Review of 2009

Paul Beautyman says that we can get so caught up with our 'to do' list that we forget to enjoy our 'done' list. So I've put together a little 'done' list for 2009 to give another chance to enjoy some of God's blessings.

In March, we had a tremendously successful mission week in Gracemount High. We engaged most of the pupils with our Make A Difference message, focussing on the positive difference that God has made to us. We also crammed over 900 local Primary School pupils into the Kirk over 2 sessions with Fischy Music. The building shook with so many happy voices.

In April, the Crazy Crosses had a fun day, to which they invited a number of friends. It's such a joy to lead a group of young people so able to constructively join activities. It's fun for them and all those around them. Recently they have been studying the deep issues of Heaven and Hell; probing leaders with thoughtful questions that leave us scratching our heads. We often have to do our own research to find the answers.

In May, Transformers in Burdiehouse went from a monthly to a weekly format thanks to new volunteers there. Now over 30 children attend regularly, up from the 7 that came 2 years ago.

In June our church picnic was again held at Scoughall beach, in glorious sunshine. It was a true family celebration to which everyone contributed. And in the Kirk Halls, “It's A Knockout” was lots of fun for all our Uniforms. It's lovely to have such a strong bond with these children and their leaders.

In August our annual Summer Buzz returned. We had a magnificent group of leaders and an enthusiastic teen club each evening. The topics we discussed were deep and the responses honest and heart-felt. No wonder we've seen Delta double in size since this week. Our teens are engaging with God in new ways and their lives are being transformed as a result.

October is a busy month, with the annual Transformers Holiday Club and the Light Party to prepare and run. It takes a great number of volunteers to run such events, and we have a GREAT bunch of volunteers. Thank you for the valuable work you are doing to contribute in this outreach work.

The Kirkgate Challenge was launched, with the aim of raising £10 000 for our continued local youth work, with individuals setting their own daring challenge and getting sponsorship from outside the Kirk to carry it out.

 

Christmas Plea

There are so many fantastic Christmas services, not least the Family Service on Sunday 20^th and the Christingle Service on the 24^th. As we bring our families to these services, please can we think of 1 or 2 other children we could each bring along to encounter the Light of the World this year.

Added to this, Sunday Buzz is our monthly children's outreach, to which we encourage our children to bring their friends. Can we make this a family mission to be discussed and prayed about together in order to halt the decline in numbers in our youngest classes?

We are such a proactive church. This is our greatest family challenge at present. With God's help we will show His love and light this Christmas. Let this be our mission, as laid down by Jesus in Matthew 28

 

Creche thanks

Thanks to the Hospitality Team, to Ann, Linda and the families of Creche children for organising their Coffee Morning. There was a lovely atmosphere at our sing-song of Sunday School songs from yesteryear. Thanks to all who contributed to our total of nearly £400, which will go towards decoration and resources for the group.

 

Andy