June 2010 Volume 13 Issue 2

Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Killearn Hoolie

Killearn Kirk was well represented at the Hoolie on Saturday 12th June Page 2 Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk Music Matters Waiting…

Greetings everybody! It has been uplifting and Eighty years ago, on the 13th July 1930, the very first encouraging to have the support of so many in the World Cup was played in Uruguay. This World Cup that last few months in helping the music at Killearn Kirk we are watching is the first one on African soil. Africa to move forward as boldly in the vacancy as it will has waited a long time to host the World Cup. no doubt do so when a new minister arrives. I am indebted as ever to David Munro for his enthusiasm On the 11th February 1990 Nelson Mandela walked and open mind in the meantime. free after his 27 year long imprisonment on Robben Island. The choir continues to lead the praise on a weekly basis and we have enjoyed preparing some excellent Every one of us, at some stage in our lives will have anthems recently. The tune of Fairest Lord Jesus on the to learn to wait. Waiting may be the hardest single last Sunday of Easter will have been familiar to many thing we are called to do. So it is frustrating when we – it originates from a folksong from an area of Europe turn to the Bible and find that God himself, who is all known historically as Silesia, incorporating mainly powerful and wise, keeps saying to his people, wait. Polish land, and the tune was known in Germany as ‘Be still before the lord, and wait patiently for him.’ “Schnaster Herr Jesu” as early as the 17th Century. The last command of Jesus to his disciples was, ‘Do The setting we sang made the most of the tender, not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my father unassuming nature of both music and text, and was a promised.’ And the Holy Spirit came upon those fitting conclusion to the Easter season. What a contrast disciples. was had on Trinity Sunday! An enormous number of composers have tried their hand with Reginald For Killearn Kirk, God has called us to wait. Why? Heber’s hymn Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Why does God make us wait? If he can do anything th For the service on the 30 May we chose a setting why doesn’t he answer our prayers now? Part of the by a contemporary church musician – Alan Smith, answer lies in this little phrase from the pen of Ben who has won countless awards for his liturgical and Patterson, ‘What God does in us while we wait is as organ music. The piece is full of life, and its regularly important as what it is we are waiting for.’ changing time signatures provided much amusement in the rehearsals leading up to Trinity! Well done to This is not a time for passive waiting around for all who were involved. something to happen. It is a time to trust God that his timing is perfect. It’s a time to roll up our sleeves If you are keen to try out the choir – whether to and work together in his kingdom. It’s a time to lift gain the reward of “cracking” a tough rhythmic nut up our voices in prayer and praise to the God we love. like Holy, holy holy! or to simply enjoy good hymn It’s a time to reach into the community with the good singing – please do come along. The choir is open to news of the gospel. all, regardless of ambition or experience, and we do try not to take ourselves too seriously! We rehearse As we wait on God let us hold onto this wonderful at 9:30am on Sundays. promise: Even youths will faint and be weary and the young As I write, I look forward to the contribution of some will fall exhausted; music in next week’s service from Alison Williams. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their As much as I enjoy playing the opening and closing strength, voluntaries each week, it will be lovely to have an They shall mount up on wings like eagles, oboe concerto – by Venetian baroque supremo They shall run and not be weary, Tomaso Albinoni - and I would ask that any other They shall walk and not faint. instrumentalists keen to contribute to services please get in touch. Remember, what God does in us while we wait is as Best wishes, important as what it is we are waiting for.

Robin Versteeg, Organist Alex Macpherson, Interim Moderator Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 3 From Rev David Munro The Locum Minister

14 Birch Road Killearn G63 9SQ 0000

[email protected]

June 2010

My Dear Friends,

Well, perhaps summer has come at last! – although I am not for counting my chickens or casting a cloot quite yet! But is has been a hard winter, and we all look for, and even need, better days ahead.

When we think of the summer, we all have our different thoughts about what we will see and do in it. For one it will be hill walking, for another sailing, for another mountain biking, for another playing or lying on a beach. I confess my thoughts would be of the latter, although I am not a sunburn seeker!

Not surprisingly when I was thinking like this I remembered something I had read.

It was by a Canadian lady, Margaret Fishback Powers. Let me share it with you – it has a real message for us all. It is called ‘Footprints’. You may know it too.

‘One night I dreamed a dream. I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

‘When the last scene of my life shot before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realised that this was at the lowest and saddest time of my life. This bothered me.

‘I questioned the Lord about my dilemma. “Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You; You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I am aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I needed You most, You leave me.”

‘But he whispered back, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. And when you saw only one set of footprints, I was not only with you. It was then that I was carrying you.”’

Hold on to that!!

Have a good summer, and may God bless you all.

David P Munro Page 4 Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk Figs and the Bible Christian Aid Week

The collecting together of Biblical material on a Christian Aid is about putting the Kingdom of God particular subject is referred to as ‘Systematic into action. It works with and for poor communities, Theology’. In this case references to figs in the Bible to express God’s care for humanity, to seek a more will be considered. There are a large number of just world for all. It makes common cause with all different fig trees. Many of them start their life by who believe in a better deal for the world’s poorest strangling their host and then growing on to cover people. It forges partnerships with organisations, several acres with many supporting trunks. These large involving local people to find appropriate solutions to trees are often referred to as banyan trees. However, the challenges they face. It tackles both the causes and we are going to consider the fig tree of the Bible – the symptoms of poverty, believing that transformation is common fig. For anybody interested it has a Latin possible and that, with its supporters, it can make a name of Ficus carica. difference. It insists in hoping and persists in acting for change in its many forms e.g. adapting to climate change, overcoming poverty, and empowering of people to determine their own futures and destinies.

On a local and more personal level, Killearn Parish has maintained its high standard of generosity in its donations this year, raising nearly four thousand pounds in Christian Aid week. In a year of recession, it was a marvellous total, more than last year. That money will help people of all faiths and none, and will be used through local organisations in 48 countries. In the in the Bible, and clad The money is never given to governments, the themselves with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7) after eating charity works directly with local organisations on the the “” from the Tree of Knowledge of ground. Good and Evil. Also in Genesis 2:9 the is mentioned. Do eat from this tree I should like personally to thank all who gave and also? the most loyal volunteers who give of their time, love and energy to collect the donations. Thank you to all Figs were used as a sign of peace and prosperity, for your work and your contributions towards ending “each man under his own vine and fig tree” (1 Kings poverty. 4:25). King ’s life-threatening infection was cured by “a poultice of figs” (2 Kings 20:7). He was Anne O’Neill, Christian Aid organiser king of Judah from 726 - 697 BC. Figs were stored in “pressed cakes” (1 Samuel 30:12).

Jesus Christ put a curse on a fig tree that was in full There are numerous references to the fig and fig tree leaf but had no fruit, as a good productive tree should in the Bible. This shows the importance of the fruit have had by that time of the season (Matthew 21:18- in biblical times. It is still very important today there 22). Did Jesus curse anything else? being well over a million tonnes produced annually. James used figs to describe appropriate Christian Living - “can a fig tree bear olives?” (James 3:12). Another unusual fact about the fig tree is that the flowers of the fig tree are inside the fruit and can not Figs are used to symbolize a great end-time meteor be seen unless the fruit is cut open at the correct time. storm that will occur as part of the prophesied Signs Fertilisation is accomplished by a very small wasp In The Heavens - “The sun turned black like sackcloth which burrows into the fruit. There is a different type made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, of wasp for each species of fig tree. In the botanical and the stars (i.e. meteorites] in the sky fell to earth, gardens in Bermuda there is a fig tree. It is very large as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a but caused no problem until the wasp that fertilised strong wind.” (Revelation 6:12-13). This was on the it found its way to Bermuda about ten years ago. opening of the sixth seal by the Lamb. There are now small fig trees growing in the forks of a large number of other trees and they have to be Lastly, Jeremiah 24 is titled ‘Two Baskets of Figs’. One continually removed. of the baskets contains good figs and the other bad figs. Read this passage to find out more. Laurie Crawford Killearn Hoolie

Fair Trade was represented at the Hoolie on Saturday 12th June

(see also article on page 5)

Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 5 WHAT IS OUTREACH ?

Everyone knows what the Kirk Session Worship, Many of us are not good at talking about our faith. Property and Fellowship committees do, the titles Perhaps we don’t want to appear too aggressive, or give it away, but Outreach is a wee bit more difficult. perhaps we don’t feel confident about arguing biblical Perhaps if it was called the Mission committee it points. Maybe we think we will appear a bit strange, would be easier to understand. We tend to think that as Christians are sometimes portrayed on TV. Perhaps mission only applies to other countries, usually in far because we are secure in our own needs we don’t see away and sometimes very dangerous countries, but the spiritual needs in others, and if we don’t see their mission, or outreach, is just as important at home. need then it doesn’t energise us to do anything. We go to church on Sunday and worship God, we try to live a Christian life and we feel comfortable about More than two thousand years ago there was a how things are going. group of fishermen quite happy in their comfort zone mending their nets when Jesus stopped and said A comfort zone is a very dangerous place to be. If we ‘Come with me and I will make you Fishers of Men’. are not engaged in Outreach we are a dying church. Now, He didn’t say ‘Come if you can be bothered’ or We must be willing to take risks, to change the way we ‘Go and be disciples to all the world but if you are too think. We must be careful not to rest in our ‘Comfort tired it’s OK’, he said ‘Come’ and ‘Go’. They went and Zone’. In a comfort zone bills are paid, the books it completely changed their lives and ours. balance, jobs are being done – by somebody – we have a permanent home, we know, look after and If you have any good ideas for outreach then tell me love one another, in fact everything in the garden is or any of the committee, if you think you would like lovely, this is called being in ‘maintenance mode’. It to be on the committee let me know, we need all is as dangerous as stepping out of a plane without a the help we can get. Please don’t sit and think ‘The parachute. outreach committee don’t do much’. Everyone in the church is on the Outreach Committee; we are the We will never build the Kingdom of God by maintaining ones with our heads above the parapet. Now we are the status quo. If we want to change this scenario then not fishermen, we are doctors, accountants, nurses, we have to start from ground level, we have to look teachers, engineers, etc., but the command is still the to our own spiritual development. We have to look same, we are continually told to be disciples. We have around us and ask what we can do to make people no choice, we either go or we are lost. However we do want to come to church, to say “Hey I want to have have a guarantee - He also said ‘I am with you always some of that; I want to feel the way they do”. to the end of the age’. We are not alone.

Elizabeth Mathieson

SONGS OF PRAISE

On Sunday 13th June, a very enjoyable evening of Songs of Praise was held in the marquee on the Glebe. Afternoon Tea was served from 4.30pm and then on to the marquee at 5.30pm.

Just over fifty people attended and I’m sure the enthusiastic singing was heard for some distance from the Glebe.

The music was supplied by Karen, on piano, accompanied by Scott and Tim on Guitar.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this evening a success and thank you to the organisers of the Killearn Hoolie for the use of the marquee and the chairs.

Elizabeth Mathieson Page 6 Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Killearn Kirk

Alpha is an opportunity for you to explore the Christian Faith

The Course is based around small groups and hosted by two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion.

A typical evening lasts about 1.5 hours where the group will get to know each other, continue discussion and deepen friendships.

2nd SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 7PM - 8.30PM IN TIM’S HOME

The first meeting does not follow this pattern and will start on Sunday 18th July. Thereafter it will be 2nd Sunday of the month. Supper will be provided.

For further details and to book a place Contact Tim: [email protected]

Have a chat - Hear a short talk Explore and Discover a different aspect of the Christian Faith Voice your thoughts and opinions Enjoy some food in a relaxed atmosphere.

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 7 Killearn Kirk Officebearers Personalia

Locum Minister Rev. D.P.Munro FUNERAL 14 Birch Road 550098 Session Clerk Chris Williams 1 April 2010 Blair House, Croftamie 660020 Mr Stuart Doherty Treasurer Graeme Simmers C.B.E. 7 Birch Road Kincaple, Boquhan 440375 Church Officer Angus Macdonald BAPTISM 16 Buchanan Road 550510 Roll Keeper Kirsty Smith 23 May 2010 26 New Endrick Road 550654 Sophie Kate O’Neill Organist Robin Versteeg daughter of Colin and Nicola O’Neill 26 Culcreuch Ave, Fintry 860189 granddaughter of Nigel and Marcia Kelly 1 Birch Road

Leprosy Mission Stamp Collection Kirk Kids I have now delivered one large bag and three carrier bags to Stirling, and have received a very grateful letter Kirk Kids is the Sunday morning club for children of thanks from Mrs Love. I hereby pass on my thanks aged 3 to 11 (P7), running from 10.25am to 11.30am to all who contributed stamps – keep them coming. during the morning service. We run during school The effort to eradicate leprosy in the world is never term time, with alternative arrangements during the ending, but we are winning. school holidays.

Jim Fallas This term we are having a change with each leader taking it in turn to lead the whole group in activities. This has been good fun and we have had lots of different things to do and learn about.

Our last meeting of the session will be on Sunday 20th Nominating Committee June, and we will meet again after the schools go back on Sunday 22 August. Report During the break the crèche will be available each The Committee are continuing their work in finding a week for under 3s. Any older children who wish to new minister for Killearn. bring a game, book or toy to play with are welcome After much deliberation and consideration regarding to join them in the hall. the applications received, the nominating committee subsequently re-advertised the position of minister at We hope all Kirk Kids have a lovely summer break and Killearn Kirk in May’s issue of Life and Work. look forward to seeing you all again in August. We have received a number of responses to this advert and members may be rest assured that the Committee If any other children are interested in joining us, please are continuing to be actively engaged in our search come along on a Sunday morning and see what we for a new minister. are doing, you will be very welcome.

Carole Young, Clerk, Nominating Committee The Kirk Kids Team

Killearn Kirk is a Charity Registered in Scotland No SC012140 Killearn Kirk Tidings is produced by: Tony Kidd (tel 550748) - [email protected] Laurie Crawford (tel 550525) - [email protected] Printed by Shedden Macintosh (Scott Macintosh tel 550794 - [email protected]) Page 8 Summer Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Killearn Kirk

YOUTH CLUB Offering various activities: Table tennis, Wii, music, pool, etc. 10 minute discussion time based around a theme

TUCK SHOP MUSIC Bring your own ipod and plug into sound system A new addition in September will be a music room. Bring your own instrument. Come along and beat the beat !

FRIDAY EVENINGS 8PM – 9.30PM IN KILLEARN KIRK HALLS Summer arrangements 16 July 23 July 30 July 6 Aug Restart every Friday evening on 27 August 2010

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE