Issuu

Marriage and Relationships

Uddingston’s 150th Anniversary

Pages 2–3

Pages 13/14

JUN/JUL 2013

THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Rev Dr John Evans Tribute ‘Fish and Chip Babies’ Digging Deeper

New Elders Ordained at Craigmailen Church – Bo’ness

On Palm Sunday 2013, as part of their drive towards the future, Craigmailen Church has ordained two new elders: Mrs Heather Cullen and Mr Des McComb, and are looking forward to serving the Lord with their new enhanced team.

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N.B. The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly.

Advertising and orders for Stedfast should be sent to: Rev John Fulton BSc., BD, The Secretary, United Free Church of Scotland, 11 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PR Telephone: 0141-332-3435 Published by the United Free Church of Scotland. Scottish Charity SC008167

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Contents

Marriage and relationships

2–3

Marriage and Relationships

Moderatorial Year

5/6

More than Gold is coming to Glasgow in 2014

7/8

Digging Deeper

Busy Bees and Friends

Children at prayer

Dunblane Event

By Rev Archie Ford

11/12 Rev Dr John Evans Tribute 12

‘Fish and Chips Babies’

13/14 Uddingston 150th Anniversary 15/16 P5–P7 Camp 17

Book Review

Girls’ Night Out

Craigmailen Elders

5/6

I suspect that marriage and relationships has become an area of some stress for many members of the Church family. The array of difficult and sometimes complex pastoral issues continues to increase and many struggle to relate Biblical instructions and wisdom to the mire of modern day relationships, expectations and thoughts. In the early 1960’s when I was growing up, sex before marriage was generally frowned upon. Marriage between one man and one woman was for life. Divorce occurred but was relatively rare. Adultery was frowned upon. All was not perfect. A young woman who fell pregnant out of wedlock could be ostracised and dealt with harshly by Church and society. In some marriages women endured violence and fear. There were also homes and relationships that struggled on unhappily. Yet for many, family life was a challenge shared by husband and wife. It was built on the marriage vows that stressed the need for faithfulness, love and loyalty. There was also the

15/16

11/12

expectation that marriages would be lifelong and lasting. 50 years on Scotland is a very different place. Pre-marital sex and promiscuity are generally accepted as the norm and the pressures on the young to conform are considerable. The view that physical love between a man and a woman has its right and proper setting in marriage is considered somewhat out-dated and eccentric. Living together unmarried is accepted and may be understood as a testing ground to see whether marriage will be worthwhile. A significant percentage of children, 50%, are born outside marriage. The divorce rate had risen from 1 in 17 in 1971 to 1 in

every 2 in 2001. The result of this is a wide array of family situations, where many children grow up separated from one parent and homes increasingly include halfbrothers and sisters and a step-parent. I do not write this to condemn or cast scorn but to highlight the pain being felt by many people. There is undoubtedly anxiety about committing to relationships, and uncertainty about marriage and within marriages. It is in this context that the Church seeks to share a studied Biblical view and in which ministers, pastors and youth leaders are called to give advice, support and attempt to hold a consistent and Christ-like position.

Editorial Waking up to a snow covered landscape in the middle of May, it can seem like summer’s not going to happen this year only, later that same day, to be basking in summer sunshine. When the weather is this unpredictable, spending any length of time outdoors, one is very aware that God can bathe us in sunshine one moment and lash hailstones on us the next. Nevertheless it is being outdoors in all weathers that we can better experience and appreciate our great and mighty Creator. In reflecting again on the article on mission by Rev Dr J. O. Evans in the previous edition and the snapshots of his ministry in the Tribute by the Rev Jim Neil in this edition, there is a real sense of a man whose Spirit filled passion was to step out and follow his Lord through the high and lows of life. This makes his exhortation to be a “people on a mission” all the more poignant. On Saturday 31st August, at Dunblane High School, the people of the United Free Church of Scotland will be gathering to consider God’s Mission and God’s People. While these events are always encouraging as we meet, worship and learn together; I hope and trust this year you will take the opportunity to think again about John’s challenge to the church: are we ready to step out in the Lord; ready to shine His light into a dark and needy world; “are we a people on fire?”

Alastair Wright Stedfast Secretary

Dilemmas

• How do we teach our children the Christian understanding of relationships and marriage today? • What do we do when couples come to be married who are living together? • What about marrying divorcees? • What about same-sex relationships? In almost every case presented to ministers and pastors the people coming have their own understanding of what they consider to be right and right for them. Often views are forged by the world around us with a vague legacy of Biblical understanding. There is a sense that the Church should be loving, welcoming and inclusive and accede to every request. Yet for most folk who wish to be married in Church there is a desire that they may receive the blessing of the Spirit of God as they face the challenges before them.

By Rev Ian Lloyd

Moderatorial Year Some Final Reflections.

Marriage and relationships (Cont.) Pain The whole area of relationships, marriage and divorce is very sensitive. It affects our deepest inmost thoughts and attitudes. It defines who we are as people. Young folk looking for a life partner can be beset with feelings of inadequacy or question their own self-worth. Breakdown in relationships, separation or divorce is often marked with feelings of sadness, grief, failure, even betrayal or guilt. Pastoral support given by family, friends, Church members, pastors and ministers in such circumstances obviously demands compassion and wisdom. There is need for time to be given and an attentive listening ear. Faithful friendship may be sought by those who have deep feelings of having been let down. Sometimes we may be asked to support actions taken that were not right or good. In all of this, I believe, we are in deep water and we need God’s wisdom and grace.

The Spiritual Heart of the Matter Jesus speaking in the Sermon on the Mount about adultery takes us deeper and highlights the dangers of wandering eyes and straying hearts. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matt 5: 27-28. I would contend that we need to be aware that the mire of our present day relationships and the challenge to purity and faithfulness is a deeply spiritual battleground. Hence, we cannot be complacent nor should we think that we are above these trials or issues. Paul writing to the churches in Galatia talks of the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit and its

fruit. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;… selfish ambition,... and the like.” Gal 5:19- 21 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Gal 5:22-23 Such fruit are the ground of blessing in which good and loving relationships grow. The work of building good relationships and loving homes is not easy but requires a lot of work and dependence on the guidance and care of God. The task of the Church is vital in what we teach and how we live.

Pointers • There is need for Biblical teaching about relationships and marriage to better understand God’s guidance on these matters and the love, stability and wholesomeness of God’s way. • Such sensitive teaching should be for everyone especially our young folk, leaders, teachers, parents and grandparents. • Prayer for ministers, teachers, youth leaders, parents, grandparent as they teach about relationships and marriage. • Prayer for all who give pastoral support to those struggling with these issues. Pray for wisdom and grace in all we say and do. • Prayer is essential to us all as we seek to live as God wants us to live. It is one thing to know God’s way and another to live it out. Here we need the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit. Key to all of this – our relationship with God.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.” 2 Cor 5:17

Being Moderator is a unique (for a year) position and, for one mainly brought up in, and remaining in the sticks of North East Scotland, it is a broadening experience. And as one brought up outside the UF an enriching and enlightening experience.

I have said to a number of people, that what I have most appreciated through this year is meeting “normal” people. I mean that most of the time, involved in the wider church, we meet with Presbytery elders or Assembly commissioners. Visiting churches, you meet the church itself. Those who also keep it ticking week by week; those who have served in years past and for whom the weight of years, though keeping them for active service, still serve in praying and encouraging. It has been illuminating and helpful getting a feel of what the church really looks like.

government. It’s why we say it is “agreeable with the word of God”. Not just because we use terms like elder and deacon; but because it recognises our need for one another – it places us in families.

Isaac Watts has a hymn with the words, “Could we but climb where Moses stood and view the landscape o’er.” I wouldn’t go as far as that with this year. Nevertheless the time as Moderator does enable you to stick your head up a little to give you a brief survey of the church in Scotland, in encounters with other churches, church leaders, and even with a First Minister. I’d just like to inflict what has seemed to me important in this landscape view.

It seems to me vital in our present age, and with the battles before us, to understand where we stand and why.

Firstly Presbyterianism. For all its faults, I have begun to value more deeply a system, not just of government, but of help and accountability, both informal and compulsory! We are, ministers, elders, and churches still affected by the fall – independency of spirit, which is clear in our desire for independency from God, is given too much scope in independency of

It connects with Presbyterianism in enabling us to stand together for the long haul. We connect with what is behind, so that we can speak truly prophetically to church and nation.

The second connects with that: That we have and hold to a Confession of Faith. Sometimes we can feel this to be a musty old document of no modern relevance, but the Reformers saw the immediate need in their break from Rome, to define why they believed what they believed, and to be clear about it.

And as the ‘modernising’ spirit of our age blows fiercely, that we know what we’re about. We are standing on the shoulders of giants. I’ve been involved in the writing of three Panel on Doctrine reports now, and each time the Confessions of Faith, Westminster and Scots, have helpfully guided the landscape of our thinking.

Third – and it is in getting a feel for the wider church; and continues to reflect what I felt in my first musing. The sense of perseverance. We are in interesting

times. There is a battle going on over same-sex marriage, and it seems to me the next and bigger one will be not simply on multi-faith pressures, but to challenge our proclamation of the supremacy of Jesus Christ. That is to say, that like the early church we are having to run against the grain of the culture we live in. We need then not just perseverance, but cross-shaped priorities. To be ready to look foolish; even be a stumblingblock to our society’s goals. Many of us are still in states of shock at the rapid disintegration of our Christian culture – all of us need to be alert to what glorifies God. It has been a great privilege to be part of church celebrations – most recently Uddingston Park’s 150th anniversary, which in a way pieces all these together. Their entry into the UF born out of a desire to remain faithful to the evangelical gospel of the Reformers; to stay in a Presbyterian church; and in their work to reach into their community with the gospel that cuts across their culture. Likewise to have seen the Preshall Trust being given a home with Shieldhall & Drumoyne – and see the power of the gospel to transform lives affected by alcohol and drugs. In the end, for all that I would like to take a view across the church in Scotland, we have to remember we have a God who constantly takes us by surprise; and who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine.

More than Gold is

coming to Glasgow in 2014 These aims will be realised through the following areas: Hospitality

Christian churches have been involved in major sporting events for more than 40 years now; however, More Than Gold first saw the light of day in the lead up to the Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA, in 1996.

Since then the More Than Gold brand has been used for Commonwealth, Pan-American, All-Africa, Indian Ocean, Olympic and Paralympic Games. Glasgow 2014 has picked up the baton from London 2012 and all Christian churches will have an opportunity to use the resources of the More Than Gold brand to welcome visitors to Glasgow as well as connecting with people in their own communities.

The aims of More Than Gold 2014 are: • genuine and generous Christian hospitality in different forms, from simply offering free cups of water to potentially providing hundreds of ‘homestays’ for athletes’ families and much in between. • helping to provide opportunities to mobilise the many thousands of individuals who are part of Christian communities via the churches network to provide service and volunteering to the Games organisers. • pastoral or chaplaincy support linked to the Games organisers’ needs, including helping where possible with action in support of the social issues which will be accentuated by the Games. • providing quality entertainment via big screen family events in churches and their halls, Christian performing arts entertainment, other festival type events for all including creative arts. • encouraging Christian communities to use the games to develop sports opportunities for children and young people through clubs, activities, schools and camps. • a rallying call to the churches to pray for the success of the event and for all those involved including athletes, organisers, support agencies such as the police, fire and ambulance personnel, plus the wider public and the Commonwealth Games family. • these and more to help build a legacy of Christian love beyond 2014 in the City of Glasgow .

The main thrust here is the Athletes Family Homestay. More Than Gold will co-ordinate host homes for members of the athlete’s ‘support family’ (family members, team officials, personal coaches and friends). Hotel accommodation may be too expensive so this initiative will allow many to come to Glasgow who otherwise could not and will give the opportunity for Glasgow’s Christian family to extend a warm welcome to overseas visitors. There will also be a community focus to More Than Gold. Resources are available to equip and train churches to run festivals for the benefit of both the local community and visitors. It will give churches an ideal opportunity to re-engage with people on their doorsteps. In addition, The Salvation Army will be supplying canteen vehicles that can be placed in key locations in Glasgow, dispensing hot and cold drinks.

Service More Than Gold take social justice work very seriously and aim to liaise closely with Christian organisations dealing with homelessness, prostitution and human trafficking. There will be an emphasis placed on supporting the churches and communities in the East End of Glasgow. It is hoped that church facilities in the immediate vicinity of venues can be made available to support Games staff, volunteers and visitors. These churches have a tremendous opportunity to show hospitality and service in Christ’s name. Chaplaincy advice and guidance, as required, will be available within the Athletes Village. More Than Gold also plan to recruit and train volunteers as Games Pastors to assist visitors, particularly at transport hubs and anywhere else organisers advise. These Pastors will be based on the highly successful Street Pastors that already operate so positively and faithfully in the city already.

Mission More Than Gold will support and encourage Christians who take part in sport at all levels. Churches will be encouraged and supported to incorporate more sport into their programme and contribute to the “Active” legacy aims with age being no barrier! Mission Teams will act as a point of contact and manage groups expressing an interest in outreach activities around the Games. More Than Gold are also keen to see as many ecumenical celebrations as possible to bring people of all denominations together to celebrate and pray for the city and the Games.

Operations More Than Gold has staff and volunteers working in areas of communications and marketing to ensure information gets to all stakeholders, particularly the local churches. Our website (www.morethangold2014.org.uk) will be updated regularly and social media will be utilised to help spread the news. So, if you regularly use both, check out our Facebook page MoreThanGold2014 and keep up to date with the latest news through our Twitter account, @mtgscotland. Other important areas that will be managed are administration, finance, fundraising and budgeting. It is important that our resources and donations are effectively utilised to support all our activities. The More Than Gold team will be doing all they can to spread the gospel message, support local churches, welcome visitors and engage with local communities, but all these things will only be truly successful if Christ’s churches rise to the challenge. For this to happen we must seek the help of the all sufficient God through faithful and earnest prayer. We ask that all Christians pray for the whole More than Gold 2014 programme, the City of Glasgow, for all of Scotland and a successful Commonwealth Games where the light of God shines even more brightly and significantly than that carried in the Queen’s Baton Tour. Glasgow’s full motto is: ‘Let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of your word and the praising of your name’. It is More Than Gold’s prayer that the Commonwealth Games of 2014 will have this at the heart of our city and that all who come to Glasgow have the opportunity to witness a little bit of heaven in the ‘dear green place’.

Flexible Study

“But who do you say I am?” A personal reflection on digging a little deeper into God’s Word.

The big advantage of distance learning is that it can fit in with other commitments, family, church etc. So in one week depending on availability it may be possible to engage in more intense study while another week nothing at all. On one occasion I even had several months off for family reasons, and found I could pick up again quite easily.

Resources & Support Using e-mail for contact with the tutor means that getting help is no problem. The tutors are friendly and keen to help. If you live within travelling distance of Glasgow you can use the ICC library free of charge or join to borrow books for a fee. Books can be also borrowed by post. Each module cost £185 plus books and access to a computer is also required.

Busy Bees and Friends By Grace McCartney Spring came early to Northfield UF Church on Monday, 4 March 2013. Bees buzzed, flowers bloomed, and there was singing and laughter in the air! The Women’s Association (WA) ‘Spring Tea’ was a hive of activity. There was a balmy (and barmy!) atmosphere in the hall. As people gathered, they were asked to unscramble the names of 16 types of fruit and vegetables. After the President’s warm welcome and the opening prayer, those who had solved all 16 correctly received a caramel or creme egg as a prize. There was worship, poetry, music and drama. ‘The Bee Line’, written by the late Netta Begg (Arbroath and Carnoustie), was performed by 12 members of the WA:

For many listening to sermons and attending Bible Studies over many years still leaves them with a hunger and desire to study the Bible; the Faith in general; and indeed to explore their own theology in greater depth. However a demanding job, church work and family commitments can mean there is little time left over for this. The following is the personal experience of a Reader within the United Free Church which hopefully is an encouragement to others considering the possibility of further theological Bible study.

However any study, and particularly distance learning, can be a solitary experience. The most fruitful theology, both theoretical and practical, is carried out in prayerful fellowship such that the challenges become opportunities for shared understanding and experience. So while not essential, it would be very helpful if you had others to discuss the work with along the way. There are at this time at least 2 others from the UF currently undertaking study at ICC and, if you intend to begin study, perhaps you could contact church office to put you in touch.

At a recent church event some leaflets describing routes to further study were picked up some but had been ‘filed’ for future reference. Having had the opportunity to retire a bit early, the future had arrived and the chance was grasped! It was now or never for giving time to study. The leaflets were for the ICC (International Christian College) in Glasgow. They offer modular courses from interest only modules right up to degree level. Of particular interest was the Certificate of Christian Studies. This is made up from six modules chosen from a selection, there is quite a selection to choose from but it is advised to start with the module, Introduction to the New Testament. The course was in three parts, each with a separate booklet. The text for the course was, “Introducing the New Testament” by John Drane. Each student is provided with the name, address and e-mail of a tutor who contacted me and asked me to give some information about myself. I was ready to go!

While I have found the study to be beneficial for its own sake, for others there can be a goal to be attained. The Ministry Committee has produced leaflets on Pathways to Ministry which describes how progressive study can lead to becoming a reader, ministry assistant or ordained minister. These leaflets can be obtained from the church office. What can start as purely interest can lead on to other things, as the Lord leads.

I hadn’t imagined Bible study would to be so exciting and I really enjoyed the work. While the first module involved a bit of a learning curve and took a lot longer to complete than I had expected, I was soon immersed in the course and becoming more familiar with the process such that subsequent modules took less time. I also met another person locally from the Church of Scotland who was doing the same course and found his experiences mirrored mine. It was an encouragement to know that being stretched a little is quite normal! So, to be fair, while some of the modules can be more challenging, I generally found the work stimulating and rewarding.

Jesus commanded His followers to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This study is better equipping me to serve and I wouldn’t hesitate to urge others to give it a try – you will not be disappointed! Your spiritual life will be deepened and a richer blessing to others. Go on, give it a go! You never know where the Lord may lead you!

International Christian College 110 St. James Road, Glasgow G4 0PS

Highland Theological College High Street, Dingwall IV15 9HA

0141 552 4040 E college@icc.ac.uk

www.icc.ac.uk

www.htc.uhi.ac.uk

01349 780000 E htc.uhi.ac.uk

(Access Course in Christian Theology; 5 modules. £150 per module, plus books)

“We are busy, busy, busy bees. In all we do, we aim to please!” The two ‘Bees’ (Nida Buchan and Evie Bruce) visited each of the ‘flowers’ to collect their pollen. Setting herself into ‘flight’ mode with an appropriate wiggle and outstretched wings, before returning to the ‘Queen Bee’ (Lilian McPherson) with the precious gifts, Nida promised: “I’ll be-e back!” The pollen collected was none other than the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ (Galatians 5:22-23), with which gift, life at the hive would be totally enhanced and transformed. It was an excellent and very witty parable of the Fruit of the Spirit’s impact upon life in the Body of Christ, namely the Church. Forty-four people attended the fundraiser, not including the WA members. The event raised over £185, which was disbursed to various good causes at their subsequent AGM. STOP PRESS… STOP PRESS… STOP PRESS… STOP PRESS… STOP PRESS…

Ross Hammond, Northfield UF Church, has once again played his clarinet all the way to the Final of Aberdeen University’s prestigious Ogston Prize for Music, which took place on Friday, 10th May.

God’s Mission and God’s People Saturday 31st August Dunblane High School

Children at Prayer By Linda Burke

Do you remember praying as a child? Perhaps you remember a prayer you learned by heart; perhaps it was saying the Lord’s prayer with other children at school; perhaps it was a quiet time with a member of your family. Early experiences of prayer can remain with us and we readily recall words, phrases, the sound of a particular voice... even the quietness or the feeling of the place where the prayer happened. It is good to pray as a child as it becomes part of everyday living and can set us on the pathway of building that wonderful relationship we can have with our Father God. If children pray and have a sense of what an amazing gift it is for us, it is something they can have in their lives no matter their spiritual journey. So with all of that in mind, the children of Cathcart Trinity and United Free Churches have been building their prayer experiences together at Sunday Club.

Children have also been encouraged to have a sense of being still in God’s presence; of knowing and experiencing His love for us; and that we can be prompted by God during quiet times with Him. Our journey through E100 has helped us all, children and adults, to have a strong sense of being connected to God through Jesus – and being comforted and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. It is important that the children have a growing concept of the trinity and prayer is part of that language, thinking and spiritual experience.

Our children have been praying in pairs, in small groups and in a prayer circle. They have talked about the different aspects of prayer by using the prayer hand visual – each finger helping us to think about one aspect of prayer: praise; thanks; forgiveness; about others; for ourselves.

We have had repeated prayer for people who have been ill, given thanks for happy occasions, prayed for family members of the children, prayed about world concerns and situations... we have been able to talk about prayer for family and friends of people who have died and have given thanks for their lives – but, that we do not need to pray for them as they are at peace with God. And all of this, is in the context of praise and worship of our amazing God.

Before each prayer session, the children talk about what or who they want to pray about. It is important that children have prayer modelled, but also that they do the thinking and the praying. They are encouraged to be comfortable with their own language and their own ideas

Please pray for our children and young people as they learn more about God, as they connect with Jesus as their Saviour and as they are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

What does that look like for our children?

for prayer. When the children sit in a circle to pray, each child and adult has an opportunity to join in: we pass round a simple object (something a child has with them or a toy) and that is our marker for each person’s turn. If a child does not want to pray aloud, they simply pass on the object. But importantly, each child and adult is part of the experience.

Leaflets about ‘God’s Mission and God’s People’ will be circulated to congregations later in June and copies will be sent to those who attended last year’s event. They will give full information about the day including the range of topics being covered in the various workshops. The event will take place at Dunblane High School on Saturday 31st August from 10am–4.15pm. These events have proved to be encouraging opportunities to meet, worship and learn together. We are delighted that the main speaker will be Jamie Grant, Viceprincipal of Highland Theological College will be the main speaker in the opening session and will help us reflect on God’s big mission story from the people of Israel onwards. The programme for the day will be approximately: 10.00 – 11.20

Opening session

11.30 – 12.30

Workshops 1

12.30 – 1.45

Lunch

1.45 – 2.45

Workshops 2

2.45 – 3.15

Tea Break

3.15 – 4.15

Closing Celebration

Following the opening session there will be two series of workshops – each lasting for an hour. Among topics we hope to cover are: Tell It Again Derek Robertson shares experience from Bannockburn of developing ways of engaging with the local community. Music Alison Scott will help us learn some new worship songs. The story and challenges of Christian Radio Frank Hartley will lead a practical workshop on Christian Radio. God’s Bigger Picture Bruce McDowall willto help people gain an overview of the Bible and how the various parts fit together. Church Planting Athole Rennie will share something of his involvement with church planting in Leith to help us get a better understanding of what’s involved and to help us reflect on how we might be involved in such an initiative. Bible Study on Mission An opportunity to study together what the Bible has to say on this important theme. Learning from others Deirdre Lyon will share the story of her time with a church in the United States and how she is applying some of the experiences to the work here in Scotland. Drama Jerry and Elizabeth Averil, of New Scottish Arts, will lead a workshop on using drama in church.

Mission Catherine, from Cathcart, but working through UFM with migrant women in Spain will give an update on her work and help people think about how World Mission David Miller will help us learn from the World Church – What has the World Church got to teach us? Scottish Church History Dr Ian Shaw will give us an overview of Scots Church History (in an hour!). Children’s Work Charlie Morris of Urban Saints will help us think about what work with children and young people – whether or not we have children and young people. Fuller information will be given in the leaflet. Why not invite others to come with you – including your neighbours in churches of other denominations who might find the day of interest. As previously, there will be a crèche, children’s programme and teenage programme. Falkirk Christian Bookshop will again be with us and have a range of books and other materials on offer. There will also be a mission resource area where you will be able to find out about the work of a number of mission agencies around the world. There will also be information about More Than Gold and the many opportunities there will be for the churches to be involved with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games.

Please pray for the event and for those involved in planning it!

Tribute:

Rev Dr John Oliver Evans BD, MD, D. Min, QSM.

1936–2013

It was at Millerston, in his first full charge, that his gifts became abundantly manifest to the whole church. A special “Week of Ministry”and his work of building up his congregation during that first short charge left an abiding impression upon its office-bearers as well as the wider Church. Of special joy and satisfaction to him was witnessing the spirit move amongst the young people calling them into the work of the Gospel. Soon followed his work and vision seen in the Call to Renewal programme developed for local congregations. His gifts to inspire and mobilise people was self-evident and now being noted beyond denominational and national boundaries! During his long sojourn to New Zealand these gifts continued to develop and be widely used. Again a series of snapshots tells it own story:

By Rev Jim Neil

Heading up Scripture Union’s work in New Zealand for six years as well as serving on its Council for 20 years. On Board of Leprosy Mission, New Zealand

Rev John Evans was born on 2nd January 1936 in Glasgow. From humble beginnings he rose to attain high office in many and varied roles within the Church, both in Scotland and New Zealand whilst also achieving distinction academically in the course of an energised ministry.

Attainment of his Doctor of Ministry in 1979

From infancy he was reared by his grandmother following the loss of his parents. With his family’s long association with Lambhill Mission over successive generations it remained his natural spiritual home till his sudden and unexpected death on Easter morning, 31st March 2013. Throughout his life, no matter where his many ministries took him, John Evans never forgot his debt of gratitude for those whose witness at Lambhill played such a significant role in his Christian development.

Chairing the Evangelical Fellowship of New Zealand

In 1955 the Billy Graham Team came to Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall. It was on the closing evening of the Crusade at Hamden Park John at 18 years of age heard and answered the call to become a minister of the gospel. Soon he was cutting his teeth as a preacher in mission halls around Springburn and Maryhill developing his gift in evangelism. In time he was recommended to approach the United Free Church for acceptance as a student candidate for ministry. Amongst his early mentors within the United Free Church were the Rev. Gregor Cameron who became a loved and trusted family friend, as well as the renowned names of Prof. Allan Barr, Principal Charles Duthie and other eminent figures at the Theological College in Edinburgh who whetted his appetite for theological study and revealed in him a gift for expounding Scriptures. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Ayr and Dumfries. Simple snapshots of his ministry detailing where he laboured tell only of his movements in life, but behind each snapshot there is a gallery of images testifying to a man zealous for the Lord’s work, passionate in preaching and evangelism.

His most notable appointments were: Student Pastor at West United Free Church, Dalry

1959–1961

Student Pastor at Highfield Avenue United Free Church, Kilmarnock

1961–1964

Assistant Minister, South Congregational Church, Hartford, USA

1964–1965

Millerston United Free Church

1965–1969

North Woodside United Free Church

1969–1971

Plimmerton Presbyterian Church, Wellington, New Zealand

1971–1976

General Secretary and National Director for Scripture Union, New Zealand

1976–1982

Greyfriars Presbyterian Church, Aukland, New Zealand,

1982–2001

Then in retirement: Interim Minister then Pastoral Assistant in Forrest Hill Presbyterian Church, Aukland, New Zealand Part-time ministries at Paterson United Free Church, Stonehouse, and latterly again at Millerston United Free Church, where he worked tirelessly in his final 6 years till his sudden death.

2001–2003

Chairing the Westminster Fellowship of The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand

Representing his Church at world conferences Appointment as Moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in 1993 His award of the Queen’s Service Medal by the government of New Zealand for his voluntary charitable work within the community. John Evans was born with a heart for souls which gave of itself tirelessly to the end, casting visions in elders, pastoring his flock, making little concession when health gave concern. He has left a legacy for the whole Church and memory of his many qualities will surely continue to inspire those who were privileged to know him. For all his many achievements over the years he remained humble and looked on all God’s creatures as equal to him.

By Laura McKenzie

Montrose and Ferryden Ladies work to help ‘Fish and Chip Babies’ Newborn babies in Africa, many suffering from AIDS, are being called “fish and chip babies” because so many are being sent home from hospital wrapped in newspaper for warmth. When the ladies from Montrose and Ferryden heard the story, they decided to launch a programme of knitting little jumpers and hats to assist those tiny babies. Quickly and generously they responded by producing almost a hundred and fifty sets. Arrangements have been made in conjunction with the Glens and Kirriemuir Old Parish Church for their transport to Africa by Mission International a charity based in Dundee. The Photograph shows some of the ladies with the large collection lovingly produced. In both congregations, the ladies have enjoyed a full programme with a blend of devotional and other edifying subjects on their Syllabus. The members at Ferryden share a Fellowship Meeting with friends from Inchbrayock Parish Church on Monday evenings and Montrose members meet on Thursday afternoons from October to Easter.

John Evans loved to be in company and amongst friends – they were his life and provided the oxygen he needed Aside from ministry John highly prized family life with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed music, the arts, history, theology and following sport. In giving thanks to God for the life of Rev. John Evans the Church owes a debt to his family who stood by him and supported him throughout his busy life of ministry. To his children John, Elizabeth and Charlotte to his first marriage to Rae till her passing in 1997, and to Rita his wife these last five years we offer our gratitude and sympathy.

Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of thy Lord.

Celebrating 150 years of God’s Faithfulness at Uddingston Park

our oldest member, Elizabeth Thomson. Some very eloquent after dinner speakers including our guest speaker, Rev Dr David J Graham from North Berwick, reminisced about their time at Park. The church was open all day on Saturday 9th March for an Exhibition and Gift Day. The Exhibition traced the history of the church from its inception to present day through text, old documents and photographs that had been found in dusty old boxes and also newer photos lent by members of the congregation. Old church records of baptismal cradle rolls and membership were of particular interest to many as were photographs of bygone days of Sunday School outings and holiday clubs. Sunday brought snow but this did not deter the faithful from turning out to celebrate our 150th Anniversary with a communion service led by the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rev Ian Lloyd, who preached on 2 Thessalonians 2, v 13-17 encouraging us to stand firm in the Lord and to build on the last 150 years so that we might yet yield much fruit for Christ. The service ended with the playing of an Organ Voluntary, Park Pages, written and performed for the occasion by our own organist, Mr John Weeks.

By Helen Ooi, Member of 150th Anniversary Committee

That evening we hosted a Songs of Praise service for the other churches in the village and although it was still snowing the church was full. Each fellowship brought greetings and words of encouragement, just as Paul did in biblical times. We joined in singing songs of praise and thankfulness to God for his faithfulness to us over the last 150 years and the evening was rounded off in good Park tradition with a cup of tea and some “tasty bites”.

As mentioned earlier we held a Gift Day on the Saturday. As God had been faithful to us over some quite difficult times in the recent past we felt it was time for us to give something back to people who had a greater need than ourselves. One of our members, Mr Andrew Prentice, works with OM and he told us of the plight of the Dalit people in India. It was decided that we would try and raise £5000 through a Gift Day so that we could provide a basic church for the Good Shepherd Community Church in India. God has really blessed this project and to date the total raised stands at the sum of over £10,000.

Although we have enjoyed celebrating our 150th Anniversary – and it is not yet over as we plan a midsummer ceilidh! – we are mindful that our church is much more than just a building, however beautiful. It is a place where God’s people meet to praise and worship Him, but also where we seek to reach out to our community through our work with the schools and the local community association. As our forefathers pointed out all these years ago we have been given a position of prominence in the village so it is up to us not to hide our light under a bushel but to shine Christ’s light into the community over the next 150 years. Our prayer is that indeed we would be known as a fellowship that knows Christ and makes him known.

What is today known as Uddingston Park United Free Church of Scotland was founded in 1863 when a local preacher, Dr William Anderson, from John Street United Presbyterian church in Glasgow recognised the need for a church in the village. The land was gifted by a local landowner, Mr Poynter of Clydeneuk in 1862, contractors were hired and less than a year later Dr Anderson conducted the opening service on 8th March 1863. We read in the church records that the first plans for the church building had to be discarded as they were not thought to be worthy of the eminence of the position of the plot and a more architecturally pleasing building would have to be built which as well as being a “gem in architecture” would also “shine as a Star in the Witness-bearing for Truth”. At this stage it was known as Uddingston United Presbyterian Church but after the Union of the United Presbyterian Church with the Free Church in 1900 it became known as Uddingston Park United Free Church because the field it was built on was called “The Lady Park”. Finally Uddingston had its own church – a place where God’s name was proclaimed and where its people sought to serve the community they lived in just as we do today. These are the foundations on which our church was built and which remain today, namely “To know Christ and make him known”.

Although our church was open for worship she did not get her first minister until two years later when Rev John McLuckie from Lanark was inducted on 4th January 1865; he stayed with us until 1879 and was succeeded by Rev

James Gardiner from Cowdenbeath, a man instantly recognisable in the village by his frock coat and tall clerical hat, walking stick in hand as he strode along the village streets. He encountered a lot of changes as Uddingston was transformed from a sleepy village to a mining industrial area with an ever growing population. He was forced to retire through ill health in 1915. During this period Aitkenhead Mission station was set up in 1883 to cater for the growing population of 2000 Protestant inhabitants up the hill. A Mission Hall was built, partially funded by the congregation at Park. This mission station functioned under the auspices of Park until it became an independent charge in 1905 under Rev William Taylor. In 1909 Park Church gifted the premises used for the mission station to Aitkenhead UF Church which in turn united with Thornwood and Bothwellpark in 1933 to become what is now known as Viewpark Parish Church. We at Park felt that this history deserved to be celebrated and so a committee was formed to oversee the anniversary proceedings. A weekend of celebrations was held from 8th-10th March 2013. This began with a very enjoyable anniversary dinner on Friday 8th March in the Castle Rooms, Uddingston where we partook of a wonderful dinner followed by a beautiful cake made by

P5–P7 Camp

It’s always a great privilege to be involved in camp and this one was no different. It was wonderful to see the kids responding to the word of God and how it can make a difference in their lives. There was also lots of laughter and fun, which us big kids enjoy too!

It was a fantastic weekend full of lots of fun and exciting new challenges for the young people. Everyone had a great time and it was great to see the children making new friends, discovering more about Gods promises and hearing them make plans to come back next year.”

— Jennifer Paterson, (Teaching Team Member)

— Rachel Keane, (Teaching Team Member)

On Friday the 19th of April, fourteen young people, cooks, teaching team and leaders all set out for Lendrick Muir, Kinross for the P5-7 Camp. It was a lovely evening and an excellent drive through beautiful countryside to get there. Once all had arrived, we settled in for the beginning of the camp! This started with an information hunt round the centre, games, opening worship and then an introduction to what we would be looking at over the weekend; the promises of God. We looked at how God always keeps his promises. After this it was time for supper then closing worship and bed. Eventually there was quiet! Saturday morning officially started with breakfast at 8.30am but many were up before that full of excitement for the day ahead! We began with opening worship and then looked at the story of Noah and the Ark and how Noah was obedient to God and trusted him enough to do what God asked him to do. We also looked at

why God sent the flood. They made junk model arks in their groups and then we looked at God’s promise to never flood the earth again. To help them remember this promise we made rainbow fridge magnets. As soon as the teaching session finished we were straight out to the beach volleyball court and enjoyed playing together. Some even had their shoes off and enjoyed the sand; the sensible ones kept them on though as it was a bit cold! After volleyball it was either trail biking or the low ropes course. The children were excellent flying through the trails on their bikes or climbing up the ropes course and hanging off things! The leaders who came with the children really threw themselves into the activities. They all had a great time. After lunch the activities swapped over so that everyone had an

opportunity to try both activities and the adventure playground. When the activities were over it was time for another teaching session looking at Abraham and God’s promises to him. The children learned about Abraham leaving his country and trusting in God to show him where to go and also about God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would outnumber the stars. To help the young people remember the promise God made and kept with Abraham, they were given star shaped biscuits to decorate. It was then time for dinner and then getting ready for the party! We were all very excited and the young people had a great time doing all sorts of games and activities from ‘Pass the Parcel’, ‘Bring Me’, ‘The Dino Stomp’ and ‘Paper Ripping Pictionary’. The leaders were especially good at the

After Eight Game! The party finished after supper with a veggie tales DVD about trusting in God.

promises God has made throughout the bible and thinking about what they could offer to God themselves.

Finally on Sunday after a slightly later breakfast the young people looked at God’s promise to send a Saviour into the world and how He kept that promise in Jesus. They thought about why Jesus came and what that meant for them. They finished off with a craft to remind them of some of the

It was an excellent full weekend and the young people responded so well to the teaching. Thank you to Elizabeth McNaughton and Gordon Mackenzie for cooking for us. Thanks also to the teaching team; Ross, Rachel, Andrew and Jennifer, the leaders from the churches who came

with the children and to the Hartleys who visited on the Saturday afternoon. Thank you also to everyone who prayed for the weekend it is very much appreciated!

We really have so much to thank God for!

Book Review: The Intolerance of Tolerance (D. A. Carson) By David Cartledge

Many of us have grown up at a time and in a part of the world where tolerance was rightly regarded as critically important, the basis on which diverse communities could live together in harmony. Included in the various dictionary definitions of tolerance you would find, for example, the following: (1) “to allow; permit; not interfere with”. (2) “to recognise and respect others’ beliefs and practices without necessarily agreeing or sympathising”. The argument of this book is that in recent times there has been a significant shift in the public understanding of tolerance. Carson gives an example from the online Encarta dictionary which represents a shift in popular current usage. In its definition of the verb “to tolerate” Encarta has “accept existence of different beliefs or practices without an attempt to suppress them”. However, its definition of the noun “tolerance” includes “the accepting of the different views of other people, e.g. in religious and political matters”. As Carson observes: “This shift from ‘accepting the existence of different views’ to ‘acceptance of different views’, from recognising other peoples’ right to have different beliefs and practices to accepting the different views of other people, is subtle in form, but massive in substance.” Carson makes the point that under the old view of tolerance, a person might declare: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” (attributed to Voltaire). Under the new view of tolerance “there is no one view that is exclusively true”. Moreover, “intolerance is no longer a refusal to allow contrary opinions to say their piece in public, but must be understood to be any questioning or contradicting the view that all opinions are equal in value, that all

worldviews have equal worth, that all stances are equally valid. He observes: “To question such post-modern axioms is by definition intolerant. For such questioning there is no tolerance whatsoever; for it is classed as intolerance and must therefore be condemned. It has become the supreme vice”. By way of example he quotes Leslie Armour, professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Ottawa: “Our idea is that to be a virtuous citizen is to be one who tolerates everything except intolerance”. He further quotes the United Nations Declaration Principles on Tolerance: “Tolerance… involves the rejection of dogmatism and absolutism”. What then are we to make of the absoluteness of Jesus and his claims, for example: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14.6). According to the modern view when Christians affirm their belief in that particular statement of Jesus we are clearly being intolerant – though not according to the old understanding of tolerance. The same would be true with respect to a good many other statements made by Jesus and by the New Testament writers. According to the new view of tolerance we are required to accept that the teachings of other religions are as valid as the teaching of the Bible or the teaching of Jesus, which clearly contradicts so much of Jesus’ teaching. Not to accept the modern understanding of tolerance is to be intolerant. I strongly recommend this book by Don Carson as a “must” for all who hold to the uniqueness of Christ and the Christian Gospel and who want to be well prepared for the growing challenge of an “intolerant tolerance”!

Girls’ Night Out at Cathcart In the middle of April, Cathcart Trinity Church hosted 2 packed, ladies only evenings! This was a World Vision child sponsorship event organised by a team from 4 local churches – Cathcart Baptist, Cathcart Trinity, Cathcart UF and Netherauldhouse Evangelical. It was a great example of what can be done with good cooperation! Originally we were to host just one evening but having sold 350 tickets in 2 weeks, World Vision asked if we would consider hosting a second night – and with some trepidation we agreed. Carrie Grant, singer and voice coach to some very rich and famous folk, shared her faith journey through her life stories and told of her personal struggles. She performed a few songs alternating between piano and guitar. She has such a beautiful voice and a lovely warm personality. We were also entertained by Jo Enright, a Christian comedienne, with some very funny reflections. Tears of laughter were streaming down many a face listening to this funny lady!

The main reason for us all being there was to hear about the children who desperately need our help. Carrie and Jo both went on a trip to Uganda and we were shown a few video clips of their time there. The children and families in the videos live in such poverty, the kind we couldn’t even imagine. Being a World Vision sponsor to one of these children makes such a dramatic difference to their lives. It was a very humbling experience to be made aware of their plight. These events are sponsored by Boots and Cadbury and on arrival each of the ladies received a goody bag with some great treats. It was particularly encouraging that a lot of the folk who came are not (yet!) connected with any church and some of them admitted they were rather apprehensive about coming to a church and not sure what to expect. However afterwards it was great to hear very positive feedback from many of them who appreciated a high quality event. We pray that

By Lynne Kerr & Margaret Fulton many will go along to a church on other occasions and find out more about the God Carrie spoke and sang about. Throughout all the planning there was a real sense of God’s hand on the event and not even a major power cut on the second night stopped the event going ahead. Scottish Power arranged to have a generator rigged up and this was done less than an hour before folk arrived. The engineers who were there to repair the fault appreciated the home baking and the fact people did not moan at them. We give thanks that the lives of many children will be changed through a tremendous response on both nights to the invitation to become a sponsor. We pray that many ladies have been challenged to reflect on what was shared with them and will come to know the transforming power of Christ in their own lives. We pray the Scottish Power engineers will know His power too!.

DA Carson • The Intolerance of Tolerance • IVP £14.99 (Amazon £8.96 / Advanced Book Exchange £9.58) 17