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January 2017

Letter February 2017

  • 31 January 2017
  • nanda.groenewald

Dear Congregations

February is Stewardship Month at the West Kirk and Polbeth Harwood. I know that the words "stewardship" and "steward" are not words we commonly use today...

So what do these words mean? A steward is a person who manages and administers what has been entrusted to him/her by another.

In this case, a steward is a person who manages what has been entrusted to him/her by God. God has entrusted us with talents, time and money. Therefore, stewardship is the careful and responsible management of the things God has entrusted to our care. We believe that God owns all things (see Psalm 24:1), and that every believer has the personal responsibility to manage, supervise, and administer all that God has given him/her to His glory (Romans 14:12).

In  our congregations we have spent time looking at the management of our talents and time over the past two years, so this year the focus will be on money.

Personally, I always feel uncomfortable talking about money. Especially because I have all too often heard that "all the church ever wants is my money!" But anybody who is involved in our churches will know that that is definitely not the case. Church is about much, much more than money....

Unfortunately, just like everything else in this world, the church needs money in order to fulfill all its duties here on earth. And it's all these things we will be taking a look at this month. I actually think that it is a huge honour to be trusted by God with the responsibility of making sure that the church has enough money and that this money is spent wisely. As you know, I am Mum to two young boys. I most definitely wouldn't entrust them with all my money - because I know only too well that for them their books, sweeties, toys and games are way more important than food and clothes!! They are neither old enough nor wise enough to be entrusted with such a huge responsibility just yet....

But in God's eyes we are.... He trusts us with EVERYTHING that belongs to him. So let's do him proud!

May God bless you all,

Nanda

Stewardship

  • 24 January 2017
  • liz.dyer

This coming month, February, our congregations will be focusing on the theme of Stewardship. Over the last few months, our Link magazine has had a series of articles on the subject and on Sunday 5th February members and friends are invited along to a meal and exhibition after morning worship in each congregation.

With the earlier service, West Kirk will be holding a breakfast whilst at Polbeth Harwood a light lunch will be on offer.

In both cases, there will be an exhibition showing where the money comes from in our congregations and also where it all goes to as we meet our obligations as a Christian community as well as our congregational running costs. More importantly, it gives members and friends an opportunity over an informal chat to find out more about the work and responsibilities of the church.

So many of you already give generously and this is very much appreciated. The Board and Session of both congregations wish to thank you for your support.

It is 5 years since the Church last asked us all to consider our financial commitment and we would ask that you consider reviewing your donations once again.The articles in the Link have highlighted various means for regular giving. eg Weekly Freewill Offering envelopes; how to Gift Aid your donations if you are a taxpayer; how to donate direct from your bank using a Standing Order. For West Kirk members and friends, relevant forms for completion for Gift Aid donations and for setting up a Standing Order are available for download from the attached files.

We look forward to seeing you on 5th February. However, if you are unable to attend worship, you are still welcome to come along for the meal.

File Attachments: 
File Gift Aid Declaration form:West Kirk
Microsoft Office document icon Standing Order form: West Kirk

Thanks from Lang'ata Womens Prison, Kenya

  • 23 January 2017
  • liz.dyer

Lang'ata Prison in Nairobi is the main prison in Kenya for women. It holds round 650 people at any one time including those children under 4 yrs of the inmates. Of the 650, around 60 of these prisoners are serving life sentences and have no release dates. The prison also houses women on remand waiting to go to court, but the slow processing of the justice system means the people can be on remand for years.

In December 2016, Rev Sheena Orr assisted Rev Dr Nanda Groenewald conduct communion in our churches and the retiring collection that day went towards providing a Christmas meal for the many women inmates of Lang'ata prison where Sheena had served as a chaplain.  Earlier, in November, Sheena had also spoken at our Guild Guest Night and the offerings collected had also been forwarded to the chaplains at Lang'ata for the Christmas meal.

The attached file is a 'thank you' from these women

 

File Attachments: 
PDF icon Lang'ata Christmas Thanks

Holiday Club 2017 Awesome!

  • 15 January 2017
  • lorna.graham

This summer we plan on having an "Awesome" time at the Holiday Club! So for all our helpers and volunteers please remember to keep these dates free when you are planning your holiday's this year!

The club will run from Monday August 7th until Friday 11th 2017, and we will include the Sunday's either side of these dates.

Should you know of anyone wishing to help or take part this year can you please let them know as soon as possible so that we can get in touch and ensure we have the correct paperwork in place before it begins.

More information to follow.

Welcome Back to Sunday & JAM Club

  • 6 January 2017
  • lorna.graham

Happy New Year to one and all, and a warm welcome awaits all children this Sunday when Sunday Club resumes at 9:45am  and JAM Club resumes at 11:15am.

All children age 3yrs to 12 years are very welcome to join us. We meet in the church first then head out for fun and Bible stories etc.