Twinspire Issue 68

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

AUTUMN 2016

ISSUE 82

Charity Number - SC003421

HIGHLIGHTS         

Ruth and Esther The Wider World The Earth is the Lord’s Stewardship Talents That Small Voice The Pilot’s Prayer Church First Aid Team Repair of our Church Visit to Sicily and more …….

Twinspire #68  September 2016

EDITOR’S RAMBLINGS I can’t quite believe that summer is over and we are now heading towards the cold dark days of winter! And I’ve not had my holiday yet! Though they do say that retirement is one big long holiday!! I’m not so sure about that – I seem to be involved in so many more things now – how did I ever find time to work? - at 2 jobs too, all the years I was organist at POPC. We are flying off to Toronto in a few weeks’ time to attend our nephew’s wedding. I have been to a wedding in the US before, but not in Canada, so I’m looking forward to the experience.

The big wide world is not such a large inaccessible place anymore - a trip to Canada today is just like taking a flight to London. You hop on a plane at Glasgow and get off a few hours later at your destination, wherever that may be. I can recall my first flight to Toronto in 1967, as a student heading off to this big strange city to work as a chambermaid in a large hotel.

The plane had propellers!! And my boyfriend at the time warned me not to get on it!

.

The Rotary Club of Polmont Wanted

During the year the Rotary Club of Polmont undertakes a number of charitable collections to assist Local, National & International Good Causes such as; Poppy Scotland, Falkirk Food Bank collections, Tools for Self Reliance for Africa, and the popular Santa Sleigh.

But the world has shrunk, what with faster transport, TV news reports, the World Wide Web, Skype, Facebook and all the other modern means of communication. We hear about events and disasters almost as soon as they happen. On that same trip in 1967 to Canada we visited the Expo67 exhibition in Montreal, and I remember visiting the Alexander Graham Bell exhibit where they said that one day, you would be able to see the person you were phoning!!

The Club are seeking help from members of the local community to assist them with these collections during the year.

This is a fun and relaxed group. No financial commitment. A great way to socialise and do good things. If you have time to spare and are willing to help please call: Tel: 07969 615262

Through these various channels of communication, we see and hear about the plight of so many peoples and nations throughout the world, who are so much worse off than we are, and who desperately need our help, no matter how little that is. Throughout this edition, you will read about the various charities which are receiving support from the members of our congregation. It’s maybe not a lot, but ‘every little helps’.

Sandra

or alternatively email: polmontrotaryinfo@gmail.com Please get in touch by Friday, 30th September 2016 ~~~~~~~~~~ Rotary’s objective – “To encourage and foster the idea of SERVICE as a basis of worthy enterprise”.

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Twinspire #68  September 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 #68  September 2016 The Autumn Twinspire has come to you with an invitation to join us for the celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday 2nd October at 11 am. You might notice the space around the words of invitation. This space on the communion card is symbolic. It reflects that in Polmont Old Church there is room for all: for those who already come and continue to come and for those who have not yet done so, to worship the God of Ruth and Esther in Jesus Christ, who says:

Last year, we looked at the book of Ruth over three Sundays. There is one other book in the Old Testament that has the name of a woman. That book is called ‘Esther’.

The two books differ in many ways. ‘Ruth’ is, as Reverend H.G Abma comments in his book on ‘Esther’, a story that reflects the colours of Spring, whereas the book of Esther shows the colours of Autumn.

‘You did not choose me, but I chose you…’ [1]

You might be more attracted to the peaceful scene described in the story of Ruth: its fields that belong to the farmer Boaz where a young non-Jewish woman is received with love and respect. Ruth had left her country Moab and its gods. Insisting on staying with her mother-in-law Naomi, whom she deeply loved, she chose to follow the way Abraham had gone before her: the way of trusting his and Naomi’s God. And so this Moabite woman is an example to many believers. From the romance that blossomed between her and Boaz, little Obed, the ancestor of our Lord Jesus Christ, is born.

With every blessing, Debbie [1]

John 15:16

The Small Voice ~ John Gow ~ Some have to search hard to find it, Some know it's there but can't hear, Some listen and store it, Some choose to ignore it, And to some it rings out loud and clear.

The story of Esther is very different. It is one of the two books in the Bible that does not mention the Name of God. Why should that be so in the book of Esther? Perhaps because the Holy Name of God is to be avoided where there is persecution…? Is His Name silenced out of fear?

Or does the author leave it to the reader/hearer to say whether it is God’s hidden presence or coincidence that shapes the story…?

Politicians and generals have one, But they don't always listen to it, Ambition and fray Get in the way, More than they'd care to admit.

It's the voice that's deep down inside us, The small voice that knows what to do.

It's the voice that advises, That sees through disguises, The voice that is honest and true.

Whatever the motive of the author is to avoid the mentioning of God, ‘Esther’ is derived from the Hebrew word ‘hester’ which means ‘hidden’.

Esther’s story tells how a young Jewish girl was chosen by the Persian king to take over the queen’s place and so gained the position from where she was able to take actions that saved her people.

Sometimes the voice whispers softly, And sometimes it shouts in our ear.

On a decision to make Or a direction to take, The voice is always sincere.

Just as we have looked at the book of Ruth we will, during the first three Sundays of October, look at the book of Esther. While being so different, both stories are witnesses of the One who might be hidden in Esther’s story, but is not absent, especially at times when challenges come our way.

We ignore the small voice at our peril, It knows that paths we have trod.

It's the voice of our soul, It helps make us whole, It's the voice of our father, of God.

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Twinspire #68  September 2016 THE OSILIGI MAASAI WARRIORS

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL The next event in the Fundraising calendar this year is the Christmas Tree Festival which will run over 3 days from 8th to 10th December in the Church.

Invitations to participate have already gone out to various church and community organisations, as well as some local businesses, and the closing date for the return of the application forms is 30th September. This will give the committee time to plan the next stage, namely the layout of the trees in the church. A meeting of all participants will be held during October to iron out any problems and answer any queries.

Debbie with the Warriors

We had a wonderful evening on 10th September when the Osiligi Maasai Warriors came to our church. What a marvellous, dynamic and entertaining performance from the group.

Most of them spoke excellent English, and it was interesting to hear about their own individual backgrounds and the life they and their families lead back home in Kenya. Their singing was very melodic and their storytelling through dramatic presentations was powerful. And as for their jumping – a feature of this tribe – I’m afraid the 3 of us invited out to participate were not a match for them. I thought that once Munro and Jamie had jumped that I would not be asked to do so, as the ladies in the group did not jump!! But, no – I had to jump!!

As explained in the last edition of Twinspire, we are expecting some wonderfully decorated trees, reflecting the activity of a group or business, or telling a story or following a theme. They may be traditional, modern, amusing, imaginative, or inspiring. Just a reminder that the trees can be real, artificial or handcrafted, must be no taller than 5 feet, and only LED lights are allowed.

After a short interval we watched a DVD about the work of the Osiligi charity back in the local villages – the new school, medical centre and orphanage – before the group performed some more storytelling and songs.

Musical entertainment is also being planned with a programme showcasing our local talent – from organists, church choir, school pupils and more.

As we said in the guidelines which were distributed with the entry forms: Have fun!! Be creative!! Entertain us!!

OPENING TIMES The Christmas Tree Festival will be open at the following times: Thursday / Friday 10.00am - 12noon 2.00pm - 5.00pm 6.00pm - 8.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm

They had brought along some of the local handcrafted jewellery to sell and that seemed to be popular – the audience was certainly queuing up to admire their wares. I bought a lovely hematite necklace with a small colourful millefiore heart set within a larger hematite heart.

Entry fee will be £5.00 including tea/coffee/shortbread & musical entertainment.

We raised almost £900 from the sale of the tickets of which 70% went to the Osiligi Charity for more improvements back in the local villages.

Please come along and support this latest new venture from the committee and get into the Christmas spirit!!

Fundraising Committee

Many thanks to everyone who supported this interesting evening.

Sandra

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Twinspire #68  September 2016 that turn out to be unique, funny or interesting. A talent can be something that you do routinely, a hobby, or a skill that you have. No matter how mundane or special your talent is, it is God given, so please let us know.

Stewardship Talents The Stewardship team has undergone a transition since we started the “Talents” element of the Stewardship campaign back in May. We started out thinking that our main objective was to identify what hidden talents were in the Church members. While that is still one of the things we want to do, that idea has evolved into a wider remit. In looking at our talents we realised that we don’t really know facts, things that make each of us interesting, about each other, so now one of the main thrusts of our campaign is to allow us to fill that void and get to know each other better. We sit beside each other on a Sunday morning or attend organisations together without really knowing our neighbour. To help us rectify that failing, we have developed a quiz sheet which helps, in a fun way, to tease out hidden information about each other. To start the process off, we trialled the quiz at the Elders’ Away Day, and if you have been at Church recently you will have seen the results in the “Guess Who” showing on the screens during the uptake of the collection. I am glad to say that we have managed to expand this to non-elders and you will now start to see non Elder members appearing.

What will we do with the information? We will take some of your answers, transfer the information to a leaf and hang it on our tree. As mentioned earlier, we think that this exercise is a fun way to get to know each other and to find out what hidden talents we have. If you would like to appear on the screen you can let us know.

What we will not be doing is looking for useful skills that the Church could use, then target these people to use them. If you have a skill and wish to come forward, then volunteers are never turned away, but rest assured, that this is not our intention.

One of the questions on the sheet asks what you would have liked to learn. Depending on the responses that we receive, it may be possible to arrange some “classes” to fulfil your wish. This would depend on how many people would like to learn the same thing.

To finish off, we would encourage you to take part. Take a few minutes to complete the sheet.

It may surprise you what you find out about yourself!!

The Stewardship Team

In parallel to showing the information on the screen we have taken some key information from each person, put it onto one of our leaves and now have them hanging on the white Talents’ Tree. Our intention is to carry on collecting information until just before Christmas.

SMILING Smiling is infectious You catch it like the flu When someone smiled at me today I started smiling too.

To allow all of the Congregation to take part, we have included a quiz sheet along with Twinspire.

We hope that you will take a few minutes to complete it and either hand it in at Church, or give it to your Elder. While some people are happy to have their photograph taken and be shown on the screens along with their answers, we recognise that others will not. If you fall into the “don’t want my photo taken” category don’t worry, we will be happy to see your quiz sheet returned.

I walked around the corner And someone saw me grin When he smiled I realised I had passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile And then realised its worth A single smile just like mine Could travel round the earth.

Most people start from the same start point – “I don’t have any talents – I don’t have any information that others would be interested in”.

This is a fallacy - everyone is of interest. It is often the things that we believe to be of least interest

So if you feel a smile begin Don’t leave it undetected Let’s start an epidemic quick.

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Twinspire #68  September 2016

Following on from what Derick has discussed in his article, here are some of the people featured on the screens on Sunday mornings. Answers will be found in the Congregational Noticeboards pages.

Who am I?.....

Who am I?.....

I think my friends would best describe me as“... friendly”.

I think my friends would best describe me as“... quiet and approachable”.

I enjoy a number of things for relaxation such as“...gardening, eating out or day trips”.

For relaxation I enjoy “...reading, music and dog walking”.

Apart from that my other hobbies are“...photography and collecting stamps”.

My other interests include “...walking and current affairs”.

I would like to learn other“...languages” given my enjoyment of travel.

I would like to “...play a musical instrument or learn a foreign language”.

Everyone has talents and I would say mine are the art of “...persuasion and communication”.

Everyone certainly has talents, I think mine is that “...I’m good at listening” and “...constantly sharing this skill”.

I am most afraid of “...not staying healthy to continue an active life”...

I am most afraid of “...evil in the world”.

and somewhat ironically I like “...eating sweets to make me feel good or cheer myself up”.

I can always guarantee that “...family, friends and nature” will cheer me up.

The one thing that no one knows about me is “...I wanted to be a train driver”

The one thing that no one knows about me is “...I tried to learn to play the euphonium”

Any Guesses?........

Any Guesses?........

Who am I?.....

Who am I?.....

My friends would best describe me as“... caring, listener and shy”.

I think my friends would best describe me as“... quiet and a good listener”.

For relaxation I enjoy “...reading, watching TV and meeting family & friends”.

For relaxation I enjoy “...walking, swimming & playing golf”.

Apart from that my other hobbies are“...gardening and holidays to explore”.

My other interests include “...Westerns and keeping active”.

I would like to learn“...piano playing”.

I would like to “...learn First Aid”.

Everyone has talents and I would say mine are “...cooking, baking and listening to others”.

Everyone certainly has talents, I think mine is my “...artistic ability”.

I am most afraid of “...mice”.

I am most afraid of “...a loss of Christian fellowship”.

“Speaking to family and friends” makes me feel good and cheers me up.

“...Sunshine and silly jokes” are what cheer me up.

The one thing that no one knows about me is “...I am a Cliff Richard fan” and even “went to concerts”

Not many people know I “...like birdwatching & drawing” or that I “was born in a small East Anglian village”.

Any Guesses?........

Any Guesses?........

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Twinspire #68  September 2016 2nd POLMONT BOYS’ BRIGADE

was poor, otherwise outside and enjoy the fresh – sometimes bracing – air), a cook tent and washing shelter.

Well, it has been a great start to a new session at 2nd Polmont, as the boys have just come back after their summer break. This session will be filled with lots of fun and laughter, new adventures, a lot of hard work from the boys to gain their badges. Also this year we will be doing a lot of fundraising for the company, such as bag packing.

The boys were kept busy with maintaining their tents and kit, but also had time for a range of activities. There was a trip to a climbing wall, and despite a few nerves over heights, the boys were soon scaling the walls and encouraging each other on – the officers took the opportunity to observe the boys’ growing confidence while keeping their feet firmly on the ground. This was followed by a visit to the swimming pool (and showers) in Dundee. We also spent an afternoon in St Andrews on a murder mystery tour with the culprit identified after only a few wrong turns.

Over the summer the company held their annual camp. This year the camp was held at St. Andrews. It was a great success; the boys got involved in a range of activities and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and it has been booked again for next year.

Amongst these activities the boys had time to explore Craigtoun Country Park (the zip wire was very popular), play team games and even managed to wash their own dishes after each meal. All in all a great success. A big thank you is due to the staff of Craigtoun Country Park for the excellent site and facilities they supplied and their support. The park proved to be such a successful venue that we will be returning next summer for an even bigger and better camp.

2nd Polmont will be holding a quiz night on the 12th October; venue and ticket prices are to follow soon. The opening parade for this session will be held on the 25th September when the company will expect all boys to be there in full uniform. The company will be holding a bag pack event at Tesco's in Redding, Falkirk.

2nd Polmont are also on the lookout for new recruits, so if you have a son who needs something to do on a Thursday or Friday evening, bring him along to Polmont Church Hall, which is located across from the Greenpark Centre in Polmont. Also if you already have a boy involved with the Boys’ Brigade, get him to bring a friend along to join in the fun. For more information contact Alan Ward via email (award95@hotmail.com)

Craig Brown

The Boys' Brigade THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!!!

Lieutenant Craig Fraser CAMP REPORT The Company Section camp was held at Craigtoun Country Park near St Andrews in (fairly) sunny Fife. Seventeen boys attended, including some of the boys newly promoted from the Junior Section – a great introduction to camping under canvas and the Company Section. The boys arrived to a camp already set up in a quiet corner of the park with three tents for the boys, a marquee for meals and activities (if the weather

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Twinspire #68 ď – September 2016

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Twinspire #68  September 2016 CHURCH FIRST AID TEAM

A HUMBLING MOMENT

There are volunteers in our congregation, on a flexible rota, who are able to help someone in a health event in our church. There have been two meetings to determine the best way to assist this group for the best advantage. Good and very interesting feedback from this group gives me a certain confidence that the kind of help given in a situation will give some comfort to the person requiring assistance.

In April 1990 Margaret and I stood on a footbridge over the main highway running between the Hague and Amsterdam with a crowd of senior Dutch folk.

We were watching the re-enactment of Operation Manna, when 45 years earlier under a truce, the Royal Air Force, supported by the Royal Canadian Air Force, dropped food parcels to the starving people of the West Netherlands.

First aid team guidelines In the event of a person needing assistance in a health situation we should endeavour to help by following this routine:

Over the winter 1944/5 over 22,000 Dutch people living in the triangle of Rotterdam, Hague and Amsterdam, still occupied by the German Forces, had died having been deliberately starved.

The first person to approach the person should ascertain the problem observing Danger, Response, Alertness, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive.

When you looked at the faces of those people standing watching this fly past, you recognised both the anguish that these memories they had experienced back in 1944 and the respect to those Allied fliers who risked all to drop these provisions. A humbling moment.

Next team member should bring the wheelchair and first aid bag from the corner beside the piano.

Next person should have a mobile phone ready in the event of the need to call an ambulance.

John Wotherspoon

If there is time, ask about the following that the answers can be given to the ambulance crew:

Greetings from half-way around the world

A – allergies M – medication P – past illnesses L – last meal or drink E – Event and environment

I know a few of you spoke to my American friends, Hal and Thelma Thornton, when they joined us for worship in July. Hal is a retired pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and currently is Parish Associate at First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida, helping the pastor with visits to the sick and housebound, and leading worship when the pastor is away.

If the patient is unconscious, then the recovery position should be used; ie. keep the patient on his/her side.

Each of us, by being friendly towards a patient and within our own comfort zone, and by taking our time will do enough to make the patient ready for home or further ambulance care.

Hal and Thelma joined us on the Sunday when Philip Hacking led us in a "Songs of Praise" service. Hal thought the service was a treat and he was hoping to be able to do something similar in Kissimmee. He said our church was beautiful, and also worshipful, and he and Thelma asked me to pass on their thanks to the members for the welcome they received. Thanks to everyone who spoke to them and made them feel so welcome.

There will be a notebook held by the duty welcome team leader for registering a member of the first aid team when entering the church each Sunday.

Peter Thomson

Lorna

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Twinspire #68  September 2016 Treasurer’s Report for the end of August 2016

REPAIR OF OUR CHURCH It came as a great surprise that following a recent conservation architect’s review of the church that his report indicated that we have a major repair task ahead to put the Church, which is a listed building, into good order for the next century

As we all know, life can be a challenge.

Having recently weathered the storm when the Church was financially in difficulties; but with the combined generosity of our congregation and several legacies we have put our finances on an even keel. The Balance sheet now shows that we have reserves of some £26,000.

As you will appreciate our Church, built in 1844, is of significant importance sitting alongside the Antonine Wall and replacing the Old Kirk which can be found in the cemetery grounds.

In the eight months to August our income exceeded expenses by some £4,500 but this was necessary to enable us to meet our target of holding the equivalent of three months expenditure in reserves. It is also gratifying to see how all those organisations and individuals who support the Church continue to do so, whether in the form of donations, hall lets or the giving of their time and efforts. However there are no certainties in life, and the recent news that our beloved Church needs an extensive refurbishment is very disappointing.

The refurbishment work principally relates to the roofing and stonework, much of which is at a high level.

The full cost of the project is £600,000 which includes the VAT. Fortunately the VAT is recoverable and therefore the nett cost will be nearer £500,000.

The single largest cost element will be the scaffolding, whilst work on both the north and south towers is a significant element. Over three hundred individual tasks covering the stone work, the windows and the ceiling have been identified for attention.

We are hopeful that donors, together with financial assistance from the Church of Scotland and the Presbytery, will be sufficient to fund the necessary work. However it will be expected that we at Polmont Old make a contribution of perhaps 5% of the total spend, and today we are fortunately in a position to do so.

The question of how can we fund this work must be in all our minds?

Fortunately the Church of Scotland, along with Falkirk Presbytery, is supportive of the need to undertake this work and will financially assist in the funding of the project. We will be approaching a variety of donors seeking funds before we can have a clear picture of how we will finance our project.

As the Church is the heart of the village, we believe it is not unreasonable for the wider community of Polmont to be asked to help us financially. An appeal letter is being prepared to be sent to all homes in the parish seeking help, but this is not directed at our congregation who have already given significantly to THE CHURCH. You may not be aware, but over 25 different organisations use our hall in the Main Street

We have been fortunate in the past year to build sufficient funds to make a contribution towards our project.

Meanwhile the first task will be to appoint an architect to oversee the project.

We have to remain positive, and this new task is merely a further hurdle for us to overcome.

JWW

This week Falkirk Presbytery has given us a sum of £6,000 which will cover the architect’s recent survey fees and emergency repairs. Every little helps!

JWW

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Twinspire #68  September 2016

The Earth Is the Lord’s...

Inspection & testing of portable electrical appliances was again completed throughout July for another year. In short, the outcome was as follows:    

115 appliances were tested which was a decrease of 12 items from the previous year.

23 registered appliances were classed as a FAIL for reasons noted on the record card.

15 registered appliances could not be located [some for a 2nd or 3rd consecutive year] and were also recorded as FAIL. These must not be used before further use if found.

6 appliances failed initial inspection & test but after some remedial work were re-tested and classed as a PASS.

Some examples of what have been found from our annual inspection & testing regime is shown below...

All appliances within the register have a green & white label attached to the power cord near the plug top [as per sample shown below]. The label is customised with Polmont Old Parish Church, a unique appliance reference number, fuse rating [in case a fuse ever needs replaced] and most importantly the next test date.

For your safety, prior to using any appliance and where accessible, please make sure it has a valid label fitted as shown above. Confirm the appliance is in date and it has no obvious damage. The date should be marked up with a next inspection date of July 2017. Any appliance found without a label, out of date or damaged should not be used, removed from possible use and reported to myself ASAP. Stay safe…

Gordon Milne, Member of the Fabric Committee.

The Fellowship is taking the church service on 23rd October, as Debbie is on holiday.

THE FELLOWSHIP The Fellowship commenced on 12th September with Philip Hacking speaking and a super night was had by all.

On 10th October the Rev Elizabeth Watson will be speaking on her life as a minister and on 24th October there will be a speaker from Prospects - one of our projects this year.

On 22nd September we are hosting the dedication service for the Falkirk Presbyterial Council’s Guild in Polmont Old Parish Church.

Please come along and join us; you will be made most welcome - we are a happy welcoming organisation - so give us a try.

Alice Cumming, President

Our meeting on Monday 26th September is a demonstration by Wiltshire Foods.

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Twinspire #68  September 2016

PARISH REGISTER BAPTISMS 28th August 2016 Isla Rose McKie Aidan Alan McKie Orla Isabella McKie (Children of Lesley & Ewan McKie & grandchildren of Munro & Yvonne McKie)

DEATH 11th August 2016 Thomas Taylor

LUNCH BUNCH

Leaflets will be available at the front door of the Church and at the ACTs counter.

We’re back!!

Deadline will be the beginning of November.

~~~~~~~ Polmont Church Hall, Main Street, Polmont ~~~~~~ 11.30am – 1.00pm

Saturday 1 October 2016 st

10.00am – 12noon

*** Coffees served from 11.00am ***

Church Halls, Polmont

C U there!

Come along and enjoy coffee, cake & chat with friends ******** Gift and Craft Stalls ******** Donations of home-baking most welcome Contact Margaret Connor for further information

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Twinspire #68  September 2016

DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION OF TWINSPIRE

Share-a-Craft

The next edition is due for publication on

Sunday 27th November 2016 Deadline for the submission of articles is

Sunday 13th November 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 meets on Fridays 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.

Grace and Margaret

Baby & Toddler Group Mondays from 1.00pm – 2.30pm In the Church Hall For further information, please speak to Lynda  715995

HISTORY GROUP Tuesday 25th October “Old Polmont” Jennifer Nayar Tuesday 29th November “Friends of Kinneil” Maria Ford in the (small) Church Hall, at 7.45pm

PLEASE NOTE NO Baby Group on: 17th October

See you there!

Margaret & Grace

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Twinspire #68  September 2016

NEW SEASON’S HOME-MADE JAMS & MARMALADE

I would just like to say thank you to everybody, from the cleaner to Alice, for the work they put into making the Maggie’s afternoon a success. The Band and the cakes were great!

Thanks also to Grace and Graham for their help to me in setting up the hall.

Ian Fraser

FOR SALE in Fellowship Room Proceeds to Church Funds

GETTING TO KNOW YOU AND YOUR TALENTS ANSWERS The ‘wanna be’ train driver = Ian Mclean The aspiring euphonium player = Munro McKie The Cliff Richard fan = Janice Morrison The bird watcher = Roddy Taylor

A SAMPLE CALENDAR AND ORDER SHEETS ARE IN THE VESTIBULE or PLEASE SPEAK TO JANET ANDERSON

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Mission Statement In Christ's name we seek to retain and regain the highest quality of life which each individual is capable of experiencing at any given time.

Twinspire #68  September 2016 We were blessed this year with a large team of helpers which certainly helped to make everything go so smoothly. The teenagers especially are a great addition to the club as the children relate better to them than to the oldies but the oldies are needed too, and everyone did a great job - so a big thank you to all the helpers.

Holiday Club 2016 A huge "Thank you" to the congregation for their prayerful support during our Holiday Club this year - we were very blessed in many ways. Over thirty children attended each day with our top number being thirty four, and all of them showed enthusiasm and enjoyment throughout the week.

Thank you too for the many gifts of juice and biscuits which kept the children and helpers fed and watered each day of the club.

Some of the helpers

Holiday Club in Polmont Old would not take place and run as it does without the wonderful coordination done beforehand by Lynda - so we all say a heartfelt "thank you" to her, and here's to August 2017 and the next one!

Some of the helpers with some of the goodies

Our theme was "Polar Explorers" and everything we did was geared to it. The children were divided into three groups for activities Workshop, Games and Crafts. Each morning they were shown a short video of Bible characters Peter, Stephen, Philip, Saul and Timothy and during their time in the workshop, this was developed and they were helped to remember what they had seen.

2nd POLMONT GIRLS’ BRIGADE We hope that everyone has enjoyed their holidays and welcomed back our girls on 31st August. It was lovely so see a number of new faces joining us too.

They enjoyed several Polar themed games, the noisiest and possibly the best enjoyed was the one where they got into sleeping bags and raced down the hall!

Our first week was spent getting to know one another before moving on to our programme for the year, looking at the regions of Scotland. We are starting off in Central, our ‘home’ and then will move around each. We have been thinking about home; what home is, what home means, and that we have a home with our family in Christ, whilst decorating biscuit houses, making dens with blankets and more.

In crafts they made compasses and penguins out of paper plates, as well as headbands, greeting cards and snowflakes. All of them looked great and made a lovely display on the wall and the floor walkway to the North Pole.

Points were awarded each day for various activities and of the four teams - each made up of different age groups, the Polar Bears finally came out on top. It was good too to see twenty children attend our Sunday morning service on the 21st. - so thank you to the parents who brought them along.

As the October holidays will soon be upon us, we will wrap up our first session with a trip on 5th October and share with you where we went in our the next magazine article.

Allison Andrews Lieutenant in charge

15

Twinspire #68  September 2016 And now You turn to me offering the bread, inviting me to take and eat and share the meal with You.

POEM/PRAYER PAGE As we are about to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, I thought this prayer was a very appropriate one to share with all of you.

Doreen

My hands reach out in awe, the small frustrations of the day forgotten.

And like those men around the fire I dare not ask "Who are You Lord?"

I know.

I see your hands hands that turned water into wine, turned simple fish and bread into a banquet,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The Lord sent Nathan to David" (2 Samuel 12:1) This was after David slept with Bathsheba and she had his illegitimate son - and Nathan also seemed to know the circumstances of Uriah's death. Nothing can be hidden from God - Psalm 39 tells us that and this poem/prayer

by Eddie Askew reminds us that as we face up to what we have done, God does draw nearer to us.

Doreen Lord, as You dig below the surface of my life, removing the accumulated rubbish of the years, You bring into the light so many buried things I'd rather keep concealed.

The excavation's painful, layer after layer stripped back to show what's underneath - an archaeology of failure.

THE FIVE FINGER PRAYER A simple way to help children remember who to pray for.

THUMB – the closest finger to you is the thumb. Since it is the closest to you, the thumb reminds you to pray for those that are closest to you.

Pray for your family and friends.

POINTER -Let this finger remind you to pray for those who point you in the right direction. Pray for your teacher, your Sunday School teacher, and your minister.

And bit by bit as You unearth all that lies buried -no treasure trove my first reaction is to hide, burrow myself into the dark, carve out a cave, and for a moment, mole like tell myself I'm safe from You.

MIDDLE – this is the tallest finger.

This finger reminds us to pray for our leaders. Pray for the queen and leaders in our government and those who are leaders in our town.

But You Lord, gently relentless in pursuit, persist in following me, leaving nowhere to hide.

Your candle flame of truth may flicker, but it lights my darkness like the sun at dawn.

And as I'm brought reluctantly into Your light, blinking, half-blinded and still struggling, I find that safety lies not from - but with You.

RING – this is our weakest finger. Let this finger remind us to pray for those who are sick, or in trouble.

The pain I feel is therapeutic, and in Your burning closeness lies my healing.

Shine on me Lord.

AARONIC BLESSING The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6: 24-26 (KJV)

16

PINKIE – this is the smallest finger so let this one remind you to pray for yourself.

Twinspire #68  September 2016 Action Aid is mentioned elsewhere in this issue.

THE WIDER WORLD As a congregation of the Church of Scotland, a percentage of each member’s regular weekly giving goes towards the Mission and Renewal Fund to support the national and global work of the Church of Scotland. In addition we also support a number of other projects throughout the world.

We support the Blythswood Care annual Shoebox Appeal by filling shoeboxes with some basic items like toiletries, hats, scarves & gloves and so bring some joy and laughter at Christmas to families in various parts of Eastern Europe. See the advert about this year’s Appeal elsewhere in the magazine.

Lorna highlighted a few of these in the last issue of Twinspire.

Operation Mobilisation in Zimbabwe, supporting Vicky Graham, a nurse who supplies medical and spiritual aid to the Tonga people in the north of that country.

Throughout the year, at services such as Communion and Christmas, collections are made at the door at the end of these services and the monies donated to a variety of charities chosen by the Kirk Session.

The Tonga are a primitive tribe, who live close to the Zambian border, originally a fertile area, until the Kariba Dam was built in 1957. The Tonga people were then moved to a barren terrain with little rainfall.

Unable to grow their food as before, they suffered severe hardship.

There are approximately 150,000 of them living in an area of 300 kilometres in the Zambezi Valley about an 8 hour drive from the country’s capital of Harare.

The Church of Scotland Guild has a 3 year programme of projects which they support and our Fellowship participates in this programme. They support 2 charities each year and have speakers from them to explain the work that goes on. The Guild’s chosen projects for 2015 – 2018 includes Street Pastors, Care for the Family, Christian Aid, Feed the Minds, Mission International, Prospects. This year our Fellowship is highlighting the work of Mission International’s Haiti project, and the All friends Together project run by Prospects – go along to the meeting on 24th October to hear about the latter.

Vicky's home church, Highland Presbyterian in Harare, provides food aid to the Tonga people during the worst of the drought years, and she has set up clinics to treat the sick, and to teach the people basic health education. During outbreaks of cholera and malaria, she is often faced with treating hundreds of patients a day.

The Lunch Bunch gives generously to a number of charities both local and world-wide, such as Friends of St Margaret’s here in Polmont, Strathcarron Hospice, Christian Aid.

Vicky is also teaching the people about God's love for them. She has started Bible Study groups and works closely with local pastors to spread the good news of Jesus.

And of course, we should not forget about Falkirk Foodbank to which many of you donate tins of food etc. for the less well-off in the Falkirk area.

A huge “Thank you!” must go to the members of Polmont Old for their support of all of these projects. We hope that you will continue to give lovingly to help those people who have so little, so that their standard of living, physical health and spiritual wellbeing will be vastly improved.

The Christian Service Society 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.

17

Twinspire #68  September 2016

THE PILOTS’ PRAYER

On Wednesday 3rd August Polmont Age Concern joined with the Women’s Fellowship to hold a fundraiser for the new Maggie’s Centre due to open shortly in Larbert.

Given that we are coming up to Remembrance Sunday, I thought that this was maybe appropriate for Twinspire.

John Magee wrote this in his Spitfire at 39,000 ft.

Tragically he was killed just three months later at the age of 19 in 1941. It has now become familiar to pilots everywhere many of whom regard it as the “Pilots’ Prayer.”

The ladies of the committees worked very hard to make it a really successful afternoon and raised well over £1200 for this worthy cause.

The tables were beautifully decorated and the baking was to die for. The raffle prizes were plentiful and many lovely prizes were won.

HIGH FLIGHT ~ PO John Gillespie Magee RCAF ~

Ian Scott came along with Pat and Robin and entertained the packed hall. We also had Gerry Smith who sang a lot of old favourites. A very good afternoon.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. . .

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God

Thanks to all who helped to make it such a huge success.

Betty Glen President, Age Concern, Polmont

Contributed by John Wotherspoon

JOHN GILLESPIE MAGEE

Born

‘Maggie’s centres provide free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends, following the ideas about cancer care originally laid out by Maggie Keswick Jencks.’

9 June 1922 in Shangai, China

Service No.4 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force Rank Pilot Officer Died

‘Maggie lived with advanced cancer for two years. During that time she used her knowledge and experience to create a blueprint for a new type of care. Maggie’s Centres are built around her belief that people should not “lose the joy of living in the fear of dying”.'

11 December 1941 Killed in a flying accident over Lincolnshire

Buried Scopwick, Lincolnshire

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Twinspire #68  September 2016

THE PARISH OF POLMONT

In the NSA, the Rev. Ker lists the names and residences of the principal heritors, some of whom are non-resident, but he makes no mention of their role in church affairs. (See list on next page). He does comment: There is a peculiarity connected with the resident proprietors ………. Many of them, though the annual value of their lands be not great, are possessed of independent fortunes, derived from other sources.

(According to the Old and New Statistical Accounts of Scotland) The role of the church in the Parish The building in use at the time of both Accounts was, of course, the old kirk built in 1732, and according to the OSA it ……. has had no reparations since, except being plastered in the roof and walls in 1785.

However by the time of the NSA in 1841: It is damp, ill arranged and most inadequate to the wants of the parish.

It only had seating for 607 and….

The number of communicants belonging to the Establishment cannot be accommodated in it, for they amount to 749; Yet, the total number of inhabitants in the parish in 1835 was 2585. Not everyone belonged to the established church.

The Dissenters in the parish belong to the United Associate Synod, the Relief and the Cameronians, and attend public worship in Falkirk, Lauriston, and Linlithgow. The whole of these, including a few Episcopalians, amount to 503. There are nineteen persons who profess to belong to no religious denomination.

Compare this with the OSA when: All the people attend the established church, except a few Seceders. There are no Episcopalians, and only one Roman Catholic.

At the time of the NSA, there was also a preaching station at Redding, where …. a probationer of the Church of Scotland has officiated there since 1835, in a school-room belonging to the Redding colliery. And: In the village of Bennetstown there has been for upwards of two years frequent service on the Sabbath evening in a school-room, by ministers or preachers of most of the Dissenting denominations in the neighbourhood.

Sabbath Schools – no mention is made in the 1790s account, but in 1841 there were three: One taught by the preacher at the preaching station; one by the teacher at Old Redding, under the superintendence of the minister of the parish; and another at Polmont by the parochial minister, assisted by the parochial teacher.

The stipend of the parish in 1793 was: 111 bolls; 2 firlots, 1 peck, 2 lippies bear, 56 bolls of meal, and L.152:10:10 Scots money, with L.60 money foresaid for furnishing the communion elements.

By 1841 it was: 17 chalders, half meal, half barley, with L.8.6s.8d. for communion elements.

Somehow this does not seem to be as much! So I checked out the old Scottish weight measures and have added them at the foot of this article.

One of the main roles of the church was to look after the poor of the parish, and at the time of the OSA: There are at present 17 regular pensioners, who receive alms from the poor’s funds, besides those who receive charity occasionally. The annual amount of the funds for their relief is about 54L. sterling.

By 1841: The average number of poor on the roll is 37.

In 1838, there were 39 regular pensioners.

The whole sum divided among them was L.84. 14s. None of them receive above 5s. per month, nor less than 3s. per month.

The funds for poor relief would have been collected at the church door and from proclamation of banns, and funeral fees.

The church in those days was run by Heritors, usually local landowners and farmers. At the time of the OSA: There are about 40 heritors, 20 of which are of the smaller sort. (Ed. What an interesting description!!)

19

Twinspire #68  September 2016 The average amount of collections yearly is L.78; exclusive of sums gathered for special charities or missionary objects.

This sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Even 175 years ago collections were being taken in church for charities and mission! Other sources of income are mentioned and the amounts raised are listed, but the sources are not revealed: There is a footnote stating that there are two pauper lunatics in the parish, who are treated differently from ‘the ordinary poor.’

Since the update in the July magazine, we have continued to collect for ActionAid (through "Jars of Grace"), for the Homes of Blessing run by the Christian Service Society in Bangladesh and for Vicky Graham's work, as part of Operation Mobilisation, with the Tonga people in Zimbabwe.

The "Jars of Grace" initiative has been particularly productive over this period with over £100 raised. If you don't already take part in this initiative, please will you consider doing so? All you need to do is to collect "small change" - a jar is ideal but you can also use coin bags or any other suitable containers. Once you've collected a pound or two, bring it with you to church on a Sunday and hand it in at the door, or give it to myself or to Nancy for counting and banking.

The Manse at the time of both Accounts is what is now called Kinneil House, situated across the M9 from the church, and now a private residence. At the time of the OSA it was described as: ……. built a few years after, and got some trifling repairs in 1784, and in 1785, new office houses were built I have discovered that it was built in 1735 and is a listed building (B). In the 1841 NSA : The manse is in good repair. The glebe consists of five Scotch acres. The garden, with the shrubbery, extends to about an acre more.

ActionAid are perhaps best known for child sponsorship, but they also run various other projects around the world, with an emphasis on helping women and children in extreme poverty to change their lives for the better. This is a very simple and practical way in which we can show our commitment to demonstrate Christian love to people in need. As Jesus says in the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew chapter 25): ‘whatever we do for one of the least of his brothers and sisters, we do for him.’

And that is the picture of the ‘Ecclesiastical State’ of the parish from both accounts.

Sandra Lippies, pecks, firlots, bolls and chalders varied depending on what was being measured.

For wheat, peas, beans, meal etc Scots

Metric

1 lippie

2.268 litres

1 peck = 4 lippies

9.072 litres

1 firlot = 4 pecks

36.286 litres

1 boll = 4 firlots

145.145 litres

1 chalder = 16 bolls

2322.324 litres

For barley, oats, malt etc.

Scots

Metric

1 lippie

3.037 litres

1 peck = 4 lippies

13.229 litres

1 firlot = 4 pecks

52.916 litres

1 boll = 4 firlots

211.664 litres

1 chalder = 16 bolls

3386.624 litres

Lorna Farquhar

POLMONT HERITORS AND THEIR RESIDENCES Most of these houses no longer stand but are remembered in the street names.

The principal Heritors were Sir Thomas Livingstone, Bart., of Westquarter, Wm. Logan, of Clarkstone, Thos. Walker of Polmontbank, James Milne of Haypark, Wm. Johnstone of Meadowbank; and also those of Polmont Park, Parkhill, Polmont House, Millfield (all of which had recently changed hands, or were about to), and of Whyteside, Kersiebank, Gilston, Weedingshall and Blairlodge

20

Twinspire #68 ď – September 2016

VISIT TO SICILY Most people choose their summer holiday for reasons of sun, heat or historical sites - this year I had a very different reason! Back in 1999 I became interested in genealogy and that interest has grown as the years have gone by. I can often be found in old cemeteries - especially in Angus, Fife and East Lothian - checking names and dates on tombstones.

The cemetery that I wanted to visit this time was in Sicily. My mother had told me quite a bit about her sister's son, my cousin George, who had been called up in 1941 in the early days of the Second World War. He joined the Royal Tank Regiment and in the summer of 1943 he, along with thousands of others, was caught up in the Sicily landings and sadly he was killed aged only 20.

Cross of Remembrance

When I saw that Saga were having a tour of southern Italy and Sicily, and one of the hotels was fairly near Catania, I decided that this would be my chance to see George's grave. I had applied to the war Graves Commission for the certificate which gave me the grave reference, so I felt that it would be quite easy to find it.

Our tour leader was not happy about me travelling around Sicily on my own, so I booked a taxi to take me to the other side of Catania - a bit further than I thought and the fare was 130 euros, but my driver was a gem and he agreed to wait for me for an hour and a half.

Cousin George’s grave

My first impression when I arrived at the cemetery was the size of it - there are more than 2000 young soldiers, airmen and navy men buried there - and there are another two such cemeteries on the island. At first, I could see no signs of any reference numbers and I walked up and down a couple of rows before I became aware that there was a capital letter on the side of each end stone so it did not take long to find row J and then number 50, which was right at the end of a row. It was a lovely day so I managed to get some good photographs, and was back in the taxi in 25 minutes much to the driver's delight! I did enjoy the holiday for many other reasons, but it was good to get visit the grave, which no one on that side of my family had ever been to before.

Doreen

Commonwealth War Graves Commission For anyone interested in tracing a relative’s war grave, then the website to go to is: http://www.cwgc.org/ Its casualty database lists the names and places of commemoration of the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars.

It also records details of the 67,000 Commonwealth civilians who died "as a result of enemy action" in the Second World War. Sandra

21

Twinspire #68  September 2016

Welcome Team

Prayers

Readers

Flower Donors

Flower Distributors

2nd

B

Roddy Taylor

Isabel Wilson Age Concern Alex Brown

9th

B

Sheila Redfern

16th

B

Janice Morrison David Syson

23rd

B

Crèche

After Church Teas ACTs

OCTOBER

30th

Fellowship Member Keith Macdonald

Peter Thomson Fellowship Member Derick Turner

Allison Andrews Moira Fleming Elspeth Wood Margaret Connor

Claire Lawson COMMUNION Myra Turner Eileen Brown Susan Higgins Maureen Campbell Help required Maureen Chisholm Eileen Brown Laura Moore Margaret Connor Nancy Rule Isobel Thomson Elspeth Margaret Slater Gillian Turner Diane Dagger Wood Myra Turner Alex Brown Janice Lewis Margaret Cowie Allison Andrews Val Hawkins

NOVEMBER

6th

C

13th

C

20th

C

27th

C

CONTACT PERSON

Alex Watson

John Janice Lewis Wotherspoon Ian McLean Derick Turner

Charlotte Eileen Brown Claire Lawson Margaret Day Bayne Myra Turner Margaret Laing Ann Brown Eileen Brown Susan Higgins Sandra Gow Help required Ellen Wilson Doreen Baxter Val Hawkins Jean Glen Alex Brown Laura Moore Margaret Connor Nancy Rule Isobel Thomson Derick Turner Marion Hunter Helen Young Elspeth Margaret Slater Gillian Turner Diane Dagger Wood Myra Turner

Lynda McKechnie

Eileen Brown

Laura Moore Margaret Connor

The fields are rich with daffodils, A coat of clover cloaks the hills, And I must dance, and I must sing To see the beauty of the spring.

The birds are gone, the world is white, The winds are wild, they chill and bite; The ground is thick with slush and sleet, And I can barely feel my feet.

The earth is warm, the sun's ablaze, It is a time of carefree days; And bees abuzz that chance to pass May see me snoozing in the grass.

The last is done, the next is here, The same as it is every year; Spring -- then sunshine ' autumn ' snow, That is how each year must go.

The leaves are yellow, red, and brown, A shower sprinkles softly down; The air is fragrant, crisp, and cool, And once again I'm stuck in school.

Cecil Alexander is the author of two well-known and loved hymns: All things bright and beautiful Once in Royal David’s City 22

Twinspire #68  September 2016

OCTOBER st Saturday 1 Macmillan Coffee Morning * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Halls, Polmont

th

Thursday 13 NO Lunch Bunch NO BB Anchor Boys House Group * 7.30pm * Manse

nd

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

th

Friday 14 Share-a-Craft * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Hall NO BB Junior Section or Company Section th

Sunday 16 MESSY CHURCH Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * 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

rd

Monday 3 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall Kirk Session meeting * 7.30pm * Session House th

Wednesday 5 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * chez Marion

th

Monday 17 NO Baby Group th

Wednesday 19 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall NO Girls’ Brigade House Group * 7.30pm * chez Marion

th

Thursday 6 Lunch Bunch * 11.30m - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm – 7.00pm th

Friday 7 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

th

Thursday 20 Lunch Bunch * 11.30m - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm – 7.00pm * Church Hall st

Friday 21 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

th

Sunday 9 Breakfast Service * 8.30am * Church Hall Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

rd

Sunday 23 Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am * Led by members of The Fellowship Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

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Monday 10 SCHOOL HOLIDAY WEEK NO Baby Group The Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * My Life as a Minister * Elizabeth Watson

th

th

Monday 24 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall * The Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * All Friends Together (Prospects Project)

Wednesday 12 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall NO Girls’ Brigade BB Quiz Night * details to follow

th

Tuesday 25 History Group * 7.45pm * Church Hall * Friends of Kinneil” * Maria Ford

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Twinspire #68  September 2016 th

OCTOBER (contd) th Wednesday 26 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall

Thursday 10 Lunch Bunch * 11.30m - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm – 7.00pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * Manse th

Friday 11 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

th

Thursday 27 Lunch Bunch * 11.30m - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm – 7.00pm * Church Hall * House Group * 7.30pm * Manse

th

th

Sunday 13 REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 10.50am Youth Church * 10.50am * Church Crèche * 10.50am * Fellowship Room Polmont Community Council Remembrance Service * 12.15pm * Cenotaph in Polmont Cemetery Tea, Coffee & Sandwiches * 1.00pm * Church Deadline for ‘Twinspire’ articles for autumn edition

Friday 28 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 th

Sunday 30 Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

th

Monday 14 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall The Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * My Work with the Salvation Army” Beverley Johnston

st

Monday 31 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall

th

Wednesday 16 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm – 7.15pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * chez Marion

NOVEMBER nd Wednesday 2 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * chez Marion

th

Thursday 17 Lunch Bunch * 11.30m - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall

rd

Thursday 3 Lunch Bunch * 11.30m - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm – 7.00pm * Church Hall

th

Friday 18 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

th

Friday 4 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

th

Sunday 20 MESSY CHURCH Breakfast Service * 8.30am * Church Hall Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am NO Youth Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room Messy Church * 5.00pm – 7.00pm * Church Hall

th

Sunday 6 Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room th

Monday 7 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall Kirk Session meeting * 7.30pm * Session House

st

Monday 21 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall rd

Wednesday 23 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm – 7.15pm * Church Hall

th

Wednesday 9 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall

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Twinspire #68  September 2016 NOVEMBER (contd) th Thursday 24 Lunch Bunch * 11.30m - 1.00pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * Manse

Minister Rev Debbie van Welie  01324 715995

th

Friday 25 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 th

st

Sunday 27 1 Sunday in Advent Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room ‘Twinspire’ (Christmas edition) published

Session Clerk

Ian W McLean

Treasurer

John Wotherspoon

Clerk to the Board

Andrew Fernie

Church & Hall Administrator

Lynda McKechnie

Church Office Church Hall Main Street, Polmont, FK2 0PT  01324 715995 email: contactus@polmontold.org.uk

th

Monday 28 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall The Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * “International Desserts Night”

Website www.polmontold.org.uk

th

Tuesday 29 History Group * 7.30pm * Church Hall * Scotland in the 30s, 40s & 50s” * David Elliot

Breakfast Service For people of all ages

Wednesday 30th Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm – 7.15pm * Church Hall House Group * 7.30pm * chez Marion

Polmont Old Church Hall 8.30am - sharing breakfast in fellowship 9.00am - worship for young and old

You are warmly invited to join us for

9th October 20th November 11th December

the celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday 2 October at 11 am.

16th October 20th November

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES

5.00pm – 7.00pm

Sunday 13th November

in the Church Halls

10.50am – in Church 12.15pm – at Cenotaph

** Come

and see what it’s all about! ** 25