Twinspire Issue 74

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

ADVENT 2017 ISSUE 74 Scottish Charity Number – SC003421

Twinspire #74 ď – November 2017

Sunday 3rd December * 1st Sunday in Advent Morning Service at 11.00am in Church Communion Service at 3.00pm in Session House Thursday 7th December Service of Remembrance at 7.00pm in Church Sunday 10th December * 2nd Sunday in Advent Kidzone Nativity at 11.00am in Church Sunday 17th December * 3rd Sunday in Advent Morning Service at 11.00am in Church Christingle Service at 4.00pm in Church Messy Church / Kidzone Christmas Party at 5.00pm in Church Hall Sunday 24th December * 4th Sunday in Advent / Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols Service at 11.00am in Church Watchnight Service at 11.00pm in Church Monday 25th December * Christmas Day Christmas Day Service at 10.30am in Church Sunday 31st December Morning Service at 11.00am in Church

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

My third Christmas in Polmont…

After I received, from members of the congregation, the signs of shared ministry at my ordination and induction service in March 2015, the responses were these words, together may we listen for the Word of God… together may we live out our baptism as a loving community in Christ… together may we celebrate the Meal of the Kingdom…

I can only be grateful for how blessings from above allowed me, and continue to allow me, to shape my ministry with and through you. A lot of hard work is done by so many; encouragement is given to me through gracious acts and words; ways in which we have been able to share worship with St John’s Church from Linlithgow have emerged.

All this happened within the light of God’s grace.

Sad things have happened too. We have lost members through death. But the thanks giving for and celebration of their lives happened within the light of our risen Lord.

My prayers for you remain that you will stand firm in faith. If only we had the faith of the child that came home from school and said to his mum: ‘On my way home, I waved to Lord Jesus! ‘Child’, his mum said, ‘You surely did not see Lord Jesus’. The child answered: ‘No mum, I didn’t, but He saw me!’

However, faith is challenged.

Terror attacks took the lives of many this year and after the Manchester bombing, the ‘one love Manchester’ concert was held to raise funds for the victims. It was there and then, that the voice of a young person spoke these words: “I’m not going to let go of hope, I’m not going to let go of love, I’m not going to let go of God.”….a plea, not to let go of God, from one of today’s big popstars, Justin Bieber.

Now we are moving into Advent and so towards Christmas. My third one in Polmont, when we again will remember and celebrate that it was God’s initiative to present Himself within the world; to be born in the cold darkness, like so many vulnerable children, then and now. Doing what He did, God hoped and keeps hoping that we choose to be part of and take part in His story with people. A story in which this secret lies: the biblical reality that God does not let go of us; a mystery that has been, is being and will continue to be witnessed by many, including this young person from whom one might never have expected such a plea: not to let go of hope, not to let go of love, not to let go of God… We love because He first loved us (1John 4:19) It is with thanks and love that I wish you all a blessed Christmas.

Debbie

Good News from Heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing To us this day a Child is given To crown us with the joy of Heaven ~ Martin Luther ~ 1531

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

FINANCE REPORT Alison writes:

September and October 2017

Our plans for winter music are well under way, now including an impromptu concert for the Age Concern Wednesday Club on 15th November – a programme of choir favourites, conjured up in response to a plea for help from the Club after a cancellation at unavoidably short notice. “How can we keep from singing?”– in a nutshell!

The Finance Committee would like to acknowledge the dedication of our late Treasurer, John Wotherspoon. John has left the church with a system of financial management which should help us to avoid getting into financial difficulties in the future. In due course the Kirk Session will need to appoint a new treasurer, and until then the remaining members of the Finance Committee will handle the church's financial affairs.

We shall be having fun with several Carol Singing events, listed below – these are all open to anyone who would like to join in. As well as the traditional carols, we have added some very attractive French and Polish carols for variety.

Just let Alison know, or speak to one of the choir members. Or just come along and share a carol sheet!

Over September and October 2017, income continued from the Jimmy Reilly legacy, ACTS (After Church Teas), sales of cards and jam, and from the Lunch Bunch. Thanks go to the Fundraising Committee and all those involved in organising the Quiz Night, which raised around £700. The "Pop-Up Christmas Shopping" event at the start of November was also a success, raising around £800.

There shall also be instrumental music – the Polmont Junior Strings (aka the P.J.s) along with some enterprising adult learners, playing carols at The Claremont Inn on Sunday afternoon, 17th Dec, between 2.30 and 4pm. If you fancy dusting down your clarinet, or tuning up that cello, do come and join the fun! The collection shall be for Polmont Old Church funds.

Tuesday 5th

There have been a number of special collections over September and October. The retiring offering at the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade opening parade raised £200.58 which was divided between the two groups. The retiring offering at the October communion was for "Guide Dogs for the Blind" and raised £171.75.

The following week at the Harvest Thanksgiving Service we received £145 of cash donations (as well as a significant amount of gifts of food) which was all passed on to the Falkirk Foodbank.

We also sent £144.84 to the DEC Emergency Appeal for the displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar. This was raised through our "Jars of Grace" initiative. Thank you to everyone who has given generously to any of these causes.

10.30am – 11.30am Practice in Large Hall 1.00pm – 3.00pm Falkirk Blind Club - concert + buffet in Westfield Stadium + Violin group

Sunday 17th

2.30pm – 4.00pm – Carol Singing at The Claremont + Violin Group

Tuesday 19th

10.30am – 11.30am Practice in Large Hall 2.00pm – Carol Singing at St Margaret’s House

Friday 22nd

Finally, we are very pleased to be able to confirm that Suez Communities Trust (the landfill fund) has awarded us a grant of up to £17,115 to help with the costs of refurbishing the church hall, subject to meeting their funding requirements.

We anticipate that we will be required to contribute between £4,000 and £5,000 to this work.

6.30pm – Carol Singing at Maddiston Primary School

Lessons and Carols shall take place in the church on Sunday 24th, 11am. Our choir anthem for Watchnight Service later that evening is Harold Darke’s beautiful setting of “In the bleak midwinter”.

The Finance Committee

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 Since Polmont Community Council relinquished arranging the annual Armistice Service at the Cenotaph, Ian has taken on this responsibility.

SESSION CLERK HONOURED Ian McLean was ordained an elder at Polmont Old on 7th March 1985. We give thanks to God for his work and witness in this church, but this morning I especially want to acknowledge the work of Ian as Session Clerk. On the retiral of the previous Session Clerk, Norman Ferguson, Ian was appointed to the position on 24th March 1987.

But the biggest changes are the requirements of Falkirk Presbytery and Church HQ at 121 in Edinburgh. Child Protection requirements were introduced, now called Safeguarding. Attestation requirements for Presbytery – checks on minute recording, church rolls, baptismal register, financial accounts, property register – just a few things to keep track of! The biggest change is the requirements of OSCR (Office of Scottish Charity Regulator). As well as Presbytery, OSCR has to approve the church accounts and receive various statistical data.

Ian has served as Session Clerk during 5 ministries: Hugh Talman (1987); Graham Thain (1988 – 1999); Bill McKaig (2000 – 2003); Jerome O’Brien (2004 – 2013); and our present minister, Debbie (from 2015).

Polmont Old has also changed from being a Quod Omnia system of Kirk Session and Board back to a Unitary Constitution (Session only).

As Session Clerk, he prepares the meeting agenda, in conjunction with the minister, and records the minute as a record of what has been discussed. For many years, this was carried out long-hand (with fountain pen and ink!!), written down in the minute book / ledger (probably bound by Dunn & Wilson), and read out at the next meeting as a true record of what had taken place. After approval from the Session, the minute was signed off by the Session Clerk and Minister (with the use of ink and blotting paper).

We are all called to proclaim the Gospel and I am sure Ian would agree that it is a great privilege to be called to this service as elder and Session Clerk. We thank Ian for his unstinting work as Session Clerk and ask him to come forward to receive a Long Service certificate and small gift on behalf of the Session and Congregation.

Keith C Macdonald

Fortunately times have changed and this is now recorded on computer and the report emailed to the Session members in advance of the meeting.

NB. Being an avid railway enthusiast, Ian received a framed print of the Flying Scotsman.

PRESENTATION

Ian also brings to the meeting any correspondence he has received, and he writes letters as required to the appropriate organisations, businesses, Church of Scotland HQ in Edinburgh, church members etc. Normally Session Clerks do not have a district to visit, but Ian insisted that he wished to continue to do this.

Also receiving a Long Service certificate that day was Derick Turner who has 32 years’ service as an elder, being ordained on the same day as Ian.

During Ian’s years as Session Clerk, a number of changes have taken place.

After the Hall fire in 1992, the Session decided to add the Hall extension. A new manse was purchased in 2004; internal changes within the church have taken place – pews removed from the centre and single seats installed, a new Session Room built, a sound / Powerpoint system installed.

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 namely Norman Black, formerly of this parish and a regular member of the church choir.

COMMUNITY QUIZ

The choir took the audience around the world, not in 80 days, but just under 2 hours, with traditional songs from Scotland, folksongs from Hungary, a trilogy from Africa, songs from England, Wales and the musical “South Pacific”.

After cancelling this event in April due to lack of teams, we were delighted with the response on Friday 13th October when 17 teams took part, representing various church and community organisations, as well as teams of friends.

The conductor encouraged the audience to join in the chorus of “The Hippopotamus Song” and also to participate in “Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines”. Various members of the choir had solo parts in some of the songs, and John Blamey gave a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “The Green Fields of France”, so appropriate for Remembrance Day. Robin Bell also gave an organ solo, warning in advance that it would test the volume of the organ. I was more concerned about the church roof!!!

The event was sponsored by Andrew Fernie and Easyways Walking Scotland, and Andrew compiled all the questions. What made this quiz unique was that, for all questions, there was a picture shown onscreen.

Here are some of the questions, with answers to be found on the Congregational Noticeboard pages of this issue.:

The choir finished the concert with the Welsh hymn “Morte Christe”.

Round 1 – Scotland – Who designed the Kelpies and which way now passes through Falkirk?

After giving the choir a donation to cover some of its expenses, the sum raised was £516.

Alex Watson Fundraising Convenor

Round 2 – Dates – When was the Berlin Wall brought down?

Round 3 – Food & Drink – Name the classic fish and potato soup from the north east of Scotland.

MACMILLAN

Round 4 – Music – “Everything I do” was the theme tune for which film?

Although not a Church event, many of the team of helpers are church members and turned out on Friday 29th September to set up the Church Hall for the Coffee Morning the following day.

The set-up ran like a well-oiled machine, with everyone knowing their different tasks.

Round 5 – Movies – Who was the voice of Woody in the film “Toy Story”?

Round 6 – Locations & People – Where did “Oor Wullie” go on holiday?

(NB. The final 10 questions all had the word “Ben” in the answer)

On the Saturday morning, donations of homebaking literally flooded in, and with 5 craft stalls also set up, the public arrived in good numbers.

The sum raised from this event was £700

The generosity of the public in their donations for tea, coffee and cakes was most noticeable, and as a result the sum of £1236 was raised on the day.

CONCERT A concert by the East Fife Male Voice Choir was held in the Church on Saturday 11th November, when a choir of 36 men entertained the audience with a very varied programme. The choir was led by musical director, Marilyn Boulting, and accompanied by Robin Bel on organ and keyboard. A special welcome was extended to one of the more recent recruits to the choir,

However some people were able to ‘gift aid’ their donation, and with Macmillan able to claim back the tax paid, the final total came to £1345.

Many thanks to all who attended and supported this event, especially the team of helpers.

Alex Watson

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 was all down to the generosity of the congregation and some benefactors.

At one point during “the vacancy”, John adopted a realistic view of what should be spent on the Manse and managed to persuade Presbytery to accept most of his recommendations! Not surprising – he could be VERY persuasive.

JOHN WOTHERSPOON Tribute given by Norman Black at John’s funeral service Every so often, someone enters your life and makes a great impression on it. John didn’t just enter my life, he strode into it. A man of stature, confident, imposing, thoughtful. We originally met in Falkirk, where he gave an address on the subject of “tea”.

I’d like to share with you a tribute to him received from Rev. Dr. Jean Gallacher, Convenor of Falkirk Presbytery’s Property and Congregational Finance Committee: “I am truly saddened by the news you have sent.

Like many folks – quite shocked too. My thoughts and prayers are very much with John’s family and of course with the congregation. I pray that God strengthens you all at this difficult time. I remember John with great appreciation and acknowledge the incredible commitment he made to the financial wellbeing of Polmont Old.” As the church’s finances improved John felt able to relax the purse strings a little.

John was born in London, in Balham, in 1946, and, rather like myself, through his work, travelled a great deal. Perhaps that had something to do with our hitting it off right away.

He had local roots. His family came from Bo’ness.

His father worked in the pits and John still has cousins in Polmont.

Sadly, I know little of his early life until he began work. A brief spell with British Airways preceded his training as an accountant. He worked much of his career for Liptons (hence the tea talk) and latterly Unilever, ending as a Commercial Director.

John was also Convenor of the Community Council in Maddiston – where we both lived – and I was soon having my arm twisted … er, I was persuaded, to be Treasurer of that Group. John worked tirelessly for the Community. His fervour and determination to improve facilities and resolve local problems knew no bounds. He was especially proud when a new war memorial was built in the village. Muiravonside Country Park and the development of its facilities received his attention, leading to a new Growing Area. New equipment for playparks in the village, a Christmas Carol service ……. the list went on.

He met Margaret, his wife, in Sri Lanka.

Coincidently, his company bankers there were Standard Chartered Bank, my employers. His then bank manager (Ian Lorimer, who became a friend of John & Margaret) is a colleague and friend of mine.

After I retired, I met John, as mentioned earlier. I also introduced him to Rotary, via the Polmont Club. John’s interests and many commitments however precluded him from developing this pastime.

He supported Maddiston’s Senior Citizens and the Salvation Army. His close relationship with their band and musicians provided a good source for not only the Christmas Carol concert in Maddiston but, when required, a bugler or more for the Remembrance Service/s, here in Polmont.

And he wasn’t averse to arranging a quid pro quo with some of our choir and our organist helping out in Maddiston! How could we refuse?

Falkirk Football Club and Falkirk Bowling Club were John’s great sporting loves. He brought his passion and considerable talents to bear in pursuing these hobbies.

His background in accounting and business made him an ideal choice for Treasurer of Polmont Old Parish Church, a role he took up in 2014. As members of the Church Board, we formed another link, strengthened when I took on the role of Joint Treasurer.

Maddiston Community Council recently added the following tribute to their webpage: “It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our Chairperson, John Wotherspoon.

His refusal to ever take “no” for an answer and his stubborn determination to get the best for this community was an inspiration to those serving on

He was pleased to see the Church’s finances improve significantly over the past 3 years.

Regardless of his efforts and input, he insisted it

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 THE REASON FOR CHRISTMAS

the Community Council. He was a colleague and friend to us and will be greatly missed. We will never forget the work he did to make Maddiston a better place.”

A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the store elevator with her two children in hand.

John liked hymns with rousing tunes. In church we had another common interest - we both sang in the choir! We also discovered something else in common - a love for the operettas of Gilbert & Sullivan. John arranged numerous outings to Edinburgh for choir members and others who were interested, to attend shows.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Tea again! - who can forget the Lunch Bunch with John there serving copious cups of tea along with a free chat!

John leaves behind an extended family – Margaret, Ellen, Janet, Sophia and Ben. Also Ian, Jackie, Rachael and Emily. Our condolences go to them at this sad time.

John liked to tell stories - his trips across the world, places he had been. I’d like to finish with one last story of John: He had driven to my house in Maddiston to pick me up en route to a meeting. I got into the car, or tried to, to be greeted by ….. masses of dog treats, dog toys and a very friendly little dog.

I told John there was little room for him with all the dog’s things, never mind me. He just laughed and said “Foxy’s a lap dog- put him on your knee – plenty room for us all!”

Finally the elevator doors opened revealing a crowd in the elevator car. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids and all her bags of stuff in with her. As the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and blurted out, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot."

His heart was always in the right place.

The rest of the trip down was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be.

From the back of the car, a quiet calm voice responded, "Don't worry, we've already crucified Him."

RIP John

Stumped for what to give this Christmas?

To your enemy . . . . .forgiveness To your opponent . . .tolerance To a friend . . . . . . . . your heart To a customer . . . . . service To all men . . . . . . . . charity To every child . . . . . a good example To yourself . . . . . . . respect ~ Author unknown ~

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

PARISH REGISTER

DEADLINE FOR NEXT EDITION OF TWINSPIRE

BAPTISM 5th November Hanna MOORE Daughter of Garry and Laura

The next edition is due for publication on

Sunday 28th January 2018 Deadline for the submission of articles is

Sunday 14th January 2018

BLESSING 15th October Iona SYSON Daughter of Jonathan & Alice, granddaughter of David & Evelyn

@@@@@@@ Send articles by email to:

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

DEATHS rd

23 October Kareen MORRIS Mrs Jean Clark, a long standing member for many years at Polmont Old passed away in early October 2017, a day short of her 91st birthday.

Jean moved in 2010 to Skelmersdale, Lancashire to be near her daughter Carol.

Keith Macdonald

I would like to thank everyone in Polmont Old and beyond for their messages of sympathy, cards, phone calls, visits and many other acts of kindness during the recent difficult weeks before and following John’s death.

It is all very much appreciated.

Margaret Wotherspoon.

Polmont Church Hall, Main Street Polmont ~~~~~~ 11.30am – 1.00pm *** Coffees served from 11.00am ***

CHURCH FLOWERS You will notice that there are a few ‘Vacant’ Sundays during December & January, with no one listed to donate flowers, or offering to take them to the homes of our elderly, lonely & sick members. Please contact Eileen Brown if you are willing to help.

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ON HOLIDAY 21 & 28th December 4th January st

Twinspire #74  November 2017

THANKS!!

The Foodbank thanks the folks at Polmont Old for donating 145kg of food products from the Harvest Thanksgiving service on 8th October. A monetary donation of £145 was also given to the foodbank.

Keith Macdonald

COMMUNITY QUIZ ANSWERS Round 1:Andy Scott; the John Muir Way Round 2: 1989 Round 3: Cullen Skink Round 4: Robin Hood Round 5: Tom Hanks Round 6: But ‘n’ Ben

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

HOME-MADE JAMS & MARMALADE

Baby & Toddler Group Mondays from 1.00pm – 2.30pm In the Church Hall

FOR SALE in Fellowship Room Proceeds to Church Funds

For further information, please speak to Lynda  715995

PLEASE NOTE ON HOLIDAY 25th December 1st & 8th January

MISSIONS’ TABLE in FELLOWSHIP ROOM

** Christmas stock now in ** * Selection of Christmas Cards * * Novelty Christmas Gift Tags * * Christmas Gift Cards with Teabag, Coffee or Hot Chocolate Sachet * * Wrapped Gifts donated by members of the congregation* PLUS

All proceeds from the sale of these go to the Missions which POPC supports in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Old Favourites * ‘Cross in my Pocket’ Bookmarks *

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

We then began making our poppies for our wreath and understanding the role of the Royal Navy - how they help to keep us safe and how their role has changed over time.

We’ve had a great start to our GB session - after celebrating our 40th Birthday, we began our syllabus for the year, understanding the work of people who help us.

We began by thinking of how we use the different parts of our body to help others, focusing on hands, feet, hearts and heads, and how keeping these healthy allows us to be fit and well and in a position to help others. So we started off with physical activity, where Diane Dagger came and taught us a dance routine over a 4 week period. A huge thanks to her for coming along in these evenings to spend time with us.

After thinking about ourselves, we then thought about others who need to be fit and healthy when they help the community. So we visited the Bo’ness Fire Station where the crew showed us around the station and the fire appliances. On arriving at the station we saw an appliance head off to a call, and believe it or not, it was to a false alarm in Polmont. On their return, the crew explained to us all the equipment they can use, how the hoses work and everything that is within the appliances. They then gave us a tour of the fire station, including showing us where the calls come in, the mess room. We finally went outside where we got the chance to practise using the hoses. The girls were amazed at how heavy these actually were, thus showing us the level of fitness fireman and women need to have.

Thinking of helping others again, we have had an evening where we learnt how to do flower arranging, and made displays to take to people on their own, in hospital or recently bereaved.

The girls made cards with their own messages and delivered these out in November. Maybe you or someone you know received one.

We are now preparing for Christmas and look forward to Christmas craftwork before our party on Wednesday 6th December, which will be our last evening of 2017. Girls’ Brigade shall restart on Wednesday 10th January.

The girls and helpers would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and all good wishes for 2018.

Allison Andrews Officer-in-Charge

Returning after the October holidays, we learnt about the work of Blythswood Care and filled shoe boxes with items provided by the girls, to be part of the collection from church.

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

JUNIOR SECTION BB members celebrate 100 years of Junior Section with Giant Sleepover 10 members of 2nd Polmont Junior Section joined over 400 Junior section members of The Boys’ Brigade to descend on the Glasgow Science Centre on the 3rd November in celebration of the Junior Section’s 100th year.

The Junior Section members, aged eight to ten years old, came from 36 different companies from across Scotland to experience the hundreds of interactive exhibitions including the Bodyworks Exhibition, the Powering the Future Exhibit, a live science show, and the state-of-the-art planetarium.

John Sharp, Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland said: “More than 400 Juniors attended the Science Centre sleepover. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give young people the chance to explore new subjects, learn and have a lot of fun.

“We aim to inspire and encourage all our children and young people, something this experience at the Science Centre provides.

We are also keen to provide opportunities which are not always found in more formal educational settings, such as the STEM activities the event makes possible.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved, especially the 108 volunteer leaders we had in attendance as well as the centre staff who helped put on a fantastic weekend enjoyed by all. Without them, residential stays like this which give young people essential soft skills, would not be possible.”

The sleepovers have been taking place annually since 2013, and have attracted almost 2000 members, demonstrating the organisation’s move to encourage more STEM activities as part of its varied educational and fun programmes.

Helen Ward, Officer-in-Charge

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 ANCHOR BOYS We currently have 22 boys attending regularly. This year our topic is ‘Our Senses’ and we have had lots of different games and songs all about senses.

We had our Halloween Party in October with dookin’ for apples and lots of fun.

We will be going to see the FCT panto at the Town Hall on Saturday 2nd December where we will see Peter Pan. On Thursday 7th December the Anchor Boys are having a Christmas Carol Concert in the Church Hall at 6pm.

Tickets are £3 available from any Anchor Boys’ Officer. Please come along and support our Anchor Boys; there will be Christmas refreshments at the end of the Concert.

Everyone Welcome

Our Christmas Party will be on 14th December, then we will be on holiday until 11th January.

Thank you to everyone for your support with our Anchor Boys.

Carolyn Plenderleith, Officer-In-Charge

COMPANY SECTION REPORT The boys have been really busy since the last Twinspire article, they have been doing a lot of different activities each week, such as team building exercises; the boys had a challenge to build an operational model car out of raw materials, such as straws, cocktail sticks, cardboard boxes, cellotape and much more. They have also been doing some cooking, making truffles, as well as doing fitness such as press-ups, sit-ups, burpees and running.

Recently the some of the boys have been involved in Battalion competitions such as the Masterteam Quiz Competition and the Badminton Competition. The boys have done well and are awaiting information on the next rounds of these and any other competitions that may come up.

The annual Remembrance Service was held at the Church on Sunday the 12th of November. I’d like to say what a great turn out, despite the weather being a bit on the chilly side. All the boys were a credit to the company and were very well behaved.

Lieutenant Craig Fraser

POP-UP CHRISTMAS SHOP Thank you to everyone who came along to Polmont Old’s first Pop-Up Christmas Shop in November. It was a fantastic morning and we have raised £785 towards our hall refurbishment fund. Also a Big Thanks to everyone who helped with this event.

It was a great success And we look forward to doing it all again next year. (3rd Nov 2018).

Lynda

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Twinspire #74 ď – November 2017

THE FELLOWSHIP This was taken at one of our recent meetings. The speakers were Lyn and David Mitchell from Feed The Minds which is one of our projects. We had a really good turnout with 40 people attending. Feed The Minds is working towards stamping out FGM (female genital mutilation) which, believe it or not, is even happening in Scotland!! It was very informative and horrifying at the same time.

We will be having our big fundraiser in February, and the proceeds from this will go to both Feed The Minds and The Haiti Project (Mission International).

We all signed the form that I am holding, as they send it to their people in Kenya to let them know that we in the Guild are supporting them.

Helen Watson, President THE LIGHT OF CHRIST ~ Don Fishel ~ Refrain: The light of Christ has come into the world (x2) 1. All men must be born again to see the kingdom of God The water and the Spirit bring new life in God's love 2. God gave up His only Son out of love for the world So that all men who believe in Him will live forever 3. The light of God has come to us so that we might have salvation From the darkness of our sins we walk into glory with Christ Jesus.

Why does Santa Claus Like to work in his garden?

So he can Ho-Ho-Ho!!

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What goes oh, oh, oh?

Santa Claus walking backwards!

Twinspire #74 ď – November 2017 Straining to carry the beam that they'll be nailed to As He stumbles through the streets Heading for the hill on which He'd die He would die They take His hands, His mighty hands, those gentle hands And then they pierce them, they pierce them He lets them, because of love From birth to death was selflessness And clearly now I see Him with His hands Calling to me And though I'm not yet as I would be He has shown me how I could be I will make my hands like those from Galilee

POEM/PRAYER PAGE HIS HANDS ~ Kenneth Cope ~ His hands Tools of creation Stronger than nations Power without end And yet through them we find our truest friend His hands Sermons of kindness Healing men's blindness Halting years of pain Children waiting to be held again

VESPERS ~ A. A. Milne ~

His hands would serve His whole life through Showing man what hands might do Giving, ever giving, endlessly Each day was filled with selflessness And I'll not rest until I make of my hands what they could be 'Til these hands become like those from Galilee

Little Boy kneels at the foot of the bed, Droops on the little hands little gold head.

Hush! Hush! Whisper who dares!

Christopher Robin is saying his prayers.

His hands Lifting a leper Warming a beggar Calling back the dead Breaking bread, five thousand fed His hands Hushing contention Pointing to heaven Ever free of sin Then bidding man to follow him

God bless Mummy. I know that's right.

Wasn't it fun in the bath to-night?

The cold's so cold, and the hot's so hot.

Oh! God bless Daddy - I quite forgot.

If I open my fingers a little bit more, I can see Nanny's dressing-gown on the door.

It's a beautiful blue, but it hasn't a hood.

Oh! God bless Nanny and make her good.

Mine has a hood, and I lie in bed, And pull the hood right over my head, And I shut my eyes, and I curl up small, And nobody knows that I'm there at all.

His hands would serve His whole life through Showing man what hands might do Giving, ever giving, endlessly Each day was filled with selflessness And I'll not rest until I make of my hands what they could be 'Til these hands become like those from Galilee

Oh! Thank you, God, for a lovely day.

And what was the other I had to say?

I said "Bless Daddy," so what can it be?

Oh! Now I remember it. God bless Me.

His hands Clasped in agony As He lay pleading, bleeding in the garden While just moments away Other hands betray Him Out of greed, shameful greed And then His hands Are trembling

Little Boy kneels at the foot of the bed, Droops on the little hands little gold head.

Hush! Hush! Whisper who dares!

Christopher Robin is saying his prayers.

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 Whilst on holiday in Costa Del Sol in September, we stopped for a coffee along the front of Fuengirola on Sunday, and sat down next to a group of ladies, who were enjoying a good blether. I kept hearing a Scottish voice among them and I noticed it was a Minister. Curiosity got the better of me and I went over to talk with them.

The Bible tells of wise men Who came from the east afar, To visit a babe in Bethlehem Born underneath His very own star.

They found Him in a manger Wrapped warmly in swaddling clothes, And bestowed their gifts upon Him The very best each man had chose.

It turned out she was the Rev Christine Goldie from Bearsden and had been invited out as a visiting Minister. She said Philip Hacking had taken the service there in May and had enjoyed his time with them.

Now this story happened long ago, And some call it a fairy tale today But those who are wise STILL seek Him; They're the wise men of today.

The Church was started in 1964 by ex-pats, people who had been elders in their own churches in Scotland, and they started a church in Malaga. After the church became recognised over the years, it moved to Fuengirola, with a minister from Gibraltar coming by boat once month to take the service. When he retired, they were allowed to call their own minister on a 50% charge.

These offer up their gifts to Him That are found in different form, The gift we bring Him at this time Is a heart that's been re-born.

You may think this is silly.

You might not heed the rhyme.

But soon the wise men will see Him The unwise will be out of time.

I was sorry I hadn’t known sooner about this Church of Scotland, which meets weekly in The Lux Mendi Ecumenical Centre. They were holding Holy Communion on the same day as we were doing in P0PC.

You see, God commended His love toward us In that He sent His beloved son Who never sinned at any time Yet was rejected, scorned and shunned.

I talked with a lady called Betty Bruce and she told me she had a friend in Falkirk. But when I said we were actually from a village called Polmont, she then said “that’s where my friend lives.” It turns out it was Eileen Jackson from Polmont Park … A Small World, is it not!

Betty Glen

So remember this and teach your child No sin on them is laid The sacrifice He made from love With their love is now repaid.

Contributed

And is it true, This most tremendous tale of all...

Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue, A Baby in an ox’s stall?

The Maker of the stars and sea Become a Child on earth for me?

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.

~ John Betjeman ~

~ Emily Dickinson ~

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 The ‘Hula Hoops and Balls’ session had us all laughing out. We did our best and enjoyed the exercises.

WEDNESDAY CLUB

On 8th November we had another visit from Jay Silver - a very entertaining gentleman with a lovely voice. Again the residents from St Margaret’s and Ivybank joined us and enjoyed the music and love dancing.

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We met again on Wednesday 13 September and “In Touch” from Polmont entertained us on our first day. Everyone enjoyed listening to this talented Duo and they are also entertaining again at the Annual Dinner in January 2018.

Dates for your Diary 13th December * Wednesday Club Party Day. 10th January * Starting back date.

20th January * Annual Dinner at Greenpark Centre.

All members will be notified soon.

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On 20 September we had a return visit from Harry and Alex from the Falkirk Folk Club. They sang a selection of folk songs.

The following Wednesday a regular to the club, Moira Robertson, played a selection of wellknown music on her accordion. She always has us laughing with her many funny stories too.

ANN LISTON Ann, who was a member of the Wednesday Club for many years, and a member of Polmont Old was 99 years young on October 10th.

On 4th October Dennis Hunter gave us a lovely afternoon of country and western songs, and then Scottish music on his accordion. He always brings presents for the oldest lady and gentleman in the hall.

Ann is now in Barleystone and on her special day she enjoyed having quite a lot of visitors, flowers and presents.

On 11th October Lyn Holleran sang many popular songs and we also had a musical quiz which Lyn had put together.

Betty, Nancy and I went along to see her and she was looking very well and is now looking forward to her 100th birthday.

Our Autumn outing this year was to Pitlochry on 18th October. It was a lovely day and after a light lunch and some retail therapy, we returned to Polmont for high tea at the Claremont.

We wish her good health to reach her ambition of being 100 years old.

Sandra Gow Age Concern

The following week our popular Quiz Master, Wallace Simpson, had put together another Quiz with questions on General and Scottish Knowledge.

Everyone had their thinking caps on and there was lots of whispering. The winning table all received a small prize.

On 1st November George and Jayne from Crossford put us through our paces with exercise to music.

They are very good and everyone joined in and it was lots of fun.

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 problem is that different people see you differently. What one person sees as large ears and a crooked nose may look attractive to someone else.

THOUGHTS OF THE INVISIBLE MAN

So does it matter? No, it doesn’t. The person that you see is not the same as the person that someone else sees, and you can’t change that.

You can try and change your image, but others mix what you physically look like with your personality to give a rounded picture. When you start to mix in personality, then the picture really starts to look blurred. The personality that I think I have is not what others experience. Maybe that could be the heading for another issue of Twinspire

WHO AM I? Who am I? This question is not an invitation to reflect on the identity of the Invisible Man, but was prompted by a photograph. I was looking at photographs taken on holiday and one in particular that I was included in. Who was that looking out from the photograph – that surely wasn’t me! I don’t like getting my photo taken and I could see why. But then I had to ask, is that really what I look like now? Is that how other people see me? So am I the person looking from the photograph?

Only God sees the correct picture. This is stripped bare of what I think I look like and what others think. Image does not come into His evaluation.

Looks are skin deep and do not show how God will judge. What does he see when he looks at me? I don’t know, and I never will until I stand before him. However, I had better start to look for a mirror that reflects what God might think of me, if I am to have any chance of pleasing him. I am sure that what I think he will see will differ from my evaluation and that of those around me.

The other person that I like to think I am is the person that I see when I look inside my head. I still see myself as how I looked as a much younger person. You could still argue that I was never good looking even then. My hair was different, I stood straighter and had the confidence of youth. In my imagination I have not altered with age, as the photograph suggests – no, I still can’t believe that the photograph was a good reflection.

Time for some real reflection.

The Invisible Man

Talking about reflection brings me to the ‘me’ that I see when I look in the mirror, especially first thing in the morning. That ‘me’ is even worse than the ‘me’ in the photograph. I now try to avoid seeing myself reflected in shop windows and as I pass through M&S I avoid the mirrors.

These reflections are not good, perhaps better than my own mirror first thing in the morning, but still not good. I get around this by asking others what clothes look like on me – avoid the mirror at all costs.

This is how I see myself, but that brings me to how other people see me. I suspect that they see me completely different to my picture and my self-assessment. The problem is that people are seldom honest, if you ask them: “How do you see me?” They don’t want to hurt your feelings, so they answer the question with a - “you look fine,” - so you are no further forward. The other

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

THE LITTLE FIR TREE

As I sit listening to fireworks exploding all around, I recall that in my childhood we did not celebrate November 5th.

That was for English children. We had our bonfire on October 31st to burn the evil spirits. We set off fireworks to scare them away. We did go guising – no “trick or treat” (an Americanism) – but every guiser sang or recited, except the youngest. It was his/her task to perform last and say: “Here comes wee Johnny/Jenny – funny I’m the one who gathers the money.

Big long pooches doon tae ma knees Threepence or tuppence or three bawbees”.

This is the story of a little fir tree who dreamt of growing up so that he could go and be a Christmas Tree amongst the Humans.

The other, older trees, knew more about life, and they told him that being a tree with the Humans wasn’t as good as all that. But the little fir tree didn’t want to believe the older trees – and he didn’t have long to wait.

He was so pleased when one day some children came with their parents to choose a fir tree to decorate their living room. The children adored him at first sight.

On Hogmanay we also went out performing and when a door was opened to us we chanted: “Get up auld wife and shake your feathers, Dinnae think that we are beggars.

We are children come to play (perform) Rise up and gie us oor Hogmanay!”

As a child, I had a mental picture of an elderly lady – of course dressed in black – and wearing a large overall, dashing around with a feather duster. I knew full well that the house had to be spotlessly clean and shining to welcome in the New Year.

Nanette Hotchkiss

So he was dug up, then brought into the living room, where he was hung with decorations.

After they had finished decorating him, the little fir tree shone with a thousand lights.

Christmas was getting closer and everyone admired the little Christmas Tree. The young fir tree thought: “All the bigger fir trees were wrong” and he lifted his branches even higher so people could admire him better. Up till January, he was the prince of the living room, but then he started to lose his needles.

THE YEAR 1985

Now nobody looked at him, touched him, or even bothered to gather up the tiny needles that fell.

Then, the whole family decided to put him down into the cellar. The fir tree started to feel very sad that he had even been chosen by the family.

When I was preparing my speech to recognise Ian McLean’s 30 years as Session Clerk, I decided to check out some facts and figures for 1985 to relate to the children in Kidzone.          

After several days’ wait – it seemed never-ending to him - the little fir tree was replanted. He was so happy to be back in this good old earth that he’d missed so much during those endless days when he was shut up in the cellar!! Suddenly he understood that the family had left him in the cold of the cellar to keep him healthy.

Pint Milk Loaf Bread Butter Potatoes Tea Coffee Petrol

23p 50p 50p 5p per 500g 45p per 250g £1.30 £2.04 per gallon ie. 45p per litre 4 bed House £45,000 Annual wage £11,700 Prime Minster was Margaret Thatcher.

Keith Macdonald

Each year, the family dug him up again to put him back into the living room. He was very happy with his new family. And yes, in the end the bigger trees were wrong about something – some humans are good after all…

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 ‘TWAS THE MONTH AFTER CHRISTMAS

FUNDING AWARD

~ A Christmas Poem by Author Unknown ~

Polmont Old Parish Church has been awarded a £17,115.00 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust (formerly SITA Trust) for the refurbishment of our church hall.

‘Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd tasted All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

Funding will allow replacement of the hall's rotten wooden framed windows, repairs to roughcasting, fascia and gutters, and refurbishment of the hall's kitchen to meet Falkirk Council's food hygiene standards, in order to avoid closure.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared; The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

It is envisaged that the work will reduce our current heating bill of circa £6,000 per annum and enable the hall to continue to be used to provide catering to the older senior citizens and the weekly lunch bunch.

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

Ian McLean, Session Clerk, who is leading the project commented that “These refurbished facilities will allow us to continue serving the community and Church organisations in the foreseeable future.”

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---

Marek Gordon, Chairman of SUEZ Communities Trust added “SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding awards through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund – an important source of funding which came into effect in April 2015. The scheme is linked to the Scottish Landfill Tax and encourages landfill site operators to provide contributions to approved bodies, who can then pass the funds onto community and environmental projects. We were delighted to be able to offer funding to Polmont Old Parish Church.”

Ian McLean Session Clerk

I said to myself, as I only can "You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So--away with the last of the sour cream dip, Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip Every last bit of food that I like must be banished Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.

I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

SUEZ Communities Trust (formerly SITA Trust) SUEZ Communities Trust is an independent funding body set up in 1997 and provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund and Scottish Landfill Communities Fund. To date SUEZ Communities Trust has supported more than 3,900 projects to a combined value of over £110 million using tax credits donated by Suez Recycling and Recovery UK (formerly SITA UK).

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore--But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot, Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

WORDS THAT LEAD TO ACTION The annual meeting of the General Assembly, the supreme court of the Church of Scotland, may only last a week but its decisions result in at least year-long action in the Church and beyond. Decisions made several months ago are being acted upon now. Sometimes the Assembly calls for new initiatives while others encourage the Church’s departments to continue and expand ongoing work.

Responsibility for implementing the Assembly’s decisions lies with Church Departments, Presbyteries and sometimes Kirk Sessions. In the case of social and political affairs the Church’s opinions are sent direct to the relevant Government department or agency.

I hope this random selection of Assembly actions give some idea of the breadth of subjects discussed.

In 2017, the General Assembly: Recognised the quality care and support provided by staff of CrossReach (the Church’s care service) and registered appreciation for the work carried out to further the Church’s mission Noted with sadness that resources are not available to implement the Scottish Living Wage for all Church care staff and support steps to encourage funders to include these costs in funding contracts.

Encouraged Church of Scotland members in addition to their church giving, to adopt CrossReach as their chosen charity and make a regular standing order to support the work.

Congratulated the Guild on its 130th anniversary.

Encouraged Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions to consider their relationship with the Guild at all levels including support for Guild projects.

Urged Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions to engage fully in the “Year of Young People” initiative [of the Scottish Government] in 2018 Encouraged congregations and members to support and promote Christian Aid. Deplored the reported rise in xenophobic and racist attacks on people following the EU Referendum Instructed the Council of Assembly to ensure the voice of the Church is heard in the public debate around the Brexit negotiations.

Called on political leaders to refrain from personal attacks but instead seek to discuss and debate with respect.

Welcomed the engagement with South Sudan Presbyterian Church…and encouraged the whole church to pray for a lasting peace.

I am always impressed by the fact that all these calls for action or change, including theological issues, are made, not by a select few, but by an Assembly consisting of large numbers of ministers, elders and deacons. And when the General Assembly meets next year, it will be a substantially different gathering because a rotational system means different ministers and elders will have their say.

Continuing work of the kind outlined above, much behind the scenes, shows the Church is active and contributing to life in Scotland today. Snapshots of what is happening in many parts of the country can be found on Facebook and Twitter. (Search for “Church of Scotland”).

D.B.C. (ED. A more detailed version was submitted for the last issue, but I inadvertently omitted it. Oops!! Sorry)

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

But now to get my work on haun, I’ll hae a busy day, But losh the hoose feels unca quate Since they are a’ away A dizzen times I look the clock Tae it comes roun’ to three.

But for cuddlin’ doon an waukin up They are dear, dear bairns to me.

I enjoyed reading the well known poem “Cuddle Doon” in the last issue of Twinspire. Less well known is the following one also by Alexander Anderson.

Doreen

Wauken Up Wil I ha’e to speak again To they weans o’ mine?

Eicht o’clock! And weel I ken The Schule gangs in at nine.

Little hauds me but to gang An fetch a muckle whip – O ye sleep heided rogues Will ye wauken up?

Scots words: Hauds – holds Grup -Grip Loon – boy Gleg and fell – dressed and ready Coupied – tumbled Claw his croon – give him something to think about

Never mither had sic fecht No a meenit sees Clean Tam as ye like At nicht his breeks are through the knees Thread is no for him at a’ It never hauds a grup – Maun I speak again ye rogues Will ye wauken up?

Willie Winkie ~ William Miller ~ Wee Willie Winkie rins through the toun, Up stairs and doon stairs in his nicht-goun, Tirlin' at the window, cryin' at the lock, 'Are the weans in their bed, for it's noo ten o'clock?'

Tam, the very last to bed, He widna rise of a Last tto get his books and slate An last last to win awa.

Sic a loon for tricks and fun Heeds na what I say Rab and Jamie – but they plagues, Will they lie a’ day?

'Hey, Willie Winkie, are ye comin' ben?

The cat's singin' grey thrums to the sleepin' hen, The dog's spelder'd on the floor, and disna gi'e a cheep, But here's a waukrife laddie that winna fa' asleep!'

Onything but sleep, you rogue! glow'ring like the mune, Rattlin' in an airn jug wi' an airn spune, Rumblin', tumblin' round about, crawin' like a cock, Skirlin' like a kenna-what, wauk'nin' sleepin' fock.

Here they come – the three at ance lookin gleg and fell, How they ken their bits o’ claes Bates me fair to tell.

Wash yer wee bit faces clean, An here’s your bite and sup Never was mair nice like bairns Noo they’re wauken up.

'Hey, Willie Winkie - the wean's in a creel!

Wambling aff a bodie's knee like a verra eel, Ruggin' at the cat's lug, and ravelin' a' her thrums Hey, Willie Winkie - see, there he comes!'

There the three are aff at ance, I watch them frae the door.

That Tam - he’s at his tricks again, I count them by the score.

He’s put his fit afore wee Rab, And coupied Jamie doon.

Could I but lay my hands on him, I’d mak him claw his croon.

Wearit is the mither that has a stoorie wean, A wee stumple stoussie, that canna rin his lane, That has a battle aye wi' sleep before he'll close an ee But a kiss frae aff his rosy lips gies strength anew to me.

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Twinspire #74 ď – November 2017 For the bairn that was born that nicht i' the sta' Cam doon frae Heaven to tak awa' Oor fecklessness, and bring us a' Safe hame in the hender-en'.

Lord, at this Yule-tide send us licht, Hae mercy on us and herd us richt.

For the sake o' the bairnie born that nicht, O, mak us better men!

Meaning of unusual words: Tirlin'=rapping ben=through thrums=purring spelderd=spread out waukrife laddie=insomniac boy glow'ring=shining mune=moon airn=iron Skirlin'=shrieking with excitement kenna-what=something or other creel=deep basket Wambling=wriggling Ruggin'=tugging ravelin'=confusing thrums=purring stoorie=dusty stumple stoussie=short, sturdy child

Meaning of unusual words: starns=stars thrang=crowded quo'=said fain=want farrer=further sic a steer o' fremmyt men=such a crowd of strange men syne=since kye=cow strae=straw owsen=oxen bairnie=child fecklessness=weakness, incomptence hender-en'=latter days of life

Christmas Carol ~ Alexander Gray ~ 'Twas a cauld, cauld nicht i' the back o' the year; The snaw lay deep, and the starns shone clear; And Mary kent that her time was near, As she cam to Bethlehem.

When Joseph saw the toon sae thrang, Quo' he: 'I houp I be na wrang, But I'm thinkin' we'll find a place ere lang;' But there wasna nae room for them.

The Lamplighter ~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~ My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky; It's time to take the window to see Leerie going by; For every night at teatime and before you take your seat, With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street.

She quo', quo' she: 'O Joseph loon, Rale tired am I, and wad fain lie doon.

Is there no a bed in the hail o' the toon?

For farrer I canna gae.'

At the ale-hoose door she keekit ben, But there was sic a steer o' fremmyt men, She thocht till hirsel': 'I dinna ken What me and my man can dae.'

Now Tom would be a driver and Maria go to sea, And my papa's a banker and as rich as he can be; But I, when I am stronger and can choose what I'm to do, O Leerie, I'll go round at night and light the lamps with you!

And syne she spak: 'We'll hae to lie I' the byre this nicht amang the kye And the cattle beas', for a body maun try To thole what needs maun be,' And there amang the strae and the corn, While the owsen mooed, her bairnie was born.

O, wasna that a maist joyous morn For sinners like you and me?

For we are very lucky, with a lamp before the door, And Leerie stops to light it as he lights so many more; And O! before you hurry by with ladder and with light, O Leerie, see a little child and nod to him tonight!

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Twinspire #74  November 2017 FIFE PILGRIM WAY

NEW PILGRIM ROUTES IN SCOTLAND

During the 11th – 16th centuries, Fife attracted Pilgrims from across Europe to the shrines of St. Andrew and St. Margaret. They followed their faith in search of miracles, cures, forgiveness and adventure. A network of ferries, bridges, wells, chapels and accommodation was built to facilitate safe passage. Next year this route will be fully restored to allow the “modern day pilgrim” the opportunity of taking an inspiring journey by walking the ancient pathways and sites along the route to uncover Fife’s forgotten pilgrim stories.

Well not entirely ‘new’ considering they date back to the medieval times. ‘Rediscovered’ might be a better description.

Keeping in line with the trend of outdoor walking, religious themed routes are making a significant contribution, with many new pathways currently under consideration. In addition to the established St Cuthbert’s Way in the Scottish Borders, here is some information on two new Ways that some may find time to visit over the forthcoming Christmas and New Year Holiday period.

When it opens in 2018 the walk will be fully signposted to link up the Firth of Forth with the Firth of Tay, traversing beautiful inland Fife.

Starting at Culross or North Queensferry, the 69 mile path passes through spectacular landscapes, with views of the coast, Forth and Tay Estuaries and the Lomond Hills. It connects medieval landmarks, industrial heritage sites and picturesque historic villages on its way to St. Andrews.

FORTH TO FARNE WAY First up is the Forth to Farne Way, a 72 mile long distance trail between North Berwick on the Firth of Forth and the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne, that has been walked in both directions over the centuries by countless pilgrims.

http://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/FifePilgrim-Way_68.html

From the ruins of St Andrew’s Kirk in North Berwick, the Way is a new route that was officially launched in October 2017 and makes use of existing core paths and sections of long distance walking routes, follows parts of three well-marked designated footpaths such as the John Muir Way and the Berwickshire and Northumberland Coastal Paths, offering optional branches to places of spiritual, natural heritage and cultural importance.

Contributed by Andrew Fernie

Christingles are made from an orange decorated with red ribbon, sweets and a candle.

Several of the ancient Celtic Saints are identified with places along the Way, including St Baldred, St Cuthbert, St Aidan and St Ebba. Pilgrims travelled in both directions on a coastal route from Lindisfarne to St Andrews in ancient times, crossing the Firth of Forth by ferry at North Berwick.

Each piece of the Christingle holds special symbolism to help children understand the importance of Jesus and the Gospel, and its relevance at Christmas time.  

The Pilgrim Way can be enjoyed in any one of 11 short day walks, or over the course of a week with stops en-route at Dunbar, Eyemouth and Berwick on Tweed.

 

http://www.forthtofarne.org/

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The orange represents the world The red ribbon symbolises the love and blood of Christ The sweets and dried fruit represent all of God’s creations The lit candle represents Jesus’s light in the world, bringing hope to people living in darkness

Twinspire #74  November 2017

Welcome Team

Prayers

Readers

Flower Donors

Flower Distributors

Crèche

After Church Teas ACTs

DECEMBER

3rd

A

10th

A

17th

A

24th

A

31st

A

Derick Turner Sheila Redfern Eileen Brown Eileen Brown Susan Higgins Help Required Roddy Taylor Alex Brown VACANT VACANT Laura Moore Nancy Rule Isobel Wilson Helen Jeffrey Charlotte Alex Brown Margaret Slater Bayne Diane Dagger Janice Lewis Sandra Gow Ellen Wilson Elspeth Janice Lewis Wood Allison Andrews Janice Lorna VACANT VACANT Claire Lawson Morrison Farquhar Myra Turner

Isobel Thomson Helen Young Sandra Gow Ellen Wilson Isobel Thomson Helen Young Gillian Turner Myra Turner Isobel Thomson Helen Young

JANUARY

7th

B

14th

B

21st

B

28th

B

CONTACT PERSON

Alex Watson

David Syson

Jim Wilson

Elizabeth Wardlaw Jean Glen

Eileen Brown Susan Higgins Help required Help required Peter Helen Young Alex Brown Laura Moore Margaret Cowie Thomson Nancy Rule Val Hawkins Keith Val Hawkins Anne Fernie Elspeth Margaret Slater Betty Glen Macdonald Wood Diane Dagger Grace Hodge Ian McLean Roddy Taylor VACANT VACANT Janice Lewis Margaret Day Allison Andrews Margaret Laing Lynda McKechnie Eileen Brown Laura Moore Margaret Connor

BLYTHSWOOD CARE SHOE BOX APPEAL A big

Thank you again to all those who

filled shoeboxes, or knitted scarves, toy teddies etc., or gave a monetary donation. This year we had over 80 boxes and they are now on their way to people who are really needy and will appreciate them.

We hope the boxes will give Christmas some meaning for them.

Betty Glen

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Twinspire #74  November 2017

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Monday 11 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall

DECEMBER st

Friday 1 Share-a-Craft * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.10pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall rd

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Tuesday 12 Choir Practice * 10.30am – 11.30am * Large Hall POPC Church Choir * 2.00pm * Carol Singing @ St Margaret’s House *

st

Sunday 3 1 SUNDAY IN ADVENT Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.45am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am Youth Church * 11.00am * Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room Communion Service * 3.00pm * Session House

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Wednesday 13 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Bible Study House Group * 7.30pm * Chez Marion th

Thursday 14 Lunch Bunch * 11.00am - 1.30pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm – 7.00pm * Church Hall * Christmas Party

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Monday 4 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall Kirk Session meeting * 7.30pm * Session House The Fellowship * Christmas Meal * Leapark Hotel, Grangemouth

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Friday 15 Share-a-Craft * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.10pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

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Tuesday 5 Choir Practice * 10.30am – 11.30am * Large Hall POPC Church Choir entertains at Falkirk Blind Club * 1.00pm – 3.00pm * Westfield Stadium

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Wednesday 6 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall * Christmas Party Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm - 7.15pm * Church Hall * Christmas Party th

Thursday 7 Lunch Bunch * 11.00am - 1.30pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm – 7.00pm * Church * Christmas Coffee Evening Service of Remembrance * 7.00pm * Church

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Monday 18 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall * Christmas Party

Bible Study House Group * 7.30pm * Manse

nd

Friday 22 POPC Church Choir * 6.30pm * Carol Singing @ Maddiston Primary School

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Friday 8 Share-a-Craft * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.10pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall th

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Sunday 17 3 SUNDAY IN ADVENT 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 Carol Singing at the Claremont * 2.30pm – 4.00pm * all welcome Christingle Service * 4.00pm * Church Messy Church & Kidzone Christmas Party * 5.00pm – 7.00pm * Church Halls

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Sunday 24

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4 SUNDAY IN ADVENT & CHRISTMAS EVE Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am * Lessons & Carols NO Youth Church Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room Watchnight Service *11.00pm * Church

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Sunday 10 2 SUNDAY IN ADVENT Choir practice * 9.45am - 10.30am * Church Prayer Meeting * 10.30am * Vestry Morning Service * 11.00am * Kidzone Nativity Crèche * 11.00am * Fellowship Room ACTs * 12noon * Fellowship Room

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Monday 15 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall

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Monday 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Christmas Day Service * 10.30am * Church

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Wednesday 17 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm – 7.15pm * Church Hall th

Thursday 18 Lunch Bunch * 11.00am - 1.30pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall

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Sunday 31 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

Bible Study House Group * 7.30pm * Manse th

Friday 19 Share-a-Craft * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.10pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall st

Sunday 21 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

JANUARY Sunday 7th 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

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Monday 22 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall The Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * Mercy Ships & Bring a gift for St Margaret’s House

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Monday 8 The Fellowship * 7.30pm * Church Hall * Chair Exercises

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Tuesday 23 History Group * 7.30pm * Church Hall * Architecture of Falkirk District * Ian Scott

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Wednesday 10 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm – 7.15pm * Church Hall

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Wednesday 24 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm – 7.15pm * Church Hall Age Concern Annual Dinner * Greenpark Centre

Bible Study House Group * 7.30pm * Chez Marion th

Thursday 11 Lunch Bunch * 11.00am - 1.30pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall

Bible Study House Group * 7.30pm * Chez Marion th

Thursday 25 Lunch Bunch * 11.00am - 1.30pm * Church Hall BB Anchor Boys * 6.00pm - 7.00pm * Church Hall

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Friday 12 Share-a-Craft * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.10pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

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Friday 26 Share-a-Craft * 10.00am – 12noon * Church Hall BB Junior Section * 6.15pm - 7.45pm * Church Hall BB Company Section * 7.10pm – 9.30pm * Church Hall

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Sunday 14 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 Deadline for ‘Twinspire’ articles

Somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you.

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Sunday 28 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’ (Winter edition) published

Minister Rev Debbie van Welie  01324 715995

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Monday 29 Baby Group * 1.00pm – 2.30pm * Church Hall st

Wednesday 31 Age Concern Wednesday Club * 2.00pm * Church Hall Girls’ Brigade * 6.00pm – 7.15pm * Church Hall ADVANCE NOTICE th Sunday 4 February

Session Clerk

Ian W McLean

Treasurer

Finance Committee

Church & Hall Administrator

Lynda McKechnie

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

COMMUNION SUNDAY

Website

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God. ~ C.S.Lewis ~

www.polmontold.org.uk

COMMUNION SERVICE

Sunday 3rd December 3.00pm Session House

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE Thursday 7th December 7.00pm in Church A special time of worship for anyone who has suffered a bereavement during the year or at any time in the past.

All welcome

17th December 14th January

You will be most welcome

YOUTH CHURCH NATIVITY

5.00pm – 7.00pm

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Sunday 10 December

in the Church Halls ** Come

and see what it’s all about! **

11.00am in Church

On Sunday 17th December at 3pm we will have, a Christingle service. For those who are not familiar with a Christingle: it is an orange decorated in such a way that it symbolizes the world with its seasons, while holding the light of Christ.

Come and see for yourself!

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