UNITED FREE CHURCH OF

SCOTLAND 349 ROAD, , G44 5HH Scottish Registered Charity No : SCO10932 A Designated Religious Charity

ANNUAL REPORT

for

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 11th February 2015

at 7.30 pm

Agenda

Meeting Constituted

Praise

Prayer

Minutes of last year’s AGM

Extra news from the Organisations

Property Report

Treasurer’s Report

Auditor’s Report

Appointments

Any Other Business

Benediction

Tea will be served at the close of the meeting

1

Over the past year the church has been busy with many different events and projects, many which you will receive a report on from the organisations and Session Clerk.

My own reflections go back to the Services and times of prayer and Bible Study. I was moved by the powerful message of the ‘Easter Experience’ lent study which I believe has had an impact on all who shared time discussing this DVD presentation; I was excited by the ‘More than Gold’ 8 day outreach and enjoyed sharing with the members of the church and those who came in and spent time with us; I think back with laughter to our Commonwealth Games Children’s Mission; I smile at times shared during T in the Croft and Social Events; I remember many special times spent in company with many of you in your homes. I have so many times to give thanks to God for our life as a church family in 2014.

Last year some people moved on from our church and that brings great sadness to our family. We also shared the sorrow of death in our church family, the joy of new faces coming to share in worship and members of the church taking up new responsibilities. In all of this we know from our scriptures that, “God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” – Romans 8.28. We live in His plan and follow His will, asking that God will bless all who seek His ways.

May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and fellowship, your commitment to work for the church you have been called to serve our Lord and your prayers and love shared with me, and for me, as your Minister. I am humbled and honoured to serve you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessings

Ann

2 REPORT FROM THE KIRK SESSION

In 2014 the Kirk Session undertook to address our concerns with the lack of young people within our local community being actively made aware of the Christian message. Members of the Kirk Session, Youth Committee and Presbytery representatives engaged this year in dialogue regarding Session’s vision for a Youth Worker. Following on from discussions, Session was delighted to inform Presbytery that the first year’s funding had been found and we were now in a position to move ahead and advertise the post. A date has been set in January 2015 for interviews and Session will inform the congregation when we have our Youth Worker in place. Please pray for God’s guidance as we look to appoint someone with a vision and mission for the youth in our local community.

Another main focus this year was ‘More Than Gold’ and it proved a great success. With Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games our church became a hub for our local community. Session acknowledges all the hard work of everyone involved and all efforts that led to a great time of outreach. It was good to see many of our neighbours visiting the church halls and sanctuary and that the congregation had experienced a good time of fellowship. On behalf of Session I would like to thank those members who had given up their free time and holidays for the event and also for prayers before and during ‘More Than Gold’. Similarly, our children’s Summer Mission was also well attended with approximately 20 children each morning over a period of three days. Let us pray that we can build on these achievements so that others may come to know Jesus as their Lord and saviour.

Pulpit supply saw visits from Mrs Charlotte McDonald of UF, Mr Raymond Jenkins Kings Park and Rev Mike Gargrave and his wife Mary of Clincarthill Parish Church. As we know this year Mike and Mary have embarked on Mike’s call to Thornliebank and the Kirk Session expresses its sincere gratitude for all their support to Croftfoot UF over the last 5 years. We extend our prayers to them and ask that they will know God’s guidance in His work. Pulpit supply is an essential support mechanism to our life and witness here in Croftfoot. We are all well aware of the many roles our Moderator adopts throughout the year. As Croftfoot’s Moderator and Interim Moderator of and , Ann guides and leads two congregations, serves at Presbytery and is a member of the Chaplaincy Team at King’s Park Secondary as well as working with Croftfoot Primary. Please give thanks to God for those who lead our worship, and continue to remember Ann in your prayers asking God for strength and wisdom for all she does in His name. The Kirk Session is indebted to everyone for the welcome given to our many guests throughout 2014. Notably Rev Gary Barclay in his capacity as Moderator to the General Assembly and Rev Deidre Lyons, St Andrew’s at our quinquennial visit.

We hosted the first of our joint prayer breakfasts this year in March 2014 and look forward to hosting the first again in March 2015. Other congregations, Clincarthill Parish Church, UF, Queens Park Parish and Croftfoot Parish continue to support this vital witness here on the south side of Glasgow. Our own regular prayer breakfasts take place on the second Saturday of each month when there is no joint prayer breakfast scheduled, the first of these will be Saturday 14th February 2015. The Kirk Session would like to highlight the importance of spending time in prayer, if you’ve never been to a prayer breakfast please try to make 2015 your year of prayer. We extend this invitation to everyone to come along and spend time with us as we share in fellowship and prayer together.

We started our first bible study of the year with the very appropriate Easter Celebration. This was extremely well received, so much so it was agreed to recommend the bible study to the other members of the Four Churches group. This was followed up in September with the John Ortberg Bible Study entitled “Soul Keeping”. A very thought provoking inward look at ourselves as followers of Jesus. For the Sunday evening group this will continue into the New Year. The Thursday afternoon group has now completed this study. Thank you to our Moderator and mum Margaret for opening up their home on Thursday afternoons. Bible studies are an essential part of Christian life. We have much to learn from God’s word and only through study, prayer and sharing can we know Jesus. If you haven’t yet managed along to one, please make it your New Year’s resolution for 2015. The Kirk Session commends Bible Study to our congregation.

3 Mr Gordon McKenzie of Lochwinnoch UF left his attachment with us in April. The Kirk Session continues to offer its prayers for Gordon that he will allow Jesus to lead and guide his decisions as he comes to the end of his studies.

An important milestone was reached this year at Croftfoot UF as we celebrated 50 years of service of former Session Clerk Mr James Rice. Jim is a much respected member and Elder of this church, and the Kirk Session extend to him our admiration and appreciation for all the roles he has performed during his life and work here at Croftfoot. Although circumstances leave Jim unable to attend more frequently, it is always good to know he’s at the other end of a phone call for advice. We pray God’s blessings on Jim and Elma asking that they’ll both know His comfort and peace in the New Year.

Our Food bank is now well established and word of this support to our local community is spreading. Session would like to thank Steven Smith, Alex McFarlane and our church cleaner Ms Joan Bain for all their work over the year. Session also thanks everyone for donations throughout the year. However, the congregation is requested to keep this project in mind and if you feel you could support it with donations of food items, have a word with Stevie or Alex, who can advise on stock replenishment.

Elders continue have an active role in the Four Churches Together committee. Members meet on a regular basis to discuss worship and social activities throughout the year. Session extends its thanks to our Moderator and Ms Bryce for their support in attendance.

Carole Owens our organist continues to lead musical worship and the choir whilst John Eastop kindly steps in at holidays and times of absence, thank you both.

The Kirk Session also acknowledges the prayerful support of Jim Owens, who regularly meets with our Moderator in the vestry prior to Sunday worship. Jim also spends time with visitors to our pulpit. Thank you Jim, your prayers of support are much appreciated.

It is with much sadness that Session records the passing of Mrs Jessie Moore on 4th November. Jessie joined the congregation from West Church in June 1985. As her Elder for many years, I was very much aware of how much Jessie loved her church and its people. The Kirk Session asks that you remember her son Billy, Helen, Gillian, Lynn and extended family in prayer at this difficult time.

At this year’s Elders Conference the Kirk Session outlined action points for 2015. These will focus on community outreach, pastoral care and our 80th anniversary celebrations, to name just a few. The Kirk Session expresses its gratitude to Mrs Hart for accepting her new supporting role in pastoral care.

The “Tell it Again” planning group are still very active and will be looking to build on the successes of this year’s More Than Gold event and also our Children’s Mission. As always Session would encourage any member of our congregation who feel they could contribute to any event to speak with our Moderator; your help and support will be greatly appreciated.

It was noted by Session that numbers taking communion in 2014 averaged 33 or 59%. (The comparable figure for 2013 averaged 35 or 57%). The congregation now stands at 56.

Finally, on behalf of our congregation, I would like to again express our sincere appreciation to our Moderator Rev Ann Deacons for her leadership, pastoral care and dedication to our congregation. Our numbers this year have shown a slight decline, this in the main is due to roll readjustment and sadly the passing of members. However, we have a great opportunity with Jesus by our side to work with and influence our local community.

Will 2015 be our year of revival not just for our youth but for members of our congregation? Let us together take time to study the bible, pray and keep praying so that we might see and hear God’s plan for each and everyone of us at Croftfoot UF. D Finlay Session Clerk 4

FOUR CHURCHES TOGETHER

During 2014, the Local Churches Together Group (namely ourselves, Croftfoot Parish, Kings Park Church and Parish) have worked together on several successful projects, namely:

• Holy Week Services at each of the 4 churches, culminating in a Maundy Thursday service at Croftfoot Parish Church. • Good Friday March of Witness, walking from Toryglen to Croftfoot UF via Kings Park Church, Croftfoot Parish and Christ the King RC Church. At all locations we stopped to sing, read scripture and pray for our community, finishing with hot cross buns and tea at our place. • Showing of the moving film “No Hiding Place”, the true story of Christian Dutch sisters Corrie and Betsie ten Boom, who were sent to a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jews, and how their Christian faith sustained them through the years to come. • Christmas Big Sing at Croftfoot UF with items of praise and scripture readings chosen by all 4 churches. • Pulpit exchange.

The Local Churches Together Group has two representatives from our Church: Anne Bryce and Ann Deacons.

Anne Bryce

PASTORAL CARE GROUP REPORT

As you (hopefully) are aware we send a card to everyone in the Congregation to celebrate their birthday. If you are not aware I'm not doing my job right!

Thanks again to Callum for maintaining a list for me and to Ann D for arranging the supply of cards. I really appreciate it.

As always please let me know if there is anyone who you feel would benefit from receiving a wee card, phone call or a visit. It sometimes helps to get that assurance that you are in our thoughts and prayers when facing the challenges that life sometimes throws at us. Being a Christian does not make us immune!

Audrey Stuart

PASTORAL CARE VISITATION REPORT

Jess Poree, Margaret Fahs and Jim Owen are our new pastoral care visitation group with Andi Hart taking on the role of information co-ordinator for those in hospital. If you know of someone who would like a visit please contact Jess, Margaret or Jim

Marion Milligan Clerk to the Congregational Board

5

TEAR FUND

This year we have raised £335. As you know we donate this money monthly to the self help group to encourage people to work together to get themselves out of poverty.

We also gave £50 to the Ebola appeal.

I thank you all for your support in this effort. Anne Blackwood

CHURCH PROPERTY AND GROUNDS REPORT

2014 has seen a considerable amount of work and expenditure being required in and around our hall and sanctuary.

During the year there has been the usual routine maintenance and repairs to be attended to and include • replacement of some toilet cisterns in both toilets. • ant infestation in the kitchen • broken windows in the sanctuary replaced with plastic glass • repairs to the notice boards in the grounds • additional window blinds in the sanctuary. ▪ Mr Hart has also repaired and primed all the hall windows to preserve them over the winter until painting can be carried out in the spring of 2015 • painting/ decoration of the kitchen.

Following an inspection of the church and halls carried out by our insurers Ecclesiastical Insurers several areas were highlighted as needing our immediate attention. A summery of their report and requirements is as follows with the time-scales for completion of these issues. . o Fire Risk Assessment (3 months) o Illuminated Fire Notices / Signs to be sited at appropriate area around the building. o Electrical Certification of Inspection of mains supply to property (6 months) o PAT testing of portable appliances (3 months) o Inspection of both Gas Boilers (3 months) o Footpaths, steps and walkways. Yearly inspection recommended. o Valuation of building and contents insurance – increased Buildings content advised.

I am pleased to report that all of the above concerns have been addressed and our Insurers have renewed our cover for 2014 – 2015

However in order to comply with these health and safety requirements a considerable expenditure was incurred and included;

Rewiring of the halls and church. AM Electrical Services were engaged to strip out and replace faulty piro cabling in hall roof space ; to earth and bond wiring; and to upgrade and replace mains board in the halls. All to the standards required to comply with current legislation costing around £ 2,900.00.

Drain blockages in July in all the main sewage pipes and drain areas in the grounds required considerable expenditure to resolve the problems. Following extensive work by a local drainage company costing £750.00, Strathclyde Water Board eventually had to be called to remove a blockage in the main drain. 6

Once again may I take this opportunity to thank each and every one who contributes in any way to the upkeep and maintenance of our buildings and grounds. It has been a busy year with many many local people in and around our church and halls. The excellent condition of our buildings and grounds is a credit to the congregation of Croftfoot UF Church. With Thanks .

Marion Milligan Clerk to the Congregational Board

FRIENDSHIP CLUB

The Friendship Club meets alternate Tuesdays; we usually have between 12 and 15 people. We have enjoyed a wide variety of Speakers on Topics from- After the Games (regarding the Commonwealth Games); Pollock House; My life in Song; and Musicality. Next Session we start with a Burns Night then a Talk by Fraser Rice; Leprosy Mission; a talk on Pollockshields; a Musical evening and the Gideon Bible Why not come along; everyone is welcome

Ann Blackwood

CHILDRENS MISSION

Following on from our 10 day More Than Gold event we held a 3 day summer mission ‘On Your Marks!!’

We turned the large hall into a Commonwealth Games Venue and teams of children were divided into countries. Australia, Canada and Barbados. Every day we started off by leading out the “teams” following our Commonwealth Torch to the sound of the Commonwealth Anthem.

Our mission theme focused on “Jesus loves us and Calls us to Follow Him” complete with songs, some old some new; dance routines, games (the old Crackerjack cabbage game was very popular), quizzes and best of all Fun learning about Jesus. A great success.

It's so nice to see children, parents and grandparents around the church and it makes the preparation and effort so worthwhile. The team sends their thanks to all those who helped out and to those who kept us in their prayers.

Marion Milligan

MANSE REPORT

As I write this report the snow is falling…. snow on snow…. and January is behaving like January; cold, windy and wintery. We start the New Year at the manse with a look around at what needs fixed or repaired. Last year our commitment to painting the halls and kitchen was fulfilled in a sense. I say in a sense because, yes the work was carried out, however, not at a cost to the church; the reason being that our Moderator and Mum financed this maintenance. Their generosity to us as a congregation is very humbling and on behalf of our congregation we thank you both.

As the Congregational Board is aware, it is the duty of the church to ensure that we decorate one room per year at the manse. Maybe this year we may look to redress this and assist with the costs.

7 There were a few electrical issues over the year; one being a cooker hob needing replaced and some lighting and socket work. The account for this work I’m happy to say was for our settlement. I note that we do have another lighting issue and will raise this at our meeting in January; hopefully by our AGM this will be rectified. As far as I’m aware, that’s all for this year, but this in the main due to the diligence and generosity of Ann and Margaret. Thank you.

Well, that’s it again for this year; as always on behalf of our Board and Kirk Session, can I express our sincere gratitude for all your donations, time and never ending talents that you all so generously give to all aspects of care and maintenance of our church property.

David Finlay

CHOIR

The choir has enjoyed another year of good fellowship and doing our best to give encouragement by leadership in the morning praise. We continued fortnightly rehearsals from January to March, resuming in September. Our membership stands at nine and we have also enjoyed joining with the other churches on two occasions. Carole

FLOWERS

In 2014 Helen Moore resigned as Church Flower convenor and we would like to express our thanks to Helen for her floral arrangements over many years. Our thanks to Beth Eastop , Andi Hart and Anne Blackwood for agreeing to provide and arrange the flowers for the sanctuary every Sunday and to Lexie McPherson for taking on the role of Flower Convenor. Marion Milligan Clerk to the Board

I would like to record my thanks to everyone who supplied the flowers for the Church on a Sunday which was special to them, as it is very much appreciated. Lexie McPherson

LADIES BADMINTON MIXED BADMINTON

The Ladies Badminton Club has good news During 2014 we have lost several of our again this year as we have a new member numbers but have happily gained one new bringing our total to twelve. Although we are member. all senior citizens, we are still enjoying our So why not come along some evening and give Thursday exercise. the badminton session a try. Lots and fun and The week before Christmas we all went to the no serious play!! We meet on a Monday at Busby Hotel for our lunch which was very 8pm but in February we plan to change the enjoyable. evening session to a Wednesday. Have a chat with Alex McFarlane if you would like any further information..

8

COFFEE SPOT Many thanks to all who join us for tea and coffee after the morning service, and to all who donate biscuits and cakes. Thanks also to those who willingly prepare, serve and clean up afterwards. If you haven’t stayed behind in the past why not come along and join us now. We could do with more helpers, so if you can, please let me know. If you can’t manage to help do come for a cup of tea or coffee before going home. Many thanks Cathie McIntosh

T IN THE CROFT We meet on Friday 10:00 am to 12:00am. Please come along and bring a neighbour or a friend. You will enjoy the chat, the home baking and the tea or coffee. We look forward to seeing some new faces in the new year. Anne Blackwood SOCIAL PROGRAM

During 2014 there was again a full programme of social evenings and events, as well as the usual favourites - Fun and Games night and musical evenings. We also held a Beetle Drive followed by a silent auction, and a Fun Film Night watching Classic Comedy Clips. Tea cakes and buns are always on the menu as well!!

Our bus outing this year was to Crieff Visitors Centre and Perth and a jolly good time was had by all!!

In addition, our main annual events again proved very popular and there was a good turn out and a great atmosphere at both The Burns Supper and the St Andrews Night.

As well as raising funds the Kirk Session and Board are aware that these events provide a time of fellowship for members and friends and present the opportunity to open our doors to others in the community.

Perhaps you have been unable to join us at one of our social evenings so why not have a look at the social programme for 2015 and make a date to come along and join us at one of our events.

Social Committee Pre-Fives

We started the year on a high with only a few losses to nursery. We had an amazing 21 children on the role. Thankfully they didn’t all come on the same day . The Easter bunny came and left eggs for the children to find in an Easter egg hunt.

Our annual trip to Five Sisters Zoo was a great success. We had beautiful weather and everyone came home happy and exhausted.

We ended the year on a quieter note with only 12 children but the man with the red suit came and everyone was happy.

The children had a wonderful time in the church pulling decorations off the tree and attempting to eat the nativity figures (sorry).

I would again like to thank the church for all the support they have given us over the past year.

Elspeth Clark - Secretary 9