APRIL 2012

Volume 50 No 4

How do you like my new Easter bonnet?

EASTER Magazine of South Parish Church EDITION

Giffnock Churches at Easter SPRING LAMB? Joint Services BOTH AT 7.00pm Thursday 5th April at Park Church Good Friday 6th April at United

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES AT GIFFNOCK SOUTH Plaque on the door 8.30am Easter Sunday Early Morning of Christ’s tomb in Jerusalem. Service followed by breakfast. Photo: Douglas Kattenhorn 11am: Morning Easter Sunday Service

Billy Graham Remembered And as he is today, aged 93 The Choir will lead the congregation singing ‘Billy Graham’ hymns at the morning service on April 22nd

Billy Graham as he looked in 1955 on his first visit Details on page 5 to when he preached in the Kelvin Hall

HE was the American farm boy who grew up to become a legendary preacher. So it was no surprise that when evangelist Billy Graham visited Scotland in 1955 he created a huge stir. His six- week crusade reached more than 2.5 million people at mass meetings and services and 50,000 Scots came forward to make a commitment. His Good Friday address to 's Kelvin Hall was broadcast on BBC radio to a huge audience - second only to the Coronation. He drew a 90,000 crowd to Hampden stadium and had a full house at Kelvin Hall every night for six weeks. Graham chose Glasgow to start his crusade because it was Scotland's biggest city and he had been told it was "the most sinful place in Britain". Graham has preached in person to more people around the world than anyone else and returned to Scotland in 1961 and again in 1991. Page 2 Wow! There’s not one but NEARLY NEW SHOP IS OPEN EVERY TWO very exciting bits of news WEDNESDAY AT 10AM. embedded in this month’s rag. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AND Have you spotted them yet? SHOULD BE HANDED IN AT 9AM. First is the formation of a community HELP IN THE SHOP IS STILL REQUIRED FROM choir and the second is the visit of 9.30AM TILL 11.30AM EVERY WEDNESDAY. TO Chris Hoon, both in May and there will VOLUNTEER PLEASE PHONE JACKIE IN THE OFFICE be more info next month. Watch out! ON 638 2599

Contributions for the MAY edition of the Sentinel should be sent to the office or emailed to [email protected] by 15th April, please. The Centenary—The Early Days NEWS FROM POLLOKSHAWS The editor asked me to bring of Giffnock South news from Pollokshaws as our usual correspondent Frances Macarthur continues Until 1916 our church was just ‘Church of Scotland, to sun herself on some exotic Giffnock’, a mission charge, with 299 communicants, 60 beach in Malaysia! adherents and 124 children in the Sunday School. The Like you, we are looking forward to the forthcoming total income for that year was £1,200 (which is Easter Season. From Wednesday 4th to Friday 6th in equivalent to about £45,000 today). The congregation th Holy Week we unite with our neighbouring Churches for met on 4 September "to consider the Church Evening Services at 7.30. On Wednesday the Service Committee’s proposal to proceed with the creation and is in Pollokshaws Parish Church conducted by Rev endowment of Giffnock Congregation into a Parish Seija Wallace of the Methodist Church; on Maundy Church", i.e. raising its status to a Quoad Sacra Parish. Thursday the Service is in Eastwood Church conducted (A Parish for sacred or ecclesiastical purposes). Paisley by Rev Archie Robertson with Communion by Rev Presbytery consented and fund-raising commenced Graham Cartlidge and finally on Good Friday in immediately. Pollokshaws Methodist Church, the Service conducted On 5th February Paisley Presbytery was petitioned to by Rev Graham Cartlidge. It is lovely to have this time consent to the erection of a Church and Quoad Sacra of fellowship with our neighbours. Parish at Giffnock and this was granted, forming a new On Easter Day Pollokshaws and Churches parish out of portions of Eastwood, and together will hold a Sevice at 8.30 a.m. in Auldhouse Mearns Parishes. The General Assembly passed this th Park after which we have an informal Communion proposal when they met in April of that year and on 10 Service at 10 a.m. in our Church followed by breakfast January 1919 the relevant decree was passed and (porridge, tea and toast!) and Easter Day Worship at Giffnock Parish Church was formed. 11.15 a.m. th On 28 January the Church was officially declared So it will be a busy but joyous time during this the most ‘vacant’ and the congregation then had not only to find important festival in the Christian calendar. a minister but to raise enough funds to build a proper church. During our current vacancy we have been happy to “let out” our manse to a minister from Brazil and his family. Giffnock South to benefit from three bequests. We do not receive rent but the utility bills and council tax are covered. Rev Kleber Machado, his wife and There have been three three children have been living here since August and legacies in favour of from our point of view it has been a good way of Giffnock South announced keeping the property occupied. Kleber is currently recently. Miss Steen attached to Carnwadric Church for one year while he is (pictured) who died in nurtured into the Church of Scotland and all being well November bequeathed he will be able to apply for Parishes from early £5,000 to the church while summer. They have all settled well in Scotland, the Miss Jessie Steen on the Miss Lily Robertson who older children attending Shawlands Academy and the occasion of her 100th Birthday died recently at Erskine youngest a local nursery school. We are looking Hospital left £8,000 with a forward to Kleber conducting our Palm Sunday Service further £1,000 to the Guild and £1,000 to the Flower on 1 April while our locum Archie Robertson and his Fund. Miss Robertson was actively involved in wife are enjoying a holiday in Venice. arranging the floral decoration of the church for many We send our Easter Blessings to all our friends in years. The third legacy is £10,000 from the estate of Giffnock South. Archie Sinclair the late Bill Walker ex-treasurer of Giffnock South.

I was driving this morning when I saw an RAC van parked up. The driver was sobbing uncontrollably and looked very miserable. I thought to myself: "That guy's heading for a breakdown." CHURCH DIRECTORY Page 3 Here we are at April in our Calendars. Where on earth did the first quarter of the year go? Of course The Minister: in the Church Calendar Lent is almost over and we Rev Catherine Beattie BDMin are at Easter, the main festival of our Christian 0141 258 7804 or 07709 086767 faith. [email protected] Easter brings with it so many images for us Church Officer: Mr Graham Morton The as Christians but when I think about Good 638 3594 Minister’s Friday and Easter Sunday, there are two Letter names, which spring to my mind – those of Judas and Peter. Both were followers and CHURCH close friends of Jesus and yet we see them both turn their backs on him in crisis. OFFICE HOURS Judas betrayed Jesus to the authorities, and helped in his arrest, which The church office is now open in the led to an illegal trial. Peter was identified by the crowd as a follower of afternoons from Monday to Friday— Jesus, in fact a disciple, but denied he had ever even known Jesus. “Not 2.30pm to 4.30pm. me,” he said, “I don’t know him!” Tel:- 638 2599. Email: In the space of a few hours both Judas and Peter realised how wrong [email protected] they’d been, what a mess they’d made of things. At this point Judas and Session Clerk: Tony Ireland Peter look pretty much alike. But then their actions make all the difference.

In his turmoil and angst at what he’d done Judas plunges into terrible 0141 639 6532 Home depression and kills himself. Peter on the other hand, who must also have 07831525513 Mobile been pretty low, hung on in there. He faced his fears and tried to pick up 01563 522137 Work mornings the pieces. In due course, Peter met the risen Jesus and was forgiven. He was then brought back to the fold and given a job to do. CHURCH WEBSITE: www.giffnocksouth.co.uk If only Judas had held on, found courage and strength to sweat it out. I think he would have been forgiven too. In my mind’s eye I see Jesus Scottish Charity:SCO007807 embracing Judas in love, because, of course, Christ’s forgiveness knows See your Sentinel online in full no limits. colour. Go to the church website and Two men, both made similar mistakes. We are shown there are two ways click on ‘Sentinel’. to deal with things when we get it wrong. One way is to let our mistakes beat us and the other shows us there is light at the end of the tunnel. TEXT OF THE MONTH The good news of Easter is that there is always hope and there is always Then Jesus said to Thomas, the chance to start again. Failure is never the last word. “Because you have seen me, you May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and hopeful have believed; blessed are those Easter. who have not seen and yet have believed”. John 20/29 With every blessing, Catherine. Come along and enjoy a cup of tea or NOTICES coffee in the lounge before the service ANNOUNCING AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE every Sunday at 10.30am. The Giffnock Community Choir “SING IT AND SEE” THE EASTWOODHILL A choir for all ages from S3 to 93 under the expert ANNUAL COFFEE MORNING direction of Jenny McLachlan accompanied by Ena Millar. Giffnock South Parish Church Come along on Tuesdays starting on 8th May from 7-9pm Saturday 14th April and enjoy singing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in 10am till 12noon ALL THE USUAL STALLS Giffnock South and meet new friends (and old). Ticket: Adult: £2 Child: £1 Donations of books, CDs, DVDs and Jigsaws welcome. Please leave with the Church Officer or hand to Alistair Park

1st Giffnock Brownies celebrate 90 years of Guiding in November. If you, or anyone you know, was a member of this pack please leave your details with the office and we will be in touch. Page 4 The Guild LODGING HOUSE MISSION

LHM's Pathways to Empowerment The Guild members would like to thank all who programme is now well into its final year. The success supported our first Bridge Drive. 104 ladies enjoyed a of the programme has lifted the general perception of very happy afternoon, good bridge, lovely tea, an Lodging House Mission from a centre providing basic attractive raffle and great company. We made £933.75, interventions to an active, productive organisation so watch the June Sentinel to find out how our money is where individuals are given opportunities to explore spent helping others. Many people worked very hard their potential and move towards a more purposeful especially the Tea Convener, Jean Houston, and her life. For example, the cookery class remains popular, team. Our visitors were much impressed with our encouraging users of the service to shop, cook and gentlemen, Gavin, Ken and Douglas, who poured the plan meals rather than buy 'take away' food. The John tea and coffee and acted as runners with our many Wheatley College is delivering a one week course in raffle prizes. DIY woodwork alongside a SVQ in Communications Dates for the future – we have our AGM on 25th April at and the latest three-way relationship with Scottish 7.15pm*. It is, as always, brief and painless, with Opera and community singing is attracting large entertainment to complete the evening. On Thursday numbers of service users, with productions at LHM on 10th May, we have our outing to the church at Luss. We 20th April and at Church on 22nd April. It is are promised a warm welcome and an interesting visit. shaping up to be something special. Trina Gibson, Co- There will also be time to explore Luss or have a sail on ordinator of Education and Activities, writes: "We Loch Lomond. If the weather lets us down, the coach remain confident that P2E targets will be met and will take us to the ‘bright lights’ of the Lomond Shores hopefully exceeded in the areas of numbers recruited complex. and those taking part in further education. Sustained employment is always going to be a challenge for this *PLEASE NOTE that the Guild AGM is now on group. However, by addressing recovery issues, adopting flexible routes to learning and strengthening Wednesday 25th April at 7.15pm. This is to and growing essential partnerships, LHM remains allow for the books to be audited and the committed to providing an unparalleled high quality financial statement to be printed. There will range of courses and activities aimed at engaging the be a meeting as usual on the 4th April at disengaged, involving the isolated, introducing 7.15pm and a speaker has been arranged. structure to the chaotic and helping to release those reluctant to spread their wings." Eastwood Court Upcoming Events are:- Thursday, 19th April at 7.30 p.m. Jamie Stuart, author of A Glasgow Bible, presents The April Act of Worship at Eastwood Court Care Home an evening of stories and laughter. Entry is free but a is on Tuesday 17 at 6.30pm. This will be our Easter donation to the Mission will be gratefully received. Tea Service taken by our minister, Rev Catherine Beattie. and Coffee afterwards. RSVP requested. Our theme this year is ‘rejoicing’ and no doubt Catherine A.G.M. - Monday 23rd April at 7 p.m. will give us an Easter message of joy at Jesus’ resurrection and the hope it gives us all. As ever, Ricky Ross Invitational Golf Day at Mar Hall on Friday, members of our congregation are welcome to join in our 15th June. Details from Helen Hart at 0141 332 0285. 30 minute informal service of worship. Any support you can give is appreciated. Team members due to visit Lodging House are:- APRIL DATES AT A GLANCE On April 1st: Hugh Campbell, Alison Campbell, Elaine Mon 2nd 7.30pm: Manse Kitchen Table Bible Study Steel, Sheena Ireland and on May 6th: James Harrow, Tue 3rd 12.30pm: Final Lenten Lunch in the Church Sylvia Miller, May Robertson, Carol Cochran. Wed 4th 7.15pm: Guild Those visiting for the first time since the kitchen was Thu 5th 7pm: Joint Service at Park Church altered should note that the air conditioning system is Fri 6th 7pm: Joint Service at United Reformed Church very efficient and on a Sunday, when no cooking has Sun 8th 8.30 & 11am: Easter Sunday Services been done, the kitchen can feel quite cold. Wed 11th 7.30pm: Board Meeting Sat 14th 10am: Coffee Morning in aid of Eastwoodhill Tue 17th 6.30pm: Eastwood Court Service The Family Group - Diary Dates Sun 22nd 11am: Service of Evangelical Hymns Sat 9th June - ARRAN AWAY DAY Wed 25th 7.15pm: The Guild AGM MAY DATES BY POPULAR DEMAND Leave the church at 8.20am and return at 9pm (approx) Tue 8th 7pm: Community Choir “SING IT AND SEE” Names, please to Elaine Clarke, Bob Bryce or Wed 9th 7.30pm: Session Meeting Colin Devon indicating your interest Thu 10th Guild Outing to Luss Sun 13th 11am & 3pm: Communion Fri 30th Nov - Centenary Ceilidh - Carmichael Hall Sun 20th 7pm: Chris Moon I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.

The Billy Graham Story: Page 5 A Service of Evangelical KWENDERANA Praise The excellent Table Top Sale held in Bus- by Parish Church raised over £900 and this, nd At the Morning service on Sunday 22 April, the together with several donations, has enabled us to reach our choir will present a service of Evangelical Praise target of £13,000 to build the two classroom block, with a with linking commentary, telling the amazing story of preparation and storage area, at Ekwendeni Primary School the great American evangelist, Dr Billy Graham, who once the rainy season is over. An initial sum of £5,000 has in his lifetime, has preached to over two hundred been sent via the Church of Scotland to purchase building million people in countries all around the world. materials and the building should be ready for the start of the One of the great times in Glasgow’s post war history new school session in the autumn. was the tremendous reawakening of Christian belief We have sent another mini bus load of banana boxes, sent when in 1955 people of all ages crowded into the from our four churches, to the Raven Trust at Strachur to be Kelvin Hall six nights a week for a period of six shipped out in the next container and have sent donations to weeks to attend the Billy Graham rallies while Ibrox cover shipping costs. The container sent in mid December and Hampden Parks were filled to capacity for the has docked at Mozambique and should be in Malawi as you final services at the climax of his visit to Scotland. read this. It contained 97 boxes of a variety of items includ- This will not be a choir performance but rather the ing clothes, household items, stationery and toiletries as well choir leading the congregation in singing some of as a keyboard and 6 sewing machines all donated by Kwen- the best loved redemption hymns while reliving in derana. Many thanks to all who have donated. Please keep word how the people of Scotland found again a great donating – give items to Graham, the Church Officer, for thirst for things of the spirit. storage in the first instance. It would be great to pack the church for this service Ross Gunning of Williamwood Church brings his 50 strong so please let all in the parish and beyond hear of this Youth Orchestra to perform a concert of Popular Classics in date and encourage them to join with us. aid of Kwenderana on Sunday 27 May in Giffnock South at 7.00 p.m.

We will shortly issue another of our popular quiz sheets, Some famous Billy graham quotes priced £1, with winners’ prizes for each church. Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes Some of you have sponsored the secondary education of a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. children at Ekwendeni (this is a commitment of £50 a year). Photographs have now been taken of all the children and Comfort and will be available for sponsors along with other information. God has given us two prosperity have Malaria has been rife at Ekwendeni over the past few hands, one to receive never enriched the months and sadly Praise, the 2 year old daughter of Kelvin with and the other to give world as much as Shaba the Evangelist (Lay Reader), has died from the dis- with. adversity has. ease. At home we lost a loyal young supporter in the recent death of Ewan Murray of Busby Church. He raised £1,000 a couple of years ago for Kwenderana through a sponsored Give me five minutes with a person's chequebook run. A retiral offering at his funeral was divided between and I will tell you where their heart is. Kwenderana and Hairmyres Accident and Emergency Unit with a cheque for £500 given to Kwenderana.

A Transforming Experience The Rev Denis Duncan offers an Easter reflection. The Real Cost of Easter Eggs Thomas Baldwin looks at the ethical implications of chocolate Easter eggs. Philanthropy and Public Service Jackie Macadam meets Lord Selkirk, Lord High Commissioner to the 2012 General Assembly. A Welcome Return Ron Ferguson returns to the pages of Life and Work Making a Difference APRIL ISSUE OUT NOW A new report highlighting the role of churches in tackling homelessness Biblical Botanicals Muriel Armstrong reflects on the symbolism of the ‘flag’ iris A Church Without Walls The Rev John Paterson highlights worship outreach in Cumnock ORDER YOUR COPY Genesis in the New Testament The Rev Marion Dodd explores the themes of Genesis, as reflected in the New Testament. FROM ALAN GRAY: Stripped of the Royal Purple Ph. 639 1401

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. Page 6 Parish Register Members Joining

Mrs Janet Hood District 46

Duties

Date 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 April Tablet on the wild top of Beachy Head Office Bearers Team 7 Team 8 Team 9 Team 10 Team 11

Creche Laura Beattie Gillian Reid Alison Campbell Diane Johnstone Kirsty Duncan Lisbeth Taylor Lyndsay Young Elaine Clarke Elaine Steel Hannah Beattie Tape Recording Neil Grimmond Charlie Hunter Tony Ireland Bill Spalding Alastair Campbell

Café Rota Sue Harvey Beth Allan Helen Black Grace Bodie/Ena Margaret Loudon Campbell Flower Delivery Margaret Loudon Elspeth Marshall Pauline Bell Liz Omand Joan Proudfoot

Where does all the money go? The Head of Stewardship of the Church of Scotland, Gordon D Jamieson, is anxious that all members of Giffnock South should know what happens to the not inconsiderable portion of their offerings which is handed over to the Central Church. Of the £106,340 paid in 2011, £91,452 (86%) goes to the ministry - the 1,000 or so ministers and other parish workers, their recruitment and training. Deducting the cost of our own minister’s stipend, the balance goes to help to cover the cost of the ministry in churches in less affluent areas where the income is insufficient to meet their costs. £14,888 (14%) supports the Church’s work, including education, outreach, caring for the most vulnerable in society both here and abroad. It also covers the administrative costs of services to congregations, the General Assembly and the Moderator. The total income of the Church of Scotland in 2011 was £111 million. Here is how the £111 million will be spent: To make it easy to understand let’s take a £10 note and divide it among the various areas of the work of the church: £4.43 goes on the provision of ministers and other Using the same method here is where the £111million parish staff. comes from:- £4.41 goes on the social care work (Crossreach). £4.39 comes from congregations through their 49p goes to support councils and congregations with contributions. financial, legal, procedural, safeguarding and other £4.31 comes from Crossreach services and legacies to services. Crossreach. 31p goes to developing relationships with partner 47p comes from reserves. churches overseas. 46p comes from legacies and other sources of external 17p goes on supplying resources to missions. income. 9p goes on contributions to organisations like Christian 37p comes from annual income on investments. Aid, Faith in Community, Parish Development Fund and Central Fabric Fund. It should be noted that the bulk of the money required 5p goes to engaging with national, political and social for Crossreach is recovered from payments for their issues. services and from legacies which explains why 86% of congregational giving is spent on ministries and 14% on 5p goes to cover the cost of the General Assembly and other aspects of the Church’s work. the Moderator. Most congregations are being asked to contribute more in 2012 as the 2011 General Assembly approved an increase of 3% to allow for a modest increase in the stipends of parish ministers and the salaries of deacons and other parish workers after a two year ‘freeze’.

The Knots Prayer Dear God. Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life. Remove the have nots, the can nots and the do nots that I have in my mind. Erase the will nots, may nots, might nots that may find a home in my heart. Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life. And most of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart and all my life all of the ‘am nots’ that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought that I am not good enough. Amen Thanks to MR EXTRACTs FROM KIRSTEEN gray’s NEWS- Page 7 LETTER from Romania

After being back from furlough for a week and still in Scottish mode, I organised a Burns supper with my team to celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns. We had all the traditional speeches, I gave the Immortal Memory; Mark (American) gave “the Toast to the Lassies” and Hayley (also American) the reply. Ghita NEWS OF AN EXCITING FORTHCOMING VISIT (Romanian) carried in the Haggis to “Scotland the BY CHRIS MOON TO GIFFNOCK SOUTH ON Brave” played on the bagpipes via the computer!! Maybe the first time in history that the Haggis has been SUNDAY MAY 20TH AT 7PM carried in by a Romanian!! Americans and Romanians alike tried some Haggis along with mince, tatties and Chris Moon is a motivational speaker who walks the talk. peas followed by bannocks and cheese, shortbread and He was blown up in Africa clearing landmines and lost his tablet. After the lower arm and leg. Less than a year after leaving hospital speeches and letting he completed the London Marathon and now runs the food go down, I tried world's toughest ultra-marathons. He’s one of the few to teach them some Westerners to have survived being taken prisoner by Scottish dances. Khmer Rouge guerrillas. As a keynote speaker, Chris Moon Hilarious!! “The Gay will tailor his speech to our event and leave us Gordons” proved a bit inspired, uplifted and ready to go too complicated for some, so then we tried the “St. Bernard’s Waltz” and Miss this talk at your peril! “The Dashing White Sergeant”, both of which seemed to be a bit easier. Two of our boys (graduates) were outside shovelling snow, but managed to finish just in time to learn “The Dashing White Sergeant”. It took some gentle persuasion, but once they got in full swing – there was no stopping them!! Kirsteen

On References Writing negative references about former employees is no longer allowed at some companies for fear of being sued. Getting round this problem a local businessman, when asked for his opinion on a worker who constantly skived off before being shown the door, said: "A man like him is hard to find." Another employer, on being asked for his opinion, commented: "He came fired with enthusiasm and that is how he went." Perhaps it was the same employer who described a leaving employee thus: "Mr X carried out his duties to his complete satisfaction." Subtly negative references continues with the tale of a pharmacist in Boots who was keen to get rid a troublesome youth, describing him thus: "He dispensed with accuracy." Duncan McClure was recently Another ambiguous reference from Zambia where the employment welcomed back to the choir after his of servants was an important part of the local economy. Most were operation with this scrumptious cake. excellent workers but a prospective employee came with the Thanks to Jeanette Wright for photo reference, "Kingston did us regularly and, given the chance, he will do you." Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. Sunday School 10 pin bowling at Xcape. The day was great fun with twenty adults and kids attending! A super day and we hope to do it all again soon!

The Guild Bridge Drive

Spring has arrived at Giffnock South

Louise – are we bidding a slam? Ready to serve Sue – I keep my cards close to me chest the goodies Margaret, Jean, Elspeth, Jean

Our super workers Elspeth, Grace, Bett & Anne

You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing!