Copyright: Callander Kirk, South Church Street, Callander, FK17 8FD Scottish Charity No: SC000396
CALLANDER KIRK
SPRING LINK
Dear Friends
Gifts for God revisited
Gifts for God, Callander Kirk's Stewardship Season for 2012, has just finished. 'Stewardship' is looking after things entrusted to us, in particular looking after what God gives us. God gives us wealth and talents – skills, interests and opportunities – and invites us to use them for him. This year the focus of Gifts for God has been on money, but in future years we shall look at our time and talents.
So during the month of March we have invited everyone in the church to celebrate God's good gifts to us, and to consider our stewardship of them. We have had worship services with a stewardship theme throughout the month, starting with the Communion Service at the beginning of the month, and ending with today's all-age service. We have distributed a leaflet about the campaign to every household connected to the church, including an invitation to participate. We have held three special events to celebrate and to focus on our stewardship of money – an afternoon tea party, a disco, and a family fun day. Today we ended with a splendid lunch in the Hall.
This has involved a lot of people, and we are grateful to those who have worked so hard to make it all happen. The events at the end of the month were each successful, and everyone who came had great fun.
Asking for money is always a touchy business. George Whitfield, contemporary of John Wesley, was probably the best known preacher of the 18th century. He travelled widely in Britain and the American colonies, preaching to enormous open-air services. Indeed such was his reputation that he was one of the best known figures of the British colonial territories. At the conclusion of one such service he announced, 'We shall now sing a hymn, which will be followed by a collection, giving those who do not wish to contribute a chance to sneak off.'
I think I know how he felt. My letter in the January Link was not intended as a warning, but it sometimes felt as if that was the way it was read! So for those who were not able to come to any of the events, I want to re-iterate the message shared there.
If you look back to the January issue, you'll see that the cost of running the church last year was about £158,000. It may sound a lot of money, but you can also learn how that was split up. Last year's income was around £140,000. This is a tremendous achievement, and many people have contributed generously. However, our 'glass' is only 85-90% full, and if we don't remedy that situation, then the tank will run dry in about 10 years. Furthermore, we don't want to simply make ends meet. We want to be able to develop the work of the church in different ways, all concerned with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the people of Callander.
So what do we need to do? Obviously we need to keep a close eye on the budget, and we do that. We also need to keep a close eye on our giving. 'Giving' is more than just scraping the change from the bottom of the purse when the offering bags come round. Giving means planned regular, proportionate contributions to the work of God and his Church. Giving is a measure of our passion for God's Kingdom.
Money is funny stuff. It is strangely flexible – one month there seems to be plenty and the next the money starts to pinch in week 2. Moreover it is powerful stuff – it can be used to bless or to manipulate, and it has a strong hold on our minds. Giving is how we control it, show it who is boss. We free ourselves from its power, and give the power to God. And if we give God a slice, he will give us the cake. He makes the flexibility work in our favour. John Templeton, billionaire founder of the Templeton Group of mutual funds, when asked what his best investment was answered, "Life's greatest investment is the tithe!"
Around 100-150 people are the key supporters of the church. They are not necessarily the richest members, but the ones who plan to give regularly and thoughtfully. Are you one of them? And are you giving realistically? Last week we had the good news that inflation has fallen to 3.5%. That means it has been running higher than that – and for some time. Inflation is just one reminder that we must regularly assess whether our giving is proportionate to the real cost of life. One measure of 'proportionate' is the tithe, a tenth of our income given to charity. 'Proportionate' might also reflect our lifestyle, the cost of a night out a month, or one month's fuel bill spread over the year. Proportionate is not sweetie money, which is what you spend in a week, without having to think too hard about it.
So are you a PRP giver? Planned, regular and proportionate. If the answer is already yes, then I want to ask you to consider stretching a little further. If we all increased our gifts by 10%, we would break even. I ask you to consider a raise of 15%. That will enable us to develop the building and activities of the church. 'Proportionate' also means in proportion to the vision we have of what God might do through Callander Kirk.
Please read, reflect and react!
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I end with a “thank you” to someone who has generously contributed her gifts to God in a way very relevant to this newsletter. I refer to May Arthur, who has edited Link for 6 years. May and James Arthur are moving to Stonehaven, where they will be living nearer to their family. May has not only assembled the articles that make up the Link, but has invited, prompted, cajoled and extorted the material from the different people who contribute – a thankless task! But now we are glad to thank her for her work, and to wish May and Jim well in their new home.
With best wishes
Robert Simpson
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CALLANDER KIRK GUILD
Callander Kirk Guild has 40 members of whom 5 are over 90. We also have 2 honorary members who, although they cannot come, still show a very keen interest in the activities of the Guild.
As usual, we have had a very varied syllabus this past session and from the comments made, most of our members have enjoyed the meetings.
Of the subjects covered, some have been based on our Christian Faith, some on charities and 1 on travel.
One of the 2 based on craft, was taken by Margaret Milligan who displayed her wonderful collection of knitting and explained different patterns and wools from all over the world.
At the other one we made our own Christmas table decorations.
We had also hoped to hear Susan Simpson speak of her work in Benin, Africa, but through unforeseen circumstances, that did not happen. We do hope to welcome her to one of meetings next session.
We have had several, “Getting to Know You” meetings over the years. These help to break down barriers as we get to know people and so understand them better.
Our meeting this year was “Getting to Know Ourselves” and it was voted a great success as we found out things about each other which caused increased respect and great hilarity.
Although there have not been many Trust Housing residents at the meetings in North Church Street, they have all been very enjoyable. Sadly, it looks as though we will have to stop these meetings next year and instead, we will try to encourage those few who do come, to come to our Thursday meetings in the Hall instead.
We have missed the mini bus this year but are learning as individuals and as a group to make good use of the Demand Responsive Transport system operated by Aberfoyle Motors.
We were really delighted that our coffee mornings raised so much and much appreciated the many donations. Altogether we have been able to give the church £600 and have sent £420 to our project. This is over and above what we are required to send to the Presbyterial Council and to the National Guild
We must thank Alex Walker for preparing the Hall for us and in many ways helping us, so that each meeting goes well, even although we do sometimes try his patience!
We are sorry that Emma McClements submitted her resignation from the post of Secretary. She has done a marvellous job in the last 2 years and we much appreciate all she has done. We still don’t have a Secretary to take her place and maybe she will smile at the thought of being replaced by 5 or 6 people doing the work she did!
I think in the future, the Guild will be us all working together, doing what we can, so that we can continue to enjoy our Meetings
The Guild is the place where we share friendship and fellowship because we do all pull together while remembering our motto, “Jesus, whose we are and whom we serve.”
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YOUTH WORK
Primary School Lunchtime Club
The lunchtime club continues to be well attended on Fridays and Mondays but more are welcome. It is good fun!
Also if any adults are free during the day and can help with the lunchtime sessions on Mondays and Fridays, particularly for emergency cover, please contact Sue Hewitt or Tina Thornton
JAM
JAM continues to run successfully on Friday nights with consistent attendance of between 15 and 20 of our Youth. Again plenty of room for expansion if you are wondering what to do on a Friday night! All S1-S6 age group welcome. Adults too to help.....
We have organised special nights again this term - fireworks night to replace the cancelled Guy Fawkes night, swimming sessions at the Leisure Centre and a DJ Night. Come and enjoy.
We are still looking at organising a weekend away again with several options including Abernethy Outdoor Centre or Spree. Teen Ranch maybe. More information next month.
C.U. McLaren High
Scripture Union has restarted with Tina and Jamie Hall and also assistance from one of the Staff which is moving it along and increasing interest. Again come along on a lunch time and experience the fun of being a Christian.
JAM YOUTH GROUP FRIDAYS 7.00pm till 9.00pm
Date Location Special Events
23/03/2012 CYP BRIDGEND DJ Session at CYP
30/03/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Swimming hour
06/04/2012 EASTER HOLIDAYS NO YOUTH GROUP
13/04/2012
20/04/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Sports, Craft activities
27/04/2012 CYP BRIDGEND Games and Crafts
04/05/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Sports, Craft activities
11/05/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Sports, Craft activities
18/05/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Sports, Craft activities
25/05/2012 CYP BRIDGEND Games and Crafts
01/06/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Sports, Craft activities
08/06/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Sports, Craft activities
15/06/2012 CYP BRIDGEND Bowling Night
22/06/2012 MCLAREN L.C. Sports, Craft activities
Summer break till August / September
Children’s Holiday Club
There is going to be a holiday club for children in P1-P7, with input from older youngsters from August 13th to 17th. Planning is just starting, but if you are interested, or if you have ideas about the programme, please speak to the minister, or to Tina, our youth worker. Look out for a planning meeting shortly.
TAPES and CDs of CHURCH SERVICES
Every Sunday the 11.15am service is recorded by the sound desk team. The tapes and CDs are for the use of anyone who missed the service for any reason or indeed for someone who heard the service but would really like to hear it again.
Would you like a tape or do you know of someone who cannot get to church but would love to hear a service at home? Please speak to the person on duty at the sound desk one Sunday. If you cannot get to church then please contact the church office or speak to your elder. Tapes can be collected from the church office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings or from the sound desk on the following Sunday.
The service will soon be available on the church website as well.
LIBRARY - On our bookshelves...
As stewardship is this month's theme, it seemed a good idea to look through the catalogue to see what books the library held on the subject. Many books could offer useful guidance but the one that stands out is 'Take my Life' by Michael Griffiths. The strap title is 'a plea for whole-hearted Christianity which will transform every aspect of our daily living'. It was published in 1967 by Inter Varsity Fellowship and it does tend to be a little dated in the way it prescribes how Christians should live. It speaks of a distinctive Christianity which is utterly practical appealing to readers to be fully committed and not lukewarm. It includes a chapter on money and possessions which has these lines.
'The Lord has entrusted to us certain goods for the blessing of the household at large, including of course, our own needs. We are to dispense them to others on His behalf. They are His goods and we are answerable to Him for the way in which we distribute them....'
During one of his sermons on stewardship, Robert mentioned the book ' Money, Sex and Power' by Richard Foster. We do not have this one in the library. If you have a copy, you might like to consider passing it around! We do have another of Richard Foster's books 'Celebration of Discipline’. This is not a light read but a good source of study on disciplines such as simplicity, service, prayer and solitude.
The ecumenical Lent bible studies this year have followed a course about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the gifted German pastor who was executed in the Second World War. You may have heard the studies featured on BBC Radio 4. 'The Cost of Discipleship' by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is in the library for those who wish to read more.
Library team - Betty Thom, Jean Brownrigg, Cherie Bettison, Hazel Buchanan, Effie Mackenzie, Olive Walker, Jackie Pester, Alison Sly, Janet O'Hara.
BIBLE BITES
One favourite passage of mine is Colossians: Chapter 3, Verses 12 – 14.
Maybe it’s not exactly a favourite because I do find it such a challenge to live by constantly - or maybe to live by it at all but it is often described as the Fruits of the Spirit and so I have to try. I always found when I was teaching that the ‘patience’ was particularly difficult when I was stressed out by the pupils and I was often very ashamed of myself.
“You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity”
A few years ago I was involved in a Working Group producing a paper on ‘Forgiveness and Proportionality’ in the Church. That sounds very complicated but basically it was guidance for congregations on how they could and should cope with sex offenders who wished to worship in church. It was a wonderful experience to be a part of this team and I learned a great deal. It truly influenced the way I say ‘as we forgive our debtors’ in The Lord’s Prayer and I think it also relates to the passage above.
D.C.K.
P.S. Only the minister has yet offered to ‘do’ a passage on occasions and while I am happy to try to continue this in each issue of the Link it would be good to have some other contributions. Even if you don’t want to give an explanation or comment, I would be glad to have note of a much loved excerpt. Just having a few verses brought to one’s attention can be a real blessing.
ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION – A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Calling all Art Exhibitors, don't forget to mark the following dates in your diary: Callander Kirk Art Exhibition – Tuesday 17th until Saturday 21st July 2012
Full details and entry forms for those wishing to exhibit work will be available from mid-May, but if your skills lie elsewhere we will also be looking for volunteers to help with the organising and running of this popular event.
The first planning meeting will be held at the end of April and whether you are an 'old hand' or newly interested in helping with stewarding, setting up and dismantling displays, providing baking or flower arrangements, do please make yourself known, either to the church office staff on 331409 or Susan Simpson on 330097.
Alternatively you can make contact via email at: susan@pansmanse.co.uk
CRUSOE ROMANIA
In July 2012 I will be heading back to Romania to a small farming village on the Danube Delta with Crusoe. Whilst there I will be leading a group of 6 young people from churches across Scotland to provide activities for the village children and practical help to all those living there. The team will also act to train local leaders in organising children’s activities so, hopefully, leaving an impact beyond our visit.
I would firstly like to ask for your support in prayer as we, as a team, plan our trip and, as leaders, we start to make all the practical arrangements.
I am fundraising to allow this work to take place and am planning to take part in the Edinburgh Kilomathon in April. This is a 13.1km race (a half marathon in kilometres) and given my lack of running ability I’m sure it will be challenging! I would therefore be very grateful of any sponsorship you feel you can give to myself and the rest of the Romania Team.
I hope to send a more specific prayer letter to those interested, in the next few months and if anyone would like to sponsor me for the Kilomathon donations can be given to Margaret or David Warnock. We also have an online site at www.virginmoneygiving.com/responromania2012 where donations can also be made. When using this site if you could put my name somewhere in the message box, that would be great! Thnak you for your support.
Alison Warnock
CONGRATULATIONS
To all those who have had an anniversary or
birthday since the last issue
CRAIGARD CLUB
This senior citizens social and lunch club meets in the Kirk Hall on Tuesdays from 10.30am–1.00pm and on Fridays from 10.30am– 2.00pm
For more information please contact Alena Watt on 330236.
THURSDAY CLUB
The last meeting of the Thursday Club was held on Thursday 29th March. We now have a break until September, when our meetings will begin again.
For more information please contact Alena Watt on 330236.
TEAPOT CAFE
The Teapot cafe meets every Wednesday in the Kirk Hall from 10.30am – 12noon.Come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.
TEA DANCES
The next two dances will be held on Saturday 14th April and Saturday 19th May in the Kirk Hall from 2.00pm till 4.30pm Tickets £3 at the door. Please put the dates in your diaries and come along, enjoy live music supplied by our own Bobby Thomson and exchange your news over a welcome cup of tea at ‘half time’.
BLYTHSWOOD CARE
Blythswood Care requires regular donations of goods from the public. If you have any goods you would like to give – clothes, blankets, bric-a-brac, dry food or tinned goods. The van will be in the Station Road Car Park behind the Dreadnought Hotel between 12.30pm and 2.00pm on Monday 16th April and Monday 21st May.
For further information contact the shop in the Main Street.
SEEDS for CHAD
The Community Development Project in Oum Hadjer, Chad, is still making good progress. Many gardeners have saved their own seed and so the project is able to move further out of town where people are just as poor and desperate to grow food.
Several stalwarts in the congregation have been very faithful in donating seeds over several years which has been marvellous.
Anyone who would like to join in, please bring any fruit and vegetable packets, in date and not ‘F1’, anything that grows in the summer in the UK, and give them to Sheila Cleland
HELP REQUESTED
African Children’s Choir
Many folk will remember a visit from this talented group a few years ago. They have asked if they can visit us again on 10th – 11th October 2012 (2 nights). There will be approx 17 children and 9 adults, all of whom will require accommodation.
At present we are looking for a willing co-ordinator to pull this event together. We have people willing to be part of a team – but we need a leader. Linda Cantlay kindly organised this for us last time and would be available if required.
Please give your name to the office as soon as possible if you would like to be involved – could this be you Gift for God?
SERVICES IN APRIL AND MAY
Sunday 15th 10.00am Early Service
11.15am Morning Service, followed by Stated Annual Meeting
8.00pm Time for Silence
Sunday 22nd 10.00am Early Service
11.15am Morning Service
8.00pm Time for Silence
Sunday 29th 11.15am All-Age Morning Service
8.00pm Time for Silence
May
Sunday 6th 10.00am Early Service
11.15am Morning Service
3.00pm Trossachs monthly service
8.00pm Time for Silence
Sunday 13th 10.00am Early Service
11.15am Morning Service
8.00pm Time for Silence
Sunday 20th 10.00am Early Service
11.15am Morning Service
8.00pm Time for Silence
Sunday 27th 11.15am All-Age Morning Service
8.00pm Time for Silence
June
Sunday 3rd 10.00am Early Service
11.15am Communion Service
3.00pm Trossachs Communion service
8.00pm Time for Silence
CONCERT
MENDELSSOHN’S ELIJAH
Sunday 22nd April 2012 Albert Halls Stirling at 7.00pm
Stirling City Choir with the Heisenberg Ensemble.
Tickets: Adult £12, Concession £10, School age children free.
Available from the Albert Halls, choir members or on the door
Or speak to Chris, Betty or May
NATURE’S BEAUTY
Blossom little flower,
Springtime lies ahead,
Escape your leafy casing,
Let your petals spread;
Show the world your colours,
Give off that scent sublime,
You are truly a gift of nature,
No man could ever design
Jim McClelland
FROM YOUR EDITOR
My last Link, so some last thoughts – times of panic when the printer had a break down half way through the print run - or worse, when we had just started printing, when time was running out and there was still masses to do! Link has also been frustrating when it seemed that no one had remembered the deadline, funny, happy and sad. But on the whole Link has been rewarding. Will I miss doing Link? Well in all honesty I probably will.
I wish the new editor of Link every success.
AND ONE LAST THOUGHT FROM ME
A prayer for you
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter
how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you posses.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.
Anon
May