The Courier: June 08

These are a selection of the articles which appear in the June Courier (our church magazine). Some of them are quite lengthy - but well worth reading - so please keep on scrolling down.

If you prefer, you can read the whole of the Courier here. If you don't already have a copy of Adobe reader, you can get it here.

Elders’ Conference; A Personal Reflection

It was only at the end of the recent Elder’s Conference that Iain approached me and asked if I would prepare an article for the Courier detailing the Conference from “an elder’s point of view”. I agreed readily (….sort of) and then promptly wished I had taken some more detailed notes, well any kind of notes really. Handouts were provided, so using them and praying for good memory (God always answers prayer), what follows is a personal reflection on the day’s events.

The day started very well with tea, home baking and tablet; then to work. The Conference, led by Iain and Wilma, was extremely well attended with approximately 40 elders of Cathcart Trinity Church, invited elders from the United Free Church and a number of elders ordained in other Churches, who are now regularly worshipping in Cathcart.

The purpose of the Conference was to agree on a new model of pastoral care which was appropriate for all members of our Congregation. The Kirk Session had approved the initial proposals many months previously, the result of which was the formation of a small steering group that had developed the model further. After a great deal of work, reflection and prayer by the group, Iain and Wilma now presented the expanded proposals to the Kirk Session for approval, or otherwise.

Iain began the presentation by outlining the proposals for the development of neighbourhood groupings and elder area teams. This was set in a biblical and theological context and Iain clearly demonstrated that this model of pastoral care had been used throughout the Bible. The model was based on shared ministry and the use of “all God’s people” to care for one another. Had this not been the model adopted by Jesus and his disciples? This set the mood for the Conference and there was clearly a feeling of not only following in our Lord’s path but of being led by the Holy Spirit in a new and exciting direction to perform God’s work in our Congregation.

Wilma developed the model within a local Church context and then we broke for group sessions to discuss the proposals. There were seven groups in total working on the questions of “What are the benefits of Neighbourhood Groupings?” and “How do we make them work?” Discussion in all groups was lively (certainly in mine) and conclusions were reported back through an open forum led by Iain. Feedback was extremely positive and everyone felt this was an excellent vehicle for extending our contact with all members of the Congregation, as well as providing an opportunity for more people within the Congregation to serve God in a role which is appropriate and “comfortable” to them.

There was then a slight delay in the arrival of lunch; however this gave ample opportunity to sample more of the delightful tablet, although it was proving difficult to get past Iain to reach it. Immediately after lunch we were taken through the details of Elder Area Teams and the role of individual elders within this context. Some elders expressed concern that they may loose touch with existing members. It was clearly explained that this would not be the case. The mood was a mix of anticipation; a little trepidation and once again the feeling that we were being led, not by Iain or Wilma, but by the Holy Spirit to a conclusion which would provide more effective contact and pastoral care to our Congregation.

Further group work followed, focusing on the benefits and practicalities of an Area Elder Team model. Ideas were flowing; better use of resources, sharing the pastoral load, matching of elders and Congregation and appropriate levels of contact, to name but a few. It was clear that all present were excited and enthusiastic about the proposals put forward by the steering group. The final presentation detailed further proposals to revise the current Ministry Teams within the Church. The teams were to be realigned to meet the needs of the vibrant and growing Church which Cathcart Trinity is today. The changes to, and expansion of, the Ministry Teams continued the theme of a shared approach to ministry.

The full proposals were then put to a vote of the Kirk Session, and passed unanimously. Everyone felt that we had achieved “something special” which was right for our Church and Congregation and was the way in which God had directed us to go.

The meeting ended with Communion, followed by a couple more bits of tablet for the road. It was now becoming almost impossible to get past Iain. Overall reflections are of excitement, fellowship, achievement and the very definite presence of God. God and tablet, a great day ……………….

Alex Hardie, Elder

Events which might interest you

PRAISE GATHERING 08, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 13, 14 & 15 June

If you have never been to a Praise Gathering Concert, do not miss out on this inspirational evening of praise and worship. This year, several Cathcart Trinity members will be in the Choir, which numbers over four hundred singers.

We intend to make block bookings of seats on the Friday 13 and Saturday 14 June evenings so that we can enjoy the Concert as a group. Tickets are priced £12.50 and £9. If you wish to be part of the Cathcart Trinity group please contact either Jaan Martindale or Gay Morrison or Angus Morrison. Orders and payment for tickets should be made by Sunday 25 May.

If you would prefer to attend on the Sunday evening (or to sit on your own!!), tickets con be purchased from the box office.

Jaan Martindale

www.praisegathering.org.uk

radiate

Hello there!

Greetings from my office in the Radiate flat where it is so nice to come as I have managed to clear my desk. Woo hoo! Since Easter my desk has slowly expanded with the admin I had to do and was becoming very messy and that’s unusual coming from the Monica of the Wightman’s. Anyway admin sorted plus a wee trip to Stirling to register CYMP with CRBS. All goobledegook to you? Me too! But making sense of it all with a few kind folk, you know who you are. So thank you.

Hasn’t this year flown by? Feels as if we were just celebrating New Year in Pittenweem yesterday. But here we are, about to go into June.

Thought I’d better fill you in on the past two months. In April I was at an incredible Scripture Union camp. It may even fit into the best yet category. A brilliant week with fab people and God really showed up. A big thanks to all those who prayed. After a fab week I came home and crashed thanks to a not very pleasant chest infection. But thanks to antibiotics and some TLC from Mark it was back to work when the schools went back.

When the schools went back so did I, on a Monday for Manna, the SU lunchtime group at Hillpark. This term a few of the young people have been leading some of the sessions and so far, so good. Have been really encouraged by their enthusiasm and commitment in using their Bibles and playing wacky games. Splat will forever be a favourite game of mine.

At the end of April it was the Youth Club Talent Show. A fantastic afternoon with some real genuine talent shining through. Cathcart definitely has got talent. Thanks to all the young people and leaders for making Tuesday afternoons so much fun. Look forward to seeing you all again in January 2009 (and Toby, that means a joke for every week we are not on until then. From my calculations that is a lot of jokes!).

The radiate choir started back in May and they are working towards the next radiate youth led Service, which is on Sunday 15 June 2008 at Cathcart United Free. If you enjoy singing and are a young person it would be great to see you at Cathcart Baptist Church on Tuesdays from 6pm until 7pm. Hope to see you there.

Also in May was a rather fabulous Pathfinders night at the Jones’. A cracking bbq cooked by John and finished off with a cup of tea and tablet courtesy of Fiona. Thanks for your hospitality and friendship. Thanks also to the Pathfinders young people making these gatherings so much fun. Thanks for your banter and your love of The Backstreet Boys.

Also a special shout out to the young people of Energize and The Couch. One of our best sessions at Energize recently was contemplating on John 15. (Thanks to an Urban Saints training day which gave helpful hints in encouraging spending time in the presence of God). Also a special shout to The Couch as we have studied the letters from the book of Revelation. Been challenging but totally worth it. Also special thanks to those young people who enjoy Tinderbox, Costa, Beanscene or a cup of tea at our home. Your chats and enthusiasm for what God is doing is so encouraging. Thank you!

So as we go into June I am looking forward to Energize, Manna, The Couch, The Hub, Fusion, Catalyst at Cartsbridge Evangelical, Amaze at Cathcart Trinity, Frenzy in Edinburgh, Radiate youth led Service at United Free, Check It Out Youth Cafe and the Star Dazzle prize giving Service at United Free.

Also in the month of June will see the launch of our new children’s’ event called Xplosion on Saturday 21 June (the same day as the Check It Out Youth Café). Xplosion is for anyone in primary 3 to primary 7 and will be at Cathcart Trinity from 2pm until 3.30pm with special guest Steve the juggler.

On a personal note I want to say congratulations to Kirsty and Danny on getting married. Thanks to Kirsty for serving as a quality Hub leader. Praying for you both as you enjoy the adventure of marriage together.

Thanks to all those who pray for radiate . It is so much appreciated. Keep it up as it makes a difference.

Dream with your eyes wide open,

Cara Wightman

Southside Quiz

Rosalind Alexander, formerly of Muirend, now of Toward ( Bute), submitted a Quiz for your amusement; see the May 2008 Courier. Here are the answers:

Little forest beside the Minister’s house…. MANSEWOOD
A hill with an American state….MOUNT FLORIDA
This is recent territory….NEWLANDS
A famous battle….LANGSIDE
Vehicle belongs to one who has lost his troosers….CARDONALD
Here you can play golf, go shopping or swimming….POLLOK
Where the fight was fought….BATTLEFIELD
Christian symbol is marked on my palm….CROSSMYLOOF
Lady from Renfrewshire sees a Scout Rally…. BELLAHOUSTON
A lowered sheltered side away from the wind…. NETHERLEE
Wooded valley for cattle….COWGLEN
Start of Scottish dance ends with cork and ring…. STRATHBUNGO
A small farm produces a measure of length…. CROFTFOOT
Short girl stands beside the white river….CATHCART
Royal lady’s exercise area….QUEENSPARK
Have a healthy drink at the royal residence…. CASTLEMILK
Babies’ cover used initially for a new dear son…. SHAWLANDS
A valley for a political party….TORYGLEN
It’s not ants which have their home here….NITSHILL
Biblical lady goes wrong in a low area…. RUTHERGLEN

*CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2008

Around 9.30am on Monday 12 May your Editor arrived at ‘his’ houses in Merrylee, armed with ‘authorisation’ and with empty red Christian Aid envelopes. As usual I started with my ‘main door’ houses, chapping the doors and ringing the bells, handing over an envelope or sticking them through letter boxes.

But when it came to the two and three-storey flats – disappointment! Door entry systems had been installed at most entrances since my last visit in May 2007. However given that it was early morning, ‘Service’ buttons could be pressed and access gained.

Return visits to the flats to uplift envelopes had, for obvious reasons, to be done early morning.

However many doors were never opened and full red Christian Aid envelopes handed over – folk at work, folk out shopping, folk hiding? I was disappointed!

Out of 59 houses visited, 15 houses or 25% gave a donation. This compares with a 50% response in 2005 and a 39% response in 2007.

Some doorstep exchanges:

“I don’t remember seeing the envelope. Bye.”
“Come in and have a chat with me and my husband.”
“Christian Aid’s not for me. My wife would give you something, but she’s out.”
“I have been out. I’ll look for the envelope.”
(I tell the woman that I can give her another envelope, and not to bother looking. But she looks in every room, including the Hall cupboard. After an eternity, probably 4 or 5 minutes, she comes back to her front door….)
“I can’t find the envelope. Sorry.”
“I was expecting you.” (Man turns round a photograph frame in his Hall; a treasury note is attached to the back. The red envelope is sealed. A Cathcart Trinity member)
“I’m not sure where the envelope is. Someone else must have it. Bye.”
“I’ve put money in the envelope. I’ve also been saving coppers in a plain envelope for you. Will you take them?” (YES!!
(Woman hands over her Christian Aid envelope with her donation and asks if her neighbour across the landing gave a donation. I tell her that the neighbour had not opened the door). “Try again. She will give you something. Wait for her coming to the door. She’s slow on her zimmer.” (I do as instructed, receive a filled envelope and participate in a friendly conversation for some minutes)

Alex Laughlan told me that a mother and daughter ‘team’ collecting for Christian Aid in Glasgow approached a house. The man was hosing down his car. He made it clear that Christian Aid wasn’t something he supported. The ‘team’ walked away, only to have the hose turned on their backs! A bad experience.

In my opinion, collecting for Christian Aid is interesting – in lots of ways. If you haven’t done it before, why not give it a try next year?

*CHRISTIAN AID COFFEE MORNING

Christian Aid Scotland is grateful to the Congregation, friends and bakers of Cathcart Trinity for the full-house turn-out at the Coffee Morning.

Christian Aid is especially grateful to the Sunday Club, Pathfinders and helpers for supplying their talents of toast making, tea making and table waiting to the event. £241 was raised that morning. Subsequent donations increased this to £271. This means that 40 wells, after the floods in El Salvador, can be cleaned to provide unpolluted water for dozens of families.

Christian Aid Lunch and Stunning Prize Competition - Sunday 6 July.

Alex Laughlan, Christian Aid Co-ordinator and David R McMillan, Editor (and Christian Aid Collector)

MECO

Many people at Cathcart Trinity are now aware of MECO and that three people from here (Maureen, Nikki and Stacey) are going to Jordan in the summer to participate in one of its missions there. However, what do we really know about mission? Where and how does it happen? What is involved? What is the cost? How can we support mission?

Maureen Burke has already given two talks (Tuesdays 6 and 13 May) to help us grow in our awareness, our understanding and our commitment towards world mission and to those who are involved.

Alison McMillan, of the Education Team, writes….

“On the second of Maureen’s sessions on the Suffering Church we were shown a film in which a young Muslim man won a bursary to Chicago University. While in America he converted to Christianity. He went back to his parents in his homeland and wondered how he was going to tell his family that he was no longer Muslim.

Unfortunately, his Bible was found before he was able to tell them. This resulted in him being disowned and thrown into the street with literally nothing. His cousins were not so charitable – they wanted to kill him!

While keeping out of his cousins’ way he came into contact with a Christian Church and became so involved with the people there that, despite the very great danger, he decided not to go back to America, but to remain in his homeland.

Maureen advised us that the film was fiction, but was exactly similar to the experiences of Christians in Muslim countries.

We must remember to keep these people in our prayers.

Thanks

Liz and Sarah would like to thank everyone for the loving and tremendous support they both received following Sarah's accident.

It is almost impossible to put into words how much that support meant. Your prayers, cards, good wishes and the knowledge that you were in some way sharing this with us were truly inspiring. The fact that you made it possible in so many ways for me to stay in Dundee to be with Sarah was mind-blowing and I am truly grateful to belong to such a caring church family. I would also like to thank the people who came up to Dundee to support me and keep me sane.

Sarah has made an amazing recovery and watching and talking to her now is a humbling experience when I remember that less than six weeks ago she was lying in intensive care surrounded by machines and hooked up to a ventilator; at that point the prognosis was not good and the future very uncertain.

I can't speak for Sarah, but I am in absolutely no doubt that God answered the prayers of his people. I believe Sarah's healing was miraculous and I received unimaginable blessings. The ‘peace that passeth understanding’ really, really does and I discovered firsthand what it is to feel joy and praise in such an awful situation. And, contrary to my previous beliefs, it isn't about a lightning strike from heaven but a quiet sureness in God's goodness.

There are so many people to thank, some of whom I may never meet and so many ‘ripples’ I have heard about because of the situation. All I can really do is ask God to bless each and every one of you in some way. I am grateful for the support I received from my family in England and the tremendous support and encouragement both Sarah and I had from David, the chaplain at Ninewells Hospital and Fiona, the chaplain at Dundee University. Fiona even did our washing!

Sarah still has a way to go but is getting the support she needs. The plan is to for her to go back to university in September and we have spent this past week putting things in place for this to happen.

I cannot thank you all enough and would be really grateful for your continued prayers for Sarah’s recovery over the summer.

With every blessing,

Liz Harrap

The Courier: June 08

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