6 Oct 2007 - Newsletter - October, 2007
Dear Folks,
"Here is bread, here is wine,
Christ is with us - He is with us;
Break the bread, drink the wine -
Christ is with us here" (G. Kendrick)
With these words you are invited once again to the Lord's Table, We hope that many of you will be present on this first occasion when we celebrate the Sacrament in our newly restored Church. The last time I wrote to you I stressed that this was a time of new beginnings - a time for rededicating ourselves, as well as our building. How about making the autumn Communion Sunday the time of a new beginning in your commitment to the Lord and to the Kirk? Many of you have said that you really must come, must start afresh. Will there ever be a better time than NOW? Please note that we no longer plan to use the common cup with spoons for the congregation. We have been gifted three lightweight wooden trays for individual glasses, which we shall dedicate before use; there are places in the chairs for them after use. Some of you may prefer to use the common cup and some seats wil be reserved for you. The informal evening celebration and thanksgiving service will be held, as always, in the Hall Church. We look forward to seeing YOU on the 14th!
The past few weeks since we returned to the Kirk have been exciting indeed. There has been an atmosphere of excitement, joy and anticipation. Everyone present at the Rededication Service agreed that it was a very special occasion. There was a large turnout of our own members, plus folks from the village and from all over - from as far afield as Saltcoats and Cupar!! At the beginning of the service, after a long list of thank-yous, I rededicated the Kirk. We went on to have a service of praise and thanksgiving. The soloist, Mrs Isobel Galloway, sang two pieces most acceptably. As there were a few children present, Bear had to get in on the act - Bear wearing his fine, new jacket, specially made for the occasion to match the falls and table covers!! Bear's message was one that I have been emphasising for a long time now - the need for us to be restored, as well as our building. The Rev. Ian Watson (Minister at Kirkmuirhill) rededicated the congregation. (His prayer, along with the prayer for the rededication of the building, is included as an addenda to this letter). Before rededicating us, Ian gave us a challenging address on the theme -
KIRK O' SHOTTS, THE WORLD NEEDS YOU!
He spoke of how much poorer the world would be without the Christian Gospel and without the Christian Church and stressed how much the world needs each one of us to be salt and light in our world, especially today (Matthew 5:13-16). Recordings of (most of) the service are available. Afterwards there was a time for tea and fellowship and most seemed reluctant to end the evening; it must have been 10.30 before the Church was locked up!! Please note that the Kirk now has a burglar alarm system installed.
The Sunday following was a very wet day, but, nevertheless, the attendance was good for our "Back-to-Church" Service. There were those who came who had not been for some time and we hope that in coming weeks many will join them. We very much need the support of all our members. On Sunday, 23rd September, we dedicated our new Communion Table, gifted in memory of the Gentles' Family of Roughdyke. Many of the congregation have fond memories of John, Agnes, Jessie, Jean, Lizzie, Maisie, Margaret, Jimmy, Willie, Tom and Annie. The Table has a plain top, inscribed on the front with Jesus' words - "DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME"; its base is a wheat-sheaf, which is most appropriate for a farming family. Almost all of the next generation of the family were present at the service and they had an enjoyable get-together in the Hall Church afterwards. The following Sunday we focussed on the Cross which was gifted in memory of Mrs Katie Wilson. Philip (Katie's grandson-in-law) carved it with much skill and care; it stands about six feet high and is a simple and beautiful reminder of what Jesus did for you and for me. We have received a number of gifts at this time and they will be noted in due course. We would like those who gave them to know how much we appreciate them.
It is a requirement of Historic Scotland's generous grant for the restoration work that we make our building accessible to visitors. We have decided to restart our Open Days on the first Sunday of the month - 1.30 - 4.30pm. Almost all who have seen our building to date have been very enthusistic about all that has been done. Word has spread and many have said that they would like to come and visit. We expect many visitors and appeal for help to show them around, serve tea/coffee, etc.
Before the restoration work got under way, Eileen (our Session Clerk) said that she had a vision of the day, when not only our building would be restored, but also that we would be completely free of debt. Because of shortfalls over a number of years we accumulated a large amount owing to the Central Fund - not much short of £30,000. Year by year we have been repaying that sum. Last year apart from our repayments £5,000 came off - given by Presbytery. The amount owing is down to £15,000. At the last meeting of Presbytery, a Stewardship and Finance deliverance was passed granting us another £9,999. That means we have only £5,001 to find to clear our debt. Eileen's vision may soon become reality!!
I rejoice with you in all that has happened during the past month. God has been good to us materially speaking and He has also blessed us. But I would like more and more of His blessing "O that He would rend the heavens and come down" (Isaiah 64:1 R.S.V), as He did at the Shotts Revival all those years ago. We need, our Parish needs, Lanarkshire needs, Scotland needs - desperately needs - a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit. Let us pray that God will send showers of blessing upon us - SOON.
"O that you would fill us,
Fill us with Your Spirit,
So that we may know Your power,
O Lord, O Lord..."
(Songs of Fellowship - 448)
(Dates for your Diary - See "What's On?" page)
As we go forward to the work of another winter's session, we have much to encourage us, much for which to thank God. Let us go forward then, seeking ever that His kingdom may come, His will may be done, His glory may shine through you and through me.
Wishing you every blessing,
Sincerely yours,
Sheila M Spence
Addenda: PRAYERS OF DEDICATION - TO COME!