Good morning
Just a reminder of this morning’s in person service at 11:00 a.m. which will also be streamed live.
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ADVENT CANDLES
Our Christian colleagues in Bethlehem tell us that this Advent and Christmas in Bethlehem the lights that normally adorn the birth place of Jesus will remain unlit in memory of those who have been killed in the current conflict. The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have noted that the traditional festive services in the Holy Land will be sombre in nature due to the ongoing war.
The second candle on the Advent Ring represents peace, and in some traditions is known as the ‘Bethlehem candle’.
This Advent, along with churches across the United Kingdom, we have been asked to do something ‘out of the ordinary’ and not to light the Advent Candle on the second Sunday in Advent and on subsequent Sundays in solidarity with the Churches in Bethlehem.
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What’s on…
TODAY – CHRISTMAS EVE
Morning Worship begins at 11:00 a.m. and will be led by Bill Henderson. The Sunday Club will present their Nativity – The Star that couldn’t Twinkle.
The Tea Fellowship will be available in the hall at the close of the morning service. Please come round and share extended fellowship with each other.
The Christingle Factory opens immediately after the morning service preparing Christingles for the Family Service at 6:30p.m..
At 6:30p.m. – our All Age Christingle Service takes place in the church and will be led by Bill Henderson. All welcome.
The Watchnight Service begins at 11:30p.m. in the church and will be led by Bill Henderson. Refreshments will be available in the Large Hall prior to the start of the service.
CHRISTMAS DAY – MONDAY 25th DECEMBER
At 11:00a.m., there will be a short service for Christmas Morning. This will be led by Mrs. Margaret Jack. Everyone will be made most welcome and you are asked to bring the favourite present you received.
WEDNESDAY 27th DECEMBER –
The next MID WEEK SERVICE will be held on 10th JANUARY 2024.
SUNDAY 31st DECEMBER – NEW YEAR’S EVE
Morning Worship begins at 11:00 a.m. and will be led by Bill Henderson. This will be Bill’s last service as our Locum Minister.
The Tea Fellowship will be available in the hall at the close of the morning service to share fellowship with each other and have a chat with Bill Henderson.
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FOODBANK DONATIONS -
Our collections for the foodbank continue – items urgently required for this week are the following - tinned soup, cup a soup, tinned macaroni and tinned spaghetti
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FLOWER CALENDAR - 2024
The Flower Calendar is now available for 2024 – on the wall opposite the organ. If you wish to donate flowers for the sanctuary, please put your name against a Sunday date. If you have any queries or questions, please contact the Flower Conveners – Mrs. Margaret Jack or Mrs. Avril Cockburn.
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CHANGE IN VACANCY ARRANGEMENTS FROM 1st JANUARY 2024
As announced, Eleanor Hamilton, will be serving her probationary period at The New Wellwynd under the supervision of the Rev. Anne Paton, our Interim Moderator.
Eleanor will be with us on a full-time basis from 1st January 2024, albeit her first opportunity to lead worship will be on Sunday, 14th January 2024.
Eleanor’s contact number is 07594 163051 (to be used from 1st January) or email EHamilton@churchofscotland.org.uk.
Before entering training for full-time ministry, Eleanor worked for 21 years in HM Revenue & Customs, latterly in a cross-tax team as a VAT inspector. Her home church is Moncrieff Parish Church in East Kilbride, where she has been since 15. Eleanor was a Sunday school teacher and bible class leader for 30 years as well as being on the Board. Eleanor completed her theological studies at Highland Theological College which is part of The University of the Highlands and Islands. Church of Scotland placements have been undertaken at Jackson Church in Airdrie, in the Presbytery office and then at St Mary’s in Motherwell. Eleanor has just completed nine months as the locum at Cambusnethan North Parish Church. She is the Chaplain for the Glasgow District of the Girls Brigade.
Bill Henderson continues as our Locum until Sunday, 31st December 2023. Bill’s contact number is 01698 829938.