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March 2019 Volume 22 Issue 1

Hallelujah ! . . . Christ is Risen !Come and celebrate with us at our joint Easter Week services

Maundy Thursday, 18th April, 7.30pm, Killearn Kirk (incl Holy Communion)Good Friday, 19th April, 7.30pm, Strathblane Church

Easter Sunday, 21st April, 10.30am, Killearn Kirk

Please Support Christian Aid

God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world “I Love You” . . . Billy Graham

Last year 57,000 people in the UK helped CA raise £8 million to relieve poverty throughout the world.

In Killearn our house-to-house collection raised £3135 and we plan to have a collection this year –please let me know if you are willing to help .It involves distributing collection envelopes to each house at any time early in the week with a note saying you will be back on another evening later that week to collect – this gives people time to think about the work of CA and hopefully contribute and perhaps complete their details to allow CA to recover 25% gift aid tax recovery on their donation. We have our regular collectors but we could do with more and I am hoping that with more people coming to Church now in Killearn that this may be possible – although you don’t have to be a churchgoer to be a collector. The more collectors we have the better –it allows us to limit the number of streets to be covered by each collector which makes things easier. It is a very satisfying task and giving your time will be a sacrifice with which God is well pleased.

Please email me at [email protected] if you are able to help –thank you.

Bob Ballantyne

Easter Tidings from

Killearn Kirk

Easter Tidings from Killearn Kirk

Killearn Kirk is a Charity Registered in Scotland No SC012140Killearn Kirk Tidings is edited by:

Scott Macintosh (tel 550794) - [email protected] printed by The Macintosh Partnership

Visit us online at www.killearnkirk.org.uk or visit our Facebook page:www.facebook.com/pages/Killearn-Kirk/116334885136784

EditorialThe next edition of Killearn Kirk Tidings will be published in the autumn. How about a paragraph or two about an interesting cathedral you visited or church service you attended. Please eMail contributions to the editor in plenty of time.

Text should if possible be a Word document attached to an eMail. Pictures & graphics should also be separately attached, please do not embed pictures and graphics within documents or eMails, it can be difficult or impossible to extract them. If in doubt contact the editor beforehand.

Thank you.

SermonsIf you can’t manage to Church, or indeed you wish to hear them over again, the weekly Sunday sermons are recorded and can be listened to or downloaded from the Church website.

Killearn Kirk People

Minister Rev Stuart Sharp 550101 [email protected] Clerk Carole Young 550994 [email protected] Ballantyne Treasurer 550310 Roll Keeper & Safeguarding Co-ordinator Kirsty Smith 550654Hall bookings Sue Beck 550485

Edenmill and Colourful Killearn

Grateful thanks to Edenmill Farm Shop and Colourful Killearn who provided the Christmas trees for inside and outside the Kirk, and to the volunteers who put up and beautifully decorated them.

PersonaliaBaptismsAlasdair KanthariaHarper Rose Carmichael

WeddingsSimon Bevis & Margo Currie

We are saddened to report the passing of the following, who were members of Killearn Kirk or whose funeral/memorial service was held in our Kirk. Obituaries can be found in the Killearn Courier: www.kcfc.co.uk/courier.html. May the comfort and peace of God be with all who mourn and feel the loss of one they have loved.Gaylor Dron KillearnMargaret Harris Branziert Road North, KillearnValerie Trotter Muirpark Way, DrymenDavid Munro Birch Place, KillearnPauline Sim Lampson Road, KillearnFlora Taylor Randolph Hill Care Home

Transport to ChurchYou may not be aware that Killearn Kirk will organise transport for anyone unable to make their own way to Church. If this would be of help to you, please contact Bob Ballantyne at 550310 or the Fellowship Committee members: Teresa, Jenifer, Hilary or Margaret Harrison.Message from the choir

As you may know the minister has been asking for requests of favourite hymns from the congregation and he wishes to include everyone. If you have any new hymns you would like us to learn, please let us know and the choir will be delighted to help introduce them.

And of course we are always looking for additional singers. If you wish to join the choir, please be in touch. We meet every Sunday at 9.45 a.m. and all are very welcome.

Karen Heron. Secretary

A Matter of IdentityKillearn Kirk is developing a simple logo to act as an identifier on our correspondence and internet presence. We feel it is important to have a clear identity as we look to expand and strengthen our presence within the village and parish.

For events like the Killearn 10K we are getting some T-shirts produced with the logo on it so that when we are in the crowds of people, they know who we are.

Jesus said, ‘Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.’ Matt 10:32. Our logo is the start of our journey towards standing up and standing out in the community. We hope you like it and we may even do some merchandise as a future fund raising so watch out!


Remembering DavidWhen the Rev. David Munro (1929-2019) retired from Bearsden North church, he moved with his wife Jessie to Killearn. They chose a bright, modern house facing east and west with an open outlook. It was very different from some of the austere manses they had endured in the past. He loved the sheltered, sunny, back garden with fine views of the Campsie Hills beyond the mature trees.

Officially he was always Mr. Munro, but to his many friends and neighbours he was just David, affectionately referred to as “the Wee Man” although he was really a giant. He was a devoted family man and very proud of all their achievements. He doted on his three daughters, Joan, Morag and Catriona, his five grand children and three great grandchildren. Jessie was the perfect minister’s wife who shared fully in his ministry. He was bereft when she died and he missed her dreadfully, it seemed especially so in latter years. There were early holidays with the family of five, plus Nana, in a heavily overloaded Mini. Then, well into his seventies, he would drive to France to visit Morag’s family, returning home with wine, smelly cheese and peaches. He also greatly enjoyed breaks with family visiting old haunts on the West Coast. When he could no longer drive or fly there he was delighted when they came to stay with him, especially his two granddaughters. He was a friend to all, always welcoming and able to converse with young and old. His life was his faith and his ministry. He had very strong views as to what a parish minister should be. He never really retired, twice acting as locum to Killearn Church in vacancy. When his great friend Andrew Scobie at Cardross became unwell he assisted there and became locum in due course, similarly with Kilmaronock / Gartocharn where he continued to provide relief pulpit supply on the third Sunday of every month. Indeed, he died in harness as he had wished - he preached at Gartocharn on Sunday, 20th January and slipped away the next day.

He was a friend to all, always welcoming and able to converse with young and old. His life was his faith and his ministry. He had very strong views as to what a parish minister should be. He never really retired, twice acting as locum to Killearn Church in vacancy. When his great friend Andrew Scobie at Cardross became unwell he assisted there and became locum in due course, similarly with Kilmaronock / Gartocharn where he continued to provide relief pulpit supply on the third Sunday of every month. Indeed, he died in harness as he had wished - he preached at Gartocharn on Sunday, 20th January and slipped away the next day.

He was very well organised, kept himself busy, and had a terrific memory. Moreover, in his study, he had everything methodically recorded so that he could recall what he had preached, when and where. He must have had a substantial cupboard to store his many props, especially for his excellent children’s addresses – there was the monkey, the musical cake slice and at least three nativity scenes.

Even as his strength ebbed he climbed into the pulpit unaided, his delivery was strong and fluid, he didn’t require to look at his notes. He would pass a copy to the Session Clerk, so that if anything happened the service could continue uninterrupted! He worked far longer hours for us than he was contracted to do: services, visiting, village functions, weddings, christenings, funerals were all food and drink to him. When concerned friends, relatives and colleagues suggested that he should ease off a bit he dismissed them firmly saying “What else would I do?” It is reported that he so enjoyed his work that he neglected to cash all his pay cheques. After Jessie died he remained fiercely independent, keeping house and preparing his own meals. He was particularly keen on making soup! This was noted so that Killearn Kirk presented him with a soup making machine.

A dedicated gardener, he used to keep the family supplied with vegetables. Two years ago he bought a proper greenhouse to propagate his seedlings, and on sunny days he happily sat out there with a cuppa and the paper. His garden is now displaying the bulbs he planted last autumn. His bird feeders were kept constantly filled as he loved all of God’s creatures.

Being breathless, he could not walk far and so relied heavily on his trusty Ford Focus. It was always ready for action, properly equipped with winter tyres, spade, snow mats and jump leads (his equipment got me out of trouble one snowy day - Editor). When Jessie was alive he replaced his car regularly to ensure she would have reliable transport, but being self sufficient he no longer saw the need for this after she died! Impressively, however, he could still stoop to retrieve a ball to play with a dog, or tie his own shoe laces.

He joined Probus and particularly enjoyed the outings to Loch Katrine, and cruising down the Clyde, when his camera was much in evidence. Relaxing, he would recall how he set up the new churches in Ayr and Baljaffray, of his leaky old first car, and of his early days supposedly training but actually ministering in the Bronx. Years ago, as young men returning from Edinburgh on the train, Stuart McWilliam instructed David in the arts of wine and beer making!

He was such a lovely man, a friend to all. He is sadly missed but fondly remembered.

Nigel Kelly


Future FocusAt the time of going to press the congregational conference day ‘Future Focus’ is being finalised. It is hoped to have the slides and an audio recording of the sessions available on the Kirk website (technology willing). This is the start of a process of considering and looking to shape the future of Killearn Kirk. At a time when church attendance and membership is declining it can be easy to think that the church as no future. That is not the case. There are examples in the Church of Scotland and other denominations where churches are growing. These congregations have been able to work through what it means to be the body of Christ in their communities and how to interact and serve those communities more effectively, and we can do the same. They have embraced transformation and so can we.

The future of the Kirk is in our hands, but it will be a future different from the past but built on the strong foundations of the history and witness of the Kirk over generation. We must remember that above all we are not a preservation society, looking to set in aspic the church of the Victorian era, when our building was built, we are to be

Kingdom builders, 1 Cor 4:20-21 ‘For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.’ We seem to have turned down the power aspect of the Kingdom, the power to change and transform lives, to heal and restore broken hearts and darkened spirits. As we partner with the Spirit of God in Kingdom building work we will see again the powerful hand of God resting on peoples live and that of the church.

We have to acknowledge the reality of the situation we find ourselves in and look to navigate a way forward. In 5 years, or so, it is estimated that the national church will have a little over 600 full-time ministers of word and sacrament, at the moment we have over 1200 parishes. The church is considering a ‘radical plan’ for change and renewal. Part of this will be about balancing recourses with smaller parishes, like Killearn, likely to be linked or in some way group with others and sharing ministry. To ensure that our church is in the strongest possible position for the future, we need to take the reigns of our work and witness and not simply wait for thing to be visited upon us. Our new ministry was granted under a 5-year review at which point Presbytery will look at the situation across its bounds, not just Killearn and make a decision. This may be a bit scary for some, but remember we ae called to be Kingdom builders, something we are all to share in, not just the minister, so we are directly involved in making and building our congregation here into a vital and vibrant part of the Kingdom of God. That starts now, and with all of us.

From the Minister’s study desk … Matt 28:5-7: The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

As we move into Easter it seems an appropriate time to be penning this first, whatever this is. I have never been comfortable with describing it as a Pastoral Letter, what does that actually mean. Ministry musing seems to be too vague, I may just be over thinking all of this, so I have decided simply to use the above title as this is where the work was done.

Easter is the great celebration of the church, while Christmas is wonderful, it was only the beginning, Easter is the culmination of the promise. It is not the end of the story, but it is the crowing glory of the church of Christ. As I turn again to the Easter narrative and think about them afresh, I am struck by four little words ‘He is not here’. These words spoken to the women confirming the wonder of the resurrection also sound a dissonant question for the institutional church in the West – is He here? For a long time, the churches of all denominations and nations have worked hard at preserving the church. The Church of Scotland is the owner of the most listed building in the nation, but what good are they if they are empty.

As we read on a few verses the women are told to go and tell that the Lord is risen and that he is going ahead of them and they will see him in Galilee. Just as Jesus did not rest in the tomb, His spirit and the Spirt is not at rest today, John 3:8 ‘The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’ We are called to be a people of the Spirit to seek out God, to follow him and encounter him in our lives. This says to me that the church is to be a place of living encounter. As we meet, we don’t just sing a few old songs or a few new ones, read some old words and try not to nod off when the sermon starts. We are to be the place where people encounter the living Lord. To do that and to be that people we are to seek him.

The prophet Jeremiah was promised Jer 29:13-14 ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord’ We are to be the people of that promise for ourselves but also for our Kirk. As people come through the doors to know that they will encounter the risen Lord in our meeting together. As we earnestly seek Him and follow where he leads a new and wonderful thing will emerge in our company, that God will do new and wonderful things and His Kingdom shall grow, thrive and flourish. My prayer is that we will not here the words ’He is not here’ as a judgement on our gathering, but rather, ‘There you will see Him’

May you know the Risen Lord of Easter in your heart and life, in your home and work, in your Kirk and community.

Stuart


Forthcoming services at Killearn KirkThe service plan for the next few months is detailed below. The months indicated are indicative only as a series may start the week before or after the start of a month and is only for guidance.

May will see us ‘Overboard with Jonah’

June, we turn to Ephesians and start the first part of a series consider it modern relevance.You are invited to join us for the celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday, 2nd June at 10.30am.

We change theme in August to consider the question ‘What is the Kingdom of God?’

In September we will return to our next section of Ephesians.

Harvest service 6th October when we celebrate the goodness of the earth and the work of those who tend it.

November to will look at what ‘Grace’ actually means, before moving to our advent series. Remembrance Sunday will be the 10th November and our service starts with the Act of Remembrance at the memorial at 10:45 am. (Weather permitting – if not, in the church)

…. So why not come to a service and bring a friend!

Easter .Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy. The date of Easter changes each year, and several other Christian festivals fix their dates by reference to Easter. This year Easter Day falls on Sunday, 21st April.

The Easter story is at the heart of Christianity. The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the celebration of Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. Jesus’ death by crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday. His body was taken down from the cross and buried in a cave. The tomb was guarded, and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body. On the following Sunday, some women visited the grave and found that the stone had been moved, and that the tomb was empty.

Jesus himself was seen that day, and for days afterwards by many people. His followers realised that God had raised Jesus from the dead.

FlowersFlowers enhance the beauty of our Church and greatly contribute to the atmosphere in the building, it has been a tradition in Killearn Kirk to have fresh flowers in Church all year round. Anyone may contribute to our flower fund or put flowers in the church on a Sunday. It may be that you would like to celebrate a birthday, wedding anniversary or another special event. Madge Kennedy is our flower coordinator. Please contact Madge if you would like to contribute a floral display during the year.

Give a Gift and Light up a LifeSalvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

Christmas is now past, but we can still remember the joy of the season. It was with much appreciation that the Salvation Army in Stirling accepted the gifts for the children and young people from our Gift Service at Christmas. It is encouraging when members of the congregation add a little extra to their shopping bag to buy a toy or other gift for those families who are struggling to make sure that there is a small surprise under the tree for their children. Thank you to all who supported this appeal.

Lenten WalkStrathblane Church invites you to join them on a Lenten Walk on Saturday. 30th March or Saturday, 13th April at 11am. We will meet in the car park opposite Strathblane Church and walk along the cycle path. Tea/Coffee available afterwards in the Kirk Rooms. No charge but donations will be accepted in aid of the charity for Marfan Syndrome. If you would like to participate then please contact Doreen Snadden on 550834


Friendship GroupThe friendship group meets in the afternoon on the first Tuesday of the month in the garden Room of the Village Hall. Those attending enjoy afternoon tea and activities or a sing song. This group is specifically for those who have been diagnosed with dementia and their carer. We run this group with Townbreak, Stirling. For further information about attending or if you would like to volunteer then please contact Teresa Prescott (550050) or Carole Young (550994)

National Youth Assembly Youth reps from the National Youth Assembly have been working hard over the last few months to continue the work of the assembly. We have had three meetings so far, as well as a residential planning weekend for NYA 2019. The meetings focus on work following on from the youth assembly discussion topics, but we also have a series of fundraising events throughout the year, raising awareness and funds for some amazing charities.

On 8th December members of the NYA participated in Sleep in the Park for SocialBite, a charity that works to end homelessness in Scotland. Twelve went to Edinburgh, and four of us spent the night in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow. Although the temperature was reasonably mild and the rain mainly stayed away, it was still a very uncomfortable experience that did not result in a lot of sleep for anyone. It made us think how much harder it is for people who are sleeping rough, as we had security, first aid and friends to make sure we were safe and were able to warm up if we needed to. Those are luxuries that many people don’t have. As a group we raised £4,718.81, and the total event over four cities raised well over £3 million.

During March 2019, we ran a campaign called “£25 for 25” which involved asking congregations to donate £25 to Child Bereavement UK to recognise the 25th anniversary of the charity. In June, we will be taking part in Tough Mudder, an 8 – 10 mile obstacle course. This will be for Richmond Hope, another charity that helps bereaved families.

NYA 2019 takes place from the 16th – 19th August 2019 at Gartmore House. Booking opens at the beginning of April and is open to 17-25 year olds with some association with the Church of Scotland.

Bethany Pringle

Kirk Coffee and FellowshipThis time of continued fellowship give us opportunity to be with one another and to get to know our church family whilst enjoying a cuppa with a biscuit or occasionally baking if a volunteer has been able to do so or there has been a special occasion or leftovers from the Guild sale. We would encourage more who attend the Sunday service to join us at this time.

During the past year we have supported Town Break Stirling (http://www.townbreakstirling.org/) who have a monthly group in Killearn for those with dementia and their carers, Crossreach who offer loving care to people of all ages in need in Scotland of a helping hand, supporting them to live life to the full whatever their circumstances (www.crossreach.org.uk ) and Traidcraft original fair trade pioneers in the UK, advocating the importance of organic farming, sustainability and transparency to the lives of growers and artisans around the world (http://www.traidcraft.co.uk ) totalling £450. ‘Rise up against climate change'. Christian Aid is asking us to contemplate our lives and take action to rise up against climate change through themes of awareness, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, transformation and blessing. During our seven week journey of Lent the monies received from the teas will be donated to Christian Aid.

Thank you for your support and also to our volunteers who produce the tea and coffee and biscuits each week. If anyone would be interested in becoming a volunteer, which involves setting up, making and serving the teas and coffee and clearing away only 3 or 4 times a year, please contact Sue Beck.

Leprosy MissionDear friends and folks of Killearn. Over the last few months we have once again had a marvellous collection of stamps, postcards, and foreign coins for the Leprosy Fund. I am just about to take my third full carrier bag. Primary 7 at Killearn School had a terriffic collection which greatly added to the contribution which our village makes. I have also now asked the children to bring used spectacles to donate to third world folks who have poor sight, and if you have any they can also be put through my letterbox or in the BB boxes in the church foyer. Thanks to you all. Jim Fallas.

And Congratulations !!!A special thanks to Jim for all his hard work collecting and transporting the stamps. And congratulations Jim on reaching your 90th birthday which we celebrated with cake after the morning service recently.


Young People at Killearn Kirk

Messy PlayLots of fun on a Thursday morning once a fortnight (2nd & 4th Thursday morning at 10am). Various activities take place while the parents/carers can chat and make new or renew friendships while watching and helping their children play.

Debbie our playleader makes sure that there are lots of activities available and our volunteers help with making teas/juice, chatting with folk and then the big clear up at the end of the session.

There is a small charge of £2 (additional children 50p) to cover some of the costs of the activity materials. The session times have altered and we now run from 10am to 11.30am.

We are grateful to all the volunteers who assist with the setting up and clearing up at the end. As you can imagine it can be quite a lot of mess!!

Kirk KidsLife has been busy in Kirk Kids since September. The children learned about some of God’s champions in the bible, looking at what different talents and gifts they had and how God used them. The year ended with a Christmas party where we were joined by Rev. David Munro, who re-told the story of Jesus’ birth with the help of a knitted nativity scene. Little did we know that would be the last time he would formally speak to us before he sadly passed away. Everyone at Kirk Kids enjoyed spending time with Rev. Munro and learning from him.

In the last edition of Kirk Tidings I referenced one of his stories involving a case of a sad Winnie the Pooh who had been ‘left behind’. Rev. Munro asked us to think about how we make people feel when we’ve left their company. Jesus loved and cared for people and left people feeling better. Rev. Munro challenged not just the children, but the adults too, to consider “how do people feel after they have met us? Do we leave people feeling better and brighter?” Mr Munro certainly left the children and adults of Kirk Kids feeling better and brighter. He is missed.

After Christmas, Kirk Kids focused on Prayer; how God speaks to us and how we can speak to Him. Do you know you can talk to God any time and anywhere? The children of Kirk Kids know that and they also know that God always answers prayer. We illustrated this with a game of ‘Red light, Green light.’ Sometimes God’s answer is ‘no’, sometimes it is ‘yes’, and other times it is ‘wait.’

Most recently, we have been looking at the Easter story. Taking time to consider the meaning of Easter with kids (nope, it’s not just about eating chocolate!!) can be difficult. Kirk Kids took time to focus and consider the fact that Jesus, God’s son, willingly sacrificed himself for us. Our theme song over the Easter sessions has been ‘Lord, I lift your name on high.’ In that song is the line ‘From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.’ Jesus paid the price for everybody’s sins on the cross. Given that we had focused on prayer earlier in the year we made sure to talk with God and say thank you for his sacrifice.

All the members of the Kirk Kids teaching team are vetted under the national child protection system (PVG). We have a team of 9 teachers and helpers: Lynne, Isobel, Agnes, Kirsty, Teresa, Alison, Shona, Mhari-Jane, and Paul. We have also been fortunate to have Iris volunteer with us as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. It’s been great having her around Are you thinking about checking out Kirk Kids? It runs from approximately 10.30-11.30am. We start off by worshipping with the main congregation of the church, where the children particularly enjoy participating in the children’s story. Please come along and give it a try. We would love to see you. Do you have any questions about Kirk Kids? Feel free to call Agnes (550794), Lynne (440 07), or our session clerk Carole (550994) for a chat.

Pastoral SupportAt different times in our lives we need some support, both spiritual and practical. Killearn Kirk have a small pastoral team who can provide a listening ear or to ponder with you while you work your way through the many changes or challenges of life. We will represent God’s grace and care to you in a non-judgemental and loving manner. If you know of anyone who may benefit from a visit then please contact the minister or session clerk.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. “ 1 Peter 4:10


Letter from MalawiLevi and Ruth came over from Malawi and spent some time in Killearn with Jenifer Barrett, meeting up with Kondwani Chidziwisano who is studying here. The photo shows them with Jenifer and the Killearn Malawi Group committee.

Dear jenifer, greetings from mzuzu. We are all fine and it is our prayer that you too are well. Bellow is the short story about our visit to killearn village: Our holiday was from 21/01/19 to 21/02/2019. We travelled by land from mzuzu village city to lilongwe the malawian capital city. From lilongwe airport called kamuzu international airport we took an ethiopian airways to belfast via addsababa, and manchester. In northern ireland we visited bangor , belfast, and dublin. We then went to our second home killearn village to stay with jenifer barrett. It must be noted that we as visitors from malawi, we take killearn parish friends as our own brothers and sisters. While there, we really thank you all for welcoming us and also helping us in many ways. Special thanks to ken, chairperson of killearn malawi team for his wonderful help. Since 2004, killearn friends through the raven trust and currently the banan box trust have been and you are still helping the needy malawians by sending to us the following:• primar school and secondary schools materials.• sewing and knitting machines with fabrics. More than 250 people have benefitted with these machines.• second hand clothes for children and adults.• beddings and blankets, etc.

Killearn parish has in the past been involved in church projects like roofing of church buildings, manses, etc. Our own jeimson house used to accommodate visitors especially from scotland was also funded by killearn friends. So many things have been sent to us here in malawi from killearn. Other projects done by john challis were also funded by killearn friends. The kileni school office was also funded by you friends. The hilltop craft center was also funded by killearn friends. Kileni private school blocks were too helped by you friends. All these help needy people.

Therefore, the list is very long so that i can not finish naming everything but from me on behalf of all malawians am saying thank you and stay blessed always!! We enjoyed visiting you this year and we were at home. Our plea and request is that continue helping malawians and also levi and ruth as we too here continue praying for you. We are now very busy with the school project and jeimson house fence project. Come and visit us also. While in killearn we had chance also to visit killearn nursery school, glasgow, pitlochry, st. Andrews, blairgowrie, dundee, perth, edinburgh, fortwilliam and dunkeld . We thank god for giving us good health while with you regardless of the cold weather! God bless you always. Rev. Dr. Levi and Ruth Nyondo [[email protected]]

Killearn Golden Age ClubThe Killearn Golden Age Club started out as the Killearn Old folks committee in 1949 with the purpose of raising funds to give the old folks a treat and/or an outing. The members of the original committee were Bob Young, Alan Crombie, Archie Gilfillan and Roy Bryden. The history sheet shows that it was not until October 1962 that Jimmy McIntosh and Hugh McArthur joined the committee which remained until 2007 when a new committee was formed to take over their responsibilities.

The committee ran coach trips to such places as Dunfermline, the Alhambra Theatre, Crieff, North Berwick and Aberfeldy (which seems to have been a favourite).

They also worked with Stirling Welfare Services committee and agreed to co-operate with the WRVS in the Meals-on-Wheels Service. A small part of each meal delivered was paid by the committee until 1972. In 1997 they ceased involvement in the scheme.

They were supported for a number of years with a general grant from Stirling council, but this ceased in 1995.

There was an interesting note which said that the committee always took the District Nurse on all coach trips to ensure all the trippers survived!

When the new committee took over in 2007 it consisted of Robin Veitch (Chairman), Bob Ballantyne (Treasurer), Peter Rea and Teresa Prescott. Robin carried out the duties of Chairman until, sadly, he passed away.

Our present committee consists of Peter Rea (chairman), Bob Ballantyne (treasurer), Anne O’Neil and Doreen Snadden.

Our main purpose is to enable the retired parishioners of Killearn to take part in some or all of the following activities: Dinner, usually held in March in the Killearn Kirk Halls, a June coach outing with lunch and a period for the trippers to have some hours free to shop, etc, before coming home and a bingo evening in November.


FinanceThe accounts for the year to 31st December2018 have been independently examined by Bell Barr & Company, Chartered Accountants and copies of the accounts were distributed to the congregation a week before the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday 24th March 2019.

Figures from the General Fund, which covers the day-to-day running of the Church are as follows:

This Year £ Last Year £INCOME Offerings, Tax Recovery, Donations, Hall Income, Fundraising, etc. £107,525 99,157

EXPENDITURENational Ministry & Wider Work 52,254 59,294Local Staffing Costs 15,420 8,261Building Costs 22,294 25,834Other Local Costs 5,163 3,856TOTAL 95,131 97,245

SURPLUS 12,394 1,912

This year’s income included legacies of £15,000 (last Year £5,000) and while we had a reduction in National Ministry as a result of the vacancy this was offset by Locum Costs under Local Staffing Costs.

The budget for the current year is a small surplus of £7,500. We are most grateful to everyone who has contributed both financially and with their time.

The National Ministry & Wider Work is by far the greatest cost but this payment to the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh is our contribution to the wider work of the Church both at home and overseas. An example of the wider work is CROSSREACH which employs 2000 people and cares for some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland.

Bob Ballantyne,Treasurer

Killearn Kirk PropertyThe jackdaws are again making a lot of noise as you walk past the Kirk and are looking to nest in the steeple with the inevitable forest of twigs on the ground. To be exact, the nest is in the area between the slate louvres and the wire netting that was replaced inside the steeple 2 years ago after we found them residing in the steeple loft. The front clock face has for the last few weeks been stationary as the axle turning the hands has worn and stopped engaging with the mechanism. This is in the process of being repaired. We have been asked if we would like the hours to chime again. It has been a long time since the mechanism was electrified and the old pendulum system mothballed but it would be possible to do so during the daylight hours. Would you like to hear the hours sounded in the village?

The buildings continue to be looked after by the Property Committee. We are planning to get the hall floors sanded and varnished during August. All the regular users will be notified of dates when the halls will be out of action. In 2014 we repointed the front of the Kirk and in 2011 the west gable was done, when the attached photo was taken from the scaffolding. We are now looking to complete the remaining areas of the Kirk and are seeking advice from a specialist architect as to the way forward. The size of the work will require us to apply for grants and fundraise specifically for this project.

Stuart and Karen are settled in their new home and we are now tackling some of the outstanding external work which includes a new shed and making safe areas of the terraced garden and also render work at the front of the manse.

We plan to have a work party after Easter to do some work in the grounds as well as in the halls (removal of overgrown tree, garden areas around the Kirk building, resetting blinds in the halls to name a few). More details including the date will be in the weekly newssheet soon.

Would you like to help maintain the garden areas around the side of the Kirk during the year? Please contact Sue if you would be interested in doing so or any other work about the Kirk property.

Sue Beck


Invitation to Abbeyfield HouseStuart and Team Abbeyfield will share leading the services at Abbeyfield House. The program has not yet been finalised but arranged so far - Stuart will take the worship on 28 April and the June Communion Service.

The next service will be led by Team Abbeyfield on 14 April at 2pm when Elizabeth will share tales of her Glasgow girlhood, always a treat, and in her own special way link them to a Bible lesson.

These short, informal services, usually on the last Sunday of the month at 2pm, are a lovely chance to worship with the Residents and let them know they are valued members of the Killearn Kirk community.

Come along and join us. Everyone welcome.

Killearn Kirk GuildThe Guild continues to flourish. We currently have a membership of forty two, including our first gentleman member. Visitors are welcome at all our meetings. The fellowship and friendship enjoyed by us all is one of the most important aspects of our Guild and we are blessed to have such a number of loyal and enthusiastic members.

The Guild meets from October to March. Over this winter we have enjoyed a varied programme of topics. The session started with the hugely talented youngsters of Balfron High School Band enthralling us with their music.

We learned basic life support and now know how easy the village defibrillator is to use.

We cycled the Via Froncigena, the famous Canterbury to Rome pilgrimage, in the company of Kevin and Linda.

The Guild nationally chooses six projects to support over a period of three years. We choose two every year and this year we chose to support the Boy’s Brigade and Empowering teenage Mothers in Zambia. The speakers from both projects were informative and inspirational. They emphasised their delight to be chosen by the Guild, explaining that not only is the financial support helpful to their charities but the widespread recognition they receive because of the Guild backing is invaluable to them.

Our three coffee mornings, at harvest, Christmas and Spring are well attended. Our cafetières of coffee, amazing cakes and happy conversation is now legionary. Thanks to all who loyally support us and a warm welcome awaits all who have yet to sample our delights.

God is at the centre of our movement as we undertake work for the good of others but we do have fun and laughter as we journey along.

We closed this session with a rousing evening of music and song led by Ros McGowan.

The photographs show our evening with Ros, and the Jumble Sale at the end of last year.

Come and join us in October, you will be most welcome.

Doreen Snadden, Chair

Women’s GroupEvery other Monday we meet in different homes to enjoy a cuppa, a treat, and a chat with a biblical focus. We recently finished John Ortberg’s book ‘If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat.’ Interestingly, the title of our current book by Jeff Lucas is ‘If you want to walk on water, consider staying in the boat and other things I wish I’d known.’ The short chapters in this book cover a variety of topics including death, addictions, gratitude, and truthfulness. Many chapter titles are intriguing and have certainly sparked great conversations amongst our group. In particular, the last chapter, ‘that God often does odd stuff’ sure sounds interesting. If you fancy coming along to join in the conversation or have any questions about our group please contact Lynne (440 507) or Katy (449 358).


Update from Chris & Debbie Drew February 2019 Discussing “migration” and “immigration” can quickly make the best of friends hot under the collar. And whatever one's perspective, most would concede that the reasons for crossing borders are rarely simple, clear cut decisions. As a family we are preparing to migrate back to the UK – home for Chris and me, but not for our children who have spent less than 20% of their lives in the UK. The sentiments of a Nepali woman living in the US struck a chord with me, “As many of us know and have experienced, living in another country permanently alters you. You will never be the same and will never see things the same way again”. There is a richness in the experiences gained, but also a pain at knowing you will be somewhat a square peg in a round hole.

Whilst we know some adjustments lie ahead, we have chosen this path and, in a sense, need to take the rough with the smooth. We are lucky to transition together, as a family, with shared experiences to draw on. Many, however, do not choose their path nor share it with loved ones. Political crises, wars, natural disasters, persecution can exert pressures that become unbearable to live with.

People don't tend to flee Nepal due to persecution, although it can be very difficult for reasons of faith or other difference in this conservative Hindu culture. But the number of those leaving Nepal each year is startling and for many, it does feel like a matter of survival. It is estimated that almost 10% of Nepalis live overseas; India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia and the UAE being the top destinations. Often taking low-paid jobs, as security guards, kitchen staff or labourers, or being exploited, like the young girls forced into prostitution. We have visited villages in rural Nepal virtually absent of men. And where stories abound of girls and families being tricked into promises of a better life.

But just as the reasons for crossing borders are not simple, the solutions are not either. One endeavour several of our friends have undertaken is to start new businesses that stimulate the Nepali economy, providing opportunities that make “staying” a possibility (have a look at dinadi.com, purnaa.com or jivanas.com). Kathmandu-based, it is hard to make these economically viable when competing with the advanced industries of neighbouring India and Bangladesh. Even more challenging is how to help those living in remote, rural villages where infrastructure is nonexistent. At grassroots, rural community level, INF, the organisation Chris is seconded to, helps men and women mobilise through self-help groups; groups that literally provide a framework within which the community members can help themselves. By coming together, people are empowered to understand better their rights, improve their literacy levels or start savings cooperatives that can provide loans to kickstart new businesses.

It's amazing how these groups can change individuals and communities. Read about Sarsawati on the INF website (www.inf.org/news/building-skills-and-self-confidence/), who achieved amazing things even though she left school at 15 years old. Hearing of these small community groups reminds me of the disciples, bringing what they had to feed 5000 men. Only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus, taking that, performed a miracle. When INF works with communities, it does not bring in outside resources and fancy technology, it looks at what the people have. They might feel they have nothing. They might feel their only option is to leave their home to labour for pennies overseas. But they have something. They have ideas, dreams, hopes, understanding of their community, skills, relationships. And INF provides the framework within which that “something” can flourish. INF has recently reviewed its community development work and some changes lie ahead. Please pray for Chris, for his Nepali colleague Krishna, and for others working in community development as they discern the best way forward.

with love and thanks from Chris, Debbie, Rebekah, Sam, Tabea and Josh. www.bmsworldmission.org/cddrew

Discussing “migration” and “immigration” can quicklymake the best of friends hot under the collar. Andwhatever one's perspective, most would concede thatthe reasons for crossing borders are rarely simple, clearcut decisions.

As a family we are preparing to migrate back to the UK –home for Chris and me, but not for our children whohave spent less than 20% of their lives in the UK. Thesentiments of a Nepali woman living in the US struck achord with me, “As many of us know and haveexperienced, living in another country permanently altersyou. You will never be the same and will never seethings the same way again”. There is a richness in theexperiences gained, but also a pain at knowing you willbe somewhat a square peg in a round hole.

Whilst we know some adjustments lie ahead, we havechosen this path and, in a sense, need to take the roughwith the smooth. We are lucky to transition together, as afamily, with shared experiences to draw on. Many,however, do not choose their path nor share it with lovedones. Political crises, wars, natural disasters,persecution can exert pressures that becomeunbearable to live with.

People don't tend to flee Nepal due to persecution,although it can be very difficult for reasons of faith orother difference in this conservative Hindu culture. Butthe number of those leaving Nepal each year is startlingand for many, it does feel like a matter of survival. It isestimated that almost 10% of Nepalis live overseas;India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia and the UAE beingthe top destinations. Often taking low-paid jobs, assecurity guards, kitchen staff or labourers, or beingexploited, like the young girls forced into prostitution. Wehave visited villages in rural Nepal virtually absent ofmen. And where stories abound of girls and familiesbeing tricked into promises of a better life.

But just as the reasons for crossing borders are notsimple, the solutions are not either. One endeavourseveral of our friends have undertaken is to start newbusinesses that stimulate the Nepali economy, providingopportunities that make “staying” a possibility (have alook at dinadi.com, purnaa.com or jivanas.com).Kathmandu-based, it is hard to make these economicallyviable when competing with the advanced industries ofneighbouring India and Bangladesh.

Even more challenging is how to help those living inremote, rural villages where infrastructure is non-existent. At grassroots, rural community level, INF, theorganisation Chris is seconded to, helps men andwomen mobilise through self-help groups; groups thatliterally provide a framework within which the communitymembers can help themselves. By coming together,people are empowered to understand better their rights,improve their literacy levels or start savings cooperativesthat can provide loans to kickstart new businesses. It'samazing how these groups can change individuals andcommunities. Read about Sarsawati on the INF website(www.inf.org/news/building-skills-and-self-confidence/),who achieved amazing things even though she leftschool at 15 years old.

Hearing of these small community groups reminds me ofthe disciples, bringing what they had to feed 5000 men.Only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus, taking that,performed a miracle. When INF works with communities,it does not bring in outside resources and fancytechnology, it looks at what the people have. They mightfeel they have nothing. They might feel their only optionis to leave their home to labour for pennies overseas.But they have something. They have ideas, dreams,

Chris and DebbieDrewUpdate from the DrewsFebruary 2019

www.bmsworldmission.org/cddrew

hopes, understanding of their community, skills,relationships. And INF provides the framework withinwhich that “something” can flourish.

INF has recently reviewed its community developmentwork and some changes lie ahead. Please pray forChris, for his Nepali colleague Krishna, and for othersworking in community development as they discern thebest way forward.

with love and thanks from Chris, Debbie, Rebekah, Sam,Tabea and Josh

If you would like to support Chris and Debbie Drew by prayer and committedregular giving, visit bmsworldmission.org/partners or call 01235 517617 for a247 Partners leaflet.

PO Box 49 129 Broadway Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 8XA Tel: 01235 517700 [email protected] bmsworldmission.org

The Baptist Missionary Society: registered in England and Wales as a charity (number 1174364) and a company limited by guarantee (number 10849689)

If there are any changes to your contact details, or you wish to unsubscribe from this prayer letter and/or other BMS communications, please contact the BMSSupporter Services Team by phone on 01235 517638, by email at [email protected] or by post to the address below. For more detailson how we use and protect your data, visit www.bmsworldmission.org/privacy

hopes, understanding of their community, skills,relationships. And INF provides the framework withinwhich that “something” can flourish.

INF has recently reviewed its community developmentwork and some changes lie ahead. Please pray forChris, for his Nepali colleague Krishna, and for othersworking in community development as they discern thebest way forward.

with love and thanks from Chris, Debbie, Rebekah, Sam,Tabea and Josh

If you would like to support Chris and Debbie Drew by prayer and committedregular giving, visit bmsworldmission.org/partners or call 01235 517617 for a247 Partners leaflet.

PO Box 49 129 Broadway Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 8XA Tel: 01235 517700 [email protected] bmsworldmission.org

The Baptist Missionary Society: registered in England and Wales as a charity (number 1174364) and a company limited by guarantee (number 10849689)

If there are any changes to your contact details, or you wish to unsubscribe from this prayer letter and/or other BMS communications, please contact the BMSSupporter Services Team by phone on 01235 517638, by email at [email protected] or by post to the address below. For more detailson how we use and protect your data, visit www.bmsworldmission.org/privacy

Discussing “migration” and “immigration” can quicklymake the best of friends hot under the collar. Andwhatever one's perspective, most would concede thatthe reasons for crossing borders are rarely simple, clearcut decisions.

As a family we are preparing to migrate back to the UK –home for Chris and me, but not for our children whohave spent less than 20% of their lives in the UK. Thesentiments of a Nepali woman living in the US struck achord with me, “As many of us know and haveexperienced, living in another country permanently altersyou. You will never be the same and will never seethings the same way again”. There is a richness in theexperiences gained, but also a pain at knowing you willbe somewhat a square peg in a round hole.

Whilst we know some adjustments lie ahead, we havechosen this path and, in a sense, need to take the roughwith the smooth. We are lucky to transition together, as afamily, with shared experiences to draw on. Many,however, do not choose their path nor share it with lovedones. Political crises, wars, natural disasters,persecution can exert pressures that becomeunbearable to live with.

People don't tend to flee Nepal due to persecution,although it can be very difficult for reasons of faith orother difference in this conservative Hindu culture. Butthe number of those leaving Nepal each year is startlingand for many, it does feel like a matter of survival. It isestimated that almost 10% of Nepalis live overseas;India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia and the UAE beingthe top destinations. Often taking low-paid jobs, assecurity guards, kitchen staff or labourers, or beingexploited, like the young girls forced into prostitution. Wehave visited villages in rural Nepal virtually absent ofmen. And where stories abound of girls and familiesbeing tricked into promises of a better life.

But just as the reasons for crossing borders are notsimple, the solutions are not either. One endeavourseveral of our friends have undertaken is to start newbusinesses that stimulate the Nepali economy, providingopportunities that make “staying” a possibility (have alook at dinadi.com, purnaa.com or jivanas.com).Kathmandu-based, it is hard to make these economicallyviable when competing with the advanced industries ofneighbouring India and Bangladesh.

Even more challenging is how to help those living inremote, rural villages where infrastructure is non-existent. At grassroots, rural community level, INF, theorganisation Chris is seconded to, helps men andwomen mobilise through self-help groups; groups thatliterally provide a framework within which the communitymembers can help themselves. By coming together,people are empowered to understand better their rights,improve their literacy levels or start savings cooperativesthat can provide loans to kickstart new businesses. It'samazing how these groups can change individuals andcommunities. Read about Sarsawati on the INF website(www.inf.org/news/building-skills-and-self-confidence/),who achieved amazing things even though she leftschool at 15 years old.

Hearing of these small community groups reminds me ofthe disciples, bringing what they had to feed 5000 men.Only five loaves and two fish. But Jesus, taking that,performed a miracle. When INF works with communities,it does not bring in outside resources and fancytechnology, it looks at what the people have. They mightfeel they have nothing. They might feel their only optionis to leave their home to labour for pennies overseas.But they have something. They have ideas, dreams,

Chris and DebbieDrewUpdate from the DrewsFebruary 2019

www.bmsworldmission.org/cddrew


Killearn 10KEach year there is a large and growing event in Killearn, the 10K run (or stagger depending on fitness levels). This year the church is going to express its support of the event but opening the Kirk halls and providing free refreshments (tea, coffee and cake!). We want to show that the church is interested and supportive of the events in village life and the all those involved.

This seems an easy way to start. But it will only be a success with your support. There could be 300 runners, who when finishing the race,will be given a token to come and have tea and cake. We need people to volunteer their skill. We need cake bakers, tea makers, table servers, warm welcomers, hall tidiers, and every other task you can think of. We are looking to do some activities at the finish line with any young people that are their waiting on family finishing and we could do with a bit of help with that too.

The Stewardship group of the church is organising all this, so please sign up and let’s see if we can make this a great day and show the faith and love of the people of God in action in our community.

STRAWBERRY TEA

Saturday June 8th 11am-1pm

Killearn Kirk Halls

Adults £5 Children £3 Family £12

In aid of Killearn Kirk Charity Number: SCO12140

Killearn Kirk Stewardship Projects for 2019Being Loyal !!!

As you can see from the advert above, in the Kirk Halls on the 8th June, there will br a strawberry tea, to celebrate the Queens birthday. It will be from 11am ---1pm and again helpers are required so please put the dates in your diaries. We will be coming round for names very soon!! This event is for funds for the Kirk.

Clearing Out !!! Our annual Jumble Sale is popular so we are holding one again on the 9th November from 10 -12 noon. The funds from this event may be for a specific project but once again, we will need helpers. We are an active church within the community.

Having Fun !!! A new initiative may happen in September ---- a 60s/70s/80s dance for all the adults in the community (dress 60/70/80s style optional and bring your own bottle). It is early days so still to be thought out to see if it is viable.

Look out for posters of all these events nearer the time. Lastly, if anyone has any good ideas for Stewardship events, please tell us - we are a small committee and so would appreciate any ideas, eg ceilidh? Family fun evening? Etc

Anne (550605) , Helen(550831), Katie(449358), Lynne(440507)and Doreen (550834)

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