Bonkle Church of Scotland Magazine

June 2010

Scottish Charity Number SC006540

Next issue – September 2010.

Closing date for material – Thu 19^th Aug.2010

Communion – Sunday - 19^th September

2010 Quiz winners – Again!!

From the Manse

By the time that you read this I will have returned from my stint serving as a commissioner at the General Assembly. Although it might sound like a bit of a skive, the truth is that attending the Assembly is hard work. Anyone who has ever seen the “Blue Book” which contains all of the committee reports will realise that there is much to be read and digested, before even boarding the train for Edinburgh. To many of us, some of the reports seem to be unnecessary; however, to the boards and committees that they represent they are very important. Over these last couple of years there have been difficult and sometimes controversial topics to discuss. This year will be no different, I’m sure. The report of the Ministries Council will be of particular relevance to us in the Parishes. As I am sure you know these are difficult times for the church in Scotland; falling rolls and decreased income all have an effect upon the day to day running of congregations. As a result the Council have produced some radical proposals which will, if passed, undoubtedly cause pain to those churches who find themselves affected by proposals to reduce ministerial staff. As we contemplate these things the words of Private Fraser from Dad’s Army come wringing in our ears as he says “we are all doomed”.

Whilst not seeking to minimise the challenges that we face, I would suggest however, that we pay heed not to the words of the dour Scot, but instead remember, and trust in the promise of Jesus when he says “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18 ESV). That doesn’t mean, however, that this will be an easy task, when the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, there were still enemies in the land that had to be defeated. However, just as the children of Israel did enter the land promised to them, despite the obstacles, so too, I do believe that God will be faithful to His promise to build His Son’s church. We may not know what form or shape that church may take, but we can have confidence that despite those who have spent years trying to write her off, the Church of Jesus Christ will continue to grow and flourish.

I hope that you have a good and restful break over the summer months.

Yours in His love

Graham Raeburn

Activities Week

In response to the questionnaire, the Kirk Session meeting on Monday 10^th May agreed that an activity week be held at the beginning of September in order to give us an indication of which activities would be supported. This is a “taste and try” week so to ensure that the activity you are interested in runs please come along and shout for it. All start at 2pm unless otherwise stated.

Monday 6^th Sept. Large hall Badminton

Small hall Computing

Tuesday 7^th Sept. Large Hall Carpet Bowls

Small Hall Keep Fit

Wednesday 8^th Sept. Either Hall Dance

Thursday 9^th September Large Hall Carpet Bowls

(In conjunction with Thur. Club) Small Hall Tea chat table games

Tuesday 14^th Sept. 9am Walking group's 20^th Anniversary

walk to “The Whangie”

Supported activities will start the next week.

Ladies Fellowship

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday 28^th September at 7.30 pm when the speaker will be Mr Alex Beard

Margaret Glen (secretary)

Thursday Club

The club recommences on Thursday 9^th September at 2.00 pm. Old and new members very welcome.

Men's Club

The club recommences on Wednesday 8^th September at 7.00 pm. Come and join in the fun.

Sunday School

The Sunday School are trying to keep the children that come along each week by encouraging them with different things to do.

Easter was a busy time as they had so much to learn about the Easter story and although the children were being told about Jesus being crucified they also had their own questions to ask as to why and how this happened.  It is encouraging to find the children showing such interest and enthusiasm about the stories they hear.

The Easter egg hunt was, as usual, the highlight of the day and after the children had found all the eggs they continued with some songs, games, crafts and Easter story.  Before going home they all received an Easter egg.

It is now nearing time for the Summer Sunday School which will begin on 27^th June and weather permitting we hope that this year the children will be able to get out into the church gardens to have fun and games.   The Sunday school and crèche are on each Sunday in the church hall at 12 noon.  As always any new children who wish to join us will be made most welcome!

Hall Refurbishment

It is hoped to carry out considerable work on the entire hall complex during the summer, some of which has already started. The heating will be turned off at the end of May to allow repairs on the pipework.

Please remove all poster material from the walls to allow redecoration.
Any material left will be discarded.

If you can help in any way, e.g. painting, please give your name to the fabric convener – Ian Glen

EVANGELIST BLOG – MAY 2010

The month of March this year was a very busy month, especially the last week.

To start with a fit bunch of nearly twenty children and adults met at Bonkle Church on the 20^th March 2010 to take part in Sports Relief challenge in which we walked (some very slowly like myself) 2 miles to fund raise for this cause. After all the dust settled and the sore feet had been soaked we raised an amazing £430 which was paid into the Sports Relief fund at the end of April. A big thank-you to everybody for both supporting this event and sponsoring those taking part.

The Schools Bible Quiz 2010 took place on the 24^th March 2010 in Coltness Memorial Church hall. This year we had four local primary schools taking part in the competition. Along with defending champions Morningside PS we welcomed Newmains PS , Cambusnethan PS and Wishaw Academy PS, who where competing for the first time. The event was very well supported by the parents and carers and along with fellow pupils supporting the teams involved it created a great atmosphere. After four rounds of questioning, with refreshments served at the halfway stage, we emerged with new champions. The title of Schools Bible Quiz winners 2010 was awarded to Wishaw Academy PS who won by two points. Every pupil who took part in the quiz received a certificate & Easter CD , with the winners getting medals and the trophy back to their school.

The weekend of the 27/28^th March 2010 saw the Men’s Breakfast outreach take place in Bonkle church hall. Our guest speaker was Robert Owen who works for Made for U in ML2. Robert shared with the eighteen who attended his testimony and the role he undertakes in the charity. As always those who came along left fully satisfied by the breakfast served up by the team in the kitchen you are truly angels.

Palm Sunday saw the “WALK FOR CHRIST”. Over thirty of us gathered at Coltness Memorial Church to walk the distance down to the Bonkle Church. After a short prayer and a group photo we embarked on our journey in which we were escorted by the local police, due to us walking on the road. To emphasise that we were proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ by doing this walk , June carried a six foot cross for the complete journey. We arrived at the Bonkle Church in plenty of time for the family service at 11 o’clock. Let me thank all who took part in this walk and lets pray that those who observed the walk who be drawn to our Saviour by our public display of identity with the King of Kings and Lord or Lords.

Lastly, let me again thank-you all your continued support given to the BASIC food BANK ministry which was launched in November 2009. We have now passed the six month threshold of this ministry during which time we have been able to meet the needs of numerous families and individuals at a point of crisis in their lives through the provision of food and hygiene items. One recipient has described the provisions as a “Life Saver”. Look out for the BASIC food BANK newsletter in the next few weeks.

That’s all folks

David

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