News in Brief

Long Service Certificate - update

On Sunday,4 September 2005, Jim Braynion, one of our Elders was presented with his long-service certificate, having served 30 years on the Session. As reported in the Summer 2005 issue, two other Elders: Alex Forrest and Stuart Murray had also earned their long-service certificatates. Alex Forrest was presented with his certificate at the morning service on 5 June 2005. Stuart Murray has been un-well and unable to be present to receive his certificate yet.

Induction

On Thursday,17 November 2005, a large contingent of St John's members travelled through, by bus and own transport, to Slateford Longstone church to be present at the Induction of Mike Frew to his new charge there.

Situation Vacant

Sunday 20 November 2005 saw the first service since Mike Frew left St John's for his new charge in Edinburgh. It was led by the Interim Moderator, Rev Margaret Muir.

Rev Muir's own charge is Glencaple with Lowther in the south of the Presbytery. It includes Leadhills - the highest village in Scotland. In her sermon, she encouraged the congregation to face the challenges of a vacancy. She described a Christian congregation as salt and light, giving flavour and spreading the Good News to the wider community. She urged the congregation to continue in this despite not having a minister.

The Session was reminded of its need to take an increased responsibility for the pastoral care of the congregation. To that end, a number of Elders had already set up a Pastoral Care Group who would be willing to take on visiting of members who were ill at home or in hospital.

A final piece of advise given by Rev Muir was not to be in too much of a hurry to appoint a new minister. With suitable preparation, prayer and consideration, the right person will become obvious in time - God's time, not ours.

During the vacancy, Rev Susan Cowell will be locum minister. She, with Alan Grant on occasion, will lead Sunday morning worship, and will also be available for parish business during one other day a week.

Congregational Christmas Card 2005

As is now a tradition (we've done it 2-3 times!), a collective Christmas card will be available after morning worship for members of the congregation to sign and send Christmas greetings to each other.

The card will be available at Time for Fellowship in the Large Hall. Donations (of money saved NOT buying individual greetings cards!) will be collected towards the work of Shelter.

Thank you!

Many thanks are accorded to Rae Warnock and her team who prepared the food for a memorable farewell lunch for Mike and Maggie Frew on 13 November, and to those folk who made generous contributions to the lunch table.

Rae herself would also like to add her thanks to all who pitched in in whatever way to make the lunch such a great success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal (only some lettuce and pickles left over) and many favourable comments were received.

Also a big "thank you" to the ladies from Time for Fellowship who served the tea and coffee.

Website News

Since the current version of the website went live just about a year ago, over 9000 unique visits have been recorded. While this is not a very large number of visitors in global terms, it shows that some folk are using the new technology to keep in contact with St John's. We have had a few emails from former Carlukians (is that right?) who have expressed their appreciation for this link with their home town.

Visitors have come from many parts of the world including most of Europe, Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Season's Greetings

The editor and contributors to St John's News wish all readers, both in print and on-line a very Happy Christmas, and our best wishes for a Prosperous New Year.