Bonkle Church of Scotland
Magazine
March 2022
Communion - 20 March, 2022
Easter Sunday Communion - 17 April, 2022
Next issue 19 June 2022
Closing date for material 29 May 2022
Iona Abbey.
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From the manse…
Graham
I am sure that most of you have seen or at least know about the TV game show
Family Fortunes. The premise is that researchers pose the same question (eg name
something that you take on holiday) to 100 people and note their answers. The
contestants then have to try to work out the answer given by interviewees (in our case
they might have answered, passport, tickets, suitcase, sunscreen, tea bags, or square
sausage etc.) Over the years some answers have been somewhat baffling or indeed
bizarre, like the contestant who was asked the question “name a bird with a long neck”
answered “Naomi Campbell” or when asked “what should people in glass houses not
do?” answered “take baths”!
I wonder if we were to use the same technique and ask people to name
something associated with Easter. What answers would we get? Eggs, chocolate,
bunnies, holidays, Jesus, then tomb, the cross? Clearly the answers would be somewhat
subjective - if you were to ask a primary school class the question you would probably
expect to get the first 3 or 4 answers. On the other hand if you were to ask the same
question to a church congregation HOPEFULLY you would get the last 3 answers.
One of the methods Jesus used whilst teaching parables was to take objects
from everyday life that his listeners were well acquainted with and use them to explain
spiritual truths. Perhaps we should do likewise. What then does an egg have to say
about Easter? And how can we use that simple illustration to speak of the gospel? Eggs
remind us of new life - in pre-Christian times eggs were a symbol of fertility and
restoration; a symbol of regeneration that came in springtime. In Christian terms the
symbol of the egg reminds us of new life in Christ brought about by His resurrection;
rolling our eggs is a symbol of the stone being rolled away from the tomb. Instead of
bemoaning about the lack of knowledge that people have of the bible stories most of us
were brought up with, let us do as Jesus did and start where people are, and use that
things they are familiar with to explain the the deeper meaning of the Christian story.,
which is God’s love for us shown in Jesus Christ.
As much as we would wish it were not so, we live in a post Christian world (or
more accurately a post-Christendom world). During that period we lived in a world
where the church was at the centre of everyday life, a time when the church was
respected and had great influence on society. Many years ago, this land of ours was
known as the Land of Knox, we were referred to as the People of the Book. Whilst
most people would recognise the motto of Glasgow as “Let Glasgow Flourish” fewer
would know that this was an abbreviation of the original motto which is “Lord let
Glasgow Flourish by the preaching of Thy word and the praising of Thy name.” -
a line drawn from a sermon preached in 1866 by godly man called Kentigern, who we
now know as Mungo and who is regarded as the patron saint of the city.
Those days are well gone, the church no longer inhabits that place in modern
society. However, we serve a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. As
Bill Hybels former pastor at Willow Creek Church once said “The local church is the
hope of the world” God has a plan and a purpose for our world, and that plan and
purpose haven't changed in 2000 years. The cry of Kentigern should be the cry of our
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hearts (though we might want to substitute Glasgow with Newmains, Bonkle or
Scotland!) that the church might flourish, that society might flourish by Godly means.
We don’t need to coerce God into a work in our community, He is already at work -
our job is to discern waht He is doing and partner with Him. For as the Psalmist
reminds us in Ps 127 “ Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labour in
vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”
As we cry out for revival may we pray that God will have His way in our
lives, churches, community, nation and world. It’s His world, and for the world Jesus
died. We may have lost our way, but God is faithful, as Paul reminds us “He who
began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
The early church operated at the margins of society, and thrived. In our generation, in a
time when the church is so marginalised might we see the church thrive again? It is my
prayer, and I’m sure yours also that this may be so.
Wishing you all a happy Easter, Graham
Sunday School
We're delighted to be back at Sunday school now that covid restrictions are
easing. However, with the children's safety as top priority things have to be
a little different. We are maintaining the physical distance rule of 2m and
when unable to adhere to social distancing adults will continue to
wear masks. Children have their own resources and hands are sanitised as
required. Tables and chairs are also wiped down before and after use.
Whether you're an old or new member we'd love to welcome you.
For more information or to let us know whether or not your child will be in
attendance (so we can organise resources for them) you can email us:
bonklesundayschool@gmail.com
Computer Club
We are having considerable trouble trying to get a suitable connection as the
club is considered as a BUSINESS so we were unable to pay the supplier of
choice as we don’t have a bank card. Hopefully this will be resolved soon so
we should restart in March. This will be in the Sunday announcements and
existing members informed by phone/email.
If you require help with computing please come along. Bring your own OR
use one of the clubs various types of computer. We have desktop and laptop
computers running Windows 10, Android and Apple ipads which you can
use or “try before you buy”
Ian
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Walking Group
All walks will leave Bonkle Church car park at the stated time.
6th of March: Polkemmet Park 2.30pm
3rd of April: Strathclyde Park 2.30pm
1st of May: Cambusnethan Priory 2.30pm
5th of June: Dura Road, Allanton 2.30pm
3rd of July: Peden's Stone, Harthill 1.30pm
7th of August: Falls of Clyde 1.30pm
4th of September: Coatbridge Canal 2.30pm
2nd of October: Lanark loch 2.30pm
If you are interested in joining with us please let Matthew Gray know on
07881778991
Art Group
Doesn't time seen to fly past very quickly now ? Christmas is only a few
weeks gone, and already the Easter eggs are in the shops ! What a rush !!
It's been such a difficult time for everyone over these past 2 years, but surely
life will get easier now, and we can look forward to getting back to normal
and having more contact with friends !
I'm delighted to report that our Bonkle Art Group will be returning on
Tuesday evening 26th April in Bonkle Church Hall, as usual, between 7pm
and 9pm.
New members will be made very welcome, because, sadly, several of our
long time members won't be returning .
For Information anyone interested in joining, please contact
Nicky, our Secretary at 01501 752931
or Carol, Treasurer, at 01698 384107
Take care everyone, and have a safe ,healthy 2022.
Coltness Memorial Guild
Coltness Memorial Guild are holding their (long awaited) annual trip to
Oban this year. It’s on Wednesday, 22 June 22. The bus is leaving the car
park at Newmains Primary at 10am. There will be a wee stop in at the Green
Welly in Tyndrum on the way up.
Evening meal will be at the Cuan Mor Restaurant in Oban. We aim to leave
Oban at 6pm and be home by 8:30pm. Everyone is welcome.
Anyone wishing to join us can give their name to Elizabeth Smith on 07368
368340 or Kay Rodger on 07508386004. Come join us for a great day out.
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Badminton Club
The badminton club will restart on Monday the 2nd of September at
7.30pm. Old and new members will be made most welcome. If you want
any more information you can contact Matthew Gray or Marion Allison
Wishaw CAP Debt Centre
I hope you are all keeping safe and well. Home visits to clients have
resumed. However, the system of phone/video call consultations is still in
place at all stages for those clients who prefer it. This is particularly useful
for clients who live in remote locations, as it enables us to support them
more easily.
At present we are supporting 18 clients and their families, with 4 more
booking in since the start of the year. The great news is one client recently
went debt free, and most of the people who booked in recently are
progressing well.
The callback diary with Motherwell Jobcentre continues each Monday
morning; this began at the start of March 2021. This allows me to contact
people who have been identified by the work coaches as possibly requiring
our service. I have continued to engage with local referral agencies and
networks, to ensure that as many people as possible know where to access
debt help.
Our monthly prayer meetings have resumed. They are normally held on the
second Tuesday of the month. These are now online via video call and the
next one is on Tuesday 8 March 2022 at 7pm. If you would like to join in,
please click on this link: meet.google.com/xpf-qrxh-crd
We also have a WhatsApp prayer chain which we use to pray for our
clients. If you would like to join in the group, just text me your number and
I’ll add you to it.
If you would like to support the centre financially, why not make a regular
payment via standing order? It is a quick and easy way to support us, and
regular gifts help us plan for the future. The account is Christians Against
Poverty Wishaw, and the sort code is 83-28-08 and the account number is
00173460. We would certainly appreciate your support.
We’ve registered Christians Against Poverty - Wishaw with
easyfundraising, which means over 6,000 shops and sites (such as Amazon,
Boots etc) will now donate to us for FREE every time you use
easyfundraising to shop with them. These donations will help so much, so
please sign up to support us – it’s completely FREE and doesn’t take long.
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https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/capwishaw/?
utm_campaign=raisemore&
utm_source=social&utm_medium=whatsapp&utm_content=gs-w1
Simply register with the site; choose ‘Christians Against Poverty Wishaw’ as
your preferred charity, and then when you shop, login, and select the shop
you want to use. You can download the app from Google Play or the Apple
Store so you can shop on your tablet or phone.
Live Well Foodbank
The foodbank is still open, and people have been incredibly generous in
donating food, money and vouchers to ensure it operates effectively. Many
thanks to all who have contributed; it’s really appreciated!
Again many thanks to all at Coltness Memorial & Bonkle Churches who
have contributed goods and money to make this possible. We continue to
require some items such as tinned meat, tinned veg, rice, noodles, beans, tea
and coffee. If you want to donate, please bring them along to the foodbank
during opening hours, or the church any Sunday.
The demand for the foodbank has remained steady and we have been able to
help those in need in the local community. We are making deliveries to those
who are shielding, ill or otherwise unable to attend when we are open, so
that no-one who needs help is left out.
It is open every Wednesday between 1pm and 2.30pm at Coltness
Memorial Church in Newmains. Referrals can be obtained via the
Scottish Welfare Fund (0300 555 0405 crisis grant option).
Finance
General Fund as at 4th MARCH 2022
Balance Brought Forward 31/12/2021 22235
Income 5623
27858
Expenditure 3753
Balance General Fund 24105
Fund Raising Special Purposes 6285
Outgoings Nicholas Cowan Tree Surgeon 960 5325
Young/Parkin/Forsyth 1537
Total Bank Balance 30967
Church of Scotland Investors Trust
Smith Bequest 309
Fabric
11042
Special Purposes 1068
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. GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2022 BUDGET 2021 ACTUAL
INCOME
OFFERINGS
WFO SCHEME (NON GIFT AID) 1200 2849
GIFT AID DONATIONS 20000 21405
TAX ON GIFT AID DONATIONS 4000 5799
ORDINARY OFFERINGS 0 86
DONATIONS 0 590
NATIONAL GIVING DAY 0 2295
OTHER ORDINARY GENERAL INCOME
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ORGANISATIONS 0 248
WEDDINGS/FUNERALS 0 250
USE OF PREMISES 0 900
SUNDRY INCOME 0 21
TOTAL ORDINARY GENERAL INCOME 25200 34443
EXPENDITURE
MINISTRIES & MISSION ALLOCATION 21810 19473
Less Endowment Income -112 -65
PRESBYTERY DUES 600 346
SUBTOTAL 22298 19754
LOCAL STAFFING COSTS
MINISTER'S EXPENSES 1200 950
PULPIT SUPPLIES 180 180
OTHER SALARIES 3160 1283
SUBTOTAL 4540 2413
FABRIC REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 2000 2234
HEATING & LIGHTING 3000 2867
INSURANCE (CHURCH ) 2500 2333
MANSE COUNCIL TAX 1400 1322
SUBTOTAL 8900 8756
PRINTING STATIONERY PHOTOCOPYING 700 671
OTHER EXPENSES 1000 480
TOTAL ORDINARY GENERAL EXPENSES 37438 32074
GENERAL FUND DEFICIT // EXCESS FOR YEAR -12238 2369
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STATED ANNUAL MEETING Summary: GENERAL ACCOUNT
EXPENDITURE 2021 2020
£ £
Ministries & Mission Allocation 19408 21969
Presbytery Dues 346 628
Minister's Expenses 950 869
Other Salaries 1283 1125
Pulpit Supply 180 90
Fabric Repair & Maintenance 2234 2660
Heating & Lighting 2867 2865
Insurance / Council Tax 3655 3596
Printing / Stationery 671 1027
Miscellaneous 480 787
Total 32074 35616
INCOME
Offerings including Open Plate 24340 24681
Tax Recoveries on Gift Aid 5799 5832
Gift Day 2295 1385
Donations & Sundry 611 788
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ORGAINISATIONS
Ladies Fellowship 148 0
Men's Club 0 0
Thursday Club 0 0
Badminton Club 100 100
Art Club 0 0
Computer Club 0 0
Weddings and Funerals 250 0
Outside Agencies 900 750
Total 34443 33536
Excess // Loss 2369 -2080
General fund Balance 1 January 2020 19866 21946
General fund Balance 31 December 2020 22235 19866