News in Brief

Website developments

Since the last issue of St John's News, a visitors' forum has been set up on the church website. If you have access to the internet, you are encouraged to visit and leave comments on any matter. Who knows, you may start up a healthy debate!

Christian Aid concert

Held on 5 March 2005, in the first half of the evening, Kirkton Keynotes entertained a near-capacity audience at Kirkton Church with a programme of songs from the shows and Scottish favourites. After a break for refreshments, Kirkton Players took over with a presentation of their award-winning production of The Steamie.

Afterwards, Carluke Churches Christian Aid Committee, reported that around £650 had been raised.

FairTrade Status granted

On 11 March 2005 word was received from the Fairtrade Foundation that our application to be granted Fairtrade Church status has been approved.

In an application, made by minister Mike Frew earlier this year, St John's Church committed itself to:

• the use Fairtrade tea and coffee for all meetings for which we have responsibility,
• move forward on using other Fairtrade products (such as sugar, biscuits and fruit),
• promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight (1-13 March 2005) and through other activities.

In regard to the last point, the church's Fairtrade stall held a "taste and buy" session and Fair Trade was a focus of the sermon at morning worship on the 13 March.

In a covering letter from the Fairtrade Foundation, Sarah Hoole (Campaigns Officer) wrote:

Suddenly One Morning

On Saturday 19 March 2005, Kirkton Church played host to members of the New Scottish Choir and Orchestra who presented a performance for Easter.

The performance consisted of a mixture of musical styles linked by a narrative about a cynical shopkeeper in Jerusalem who is deeply affected by the events surrounding the crucifixion. It was an uplifting occasion, suitable for people with or without a church background, bringing us face-to-face with the reality of Jesus.

Church Officer Retires

After almost 15 years of service to the congregation, Andrew Ruthven stepped down on 31 March 2005, due to continuing health problems.

Andrew was appointed to the post of Church Officer in October 1995. Recently, however, health problems have prevented him from performing his duties with the diligence with which we are accustomed and he, sadly, decided that he would have to give up.

On Easter Sunday, Andrew was presented with a token of our affection and appreciation. At the same time, it was announced that Sandy Middleton would take over the post of Church Officer as of 1 April.

Healthy Church

Over three Sundays in April, sermons were preached on the Marks of a Healthy Church, with the congregation's opinion canvassed after each service. (See Marks of a Healthy Church)

Dream Pitch wins awards!

The short, 5-minute video written, produced, edited and acted by members of St John's won two awards, for acting and editing, at the Church Without Walls event on 28 May 2005.

3rd Carluke Boys Brigade

Numbers have been small this session, but thanks to a small band of loyal leaders, the Junior Section was restarted in January. Jay-Jay Sirrell, James Wyper (First Year), Daniel Bunch and Frazer Stewart (Second Year) have attained their achievement badges.

Warm thanks go to Lt Richard Allan and Ian Nelson who have sustained the weekly sessions, and to Helen Wyper, who despite "retiring" is still offering her assistance