An Interview with Duncan Whitty
Balintore UF Church Fundraiser
Page 2 By Alice Cartledge
JUN/JUL 2012
THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Bible Reading: The Elephant in the Room? Page 11/12
The sun shone gloriously on Saturday April 28th as did the fleet of cars after being washed by the young folk of Balintore United Free Church! The Easter Scheme this year was particularly relevant to us folk in the Seaboard Villages and the young folk rose to the challenge magnificently. A “Money Board” was created and the letters filled in with coins collected over a few weeks – notes were accommodated in envelopes!
They organised a Car Wash and washed around 30 vehicles; the owners enjoying tea, coffee and goodies while they waited. A lovely day of fun, fellowship and hard work in a good cause, was well supported by church folk and local villagers too.
Tributes:
The total sum raised amounted to £800. A big thank you to all who took part and all who brought the cars to be washed.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: How great is our God? The Road to London 2012 Get Spiritually Fit
Ronald George Thomson
Rev Donald D Wilkinson L.Th. We received news of the death in Canada of Rev Donald G Wilkinson who was minister in Dunfermline from 1977–1984. Donald Wilkinson was born in Glasgow where he became a member of Cathcart UF Church where he worked with the Boys Brigade and became an elder. Prior to studying for the ministry, he acquired thirteen years experience working in the architectural and heavy engineering fields. In 1972 he entered Glasgow University from which he received his L.Th. (Licentiate of Theology) in 1977. His first pastoral charge was in Dunfermline United Free Church where he served for seven years. He emigrated to Canada with his wife Joy and daughter Marian in October 1984 to accept a call to a linked charge in Ontario. Over a period of 20 years he also served with the Presbyterian Church in Canada in Prince Edward Island, Calgary and New Brunswick. Donald suffered spinal tuberculosis as a young child and this left him with a permanent disability. However he never allowed this to hinder him in his ministry.
We give thanks for his faithful service and remember Joy and Marian at this time.
Ronnie Thomson was a loud character of a man loved by those who knew him. He grew up in Edinburgh and became a draughtsman, the work he undertook for 50years. On meeting his first wife Myra, Ronnie became a member, Preses and elder in Partick UF Church. On moving to Glengarnock they joined Calder Church and Ronnie served faithfully in the same offices in Lochwinnoch for over 30years. He was central to all the work carried out in renovating and maintaining Church and manse and providing a lovely place to worship God. Ronnie faithfully visited the people in his district and was always available to provide practical help to anyone who needed it. He undertook regular home communion visits, was Presbytery elder and Commissioner to the General Assembly. He was a faithful supporter of fellowship groups and congregational services and events. Ronnie’s pastoral style was unique as seen on a visit to a lady with a list of ailments. Having listened to her for 20 minutes Ronnie piped up “There’s no a pun o’ you hingin the right way!” She smiled and brightened. He welcomed visitor and member alike with “Are you a visitor?”
Ronnie faced sadness, struggle and his last illness with the same determination. When offered a new treatment he told the consultant “I’m ready to meet my maker.”
Editorial Policy All Editorial Correspondence should be addressed to: The Editor – United Free Church of Scotland, 11 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PR Telephone: 0141-332-3435 Email: Stedfast@ufcos.org.uk
1
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
Copy is required not later than the 5th February, April, June, August, October and December, and should be written or typed on one side only.
2
Price £1.50