue Harvey

Anne McDougall

Marjory Grimmond

Cher Thomson

N/A

N/A

Sound System Tony Ireland

Charlie Hunter

Laura Beattie

Laura Beattie (evening

Brenda Williams Laura Beattie Robert Beattie

Café Rota 1 Kathy Fitzgerald

Wilma Park

Bet Coutts Marjory Grimmond

Anne Gilchrist

N/A

Liz Burns

Avril Holland

Café Rota 2 Murray Blair

Joy Blair

Jeanette Cheah

Robert Beattie

Hannah Beattie

Marion Smith

Myra Rao

Isabel McGregor

John Fitzgerald

N/A

Bill Steven

Morag Steven

Sandra Mitchell

Sunday School Nativity Rehearsals

Kirsty Duncan

Elaine Clarke

Avril Holland

Nativity Rehearsals

Kirsty Duncan

Elaine Clarke

David Wilson

Nativity Rehearsals

Kirsty Duncan

Elaine Clarke

Diane Johnston

N/A

N/A

Flower Delivery Anne Gilchrist Sue Harvey N/A N/A N/A

GIFFNOCK SOUTH’S WINDOWS

Page 7 Unpacking at Ekwendeni

Onward delivery by bike

Malawi-bound boxes and bikes

New Rainbows in the 1st Giffnock Rainbow Unit making their Promise.

Rainbows playing and singing

Senior Guides (some shy) making plans

Brownies making rockets

!

Constructing a beehive at Ekwendeni

Positioning the beehive

The bees have a new home

Light boxes were a great hit with the Sunday School

The finished cross in place admired by Catherine and the Sunday School Nearly dry at the service at the Cenotaph

Final adjustments Steady boys (and girls)! Up she goes!

And the snow fell! Planting poppies