LARBERT EAST CHURCH – LIST OF OFFICE BEARERS

Ministers: Rev Melville Crosthwaite Rev John Brown (Pastoral Assistant) Marianne Harvey (Parish Outreach Worker) Church Officer: John Carmichael Organist: Margaret Appelbe Session Clerk: Robin Duncan Roll Keeper: Simon Hessett Clerk to Deacon’s Court: Catherine Nichol Depute Clerk: Irene Railton Treasurer: Kate Duncan Assistant Treasurer: Stuart Rae Gift Aid: Kate Duncan Property Convener: John Green Deputy Convener: Eric Oswald Flower Convener Roberta Caldwell Hall Lets Convener: Gordon Whitelaw Young Church Leader: Senga Smith 562785

Crèche Organiser: Joanne Aikman Website Editor:

Stuart Jamieson

562402

617352

07847223696

556534 556551 556026 555044

557558 557966 556026 556175 556026 570969 570710 556197 337982 562785

07957153256 077 366 58828

“EASTWORDS”

LARBERT EAST

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

SUMMER 2018 SCOTTISH CHARITIES NO. SC006456

Dear Friends A lot of adverts for church property come through the Manse letterbox, but last week made me think: an advert for pew cushions. It pictured lovely new pew cushions inside a beautiful, light and airy church. Seated comfortably in the church were just 6 elderly people, all of whom were in their eighties.

This is the reality for many Church of Scotland congregations. Some average less than 25 people at Sunday worship; not one of them under the age of 70. Within 10 years, it is very likely that they will have hardly anyone in church at all. In addition, this year’s General Assembly of the Church of Scotland will be asked to agree to working with 600 hundred parish ministers, not the previous 800, across the nation. Please don’t misunderstand me. There is nothing wrong with being over 70. But there is something far wrong with a church that only has members and regular worshippers who are in receipt of a state pension. I have heard people locally say, ‘They’ll close my church over my dead body’. Frankly, that attitude, (thankfully not present in our congregation) will bring it to pass. So, what are we to do? Firstly, we must prayerfully seek God’s purpose and direction for the way forward. Secondly, we must accept this will mean change. When I entered parish ministry as a probationer 35 years ago, we were taught to preach and pastor. These 2 things are closest to my heart. But I’ve had to change too, to lead Larbert East forward into the next chapter of our life in God. These days, I often feel more like a manager than a minister, but I know I must do this. Even a congregation as big and busy as ours cannot guarantee that when I retire, there will immediately be another minister to take over. If things grind to a halt just because I am no longer here, I have not fulfilled God’s calling and will.

But thirdly, and most importantly, we need to remember the church is the Body of Jesus Christ. It is His Church, not ours. We are called to serve Him, not to bend His will to ours. So please do not despair. There will always be a church, but it will be different from what is familiar to us. We can learn from our brothers and sisters in Africa and South America, where the church is growing at a phenomenal rate. Jesus said to Peter: ‘You are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it.’ Matthew 16:18.’ Peter was an ordinary, uneducated fisherman, and look how the Lord used Him. Just as He will use you and me. May you know God’s presence in a very real way. Melville

CONGREGATIONAL REGISTER

BAPTISMS ‘Let the children come to me’

01/04/18 Duncan Mackenzie (adult baptism) 08/04/18 Hamish Webster McCartney 15/04/18 Grace Elizabeth Corinne McAlister

DEATHS

“I am the Resurrection and the Life”

02/02/18 Mrs Rhoda Allan 20/02/18 *Mrs Sheila Fairbairn 28/02/18 Mr Arthur McTague 03/03/18 Mr Gordon Todd 09/03/18 Mrs Alice Duncan 13/03/18 Mr Keith Harper 31/03/18 *Miss Janette Broadfoot 06/04/18 Mr David Wright * Denotes member of Larbert East

A message from the

manse

May 2018

WORLD MISSION - CHRISTINE STONE Christine, our dear friend, died peacefully on the evening of March 17th. While we may feel a sense of loss and deep sorrow that she is no longer with us, we must be glad that she is now free of all the pain and trials of this life and is safely home and happy with her Lord – a faithful servant at peace.

It was as Larbert East's Mission Partner in Nepal that we first knew her – twenty years ago. She was already a dear friend of Melville and his family when she was Mission Partner to his previous charge – Carstairs and Carstairs Junction and we were delighted when she became ours too.

Christine's life was unique. Born in Hong Kong when Britain was at war, she was safely evacuated to Australia while her father who was in the forces, was held prisoner of war in Burma. When the war ended, the family eventually came back to live in England. In time, Christine graduated from Cambridge University and began a life's work of teaching.

It was when she was at University that she became a Christian and from then on, she used every opportunity that came her way to share the Gospel, giving her all to others – often the poorest and the most vulnerable.

She taught in Sheffield, Eritrea, Scotland, Tristan da Cunha and finally Nepal where she lived and worked for over thirty years.

At first, as a Church of Scotland Missionary, she taught in rural schools, in villages where living conditions were very poor and travelling between villages – often on foot – could be difficult and dangerous. Finally, she joined UMN and had an office in the Kathmandu International Study Centre. (KISC). There, she influenced many generations of students and teachers with her unique style of training, her skill and enthusiasm, writing new textbooks and developing new methods and curriculum. She was also involved with “Room to Read” and “Save the Children”. She gave years of valuable service working with Nepal's Education Department and was awarded an OBE in 1998 for services to Education in Nepal. At the same time she could be leading a Bible Study Group, a Nepali Ladies' Fellowship or running an ALPHA Group!! She was a well known figure in Kathmandu, cycling to and from work with her faithful collie in the basket of her bike.

When she “retired” in 2015, we were delighted she chose to live in Scotland – in Fort William, which, as the wettest place in the UK, must have reminded her at times, of the Monsoon climate of Nepal. But Christine loved the hills and she and Nim often walked with Ben Nevis in sight just as she had done with Jude in the foothills of the Himalaya – the highest peaks in the world.

She loved her flat with its views and was so grateful to have hot water and a cosy house – no daily power cuts lasting for hours or having to fill four hot

water bottles to keep warm in bed during the harsh Nepali winters. We take electric light and central heating for granted – Christine never did.

Christine never really retired! She became involved in – not one – but two local churches – became a community car-driver and really getting to know the people who needed that service – tutoring others who needed special teaching methods. (I bet that could be great fun yet serious and effective teaching.)

In a letter just before Christmas, there was no mention of her illness returning – it was all systems go as usual. She wrote about taking her turn to do a Christian “Thought for the Day” on local radio – another chance to share the Gospel in a modern way! However, it wasn't long before we heard that she was ill again and she had decided, very bravely, not to have chemotherapy. But Christine's strong faith shone through and as she was nearing the end of her life here, she was so excited and just couldn't wait to be with Jesus!

We thank most sincerely, the staff of that wonderful Home in Fort William where Christine was so lovingly cared for. I am sure they found it an inspiring, life changing experience.

It was an honour and a privilege to know Christine, to get her letters with all the news about her life in Nepal – one of the poorest countries in the world, but where the Christian Church is growing thanks to dedicated Christians with strong faith like Christine.

We celebrate Christine's life – inspired by her example and her love. She was a friend to many – and many will remember her, all over the world, with much love and thanksgiving. CHRISTIAN AID Christian Aid week this year is 13th – 19th May. We are having the Sunflower Competition for the children again and the seedlings will be available for £1 from Sunday 12th May. Our Coffee Morning takes place on Saturday 19th May from 10am until 12 noon. If it hasn’t taken place by the time you receive this magazine, please come along and enjoy a cuppa and home baking and browse the stalls which will include Cake and Candy; Jewellery and Plants. Saturday 29th September is the date for the Kelpies Canter, so please put it in your diaries. We would love to have more families and youth organisations (could it qualify for a badge?) taking part. The route will be a gentle 5km long which was very much enjoyed last year by walkers and cyclists and a wheelchair user. We also plan to have a scavenger hunt and face painting. Look out for more information nearer the time. Thank you for your continuing support for Christian Aid. Fiona Jardine

Sunday 3d June – Communion The Morning Communion at 10.30am is a Family Communion The Afternoon Communion is at 2.30pm Thursday 7th June – Weekday Worship Weekday Worship at 11.15am – last one for this session Sunday 10th June The Morning Service is at 10.30am Sunday 17th June – Father’s Day The Morning Service is at 10.30am Sunday 24th June – Young Church Prizegiving The Morning Service at 10.30am is a Family Service Sunday 1st July – Sunday 19th August – Summer Sundays The Morning Services over the summer will all be as usual at 10.30am The Summer Sunday Club (3-12-year olds) will meet every Sunday Sunday 8th July will be ‘Bring a Friend Sunday’. Details nearer the time Sunday 26th August – Young Church resumes The Morning Service at 10.30am is a Family Service

N.B. Larbert East Holiday Club Monday 2nd – Friday 6th July every morning in the Church Halls Further details will be in the notices 😊

THURSDAY MORNING WORSHIP.

As we approach the end of another successful and enjoyable session, with the last service on the 7th June, we are starting to plan for next session commencing in September.

Each week we require 2 volunteers to help with the running of the service, 2 hours approx.

We would like to add to our rota of helpers. You do not need to be an Office Bearer - training will be given.

Weekday Worship will take a break for the summer after the service on 7th June. As this will be the last service of this session, there will be tea/coffee and some ‘summer goodies’ to eat. Please do come along and join us. Weekday Worship will resume on Thursday 6th September at 11.15am.

If you are interested in helping and require more information, please contact Melville or Ronnie Summers (01324 557763).

DEACON’S COURT Miss Janette Broadfoot

We were all deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our deacons, Janette Broadfoot, on Easter Saturday, 31st March.

Janette was well known to so many people, both within and without the Church. Having retired (very!) early at 50, her volunteering for Braveheart, and her keen interest in bowling meant she had many friends. But her faithful service to Larbert East was closest to her heart. She was ordained a deacon in 2009, and although she never wanted to be in the limelight, she was much happier working away quietly in the background. There was hardly a Sunday when Janette wasn’t on duty in some capacity, be it delivering flowers, serving teas, and of course, her deacon’s duties.

When she learned of her illness last autumn, she was determined to keep going. She coped with chemotherapy so bravely and was just beginning to get back on her feet when the cancer returned. But with calm serenity, she trusted God and told everyone not to mourn, for she had loved her life and was not afraid to die.

Her example of faith and trust was inspirational. Please give thanks to God for Janette’s life, and remember her family, especially her sisters Irene and Anne, in your prayers.

LMCA PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIRS CONCERT

A great big “THANK YOU” to all who supported and participated in our Schools Concert on Wednesday 14th March in Larbert East Church. The Total sum raised from ticket sales and payment at the door was £994.85, with £460 donated to LCYT and the remainder divided between the six participating Schools.

The date for this Annual Concert in Larbert East Church next year will be Wednesday 6th March 2019 .

COMMUNITY FLOWERS

For some years now the Church has been offering a bunch of flowers each Sunday for members to take to a friend or neighbour. This could be for someone who has been ill or in hospital, suffered a bereavement, but also for some happy event for them to celebrate. They could be for a friend or neighbour who has been very helpful or just needs a bit of cheering up. The response from the congregation has been very disappointing recently. There is always a bunch of flowers available with a suitable card and we would encourage members to think of someone who would appreciate them.

All you have to do is see Margaret or Duncan Walker on Sundays or phone on 556200.

If there are too many requests on one Sunday, we will give you them as soon as possible. CENTRAL SCOTLAND – WILL GRAHAM – CELEBRATION OF HOPE LOVE + HOPE + MUSIC + & FUN +

Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights Saturday night Sunday night

AARON SHUST THE AFTERS NEWSBOYS

June 15th – 17th 2018 - Falkirk Stadium

Coin Cans A BIG thank you to all who participate in donating via coin cans. £366. 10 was raised last year. If you wish to take part, you can collect a coin can from the foyer or see Eleanor Neilson.

Income and Expenditure

January

February

March

Total to Date

Income Expenditure

9286.09

2245.03

9742.78

12937.72

10157.71

13142.31

29186.58

28325.06

Giving an overall gain of £861.52 to date.

The Charity chosen for the June Communion is Home-Start Falkirk West. This is the local branch of a UK charity where volunteers help families with young children deal with the challenges they face. They support parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children. Families struggling with post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement and many other issues receive the support of a volunteer who will spend around two hours a week in a family’s home supporting them in the ways they need.

eLEC

MISSIONARIES FROM SOUTH AFRICA are coming to Scotland, and whilst here they will share their experiences of being missionaries in many of the southern African countries at eLECt and in Larbert East Church.

The eLECt event is on Friday 25th May in the Village Tearoom, Stenhousemuir between 7-9pm. All welcome and there will be balloon models for kids as well as some South African baking, tea and coffee, juice etc.

They will then share a little at Larbert East Church on 27th May.

LARBERT CHURCHES YOUTH TRUST

Our High School Bible Study groups are making good progress with one of the groups exploring leadership in the Bible as they look toward becoming a student led group, the others are exploring a range of topics as they study the life of Jesus and look at the relevance to our modern lives the impact He has on us.

The Easter Service was well received, although numbers were reduced due to the inclement weather – hopefully the weather will have improved and spring truly sprung by the time you are reading this.

Our Primary School SU groups have been exploring the Easter story in the run up to the recent holiday – numbers have reduced in the Kinnaird Group and Larbert Village groups but the smaller numbers remain enthusiastic and have allowed more in-depth discussions. Numbers in Carronshore have increased and Stenhousemuir has a small but dedicated group which meets regularly. The dynamic in the Airth group has changed with many younger members and we are looking forward to welcoming the older members of the Ladeside group to the High school later this year.

Mike and Gregor have been involved in leading assemblies in each of the Primary schools; these are well received and our workers are welcomed in each of the schools. We are hoping to introduce the Bible Alive programme to more of our Primary classes.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Trust, both in Prayer and financial contribution.

Andrea Dunkin, Publicity Officer ….. LCYT - Scottish Charity No: SC040524

LUNCH IN THE EAST

The tables were laid out, chairs ready, food, drinks, napkins, background music. But would

they follow the signs and come in? On April 25 “Lunch in the East” offered a tasty selection

of home baking and soft drinks to S1 and S2 pupils from Larbert High School, a quick stop

in their short lunch hour. And over 40 of them did come in.

The offer of free food was, of course, a clear attraction. Some of the young people stopped

just long enough to pick up a cake and headed back out. Others sat down for a few

minutes. And within half an hour, everyone was gone, including the school staff who came

along to keep an eye on things.

Lunch in the East offers a connection between Larbert East Church and the pupils of

Larbert High School. Home baking, friendly faces, a safe place for lunch, a listening ear;

we’ve tried it once and are pleased with the result, but to have an effect, it needs to

become a regular event. Can we do it?

There are already some keen supporters of Lunch in the East, but,

assuming that it continues after the summer, it will need a lot more –

to bake every few weeks, or take a turn on the rota, which will require

around an hour, from set-up to cleared away. If you’d like to get

involved, please speak to Margaret Tooth or Lorraine Blair. Just don’t

expect any leftover goodies!

In the two weeks the work team were in Tanzania, much good work was done assisting the local fundis (builders) to make considerable progress in the construction of the three rooms + veranda small home. In each case the building work had advanced to above window height and awaited a ring lintel, then a couple of other brick courses before the wooden roof trusses and corrugated iron sheets roof would be put in place. The contract will be completed in another two or three weeks following the team’s return at a total cost of 8,500,000 Tanzanian Shillings (about £3000 Sterling) which the team together had raised. Many members of the Larbert East congregation contributed generously to the “Buy a Brick” sponsorship scheme with almost £800 donated from the church. Huge thanks to all who assisted and provided also clothes, shoes, toys, games and numerous other sundry items which were taken to Tanzania for distribution to needy families including those of Mama Rose and Mama Maria. April is the end of the long rainy season in Tanzania and an occasional thunder & lightning storm was experienced. It rained overnight several times but good fortune and fine weather blessed the work sites and no time was lost in weather related delays. The often “shy” mountain of Kilimanjaro which dominates the city of Moshi and the region was liberally snow-covered reflecting these rains but everywhere around the area maize crops and beans were growing healthily and fast with expectations of a bumper harvest later in the year. The vivid green of the landscape contrasts markedly with the often brown/dried-up appearance of the land in July and September when teams have been in the past. We look forward to receiving pictures soon of the completed houses and the hand-over ceremony as Mamas Maria and Rose (for EvaMary) take over their new homes. The contrast with their tiny, leaky, mud/timber dwelling with earth floors will be great but we sincerely hope that the new home will provide safety, security and a real hope for the future for both families. Vine Trust aims “to connect people to change lives” and it is our earnest hope that through our participation in the April home-building expedition we will have indeed transformed the lives and prospects of both families. Your support, sincere good wishes and prayers were much appreciated. Fiona and Alex.

MORE TALES FROM TANZANIA

Regular readers of Eastwords and Melville’s book (copies still available!!) will be familiar with tales of work parties in Tanzania and here’s yet another similar story. In April, two members of the Larbert East congregation, Fiona Jardine and Alex. Duncan joined another Vine Trust home-building expedition to Tanzania. The work party, eleven strong, led by an “old friend” and “veteran” of several V T expeditions, Anne Carstairs from Crossmichael, Castle Douglas included three others who had been together on previous work parties. The remaining seven members included three 18 years old from Ferrywell Youth Project in North Edinburgh; all were “first timers” in Tanzania. Vine Trust continues to work with TAWREF (Tanzanian Women’s Research Foundation) to build small family homes for seriously disadvantaged families in the area around the small city of Moshi in Kilimanjaro Region of North East Tanzania. The April work team were delighted firstly, to financially support the construction and secondly, physically assist in the building of the 100th and 101st homes built by this international partnership. The Family Stories The 100th house will provide a larger, wind and water-tight three-room building for Mama Rose, a 64 years old grandmother with her own health problems and her granddaughter, EvaMary who is 10 years old. EvaMary’s mother died five years ago and her father lives with HIV and is unable to care for his daughter. An only child, EvaMary helps her grandmother at home with their small plot of land which produces maize, beans, bananas and avocados to sustain them. She is doing well at school and hopes to become a teacher one day. As EvaMary’s only carer, grandmother Rose worries what will happen to EvaMary once she is no longer around. Having a home built in EvaMary’s name will give Rose peace of mind that her granddaughter will have a safe and secure future. The 101st home will replace the present mud shelter in which Mama Maria lives with her five children after being abandoned by their father. She is supported by the local church community, when they can, to ensure they have enough to eat. Maria works with a small business selling old shoes and clothes to try to provide for her family. Faith (15) and Winifrida (17) attend school; their older siblings Neema (23), Anita (22) and Rose (21 - herself with special needs) do what they can to help their mother but depend on her support as the main breadwinner.

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND STAMP APPEAL (S.O.S.) A big THANK YOU to all who saved old stamps for our 2017 – 2018 project to support The Giffen Institute of Theology (G.I.T.) in South Sudan. The final total for that project was £2,194 which will help G.I.T. to restock resource materials, much of which was destroyed in the conflicts of recent times.

Our new project for 2018 – 2019 will help the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia (Ukraine) which runs a number of Day Care Centres providing educational, emotional and physical support for children and young people with disabilities who will be helped to live life in all its fulness and enjoy opportunities to participate in society and family life.

Remember to CUT round the whole stamp, leaving at least 1cm. BORDER. THE BORDER IS VERY IMPORTANT as it lets the sorters see at a glance whether the stamp is damaged or not thus saving time. Every stamp is checked – it is a time consuming job, so please take care when you CUT the stamp from the letter or package. I stress the word CUT again as just tearing the stamp off, often results in a damaged stamp which is WORTHLESS! We don't like having to throw away even one stamp!

If you have an old Stamp Album which nobody needs now, pop it into one of the 3 collection boxes – 2 at the back of the church and 1 in the hall – or see Ernie Macintyre who will forward it to Edinburgh.

Again, many thanks to all those who regularly S.O.S. for Church of Scotland's World Mission Projects.

**************** ANSWERS TO CAN YOU CONNECT? 1) ROOM 2) PRICE 3) SHIP 4) WAGE 5) INDIAN 6) SHEET 7) SHELL 8) CHEAP 9) BOARD 10) MOUTH

HELLO EVERYONE, Marianne here with an update about what has been happening in the life of a Parish Outreach Worker.

It has been a busy few months. I have taken part in the Sunday Services by doing the All Age Talk. In March, I organised and hosted an Afternoon Tea for some of our families in Church, good food and lovely fellowship was enjoyed by all. Still with food on the menu I spoke at ELECT last Sunday which was held in the Village Tearoom, everyone who came along enjoyed a fantastic time of worship, sharing and singing. All in a relaxed atmosphere with Tea / Coffee and Cakes. There was also lots for the children to do too! One of the many blessings of this job is the Weekday Worship Service. I love to go and I’ve met so many lovely members of the congregation. Next week I have been given the privilege of speaking at this service, I am looking forward that. On a daily basis I am Involved with Stenhousemuir Primary and Kinnaird Primary Schools. My role in the schools is to provide one to one and group pupil support, alongside staff and families to help the vulnerable children at these schools. I am part of the team providing Scripture Union classes for the school pupils too. Since the beginning of this school term we have started a Whole School Assembly once a month at Stenhousemuir Primary School. Recently, I’ve started a new project which brings together two groups within our community. Let’s Read Together brings together school pupils and residents at Adam Grossert Court. The aim is to help build relationships between these groups, they are spending time together, talking, reading, sharing experiences and playing games. We are going to produce a small booklet recording their experience for others to see. We aim to make this a regular project which will be an excellent way to unite different generations within our community. Hospital visiting and one to one family support all add to a busy schedule which seems to grow daily. I am excited to be part of all that God is doing at Larbert East Church.

Be Blessed, Marianne.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Why not log onto our

Church website?

http://www.larberteastchurch.com

MEMORIES GROUP

The Memories Group has been meeting monthly on Wednesday over the last year.

We have been given a great deal of help by Sports Heritage Scotland Memories project to set up the group and they have provided us with photos of sports and film stars to exhibit as well as historic local views.

We have a number of speakers on various aspects of local history which have proved both interesting and informative.

We have two more afternoons planned for this session, a Fun Picture Quiz with Syd Thomson on May 23rd and some entertainment from Ian Scott, Robin Duncan and friends on June 13th. We are already planning a new series of meetings from September.

We have received great support from Russell McGillivray and Alex Duncan in the organising and setting up the meetings and John Carmichael in setting up the Hall.

None of this would have been possible without the help of our loyal band of ladies, Betty Cairns, Sheila Summers and Margaret Knox for delicious home baking and tea and coffee. We should also thank our loyal regulars who help tidy up the tables and chairs at the end of each meeting.

We will be meeting monthly on Wednesdays from September and any ideas for topics or speakers would be very welcome. Margaret & Duncan Walker Telephone : 556200.

CAN YOU CONNECT?

Can you find a word which will make sense when added to the end of the first word and also to the beginning of the second word? 1. STORE ---- SERVICE 2. SALE ----- CUT 3. MERCHANT ---- SHAPE 4. LIVING ---- EARNER 5. RED ------ OCEAN

6. GROUND ----- LIGHTNING 7. EGG ----- SHOCK 8. DIRT----- LABOUR 9. ABOVE ----- MEETING 10. BIG ----- ORGAN

Jean Neish