CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen

CHAT
for the
CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Published three times a year
Issue no. 88
April 2014
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Editorial Note
The Torphichen Kirk Communications Team comprises: The Minister, Rev.
Sandi McGill, Mark Sterrick, Tom Preston, Sylvia Forshaw and John McCulloch,
(editor). Avonbridge Church of Scotland is represented by Eddie Ireland. This
team determines editorial policy for the magazine.
Letters, articles and other submissions are welcome but may be edited for
reasons of space, style, readability or content. When submitting drawings or
photographs, please bear in mind that the magazine is printed in black and white.
The decisions of the Kirk Communications Team are final.
Views expressed in the Magazine do not necessarily reflect the policies of
Avonbridge Church, of Torphichen Kirk or of the Church of Scotland. We
encourage the open exchange of thoughts and ideas as a basis for finding
common ground.
Items for inclusion in the next (August 2014) issue of the Kirk Magazine should
reach the Editor by Sunday 6th July 2014. All submissions are very welcome,
but, where possible, please provide electronic copy on email, memory stick.
Typed or printed copy is preferred to hand-written material.
Subscriptions: The Magazine is provided free of cost to all Members of
Avonbridge Church of Scotland and Torphichen Kirk, but people living elsewhere
and wishing to receive the magazine by email may give their email address to the
Editor – there is no charge for this. Alternatively, a downloadable version of the
magazine is available on the website, (see below).
Minister:
Rev. Sandi McGill, The Manse, 5 Manse Road, Torphichen,
EH48 4LT. 01506 676803. [email protected]
Avonbridge
Joint Session
Clerks:
Hazel Moskal 01324 861376 1 Osbourne Cotts, Standburn &
Sandy Waddell, 01324 861303
Craigavon, Avonbridge
Torphichen
Session Clerk:
Website:
Charity
Registrations:
Magazine
Editor:
Issue no. 88
May Rae, 30 Johnston Avenue, Uphall, EH52 5PP,
01506 854636. [email protected]
http://avonbridge.torphichen.org
SC 007454, Avonbridge Parish Church of Scotland;
SC 021516, Torphichen Parish Church of Scotland
John McCulloch, Kinnen Dell, Westfield, Bathgate, EH48
4NJ; 01506 653095; [email protected].
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April 2014
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Contents
A Word from our Minister
A Prayer for Peace
Avonbridge Session Report
Avonbridge Parish Register
Avonbridge Congregational Board Report
Avonbridge Fabric Report
Avonbridge Finance Report
Torphichen Session Report
Torphichen Parish Register
Torphichen Kirk Congregational Board Report
Torphichen Kirk Finance Report
Presbytery Report
Involvement in Worship in Torphichen
12th Annual World Championship Clootie Dumpling Competition
Fairtrade - Bananas
Congratulations
Activity Pages
Mug-Hugs
Traidcraft
Torphichen Village Coffee Mornings
Torphichen Twin+ Group
Torphichen Summer Nights
Easter Worship Calendar
Dates for your Diary
Regular Events and Supported Groups
Avonbridge Church Directory
Torphichen Kirk Directory
Cover Picture: Fraser Holman
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
A Word from our Minister
Sandi McGill
Dear Friends
I wonder at this point how you are getting on with your “giving up for
Lent”. I had a lovely conversation with a villager on Pancake
Tuesday about how spiritual a time they find the season and was
inspired by what they seek to achieve for their own life in these
weeks. It’s April now and I hope you have experienced many
blessings. But, For Easter, why don’t you consider giving something
else up for the loveliest gift that you can find. An hour of your
Sunday to reflect on how we have come to have available to us life
in its fullness through the cross of Christ?
During Lent, we in the Church have been focusing on some of the
passages of the Christian Scriptures which have created the
contours of the landscape of Christian Faith. We have journeyed
through the creation of humanity in all its wonder and non-glory, the
formation of the nation of Israel as God calls his people out of
slavery and into a vision of Eden restored and the prophetic vision
of peace and justice that God gives for the building of the Kingdom
(the renewed Eden) in the World.
On Palm Sunday we leave the landscape of Lenten days behind
and journey through the gateway into the adventure of Holy Week
and the celebration of resurrection on Easter Day which fully opens
the door of salvation and the promise of the kingdom to come in the
world. There will be a Labyrinth in St John’s Hall during that week
and if you would like to follow the path that God has made, just pop
up and take some time to stop and reflect at the Landscape points.
Easter Blessings .....................................................
Issue no. 88
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Sandi
April 2014
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
A Prayer for Peace
Throughout the World, people are divided against one another,
failing to communicate, cooperate and face problems together. Let
us pray for inspired leadership to bring about better communication,
cooperation and cohesiveness. ..................................... Amen.
Avonbridge Session Report
James White, former Session Clerk
The Session continues to meet regularly and is scheduled to meet
on Tuesday, 24th June at 7:15 pm for 7:30 pm in the Church Hall.
The Session was pleased that Sandy Waddell and Hazel Moskal
have agreed to be the Joint Session Clerks for Avonbridge.
Avonbridge Parish Register
Baptisms:
Declan Joshua Ross Walker .................. 3rd November 2013
Craig Ross Walker ................................. 3rd November 2013
Bailey Leigh Maxwell ............................ 22nd December 2013
Profession of Faith
Craig Ross Walker ................................... 3rd November 2013
Marriage:
Craig Walker to Fiona Morrison ................ 19th January 2014
Funeral:
Mr. Bert Wood ............................................. 5th February 2014
Avonbridge Congregational Board Report
Moira Ireland, Clerk to the Board
The Congregational Board has only met once since the last Chat
Magazine so it was a busy evening. Hazel Moskal gave a
reassuring report on our finances and told us about the repairs and
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
maintenance carried out on our buildings during this wet winter.
She also outlined the maintenance plan for the coming year. A vote
of thanks was given to Hazel for all the hard work carried out as
Treasurer and acting Fabric Convener.
Much discussion centred around fundraising with agreement to have
a planning meeting in June/July to prepare for the Cycle Scotland
event in September. Other fundraising events are described
elsewhere in the Magazine:
Avonbridge Fabric Report
Hazel Moskal
The kitchen and toilet roof has now been re-felted with no problems.
The winter inspection was completed in November 2013, roof
checked, gutters cleaned and repair work done. Due to the winter
storms, the church required slates to be replaced – this was
attended to.
We also have two panels of glass missing in windows on the north
side of the church – again this was due to the storms. The window
has been boarded up until the glass can be replaced during better
weather.
There is more work required to be done to complete the
requirements from the last Quinquennial report.
Avonbridge Finance Report
Hazel Moskal
Income:
The general fund brought in the sum of £12,995 for 2013. Of this,
£7,425 was collected from the Free Will Offering envelopes and
£995 from the open plate.
This compares with 2012 when £6,152 was collected from the Free
Will Offering envelopes and £1,397 from the open plate.
Issue no. 88
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Expenditure:
Expenditure for 2013 was £14,698.
A Standing Order of £704.60 has be set up for ten months for our
Ministries and Mission allocation. This figure of £704.60 is required
to be met by the Free Will Offerings.
If anybody would like to have FWO envelopes, please let me know.
Also, if you pay tax, the Church can claim back 25p for every £1 that
is donated. Please ask Eddie Ireland for more information.
Thank you to everyone who helps in the Church to make all things
possible. May God bless you all! Hazel.
Torphichen Session Report
May Rae, Session Clerk
It is with regret that we announce the departure of three Elders from
the Kirk Session, namely Mrs Lesley Orr, Mr Nigel Orr and Mrs
Moira Johnston.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr and Mrs Orr for
all their hard work on our behalf and for all their help and support in
all areas of church matters.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mrs Johnston for her
many years of service to the church especially her conscientious
care to the members in her district. Mrs Johnston has also to be
commended for her commitment and dedication in her pastoral care
role.
We would like to convey our best wishes to all three for the future.
Torphichen Parish Register
Death
Mrs. Margaret Nisbet ............................. 15th November 2013
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Torphichen Kirk Congregational Board Report
Sylvia Forshaw, Clerk to the Board
Our recent focus has been on events, not only to enable us to
generate much needed income for the Kirk but also because the
variety of events which we offer provide opportunities for fellowship
and outreach. Our next event is a Quiz Night on Friday 4th April in
St John's Hall.
Our Stated General Meeting is to be held after Morning Worship on
Sunday 16th March, when we will be looking for two members to join
the Congregational Board.
Torphichen Kirk Finance Report
Gordon McFarlane, Kirk Treasurer
Finance Update 2013.
Income
2013
2012
2011
Offerings
40,466
52,396
51,855
Fund Raising
9,680
5,955
8,176
Expenditure
2013
2012
2011
National Ministry
27,654
25,420
16,859
Fabric
10,004
19,641
9,625
2013 has been quite a mixed year, on one hand costs that we can
control have fallen; but on the other hand, offerings that we cannot
control, have also fallen.
The Art Exhibition once again brought in some much needed funds;
meaning that fundraising was almost double that of the previous
year.
Some costs that we cannot control are The Kirk’s Mission &
Ministries contribution. This increased by £2,234 in 2013 and we
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
have again been asked to increase our contribution in 2014 by
another £4,400.
The main area where money has been saved is in Fabric; but as
you are aware this can fluctuate from year to year due to the age of
the buildings in our care.
So for 2014 the Kirk is facing a decrease in offerings and a rise in
some of our fixed costs.
Presbytery Report
Mark Sterrick
Presbytery Points
1. West Lothian Food Bank: A talk by Mr Marshall Green was
delivered on the work of the Trussell Trust's UK Foodbank Network.
This Trust works in partnership with local churches and communities
to open foodbanks in local communities. The West Lothian
foodbank is run in partnership with local churches led by Whitburn
Pentecostal Church. Full details, along with a shopping list of nonperishable goods can be found at
http://westlothian.foodbank.org.uk.
2. Religious Observance in Schools: There has been recent
media coverage about the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society
Council’s (CSC) statement on the change of name of Religious
Observance in schools to “Time for Reflection”. According to
Government guidelines, Religious Observance in schools can and
should draw on the wisdom and insight of Christianity but in doing
so, the person leading must be aware of the range of faith and belief
in those gathered and ensure the content of the event allows
everyone to participate with integrity. The CSC insists that this
suggestion is not a change in any way to current practice in schools
which, in the vast majority of cases, is led by school chaplains. It is
in that context that the offer from the Humanist Society to work
together to embed that name-change was seen by the CSC as
reflecting the work it had undertaken since the guidelines had come
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
out in 2005. The CSC says that the name-change is not to alter
practice from the current guidelines nor is it to remove faith, God or
the insights of the Christian Tradition from Religious Observance;
rather, it is to let those guidelines work even more effectively. There
is no doubt however; that some people have struggled with the
decision to make that statement and the CSC recognises that and
acknowledges that this is something that the General Assembly
should reach a final view on (a final decision by the General
Assembly is due in May 2014).
3. School Chaplaincy: Following on from the above, Presbytery
remind us that parish profiles, especially those used in a Vacancy,
should not refer to a school chaplaincy role within a Parish as if it
were a foregone conclusion that any minister taking up a vacant
charge would automatically assume the role of chaplain for the local
school. Appointment as such is the sole responsibility of the Head
Teacher and parish profiles can only acknowledge that it has been
the custom for the incoming minister to take up the local
chaplaincy.
4. Session Clerk’s Forum: There has been a proposal to establish
a Session Clerks’ Forum within the Presbytery of West Lothian and
the first exploratory meeting in this regard has already taken place.
5. Energy Performance: The escalating cost of heating manses
was highlighted during the debate at the General Assembly and, as
a result, there is now an instruction to Congregations to include an
energy performance certificate in the Manse Condition schedule.
The certificates are obtained through Chartered Surveyors at a cost
of between £100 to £200 and are valid for 10 years. At present they
are for information only, but in 2016 Scottish legislation comes into
force making any recommendation by a surveyor for upgrade
mandatory.
It is possible that this legislation will operate
retrospectively.
6. Church Development Worker: Mr Zoltan Safrany , who is an
ordained minister from Hungary and who has been living in Scotland
for about three years with his family, has been appointed to St
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
John’s Bathgate as the church development worker to the new
district of Wester Inch in Bathgate (housing development on the
former BMC Leyland site). His appointment to this post was
recognised at a special service on 27th February at St John’s
Church.
Involvement in Worship in Torphichen
We are eager for members of the Congregation to take an active
part in our Sunday Worship at Torphichen Kirk. The following
opportunities are available at present; if you want to be involved,
please contact the organisers listed below. If you have other ideas
or suggestions for involvement, please contact the Minister or an
Elder.
Choosing Hymns
Innes Duncan,
01506 652169
Elspeth Gibbs,
01506 652939
Bible Readings
TACO, (Kirk Band)
Innes Duncan,
01506 652169
Choir
James White,
01506 631917
Flowers Margaret Cockburn 01506 633288
Tea and Coffee
Jean Preston,
01506 630573
Willie MacRae
01506 630348
Kirk Sound System
12th Annual World Championship
Clootie Dumpling Competition
Eddie Ireland
This great event was held on 23rd February 2014 with a goodly
entry of 16 world class dumplings. The event was attended by
around 50 people who were entertained by Jock Moffat on the
accordion and Rab Hunter playing the spoons. Mary Brown, our
Judge from Torwood, was so meticulous in her judging that Jock
had to spin out time by singing some bothy ballads. The time came
for the results to be announced but Mary spun out the suspense by
giving a critique on some of the entries. When the suspense was at
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
its highest, Mary announced the top 3 entries, crowning the entry by
Mrs Nancy McComb as World Champion Clootie Dumpling.
The full result was:
................................................... Mrs Nancy McComb
1st
nd
2
................................................................. Rab Hunter
rd
3
................................................................Rita Morgan
Is Rab destined to be the Best Man and never the Groom as this is
his second consecutive year as second? Next year……..?
Then came the best bit. All 16 entries were laid out ready for
sampling by the audience and whether you agreed with the judge or
not the samples were enjoyed along with a cup of tea.
Rita Morgan,
The three winners: (L to R)
Nancy McComb, (1st) and Rab Hunter, (2nd)
(3rd),
Our thanks to our Judge and to our musicians for the entertainment
provided in an evening of fun and full bellies.
Issue no. 88
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Fairtrade - Bananas
Julia Miller
Cheap bananas are threatening farmer's futures.
In the last 10 years, a bitter price war has seen the UK supermarket
sector almost halve the price of loose bananas while the cost of
producing them has doubled. This is trapping many farmers and
workers in poverty.
They are the most popular and most traded fruit in the world with 10
million tonnes being produced worldwide every year. They are the
fourth most important food crop in global agriculture after rice, wheat
and maize, and business is booming - they generated a staggering
US $8 billion in global export earnings in 2011. But the truth is that
not everyone is enjoying the benefits. The millions of banana
farmers and workers who grow the UK's and the world’s favourite
fruit have actually seen their earnings cut in real terms. Many still
can’t always afford to put enough food on the table for their families
or provide the basics such as education or healthcare.
The cause? Bananas are being bought and sold cheaply in the UK.
Severe pressure in the banana business to keep prices low is one of
the major factors trapping many banana farmers and workers in
poverty. We buy most of our bananas from major supermarkets,
and most of them are continually battling each other to keep their
customers through a highly competitive price war. Loose bananas
are a key item they price check against each other, using them,
along with other products like milk and bread, to get more shoppers
into their stores. So that they can offer us cheap bananas, supermarkets use their enormous buying power to keep the price they
pay for them as low as possible. This can put pressure on banana
farmers and workers, who sit at the end of these tough supply
chains where every last penny is squeezed out.
The Fairtrade Foundation is campaigning for change by asking
supermarkets to do things differently and this begins with
demanding that the price stickered on loose bananas reflects their
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
true cost and that banana farmers and workers earn a decent living.
They believe, however, that supermarkets will struggle to act on
their own to do this because they need to stay competitive and so
are stuck in their price wars. If they’re unable to make pricing work
for both consumers and farmers, they think it is time for the
government to step in to help end these unjust practices. They are
asking Vince Cable, as Secretary of State for Business, to urgently
investigate the grave impact of unsustainable supermarket pricing
and act to protect the millions of poor farmers and workers who
grow the UKs favourite fruit.
Sign their petition online at www.stickwithfoncho.org.uk or pick up a
petition postcard after Church/from the Traidcraft stall.
•
Only 1 in 3 bananas sold in British shops is Fairtrade
•
Every year we eat more than 5 billion bananas and spend
over £550 million on them
•
20p is the typical price we pay for an apple grown in the UK
v 11p the typical price we pay for a loose banana grown
abroad in tropical climes
Congratulations
To Monica Anderson
Well done to Torphichen Kirk’s Monica Anderson who has secured
a place in the Scottish Schools Girls’ Under-15s Football Squad.
Monica participates in regular training including football camps. You
can read more about her at
http://www.linlithgowgazette.co.uk/sport/local-sport/monica-makesthe-cut-1-3314762.
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Activity Pages
Easter Word-Search Competition
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If you read the Gospels, near the ends, you will find the story
of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, crucifixion and resurrection.
resurrection. A
number of names of people and places appear in this story.
They are all in this wordword-search. See how many you can
find. The one who finds the most will win a prize. Send your
answer to the Editor. Remember to include your name,
name,
address and ageage-group, (primary or secondary).
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Bible Crossword
Across
1 Thick carpet
5 Last word of a
prayer
9 KJV pronoun
13 Messenger
14 A Roman emperor
15 Capital of
Bangladesh
16 Seaweed
substance
17 American
Association of
Retired Persons
(abbr.)
18 Person on horse
19 Clothing (KJV)
21 Dueling sword
23 European sea
eagle
24 Utter
25 Hunting expedition
29 Foreign Agricultural
Issue no. 88
Down
38 Jewish calendar
month
39 Computer
accessory
40 Opaque gem
41 Sign of the zodiac
42 Underage
43 Layers
44 Surface to air
missile
45 __ and Eve
46 Movie 2001's
talking computer
47 Adjusts the wheels
49 Deface
50 Coffee brand
53 Great-grandmother
of David
55 OT prophet
57 Of the sun
60 Decorative needle
case
16
1 Extra tire
2 Mother of Ishmael
3 Once more
4 Seed
5 Pineapple (Gr.)
6 Meaningful
7 Be incorrect
8 Uh-uh
9 Robber
10 Held
11 Stretch to make do
12 Hearing part
15 Had by Joseph,
Joseph and magi
20 Twin brother of
Jacob
22 Hymn of praise
26 Biblical Greek word
for love
27 Radio detection and
ranging
28 Objects of false
30 City destroyed by
fire
31 Dock
33 Shampoo brand
34 Perfect
35 Mother-in-law of
Ruth
36 __ fide
39 In the middle of
40 Cooking fat
42 Fertilizer
43 Biblical weed
46 Smokier
48 General Ulysses
49 River
50 Florida City
51 Son of Mary
52 Sanctified
54 Place for the
wicked
56 Stagger
57 South southwest
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Service
30 Canned meat brand
32 Tribe of Israel
33 Large eastern
religion
36 Plague of Egypt
37 Hubbub
worship
29 Popular president's
initials
62 Alleviate
63 Unclean animals
64 Not win
65 Flightless birds
66 Bawled
67 Stare
68 Shoppers need
58 To be in debt
59 Mouth part
61 Digit
Send your Crossword puzzle solution to the Editor by Sunday 6th
July 2014 and you could win a prize. This is a very difficult puzzle
so a part-completed one could well win a prize. Please remember
to include your name, address and age group.
Articles, Pictures, Poems, Prayers and Stories
Please remember that any young person who submits a piece of
prose, prayer, picture, photograph or poem suitable for inclusion in
the magazine will receive a prize. The submission date for the next
(April) issue of the magazine is Sunday 6th July 2013. Please
remember to include your name, address and age group with each
item.
Competition Rules:
• Please include your name, address, and your age group (primary,
•
•
•
•
•
secondary or adult), with each entry.
Mark the envelope, (or the email subject line), with the competition
name.
If you wish original artwork to be returned to you, please mark it
accordingly.
Send or hand your entries to the “CHAT Magazine Editor”, (John
McCulloch, Kinnen Dell, Westfield, Bathgate, EH48 4NJ,
[email protected]), to arrive by the closing date.
The decisions of the Editorial Team are final.
Results will be announced in your Church and published in the next
issue of this Magazine, due for issue in August 2014.
Prize-Winners since the Last Issue
Frazer Holman, Amalia Holman and Sky Holman all won prizes for
providing pictures for the Orders of Service in December. Fraser
Holman wins a prize for the magazine cover picture.
April 2014
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Colouring in
We will need a colourful picture for the Order of Service for the
Easter Day Service on 20th April, when we celebrate the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb after the Crucifixion.
Either colour in this one or draw your own and send it to the Editor
by 17th April 2014 and you could win a prize. Remember to include
your name, address and age group.
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Mug-Hugs
Julia Miller
Michael Connarty MP was kind enough to pop in to the Big Brew
Coffee Morning on the 1st March to judge the Mug Hug competition.
The majority of entries came from the Adventurers, Youth Club and
Twin+ Group. Most had decorated ones kindly knitted by adults and
the toddlers had great fun sticking felt shapes, ribbons and buttons
onto their felt ones. A few children made theirs from scratch,
including one young boy who had tried his hand at knitting for the
very first time.
Prize-winning entries
Congratulations to the following winners:
Pre-school: Marcus Miller and runner up Francesca Allum
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Primary: Isla Ross
Secondary: Chloe Dueñas
Adult: Kim McCulloch and runner up Elsie Black
Michael Connarty MP judging the Mug-Hug entries
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Some of the Mug-Hug entries
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Traidcraft
Julia Miller
Traidcraft recently launched the world’s first Fairtrade marked
household cleaning range: Clean & Fair. It proved to be so popular
that what they thought was 6 weeks of supply sold out in just one
week!
The Clean & Fair range includes washing-up-liquid, multi-surface
cleaner, laundry liquid and handwash, carefully developed and
formulated to work brilliantly.
Great performance – they've partnered with experts in eco-cleaning
to develop products that really work
Great for people – their famers and processors live and work in
some of the world's poorest regions – the benefits of trading fair
trade palm and coconut oil will transform these communities.
Great for the planet – with natural, plant based ingredients and
essential oils, the Clean & Fair products are eco-friendly, with
ingredients processed locally by smallholder farmers working with
nature, rather than destroying it.
For full details on this range and all Traidcraft products pick up a
copy of the Spring Traidcraft catalogue from the Traidcraft stall in St
John’s Hall or from Julia Miller.
Torphichen Village Coffee Mornings
Julia Miller
It was recently agreed to increase the suggested donation from £2
to £2.50 and this will go some way to covering the increased costs
of running the coffee mornings (including electricity). The 'hosts' for
2014 are all in place and I am sure that many of them will try to find
new ways to encourage us to part with our money.
April will see the Gala Committee hosting and May will, as usual,
raise funds for Christian Aid. Members from the congregation at
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Avonbridge will be making us feel welcome in June and they will be
making a rather radical change too: instead of starting at 10 am they
plan to open the hall doors at 9 am to offer breakfast rolls to those
intending to make their way down to Bathgate Gala Day. They will
also be making fresh pancakes to order and will have a craft stall
and children's lucky dip. There are no special hosts for the summer
months as these tend to be somewhat quieter; hopefully the
weather will be kind to us though so that we can make use of the
Manse Garden for children's activities and so allow adults to enjoy a
nice peaceful cuppa!
If you are able to help at, or provide baking for, any of the coffee
mornings please do get in touch. Any fundraising ideas would also
be welcome!
Torphichen Twin+ Group
Julia Miller
As expected, the autumn/winter months have been rather quiet for
the twin group with some twins starting morning nursery – and of
course bad weather can also be a deterrent. However, I am
pleased to say that in the last month we have had 2 new families
attend (including babies) and hopefully the better weather will
encourage others to come along.
As well as celebrating Martin and Marcus’ 3rd birthday the group
have had a go at making and decorating gingerbread teddy bears
(ok I made the dough but they enjoyed cutting out the shapes and
then once they were baked and cool the children did the icing etc.)
and in the run up to Christmas we had the Painting Café come to
visit. This allowed the children to put their handprint onto ceramic
items to give as gifts for Christmas and is proving a popular annual
event. They also created fantastic hand and feet reindeer and
spent a morning creating decorations to hang up in the hall window
for one of the village advent windows. Our most recent activity was
making mug hugs for the Big Brew competition; this proved a bit hit
April 2014
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Issue no. 88
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
with all the children who created some very colourful felt and button
mug hugs.
Our Christmas party saw 25 children attending, aged from 4 months
to 15 years and almost as many adults – holding it on a Sunday
allows ‘old’ friends as well as whole families to attend. We
successfully played pass the parcel and musical statues and all the
children appreciated the visit from Santa.
I have no idea what our next activities will be; about time we had a
go at making things with salt dough, perhaps some baking, hand
prints …… As the weather improves we will also be looking to
organise an outing or two and making use of the minister’s garden.
If you know any families expecting or with twins please do let them
know about the group. We meet every Thursday morning from 9.45
to 12 am. Another group meets Wednesday mornings from 10 am
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April 2014
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
in the Edinburgh Room of Murieston Village Hall (beside Murieston
South Train Station). Contact Julia on 01506 633995.
Torphichen Summer Nights
We have another exciting season planned for 2013:
27th April: The Edinburgh
Renaissance Band:
A
group
of
thirteen
musicians specialising in the
performance of music from
the period 1200-1650 with a
vast array of wonderful instruments to delight an audience.
5th May: Opera Spirito: A newly formed
opera quartet with an exciting range of opera
classics.
29th June: Simon Thacker & Justyna
Jablonska: Classical guitar and cellist. Guitar
virtuoso Simon Thacker and the outstanding
young Polish cellist Justyna Jablonska present
Karmana.
27th July: Passacaglia:
Classical Baroque trio.
31st August: Alan Reid
with Rob Van Sante:
Scottish
Folk
Duo
combining open tuned
lead and accompaniment
guitar work from Rob,
Alan's keyboard, guitar
and accordion and fine
harmony singing from
both.
More information on our website
April 2014
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Issue no. 88
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
www.torphichensummernights.org.uk or email us at
[email protected]
The Torphichen Summer Nights Music Society is a Registered
Scottish Charity (Scottish Charity No. SC034344)
Easter Worship Calendar
th
6 April: Lent 5: Lenten Landscape – The Valley of Dry Bones: In
Avonbridge CofS at 9:45 am and Torphichen Kirk at 11:15
am, (with a choral Anthem by the Torphichen Kirk Choir)
13th April: Palm Sunday: Lenten Landscape – Gateway to the
Kingdom: in Avonbridge CofS at 9:45 am and Torphichen
Kirk at 11:15 am.
Thursday Maundy Thursday Bring and Share Meal With Agape: in
17th April: St John's Hall, Torphichen at 7:00 pm.
Friday Good Friday Service: In Torphichen Kirk at 7:00 pm. A
18th April Service of Poetic Reflections on the Cross (with choral
contributions from the Choir)
th
20 April At 8:00 am we welcome the risen Christ at the top of
Easter Cairnpapple Hill followed by rolling of painted eggs.
Day: Afterwards: Bring-and-Share Breakfast in St. John’s Hall,
Torphichen at 9:00 am.
Lenten Landscape: Gateway to the Renewed Kingdom
the Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion in
Avonbridge CofS at 9:45 am and Torphichen Kirk at 11:15
am. (With a choral Introit from the Torphichen Kirk Choir at
Torphichen Kirk). The special collection is for Magina.
Dates for your Diary
Thursday Torphichen Primary School Easter Service in Torphichen Kirk,
3rd April (time to be advised).
Thursday Musings at the Manse: an informal meeting for the Elders of
3rd April Torphichen Kirk. Details: Rev. Sandi McGill, 01506 676803.
Thursday Torphichen Kirk Choir Practice: in the McCulloch house at 7:30
3rd April pm. New members welcome. Details from James White 01506
631917.
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April 2014
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Dates for your Diary
Friday Westfield Primary School Easter Assembly: at 9:30am. Parents
4th April and friends welcome.
Friday Torphichen Kirk Quiz Night: 7 pm in St Johns Hall. Teams of 4 –
4th April 6 people, pie supper. Tickets £5 per person, £3 children available
from Board members.
Saturday Torphichen Village Coffee Morning: St. John’s Hall 10:00 am to
5th April 12:30 pm, for the Gala Day Committee. Details Julia Miller 01506
633995.
Sunday Worship at Blackfaulds Nursing Home: 2:00 pm.
20th April welcome. Details Nan McDonald 01506 655739.
All are
Friday Bathgate Menzies Choir Annual Concert: 7:30 pm in St. John’s
25th April Church, Mid St., Bathgate. Tickets £7.00 from Tom or Jean Preston
01506 6305783 or John McCulloch 01506 653095.
Friday Youth Club meets 7:00 to 9:00 pm in St John’s Hall, Torphichen.
25th April For S1 to S6. Contact: Eleanor Sterrick 01506 651185.
Saturday Torphichen Village Coffee Morning: St. John’s Hall 10:00 am to
3rd May 12:30 pm, for Christian Aid. Details Julia Miller 01506 633995.
Wednesday Torphichen Kirk Session: 7:15 for 7:30 pm in the Kirk Vestry.
7th May Agenda items to May Rae by the week before, please, 01506
854636.
11th to 17th Christian Aid Thrift Shop in Bathgate. Details to follow from
May Eleanor Sterrick 01506 651185..
Tuesday Torphichen Kirk Board: meets in the Vestry at 7:30 pm. Agenda
13th May items to Sylvia Forshaw, 01506 653365, by 6th May, please.
Sunday Worship at Blackfaulds Nursing Home: 2:00 pm.
18th May welcome. Details Nan McDonald 01506 655739.
All are
Friday Youth Club meets 7:00 to 9:00 pm in St John’s Hall, Torphichen.
23rd May For S1 to S6. Contact: Eleanor Sterrick 01506 651185.
Thursday Musings at the Manse: an informal meeting for the Elders of
29th May Torphichen Kirk. Details: Rev. Sandi McGill01506 676803.
Sunday The Sacrament of Holy Communion: will be celebrated in
1st June Avonbridge Church at 9:45 am and Torphichen Kirk at 11:15 am,
where the Special Collection will be for Mission
Saturday Torphichen Village Coffee Morning: opens at 9:00 am in St.
7th June John’s Hall, offering morning rolls for people going to Bathgate Gala
Day. Hosted by Avonbridge Church. Julia Miller 01506 633995.
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April 2014
Issue no. 88
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Dates for your Diary
Sunday Pentecost, Adventurer’s Service: in Torphichen Kirk at 11:15 am.
8th June
Thursday Torphichen Kirk Session: 7:15 for 7:30 pm in the Kirk Vestry.
12th June Agenda items to May Rae by the week before, please, 01506
854636.
Sunday The Kirking of the Torphichen Gala Queen: in Torphichen Kirk at
14th June 11:15 am. There will be a special collection for the Adventurers.
Sunday Worship at Blackfaulds Nursing Home: 2:00 pm.
15th June welcome. Details Nan McDonald 01506 655739.
All are
Tuesday Avonbridge Church Session: meets in the Church Hall at 7:30 pm.
24th June Details Sandy Waddell, 01324 861303.
Sunday CHAT Magazine Deadline: All articles, photographs, prayers,
6th July announcements, dates, poems, stories, pictures and other material
for the August issue should reach the Editor by this date. Please
remember that the next following magazine will be issued in
December and so all dates up to the end of November should be
included in this issue.
Wednesday CHAT Magazine Finalisation Meeting: in the McCulloch house at
16th July 7:30 pm to iron out any outstanding issues. A draft will be circulated
by email on Tuesday 15th – if you want to be on the cc. list, please
give your details to the Editor.
Sunday CHAT Magazine: available in the Vestry for distribution by Elders.
20th July
Sunday Worship at Blackfaulds Nursing Home: 2:00 pm.
20th July welcome. Details Nan McDonald 01506 655739.
All are
Regular Events and Supported Groups
The following are provided by the two churches as a service to
their communities. All are welcome no matter what their affiliation.
Public Every Sunday at 9:45 am in Avonbridge Church of Scotland.
Worship: Contact Sandy Waddell, Session Clerk, 01324 861303.
Every Sunday at 11:15 am in Torphichen Kirk. Contact May
Rae, Session Clerk, 01506 854636.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated at both
Churches normally on: the first Sunday of February; Easter Day,
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April 2014
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Regular Events and Supported Groups
(20th April 2014), the first Sundays of June, August; and October
and on Advent Sunday, (30th November 2014).
A warm welcome is extended to all. Tea, coffee, cold drinks
and biscuits are served after Worship; all are invited to stay
behind for conversation and to make new friends.
Worship at Once a month on a Sunday at 2:00 pm, an informal act of
Blackfaulds: Worship is held at Blackfaulds Nursing Home. Please contact
Nan McDonald, 01506 655739 for details.
Avonbridge If you know of anyone in the Parish who is ill or in hospital, or
Pastoral Care has been bereaved and would appreciate a visit or a card,
Group: please contact our Pastoral Care Coordinator Mrs Jean Wilson,
01324 860105.
Torphichen For young people, pre-school, 5 years and up. Meets on
Adventurers: Sundays during school term-time at 11:15 am in Torphichen
Kirk, and then transfers to the Community Centre after the
second hymn. Contact Una Duncan, 01506 652169, for details.
Avonbridge For all young people. Meets on Sundays during school termExplorers time at 9:45 am in Avonbridge Church, then moves to the
Church Hall after the second hymn.
Contact: Heather
Stephens, 01501 751278.
Youth Club Meets monthly during term-time, in St. John’s Hall, Torphichen,
for everybody in Avonbridge and Torphichen parishes from S1
upwards. Details: Eleanor Sterrick, 01506 651185.
Brownies: Meets in St. John’s Hall, Torphichen on Tuesdays during termtime. Please contact Margaret Cockburn for more details:
01506 633288.
Parent and Meets in St. John’s Hall, Torphichen every Tuesday from 9:30
Toddler am to 11:30 am. Contact Margaret Cockburn 01506 633288 for
Group: details.
Twin Group: For the parents and families of twins/multiples. Thursday
mornings 9.45 – 12 noon in St. John’s Hall. For more details
contact: Julia on 01506 633995 or [email protected]
Torphichen Meets every Tuesday in Torphichen Kirk Vestry at 2:00 pm until
Senior 4:00 pm. Details: Effie Smith, 01506 652174.
Citizens
April 2014
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Issue no. 88
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Regular Events and Supported Groups
The Hub Café Every Thursday in Avonbridge Community Hall. An initiative of
PACCT (Project of Avonbridge Church and Community
Together) and the Go-For-It Fund. Coffee, Tea, Lunches, Book
Exchange, Computer Corner & Training.
Admin Support
Services. Contact Rev. Sand McGill 01506 676803
Torphichen Choir Practice is monthly at 7:30 pm, usually on a Friday, from
Kirk Choir September to Easter. New members are always welcome:
please contact James White, 01506 631917 for details, or speak
to a choir member.
Book In St. John’s Hall, Torphichen during all Kirk events. Buy books
Exchange from just 20p.
Torphichen
Village
Coffee
Mornings
Are held on the 1st Saturday of every month in
St. Johns Hall, Torphichen. We are always
looking for donations of home baking and
helpers on the day so if you can help out in
any way, please get in touch with Julia on
01506 633995.
CHAT: The Magazine of the linked Parishes of Avonbridge &
Torphichen: is published three times a year in April, August,
and December. The deadline for submissions is always the first
Sunday of the month preceding publication. Contributions are
always welcome and unsolicited material from a young person
will win a prize. See “Editorial Note” on page 2 for more details.
Torphichen Published monthly with the Torphichen News. Contains a short
Kirk News: diary of Kirk events that may be of interest to the general public.
Diary items should reach John McCulloch, 01506 653095 by the
15th of the preceding month.
Order of Weekly, with a diary of events. If you know of a future event
Service that may be of interest to Members of the Congregation, please
send it by the preceding Thursday: for Avonbridge to Eddie
Ireland, 01501 752020, The Steadings, Blairmains Farm,
Harthill, [email protected] and for Torphichen, to John
McCulloch,
01506
653095,
Kinnen
Dell,
Westfield;
[email protected].
Web-Site
http://avonbridge.torphichen.org
Please
contact
James White on 01506 631917.
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CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Avonbridge Church Directory
Minister:
Rev. Sandi McGill, The Manse, 5 Manse Road,
Torphichen, EH48 4LT. 01506 676803.
[email protected]
Joint
Session Clerks:
Roll Keeper:
Clerk to the Board:
Treasurer:
Gift Aid Convener:
Baptismal Roll
Keeper:
Fabric Convener:
Safeguarding
Co-ordinator:
Life & Work
Co-ordinator and
Pastoral Care Group:
Avonbridge
Explorers:
Church Officer &
Key Holder:
Hazel Moskal 01324 861376 1 Osbourne Cotts,
Standburn & Sandy Waddell, 01324 861303
Craigavon, Avonbridge
See Session Clerks, details as above
Moira Ireland, 01501 752020
The Steadings, Blairmains Farm, Harthill
Hazel Moskal, 01324 861376
1 Osbourne Cotts, Standburn
Eddie Ireland, 01501 752020
The Steadings, Blairmains Farm, Harthill
Jean Waddell, 01324 861303
Craigavon, Avonbridge
Tom Wilson, 01324 860105
Station House, Falkirk Road, Avonbridge
Sheena Ewing, 01506 632214
7 Low Brae, Torphichen.
Jean Wilson, 01324 860105
Station House, Falkirk Road, Avonbridge
Heather Stephens, 01501 751278, Blairmains,
Harthill; [email protected].
Tom Wilson, 01324 860105
Station House, Falkirk Rd, Avonbridge
Magazine
Editor:
John McCulloch, 01506 653095
Kinnen Dell, Westfield, [email protected]
Organist:
James H White contact details as above
Intimations and
Order of Service:
Eddie Ireland, 01501 752020
The Steadings, Blairmains Farm, Harthill
April 2014
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Issue no. 88
CHAT for the CHurches of Avonbridge and Torphichen
Torphichen Kirk Directory
Minister:
Session Clerk:
Clerk to the Board:
Rev. Sandi McGill, The Manse, 5 Manse Road,
Torphichen, EH48 4LT. 01506 676803.
[email protected]
May Rae, 01506 854636
30 Johnston Avenue, Uphall.
Sylvia Forshaw, 01506 653365
Rosebank, High Brae, Torphichen.
Roll Keeper:
Nan McDonald, 01506 655739
Crawhill Farm, Westfield.
Fabric Convener:
Willie MacRae, 01506 630348
23 The Loan, Torphichen.
Organist & Choir:
James H. White, 01506 631917,
244 Elizabeth Drive, Bathgate
Kirk Treasurer:
Gift Aid Convener:
Communications
Editor:
Gordon McFarlane, 16 Priors Grange, Torphichen,
EH48 4QN; 01506 635823
[email protected]
Colin Johnston, 01506 204291 or [email protected]
2 Friars Loan, Linlithgow EH49 6BE.
John McCulloch, 01506 653095
Kinnen Dell, Westfield, [email protected]
Safeguarding
Coordinator:
Sheena Ewing, 01506 632214
7 Low Brae, Torphichen
The Adventurers:
Una Duncan, 01506 652169
Kirkmead, Bowyett, Torphichen
Youth Club:
Eleanor Sterrick, 01506 651185
2 Balmuir Avenue, Bathgate
Church Officer +
Parents & Toddlers:
Margaret Cockburn, 01506 633288
6 Northgate, Torphichen.
St. John's Hall
Letting Convener
Margaret Cockburn, 01506 633288
6 Northgate, Torphichen.
Your Elder is:…………………………………Tel.:…………………
Issue no. 88
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April 2014