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Dear friends,
In every sphere of life people come and go and we have the upsetting experience of losing spouses, family members, colleagues, neighbours and acquaintances. It is no different in the sphere of church life. Particularly sad of course loss by death but other losses are also painful. We have lost two young families from the congregation recently - the Walsh's who have moved to Strathaven and the McManus's who have moved to Seattle USA. This is a blow to us because we were getting used to seeing the two couples with their cute wee boys sitting in the area to the right of the pulpit and young families in church are at a premium being conspicuous by their absence these days. We are however getting a trickle of new folk into the congregation helping to compensate for those we inevitably lose by relocation and death and expect to be having an admission of new communicants later in May.
One recent development in the congregation is a church library. The books are located in a bookcase in Hamilton Hall. Joan Pollok and Ann Brown are the librarians. There seems to be little interest so far but hopefully as the idea catches on and the stock of books increases more members will avail themselves of this facility. At some point, perhaps a list of the books could be compiled and circulated to the congregation. We live in an age when reading has been overtaken by watching, be it TV, DVD's or computer screens. However there is much value in reading which has huge advantages over watching in terms of assimilation of the material.
Christian literature tends to be written by people who have a genuine concern for the welfare of others and are not just writing to show off their skills or to make money. There is much spiritual help to be received from reading such books please avail yourselves of them. If you have Christian books which perhaps you have benefited from yourself you may feel that they could be of benefit to others and be willing to donate them to the library and of course if you decide later you want to read them again you can always borrow them back! Having said this about books I have to say that there has been really no request for DVD's of the services. I would remind you that with few exceptions the services are videoed and put on to DVD discs. At present 2 housebound members receive these almost every week. A library of DVD's is being built up. If any member would like to borrow one or more then please let me know. While it is not the same as being at church, any member housebound or not who is not able to attend worship may find it of some value to watch the service at a time convenient to them.
Yours sincerely,
D. Cameron McPherson
ALPHA REPORTFor the first time in a few years, the church has run a full Alpha Course. Around a dozen people took part - and they were a real ‘mix’ of the congregation. They committed themselves diligently to a series of 12 Wednesday evenings and a Saturday ‘away day’.
The weekly meetings took place in Hamilton Hall, which is a venue ideally suited to an Alpha Course. Each evening began with a proper two-course meal at 6.30 p.m. This was very relaxed - and greatly enjoyed! After the meal there was 45 minutes of teaching, given by Michael Philip, and each participant had an Alpha Course manual with which to follow the topics week by week. Finally, following a brief tea-break, there was plenty of time for group discussion.
As the participants got to know each other, this discussion element was an opportunity to ask questions, air doubts and share personal experience.
Alpha Course evenings run strictly to time: 6.30 p.m. start; 45 minutes for a meal; 45 minutes to listen; 45 minutes to chat; 8.45 p.m. finish. The Course benefits from a seriousness of commitment on all sides. That is why all participants are asked to attend the whole Course, and also why the Course closes to new arrivals by its second meeting. The Alpha Course is designed to be progressive (in other words we build week by week upon what has already been covered).
Did everyone enjoy it? Ask them!
Will there be another Alpha Course soon? Yes!
Can you take part? YES!
We anticipate running a bigger Course, starting in September, with perhaps 20—30 participants. If you would like to put your name down for it, it’s never to early to let us know. If you would like to be involved in a supporting role, such as catering, group leading, prayer or publicity, it would be good to hear from you as well.
Please contact either Michael Philip (Alpha Co-ordinator) or the minister.
THANKSOn behalf of herself, Joe Forrest’s family and her own family, Alice Forrest would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers and baking received on the occasion of Joe's death. Especially thank you all for your Christian love and prayers.
Thank you also for your generosity which benefited the Cancer Research Fund by almost £400.
God bless.
Alice Forrest
THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGOur Annual Congregational Meeting took place on Sunday 9th March 2008 at Dalserf Church. Present were the Minister Rev Dr Cameron McPherson, Elders, The Session Clerk and members of the Congregation. The
Minister welcomed all present.
A prepared Annual report for the year 2007/2008 together with a copy of the Congregational Accounts for 2007 were circulated. The Minister invited Mr Bruce Archibald to give the Financial Report. Mr. Archibald stated that in 2007 there has been a marked improvement in our financial situation with our income and expenditure almost in balance. With the completion of the Rorison project in sight the Kirk Session have decided to stop active fund-raising for this work.
Some members who have generously donated to that fund for some years, have indicated that they wish to transfer their givings or part of them to the General Fund. Mr. Archibald drew the congregations attention to the fact that now that there are no building projects for the near future the financing of the general work of the congregation can proceed unhindered.
The Minister invited Mr David Manson to give the Fabric report. Mr. Manson stated that Hamilton Hall is now complete and the work at Rorison should be finished this summer. The main project now must be the Manse. There is lead piping that must be removed, the electrics must be checked and when these are investigated and dealt with then a new kitchen needs to be installed.
In previous years the Auction has made a lot of money. There are several people who would be willing to continue running this for the benefit of all our buildings. The lighting in Dalserf Church needs to be looked at. Mrs. Ann Carson reported that there are currently 248 members on the roll.
The Minister then gave his report. The Sunday prayer meeting continues in Hamilton Hall, 11.40-11.55am. There has been a slight increase in the number of people attending Focus which meets every second Thursday afternoon in Rorison.
Mrs. Helen Knox has been appointed as our Representative on the Larkhall Council of Churches. William Hamilton will be Associate Fabric Convenor to assist David Manson. Joan Harvey was mentioned for her wonderful work with Asylum Seekers at Dungavel and Michael Philip for seeking to establish a link between Hamilton Presbytery and a Presbytery in Ghana.
Some discussion took place concerning changing the time of the service at Dalserf. There are a number of factors to be considered before a decision can be taken on this.
There being no further business the meeting was closed by the singing of the Doxology.
Joan Pollok, Session Clerk
DeathsMarch
19th Jessie Ralton
30th Bessie Paterson*
28th Tom Marshall (brother-in-law to May Greenhill & Alex Ritchie)
April
3rd Joe Forrest*
*Dalserf member
In last months newsletter were the names of 7 members who died last year. It would be fitting to include the name of Marion Loughty who died on the 13th March and who although not a member of the congregation was a much loved adherent.
FUNERAL TEASFuneral teas can now be provided in Hamilton Hall. Fifty people can be comfortably catered for in a pleasant and peaceful setting.
For further details and charges contact:
Margaret Anderson
01698 386767
Sheena Archibald
01555 860374
Kay Blair
01698 882499
Margaret Watt
01698 882377
Thought for the MonthWorking in Hairmyres Hospital, I passed the Chapel which had a sign on the door:
“Words cannot break bones but they can break hearts”
Janet Tennant
Saturday CoffeesTen ladies met on Tuesday 22nd April to arrange the Saturday Summer Coffees. We had a good meeting with lots of ideas and fellowship. We have not quite managed to fill the rota and would appreciate some help. Let us know if you can provide either home-baking for the teas or something for the sales table. We sometimes find we have either too much or on other occasions not enough. It would be helpful to know if anyone can help out with a particular item of baking for the coffees or for sale, say some buns or a tray bake etc on any given Saturday. The ladies who are manning the coffees on a Saturday would perhaps have to do a bit less baking on the weekend they are on duty in Hamilton Hall.
Come along ladies and gentlemen, we know there are good bakers out there. Share your skill and talents with us. Also share the fellowship we have on a Saturday by helping serve teas, if only for part of the day, or at least visit us and have a coffee and sample our wares.
If you can help with the home baking could you please speak to Kay Blair or one of the ladies?
The rota will be available at Church and in Hamilton Hall.
Kay Blair
Creche RotaMay
04 Mrs. Hume & Mrs. McManus
11 Mrs. Budgell & Mrs. Blair
18 Mrs. Manson & Mrs. McCallum
25 Mrs. McManus & Mr. Hume
June
01 Mrs. Price & Miss. Rodger
Elders RotaMay
04 D. Manson, J. Grove,
J. Macfarlane, B. Archibald, K. Blair, J. Pollok
11 R Fairley, A. Carson,
A. Brown, M. Letham,
E. Budgell
18 I. Kennedy, R. Clarkson,
W. Callan, l. Eathorne,
H. Brady, G. Stewart
25 D. Manson, J. Grove,
J. Macfarlane, B. Archibald, K. Blair, J. Pollok
June
01 COMMUNION
Coffee/Tea RotaMay
04 Mr. & Mrs. Archibald
11 Mrs. Clarkson & Mrs. Watt
18 Mr. & Mrs. McPhee
25 Miss Letham, Mrs. Yuille & Mrs. Kennedy
June
01 Mr. & Mrs. Harvey
Flower RotaMay
04 Mrs. Scott, Larkhall
11 Open Day
18 Mrs. Newlands, Dalserf
25 Mrs. Lawrie, Manse Brae
June
01 Mrs. McPherson, The Manse
OPEN DAYSSaturday 10th May, 12 - 4
Stalls, teas, music
Sunday 11th, 12 - 4
Teas, music
FORTHCOMING AUCTIONWe are planning to hold an auction again this year in Rorison on a Saturday in May, possibly 31st. Already a number of items have been donated for this.
The proceeds will go to the Fabric Fund which finances all our buildings. If you are having a clearout and have items in good condition which could be sold at the auction and which you would be willing to donate please contact David Manson Tel. 01698 881276.
Larger items can be uplifted.
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