Week beginning: Sunday 29th November 2020

 

 

                                                                           NEWSLETTER

 

 

Dear friends,

 

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the death of a dear friend of our congregation, Rev Tom Houston.  Tom died on Thursday 26th November in hospital after a sudden illness.  Many will remember Tom working alongside Douglas from the year 2000 until 2003 and both he and his wife Anne would continue to worship with us on occasions right up until lockdown earlier this year.  Please remember Anne and their daughter Mary and son-in-law Tom at this very difficult time.

 

 

 

As mentioned last week, the Kirk Session met on Tuesday, 24th October, via Zoom, and we are happy to pass on some of the discussion points.

 

 

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

 

It is hard to believe we are in the season of advent already. We want to say a very big thank you to Rena Rennie and Neil Welsh for, once again, giving their time to decorate the sanctuary.  We were very thankful that nothing in the regulations forbids us from having a Christmas tree or other decorations and it is lovely to have some sort of normality! 

 

 

ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICE

 

It was suggested that, for those of us watching at home via YouTube, the Website or Facebook, instead of the camera being fixed firmly on the chancel area, it might be nice to occasionally scan round to see members of the congregation.

 

Permission will be sought from those worshipping in the sanctuary and, if granted, it will afford us the opportunity to see some familiar faces and, of course, the Christmas decorations.

 

 

CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION NEXT SUNDAY

 

The Kirk Session decided that we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion next Sunday, 6th December, during the Sunday Worship Service. Due to Covid -19 restrictions it was recommended that everyone who wishes to participate in communion should bring their own bread and juice. The church will provide personal elements for those who do not bring them but nonetheless would wish to participate in the sacrament.

 

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICE

 

Session has agreed that there will be one service on Christmas Eve at 7pm.  There will be no gathering in the Sanctuary; rather a pre-recorded service will be made available via YouTube, the Church Website and Facebook.  Both Kirsteen and Naomi are organising a Nativity play with the children, which will be a delightful addition to the service.  Please continue to pray for Naomi and Kirsteen as they continue to support the children, young people and families of the Parish.

 

 

 

ANNUAL BEREAVEMENT SERVICE

 

Douglas Nicol advised that the annual bereavement service will be done in a Zoom format this year.  The service will be held on Sunday, 13th December, at 3pm and an invitation is extended to all.  For security reasons we cannot publish the zoom link here but if you would like to attend, please contact Douglas Nicol.

 

 We are aware not everyone is very comfortable with being seen on a screen at zoom meetings and it is possible to join without activating your webcam or, alternatively,

we can also provide a telephone number which allows participants to dial in and be able to hear the service without need of a laptop or other screen.  If this is something you would be interested in but are not too confident about, please do not hesitate to contact Katherine Nicol on 07877302189 in the days running up to the service and she will be delighted to have a practice with you.

 

 

 

THE REV COLIN BROWN

 

The Rev. Colin Brown, minister at Darnley United Free Church, is due to retire in early 2021 after 41 years’ ministry in Darnley. Over the next few weeks we will be inviting members of the congregation to make a donation towards a gift which we will present to him before he takes his leave of us.

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS!!

Although there is so much difficulty and anxiety at this time we take the time to mark the times of celebration in the lives of our church family members.

Congratulations to Laura Fogg who celebrated her 31st birthday on Monday, 23rd November; and to Jack Shannon who celebrated his 8th birthday on Thursday, 26th November. Many Happy Returns to each of you!

 

 

 

 

MINISTER: Rev Douglas Nicol, 36 Springkell Drive, GLASGOW G41 4EZ

0141 427 7877   Email: DNicol@churchofscotland.org.uk

PART-TIME PARISH ASSISTANT: Kirsteen Marshall

07720 625 789  Email: KMarshall@churchofscotland.org.uk

PART-TIME children and Families Worker: Naomi Sutton  

07486 563 779  Email: NSutton@churchofscotland.org.uk