Christmas Services and EventsSunday 1 December10.30am & 6.30pm Communion Services (Killearn Kirk)Thursday 5 December7.30pm The Guild Christmas Evening (Killearn Kirk Hall)Sunday 8 December10.30am Morning Service (Killearn Kirk)Thursday 12 December2.00pm Christmas Tree Festival (until 4.00pm) (Killearn Kirk)Friday 13 December10.00am Christmas Tree Festival (until 12.30pm) (Killearn Kirk)7.30pm Strathendrick Singers Christmas Concert (Killearn Kirk)Saturday 14 December12.00noon Christmas Tree Festival (until 5.00pm) (Killearn Kirk)Sunday 15 December10.30am Christmas Gift & Family Nativity Service, the children of the Church will be performing a Nativity Play followed by tea/coffee & mince pies. (Killearn Kirk). All in the village are invited to come along to this festive occasion. 11.30am Christmas Tree Festival (until 4.30pm) (Killearn Kirk)Sunday 22 December10.30am Favourite Carols Service (Killearn Kirk)Tuesday 24 December Christmas Eve11.00 pm Carol Singing followed by Christmas Eve Watchnight service (Killearn Kirk)Wednesday 25 December Christmas Day10.00 am Informal Christmas Day Family Service. (Killearn Kirk) Children are invited to bring one of their presents to show the Minister.

We wish everyone a happy Christmas. If you are not a regular Church-goer we extend a special welcome to you to come along to one of our informal services, joining in the celebrations of the message of Christmas.

December 2013 Volume 16 Issue 3

Christmas PostThe Killearn Guides and Boys Brigade will again take up the challenge of operating a Christmas Post within the Village speed limit boundaries. Last year you donated nearly £900 to send to Children’s Hospice Association Scotland. Please help us to send another donation this Christmas by supporting the Christmas Post.

The Collecting boxes and Donation boxes will go out on Monday, 2 December at the Killearn Pharmacy and Killearn Butchers. Collections will be made daily. Deliveries will be made during the week commencing 9 and 16 December. There will also be a box sited in the Church on Sunday mornings. Sue Beck – 550485 or 1stkillearnguides@gmail.com; Neil Evans

Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Young People’sDiary Dates

are on page 9

Page 2 Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk

PersonaliaKillearn Kirk People

Killearn Kirk is a Charity Registered in Scotland No SC012140Killearn Kirk Tidings is edited by:

Scott Macintosh (tel 550794) - scott@themacintoshfamily.co.ukand printed by The Macintosh Partnership

Visit us online at www.killearnkirk.org.uk or visit our Facebook page:www.facebook.com/pages/Killearn-Kirk/116334885136784

Editorial

An early Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year from the Editor. Thanks to all who have contributed to any of our magazines this year and again to Iain Sinclair for permission to reproduce one of his paintings on the cover of this edition.

The next edition of Killearn Kirk Tidings will be published in time for Easter and will have details of the Easter services.

As always articles on any aspect of our Church life are encouraged, and there is always room for more photos to be squeezed in so keep snapping. No need to be an expert photographer or have an expensive camera, better to catch an interesting moment on your smartphone!

Please eMail contributions to the editor in plenty of time. Text should if possible be a Word document attached to an eMail. Pictures & graphics should also be separately attached, please do not embed pictures and graphics within documents or eMails, it can be difficult or impossible to extract them. If in doubt contact the editor beforehand. Thank you.

Worship GroupThe Worship Group takes part in the Sunday morning service most weeks. They are always on the lookout for more instrumentalists and singers.

Please contact Karen (550380)

Minister Rev. Lee Messeder 2 The Oaks 550045 minister@killearnkirk.org.ukFamily Worker Amanda McCall familyworker@killearnkirk.org.ukSession Clerk Chris Williams Blair House, Croftamie 660020Treasurer Bob Ballantyne Kilmorie Cottage 550310 Church Officer Iain Sinclair 18 Crosshead Road 550204Roll Keeper Kirsty Smith 26 New Endrick Road 550654Church Office (ansafone when unstaffed) 550326

Deaths:

We are sorry to advise that Rena Smith has passed away. An obituary can be found in the Killearn Courier:

www.kcfc.co.uk/courier.html

Baptisms:

Susan and Olivia HendersonAngus Gallagher

Wedding:

Catreona and Patrick Harper (pictured below)

Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 3

2, The Oaks, Killearn

Hi,

What to buy and what to give?

What is the best gift that we could give to anyone? Or perhaps the better question to ask is “what makes a good gift?” The second question requires a lot of thought. What are the things that we take into account when buying a present? We consider the person who will be receiving the present; what we know of their likes and dislikes, how close we are, in terms of our relationship, and ultimately how much we can afford to spend. Yet, despite all of this, and even if we know the person really well, there will still be a slight concern as to how appropriate the present will be. Will the person like it? Will it mean a lot to them? Ultimately we hope that the person will like and approve of the choice. The scary part is watching them tear open the Christmas wrapping paper, all the time wondering, will they really like it?

The Christian message is that God’s present is the unexpected ‘good news’, which is announced in no uncertain terms as one who comes as a ‘Saviour’. The birth of a child to many is nearly always ‘good news’. A wonderful time to celebrate and participate in the joyful celebrations. We can also understand that this piece of ‘good news’ affects the wider family and friends. Yet, how can a birth of just one special child affect people groups and nations? This seems, at face value, as something, which just can’t be true.

When a new roman emperor was inaugurated, it was called ‘good news’. A new, better era had now started. The gospels writer saw the birth of Jesus in a similar way. When they recorded that his name was not only Jesus (saviour), but also Emmanuel, ‘God is with us’; it was a strong indication that God was working in history. This boy, who would become a man with a ministry and purpose, would bring into being a new way of living. A living that was expressed in the terms of the ‘Kingdom of God’.

This good news would not be built upon the conquest of nations and people groups, but would instead be seen by the way people were treated. ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…forgive your debtors…if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles….judge not…’ and in order for such a person to experience this new way of being, it meant facing up to one’s own limitations, ‘your sins are forgiven…’.

The greatest gift that any person could ever receive is ‘unconditional love’ which overcomes all the barriers and all the excuses, and says that you, we, are valued immensely. The reception of this gift in us automatically changes the way we consider others. So that, even the person I dislike so much becomes a person for whom I would go the extra mile. Surely this gift, once received, changes everything, in us and in others, and what is more, it is really good for the environment!

Enjoy your Christmas celebrations and may God’s presence be very much experienced with and through you.

Lee

Letter from our Minister

Sermon RecordingsIf you can’t manage to Church, or indeed you wish to hear them over again, the weekly Sunday sermons are recorded and can be listened to or downloaded from the Church website. If you’re not able to do this the sermons can be brought to your house on a portable player.

Andrew Weir can arrange this (550779).

Laurie Crawford has just returned from a cruise on which there was an interdenominational service each Sunday, during which a poem or article was read out, including the following.

There is a bible passage associated with this poem - do you know which it is? (answer on page 12).

I may never see tomorrow,There’s no written guarantee,And things that happened yesterdayBelong to history.

I cannot predict the future,I cannot change the past;I have just the present moment---I must treat it as my last.

I must use the moment wisely,For it soon will pass away,And be lost to me forever,As part of yesterday.

I must exercise compassion,Help the fallen to their feet;Be a friend unto the friendless;Make an empty life complete.

The unkind things I do todayMay never be undone.Any friendships that I fail to winMay nevermore be won.

I may not have another chanceOn bended knee to pray,And I thank God with humble heartFor giving me this day.

I may never see tomorrow, but this moment is my own.It’s mine to use or cast aside; the choice is mine, alone.

I have just this precious moment in the sunlight of today,Where the dawning of tomorrow meets the dusk of yesterday.

Paul F. Barnett

I may never see tomorrow

Page 4 Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Killearn Malawi Group – Ladies Wine Tasting Evening

The B lack Bu l l Ho te l , Killearn was the venue for an extremely enjoyable and successful fundraising event on Friday 6th September. Five wines were sampled along with a variety of tasty tapas dishes to compliment each wine.

As well as sampling the w ines , lad ies had the opportunity to purchase from the various stalls which included Phoenix greetings cards, jewellery, handbags, scarves by Lesley Svensson, F ly ingbird Designs and mugs , tea - towe l s and various gifts from Louise at the Unique Company.

Following lots of chat and h i lar i ty, we rounded the evening off with our raffle. Thanks to everyone fo r coming along and to those who generous ly donated either raffle prizes or money.

We are delighted to have raised over £500 which will go towards much needed funding at a village clinic in Malawi.

A special thank you to Kerry and her staff at the Black Bull for hosting this event.

Reachout DinnersThe programme of Reachout Dinners continues in 2014, taking place on the last Friday of each month at the Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen 7.00pm for 7.30 start, and consisting of an excellent meal with coffee followed by an interesting speaker. David Andrew, editor of Sword magazine, will be coming in January. Cost is a very reasonable £14 per person and everyone is welcome.

For more details contact Mike or Jinty McKirdy 01360 440659, michael.mckirdy7@btinternet.com

CoffeeIt has been encouraging to see that over the last 12 months the number of people staying on for coffee and fellowship has been growing. The donations given for the coffee has grown too which has enabled us to send £450 to Traidcaraft who supplies the tea, coffee and sugar. We have in the past also supported Ballikinrain and their trip to India, Parkinson’s Society and the Pakistan Appeal. If anyone would like to suggest other charities that we could support in the future please let me know.

We have a great group of volunteers who work in pairs on a rota so they are only doing the coffees about once every four months. I would like to thank them for their time and support. If anyone would like to join this group please contact me.

Sue Beck

Toys n’ tea Messy PlayChristmas Party

Thursday 12th December9:45 am

Killearn Kirk Halls

Balancing the Books(continued . . .)

Following the appeal in our last issue for help to reduce our annual deficit we have had several responses. We are most grateful to those who responded and in particular to one member (who wishes to remain anonymous) who singlehandedly gave a donation which will almost certainly balance the books for the current year to 31st December.

While amazed at the outcome of our appeal we recognise these were one-off donations and further ideas and efforts to improve our income on a regular basis will be outlined in the next issue of TIDINGS. This will include further efforts to promote the very generous HMRC Gift Aid Scheme which allows us to claim 25% of offerings from members who pay tax and complete a gift aid form. In the meantime it would be much appreciated if our current members using Freewill Envelopes would complete the form available from Helen Gee which would allow us to claim 25% on their giving. For those using the envelopes nothing will change - it just means you are helping us balance the books. We must stress that there really is no additional cost to the giver, the extra 25% is genuinely a gift from the taxman.

Meanwhile in order to make it easier for our many visitors to give their offerings we are changing in January to having the offering taken up during the service rather than having the collection bags at the door on the way in.

Bob Ballantyne

Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 5

In June this year I got the chance to go to Malawi as part of the ongoing partnership between Balfron High School and Robert Laws Secondary School. This is situated on the Loudon Mission Station in Embangweni. There were fourteen of us, ten students and the rest teachers as well as a technician all from Balfron. It was exam time while we were there so many of the lessons were cancelled, but we were able to experience some teaching, and nearly ended up sitting the English exam ourselves. It was surprising how similar some of the lessons were but there were obvious huge differences, namely the class sizes that were nearer to eighty than the twenty or thirty we are used to here. We ran a few classes for the pupils such as debating and drama which were more analytical and expressive than the type of learning the ROLASS pupils were used to.

When we were taken round the school we were shocked to discover that their library is closed to students, as they cannot be trusted not to steal books, and a librarian would be too expensive. Aside from being in the secondary school we had the opportunity to visit other facilities on the station. These included the primary school, where they have just around 20 teachers for over 2300 pupils, and the school for the deaf where we were taught very basic sign language (we can just about spell our names).

The guest house we stayed in was very welcoming and in breaks it was great to meet children from the primary school and play sport with them, even if they were far better at football than us. It was hard for us to keep going in the heat, but everyone was amazed when we explained how hot it was. This was mid-winter, and the ROLASS students had coats and gloves while we were in t-shirts. It was very easy to adapt to living there though, and we were very well looked after. Many of our preconceptions were proven wrong, but what we had been told about Malawi being the warm heart of Africa was certainly true.

Therefore it was hard to leave after nearly two weeks but we were lucky enough to spend a couple of days in the south before we left the country on safari. This was a lovely way to finish the trip and reflect on all that we had seen and learnt. We saw over 200 elephants, a couple slightly too close for comfort but really enjoyed it, as we had the whole experience. I learnt a lot from the trip, and would love to go back one day as I feel I can learn a lot more and try to give something more back.

Bethany Withers

Balfron High School - Visit to Malawi

Page 6 Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Tales from the Village Hall

Fridays have been going great since our big move in September from the Kirk halls to our new home in the basement area of the Village halls.

From 6.30-7.30pm we are overrun with the primary 7 class from Killearn primary (and on occasion their lovely teacher too), as well as children from schools out with the village and even some dedicated P.7`s from Balfron who brave the bus timetable every Friday to join us. As well as enjoying the online computers, table football and chillin on the club rooms comfy sofas P.7`s are enjoying table tennis and pool in the games room. We are also ready to try out our new PS3 games…if Amanda can ever get that blue square off the screen…thanks to the lads who tried to help, turns out it wasn`t me after all but a new remote for TV which is on its way…

At 8pm it’s the turn of those pupils S1 and over who spill into every nook of the space to catch up with friends, relax at the end of the school week and let the weekend begin in style. One and a half hours of madness with the usual stuff as well as a selection of table activities and the odd craft/ activity thrown in. After the success

of the FIMO k e y r i n g s ( t h e b o y s were just as keen as the girls to make someth ing) w h e r e w e made great keyrings from fried eggs to strawberrys to a McD`s t a k e a w a y , and a Minion or two, we are now making decorations for our tree that will be on show in the Kirk from the 12th to 15th December at the Christmas tree festival. The P.7`s are making stockings filled with goodies (apart from a cut out Christmas Roast Chicken which went home with a hungry boy…hate to tell him it wasn`t real).

F r i d a y s w o u l d n ` t be complete without our ever popular t u c k s h o p whe re you

can buy such delights as Freddos, Space Raiders, Fudgy Wudgys, Cola Bottles (for a certain Balfron high pupil), Astro Belts, Hula Hoops, Skips and for a limited time the odd Snowman or Tomato Ketchup Crisps, all items 45p or under. So if you are free Fridays and looking for something to do, join us , term time TP7T, P.7`s 6.30-7.30pm, TFNT, S1+ 8-9.30pm, £1 entry each and bring a little for tuck. Contact myself familyworker@killearnkirk.org.uk or at the office where you can leave a message 01360 550 326. Remember the Village hall Games Room and Club Rooms can be hired for your own use, for more information on booking contact the Village Hall.

Families & Young People at Killearn Kirk

Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 7

Youth and family work Christmas tree

Here at the Kirk we are busy preparing for the Guilds Christmas Tree Festival 12-15the December. Having been asked to take part it was decided to dedicate a tree to all the groups who meet under the banner of Youth and Family Outreach. The young people at TP7T and TFNT have already started making stockings and FMO decorations, whilst all the Kirk kids groups have a BIG CHRISTMAS BOX and they will be squeezing in decoration making round their time at dinky Disciples, upper and Lower Kirk Kids. And as I type, although they don’t know it yet we`ll be

getting our hands dirty making decorations at the Young Women’s Group, Messy Play and Sunday Morning Youth Group, I`m also hoping to have a few decorations from my visits to Toddlers (Wednesday mornings 9.30-11am), and from the P.5-7`s at Scripture Union (Killearn primary 12.30-1pm Tuesdays) to complete our tree and its red stocking lights. It will be great to see the Kirk full of festive cheer in December, and as well as a roaring finale Carol Service on the afternoon of Sunday the 15th if you pop along to our Nativity o n S u n d a y m o r n i n g , 10 .30am you can see the trees alongside our live recreation o f t ha t ve r y first Christmas. Amanda McCall, Y o u t h a n d Family Worker.

Nativity Service

It certainly doesn`t seem like 12 months since we had our annual “wi l l they turn up on the day?” thoughts as we cast the Kirks Nativity. Yet again we are ready to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus in the very humble surroundings of a not quite luxury stable setting. We are getting our donkey prepped just as Joseph would 2000 years ago, our 3 Kings/ Wise men are patiently watching the stars and getting their gifts ready for the infant King, and Mary, well a bit like God …we are looking for the right girl…, the angels are bleaching their garments, the shepherds are shepherding as usual and the Kirk kids leaders are silently and quietly internally panicking, or rather praying just like the Jews of old waiting for the birth of the Messiah…so come and see how the story unfolds on Sunday 15th December at 10.30am. All are welcome. Amanda McCall.

Sunday Morning Youth Group, why not “Yucky Youth”?

This was the question a certain young man asked as contemplated all the other kirk Kids groups…Crèche, Dinky Disciples, Upper and Lower Kirk Kids, could we be “Yucky Youth”? Personally I have no objections at all, I`m sure its what many people think anyway, but its really not true (well, at least most of the time).

So what do we do whilst hidden away in the office on a Sunday morning? Well we asked the group what they really wanted to do, and they wanted to look at Jesus, what he was like, at the miracles He performed. So we have been taking or time looking deeply in to the life of Christ. Where did He come from?, Why was he important?, Who prepared the way for his ministry?, What did he teach?, Does His life reflect what the prophets of old said about him? So far we have had a great time watching a DVD adaptation of the Gospel Of Matthew, using text only from the NIV Bible, discussing the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord’s prayer covering all our needs in its requests and the healing Jesus provided directly to those considered “unclean” by their peers, healing remotely by the faith of the person asking, and the healing of many at the one time. We have looked at Jesus references to the old Testament regarding himself and so far we are convinced he is who he said he is, the Son of God, the long awaited Messiah come to save the people from their sins.

Its not all hard work and study, we do get a break, to ctahc up with the news of the week, chat to our volunteer helpers and munch especially with great Sessional workers like Sarah Jane Messeder keeping us topped up with boxes of Quality Streets! If you are S1+ come and join us during Sunday Services…bring sweets!

To sum it all up

Just to say, its now just over my second full year here at Killearn Kirk as the Youth and Family Outreach Worker having just taken part in my third Remembrance Service where it was great to see so many people I actually recognised. Every day I enjoy it more, and as always I describe this as the best job in the world! My job wouldn`t be that way if it wasn`t for all the great folks I get to work alongside, like the Kirk Kids and Dinky Disciples leaders, ladies I`d be lost without you, all the Crèche ladies, the volunteer helpers at Kirk kids and Sunday “Yucky Youth” Morning Youth Group.

As well as the sessional Workers, SJ and Bethany who make the youth work more fun, and those who volunteer at TFNT and TP7T, too numerous to mention. Also for the lovely parents, carers and children who treat me very kindly at Toddlers and Messy Play, as well as the schools in Killearn and Balfron who support the outreach work,(my favourite schools moment this year was when helping at RME in P.5, Killearn when one lad thought I`d come to talk about the cannibals….close the Parables. I know Jesus fed many but not usually in that way!), not to mention the many Christians in Killearn and beyond who support the work I do, in prayer and practically. Also a thank you to the cheerful trio who give up their Tuesdays to help with Scripture Union, and to all the children, and their parents (who are often taxi drivers) attending Scripture Union, Kirk kids and Friday Youth activities. And my laugh a minute companions who like to eat cake (just to be sociable) at the Young Women’s Group, and probably a trillion others who keep me on the straight and narrow, you all know who you are!

Many thanks.

Page 8 Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Messy Play

Hedgehogs and a bat hunt in the kirk? Not to mention the dormice!

October saw the return this school year of Messy Play sessions in the Kirk halls for all pre-school children and their parents/ carers. We kicked off by thinking about Harvest and we had Messy Play with all the lovely food items we see at Harvest time, we dug in the sand for fruit and vegetables, found fish in our water play and even decorated cakes with icing and treats and snack time.

Then, on our non-messy day we searched for hedgehogs under fallen leaves in the small hall, we went on a bat hunt in the kirk and we made nests from leaves for the dormice we found already asleep at this time of hibernation, and we are thankful to God for all his marvellous and varied creation.

It will soon be time for our Christmas Party on December 12th at 9.45am, and if you haven`t ventured to messy play sessions yet then come along and enjoy the Christmas Party in the kirk halls for all pre-school children and get a little taster of what all the fuss (and clearing up) is all about. FREE.

Operation Christmas Child 2013

Once again the children at Kirk kids and the adults in the congregation have been busy filling and wrapping shoeboxes for the Samaritans Purse winter outreach “Operation Christmas Child”. This organisation fly wrapped shoeboxes filled with toys, sweets and treats all over the world to children in need. We started preparing for this good cause way back in July as part of our “Missions” theme at Kirk Kids over the summer holidays. Many of the Kirk Kids children and leaders spent an exceptionally warm July morning with Christmas on their minds, wrapping, labelling and placing toys, soaps, toothbrush and toothpaste, stationery, sweets, hats and gloves, combs, brushes, hair clips and jewellery into 10 beautifully wrapped shoe boxes for children they will never meet, the following Sunday more children and adults helped us fill another 4 shoeboxes full of Christmas blessings.

The generous members of the congregation have also filled their own boxes and donated the necessary £3.00 postage for each box before they were taken off to “Shoe Zone” stores to continue their Christmas journeys. I would like to say a huge thank you to all involved, from the child who donated 2 weeks of pocket money for postage to those who shopped and wrapped selflessly, it couldn`t have happened without you.

If you would like to see the journey of a shoebox, visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk , and remember its never too early to start preparing for next Christmas, if you want to donate items for shoeboxes for 2014 let me know and I’ll happily have my Christmas head on for the whole year.

Amanda McCall, Family and Youth Outreach worker.

Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 9

Scripture Union

We at Killearn Kirk are very thankful to be involved again this school year at Killearn running our weekly, Tuesday lunchtime Scripture Union group. Myself, Amanda McCall and 3 lovely ladies from the Kirk, Alison, Katy and Sue look forward to seeing our bustling group of primary 5`s, 6`s and 7`s each Tuesday. Its fun and madness as we start our sessions with board games or activities and this past while we have been looking at (what feels like a never ending story) of Elijah (the man of God with lots of hair). Amazingly this Old testament Prophet of God spoke and the rains stopped for 3 years while he took on the bad King Ahab, his scary wife Queen Jezebel and 450 prophets of Baal with a fiery encounter on Mount Carmel (or caramel as we’ve been calling it….it is lunchtime after all)…yes we did actually light a candle for a nano second as we spoke about God sending His fire from heaven to burn the bull on the alter (sorry you animal lovers and vegetarians) , and finally after being served bread and meat by the Ravens at the brook (yes we like our food stories), being fed from never ending flour and oil, and bringing to life the Son of the Widow, proving Baal was a false God and being fed by an Angel Elijah finally passes his coat to Elisha (the bald man of God) before going to Heaven in a whirlwind with chariots of fire he says “rain” and the ground and people are quenched from their thirst with God as well as water……ahhh. So what’s next, well after designing our time machines inspired by the chariot of fire, paying homage to other great time travellers such as Bill and Ted `s phone booth, Back to the Futures “Delorian” and not forgetting our time travelling Dr. Who and the Tardis, its time we move forward from the time of Elijah and think about an event 2o00 years ago involving and angel, a donkey and a very bright star not to mention a paranoid King and lots of interesting dreams…….

FORTHCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

MESSY PLAY: Thursdays 9.45-10.45am, Kirk Halls. FREE for all pre-school children & carer. (2nd and 4th Thursday of each month)

December 12th Christmas Party Starts back January 9th 2014

YOUNG(ISH) WOMENS GROUP:Thursdays, 1.15 for 1.30pm – 2.45pm (1st & 3rd & 5th Thursday of each month)

As we do not meet in the Kirk contact Amanda, family Worker for details. December 5th, Starts back January 16th 2014

TP7T/TFNT:Fridays, Term time, P.7 6.30-7.30pm, S1+ 8-9.30pm , £1 entry. Village hall Basement (enter on Station Road)

December 6th, 15th Closed till January 10th 2014.

KIRK KIDS, CRECHE, DINKY DISCIPLES AND SUNDAY MORNING YOUTHSundays during the 10.30am Service

Creche: Under 3s, Dinky Disciples 3 years – start school, Lower kirk kids P.1-4, Upper kirk Kids P.5-7, Sunday Morning Youth group S1+

KIRK KIDS DATES TO NOTE:Nativity Practice, 1st and 8th December (all ages together except crèche)

“THE NATIVITY” 15th December 10.30am4.30pm Carol service to conclude Tree Festival 12th-15th December

Christmas Fun Time, 22nd December, making presents (all ages except crèche)29th December Bible/ Christmas fun time (all ages together except crèche)

5th January 2014 Kirk Kids New Year Ball (all ages together)12th January, normal Sunday groups resume.

It leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I hope to see some of you over the Festive Period.

Amanda McCall, Youth and Family Outreach Worker - familyworker@killearnkirk.org.uk 01360 500 326.

Scripture Union, Forth Valley are having another weekend break for all P.5 to S.4`s in January. This will be Killearn Kirk’s third visit to Lendrick Muir with Scripture Union, lots of activities indoor and out again this time including archery, biking, mini golf and the low ropes. Any young person interested in going along from31st January till 2nd February can get a form from myself to post with deposit to Lendrick Muir or via the printable booking form on the SU Scotland website www.suscotland.org.uk/education-and-schools/regional-staff/forth-valley

The girls from Killearn Kirk at the Low Ropes, Lendrick Muir…ready , steady,GO!

Page 10 Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk

The Young(ish) Womens Group.

Well as soon as we got the little, and not so little, ones back to school in August we looked for our next book, and just like before we`ve picked a page turner from Liz Curtis Higgs, “Bad Girls Of The Bible”. It`s all very juicy, so far we`ve poured over the heartache of Eve in the garden, the scandal of Potiphars (no name of her own) wife and the naively arrogant Joseph (perhaps?) and the bitter tasting tragedy of Lots (yet another no namer) wife…don’t look back! We have also been warmly joined by some additional ladies this time around (great to have you with us), and if you fancy joining the usual girls and eating cake (which Lynne so graciously provides) then let me know. We are currently meeting Thursdays: 1st, 3rd, and where applicable, 5th in the month. Check out more about Liz Curtis Higgs at www.lizcurtishiggs.com Our last date before Christmas in Thursday 5th December and start date for 2014 is Thursday 16th January and we meet 1.15 for 1.30pm till around 3pm, contact me familyworker@killearnkirk.org.uk for more details or to arrange transport as we meet outwith the Kirk. Amanda McCall.

Property 2013Over the year we have continued to maintain the Kirk buildings and manse as well as dealing with unexpected repairs.

This summer has seen the V i l lage Hall reopen and the Kirk car park (or the Himalayas to some) transformed from:

this . . .

via this . . .

into a smooth car park made up of “po rous b l o cks ” that allow the rain water to seep away naturally . . .

There are parking spaces marked with 2 disabled parking spaces at the top of the car park with flat access to the pavement and then into the halls and Kirk.

The work was completed by Luddon who competed against 4 other civil engineering contractors; those of us who kept a keen eye on the site during the 5 weeks of the construction will have noted the tidiness of the site.

Part of the construction is an area known as the pond which is between the halls and the trees. This was previously a boggy area dealing with the rainfall on to the trees. The ground was excavated, to a bottom which is rock, to create an area for the car park drainage to flow into on the occasional event of exceptional rainfall.

I have yet to see water coming from the car park drain despite the rain we have had. However water has accumulated in the pond from rain falling on that area which had previously soaked into the earth. Depending on the depth water it has always soaked away within 48 hours.

In order to ensure everyone’s safety the area around the pond will be fenced off in the near future.

Sue Beck

Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk Page 11

Looking Forward, Looking BackIt’s December. Christmas trees and decorations seem to have been in the shops and restaurants for months as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year. I love Christmas. I love the associations of family times, the excited faces of children opening presents, the anticipation, as well as memories of the Christmas times I had as a child with parents and grandparents. Then there’s the New Year – the promise of something different this time around – new hopes, new resolutions and a desire for things to be better in some way.

Yet also, if many people are honest, both Christmas and New Year can be something of a disappointment. As adults, we’ve seen too many Christmas’s. We’ve had too many hoped for presents not received, or had too many family occasions spoiled by rising tensions when people who no longer all live together suddenly find that tensions spill over. And New Year is no better. Promises to lose weight, give up smoking, be a better person, are the sorts of things we want to aspire to. But the car parks at gyms tell the story. So full in early January that cars spill out onto the surrounding streets, yet back to usual business by early February. It’s hard to change.

Yet that’s what the church is about. Taking real people – and welcoming them as they are now. Not based on future hope that in some way we’ll be better, or different, or worthy, or in some way be “nicer”. In fact that is the message of Christmas- that although we all need to be “nicer” we are welcome by God in spite of the fact that sometimes we are not. No need for new resolutions. No need to hold back until we are perfect or better. Accepted just as we are.

In my day job as a doctor, I’m very aware how much people want to change. How many doubts many people have about themselves. Not liking themselves – perhaps a part of their personality or an aspect of how they look. There’s always something that people feel dissatisfied with. Yet God doesn’t care. He loves us as we are. We don’t need to hold back until we are in some way improved or better before he will accept us at Christmas. His gift to us doesn’t disappoint. His present to us is fundamentally one of forgiveness and love and of acceptance. However we are. Whoever we are. However doubting, self-critical, nice or not nice, whatever we have done – or not done, it doesn’t prevent God loving us. And He can do that because he cares more perfectly than we can as people. And part of that love is that like any loving parent He wants to forgive and heal us, to draw us on. Change us, encourage us, picking us up when we have difficult times, being happy with us during better times – all with the aim of helping us become more and more the person we should really be. All those things we often wish for at New Year – to be happier, more accepting, more loving, more at peace, more able to be a good parent, or partner, or son or daughter . Part of the good news is that we no longer have to do this alone. He can help by coming into our world and our lives to bring hope and change.

That’s the story of Christmas and New Year I like to think of. And it’s very much the story the kirk in Killearn wants to tell this Christmas. However you are, however old, or young, whatever you do as a job, or whether you are unemployed, or are full time at home, whether you are feeling healthy or happy or struggle currently with illness, or feel low, anxious or stressed out, you are welcome. I remember when I was first asked to be Session Clerk some 7 and a half years ago, one of my first questions was whether I was being asked because I was a doctor. Because God isn’t interested in titles or roles- he’s interested in people. I’m reminded of when I was asked to take on the Clerk role, because after seven years, it’s the right time to pass that role on to the next person – Carole Young. Carole will be well known to many in the village. I think she’ll be an excellent Session Clerk. And – I hope she won’t mind me saying this - she is a normal person. Just like the Minister, members of Session, the wider congregation - all those who come to church – a normal person who knows that faith is an important part of her life. I’m sure she will enjoy the role, and also really bring new energy and ideas to how the church helps be relevant and open to all in Killearn.

So looking forward, do you want to change this Christmas and New Year? The Good News is that the Christian message is for people like Lee, like Carole, like me, like our families and friends, like people in the village hall, and hairdresser, and in the Co-op and Spar – in other words just normal people. Titles, roles, experience, age, none of it matters to God. All are welcome.

So please come along this holiday period to Church – and bring your family or friends. You’ll be welcomed, and find a group of friendly normal people. We have great coffee, tea, biscuits and sometimes even cake (!). We want to be a welcoming church, but also fundamentally believe there is something healing and important about faith. An important antidote to some of the challenges we all face each week. So, perhaps this Christmas and New Year God can that new change of direction people so often desire - but without the gym fees!. No sense of failure- just love, acceptance, forgiveness and hope. The hope of a new born baby.

Chris Williams (Session Clerk 2006-2013).

2014 is again Hoolie year and Killearn Kirk will be represented

Page 12 Christmas Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Used stamps for Leprosy MissionPlease remember once again to collect the stamps from your Christmas mail and hand them into Killearn Kirk. As a result of increasing texts and eMails, stamps are now more valuable. a large carrier bag-full used to be worth £40, it’s now worth £75, which is donated to the leprosy mission. See http://www.tlmscotland.org.uk/ for more information on The Leprosy Mission Scotland, bringing ‘healing and justice, empowerment and restoration, to those affected by leprosy’. Let’s make it a bumper year. Many thanks in anticipation.

Jim Fallas

Guild - A Fellowship to BuildBy the time you read this we will have had the Guild Sale, we usually raise in the region of £2,000 and we always hope to do better. This money goes towards the wider work of the church and we are always grateful to everyone who helps to make this yearly event such a success not to mention fun. Members and friends are beavering away knitting, sewing everything from cushions to bags, making Christmas decorations, potting plants, collecting books, baking, the Guides organise cream teas and most importantly, everyone who comes along and buys all the goodies.

We started on October 1st with a Supper evening and entertainment by Joyce Begg and friends. On 15th Oct., it was ‘With Great Pleasure’ Jenny Wilks organised members to entertain us with songs and readings. November 5th was our open evening when we were hosts to Guilds from Fintry, Strathblane and Balfron. This was our project evening ‘Passage from India’ when our speaker told of her visit to self help groups in India and came back home to Provanmill in Glasgow and thought ‘We could do with that here’. Women who hadn’t worked for years and some who had hardly left the house suddenly discovered that with the help of the group, and the church, they became confident and outgoing and in some cases started small businesses and now other self help groups are starting up.

On Nov. 19th we are looking forward to hearing about the work of the Anne Gloag Foundation and all the charitable work they carry out. We end 2013 with a Christmas evening on December 5th and there will be a Christmas Tree festival and Carol evening details of this are mentioned elsewhere in the magazine.

Meetings start again on the 14th January when we will have our Minister, Rev Lee Messeder, to talk to us. There will also be a Bring and Buy Sale at this meeting.

Our meetings are open to all and we meet in the Church Hall at 7.30pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month until the end of March. There is a copy of the Syllabus in the church vestibule and we will be delighted to see you.

Christmas Tree Festival A Christmas Tree Festival, organised by the Guild, will be held in Killearn Kirk from Thursday 12th December until Sunday 15th December. Many of the village organisations have agreed to decorate a tree. Tea and coffee will be served.

Entry to the festival is free, donations if desired will be given to the local branch of Crossroads. The festival will conclude with a carol service,to which everyone is welcome, on Sunday 15th commencing at 4.30pm.

Festival opening times are:

Thursday 12th December 2pm to 4pmFriday 13th December 10am to 12.30pmSaturday 14th December 12md to 5pmSunday 15th December 11.30am to 4.30pm

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Doreen Snadden

The Bible passage associated with the poem is James 4:14 - why not look it up?

Sunday 16th December You are warmly invited to our

Kirk Kids Nativity Service 10.30am.

All children invited to attend in shepherd, angels or alternative

fancy dress to help celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2000

years ago.

Sunday 16th December You are warmly invited to our

Kirk Kids Nativity Service 10.30am.

All children invited to attend in shepherd, angels or alternative

fancy dress to help celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2000

years ago.

Sunday 15th December