'From palms to the passion' - thoughts for Palm Sunday and Holy Week

It's Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, and the beginning of the end to Jesus' walk to the Cross and beyond. In our service of worship, as has become our usual practice over the years, we begin with palms and end with the sealing of the tomb; from cheers to jeers as the crowd turns against Jesus. 

Our readings for today reflect that journey:
1st reading – Luke 19:28-40 The entry into Jerusalem;
2nd reading – Luke 22:1-6 The plot against Jesus;
3rd reading – Luke 22:39-46 Jesus prays;
4th reading  Luke 22:47-53 The arrest of Jesus;
5th READING Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-12 Jesus on trial; 

6th READING Luke 23:13-25 Jesus sentenced to death; 

7th READING Luke 23:26-43 Jesus is crucified; 

8th READING Mark 15:33-47 The death of Jesus 

On the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time, the crowds lined the streets, threw cloaks down upon the dusty road, waved palm branches, shouted 'Hosanna!' - save us. 

The palms tell their own story...

The palms tell a story

of a God who loved creation,

and a creation

who fell out of love with God.

Of a God who showed the way

through prophets who were silenced 

by the people who turned their backs.

Of a God who chose to become human,

and live this life in this world.

 

The palms tell a story

of a Saviour who was the word of life

but the people did not listen.

The Saviour spoke of justice for the poor

and food for the hungry

but the people did not listen.

The Saviour spoke of freedom

to all those oppressed,

but still the people did not believe.

The palms tell a story

of the man who rode into Jerusalem,

and the crowd cheered

of David and his progeny,

of the king of the Jews,

the king on a donkey

riding into the city of David

and the people recognised him:

‘Hosanna in the highest!’

The palms tell a story

for this is the journey to a table

of bread and wine

and friends gathered:

bread broken,

wine poured, for all.

 And he said:

‘re-member me,

re-member me,

re-member me.’

The palms tell a story

of the one taken from the table

to the garden.

 And from the garden

to the council.

And from the council

to the soldiers.

And from the soldiers

to the way of the cross.

The palms tell a story

of a saviour whose time

does not finish here.

As we move into this week and walk the last steps to the Cross with Jesus, a prayer and blessing:

May we whisper our hosannas throughout this week.

In every moment when the world goes silent on the cause of God

may we continue to cry out the beat –

the hosanna beat –

that marks the rhythm of this week;

In the sound of breaking bread may we hear the broken hosanna

and still believe in love’s way;

in the sound of coins being counted may we hear the betrayed hosanna

yet still trust in love’s choice;

in the twisting of the crown of thorns may we hear the tortured hosanna

and still believe in love’s way;

in the sound of the lashes, all thirty-nine, may we hear the scourged hosanna

yet still trust in love’s choice;

in the sound of nails being hammered may we hear the crucified hosanna

and still believe in love’s way

in the sound of silence may we hear the empty hosanna

yet still trust in love’s choice.

May we remain with Jesus

by whispering our hosannas throughout this week:

in every moment may we remain with you, O Jesus -

still believing

still following

still your companions...

And as we travel with you:

may God’s blessing be upon us all:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Amen.

Update for period Mon 2nd - Wed 18th Feb.

The minister is currently on annual leave from Mon 2nd - Wed 18th Feb inclusive.

During this time...
for general parish matters, please contact -
Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com 

And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. George Shand, who can be reached on 07765987163 or via email: georgeshand@live.co.uk 

'Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits'

Michael Leunig cartoon on the theme of rest/ recharging

Hello - just a wee catch up. Given we're cutting back a wee bit from weekly online worship, I'll try to pop in here on a regular basis just to touch base and give you a flavour of what we've been doing in worship onsite in the church building at Abington.... 

Our theme for worship this week centred around Sabbath and rest.
We explored the tradition and history of Sabbath and then reflected on
some stories found within Luke's Gospel:
Luke 6:1-11 and Luke 13:10-17

While there are a number of ways to enter into these texts, such as the power and authority of Jesus; healing; Jesus' run-in's with the religious authorities, the overriding theme that links both is found within the concept of Sabbath and Sabbath rest. Often the Pharisees are cast in a very bad light as 'killjoys', overburdening people with rigorous rules and regulations. This would be to dismiss them too easily. It could be argued [and has been] that the Pharisees were the progressives of the day, trying to find better ways to connect heart and soul to God. Their instrument to do this was through the Law: a useful code of conduct and practice that, if adhered to, would help to ensure a person was in a good relationship with God.

Within the contexts of our readings today, however, Jesus is not challenging the concept of Sabbath, and trying to destroy it, rather, he's trying to better restore it to its original purpose as that which is life-giving, joy-giving, a re-creation, and way to wholeness. Sabbath is not the master of humanity, it is the servant, enabling people to find their joy, their meaning, to have space to recharge. If even God rested, having made all of creation, then, that is a model for us to do likewise. And Sabbath is also about liberation. When Moses receives the Ten Commandments, the 4th Commandment requires God's people to remember the Sabbath and provides further reasoning: Sabbath is done to remember their freedom, having been delivered from slavery out of Egypt. Under the rule of Pharoah, conditions become increasingly harsh, and more and more bricks were required to be made - taking time off was not possible. Under the rule of God, time off is part of what it is to be one of God's people. Slaves don't get time off; free people do. 
By the time of Jesus, and the Roman Empire, Sabbath was embedded into the culture; it was a practice that marked Jewish people out from other nations. While some Romans may have seen the benefits of a day off to recharge, mostly, the idea of Sabbath was ridiculed, and thought of as laziness.

Within our modern society, busyness and being constantly on the go, has become widespread. Sometimes the pace of life can feel truly relentless and to take a break is seen as a sign of weakness. This was epitomised in the film 'Wall Street' through the character of Gordon Gecko, who summed up the attitude in his oft-quoted 'Lunch is for wimps'.
To rest, then, is to be subversive, counter-cultural, an act of resistance in a world where too often, human beings are viewed as merely cogs in the machine. Whether a Saturday or Sunday, or whatever day of the week, as God's people, let's challenge the prevailing culture and choose rest; rest that reminds us that we are God's people, that we live within God's creation [take time to smell the roses, and in so doing, appreciate the one who created them], a practice which restores and recharges us and helps us to be whole.

May you find breathing spaces and places of rest this week,

Blessings
Nikki

'A wee minding' - Worship Sun 28 Dec

WELCOME to worship on this last Sunday of the year, and the Sunday immediately following Christmas. Our usual custom on this Sunday is to hold a service of Lessons and Carols. As that's a bit too complex to organise via our limited tech, online, we've a wee minding: a shorter time of worship with a couple of carols, a reading, some candles, a prayer, and a blessing - to keep you going through the week.

Just a note about online worship as we go forward:

We're scaling back a little, so at the moment, the plan looks like this -
we return online for the season of Lent, through to Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Thereafter, we'll have an online service roughly once a month, with Pentecost, some summer sessions, Harvest, and Remembrance, before beginning once again at the start of the church year with Advent once more. This may well be rejigged, so please do feel free to give some input, we'd be happy to hear your thoughts!

Meanwhile, for this week, the WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

Enjoy the rest of Christmastide, a happy Hogmanay to you, and God's blessing upon you for the new year.

Nikki

'God's Surprise' - worship Sun 21 Dec: 4 advent

WELCOME to worship. Today, we hear the old, oft-told story of a young couple, making an arduous journey and, upon arriving at their destination, finding the only space to stay is within a stable; it’s the story of a birth, of angels and shepherds, and good news for all. It’s the story of Christmas.

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE
and should be available from around 6pm onwards subject to how fast the internet connection is running today!

CHURCH NOTICES:
Sun 28 Dec. 10:30am: Traditional lessons and carols service both onsite and online. So if you don’t get to sing your favourite carol today, there’s still time!

Clydesdale food bank: Thanks to everyone who donated in various ways to the work of the food bank this month; it's hugely appreciated.

Christmas newsletter: hard copy of the newsletter is now available and will be mailed out to those on the member's list. An online version is available here on our blog, which you can access by clicking on the tab marked 'Christmas newsletter' above this page.

A very merry and blessed Christmas to you all!!

'What's in a name?' - worship Sun 14 Dec: Advent 3

WELCOME to this third Sunday in the season of Advent. Last week, we heard Mary's great song of praise, known as the 'Magnificat.' This week, we continue our journey in the Gospel of Luke, hearing another song; this time from Zechariah upon confirming the name of his son: 'John'. 
We'll be thinking about names, and, with John, preparing the way for the coming King.

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES:
'Memory Tree': Yesterday, we held our annual ‘Tidings of comfort and joy’ service – a service in which we took time to remember loss of various kinds, including remembering those who, for whatever reason, won’t be with us for Christmas this year. As part of that, we put up our wee memory tree, and this will stay in the church now until after the service on the 3rd of January. And thanks to Dee, Rowan, and Ursula, who in their various ways, helped to organise the larger memory tree by the lytch gate – where there are ribbons that can be used to tie to the tree - again, as a way of remembering someone.

Clydesdale Food Bank: a reminder that the food bank box is in the vestibule and available for donations of food and other helpful items for the food bank. Our contact, Ben, noted some of the items they’re low on at the moment are:
sugar, tea bags, tinned veg and fruit, soups.
And if it was possible, it would be lovely if folk could spare some mince pies, or maybe even mini Christmas puddings, if possible, perhaps chocolate for wee ones.
For those of you unable to come to the church, you can donate online via THIS LINK.
Thanks everyone.

Worship Sun 21 Dec.: Given our tradition here in the parish is not to have a service on Christmas Day unless it’s a Sunday, next Sunday will be pretty Christmas oriented, so, If you’re willing, and able to come along, why not take the opportunity to give your favourite Christmas jumper an outing, or wear a little something with a nod to Christmas? There’ll be some carols as well…

Crawford and Wiston 'Christmas elves': on the theme of Christmas, we had a team of wee Christmas elves in the church on Thursday morning, who were delighted to decorate the tree for us, with a little help from Dee. So big thanks to the students of Wiston and Crawford Primary schools for doing that – and we also had some good chat and exploration around the building. Outwith the tree, I think the favourite activity was having a go of ringing our bell – although we did have to hang on to a couple of the wee-er ones to prevent them from taking off!!

Christmas newsletter: our Christmas newsletter is [finally!] at the printers, so hopefully hard copy should be available just before Christmas or around about then. In the meantime, you can access a copy online at the tab above this page... or, simply click on the wee diagonal arrow in the top right hand corner of the picture below and it will pop out for you to view. 

As you journey further into this Advent season, may you know God's joy.

God bless,
Nikki

'Mixing it up' - worship for Sun 7 Dec: Advent 2

WELCOME to worship on this 2nd Sunday of Advent.
Last week we were thinking about angelic conversations: the angel, Gabriel visiting Zechariah, and later, Mary, with unexpected news. This week, another conversation, between two soon to be mothers: Elizabeth and Mary. And we hear Mary’s song of praise to God, as she ponders the nature of the child she will bear. 
Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Notices follow below...

CHURCH NOTICES:
Sat 13 Dec. 2pm: 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' - a short, reflective service in which we make space in the busyness of the season to  remember those not with us this Christmas season.

Sat 13 Dec - Sun 4 Jan: 'Memory Tree': in conjunction with the above service, over the following weeks, we’ll have both our wee memory tree in the church, and the larger tree down at the foot of the pathway – and you’re invited to use these as visual prayers and ways of remembering…

Christmas coffee morning - an update: what an excellent wee event. All went well and huge creditand thanks to Sara and Tabitha for their wonderful baking - a real treat! We had a great turnout of folk and I'm delighted to say that we were able to raise a total of £260 to give to Clydesdale Food Bank. Thanks to everyone who spread the word, who came along, who donated so generously.

Food Bank box: just a reminder that over these next Sundays, the food bank box will be in the vestibule for food and other items, if you’re able to drop something in. Ben our food bank contact was in touch yesterday saying that they’re particularly short of:
tea bags, sugar, tinned fruit and veg, tinned soups, and as we’re coming up to Christmas, if it was possible, perhaps some Christmas related items, or wee treats, like: mini xmas puds, mince pies, chocolate. Any items would be hugely appreciated.   

'Inconceivable' - worship Sun 30 Nov. - 1 Advent

WELCOME!
We hear from the first chapter of Luke's Gospel - of an angel, one very gobsmacked man, and two women who find themselves expecting the unexpected. We reflect on hope, and ponder the angel, Gabriel's, words: 'nothing is impossible for God.'
Welcome once again to worship online.
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Copied below are the parish notices, for reference, but these can also be found in the online service, as usual - this time, in written, rather than spoken, form to hopefully make it easier to jot down any information as needed.

Today, a time for new beginnings and fresh starts as we enter into the season of Advent.

CHURCH NOTICES: 
Thanks -
just to say thanks, as ever, to those of you for keeping things going while I was away…again! And particular thanks to Dee and Heather, for being our contact people.

Sat. 6 Dec., 10.30am - 12pm - Christmas coffee morning: 
This coming Saturday, we have our Christmas coffee morning from 10.30-12pm – please come along, bring friends, spread the word. Along with refreshments, there’ll be prize draws to add to the atmosphere. Entry free, but it’d be great if a wee donation could be made in aid of Clydesdale Food Bank. 

Sun. 7 Dec., 10.30am - Communion:
Next Sunday morning, we’ll be holding our quarterly communion – as ever, please do let folk know – all are welcome to the table!

Sat. 13 Dec., 2pm - 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' 
Our annual service ‘Tidings of comfort and joy’ will be held in the church. A shorter, more reflective space particularly for those who find this time of year difficult, as well as an opportunity to remember those who won't be with us over Christmas.  up to and including Sun. 4 Jan. 

from Sat 13 Dec - Sun 4 Jan - Christmas 'memory' trees:
There will be a small 'memory' tree inside the church on which to place a wee blue bauble as a way of remembering loved ones at this time of year - especially those who, for whatever reason, may not be with us over the Christmas period. And, as we did last year, we’ll be putting up a Christmas ‘memory' tree by the lytch gate at the pathway to the church, along with a box of ribbons – with an invite for people to tie a ribbon to it - again, as a way of remembering.

Update on 'cluster' conversations and presbytery plan: 
please click HERE for the latest update as at Monday 17 November.

Update: news, info, events up to 26th Nov.

 CHURCH NOTICES FOR 10-26 NOVEMBER:

Minister on annual leave:
Nikki is currently feeling a little like a part-timer at the  moment due to needing to take a backlog of unused annual leave!! So, she'll be unavailable as of Mon 10th through to, and including, Wed 26th November. Apologies for this, folks, but due to circumstances beyond her control re. hospital/ illness mid-year, her leave has all been budged up in this latter quarter of the year. Hopefully all will be back on track properly for 2026!
During this time:
For general parish matters, please contact - Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com
And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk 
Worship for Sun 12 and 19 October will be covered by the Rev. George Shand. 

Update on online worship:
Just a note that we're hoping to recommence online worship at the beginning of Advent, Sun 30th Nov., all things being well. 

Leadhills Memorial, 2025

Remembrance Sunday services: 
Our three services this year went well. A slight change of 'routine' with two, however, with a swapping of times for Crawford at 12.30 and Leadhills at 1.30. This was to allow time for the Depute Lord Lieutenant, Bill Tennant, to come to the service at Leadhills - his third of the day, at that point. Mr Tennant read 'In Flander's Fields' and led off the laying of wreaths. There is another tucked around the corner of the memorial from the Council, with Councillor Ralph Barker representing. The third wreath was placed by Mr Steve Johnson, representing the Village Council. The other items that were placed at the Memorial were from the pupils of Leadhills Primary School, and these were placed at a separate service on Friday, at 11am.

A date for your diary:
Sat 6 Dec., 10.30-12pm: Christmas coffee morning

Church notices for 5-22 October

CHURCH NOTICES FOR 5-22 OCTOBER:

Minister on annual leave:
Nikki will be using up annual leave as of Mon 6th through to, and including, Wed 22nd October. During this time:
For general parish matters, please contact - Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com
And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk 
Worship for Sun 12 and 19 October will be covered by the Rev. George Shand. 

Update on online worship:
We're aiming to recommence online worship at the beginning of Advent, Sun 30th Nov., all things being well. 

Harvest Thanksgiving service:
This morning, we held our annual Harvest service and copied below are a few pictures... more to follow in the Christmas newsletter... We managed to gather together a good amount of food, both fresh and packaged, which was later dropped off to our Clydesdale Food Bank contact, Ben. Thanks to all who gave...
Also, huge thanks to everyone who helped decorate the church, and then dismantle all the decorations after our service. Special note of thanks, to Sara Weardon who kindly baked us a cake and scones for morning tea!

Harvest banners from:
Wiston, Leadhills, and Lamington Primary Schools

 

News re. Minister's sick leave

 

Minister on sickness leave up to and including 29 August

Due to circumstances beyond my control, apologies for not posting this sooner...

Unfortunately, on Fri 18th of July, I had a wee trip up to Wishaw General, where I stayed for two weeks - not quite what I had on my bingo card! I'm now signed off up to and including the 29th of August, when I hope to make a return to my duties. Once I'm back, I'll try my best to return to preparing worship online, but it might not be immediately - just need to see how I go in the first few weeks, so do please bear with me and thanks for your patience!!

During this time:
for general parish matters, please contact - Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com

And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk 

And for those of you who had heard the news, thanks for the very kind messages - much appreciated!! Am now back at the manse and happy to put the kettle on should you be passing.

God bless

Nikki

'Lament' - worship for Sunday 13 July

WELCOME to worship this week. We're continuing our series on the Psalms, this week, exploring Ps 22 - a lament of David. Our 'take-away' question is 'Where are you, God?'

As we listen to David, and hear a little of Job's story, we find that rather than a sign of doubt, to ask questions of God is much more a demonstration of faith...

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and is now available to access.

CHURCH NOTICES/
Hymn nominations: planning a little ahead, for our Songs of Praise celebration service in 10 August, it's time to get nomination your favourite hymns for possible inclusion. Either message me via the 'contact us' facility on the right hand side of the page, or simply leave a comment under today's blog post.

These are all the notices, so until next week, may you know God's presence with you throughout this coming week.

Nikki 

'Thanks' - worship Sun 6 July

WELCOME to worship this week. 
We continue delving into the Book of Psalms. This week, Ps 111, accompanied by David's great hymn of praise in 1 Chronicles 16:8ff. Our theme today: gratitude and giving thanks.

You can find the WORSHIP LINK HERE

CHURCH NOTICES/
Favourite hymns needed! In preparation for our upcoming Songs of Praise service on 10th August, do please nominate your favourite hymns in advance, so that when I come back from annual leave, I can go through your choices and hopefully include them in the service. We have 8 hymn slots to fill. You can nominated more than one hymn choice. Either leave a comment on this page with your nomination, or over on YouTube under the worship video. I look forward to seeing how the playlist shapes up!!

In the meantime, have a good week, 

God bless
Nikki 

'Faithful' - worship Sun 29 June

WELCOME to worship this week as we continue our travels through the Psalms. This week, we explore Ps 145 and reflect on God's faithfulness.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE.

CHURCH NOTICES/ 
Clydesdale Food Bank: just to say a very appreciative thank you for the donations given to the Food Bank this month.

Clydesdale Trinity Cluster: Douglas Valley 'Souper Sundays' - our friends from Douglas Valley asked if we would flag up their upcoming Souper Sundays after their time of worship to which representatives from the wider cluster are very welcome to attend.
The dates are:
6th July 2025; 17th August 2025; 28th September 2025; 26th October 2025; 16th November.
They’re also planning a Big Summer Breakfast Event for 27th July.

Meanwhile, may you know the blessing of the One who is faithful, over the course of this week.

Take care
Nikki 

'Forever' - worship Sun 22 June

WELCOME to worship this week. We continue our wee daunder through Psalms, this week, reflecting on Ps 118 - and our key word is 'forever'.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES
Cluster and potential union update: just to note that I'll be updating our dedicated page soon to keep you all in the loop on where we're currently at in the process.
Otherwise:
Clydesdale Food Bank: just a reminder that this is a food bank month, so all donations gratefully received. To go directly to the Clydesdale Food Bank donations page CLICK HERE.

As you go into this week, may you know God's steadfast love, which endures forever.

God bless
Nikki

'We choose joy' - worship Sun 15 June

WELCOME to worship this week, where, over these next weeks, we'll be taking a wee daunder through several of the psalms, each exploring a different theme. Today, we consider joy.
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES
Support your local foodbank: just a reminder that over the Sundays of June we are flagging up the great work that Clydesdale food bank does in our wider area, helping those most vulnerable within our communities. If you're able to help, please click on the LINK HERE which will take you across to their website, where you can make an online donation.

And this week in our prayers, let's remember our children and young people as they approach the last week of the school year - particularly for all the P7's moving from Primary to Biggar High School, and, for our young people at Biggar High who are finishing this year and moving on to known and as yet, unknown adventures.

Have a joy filled week

God Bless,

Nikki

'Under construction' - worship for Pentecost Sunday 8 June

WELCOME to worship this week, where we remember the day of Pentecost, and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within and among us...

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 
and is now available...

CHURCH NOTICES/

Clydesdale food bank month: as this is a month in which communion falls, we support the ongoing work of Clydesdale Food Bank by collecting items/ donations. These will be uplifted at the end of the month and taken for distribution. If you prefer to make an online donation click on THIS  LINK which will take you to the food bank webpage.

Wed. 11 June, 7pm - unscheduled Session meeting: just a reminder to members of the Session that we have a meeting this week, with Karen Gillon, our presbytery link person from the Implementation Group. Sorry for the short notice of this meeting.

Not many notices this week! So, as you go into this week, know that God goes with you.

God bless
Nikki

'The imitation game' - worship 1 June, 2025

WELCOME to worship, where we find ourselves in the third and last week reflecting on the words of the prophet Micah, on what the Lord requires of us: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

Just a quick recap – in week one, we examined the Micah passage through the lens of 1st Corinthians, which reminded us that we do what the Lord requires as a community – each bringing our different skills and talents to the mix.
Last week, we thought about the appropriate industrial work kit for the task, as we looked at Micah through the lens of Colossians where we were encouraged – to ‘clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,’ and a little further on: ‘above all, clothe yourselves with love – which binds everything together in perfect harmony.’

This week, the lens we’ll explore Micah’s words with come from Ephesians which urges us to ‘be imitators of God’…

So, if you like, in a nutshell -
Week 1 – community
Week 2 – clothes
Week 3 – copying

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and the service will be available sometime after 8pm Sunday evening.

CHURCH NOTICES:
Only the one, which is that as this is a month in which communion falls, we're once again flagging up the work of Clydesdale Food Bank. There'll be a box in the vestibule for items of food and other goods over the Sundays of June. To help online just CLINK THIS LINK which will take you to their website, where you'll be able to make a donation.

May you know God walking with you through this week, and until next time, 

God bless,
Nikki

'New clothes' - worship for 25 May

WELCOME to worship, where we continue on in our wee series reflecting on what the Lord requires of us, and how we try and go about trying to do that… 

Today we’re going to have a wee wander into the world of fashion and explore some very particular items of clothing that might be helpful…

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 
and is now 'live'...
Church notices follow below.

CHURCH NOTICES:
Stated annual meeting: after our service, through in the hall over a cuppa, we’ll be having our Stated Annual Meeting – where we have a brief look back over last year – some of the things we did, and an update on our finances. 

Sun 1 June - Communion: just a reminder that next Sunday morning will be our quarterly communion – so do please let folk know - and remember, that all are welcome to the table, for Jesus is our host, and invites us to come and to share.

As you move out into the week, may you know God's presence alongside you.

God bless,
Nikki 

'With what?' Worship for Sunday 18 May

WELCOME to worship this week where, over these next three weeks, we’re going to be hearing a particular passage from Micah each week, along with an accompanying scriptural text.

So, spanning these three weeks, we’ll be hearing from Micah 6, verses 6-8 – reminding us just what the Lord requires of us… and these three actions:
to do justice
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with our God…
Our question for the day: ‘With what shall I come before the Lord?’

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE (and finally available - apologies for the delay due to tech issues!)

CHURCH NOTICES -
Apology: my  apologies for being away slightly longer than anticipated, and not delivering worship online. Just prior to returning from annual leave I received news of the deaths of my mother and stepfather, so took an extra week off. Huge thanks for folks filling in while I’ve been away. Also, thanks for the kind words during this unexpected double bereavement; I’ve felt very much supported, and it’s much appreciated. 

Parish newsletter: due to the above, our newsletter is now a wee bit behind schedule, as I'd hoped to get the last of it done and dusted before I came back from leave... There's just a couple of items that I'll need to rejig, but soon, friends, soon.

General Assembly of the Church of Scotland: it's that time of year again, and this year, I'm a commissioner. This means that, even though I'm back from both holiday and compassionate leave, my time this week will be fully given over to Assembly matters.
I'll be more fully present in the parish from Friday!
If you do need to get in contact with me, either email, or use my mobile number - I might not be able to answer immediately, but do leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can: 07985919509

Sun 25 May - Stated Annual Meeting: it's also this time of year... according to my diary, our SAM is this coming Sunday and will be held on site immediately after worship. All are welcome to attend and share a cuppa as we look back over the last year.

Evening worship: a reminder that our evening services are on hold for the moment, so there'll be no worship this evening in Leadhills.

Sun 1 June - quarterly Communion: looking further ahead, don’t forget that our quarterly service of communion is on the horizon, and will be held on Sunday the first of June… 

God bless as enter into a new week,
Nikki

Church notices for 7th - 16th May

CHURCH NEWS, UPDATES, INFO... 7th May - 16th May

Sunday 11 May - Christian Aid Week begins: just a reminder that this coming Sunday, the 11th, is Christian Aid Sunday. There will be the opportunity to support their excellent work with a special collection - there'll be a plate for this as you leave the service. Thanks in advance.
10.30am - Christian Aid worship service led by Dr Rosmairi Galloway, from Cairngryffe Parish Church.

Minister on extended leave: due to unforeseen circumstances, Nikki will now be away until Friday the 16th. During this time: 
for general parish matters, please contact - Dr Dee Yates, 01864 504093 or/ 
Ms Heather Watt, 01899 850211 or email at hwatt37@icloud.com 

And, for urgent pastoral cover(for Upper Clyde only), contact: Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk 

Saturday 17th May - Kirk Session: just to note that this has been postponed with an alternative date tbc.

Parish newsletter: Huge apologies, the newsletter has been delayed. Hopefully this will be ready in the next few weeks. Thanks for your patience.

Easter Sunday, 2025

WELCOME to worship on this Easter Sunday -
Christ is risen! Alleluia! He is risen indeed!

Today is a time when we celebrate hope overcoming despair;
Light overcoming darkness;
Life overcoming death:
a time when we remember that we are an Easter people and alleluia is our song....

Wishing you a joyful Easter and Eastertide.
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 
and is now live...

CHURCH NOTICES
Annual leave - just to note that I'll be on annual leave from Mon 21st April to Wed 7th May inclusive.
Over this time the Rev. George Shand will be providing both pulpit and any emergency pastoral cover while I'm on leave. George can be contacted at ph. 07765987163 or email - georgeshand@live.co.uk

For general parish queries, contact either Dr Dee Yates at ph. 01864 504093 or Miss Heather Watt at ph. 01899 850211
For worship online, here are the usual links to other congregations that you might like to visit:

Biggar Parish Church - LINK  
Dunfermline Abbey - LINK 

Thank you: Just to say a thank you once again, for your food bank donations, which were dropped off to the food bank during the week. It's very much appreciated.

Newsletter update: our newsletter is running slightly later than usual, but is nearly sorted. One item we did want to include concerned an event on Maundy Thursday... I'm hoping to have the final draft done this week for checking and then to send off to the printer. Thanks for your patience.

Looking ahead:

Fri 9 May, 7.30pm - Southern Villages Cluster meeting: Rep's from the cluster will meet in Upper Clyde Church Hall for ongoing conversations regarding our proposed Union.

Sun 11 May - Christian Aid Week begins: Our service on Sunday morning will highlight the work of Christian Aid

Palm Sunday - worship link for Sun 13 April

WELCOME to worship...
We have moved from the wilderness and journeyed to Jerusalem and today, as we ourselves don’t have other services through Holy Week, we’ll journey from the cheers and excitement of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, through to the jeers and arrest, crucifixion and death on the cross on Good Friday. To do so, we’ll let the story tell itself through scripture and short reflections.
You can find the WORSHIP LINK HERE.

Church notices follow below...

CHURCH NOTICES:
Kirk Session meeting after worship today: Session will meet for one-item of business - to approve our annual accounts. Our Annual Stated Meeting will be held on the 25th of May after worship for the congregation to receive the accounts.

Holy Week services: although we aren't having any services in our building during Holy Week, there are services being held within our cluster group, details of which are as follows:

Maundy Thursday Communion, 7pm Cairngryffe Church - We'll be remembering the story of that first communion, held in an upper room in Jerusalem... Worship will be conducted by the Rev. Louise Mackay and Rev. Dr Nikki Macdonald. All are welcome to come, for it is the table of the Lord, and he bids us welcome.
Also:
Maundy Thurs reflections, 7pm at Rigside Community Hall - this service of quiet reflection and prayer will be led by Mr Bill Love.
Good Friday, 7pm at both Douglas Church and Cairngryffe - services of reflection remembering the events of Good Friday.

Just a wee encouragement to attend: given we’re now in daylight saving time, all services should be well and truly finished before it gets dark – I say this as I know some of you find it hard to drive at night-time. If you’d like to attend, perhaps it might be good to have a chat with others and maybe do some car sharing?

Clydesdale Food Bank - I’ll be uplifting food bank items after worship this morning to drop off to my food bank contact for distribution. Thanks so much for the donations.

Blessings to you all as you enter into Holy Week.

'Rest as Resistance' - worship 6 April

WELCOME to worship where today, we’re thinking about rest and re-creation: taking time out and recharging the soul…

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

CHURCH NOTICES:

Clydesdale food bank - don't forget that we're still collecting up to and including next Sunday, Palm Sunday. All items dropped into the box in the vestibule will be uplifted after next week's service. Online, you can still make a donation by clicking on THE LINK HERE.
And thanks for all the donations so far.

13 April: Palm Sunday service at 10.30am: Just to flag up that next Sunday is Palm Sunday – and our service will be a mix of readings and reflections that will take us through Palm Sunday and to the cross… 

'Bread and Roses' - worship for Sun 30 March

WELCOME to worship on this fourth Sunday in the season of Lent.
In our time of worship we’ll be spending a little time reflecting on bread…

You can find the LINK TO SERVICE HERE 

Notices follow below...

CHURCH NOTICES:

Sun 30 March, 5pm: Evening worship at Leadhills Village Hall at which we'll share a simple service of communion together... All are welcome to come along. After the service, please stay for a cuppa and a blether.

Clydesdale food bank: Over the weeks of Lent, we’re collecting items for Clydesdale Food bank…we have a box under the table in the vestibule for any items you'd like to donate. These will be uplifted after worship on Palm Sunday. For those of you online, you can make a donation by CLICKING HERE

'Spring into Easter: A notice from our friends at Cairngryffe church: they’ll be holding an all age event at Cairngryffe Church on Saturday the 5th of April 2025, 1-3pm. From 1-2pm they’ll have the Easter Story and some associated craft activities. From 2pm there’ll be afternoon tea. Come to the whole event or just the bit you want to attend. If you have some small people who might be at a loose end… this might just be the thing for you!

worship for Sun 23rd March

Hi folks, just a reminder that Upper Clyde won't be having online worship today as I'm away at Douglas and Rigside for a baptism and communion.

A couple of options are below:
Biggar Parish Church - LINK  
Dunfermline Abbey - LINK 

The only church notice for this week is a reminder that evening worship will be held at Leadhills Village Hall this coming Sunday at 5pm, during which we'll share in the sacrament of communion.

Have a good week,

Nikki

WELCOME to our time of worship this week as we continue our Lenten journey. If last week we found ourselves in the wilderness, this week it's a lot more lush: tree by stream, with fruit in season, and some advice for navigating the river of life from the writer of Psalm One, and the Apostle Paul. 

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 


CHURCH NOTICES/

Church newsletter: the deadline for items to go into the newsletter is by end of play today. So if you do have something you’d like to see in the newsletter, please do get it to Dee by midnight!!  

Pulpit swap: a reminder that I’ll be across at Douglas Valley next week, for a baptism and to share in communion. While I’m over there, worship onsite will be conducted by Denham Macdougall, from Cairngryffe. Online, I’ll put up the usual links to services elsewhere here on the blog, should you wish to join in worship. 

Cluster conversations: Just to note that on Wednesday evening, there’ll be another of our cluster meetings exploring our potential union with Douglas Valley and Cairngryffe – at Douglas. And Dee and I will be going to represent Upper Clyde. Do please keep these meetings and the ongoing conversation in your prayers. Thanks.

Food bank donations over Lent: don't forget that over the season of Lent, we'll be gathering items for the Clydesdale foodbank. Should you wish to make a donation online you can CLICK THIS LINK to take you across to their website. Thanks in advance.

'Non-conforming zone' - worship for 9 March, 1st Sunday of Lent

Welcome to worship on this first Sunday of Lent, where once again, we begin the
journey to Jerusalem with Jesus; starting that journey in the wilderness. Traditionally a time of spiritual ‘decluttering’ or a spring cleaning for the soul, as we travel through these next weeks, what might we hear God saying to us?

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Church notices: 
Clydesdale Foodbank over Lent: As this is a communion month, and also the beginning of the season of Lent, let’s get back into the practice of gathering items over these next Sundays – and extend the time through to Palm Sunday. You might even want to take this on as your lent practice. For the moment, just leave items on the table as you come in to the vestibule and we can put them in a suitable container when we need to. For those of you online, THIS LINK will take you to the foodbank website, and if you wish, you can make a donation online for their ongoing work. 

Tues. 11 March, 7pm: Kirk Session A reminder to elders that we have a meeting of Session on Tuesday evening at 7pm and I’ll be getting an email out with details later today to session members.

Parish newsletter: a reminder about the deadline for our parish newsletter, which is Sunday evening the 16th – next Sunday. If you’ve any items you’d like included, please do get in touch with Dee or myself and thanks in advance. Also, we’d really appreciate any feedback on the newsletter – what would you like to see included, or dropped… is the current format working for you… or not? Are there any particular ways it could be more helpful? Do let us know!

As you begin your Lenten journey, may you know God walking alongside you.

God bless,
Nikki

'Wow'- worship for Sun 2 March

WELCOME to this week's time of worship, where on this Transfiguration Sunday, we spend some time up on the mountain-top with Jesus.

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Church notices follow...

CHURCH NOTICES/
Communion - As today is a Communion Sunday in the parish church, just a reminder to those living within the parish who are unable to attend, that home communion is available on request. Please do let Nikki or Dee know if you would like us to 'extend the aisle' and share communion with you at home, we'd be very happy to help.

Church newsletter: We are now in the process of preparing out Easter newsletter. If you would like to contribute any items for inclusion, please do get in touch with Dee or myself. If you don't have Dee's details, just use the 'contact us' facility to the right of our blog page, to get in touch.

Fri. 7 March -
11am - Funeral of Jean Carrick in the parish church, followed by graveside committal at Lamington Cemetery. Do please keep the family in your prayers at this time.

2pm - World Day of Prayer - the combined Guilds of Upper Clyde, Rigside, and Cairngryffe will meet together at Cairngryffe Parish Church for the annual World Day of Prayer. Refreshments will be provided after worship.

'Jesus is my superhero' - worship for Sun 23 Feb

Welcome to worship this week. Over these last weeks we've been exploring various aspects of Jesus. We began with Jesus the boy, moved to Jesus the storyteller, and this week, it’s wonder-working Jesus – as we hear two different accounts from Mark’s gospel, of Jesus demonstrating his power.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

CHURCH NOTICES -
Jean Carrick: Some sad news to share. If you’ve not yet heard, Jean Carrick died on Monday. Please keep Jimmy and the family in your prayers at this difficult time. Jean’s funeral will be on Friday the 7th of March, at 11am, here in the parish church, followed by a committal at Lamington Cemetery.

Evening worship: a reminder that evening worship will begin again on the last Sunday of March, and not this evening. So, if you turn up to Leadhills hall at 5 this evening you’ll be having a rather quiet time of it!

Quarterly Communion: this coming Sunday, the 3rd of March, will be a service of Communion, on site. Please do let anyone know, who you think would like to come along, and remember, that all are welcome, for it is the table of the Lord, and he invites us to come and share and remember.

As you go out into a new week, may you know God's presence with you each step of the way.

God bless

Nikki

'Whoever has ears' - worship, Sun 16 Feb

WELCOME to worship. Today, two stories within two stories - reminding us that as God spoke the world into being through Jesus, the Word, we are a people of story. So this week, we reflect on God's story, our story, and our place within God's story.
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

CHURCH NOTICES -
Evening worship update: Just to note that our season of evening worship services will begin from the last Sunday of March. There will be no evening service this coming Sunday.

Cluster meeting, Wed. 19th at 7pm: our next cluster meeting is upcoming, and congregational rep's for this will be Willie White and Nikki Macdonald. If you have any questions that you would like us to raise, please do get in touch.

Thank you: Given the 'swimming pool' in the church halls just over a week ago now, on behalf of the congregation, and by way of a big 'thank you', I popped in on Sara, our church cleaner on Friday with a bunch of flowers. I'm sure we're all grateful for both her quick thinking, and all of her clean up efforts!!

'The Source' - worship Sun 9 Feb

Welcome to this week's time of worship where we'll spend some time thinking about that one tantalising story of Jesus, between birth and baptism as an adult at the beginning of his ministry. How might this story of the young Jesus help us navigate our way in a topsy-turvy 21st century?

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and the service should be available from around 5.30pm today.

Church notices:
Thanks - to everyone who helped with lifts last week, for our road trip to worship with our friends at Cairngryffe Church, for the visit of the Moderator. It was a lovely service and great to catch up with folk over refreshments afterward.
Boiler - a huge thank you to Sara, our excellent and very diligent church cleaner, who went above and beyond on Thursday, having come into the building to a new 'swimming pool' in the hallway by the boiler - a small part had either worn or snapped, causing water to leak. Her industrial wet 'n dry vac really came into its own! Thanks also to Willie, our ever-reliable property convenor, who jumped in his car after a quick phone call and who managed to stop the leak. 
Tues 11, 7pm - Kirk Session meets via zoom - I suspect the boiler will enter into some of our discussions!! 

Boilers notwithstanding, have a great week, 

God bless
Nikki                    

'Road Trip' - worship with the Moderator, Sun 2 Feb at Cairngryffe Parish

Welcome to worship in which Upper Clyde went on a wee road trip to join with our friends at Cairngryffe Parish Church, as they welcomed the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev. Dr Shaw Paterson. It was a lovely service - beyond the Mod. and the refreshments after worship, I confess to be very impressed by the heated pews - apparently a 'mod-con' installed in 1962, and still working brilliantly over 60 years later. Given we were elsewhere for our time of worship, and that Cairngryffe, like ourselves, don't have the facilities to provide live streaming for worship, I was permitted to film the Moderator's sermon, and also recorded his blessing at the end of the service.

The readings chosen as the basis for his sermon were
Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Luke 4:21-30. 

The video is a little rough and ready, so do bear with it! Hope you find his sermon an encouragement.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and should be available from around 4.30pm Sunday afternoon.

The only notice to flag up is to note that there will be a meeting of Session on Tuesday the 11th of February at 7pm, but I'll note this again next week. The main area of discussion will focus upon our Southern Ministries cluster, and potential Union. We'll also begin to prepare for the upcoming annual attestation of records by Presbytery, and appoint/ reappoint office holders.

As you move into and through the week, go, knowing yourselves beloved, and blessed by God, this day and always!

Nikki

'What next?' - worship for Sun 26 January

WELCOME to worship this week...
Within our time of worship today, we remember International Holocaust Memorial Day, which
falls on 27 January...

If the question last week was 'what if?', this week, we ask 'what next?'

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

Church notices:
Sun 26 Jan: Evening worship - just to note that there is no service at Leadhills in January. We'll be back on the last Sunday of February.

Sun 2 Feb., 11am: Joint service - Just a reminder that this coming Sunday, we'll be on the road, as we travel across to Carmichael to share in worship with our friends at Cairngryffe Parish Church, and enjoy a visit from the Moderator, the Very Rev. Dr Shaw Paterson. The service begins at 11am and refreshments will follow thereafter. Please do alert folk you know within the parish that our building will not be open on Sunday and do encourage them to come along. If you're needing help with transport, please get in touch and we can arrange this.
Online worshippers - I'm not yet sure if this service will be live-streamed. If it is, I'll put up the appropriate link. If not, and if it's possible, I'll try to record the Moderator's sermon, at least, and post that up on our YouTube space... and if that's not feasible, then I'll put up the usual links to connect you with other online services.

Minister availability this week: just to flag up that I'm not quite as available this week due to a follow up visit to hospital. Hopefully, I'll have a better sense of progress and navigating this new 'normal'. If you do need to get in touch, it's best to contact me via email - minister.upperclyde@gmail.com and I can respond as I'm able through Tues afternoon-Fri morning.