'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.

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.

'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.

'Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.' - worship Sun 11 Feb

Welcome to our online service of worship this week where we'll be reflecting upon a very large picnic...

Our WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Huge apologies - the video didn't upload for some reason last night. It should be available from about 2pm this afternoon! (Sunday 11th)

CHURCH NOTICES
Pancake Sunday: on site, this week, we begin at 9.30am for a pancake breakfast. So I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make this event possible - what a fab way to prepare for the season of Lent.

Lent books: for those of you who’ve put in an order, the books have arrived. I’ll try to drop them in to you by Wednesday.

Lent challenge: Using the number 40 for the 40 days of Lent, I wonder if some of you might be rise to the challenge of individually and together collecting pasta and tins of soup, so that by the time we reach Palm Sunday, we have at least 40 items ready to take to the food bank? For those at home wanting to do this over the weeks of Lent, do as you're able, and let me know - I'm happy to do a pick up when the time comes. Given Easter will be approaching, alternately, you might like to donate some Easter eggs for food bank users who have children - treats which those below the breadline can't really afford. Alternatively you can make a donation online to Clydesdale Food Bank by clicking on the FOOD BANK LINK HERE. 
Thanks everyone.

Funeral of Kit McKendrick: Some sad news to report: if you’ve not heard, Kit McKendrick died this last week. Her funeral will be on Thursday the 22nd at 1pm in the parish church, followed thereafter, by a graveside committal at Elvanfoot Cemetery. Please do let folk who might want to attend, know. 

Guild meeting: Wed 2pm. The Guild will be meeting this week through in the church hall and our guest speaker will be Anne Mackie from Riding for the Disabled. If you’re able to come along, it would be great to see you. 

As we move into the season of Lent, may your spiritual journey be a blessed one.

Have a good week,
God bless,

Nikki

'When the storms of life are raging': worship 4th Feb. 2024

WELCOME to our weekly online worship - I hope you find it a time of encouragement and spiritual nourishment. To access the service the WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

Notices follow below...

CHURCH NOTICES/
Sun 11 Feb.: Pancake Sunday service - to help get us ready to enter the season of Lent, we'll be having a pancake breakfast before the morning service, through in the church hall. If you're able, do come along - bring some friends, as all are welcome. The doors to the church hall will open for 9.30, and after breakfast, the service will begin through in the worship space at 10.30am.

2024 Lent Book: Lent is a time for giving up or taking on, and this year, if you'd like to take on a Lent challenge, why not join in reading 'Loving my Neighbour' over the course of the season to help you on the spiritual journey?  The book costs £9.99 and is broken into weekly sections which have daily reflections for you to either start or end your day, or read over lunch, or whenever best suits your routine. If you’d like me to order you a copy, let me know by tomorrow evening (Mon 5th) and I can order a copy in time to give to you next Sunday before Lent begins.

Thurs. 8th Feb. 7pm: Kirk Session - a reminder to members of the Session that we have a meeting at 7pm on Thursday this week. Minutes and an agenda will be with you shortly.

God bless and have a good week.

'A fishy tale': worship for Sun 28 Jan.

WELCOME to worship where today we’re kind of having a light bulb moment in the middle of a storm at sea. 

To go straight to our YouTube channel click on THIS LINK

Notices follow below...

CHURCH NOTICES/ 
11 Feb.: Pancake Sunday - on the weekend before the season of Lent officially begins we’ll be opening the church doors for a pancake breakfast at 9.30am. This will be followed by our service of worship. Please do let people know – everyone’s welcome to come along… and let’s hope that it’s as successful as our Harvest breakfast was last year.
And, I’m hoping to catch up with folk to get this organised – so if you're able to help in some way, please do get in touch!

Lent book group: if you'd like to join a book group over Lent, do get in touch. It's essentially just a simple commitment to read a particular book over the season, as a wee chance for some spiritual nurture and growth. The book chosen for this year is 'Loving my Neighbour', published by BRF and you can ORDER A COPY HERE or, I'm happy to get a copy for you if you let me know by Mon 5th of February. The cost is £9.99. The book itself is divided into weeks, with each week written by a different author, and broken into daily readings. So, a good Lent discipline.

Thurs 8th Feb., 7pm: A reminder that there’ll be a meeting of the Session on Thursday the 8th of February, by zoom, and I’m hoping we can get an agenda and minutes out in due course to members of the Session.

'A man's a man, for a' that': worship for Sun 21 January

WELCOME to worship as we move further into the season of epiphany – the time in the church year
where we essentially do a little unwrapping of the message of Christmas. Last time we were together, we did a little unwrapping of Jesus.
This week, we explore the beginnings of his mission and ministry, picking up on Luke's account of the Beatitudes. 

The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE and should be available from about 4pm Sunday afternoon.

CHURCH NOTICES
Not many this week ...
Evening worship. Leadhills: Just to note that there will be no evening service this coming Sunday at Leadhills.

Lent Book Group: This year, Easter falls quite early – the 31st of March – and so, before that, we have Lent. And I’m wondering if there are any of you who might like to be involved in a Lent book group over the weeks leading up to Easter? Let me know, and I’ll look out some suggestions. The idea being that from the comfort of our own homes, we commit to reading a particular book together to accompany us over Lent. Via conversations over coffee, or phone, or even email, over the weeks, feel free to share your thoughts. Let me know if you'd like to be involved.

Pancake Sunday: One wee event to flag up that's coming up on the horizon, is Pancake Sunday on the 11th of February. Basically, a pancake breakfast before worship in the church building. For those of you worshipping online, if you want to join in the spirit of things, there's a very good excuse to rustle up some pancakes and enjoy them over worship!!

In the meantime, may you know God's presence with you through the week,
God bless

Nikki 

'Unwrapping Jesus' - worship for Sun 7 Jan

Welcome to our time of worship today, as we transition from the season of Christmas to the season of Epiphany - a season of mysteries revealed, of 'ah ha!' lightbulb moments, of connecting dots...
You'll find the WORSHIP LINK HERE to take you across to our YouTube channel... the video should be available from 4.30pm Sunday...
Meanwhile, notices are below...

Church notices/
The Guild afternoon tea will be held this week, on Wed. 10th, at 2.30pm, in the Abington Community Hub. All are welcome to come along to what is a really lovely way to start off the year. If you'd like to come, please get in touch with Heather, so she can book your place for catering purposes.
Minister on annual leave as of Mon 8th through to late afternoon Wed 17th of January. 

•    For general queries please contact our Session Clerk, Janice Reid on 07812 158275
•    For urgent pastoral matters please contact the Rev. Louise Mackay (Lanark: St Nicholas) for         assistance on 01555 661936 or by email: lmackay@churchofscotland.org.uk
• Worship cover for Sun 14 Jan is being provided  by the Rev. George Shand onsite, while, online,
      you may like to visit with the following congregations:
      Biggar Parish Church - LINK 
      Dunfermline Abbey - LINK            
      Hamilton Old Parish Church - LINK
  

'Starwards' at the gate of the year: worship for New Year's Eve

Welcome to this last worship service of 2023, as we stand on the cusp of a fresh new year. We are still in the season of Christmas, however, so, there's an opportunity for one last blast of some carols before they're put away for another year.

Today we spend time with the Wise Men, or Magi and as we do, we blend in some thoughts around this threshold time, as we stand at the gate of the year.

No online church notices this week, so let's proceed straight on to worship.
The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE  

Best wishes and blessings to you as you step into 2024 with all that it may bring.

Nikki

Christmas Eve Carol Praise Service - Sun 24 Dec.

Welcome to our Christmas Eve Carol Praise/ carol-oke service.

Today, we're thinking about joy - particularly, the joy of the good news that is the imminent arrival of God with us - as found in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem. Our service is an opportunity to just put aside all the busyness and preparations, put aside those thoughts of cooking Christmas dinner or worries about whether you’ve got everything organised, put aside thoughts of visitors, or visiting, and perhaps, even put aside, for a little time, the worries in our lives and in the life of the world - for a moment. We hold on, instead, to light, and the coming of the One called the Light of the World. 
So, today, we tell again, and enjoy, the story – the old, old story of God’s great gift of love to us all,
found not under a xmas tree, but in a manger…
wrapped not in paper, but in swaddling clothes.

In story and poem, and a heck of a lot of xmas carols let's think about hope, and peace, and joy, and love as we celebrate, in anticipation, the birth of the baby Jesus.  
May this time of worship be a blessing.

A very merry, and blessed Christmas to you.  The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE 

'A comfortable silence?' - worship for Advent 3, Sun 17 Dec.

Welcome to this third Sunday in Advent. We've followed the traditional themes for Advent Sundays over these last weeks, however, we're doing a slight swap this week - instead of 'joy', this week, our theme is 'love'. This, basically due to next week's 'Carol-oke' style service.

Notices are below for ongoing reference.
Due to a busy week, I'm afraid that once again, I've not been able to record and upload in time for Sunday morning - bear with me. The service is currently uploading even as I type and should be available by 6pm Sunday afternoon. The WORSHIP LINK IS HERE

Notices/
Evening worship tonight: 5pm Leadhills Village hall - our monthly service up in the hills, with a few carols to help get us in fine voice for the carol concert in the hall at 7pm with Leadhills Silver Band. Hopefully see you there.

Sun 24 Dec. 10.30am: 'Carol-oke' service: Thinking about our carol praise service, don’t forget to get your favourite carols in to me by the end of today – to enable me to format them for worship as needed. The service itself is aiming to be all-age friendly, with lots of hymns to really get into the Christmas spirit, along with Christmas poems, and perhaps ... even a wee game to help explore the story of Christmas afresh.
Also, I’d be delighted if, next week, you were to come to the service in some kind of seasonal clothing –  so, time to bring out the xmas jumpers if you’ve got them, or, wear a bit of tinsel… or something to that gives a nod to the fact that it’ll be Christmas Eve.  

Clydesdale food bank donations: After worship today, I’ll be gathering up the items you’ve been leaving for the food bank – and the box is looking very full, so thank you for your kindness. If you've not had the opportunity to get put something into the box, you can donate online using the link to the right of this page.

'Feeding Peace' - 2nd Sun of Advent

Welcome to worship on this second Sunday of Advent. Last week, we were reflecting on the theme
for the first Sunday of this Advent season: hope. Today, our theme is peace. 
Apologies this didn't get up online earlier, but I lost yesterday afternoon prep time due to a service in the church. It's currently uploading and should be available after 7pm this evening. Thanks for understanding.

Our worship link IS HERE

Notices follow below for reference...

Notices
Food bank: A reminder that we’re continuing to collect items for the foodbank. For those of you who’d like to drop items into the box in the vestibule next Sunday will be the last opportunity to do so before I gather what’s there and get them to the foodbank in time for folk to receive them before Christmas. Again, thanks in advance for your donations. If you miss the deadline, don’t worry, you can always donate online by going to the Clydesdale food bank WEBSITE VIA THIS LINK

Guild: This coming Wednesday, the Guild will be meeting in the church hall, where our guest will be Poppy Brown, who’ll be showing us – and encouraging us to do – some Christmas craft. That’s at 2pm on Wed. 

Evening worship: 5pm Sun 17 Dec.: our last evening service of the year will be held in Leadhills Village Hall this coming Sunday. There may be carols... and potentially a mince pie (or two)

Carol Praise service: 10.30am Sun 24 Dec.:  Our service on this Sunday is a bit of a carol-fest. It's not too late to choose your favourite carol for inclusion in the service - get in touch by the evening of Sun 17 Dec. - either by phone, or via the 'contact us' link to the right of your screen. If you're planning to attend the service on site that day... if you’re willing, you might like to wear a Christmas jumper to get into the spirit of things. The service is very much aimed at being all-age friendly.

Memory Tree: our annual 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' service was held yesterday afternoon, in which, as is our usual practice, we remembered loved ones through candle-lighting and by placing a bauble for them up on our memory tree - these, as visible reminders and as a form of visual prayer. The tree will now remain in the church through to the end of worship on Sun 31 Dec. If you wish to remember someone please do get in touch, and I'll place a bauble on our memory tree for you...