Dear friends,

Copies of the book entitled "Hands across the sea" compiled by Diana O'Niell from Houston Texas arrived in Dalserf on Wednesday 9 March. Diana was married in Dalserf Church in 1985 the guests being mostly the residents of Dalserf community. Diana's grandfather Andrew Shaw had originated from Dalserf leaving there in 1905 to settle in Indiana USA. 10 years ago she decided to compile this book - largely a record of life in Dalserf at the turn of the century but including also an account of the wedding and the gift of stained glass windows to Dalserf Church in 1999. The book is not for sale.  Copies have been sent directly to friends and acquaintances of Diana and to libraries and schools etc. Since it is primarily a gift to the people of Dalserf it seemed appropriate to offer copies to members and adherents of Dalserf Church  - one for each household and Diana agreed to this. Copies can be collected at Dalserf church each Sunday until Easter. Housebound members will have their copy delivered.  The book is offered to you in the knowledge that Diana O'Niell will be delighted for you to have it and gratified by any pleasure you derive in reading it. I have been given discretion in the distribution of additional copies to interested parties. This privately published book is of very high quality. It is substantial - 33.5 cm x 25 cm with 344 pages and many photographs in full colour.                 
Diana approached a variety of people some very eminent in their field (e.g. Professor David Munro former director of the Royal Geographical Society of Scotland, broadcaster and writer ) to write a chapter on some aspect of life in Dalserf or at least the Clyde Valley at the turn of the century. There are chapters on coal mining, fruit growing, Clydesdale horses, Mauldslie Castle (written by Diana herself), architecture, music and natural history - these are just a random selection. There is a chapter containing the recollections of the late Janet Murray (born 1899) regarding various aspects of life in Dalserf in the early part of the twentieth century. She paints a vivid picture of the simplicity (some would say hardship!) which characterised life in Dalserf village in the early 1900’s - all water for drinking and cooking having “to be carried from a spring .... about a quarter of a mile away”;  toilets were “dry closets located outside the house” and “electricity did not come to Dalserf until the 1930’s. Our highly esteemed Laird - Christopher Henderson-Hamilton has also written a fascinating chapter about his family and the lairds of Dalserf. This is indeed a wonderful gift to Dalserf Church and community gathering together in one publication such a treasure trove of social history.

I received a letter several days ago from a man who had received a copy of the book by post he said in a P.S. “No other parish in the land can have a book like this!” Also, a ministerial colleague remarked “it is the most beautifully produced book I have ever seen”. The Duchess of Hamilton who received a copy also wrote with deep appreciation and of her regret that the Duke had not lived to see it.  She sends her “kindest regards” to the congregation.

Many people have indicated their desire to write to Diana to thank her. I would encourage you to do that, she will love to hear from you. We feel it would not be appropriate to publicise Dianas address and so it is suggested that letters be handed to me with simply “Mrs Diana O’Niell” on the envelope and the letters will be sent to her en masse. She will no doubt wish to put them into a scrapbook.
 
The joint churches Easter service is in Dalserf this year. I would urge you to support this,  Easter being the highlight of the Christian calendar.

Happy Easter, Christ is risen!

Yours faithfully

Cameron McPherson

NOTICE BOARD

IAN WHITE CONCERT

Larkhall Churches Joint Easter Service

Wild Flowers of Dalserf Churchyard

Trees:

Grasses:

Big Bible Breakfast

===================
Due to the Easter school holidays the BBB will not meet again until the 8th of May


* * *




Church Flowers
==============
1st May Mrs Baillie - Over Dalserf
8th.     OPEN DAY      
15th.     Mrs Scott - Larkhall
22nd.     Mrs Newlands - Dalserf
29th.     Mrs Lawrie - Manse Brae
5th June    Mrs McPherson - The Manse



* * *

Easter Appeal

=============
As in past years we will once again be asking for contributions to our Easter Appeal. All you have to do is take an envelope form the basket at the front of the Church put the cost of an Easter Egg in it and place it back in the basket.
This year the Session has decided to send the money raised to Save The Children Fund with a request that it be specifically used to help the orphans of the Japanese disaster.
- Kay Blair



* * *

Food for thought.

=================
Some people say, "I go to church, so I am a Christian." But that's like saying if you go to McDonald's you are a Quarter Pounder.

~

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

~

A little boy's prayer: "Dear God, please take care of my daddy and my mommy and my sister and my brother and my doggy and me. Oh, please take care of yourself, God. If anything happens to you, we're gonna be in a big mess."



* * *

Girls Brigade

=============
Well done to the Junior team of Chloe McKimm, Elizabeth Hendrie and Emma Scott who came second in the Girls Brigade Divisional Competitions on Saturday. The competition was based around the senses and the girls had to translate some Braille, identify 10 smells, tastes and sounds. They also had a talk from a lady who is partially sighted and she showed them her Braille watch and Braille typing machine. A great time was had by all.

Although the schools are on holiday for much of April on Monday 4th, 11th and 18th GB will continue to meet to make up for the time lost due to the severe weather. The following Monday is Easter Monday and we will not meet that night or Monday the 2nd of May.

All members of the congregation are invited to our end of session parade which will be held at Rorison Church at 11.30 on Sunday the 8th of May and our parents evening and presentation of awards will be held on Monday  16th of May at 7.30 also in Rorison.



* * *

Quote of the month

==================
So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'

Isaiah 41: 10



* * *

Spring Time

===========
Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the transition period between winter and summer. Spring and "springtime" refer to the season, and broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and re-growth. The specific definition of the exact timing of "spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and customs.

How to Spring Clean Your Spirit:
While you're cleaning out closets and sweeping under the furniture, think about this: Spring cleaning, while worth the effort, will only last for a season, but spiritual cleansing could have an eternal influence. So don't just dust behind those book shelves, dust off that favourite Bible and get ready for a spiritual spring cleaning.

Cleanse Your Heart - Get Spiritually Healthy:
The Bible encourages us to draw close to God and allow our hearts and bodies to be cleansed. This is the first step in our spring cleaning project. We can't clean ourselves. Instead we must draw near to God and ask Him to do the cleansing.
    
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.


* * *

PRAYER OF THE MONTH

===================
My Lord, make me a lover of the truth.
Make me careful of my thoughts,
and the words I would speak,
that I may not think selfishly
and speak cruelly,
but keep myself holy unto thee.
Amen.