THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013

St Andrew’s Kirk HelensburghCONNECTIONS

From the Upper Manse

‘It has been a journey’ is a phrase we often hear nowadays, especially from contestants of the variousreality shows. And they might be upset because that journey, the contest, is over and they never got that 15minutes of fame. But when I see them I wonder, was there anyone with them on the journey? Did they takeanyone along; or was there anyone willing to join them?

Now, that was not a reality show to entertain, but it was REAL when the angel Gabriel told Mary thatshe will be on a JOURNEY! No, it was not the journey to Bethlehem, but the journey to give birth to the Son ofGod, to be His mother for the rest of her life!

Have you ever wondered why did this happen when Mary andJoseph were engaged? Joseph had no specific role in the birth of Jesus. Goddid not need him for it. But Mary needed Joseph for the Journey! Sheneeded Joseph to walk with her all the way, beyond Bethlehem. Being onlyengaged to each other, Joseph could have walked away as he had it now inmind. He also needed to believe and trust that the angel's message was real,and go all the way with Mary!

Isn’t it wonderful that God provides companions for the journey? AtChristmas He came personally to accompany us on our journey. I knowfull well that many of us are not journeying with our companion thisChristmas as before, for their journey with us has ended. Be gratefulfor the journey together, for the love and experiences shared. As they werethere for you, remember you also were there for them! You also made theirjourney meaningful, happy, and fun!

One more thing I would ask from you; be there for those for whom the journey this Christmas is notjoyful, who find the journey fearful, hard, and lonely. As Joseph, and the shepherds, and the wise men, you alsolisten to the voices of angels and be guided by the Star of Bethlehem and be a companion, making Christmasand the journey blessed.

With every blessing, all the way,George

include :

Church Services………………………..Pages 2 & 3 Duty Office Bearers…………………. .Page 4The Guild/Link Group………………Page 5 Musical Events ………………………….Page 6Choral Outreach in Portugal .….Page 7 Family ‘New Year Bash’……………..Page 8Eco Congregation ……………….….Page 9 Pastoral Register ...…………………...Page 10

December 1 9.30am St Andrew’s Kirk Saturday Advent Service Rev G ViditsDecember 2 9.30am

9.30am

11.00am

St Andrew’s KirkKing Street Hall

St Andrew’s Kirk

Early ServiceSt Andrew’s Easy Worship :Sacrament of Holy Communion/St AndrewstideMorning WorshipSacrament of Holy Communion/St Andrewstide

Rev D W ClarkRev G Vidits

Rev G ViditsRev D W ClarkRev T Kemp

December 8 9.30am St Andrew’s Kirk Saturday Advent Service TBA (Park)December 9 9.30am

11.00amKing Street HallSt Andrew’s Kirk

St Andrew’s Easy WorshipMorning Worship : Carols and Readings

Rev D W ClarkRev G ViditsRev D W ClarkRev T Kemp

December 15 9.30am St Andrew’s Kirk Saturday Advent Service Rev Ian MillerDecember 16 11.00am

3.00pm 7.00pm

St Andrew’s Kirk

Abbeyfield HouseSt Andrew’s Kirk

Morning Worship - Young Church Gift Service

Worship at Abbeyfield - Carol ServiceCome and Sing

Rev G ViditsRev D W ClarkRev T KempRev G Vidits

December 17 7.00pm St Andrew’s Kirk Lomond Senior School Carol Service Rev G ViditsDecember 20 2.00pm St Andrew’s Kirk Lomond Junior School Carol Service Rev G ViditsDecember 21 9.30am St Andrew’s Kirk Hermitage Primary Christmas Service Rev G Vidits

Rev D W ClarkDecember 22 9.30am St Andrew’s Kirk Saturday Advent Service Rev S BrownDecember 23 9.30am

11.00amKing Street HallSt Andrew’s Kirk

St Andrew’s Easy WorshipMorning Worship

Rev G ViditsRev G ViditsRev D W ClarkRev T Kemp

December 24 6.00pm11.15pm

Park ChurchSt Andrew’s Kirk

Christingle ServiceWatchnight Service

Rev G ViditsRev D W ClarkRev T Kempat each Service

December 25 10.00am St Andrew’s Kirk Christmas Day Service - Family Worship Rev G ViditsRev D W ClarkRev T Kemp

December 26 3.00pm St Andrew’s Kirk Hungarian Christmas Service Rev G Vidits

December 30 9.30am11.00am

King Street HallSt Andrew’s Kirk

St Andrew’s Easy Worship : Prayers for HealingMorning Worship : Prayers for Healing

Rev G ViditsRev G ViditsRev D W ClarkRev T Kemp

LET US WORSHIP GOD

YOUNG CHURCH OR SUNDAY CLUB EACH SUNDAY

CRÈCHE FACILITY AVAILABLE : COFFEE & CHAT AFTER 11.00am SERVICE

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Coffee Morning Friendships

I would like to share with you a lovely story I heard recently while visiting. I feel it is an excellentexample of journeying together with others (see From the Upper Manse article). The story is shared withpermission.

A couple of ladies who live in Cardross began to come to our Coffee Morning a while ago. As they became regularsthey befriended others and, Saturday by Saturday, they enjoyed a cuppa in each other’s company putting the world right as onedoes.

Not that long ago when they heard that one of their Helensburgh friends was unwell they got on the train and cameover to Helensburgh to see her! What started out as a journey to the Coffee Morning spilt over into close friendship andjourneying together, especially when one of them needed that companionship and love. What a difference a Coffee Morningmakes!

May they enjoy their friendship and journey together for a very long time, and we all enjoy our fellowship at the Cof-fee Mornings. Grateful thanks to all who make Coffee Mornings and friendships possible.

George

January 6 11.00am Park Church United New Year’s Service : Communion Rev G Vidits

January 13 9.30am11.00am

King Street HallSt Andrew’s Kirk

St Andrew’s Easy WorshipMorning Worship

Rev G ViditsRev T Kemp

January 20 9.30am11.00am 3.00pm

King Street HallSt Andrew’s KirkAbbeyfield House

St Andrew’s Easy WorshipMorning WorshipWorship at Abbeyfield

Rev T KempRev D W ClarkRev G Vidits

January 27 9.30am11.00am

King Street HallSt Andrew’s Kirk

St Andrew’s Easy Worship : Prayers for HealingMorning Worship : Prayers for Healing

Rev T KempRev G Vidits

February 3 9.30am 9.30am11.00am

St Andrew’s KirkKing Street HallSt Andrew’s Kirk

Early Service : Common Cup CommunionSt Andrew’s Easy WorshipMorning Worship

Rev T KempRev G ViditsRev D W Clark

CHURCH SERVICES in the NEW YEAR

YOUNG CHURCH OR SUNDAY CLUB EACH SUNDAY

CRÈCHE FACILITY AVAILABLE : COFFEE & CHAT AFTER 11.00am SERVICE

Helensburgh Boys' Brigade will be accepting Christmas cards for delivery inexchange for a donation. Cards will be collected at morning services at St Andrew's Kirkon Sundays 9th and 16th December and delivered thereafter, Cards will need, please, tobear a full and legible name and postal address within Helensburgh and in the G84 areatogether with, preferably, name and address of sender.

Proceeds will go to Company funds and to Children's Hospice Association Scotland.

TEACHER : Now, Simon, tell me frankly - do you say your prayers before eating?SIMON : No, Sir. I don’t have to - my Mum is a good cook!

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December 1 & 2 December 8 & 9 December 15 & 16 December 22 & 23 December 30Ken Spiers Graham Philips Jim Cameron Tony Kent Douglas SammonElizabeth Street June O’Neil Susan Adams Andrew Black Eileen GorieSheana Shaw John Penny Douglas Bailey Pat Blyth Kathleen GorrieShanny Newall Sheila Penny John Stirling Kati Byrne John GreenDavid Nicoll Alastair Turnbull Joy Bell Jean Call Wilma HannahChris Street Evelyn Fishwick David Reid

WELCOME TO CHURCH

December 2 December 9 December 16 December 23 December 25 December 30Peter Steven Richard Hassall Crawford Howat Ewan Howieson David Mitchell Roy GreerBobby Caldwell Kate Clark David Forrest Ian Lamb Robin Irvine Elizabeth ReidHelen Caldwell Rosemary Clark Dorothy Hambley Jane Lindsay Jim Milne Morven ReidColin Campbell Liz Cordner Antonio Lopez Jordan Rosemary Mc Ginley Norman Plenderleith David Reid

Judy Ferguson Jim Weldon Melville Matheson Patricia Porteous Martin Speller

COUNTING TEAMS

CHURCH FLOWERS DONORS DISTRIBUTORS CRÈCHE

December 2 Mrs S Paterson Mrs S Weldon, Mrs C Milne & Mrs H Caldwell

Barbie Paterson, Morag Kesson& June O’Neil

December 9 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Margaret Campbell & Lindsay McKechnieDecember 16 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Mary Burn & Catherine Alexander

December 23 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Pearl MacMillan & Jill or Alan Young

December 30 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Audrey Walker & Joyce McLeanJanuary 6 UNITED COMMUNION SERVICE AT PARK CHURCH

January 13 To be arranged Mrs A Kent, Mrs E Fishwick & Mrs E Glover

Margaret Campbell & Lindsay McKechnie

January 20 To be arranged Mrs I Stirling, Mrs M Tweedie & Mrs H Abel

Mary Burn & Catherine Alexander

January 27 To be arranged Mrs C Craig, Mrs L Cordner & Mrs P Forrest

Pearl MacMillan & Jill or Alan Young

February 3 To be arranged Evening Concert Audrey Walker & Joyce McLean

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December 24 (Christingle & Watchnight Services) and December 25

Michael Low, Patricia Low, Lilian Carson, Ewan Howieson, Sandy Reid, John MacPherson,Elspeth Davis, Sarah Eyton, Joanne Fagan, Anne Thomson & Dick Robertson

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THE GUILDWhose we are and whom we serve - ‘a faith to proclaim’

St Andrew’s Guild meets on a Tuesday at 2.00pm in the Lesser Hall, Sinclair Street.

Our programme is :

4th December In House Day Favourite Literature11th December Christmas Lunch at Cardross Golf Club (12.30 for 1.00pm)

8th January Bring and Buy Unwanted Christmas Gifts15th January Linus Quilting Mrs V Lennox and Mrs C Waterstone22nd January Burns Poetry and Songs Rev. David Clark29th January ‘Out of Africa into Malta’ Guild Project

(Joint meeting with Park Guild) 5th February The Grab Trust Waste reduction in Argyll

If you decide to come along you can be sure of a warm welcome.

For further information, please contact Janette Wilson, Convenor (674067).

LINK GROUPOur meetings are held fortnightly on Mondays at 7.30 p.m. in the Sinclair Street Hall.

Events taking place later this month are :

December 10 Illustrated Talk - A Visit to Brazil Rev Barbara O’DonnellDecember 20 Christmas Concert in Glasgow - Bus leaves King Street Hall at 6pm.January 7 Illustrated Talk - ‘Wildlife of Helensburgh’ John SimpsonJanuary 21 ‘Cautionary Tales’ Rev David ClarkFebruary 4 ‘Call my Bluff’ - Panel Game Link Group v Kirk Session

For further information, please contact Margaret Thomson, Secretary (672915).

MEETING PLACE

Tuesday and Thursday 10:00a.m.- 11:30a.m. in Kirk Cottage.Come along and enjoy coffee, tea, and wonderful home baking!

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St Andrews’s Kirk

16 December 2012

Christmas ‘Come and Sing’ Concert

The Annual Carol Concert in aid of Cancer Research UK (Scotland) is avery popular event in Helensburgh. Come and sing carols old and new led byChoirs, Brass and Organ and conducted as ever by Walter Blair. MulledWine and Mince Pies!

3 February 2013

Students from Lomond School, Helensburgh

This is an opportunity to hear performances by talented young musiciansfrom Lomond School. Directed by Diane Philips, the students will present aprogramme of vocal and instrumental music.

SUNDAY

AT SEVEN

HELENSBURGH

DORIAN

CHOIR

COFFEE & CAROLS

KING STREET HALL SATURDAY 1st DECEMBER : 2 - 4pm

TICKETS : ADULTS £2 CHILDREN 50p

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

HELENSBURGH UNITED REFORMED CHURCHSATURDAY 8th DECEMBER at 7.30pm

TICKETS : ADULTS £7.50 CHILDREN £2.50

JARS OF GRACE FOR UNICEF UK

I hope you have found your 2013 UNICEF leaflet inside this issue of 'Connections'. Ifyou fill a jar could I please ask you to stick the Jar of Grace sticker (which is on thebottom of page three) to your jar. May I also ask you to give your jar, any Sunday, to amember of the Welcome Team, who will then pass it on to me. If you find it difficultto take your jar to church I will be happy to collect it from your home; just phone meon 676866.

Those wishing to Gift Aid their donation should keep the declaration slip (which is on the back page ofthe leaflet) in a safe place - in your jar perhaps - and return it completed within your filled jar. There shouldalways be spare leaflets on the table at the front door of the church. Please take one any time.

Thank you everyone.Rosemary McGinley

A fun form of outreach with a twistIt was Bill Yule who recognised the friendship built between the Swedish Sollerökören (Sollerön

Church Choir) and the St Columba Family Singers (as was) as an act of Christian outreach in anunconventional way. You see, most of the Swedes in the choir struggle with the intransigence of the oldways of worship and bluntly only attend church when they are asked to sing which is about 6 or 7 times ayear.

In 2010 St Columba accepted the invitation to Sollerön and the ‘Family Singers’ was born. About40 people went to Sweden - 20 singers and 20 ageing groupies. A great time was had by all. Moreimportant however, an Easy Worship was held in the old church hall and Sunday Morning Worship washeld by an old mill beside a lake and about 100 intrigued people, welcomed by the sound of the Scottishpipes, became worshippers together, singing common hymns and voicing the Lord’s Prayer together but intheir own tongue. Friendships strengthened and intrigue turned into interest in “what is this Christianity allabout?”

By Spring 2012 both the Swedes and the Scots were getting grumpy; old plans formed in “spiritualveritas” for both groups had turned to dust, not helped by the weakening health of Sue Vidits (one of thebeloved stars). A concept was born and a fuse lit to meet, just for fun, share a glass of wine, rekindlefriendships and maybe dust off the vocal tubes and sing together for a weekend somewhere in Europe closeto an airport common to a budget airline.

So what happened? On Sunday, 14th October, 43 people met (about 30 singers and of course theageing groupies who were a bit older this time!). Two rehearsals were held and on Tuesday, 16th, thecombined singers stood in shock on the chancel steps at the Mercy Church Tavira (Portugal) staring atabout 120 expectant people who had given up their evening to come and listen. The mix of Swedish andScottish music and singing was fantastic and the audience were stunned and overjoyed. Even morefantastic was the sum of one thousand and twenty euros which was freely given by the audience for thevictims of the terrible fire which wiped out everything for many of the country folk in the hinterlands of theAlgarve - people with struggles and challenges that we rarely get to hear about.

Apart from all this there are two very special memories which will stay with us for a long time. The firsthappened when Sue died and the Swedes heard the news. “Sue meant a lot to us and the relationship betweenthe choirs, and we too feel a deep loss” wrote the Swedes, followed immediately by the arrival of a lovinglyhaunting musical piece which Agne wrote, inspired by the memory of Sue and all she meant. Check it out onYouTube; just type in Sue Vidits and you will see it ‘In remembrance of Sue Vidits. Silent so silent.’ Thesecond was on Sunday morning. George and Jim Binney held a brief informal Service in a spare room in thehotel. Many of the Scots (those who knew about it) pitched up but, more importantly, just as the service wasabout to start, the Swedes trooped in and shared in the worship with us. It was a special moment for us and forthem. Bill was right - a special form of outreach in an unconventional way.

Flossie & Tony Kent

St Andrew’s Day Exhibition

Under the auspices of the Welcome and Hospitality Committee of the Kirk Session, this was anexperiment to see if we could generate interest in the local community about Scotland’s patronSaint. Encouraging them into the church to see what local young folk had done to illustrate the story of theSaint provided an opportunity to invite them to come and join us for worship on the Sunday. Many thanks tomembers who acted as stewards or toiled in the work party to set up and take down the exhibition. What a greatjob the youngsters had done! Many, many thanks to those from the Boys’ Brigade, Cardross Primary,Hermitage Academy and Primary, Garelochhead Primary, Lomond Primary and our own Young Church for alltheir hard work and enthusiasm. Thanks, too, to Tony Kent and Alastair Turnbull for generating ideas,organising publicity and generally facilitating, to Tina Kemp for handling the press coverage, to John Green forconstructing and delivering the boards and to Douglas Bailey and his son for handling the website andconnections. Was it a success? Is it worth repeating? If not, how do you suggest we celebrate St Andrew’s Daynext year?

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Helensburgh International Student Weekend : 30th year (1983-2012)

On behalf of the international students who really appreciated their stay inHelensburgh from 5th to 7th October, thank you for your part in making thisweekend a success.

Students came through Jamie Trelogan of Friends International from China,France, Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, Switzerland studying BusinessAdministration, Entrepreneurship, Electrical Engineering, English, HumanResources, Law, Marketing, Physiotherapy, Epidemiology/Veterinary Science atCaledonian University, Glasgow University and Strathclyde University.

On Saturday a visit was made to Inveraray including the castle and a walk up the hill above it. In theevening there was a good going ceilidh with Helensburgh & Lomond Fiddlers in the King Street Hall. Many ofthe students attended church on Sunday morning. For some from China this was the first time they had been toa Christian church. They already intend to continue in Glasgow.

There is something very special about being welcomed in to a home in a foreign country.

Thank you again from all of them !

Nigel and Jan Mansfield

Abbeyfield House, Helensburgh

An Open Event is being held at Abbeyfield, West King Street, on December 6th from 10.30amonwards and a cordial invitation to come along is extended to everyone. The purpose is to allow people to visitand see the services which are available at Abbeyfield.

There will be coffee and mince pies!

St. Andrew’s Kirk Family New Year Bash

This popular event takes place in the Rosslea Hall Hotel on 1st January 2:00 to 5:00pm.

Come along for a festive lunch and ceilidh. Tickets £10

Please contact Liz Glover (671068) if you would like a ticket.

Church Directory - Purple Pages

Under the auspices of the Congregational Life Committee, a new, updated editionof Purple Pages has been compiled and a copy is included with ‘Connections’ for yourretention.

Purple Pages gives details of various aspects of St.Andrew's Kirk activities and personnel. Hopefully, itwill prove to be a handy reference booklet for you in the months ahead.

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ECO CONGREGATION

We have had our first award, transferred from St Columba to St Andrew's Kirk, at thetime of Union, and now we must start working towards our second.

The criteria for our second award are as follows:-

1 Implementation of recommendations made at the first award, viz:-

a) A Formal Action Plan. We put this on hold until a decision was made regarding thefuture of our buildings. Now we are ready to produce a plan.

b) Involvement of our Young Church :- A survey of coffee shops re use of Fair Trade products, and a talk to the childrenabout taking on more roles eg shutting doors, turning off lights and heating, recycling materials etc! So far they haveworked very diligently and we hope that they will continue to do so.

c) Linking with local schools:- Our coffee mornings in 2010 and 2011 did this and so will the proposed one next year;specific links with Hermitage Primary, helping if they have eco projects either hands on or fund raising. In 2010 we hada Bake Off to raise funds to assist with their Eco Garden project.

d) Improved communication:- more articles in Connections and on the Web Site as well as updating the eco notice board

e) Costing for benches and chairs in our grounds, with the possibility of creating a peaceful rest area.

f) We had a micro energy survey and a consultation. Our carbon footprint was calculated for two years and the resultsanalysed. These were discussed by the Managers. All lights to have switch off signs and doors to have door closers.

g) Continuing involvement in our local network.

2. A continuing/ deepening of existing projects - waste reduction, recycling, caring for wildlife, beach cleans andeducation.

3. Evidence of reaching out to others - more involvement in the wider community.

4. A measurable reduction in our carbon footprint. This is not only for the church buildings but also in our ownhomes.

These criteria are ambitious but attainable with YOUR help. Let us all work together to attain our next award and makeour church a leader in the Eco battle to improve our planet. If every church does so, a large difference will be made. Weare open to all suggestions about how to make our church a more environmentally friendly place.

Your ideas can be passed to your committee via Jim Milne or Elizabeth Lambert 679565. New members on the EcoCommittee are always welcome.

We are well aware that we have the new build coming. This must be done as environmentally friendly as possible and itis up to all of us to make sure that this happens during and after the build.

One of the most important things to remember is that every small effort adds up to a massive difference to our planetwhen all the small efforts are taken into account.

Christmas Bags for Women’s Refuge

We are hoping to prepare ten bags full of individually wrapped items (a bit like a Christmas stocking) totake to the residents of the Women’s Refuge to brighten up their Christmas. If you would like to findout more about this, or donate towards it, please contact Barbie Paterson Tel: 672704.

PASTORAL REGISTER

Deaths ‘I go to prepare a place for you’

November 1 Mrs Joan Paterson Clydeview Care Home, CARDROSSNovember 4 Mr. Gilbert Hutcheson, 6 Waverley CourtNovember 13 Mrs Jenny Sutherland, Lochside Care Home, SHANDON (District SH)November 18 Mr Harry Smith, 26 Adelaide Street (District 45)

Disjunctions We wish God’s blessing on those who have left our fellowship

Mrs Ann Murray, 5 Sutherland Place, to Lenzie Old Parish Church Miss Judy Craig, 8 Geilston Court, CARDROSS Mrs Sheila Blair, Stravithie Mill East, St ANDREWS, to Boarhills and Dunino

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The Church of ScotlandHelensburgh : St. Andrew’s Kirk

Colquhoun Square, HelensburghScottish Charity Number SC012053

www.standrewskirk.org

Church Office : Kirk Cottage, Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh G84 8UPThe Church Office is open Tuesday – Friday 9.30 -12; also Thursday 6.00 - 8.00

tel. 01436 676880 email : office@standrewskirk.org

MinistersRev. David W. Clark, Rev. George Vidits, Rev. Tina Kemp, (Auxiliary)37 Campbell Street, 46 Suffolk Street, 12 Oaktree Gardens,Helensburgh G84 9NH Helensburgh G84 9QZ Dumbarton G82 1EUtel. 01436 674063 tel. 01436 672054 tel. 01389 730477email : clarkdw@talktalk.net email : george.vidits@btinternet.com email : tinakemp@blueyonder.co.uk

CHURCH FLOWERS

I would like to thank all who have donated flowers during the last year. Thank you also to the ladies whoso willingly give of their time to arrange flowers for others.

The Flowers Calendar for 2013 will be at the church entrance from December 1st. It will be presented inthe same form as before i.e. the only predetermined dates will be any weddings which have already beenbooked. This allows everyone the same opportunity to donate the flowers for a specific Sunday.

There are three ways to give the flowers :1 Donate and arrange the flowers yourself2 Donate the flowers and make your own arrangements for someone to do the flowers.3 Donate the flowers and I will arrange for someone to do them.If you wish to use option 3, please place a cross beside your name so that I know to contact you prior toyour chosen date.

In all cases it is essential that you put your telephone number beside your name.

If anyone has any questions regarding the church flowers please do not hesitate to contact me. Mytelephone number (which can be found on the calendar) is 673546.

Dorothy Reid, Flower Convenor.