'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.

'A tale of two women' - worship for Sun 19 Jan.

Welcome to worship where, this week, it's a little bit 'Call the Midwife', as we reflect on the story of Shiphrah and Puah - their courage and their legacy.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

CHURCH NOTICES
Joint worship service: Just to flag up that, subject to Presbytery permission, Upper Clyde will be joining with Cairngryffe Parish Church for a joint service of worship, for the visit of the Moderator, the  Rev Dr Shaw J Paterson. Worship will be in the Cairngryffe church at Carmichael, at 11am, Sun 2nd Feb.

Southern ministries cluster meeting: a meeting will be held at St Nicholas' Church, Lanark, as rep's from the 3 parishes come together to explore the next steps in possible union. Our Upper Clyde rep's for this meeting will be Heather Watt and Nikki Macdonald, who will report back in due course.

Thanks to Dee and to Heather for 'holding the fort' while I was away and acting as parish contacts. It's much appreciated. And thanks to all on site for making George S feel so welcome... and leaving a spare Wagon Wheel or two!!

Church notices - 5 Jan to 15 Jan

 

CHURCH NOTICES

Annual leave 

This is to flag up that I’ll be taking leave from the 30th of December through to the afternoon of Wed. the 15th of January.  Once again, 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 

Worship Sun 5 Jan - snow alert: keep an eye out for incoming weather - worship may need to be cancelled due to the potential snow fall indicated by the Met Office. If you're planning on coming to worship on site, give Dee or Heather a phone to check first: the most important thing is that you're safe!

Christmas decorations - 5 Jan: after worship Sunday, if we could have some volunteers to pack away the Christmas tree and decorations, that would be really appreciated. In case of worship cancellation, well, if we do this instead the following Sunday :-)

Further ahead:
Wed. 22 Jan - Southern Ministries Cluster meeting: a meeting in Lanark, St Nicholas Halls of our cluster rep's to discuss going forward together as a union, and to start to get the building blocks in place.

Lessons and Carols - worship 29 Dec

Welcome to worship, and a very Merry Christmas to you as we continue together in this season of Christmas.  Today,  our service follows (more or less) the traditional pattern of ‘Lessons and Carols’ – as through scripture readings, carols, and through poems, we recount God’s great love story of God reaching out to us, of God becoming one of us, of love moving beyond just an idea and into flesh and blood and bone and a birth in a stable....

You'll find the WORSHIP LINK HERE.

Below, some notices...

CHURCH NOTICES

Annual leave - and so the cycle of annual leave begins again for a new year... This is to flag up that I’ll be taking leave from the 30th of December through to the afternoon of Wed. the 15th of January.  Once again, 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, I’ll put up the usual links to other congregations that you might like to visit:

Biggar Parish Church - LINK  
Dunfermline Abbey - LINK 

Annual attestation of congregational roll - this will be done in a one-off meeting immediately after the service on the 29th Dec. 

Christmas decorations - 5 Jan: after worship next Sunday, if we could have some volunteers to pack away the Christmas tree and decorations, that would be really appreciated.

Further ahead:
Wed. 22 Jan - Southern Ministries Cluster meeting: a meeting in Lanark, St Nicholas Halls of our cluster rep's to discuss going forward together as a union, and to start to get the building blocks in place.

'A Christmas Carol - or two' - worship for Sun 22 Dec, Advent 4

Welcome to worship on this 4th Sunday of Advent. The traditional theme for this Sunday is 'love'. On-site, we're holding our Carol Praise service, and online, you'll hopefully get a wee taster of that. Some lovely carols have been chosen by various members of the congregation, so please do enjoy this time of worship.

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Church notices -
Sun 22 Dec., 10.30am: ordination to the eldership of Ralph Barker. Over the last couple of weeks, an edict has been read out in accordance to Church Law, announcing the intention of the Kirk Session for Ralph Barker to be ordained an elder to Upper Clyde Parish Church. There being no objections, the Session and I are delighted to say that his ordination will take place during morning worship.

Memory tree: as has become our practice over the years, during our 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' service, we place a memory tree in the church. At its base is a box of blue baubles which can be used to hang on the tree to remember those who, for whatever reason, aren't able to be physically present over this Christmas season. The tree will stay up until Sun 6th. For those of you who can't get in to the church building, if you would like a bauble or two to be placed on the tree on your behalf, please do get in touch and we'd be happy to do so.
This year, we've also arranged for a tree at the lytch gate - where the path leads up to the church. Ribbons have been placed in a box at the base for use - if you're passing, please feel free to tie a ribbon to the tree in memory of a loved one...

Sun 29 Dec., 10.30am - Service of lessons and carols: a traditional service of lessons and carols will be held next week - and we'll have the opportunity to sing some of the carols we didn't manage to sing in our service this week!

Mon 30 Dec. - Wed. 15 Jan. - annual leave: the Minister will be taking two weeks off at the beginning of January before launching back into a full work schedule [at last!!]. The Rev. George Shand will be providing both pulpit and pastoral cover during this time.

Further down the track...
Wed. 22 Jan. - Southern Ministries Cluster meeting: the first of our meetings for this year, as part of the process of our congregations exploring a union. Representatives for UCPC will be the Minister and a member of the Session, who will report back to both the Session and congregation thereafter.

Meantime, a happy, holy, and blessed Christmas to you!

Sun 15 Dec - worship update

Hi folks

A wee update: had the op. on Friday - which was successful - however there was an unexpected glitch which saw me stay in hospital until Monday evening instead of going home on the same day. Was told to 'take it easy' for the rest of the week. Given that, I've asked the Rev. George Shand to cover again, Sunday 15th onsite for the morning service. As per usual, just providing a couple of links to online services that you might like to visit:

Biggar Parish Church - LINK  
Dunfermline Abbey - LINK 
Hamilton Old Parish Church - LINK 

Sat 14 Dec., 2pm - 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy': The service on Sat. afternoon at 2pm in church, 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' will be conducted by Dee and Heather - a quiet space in a busy season to remember loved ones no longer with us...

Sun 15 Dec., 7pm - Evening carols concert: the Leadhills Silver Band will be holding their annual carol concert in the village hall, Leadhills

Sun 22 Dec., 10.30am - 'Carol Praise service: we'll be holding a 'Carol Praise' service in the parish church on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Let us know your favourite carols, and we'll try to include them - and, if we don't manage to get them into the service on the 22nd, we'll see if we can include them in the service the following week [which will be a service of Lessons and Carols].

Worship Sun 8 Dec - online worship links

Hi folks

A wee update: I'm away for a few days on sick leave, as per previous post. In light of that, just providing a couple of links to online services that you might like to visit.

Biggar Parish Church - LINK  
Dunfermline Abbey - LINK 
Hamilton Old Parish Church - LINK 

'The invisible man' - worship Sun 1 Dec: Advent 1

Welcome: Voices of prophets from long ago, a story of One foretold, and of the invisible made visible... A message of hope is in the air. Join us for worship on this first Sunday of Advent...
The worship link is HERE.

Church notices:
Christmas newsletter update - our Christmas newsletter is done – and here on our website in digital form. Click on the tab above marked 'Christmas newsletter'. Meanwhile, hard copies are with the printer and should hopefully be collected early in the week and then, posted out. 

Farewell: After our service this morning we’ll be saying a wee farewell to Angela, who’s with us for the last time, today, before she steps down as our Community Outreach Worker, and works a little more close to home. Over her four years with us, we've appreciated her presence with us in worship, and in the wider community; her work in helping us realise some of the projects we dreamed up several years back in our Local Church Review - such as 'Let's get growing', the farming and Anna chaplaincies; her willingness to pitch in where needed, her diligence, and sense of humour. We will miss her but she goes with our prayers, our love, and our blessing at this time of endings and new beginnings.

Sun. 8 Dec. 10.30am: Worship cover: this coming Sunday, the Rev. George Shand will be making a return visit, while I'm is recovering from my wee operation on Friday. George will also be providing urgent pastoral cover over the short time that I'll be away. Online worship: I’m hoping to put up some links to other services, for you to join.

Sat. 14 Dec., 2pm: 'Tidings of comfort and joy' a service of remembering in the parish church. A quiet space to remember those no longer with us... during this service, and throughout the rest of the season to Epiphany [Sun 5th Jan], our memory tree will be available in the church - should you wish to add a bauble as a visual prayer, or reminder, of someone on your mind and in your heart who may not be with you over Christmas, for whatever reason....

Memory tree: this year, we'll also be putting up a tree outside by the lytch gate at the foot of the path leading up to the church. At the base of the tree will be a box containing assorted ribbons. In the midst of all the Christmas songs and activities, the loss of a loved one can be just that bit sharper. If you would find it helpful, please feel free to come along, and take a moment to tie a ribbon on the tree as a way of remembering a loved one. The tree will remain until just after Hogmanay.

Sun. 15 Dec. 10.30am: Worship. Our theme will be 'joy'.
and then, at 5pm: worship at Leadhills Village Hall: join us in the hall to sing some Christmas favourites, and celebrate the coming King. Refreshments thereafter, followed by the annual village carols with the Leadhills Silver Band.

Christmas newsletter 2024

 Our Advent to Christmas newsletter for 2024 is now available online. You can access it HERE

[or just go to the tabs above this post and click on 'Christmas newsletter 2024'

or, watch it on our YouTube channel - the link is HERE]

'What kind of king?' worship Sun 24 Nov

Welcome on what is the last Sunday of the church year - known as 'Christ the King'. Next week, we begin again, as we enter into the season of Advent and prepare for the birth of the One born to be a king - a king like no other. Today, we reflect on what kind of king...

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE - sorry it's a little late, as I was in Leadhills for the evening service and only able to process the video once I returned home. It should be available by midnight Sunday.

Church notices 
Sat 30 Nov. 1-3pm: an all age Christmas: this, from our friends in Cairngryffe parish. Rosmairi, their Session Clerk asked me to flag up an event they’re having in their church this coming Saturday, the 30th, from 1-3pm. It’s for all ages and it will be an exploration of the Christmas Story, making use of story, crafts, and songs – there’ll also be refreshments to keep you going. So, if you know anyone with small people who might enjoy it, please do pass it on. 

Sun 1 Dec, 10.30am Communion: a reminder that this coming Sunday is a Communion service in the parish church – please do pass that on to those you think might like to come along to share in the Lord’s Supper – where all are welcome.

Remembrance Sunday Worship, 10 Nov, 2024

Welcome to worship at this time of remembrance...

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

I'm hoping it should be available from about 7pm [some tech glitches, sorry!].

Notices follow below -

Church notices
Christmas newsletter - What's your favourite Christmas carol and why? Dee and I would be delighted if you'd be happy to share with us, for a wee item in our church newsletter. Please either get in touch via the 'contact us' link to the right side of the page, or call us. Thanks.

Minister on leave - 11-20th Nov.: as part of phasing myself back in to work, I'll be taking this week off just to recharge and regroup, before we all move headlong into Advent and Christmas.
General parish enquiries - While I'm off, Dee Yates and Heather Watt have once again kindly agreed to act as our points of contact, if there are any general parish queries. They can be reached on phone by calling:
Dee - ph. 01864 504093
Heather - ph. 01899 850211
Worship and urgent pastoral matters - Thanks once again to the Rev. George Shand, who will be covering worship onsite on Sun 17th and also providing funeral cover in my absence. George can be contacted at ph. 07765987163 or email - georgeshand@live.co.uk

'For all the saints' - worship for Sun 3 Nov

WELCOME to worship.

We continue to lean into the seasonal time of year, Halloween, aka 'All Saints' and 'All Souls'. Last week, we focused in on one specific 'hero' of the faith. This week, we've a whole list, in among the crowd of great witnesses. Where might we fit, in amongst this particular group? Today is an opportunity to further explore what it is to live in faith as we think of them, and maybe even folk we may know or have known, who’ve helped inspire and encourage us in our own life of faith. 
Our WORSHIP LINK HERE 

CHURCH NOTICES/
Sun 3 Nov - after worship: a reminder that there'll be a short Session meeting after the service.

Sun 10 Nov - REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY - services will be held around the parish to mark the day.
10.30 in the parish church at Abington, as part of morning worship
11am at the Wanlockhead Memorial
12pm at the Leadhills Memorial
1pm at the Crawford Memorial

Church newsletter: Christmas edition - a mission for you, should you choose to accept it: Dee and Nikki would love for you to get in touch by the end of worship next week to tell us what your favourite Christmas carol is - and why [in just a sentence or three]. We'd like to do a wee feature on this in the newsletter. The newsletter will be both mailed out and uploaded here on the blog site.

In the meantime, have a good week, and blessings as you go about it,
Nikki

'Moses: a flawed and fabulous faith' - worship Sun 27 Oct

WELCOME to worship - three words I've been wanting to say for a wee while now! It's good to be back - a little on that shortly. In our time of worship over the next two weeks, given we're coming up to a 'spooky' time of year, we'll be focusing on 'that great cloud of witnesses' - heroes of the faith. This week, we're homing in on one particular 'witness' or 'saint' of God: Moses. How might Moses in his faith journey act as a mentor for us, in ours? 

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

CHURCH NOTICES:

Really, just the one - and it's a reminder to look at the previous blog post, just to give you an update on going forward for worship and other parish happenings up until the end of the year. Basically, I'm on a phased return to work, so... up until then, duties are a little limited for the time being. However, it's good to be back, even in this part-time capacity, and I look forward to progressing to full-time duties - all being well - from January.

Huge thanks to so many of you within the parish who have helped keep things going - it's been a phenomenal team effort, and very much appreciated. I continue to be of the opinion that it's such a huge privilege to serve as your minister in the good times, and more recently, in the more challenging times. Thank you all for making a tricky time a lot less tricky and for all the kind messages and support - it's helped feed the soul and warm the heart!!

Have a blessed week,

Nikki

Church news - update as at 14 October

Also, many thanks for the cards and kind wishes!

After a prolonged absence due to illness, Nikki (the Minister) will be making a phased return to work from Wednesday 23 October. As part of the return, she’s hoping to gradually reintroduce online services once again – however, until she undergoes a procedure in hospital on the 6th Dec. her working period per week will be substantially reduced compared to normal duties. Should all go well, it’s hoped that a return to full-time duties will commence from January 2025.
Thanks for your patience during this time.

In the meantime, huge thanks to everyone within the parish bounds and without, who have helped to keep everything else running smoothly. On the worship side of things, special thanks to Rev. George Shand for providing occasional supply, and also the worship team at Cairngryffe for being so willing to step in and help us with on-site worship, along with members of the Upper Clyde congregation. 

update also uploaded on to our YouTube channel... 

Church news: arrangements during illness

Arrangements while minister on sick leave:

Hi all. For those of you who may not yet have caught up with the news, I made a wee detour on the way down to the village on the evening of Friday the 9th. Ongoing complications with covid saw a trip by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh - not how I'd envisaged spending the evening, let alone this last wee while! First: huge cheers for the NHS and thanks to the various wonderful folk who've been taking excellent care of me while I'm in. I'm hoping that I'll be discharged early this coming week but it will be a wee while until I'm fully able to be back. 

Second, thanks to all who are stepping into the breach in my absence. So, some arrangements as we go forward...

General queries: for any general queries while I’m away, please get in touch with Heather Watt on 01899 850211 and, in Heather's absence, Dee Yates on 01864 504093. 
Urgent pastoral/ funeral cover - will be provided by the Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk

Worship arrangements - we have a worship rota now in place for worship onsite up to the end of September coordinated with thanks by our friend, the Rev. George Shand. Services will be covered between George and volunteers from the worship team at Cairngryffe Parish Church - partners in our cluster. It'll be a great opportunity to work together in this way and I'm grateful for their willingness to jump in and support us at this time.
Links are provided below while Upper Clyde is unable to provide online worship for those of you who worship remotely. Again, it's an opportunity to have a wee visit elsewhere to some other Church of Scotland congregations who have services available on the interwebz: 
Biggar Parish Church - LINK  
Dunfermline Abbey - LINK 
Hamilton Old Parish Church - LINK 

Members of the Kirk Session, and the Acting Presbytery Clerk, George Whyte, have been informed and hopefully should any particular matters arise, Session/ Pres Clerk can help to advise as we navigate our way through this next wee while.

In the meantime, sending my love and prayers to you all. And hopefully things will return to normal in the not too distant future! All well be well. 

Take care and God bless

Nikki

'Rest and be thankful' - Worship Sun 21 July

Welcome to this week's time of worship where we're taking time to 'rest and be thankful'. As people called to love and serve the Lord, and to love our neighbours, it’s very easy to get so caught up in the busyness of doing, that we can forget that in order to do … we need to recharge our own batteries at times. But also, to take time out is quite a subversive thing to do. What can Jesus teach us about work and rest and perhaps breaking from old ways of thinking, when it comes to service to God and others?

WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and service is uploaded for viewing.

Church notices:
Mon July 22 - Wed Aug 7 - minister on annual leave: Very much taking up the theme for today, I'll be on annual leave for the next fortnight.
General queries: for any general queries while I’m away, please get in touch with Heather Watt on 01899 850211 
Urgent pastoral/ funeral cover - will be provided by the Rev. Louise Mackay of Lanark, St. Nicholas who can be reached on 01555 661936 or via email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk
Worship arrangements - over the next two Sundays, worship on site will be conducted by a familiar friend, the Rev. George Shand.
Online, it's once again an opportunity to have a wee visit elsewhere to some other Church of Scotland congregations who have services available on the interwebz: 
Biggar Parish Church - LINK  
Dunfermline Abbey - LINK 
Hamilton Old Parish Church - LINK 

Wed. 24 July - Guild summer outing: A reminder that the Guild summer outing is on Wed 24th July. The Guild will be paying a follow up visit to Moffatt Parish Church to see what it looks like since its renovation. The plan is to arrive in Moffatt for 10.30am. There'll also be time for some shopping and lunch. If you'd like to go and haven't yet booked, please get in touch with Heather W. 

Thurs 25 July - funeral of Isobel Taylor: For those of you who might not have heard, our friend, Isobel Taylor has died. Her funeral service will be held in Biggar Kirk, at 2pm on Thursday the 25th, and everyone is very much welcome to attend. I know many here and around the parish will have some very fond memories of her, as do I - she was one of the kindest people I've ever met. Please do keep her family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Sun 25 August - Annual Songs of Praise service, 10.30am: and just to flag up something for a wee bit further down the track: our annual Songs of Praise service is on the near horizon so get your thinking caps on to work out which hymns you’d like to nominate for inclusion - nominations are welcome from both our on site and online communities. The deadline is 1pm Sun 18 August - to give me time to format the hymns as needed. 

May you know God's presence with you over the next wee while, and catch up when I'm back from annual leave!

God bless

Nikki