Twinspire Issue 67

POLMONT OLD PARISH CHURCH NEWSLETTER www.polmontold.org.uk/

SUMMER 2016

Charity Number - SC003421

HIGHLIGHTS         

ISSUE 67

Compassion A Welcome awaits you Reflections of a Mother The General Assembly Family of God Spot the Difference Osiligi Maasai Warriors Letters to the Editor When you thought I wasn’t looking ……. And more

Twinspire #67  July 2016

9.45am Choir Practice in Church 10.40am Prayer Meeting in Session House

11.00am MORNING WORSHIP Crèche in Fellowship Room Youth Church (in Church & Session House) 12noon ACTs (After Church Teas) in Fellowship Room

Transport available

Minister Rev Debbie Van Welie

 07772 252 297 Church Office  01324 715995

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

COMPASSION A minister who worked in a prison wrote the word ‘compassion’ on the board during a discussion evening. He asked the prisoners what that word made them think of. It did not seem to trigger any thoughts. One of them mentioned the Good Samaritan. Then there was again, silence. When the minister asked if anybody knew someone who had compassion, someone from the Bible or outside the Bible, one of them answered: ‘Well, that would not be God, that’s for sure. For if He had compassion, I would [1] not have been born!’

A sharp statement…filled with bitterness and sadness…

While the meaning of ‘having compassion’ might generally be described as, ‘feeling for someone vulnerable’, the Hebrew word for compassion has a more intense meaning, in that it also signifies ‘womb’. This brings to mind the sense of ‘protection’ and ‘care’. What is tiny and vulnerable must be cherished and surrounded by warmth.

At our breakfast service yesterday morning, we reflected on new life and the joy it brings. We heard new life through the heartbeat of a baby, still in the womb. We also read the unimaginable story – Exodus 1:8-22 - that tells us about the civil disobedience of two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who were given the order by their Egyptian pharaoh to, ‘Let the daughters live’, but to kill every male Hebrew baby as soon as he was born.

Remaining nameless, this pharaoh stands for the highest degree of evil. Over against that evil the two midwives, of whom it is said that ‘they feared God’, stand firm. That is not the fear that disables or weakens. It is fear that gives strength and insight, because as Scripture has it, ‘the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom’. That fear is filled with reverence for God and that reverence enables Him to equip according to His thinking.

And so Shiphrah (meaning ‘beautiful’) and Puah (meaning ‘splendid’) were able to act as they did: instead of killing the Hebrew baby sons they let them live, just as they let the daughters live. To the unhappy and confused pharaoh, who was driven by fear for a strong Israel, which was the reason why he insisted on preventing them from growing, Shiphrah and Puah said: ‘The Hebrew women are strong women. Before we arrive, they have delivered their baby!’

‘And God smiled, for what He saw from above was beautiful and splendid.’

[2]

These two women together with three others: the mother and sister of Moses and pharaoh’s daughter, who took him out of his basket from the water, delivered Moses from death so that he would deliver Israel from death: from the land of Egypt, the land of slavery.

At the next breakfast service we shall see how seven more women played their role in Moses’ life before he was being given the mission he did not think he was able to carry out. But first, twelve women were needed to protect the twelve tribes of Israel. And so we move through Scripture to the Israelite Son, who stemmed from the royal tribe of Judah, but was born in a cold stable.

Compassion ..… the drive to protect; to care; to soothe in the midst of the carelessness and coldness and bitterness with which the world is filled. Yet, compassion can make its way into 2

Twinspire #67  July 2016 people’s lives in various and most unexpected ways and on different levels. Acts of compassion …. not one of them, big or small, remains unnoticed by the One who, out of compassion for His world, sent His only Son. For instance, in the CCTV footage that shows the moment prisoners in Texas broke out of their court holding cell to help a guard, who was having a heart attack. Eight of them, handcuffed, started to shout to alert staff. It is said by the local police that their initiative likely saved the guard’s life.

We don’t know why these prisoners find themselves in prison. God does. He knows what they have done and why they have done it. He knows when and where and how mistakes have been made; small ones and big ones that cannot be corrected and that have caused unimaginable pain and brokenness. Feeling the suffering of His people, He also sees repentance repentance that is genuine and that is not genuine. And from what and how He sees; from within His own compassion He, through His Son, said to the criminal on the cross next to Him: ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise’ What is asked from us; what we are urged to do, in the midst of a hard world is not to be calculating, but to be generous with the compassion with which God is generous to us, in Jesus Christ.

For if we are not, then the Kingdom of God remains far, far away.

With every blessing Debbie [1] [2]

from 'Kostgangers', Nico ter Linden from 'Het verhaal gaat deel 1', Nico ter Linden

One of my all-time favourite Bible passages is from Luke 24, when Jesus walked alongside his disciples on the road to Emmaus and they did not recognise Him until He entered their house and sat down with them for supper. This prayer is by Eddie Askew.

Doreen Forgive me Lord for all the time I walk through life head down, any vision limited to the immediate.

Confined within the pressures of my day problems press in, expand, prevent the recognition that we both desire.

I find it hard to look beyond the obvious, my mind so sealed it almost breaks imagination's fingernails to prise it open to the wonder of Your presence.

POEM/PRAYER

Yet still You walk with me, each step a revelation of Your love, a gentle leading on to boundaries of understanding I've not yet crossed.

Have patience Lord.

Help me to see Your hand at work shaping my life, and make Your nearness a delight that turns mourning into joy.

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 Family can also refer to a group which shares similar interests or goals. There is our church family – people who share a common faith and meet together at Sunday worship, in Kidzone, at a House Group or at one of our many church organisations. We were delighted to welcome 8 new members into ou Church family at the beginning of June.

EDITOR’S RAMBLINGS Summer – what kind of picture does this word conjure up for you? Long lazy days lying on a beach in some foreign counrty? A staycation in the UK dodging in and out of the showers? A time at home just to relax from the normal routines and stresses of everyday life – the school run, the travelling to and from work, the job, etc.

Within our community in Polmont there is the school family, the Rotary family, the Probus family, the Horticultural Society family …. to name just a few.

We will have several families in our lifetime.

It doesn’t matter how you define the word ‘Family’, - it can be traditional or unique, it can be made up of blood relatives, friends, or acquaintances, but whatever type of family it is, you can be assured of friendship and support.

"Family isn’t always blood, Family is what you make it" Sandra

Or is it the lure of the golf course, the bowling green, the tennis courts? Or fresh strawberries and raspberries, maybe picked by yourself at a fruit farm? Or BBQs in the garden, or a time to catch up with friends over a glass of wine or a nice meal?

Whatever Summer means for you, I do hope you have a wonderful time doing what you want to do – and hopefully with family and friends around you.

The Lake Isle of Innisfree ~ William Butler Yeats ~ I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee, And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

Which leads me nicely to the other theme of this issue – Family. What image does this word conjure up for you? This single word can have many meanings – a group of people who are related to each other thorugh common ancestry, who may live together or not. They may just be a couple, or parents with children, or the wider extended family which includes all the grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. etc.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

Many people treat friends as close family members.

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

LETTERS

Editor’s Note: For those who were not present, the hymns chosen for this Songs of Praise service were: I to the hills will lift mine eyes Turn your eyes upon Jesus As the deer pants for the water Great is Thy faithfulness Dear Lord and Father of mankind How great Thou art Brother, sister, let me serve you And can it be Love divine all love’s excelling

Volunteers!

Here in Polmont we are indeed very fortunate judging by the number of volunteers who work and support our community. Volunteers importantly put time, effort and apply their skills to help others.

Recently an awards ceremony was held by Falkirk CVS with 342 nominations from 36 local organisations being received - an acknowledgement for their volunteering activities. What was of particular relevance to us here in Polmont Old was the number of volunteers coming forward.

And the choir sang: Let there be love shared among us July 3rd Recently my husband and I had a weekend visit to Fort William. We stayed at the Alexandra Hotel which was next door to the Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church of Scotland.

I was greeted warmly by their new minister Rev. Richard Baxter, a jolly Irish gentleman who also played the guitar with some of the hymns. He had only been there for 8 weeks and next day he was off on holiday to Rhodes, hoping or maybe praying for some sunshine.

In regard to Polmont Age Concern there were identified 10 award winners with a combined service of over 155 years - Elizabeth Glen, Sandra Gow, Annette Cruikshank, Agnes Rule, Theresa Grant, Maureen Kerr, Laura Stewart, Helen Simpson, Virginia Dagger, and Janice Morrison.

We should not overlook the efforts of Margaret Laing who has given over twenty five years’ service to Cancer Research UK. Please remember that there are many other individuals who live amongst us and should be acknowledged for their efforts and for which we thank them.

Anon [There is a fuller article with photos elsewhere in the magazine. Ed]

Songs of Praise

July 17th Our next visit was to Macduff Doune Church where I was married 56 years ago, and on this occasion Gilbert came along. Again we were greeted warmly and it was lovely meeting old friends. They have a vacancy at the moment and their Interim Moderator Kevin Gruer was taking the service. I hope they don't have to wait too long for a new minister.

On Sunday 17th July, a "Songs of Praise" service was held, when our congregation selected their favourite hymns. This innovative service was an uplifting, enjoyable and stimulating event particularly when those who selected a hymn explained why they chose that song. Praising God by singing was rightly the theme of the sermon and hopefully this event can be repeated next year.

A great initiative, which was obviously welcomed by those attending.

Anon.

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THE FELLOWSHIP The Fellowship starts its new session on Monday 12th September when the guest speaker will be Philip Hacking.

We are also privileged to be hosting Falkirk Presbytery’s opening meeting of the Guild on Thursday 22nd September with Debbie, the choir and our Fellowship members taking part and providing hospitality

Macduff Doune Church

Both services were very much like our own and it was lovely to visit both churches, which were well attended considering it is the summer holidays.

The topic at the meeting on 26th September will be a Demonstration by Wiltshire Foods.

A mile away from Macduff is the town of Banff where we stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel which I can thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting the North East. This was my fourth visit to this hotel and the views and location are excellent. Honestly I am not on commission!! It is one of my favourite hotels and we met some really nice folks, also regulars to that area and to the hotel.

Together with Age Concern Polmont, we are holding an Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 3rd August from 2.00pm – 4.00pm on behalf of Maggie’s Centre. TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT, but there are wonderful raffle prizes on offer eg. gym membership for 2, super hairdressing appointments, dinner for 2, super hamper, malt whisky, car wash vouchers and many more - THE BEST RAFFLE IN POLMONT for many a year. Committee members of both organisations have raffle tickets, so get yours as soon as possible and avoid disappointment.

Wishing you all Happy Holidays Sandra Gow

Bed in Summer ~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~

We look forward to seeing old faces and new ones at our meetings. Do come along and join us.

Alice Cumming President

In winter I get up by night And dress by yellow candlelight.

In summer, quite the other way, I have to go to bed by day.

I have to go to bed and see The birds still hopping on the tree, Or hear the grown-up people’s feet Still going past me in the street.

And does it not seem hard to you, When all the sky is clear and blue, And I should like so much to play, To have to go to bed by day?

Families are like fudge… mostly sweet with a few nuts 6

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UK sponsors; a new medical centre was added in 2014, and an orphanage has opened this year. Water stations have been improved and a new church and community centre established. 100% of any money given to the charity goes to support these community projects. You can read the latest news from the Charity at: http://www.osiligi.org/newsletter-july-2016/ Tickets, costing £8.00 for adults and £4.00 for children can be obtained from members of the fundraising committee (Janet Anderson, Betty Glen, Grace Hodge, Mary Lockhart, Sandra Reid, Margaret Slater, Evelyn Syson), or by contacting the Church Office (01324 715995) or through the contacts page on the website.

The Fundraising Committee is delighted that the Osiligi Maasai Warriors from Kenya are going to be performing at Polmont Old during their 2016 UK tour. The date for your Diary is: SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 7.30PM IN THE CHURCH

Please note that the Osiligi Charity Projects will receive 70% of the tickets sales. There will also be traditional handmade Maasai crafts for sale.

“The Warriors perform all over the UK but they really seem to go from strength to strength in this area,” says tour organiser, Jim Wilkie. “They often comment upon the enthusiasm of Scottish schoolchildren, and the church performances are always great family occasions.”

This will be an evening to remember for a very long time – the like of which we have not seen in Polmont Old before. At the same time, you will be supporting the work of a worthy charity, which is trying to improve the lives of some of the poorest communities in Kenya.

See you there!!

In addition to the performance at Polmont, the Warriors are also visiting Denny Westpark Church, and making a return visit to Larbert Village School. Later in the tour, they hope to appear on the Blue Peter television programme on 29th September.

The group consists of 7 members and they perform authentic and exciting Maasai tribal song and dance plus the world-famous Maasai jumping.

The group has been visiting the UK since 2003, and, since 2010, has worked in conjunction with a small voluntary run UK charity – Osiligi Charity Projects – which has achieved spectacular results in the group’s home community of Oleopolos, thirty miles south of Nairobi. A primary school - The Osiligi Obaya Academy - opened in 2012 and now educates 186 children, all of whom have

THE NEW ORPHANAGE DURING CONSTRUCTION NOVEMBER 2015

The Fundraising Committee 7

Twinspire #67 ď – July 2016

REFLECTIONS OF A MOTHER

I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.

I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious

I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.

I can warn you about sins but I cannot make you moral

I can teach you things but I cannot make you learn

I can love you as a child but I cannot place you in God’s family

I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.

I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.

I can allow you freedom but I cannot account for it.

I can teach you about Jesus but I cannot make Jesus your Lord

I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.

I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.

I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.

I can love you with unconditional love all of my life... and I will.

I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.

Author Patrick Atkinson

I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.

SMILING IS INFECTIOUS

I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.

~ Author Unknown ~

I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.

Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.

I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honour.

I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.

I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin.

When he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him.

I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.

I thought about that smile, then I realized its worth.

A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.

I can tell you the facts of life but I cannot build your reputation I can tell you about alcohol, but I can't say "No" for you.

So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected.

Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!

I can warn you about drugs but I cannot prevent you from using them

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AGE CONCERN NEWS A WELCOME AWAITS US THERE WEDNESDAY CLUB OUTING

There’s a dear little house, both cosy and warm Its windows are shining and bright When we open the door it’s delightful to find The glow by the soft firelight

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On our last Wednesday, 25 May, we had our end of session outing. The weather was kind to us and we set off in good spirits, crossed over the Clackmannanshire Bridge and headed for Dollar. We travelled along the Hillfoots to Stirling and stopped off at the Golf Club for afternoon tea.

A welcome awaits us from one who has made Our home such a beautiful place!

And how we are cheered as we enter within By the smile on a dear mother’s face.

It was lovely, and everyone enjoyed the delicious array of sandwiches; the scones and cream were so yummy, and there was a big selection of cakes to choose from. If we’d had the energy we might have had a go at the golf, but we all happily boarded the bus for home and voted it another successful day out.

The day may be filled by dull, changeless tasks Or success may have packed it with zest Whatever her mood when we walk in the door Her welcome makes life seem more blessed.

To some this may seem but a memory dear But one time can never efface; The love and completeness that built up a home And made it a wonderful place.

AGE CONCERN SUMMER OUTING Our summer outing this year was a visit to Ayr. We stopped off at Rouken Glen Garden Centre in Giffnock for an hour, where we enjoyed a spot of shopping and a cuppa before we continued to Ayr. Most people decided to spend a time at the shops before going on to the hotel for high tea. This was enjoyed by everyone, as we had a nice view of the sea and we could see the Isle of Arran from the dining room.

Another nice day and the weather was very pleasant.

Betty Glen, President

Anonymous

A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. ~ Buddha ~

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 my turn to sit in the Press Box, write my reports, and have the copy boy come to collect it. Little did I know it then, but the Assembly was to play a very large part in my future career.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY – THEN AND NOW Debbie’s recent reference to her attendance at the General Assembly in May with our Session Clerk, Ian McLean, reminded me of my first encounter with the Assembly in the early 1950s. I had just started work as a lowly Copy Boy on the Edinburgh Evening News, when I was dispatched to the Assembly Hall to collect handwritten reports of the daily proceedings from our reporters. The Hall was – and is – an awesome sight.

I walked with some trepidation across the courtyard with its large statue of John Knox, up a long flight of stairs and into a corridor leading to the Hall.

I was intrigued by the Assembly. It was – and is – a remarkable event. Literally hundreds of ministers, elders and deacons, male and female, from all over Scotland converging on Edinburgh for the Kirk’s annual general meeting. The presence of elders is important as they share equally with the ministers in all decisions – including theological matters.

Subjects for debate vary widely from technical aspects of church organisation to consideration of many topical and controversial issues. The debates are always conducted with due respect for differing opinions, with good grace and often with humour.

Directed to a side door by an usher, I peeked into the Assembly and saw for the first time the serried ranks of dark-suited ministers and elders. They were seated on three sides of a central platform or podium with an elegant wooden balustrade on all sides. Various official looking ministers sat at big tables overlooked by the chairman - I didn’t know at that time that he was the Moderator, holder of the highest office in the Church of Scotland.

(Some years later I discovered that this platform was affectionately dubbed “the playpen”.)

I always looked for my own minister and elder as they were a reminder that all these commissioners, as Assembly members are called, came from local parishes like my own.

Because all parishes cannot be accommodated every year, there is a rota system so that every charge is represented about once every four years. This means that each Assembly is made up of largely different people.

I scanned the layout until I spotted the Press Box immediately in front of the platform.

A closer look and I was able to identify two of our reporters sitting at the end of one of the benches. Taking a deep breath and wishing I was somewhere else, I tiptoed down the aisle, conscious of dozens of eyes on me, until I reached the Press Box. Fortunately the reporters had seen me coming and were ready to give me their copy. I immediately retraced my steps and fled back to the office where sub-editors were waiting for the copy to start the process of getting the reports into the next edition of the paper.

The Moderator, who presides over the whole Assembly, holds office for one year, during which time he or she visits Presbyteries, churches and sees work overseas.

The Hall is very different nowadays largely due to the major redesign carried out when the Scottish Parliament met there while its permanent home was being built at Holyrood.

The former rather uncomfortable bench seating was replaced with rows of chairs set in a semi-circle round what was previously the “playpen”. The Hall was also carpeted adding to the greatly improved comfort of the new design.

Some years later, after National Service and training as a cub reporter, I was sent with a colleague to cover the Assembly. It was now 10

Twinspire #67  July 2016 The make-up of the Assembly has changed with the admission of women as elders and ministers. Along with their own distinct contribution, they have brought welcome colour to the appearance of the assembled commissioners and to the sound of their combined voices during morning devotions – though I must say that the former all-male Assembly singing the psalms unaccompanied was a wonderful sound to hear. Even the most hardened journalists would join in – though the reporter from the Daily Worker made a point of not taking part.

HOUSE GROUPS Have you ever thought of joining a house group? Perhaps you have attended church for many years and thought it was not for you. Are you new to the area and would like to build a relationship with our church family?

The house groups would be pleased to welcome you at the fortnightly meetings on Wednesday or Thursday evenings. The fellowship starts with tea/coffee and cake etc., before opening the study in prayer.

However, one section of the Hall was left untouched, namely, the Lord High Commissioner’s gallery overlooking the debating area. This gallery has no access to the floor below as this symbolises the separation of Church and State. The Lord High Commissioner represents the Queen at each Assembly but is there as an onlooker, not a participant.

The group decides what Bible material we want to study and “try” to respond to the questions asked in a very relaxed setting.

There is no right or wrong answers – we all learn/respond in different ways in our journey of faith.

The Kirk’s unique relationship with the State is further symbolised at the start of each session when the Lord High Commissioner greets the Assembly, as the Moderator does, with brief bows to the commissioners on three sides. Commissioners respond in similar fashion to each bow. The importance of this procedure is that the Lord High Commissioner bows to the Assembly first, signifying the monarch’s acceptance of the Church’s independence.

The Wednesday group re-starts on 7th September 2016 at 7.30pm at Marion Nicolson’s house ( 715098) or alternatively at Myra Turner’s house ( 711975) The Thursday group re-starts on st 1 September at 7.30pm and for more information speak to Debbie ( 07772 252 297)

However, whatever it looks or sounds like, the Assembly is still the Kirk’s Supreme Court and carries out all the business as before. I was always impressed that the Presbyterian system incorporated elders in the decision-making process, thus linking the Assembly with local congregations and members.

So why not come along and give it a try?

Keith C. Macdonald ( 711051)

Studying the gospel is like …… catching a double rainbow; Each drop of wisdom reflects light, hinting there is more to see and know!

The Assembly is an open court of the Church and anyone is entitled to see it in session.

There is a public gallery accessed from the Lawnmarket which is open every day free of charge.

D.B.C. 11

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IT’S BACK! Sunday 18th September 2016 5.00pm – 7.00pm Church Hall Come and see what it’s all about!

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PASTORAL REGISTER

PASTORAL VISIT BOOK

MARRIAGE 3rd June 2016 Craig and Jemma HERON

If you know of anyone who is in hospital or ill at home, who would like a visit from the Minister, please record the details in the red book, which is to be found in the foyer of the church.

DEATH 6th June 2016 Mrs Janet (Nettie) PHILLIPS NEW MEMBERS 19th June 2016 Mr Forbes ALLISON Mrs Theresa ALLISON Mrs Eileen BROWN Mrs Agnes CREECH Mrs Norma DUFFIELD Mrs Elizabeth ERSKINE Mr Philip HACKING Mrs Kay HERON

ACTs (After Church Teas)

Don’t forget to join us in the Fellowship Room after the service for tea, coffee and (often) home-baking!!

Polmont Old Book of Remembrance At the end of 2012 I gifted a Book of Remembrance to Polmont Old Parish Church in memory of my late husband. The number of people who have entered their deceased family or friends names in it has been disappointing. The people listed in the book do not have to have been members of the church - they only have to be relatives or friends of members. The book is on the lectern in the top left hand corner and you are warmly invited to add names - or if you do not want to enter the name yourself, then please write the details on a piece of paper and give it to Alison Hastie or Doreen and it will be added.

Doreen

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DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION OF TWINSPIRE

Share-a-Craft

The next edition is due for publication on

Sunday 25th September 2016 Deadline for the submission of articles is

Sunday 11th September 2016 @@@@@@@ Send articles by email to:

twinspire@polmontold.org.uk or give to Doreen Baxter or Margaret Connor for typing

The Share-a-Craft class starts on Friday 16th September at 10am in the lesser Church Hall.

If you have a craft, please come along and share it with us, or tell us about it over a cup of tea.

We would welcome new members, who would like to learn something new.

See you all there.

LUNCH BUNCH

Grace and Margaret

We’re back on Thursday 15th September ~~~~~~~ Polmont Church Hall, Main Street, Polmont ~~~~~~ 11.30am – 1.00pm Serving a light lunch (Soup, sandwiches, toasties, baked potatoes, home-baking, tea and coffee) And a chance to meet friends old and new for a chat

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Thank you!

A huge ‘thank you’ to the ladies of the congregation, who are STILL knitting baby hats, bootees and jackets, suitable for premature babies in the neo-natal unit at Forth Valley Hospital Well Done!!

They will be much appreciated.

Twinspire #67  July 2016

HOME-MADE JAMS & MARMALADE

HISTORY GROUP

The new session of 2016-2017 starts on Tuesday 27th September in the (small) Church Hall, at 7.45pm

FOR SALE in Fellowship Room Proceeds to Church Funds

Our meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month. The syllabus for the coming season is interesting and varied - we look forward to seeing you.

COMMUNION SUNDAY Communion will be celebrated on

Margaret & Grace

Sunday 2nd October 2016 11.00am in Church All are Welcome

Greetings Cards If you do not visit the Fellowship Room on Sunday mornings, perhaps you do not know that there is a large selection of greetings cards for most occasions on sale there. They are reasonably priced between £1.00 and £2.00 each, and 100% of the selling price goes to church funds.

There is a small bowl in the left hand drawer under the cards where any money can be left, and if you do not have money with you, just put it in the next time you are at church, or hand it to Doreen. Do try to pop through before or after the services.

Last year we raised £625.00 - let's try and make it even more this year! (There is also a small selection in the church hall) Doreen

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POLMONT OLD PARISH CHURCH WEBSITE @ www.polmontold.org.uk

Tuesdays 23rd August – 13th September 1.00pm – 3.00pm Small Church Hall ~~~~~~ Concert for Falkirk Blind Club Tuesday 20th September

*VIEW* this edition of Twinspire in full colour!

POLMONT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW th

* Saturday 27 August 2016 * * Sports’ Centre * Salmon Inn Road, Polmont * 2.00pm – 4.30pm AN EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION OF LOCAL GARDEN PRODUCTS, CRAFTS, BAKING AND CHILDREN’S WORK

Contact: Janet Anderson 01324 711882 for a schedule

Week beginning 15th August 2016

If you are interested in helping with this VERY popular Summer Holiday Club, even just for 1 day, contact the Minister or Lynda on  715995 or email - lynda.mckechnie2@hotmail.co.uk or minister@polmontold.org.uk 16

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Baby & Toddler Group

YOUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU Can you spare some time?

Mondays from 1.00pm – 2.30pm In the Church Hall

Have you a specific talent / skill?

For further information, please speak to Lynda  715995

Speak to Debbie & find out how you can help

PLEASE NOTE We will re-open on 19th September

TWINSPIRE PUBLICATION DATES & THEMES 2016 January 31st March 27th May 29th July 31st September 25th November 27th

Are you in?

Easter & Environment Were you in? Thanksgiving Families Wider Word Advent & Christmas

Deadline for the submission of articles is always 2 weeks before the publication date

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Twinspire #67 ď – July 2016

POLMONT/BRIGHTONS CHURCHES INVITATION GOLF OUTING

TRUE OR FALSE?!

This is (supposedly!!!) a transcript of an actual radio conversation between a U.S. Naval Vessel and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland.

Friday 17th June 2016 GOGARBURN GOLF CLUB The summer invitation outing was supported by the largest number of golf enthusiasts so far from the combined churches of Polmont Old and Brightons. Some 22 players, 12 from Brightons, and 10 from Polmont enjoyed the opportunity to renew friendships once again in the combined event. The event attracted some new faces which hopefully in the future will increase the popularity of an enjoyable day out.

Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees south to avoid collision.

For the first time in many years the weather was unkind especially to the late team starts which delayed an eagerly awaited lunch.

Canadians: No, I say again divert YOUR course.

Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees north to avoid collision.

Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees south to avoid a collision.

Americans: This is the Captain of a U.S. Naval ship, I say again, divert YOUR course Now!

Americans: This is the aircraft carrier U.S Lincoln, the second largest ship in the U.S Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees north or counter measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.

The team and individual prizewinners were as follows: TEAM 7 (61 points) Ian Myles Blair McCluskie Ian Huntley John Day

Canadians: THIS IS A LIGHTHOUSE! Your Call!

INDIVIDUAL WINNER (MEN) Martyn Richards 42(net score)

NB. The American Captain should have gone to Specsavers!

INDIVIDUAL WINNER (WOMEN) Helen Jeffrey 51(net score)

Contributed by Lyn Mc Quaker

LONGEST DRIVE Blair McCluskie

In truth a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by the number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.

David Syson

~ Marge Kennedy ~

LUCKY PAIRS DRAW WINNERS Martin Miller 46 (net score) Martyn Richards 42 (net score) NEAREST THE HOLE Billy Rankin

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

GARDENING GOD'S WAY Plant three rows of peas: Peace of mind Peace of heart Peace of soul ~~~~~~~~ Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash grumbling Squash selfishness ~~~~~~~~~~~ Plant five rows of lettuce: Let us be faithful Let us be kind Let us be obedient Let us be generous Let us love one another ~~~~~~~~~ No garden is without turnips: Turn up for meetings Turn up to help one another Turn up with a smile Turn up with your Bible. ~~~~~~~~~~ To conclude our garden we must have thyme: Thyme for God Thyme for study Thyme for prayer ~~~~~~~~~~~ Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.

There is much fruit in your garden Because you reap what you sow.

Many people are asking what is involved in a Christmas Tree Festival. You may remember the Flower Festivals we have had in the past, when church and community groups, along with local businesses, have staged floral displays on a theme. Well, a Christmas Tree festival is the same, except that the basis of the display is a Christmas tree!

This is where everyone’s talents will come to the fore – the tree can be real, artificial, or handcrafted out of whatever materials you can imagine: eg. pine cones, paper cups, tin cans, pom-poms, books etc.!!! The decoration of the trees is also up to each group – it can be decorated in a way that reflects the very nature of what a group or business does; eg. flags, toys, paper cups; teabags etc.!!

The maximum size of the trees will be 5 feet, with the exception of the church tree which is normally more like 8 feet high. Lights will be allowed, but they must be LED lights - in the interests of safety.

In order to give people plenty of time to plan for the Festival, all church organisations and local community groups have already received their entry forms and guidelines.

Businesses are being approached this month.

They are being asked to sponsor a tree for £50, to be decorated by themselves, if they so wish, or to be done by willing church members. The closing date for entries is 30th September, so until then we don’t know the exact number of trees we will have for the Festival. But the interest so far has been encouraging.

Author unknown

The dates for your diaries are: Thursday to Saturday th 8 – 10th December 2016 Various opening times More information about ticket price, refreshments and musical entertainment will be given in the September issue of Twinspire.

Fundraising Committee 19

Twinspire #67  July 2016

CVS FALKIRK AWARDS On the 6th of June I had the privilege of attending the CVS Falkirk Awards at the Inchyra Grange Hotel. There were over 300 volunteers from very diverse charities, but with the same purpose of making their community a better place.

The awards were being given for length of service e.g. 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years’ service.

It was heart-warming to see just how many of the people receiving awards were from our own church.

Photo: © Bill Miller, Falkirk

From Polmont Age Concern there was: Betty Glen 40 year award (has served 45) Sandra Gow 30 years Annette Cruickshank 20 years (has served 23) Nancy Rule 20 years (has served 22) Helen Simpson 10 Years (has served 14) Maureen Kerr 10 years (has served 14) Laura Stewart 10 years Janice Morrison 5 years (has served 8) Virginia Dagger 5 years (has served 8) Theresa Grant 5 years It should also be mentioned that most of these ladies also volunteer in other areas e.g. Strathcarron Hospice St Margaret’s etc.

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 From Cancer Research UK: Margaret Laing 20 years (has served 25) Representing Maddiston Community Council were John Wotherspoon and Norman Black.

A huge heartfelt thanks to all of you for the work that you have done, and are continuing to do in our community; where would we be without people like you.! You are a credit to Polmont Old Parish Church.

Helen Watson Photo: © Bill Miller, Falkirk

KIDZONE performing their end of session presentation ‘THE SERVANT KING’ at their Prizegiving service in Church on 26th June.

Well done to everyone!!

– you look great in your costumes. And I loved the beards!

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

BLAST FROM THE PAST!!!!

WHO DO YOU RECOGNISE? SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP to DEER PARK, CUPAR in 1993 Answers elsewhere in magazine

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

THINGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION. "Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY. "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside.

I just finished cleaning."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. "Just wait until we get home."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION. "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING. "You are going to get it when you get home!"

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to stay that way."

4. My mother taught me LOGIC. "Because I said so, that's why."

19. My mother taught me ESP. "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC. 'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the shops with me."

20. My mother taught me HUMOUR. "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

7. My mother taught me IRONY. "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS. "You're just like your father."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS. "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS. "Shut that door behind you.

Do you think you were born in a barn?"

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM. "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

24. My mother taught me about SHARING. " I’m going to give you a piece of my mind!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA. "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

25. My mother taught me WISDOM. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER. "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

26. And my favourite: my mother taught me about JUSTICE. "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!

Then you'll see what it's like."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. "If I told you once, I've told you a million times.

Don't exaggerate!"

Contributed

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

‘All that I am and hope to be I owe to my mother’ ~ Abe Lincoln ~

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

THE PARISH OF POLMONT

His final statistics are for the servants in the area …… ……. 200 household servants, male and female, the former of whom get from 5l. to 8l. a year, and the latter from 2l. 10s. to 3l.

(According to the Old and New Statistical Accounts of Scotland) As the theme of this issue is Families I intend to look at the people of the parish, their circumstances, their family life and their way of life as reported in the two accounts.

A report of 1755 gives the size of the population of the Parish as ‘1094 souls’. By the time of the OSA 1791 it had increased considerably …… it now amounts to about 1400. Of these the far greater part reside in the country, there being only a few houses near the church, and about 50 families who have feus on the turnpike road which lies south of it.

Some other statistics given are: The average number of births for the previous 5 years was 64; deaths 53 and marriages 22; the average size of a family is 3½; the number of houses is 400.

Redding Row

Move on 50 years to the time of the NSA, and you find that Rev Ker has provided a table of population statistics: 1755 1094 people 1791 1400 1801 2194 1811 1827 1821 2171 1831 3200 1835 3107 [compare this with the population of Polmont village at the 1951 census of 1106, and the 2011 census of 5322, remembering that Polmont Parish covered a much wider area. If you were to include all the villages / landward areas of the former parish, the figure for 2011 rises to about 18,000, then if you add in Grangemouth it is nearer 35,000.]

Smiddy Brae

….. and not one of them uninhabited. Of these there are 10 which may be properly called villas, being possessed by genteel families.

The writer of the account puts the increase of the population down to ….. ……. the building of these houses and the concomitant improvements in the country occasioning a demand for labourers.

This has also prevented emigration from the Parish …. …….. there has not been a single instance from this district for the past five years.

Kirk Brae, Polmont (just north of the church); the two cottages on the left still there

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 Ker’s explanation of the erratic changes in population is due to the coal mining operations at Shieldhill and Redding Collieries – the former being active from 1791 – 1811 and the latter from 1821 – 1831. His average of births for the past 7 years was 83, marriages 27; ……. The number of deaths cannot be ascertained with any accuracy. There is only a register of funerals, and as many from the neighbouring parishes are buried in the church-yard, it gives no correct index of the mortality in the parish.

Rev. Finlay concludes …..

On the whole, the people enjoy the usual comforts and advantages of society, and appear to be very well contented with their situation and circumstances.

Unfortunately no more is said about education or what the people do in their free time, except attend church, but I will cover that in the next issue.

But the NSA makes up for that in abundance!!

Education – the parochial school was the building directly across the road from the church (now a private house) …….

His statistics for the number of houses is: ……. Of villages, the two principal are, Bennetston and Redding: the former containing 474 inhabitants, the latter 587. In September 1839 there were 34 different proprietors on the list of heritors. Of these 27 have properties in the yearly value of L.50 and upwards, and two only draw from their lands above L.1000 per annum.

Polmont School

The parochial teacher received the maximum salary – L.34, 4s. 4½d. The pupils are so numerous (140) as to render an assistant necessary, who is paid by the teacher.

The teacher at the time was a Mr Thomas Girdwood who had been in post for 50 years! ……. No man ever filled it more worthily, or more efficiently discharged its duties. plus: …… there are other five schools attended in all by 250 scholars; but the provision for the support of teachers, consisting, with one exception, entirely of the school fees, is generally very inadequate.

(Sabbath schools and religious societies will be covered next time). …….. Library – A parish library was established in 1820. It contains 340 volumes. While the novelty lasted the books were eagerly read by the working-

Main Street, Polmont

What about the general character of the people? The OSA describes them thus: …. sober and industrious. None have been indicted for any crime, or banished these many years, one only excepted. They measure from 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 10 inches.

There is only one individual in the parish 6 feet 3. The expence (sic) of living is rather upon the increase of late years.

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 classes, for whose benefit it was intended; but the interest, for some time, has much subsided; and reduced.

There had been a Savings Bank in the parish since 1818. ……… The deposits are lodged …… by farm-servants.

Ker then gives a table of the state of funds for the last years – in 1839 there was L.309 3s. 10d.

again not sure, but it was gone by the mid 1880s.’

……… There was a benefit society; but as it was established on faulty principles, the box was broken, and the society dissolved a few years ago ……… payments being inadequate to meet the expenditure …..

There are still two societies for defraying funeral costs.

On that note, I will bring this article to an end. Congratulations if you have read this far!!! I wonder what the people from the time of these accounts would think of their parish if they were to come back to the 21st century!!

I have checked the 1861 census (online) for Robert Cochrane and he is certainly at the Salmond Inn Polmont, but I can’t find him in the 1871 census. In 1851 he was a farmer at Woods Park, Polmont. I will look further into this for the next issue by checking the original sources.

I will refer to the poor and parish funds next time, as they were distributed by the Church. But for the moment: ……… The average number of poor on the roll is 37. In 1838, there were 38 regular pensioners.

There were …. three inns in Bennetstown, and one at Polmont kirk. The number of taverns or public-houses in the parish is large, and some of them might be spared, without injury to the comforts, and with advantage to the morals of the people.

The names of the Inns were: The Black Bull, The Crown, The Lion, McFalls

Bo’ness Road c.1903 (looking north towards the church taken from where the M9 bridge is today; the 2 large trees on the left are in the car park!)

As an aside, recently the question was asked – ‘was there ever a Salmon Inn on Salmon Inn Road?’ Ian Scott was contacted and this was his reply: ‘There certainly was a Salmon Inn, though when exactly it opened its doors I'm not sure. I am fairly certain that it stood on the north side of Polmont Road, opposite the lower gates of Parkhill, not far from Weedingshall. It was certainly operating in the 1850s, and by the mid 1860s the owner was called Robert Cochrane. At that time he was having trouble renewing his licence. How long it lasted after that I'm

Back Row, Polmont NB. Most of the photos are from the early part of the 20th century.

Sandra

Health warning: Genealogy is addictive!!

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

Family of God ~ John Gow ~ Jesus had brothers and sisters, we know, It says so in Mark 13, Judas and Joseph and Simon and James, And sisters, whose names are unseen.

But we don’t know too much about them, Or how their lives did unfold, Those lives remain a mystery to us, Each of their stories untold.

They must have quarrelled, possibly fought, As siblings quite often do, They’d have had fun together, shared their toys, As day after day they grew.

But something’s for sure, it has to be true, In His life they played a large role, They were there as he grew from a boy to a man, They were part of what made Him whole.

Families have to go their own way, though, And our Lord had a journey to make, From a carpenter’s son to the light of the world, Who died and who rose, for our sake.

What became of His brothers, we can only surmise, And of his sisters we’d only be guessing, But they’d have had families, kids of their own, And that would have been their blessing.

The family of Jesus had families too, And on and on it would go, Brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts, Nephews, nieces, they’d grow and they’d grow.

Family lies at the heart of it all, Without family no paths would be trod, And we’re all part of a family, not just our own, We’re part of the family of God.

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

SUPPORT FOR MISSION WORK AND OTHER CHARITIES Polmont Old is a regular financial supporter of a number of charities - here's an update on what we've been able to do so far in 2016.

February - donation of £173.68 to St Margaret's care home in Polmont. (This was from the retiring offering after our communion service at the start of February.) St Margaret's is run

by CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland.

June - donations of £118.10 to Operation Mobilisation, £149.10 to the Christian Service Society and £154.40 to ActionAid. Our donation to ActionAid was from the "Jars of Grace" initiative where members of our congregation save their small change and bring it in to church from time to time. ActionAid is an international charity which works with some of the poorest and most disadvantaged women and children in the world, working to relieve hunger and increase access to education.

Operation Mobilisation (OM) is also an international charity, but our special interest is in the work which Vicky Graham is doing with the Tonga people in Zimbabwe. We have supported Vicky for several years now as she works to share Christ's love with these marginalised people, primarily through providing them with health care.

Like OM, the Christian Service Society (CSS) is a Christian charity, in this case working in Bangladesh. They run many projects, but we ask for our donations to be spent on the "Homes of Blessing" which are their four orphanages for vulnerable girls who are orphans or otherwise disadvantaged.

The donations for CSS and OM were made up from the retiring offering after our June communion service, as well as money raised from some of the items sold in the Fellowship room and from some individual donations "earmarked" for one or other of these charities.

A big THANK

YOU to everyone who has donated to any of these good causes.

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Twinspire #67 ď – July 2016

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

I always knew there were only two churches in Scotland with twin spires but until recently had never found the time to visit the other one.

Sandra R.

Polmont Old Parish Church, Polmont, Falkirk, Built – 1844/1845 Architect – John Tait, Edinburgh

St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Buckpool, Buckie, Moray Built – 1851/1857 Architect – Rt. Rev. James Kyle & Alexander Ellis (latter also designed St Mary’s RC Cathedral in Aberdeen)

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 As you can see from my photos, there are similarities in their design. It is said that St Peter’s prominent west front was based on that of Elgin Cathedral. St Peter’s still has its two finials (crosses) at the top of each spire, unlike Polmont where one is missing. When it opened in 1857, some of the locals were alarmed and referred to the twin spires, visible many miles out to sea, as “Yon twa horns o’ the Deil”; others called it “The Cathedral of the North”. It was originally conceived as a cathedral for the Diocese of Aberdeen.

However, internally the two churches are completely different in style.

I didn’t have time to go inside St Peter’s, but looking at its website, one can see the richness of the decor, which is in sharp contrast to our plainer Presbyterian style. There has been a constant programme by the various Parish Priests over the decades to enhance the inside of the building - marble from all over the world being a very prominent feature.

After the Reformation, when the practice of the Catholic religion was forbidden, there were many Catholics in that part of Banffshire, who were meeting in secrecy in what was no more than a ‘black house’ in the nearby hamlet of Tynet. With the passing of the Act of Catholic Emancipation in 1829, they no longer had a need for such secrecy and so a new congregation began in Buckie which eventually became that of St Peter’s. This may explain the grandeur of their building, both internally and externally.

If you want to see more of this fine building, visit the website: http://www.stpeters-pa.org.uk/ Looking to the High Altar, St Peter’s Buckie

I went online to see if there were others in the UK, and found these two Catholic Cathedrals in Ireland. A bit grander!!

I’m sure they are many more.

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, built in various stages 1840 - 1904

St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast, built in 1866

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

THE JOY OF BEING A MOTHER

I OPENED A BOOK ~ Julia Donaldson ~

~ Steph Turner ~ When the grass-stained knees have come and gone, no handprints on the wall, you’ll miss the things you washed away when your children are not small.

Now you long for peaceful nights.

You pray for sleep, for calm.

Yet soon you’re going to miss this chance to hold your child in your arms.

I opened a book and in I strode Now nobody can find me.

I’ve left my chair, my house, my road, My town and my world behind me.

“One minute, son, I’m washing up.

I promise I won’t be long.”

You forget you’ve a lifetime of pots to clean, but your children aren’t children for long.

I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring, I’ve swallowed the magic potion.

I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king And dived in a bottomless ocean.

So no matter how busy you think you are, always make time for a kiss.

And try to appreciate the small things, for they’ll be the things that you’ll miss.”

I opened a book and made some friends.

I shared their tears and laughter And followed their road with its bumps and bends To the happily ever after.

BLAST FROM THE PAST PHOTOS TOP PHOTO Left hand table: Isobel Thomson Peter Thomson Ian McLean Right hand table (Middle two ladies are): Marion Nicholson Jennifer Massey BOTTOM PHOTO Front table, left to right: Keith Macdonald Miriam Macdonald Chris Park Middle table, left to right: Ian McLean Isobel Thomson Peter Thomson Back Table, left to right: Kirsteen Thomson Jamie Lockhart

I finished my book and out I came.

The cloak can no longer hide me.

My chair and my house are just the same, But I have a book inside me.

(Ed. Note: Julia Donaldson is a well-loved children’s author, known for her stories about the Gruffalo.)

There are only two lasting gifts we can give our children: One is

Roots

Wonder who was looking after the children?!

The other

Wings 32

Twinspire #67  July 2016 When you thought I wasn't looking, You smiled and it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you handle your responsibilities even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grew up.

~ Mary Rita Schilke Korazan ~ (adapted) When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, (baked a birthday cake just for me) and I knew that the little things are special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there was a God to talk to, and I learned to trust in Him. (God I could always talk to)

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and I wanted to say: ‘thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking’.

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT!

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

Teach by example, because you never know who is watching.

I'm going to try harder to be the mum I want them to remember.

Contributed 33

Twinspire #67  July 2016

Welcome Team

Prayers

Readers

Flower Donors

Flower Distributors

Crèche

After Church Teas ACTs

AUGUST 7th

E

14th

E

21st

E

28th

E

Holiday Club Kids Derick Turner

SEPT. 4th

A

Janice Lewis

11th

A

18th

A

Peter Thomson Doreen Baxter

25th

A

BB/GB

CONTACT PERSON

Alex Watson

John Wotherspoon Norman Black

Sandra Gow

Fay Guthrie Eileen Brown

Laura Moore Sandra Gow Nancy Rule Ellen Wilson Jim Wilson Ann Liston Elspeth Margaret Slater Margaret Cowie Wood Diane Dagger Val Hawkins Holiday Club Gibby Peddie Eileen Brown Janice Lewis Margaret C. Kids Allison Andrews Isobel Thomson Alex Brown Kareen Eileen Brown Claire Lawson Margaret Day Morris Myra Turner Margaret Laing Evelyn Syson

Allison Andrews Doug Sheehan Sandra Reid

Susan Higgins Gillian Turner Help required Myra Turner Alex Brown Laura Moore Sandra Gow Nancy Rule Ellen Wilson Val Hawkins The Elspeth Margaret Slater Margaret C. Fellowship Wood Diane Dagger Isobel Thomson BB/GB Girls’ Brigade Eileen Brown Janice Lewis Margaret Day Allison Andrews Margaret Laing

Lynda McKechnie

Alex Brown

Eileen Brown

Laura Moore

Margaret Connor

TREASURER’S UPDATE Since our last report in April we can record that in the following two months until June our income and expenditure was in balance. We are pleased to record that we have received significant donations from Age Concern, History Group and the Crafters Group. Exceptional expenditure included work on the electrical wiring of the hall and church and completion of a conservation architect's review of the church.

The Church reserves now stand at a healthy £18,661 similar to April's balance of £18,543.

The balance sheet is as follows: Investments Bank Debtors

£ 33,725 39,106 1,000

Total

73,831

Creditors Endowments Reserves

£ 31,445 33,725 18,661 73,831

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Twinspire #67  July 2016

SEPTEMBER Thursday 1st BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * Manse

AUGUST Wednesday 3rd Age Concern/Fellowship * Afternoon Tea on behalf of Maggie’s Centre * SOLD OUT *Raffle Tickets available

Friday 2nd BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.45pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

Sunday 7th Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

Sunday 4th Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

Sunday 14th Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

Monday 5th Kirk Session * 7.15pm * Session House Tuesday 6th Choir practice * 1.00pm – 3.00pm * small Church Hall

Monday 15th to Friday 19th * HOLIDAY CLUB * Polar Explorer Summer Holiday Club * 9.30am – 12noon * Church Halls * for kids in P.1 to P.7

Wednesday 7th Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm

Sunday 21st BACK TO SCHOOL SUNDAY Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

Thursday 8th BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall Friday 9th BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.45pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

Tuesday 23rd Choir practice * 1.00pm – 3.00pm * small Church Hall

Sunday 11th Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am NO Youth Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room Deadline for ‘Twinspire’ articles for autumn edition

Saturday 27th Polmont Flower Show * 2.00pm * Meadowbank Sports Centre Sunday 28th Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

Monday 12th Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * An Evening with

Philip Hacking

Tuesday 13th Choir practice * 1.00pm – 3.00pm * small Church Hall

Tuesday 30th Choir practice * 1.00pm – 3.00pm * small Church Hall

Wednesday 14th Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall

st

Wednesday 31 Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall

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Twinspire #67  July 2016 Thursday 15th Lunch Bunch * 11.30am - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * Manse

Thursday 29th Lunch Bunch * 11.30am - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * Manse

Friday 16th Share-a-Craft * 10.00am - 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.45pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

Friday 30th Share-a-Craft * 10.00am - 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.45pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

Sunday 18th Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am NO Youth Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room Messy Church * 5.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Halls

ADVANCE NOTICE OCTOBER Sunday 2nd * COMMUNION * Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room NO ACTs

Monday 19th Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall

SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB

Tuesday 20th Choir Concert * Falkirk Blind Club Wednesday 21st Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm

Monday to Friday 15 – 19 August 2016

Thursday 22nd Lunch Bunch * 11.30am - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall Fellowship * Opening meeting of Falkirk Presbytery Guild * Polmont Old

Church Halls 9.30 – 12noon

Friday 23rd Share-a-Craft * 10.00am - 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.45pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

For P1s to P7s

Sunday 25th * BRIGADES’ OPENING PARADE * Choir practice * 9.45am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room ‘Twinspire’ (Autumn edition) published

Family Woven together by Choice Strengthened together by Love Tested by everything and each uniquely ours.

Monday 26th Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * Demonstration by

Wiltshire Foods

Tuesday 27th History Group * 7.30pm * Church Hall Wednesday 28th Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall

~ Anonymous ~

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