The magazine for the linked congregations and community of the

West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood

The Link

Rev David A Albon BA MCS 01506 870460

The Manse, 27 Learmonth Crescent

West Calder EH55 8AF

theminister@west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk

West Kirk Session Clerk Stewart MacRae 01506 872486 23 Westmuir Road West Calder EH55 8EX sessionclerk@westkirkofcalder.co.uk Treasurer William Calder 01506 871281 25 Harburn Road West Calder EH55 8AJ treasurer@westkirkofcalder.co.uk

Polbeth Harwood Session Clerk Marian Kinsman 01506 871125 12 Langside Crescent Polbeth EH55 8UW sessionclerk@polbethharwood.co.uk Treasurer Tom Griffin 01506 438038 60 Easter Bankton Murieston Livingston EH54 9BE treasurer@polbethharwood.co.uk

News Editor

Colin Dempster 01506 414565

140 Staunton Rise

Dedridge West Livingston EH54 6PA

thelinkeditor@west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk

www.west-kirk-polbeth-harwood.co.uk

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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A Word From Our Minister The Manse 27 Learmonth Crescent West Calder EH55 8AF Sunday, 18 June 2006 Dear Friends, By the time you get this summer issue of The Link a lot will have happened. The Ecumenical Celebration of Pentecost at Our Lady & St. Bridget’s Church on Sunday 4th June was very successful. There was a very good attendance with representation from all the churches and a lot of thought had gone in to preparing the service. Thanks again to the folks who prepared the service and made the evening go so well! There will be information about another united ecumenical gathering before too long. Also, most of the schools will have broken up for the summer holidays too. The West Kirk Youth Link takes a break until the end of August, but young people are always welcome at both churches during the summer. We will be taking a closer look at Jesus and some of the things he called himself during part of July and August. Members and friends of the West Kirk can keep a look out for information on how you can help with the redecoration of the inside of the church. We are part way through the decision-making regarding colour schemes and aim to have the work done during the first part of 2007. We will be making information available on ways you can help contribute financially to this redecorating project very soon. As you come and go over the summer I hope you have good holidays, wherever you go or stay, with plenty of time to rest and relax. We hope to fit in a visit to St. Andrew’s as well as a trip down south to see my parents. Best wishes and God’s blessings over the summer.

Rev David A Albon Minister of the Parish Churches of the West Kirk of Calder and Polbeth Harwood

All Gas and Guitars For those who were unable to attend the concert on Sunday 18 June by ‘All Gas and Guitars’, they missed a great night. They were fab! The group (all ministers) played various instruments apart from Joanne who sang, as did the others. The music consisted of well-known ballads and pop songs of days gone by and are still popular today. Between songs we were treated to some rather witty tales and jokes from Alex. What a character!

Sadly the evening passed away too quickly. Someone suggested that they could give up the ministry and become full time entertainers. If so they would be in great demand. Once again many thanks to Joanne, David, Robin and Alex for a great night. The concert raised the marvellous sum of £155 for CHAS.

Frank Mabbutt

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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The Church Family (Parish Record)

West Kirk

Baptisms 11th June – Maddison Mackenzie Boyd, Burngrange Park

Polbeth Harwood Baptisms

11th June – Elise Elizabeth Rice, Parkhead Gardens

Funerals

10th May – Christina Jack, Burnside Terrace

Worship in the Linked Congregations Sunday Morning Worship will take place in the West Kirk at 9.30 am and in Polbeth Harwood at 11.15 am unless stated otherwise. There will be all-age worship in both churches most Sundays throughout July and August. 27th August ‘Back to School’ with God Sunday The Youth Link resumes at the West Kirk 3rd September Sacrament of Holy Communion West Kirk – 9.30 am Polbeth Harwood – 11.15 am Polbeth Harwood: Ordination of Elders during the service United Evening Communion Polbeth Harwood – 6.30 pm

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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The Heart – A Reflective Story "Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..." "You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted. The surgeon looked up, annoyed... "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, “to see how much damage has been done." ... "But when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there," said the boy. The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan what to do next." ... "But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart." The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well." ... "You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there." The surgeon left. The next day the surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:", here he paused, "death within one year." He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?" The Lord answered and said, "The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow." The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?" The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb." The surgeon wept. The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?" ... "Yes," said the surgeon. "What did you find?" asked the boy. "I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

Author Unknown

Leadership Qualities Required We are looking for leaders for our Cub Pack, which meets in the West Kirk Hall on a Wednesday evening from 6.15 pm – 7.30 pm. The Cubs are for boys and girls (age 8 – 10 ! years). We do have 2 Assistant Leaders who are prepared to support the leader but they themselves do not wish the position of Cub Scout Leader. The cubs resume after the summer on Wednesday 30th August. Anyone interested in this rewarding role should contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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Christian Aid – Forth Bridge Cross Below you will find a selection of photographs taken during the sponsored walk on Saturday 29th April 2006. Shirley Brown (Christian Aid Area Coordinator for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders) spoke to the walkers at the start giving everyone encouragement. Refreshments were made available on the other side much to everyone’s delight.

Christian Aid 2006

Collection Envelopes

Forth Road Bridge Walk

Polbeth Harwood £285.82 £587

West Kirk £489.46 £785

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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West Kirk Fundraising Group The Candy Bar for the year ended in June. An excellent total of £547 was raised from our summer buffet, which had a beautiful salmon centrepiece, admired and enjoyed by everyone. We gratefully thank Agnes Clarkson and her niece for doing this once again for us. We also thank Douglas and Margaret Lamb for all their hard work, cultivating, potting plants and raising well in excess of £100 at their plant stall. All very much appreciated. We had another successful session and the group would like to thank all the bakers, cooks, stall helpers, friends and customers who have supported any aided in any way to raise over £7400 from Candy Bars since last September. We are absolutely delighted with this and appreciate your help. A large proportion of this money will go towards the redecoration of the church, along with the proceeds made this coming autumn. Have an enjoyable summer break and we look forward to welcoming you all on Saturday 2nd September. The next meeting of the group is on Monday 14th August at 7.30 pm in the hall. New members would be most welcome, so do think about coming along to help make the Candy Bars and other events continue successfully.

Jill Murray (Convener)

West Kirk Youth Link Our annual outing took us back to sunny North Berwick. The day was warm with a gentle breeze from the sea. Most of the children went in paddling and some of the older kids even donned their swimming togs and went right in, we all looked on in amazement, ah to be young and feisty!

All the children enjoyed various races and then a game of rounders. We were delighted to be joined by our friends from Polbeth Harwood. Thank you to everyone who supported us on the day making it a great success.

Our Youth link closing service was on Sunday 25th June; our church was decorated with plants and some of God’s wonderful creations, animals of all shapes and forms. The Youth Link is now on holiday but we all like to see children in church during the summer break. I would just like to personally thank all the teachers for their dedication hard work and support; I hope you all enjoy the well-deserved summer break.

Youth Link resumes on Sunday 27th August at 9.30 am. Our first day back will be a fun day so why not come along and bring a friend.

Lorna Graham

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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If the world were 100 people…

• There would be 57 Asians • 21 Europeans • 14 from North and South America • 8 Africans

• 52 would be female • 48 would be male • 70 would be non-white – 30 white

• 59% of the entire world’s wealth would belong to only 6 people • All would be citizens of the United States

• 80 would live in substandard housing

• 70 would be unable to read

• 50 would suffer from malnutrition

• 1 would be near death – 1 would be near birth

• Only 1 would have a college education

• Only 1 would have a computer

When one considers our world from such a perspective, the need for both acceptance and understanding

becomes glaringly apparent.

Anon

Life & Work – July Issue

The Editorially Independent Magazine of the Church of Scotland www.lifeandwork.org

Side by Side A plea for Protestants and Catholics to work side by side rather than seek unity, is made in a guest editorial this month by author Harry Reid. ‘The Roman Catholic and Protestant identities are separate. Why cannot we just accept gently that that’s the way things are, and always will be? But let us do in a spirit of openness, respect and enlightened understanding.’ A Merry Heart Ron Ferguson dispenses some of his distinctive medicine as he looks at the relationship between the church and humour. The cover and accompanying feature this month is illustrated by award winning cartoonist Bill McArthur. Love in Action Lorna Hill meets Gillie Davidson, a founder of a charity pioneered by an Edinburgh church youth group after a visit to India.

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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Assembly 2006 Six pages of reports and photographs give an overview of this year’s General Assembly and the main debates. Ringing Restoration Tina Stoecken writes about the significance of church bells and the revival of a Scottish ringing tradition. The Great European RD Kernohan profiles George Buchanan who was born 500 years ago and describes him as the ‘most successful Scotsman of his time’. And much more – letters, reviews, comment, news from the local and national church, elders page, prayer and reflection – all for £1.60.

A Refreshing Summer Drink Homemade Lemonade

You will need: • 8 unwaxed lemons • 250 g sugar • 250 ml water

To make: 1. Pare (using a potato peeler) the rind of 8 unwaxed lemons 2. Place the rind into a saucepan with 250 g of white sugar and 250 ml of water and bring to

the boil

3. Simmer for 4-5 minutes 4. Leave to go cold 5. Add the juice from the 8 lemons to this fluid 6. Strain fluid 7. Store in bottles in the fridge 8. To serve, dilute with iced water or soda water Enjoy!

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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West Kirk – Rota Information

West Kirk Tea Rota Contact Olive Gibson 01506 871291 Note: Tea Makers, please bring milk.

9th July

Irene Grindlay

Margaret Rennie

16th July

Katie Albon

Olive Gibson

23rd July

George Stott

Morag Stott

30th July

Margaret Douglas

Margo McEwan

6th August

May Arnott

Olive Gibson

13th August

Liz Dyer

Janice Cooper

20th August

May Young

Olive Gibson

27th August

Jill Murray

Moira McRae

3rd September

Isobel McChesney

Olive Gibson

10th September

Alison Baxter

Alison McNaught

West Kirk Duty Rota

Door Duty

Car Run

9th July

Juanita Allan

George Stott

Hazel Tod

Robert Hawes

16th July

Angus Baxter

Jim Allan

May Arnott

Beryl Henderson

23rd July

Alex Easton

Richard Bryce

Liz Dyer

Alan Jessiman

30th July

Lorna Graham

Jeanette Ferguson

Stewart Munro

Stewart Munro

6th August

Alan Jessiman

Irene Grindlay

Beryl Henderson

George Stott

13th August

Alison McNaught

Jim Milne

Stewart Munro

Richard Bryce

20th August

Jill Murray

Christine Nicholl

Evelyn Paterson

Hugh Clarkson

27th August

George Stott

Hazel Tod

Juanita Allan

Robert Hawes

Jim Allan

May Arnott

Angus Baxter

Beryl Henderson

Richard Bryce

Liz Dyer

Jim Milne

3rd September

Stewart Munro

Evelyn Paterson

Hazel Tod

Serving Communion

10th September

Richard Bryce

Liz Dyer

Alex Easton

Alan Jessiman

West Kirk Flower Rota

Arrangers: If you will be on holiday on your rota date, please arrange a swap, and if this proves difficult, please contact Margaret Greenhorn (01506 871139) for help in finding someone.

Given Arranged Delivered

9th July

Kathleen Black

Margo McEwan & Margaret Douglas

Margaret Ann Smith

16th July

Katie Albon

Ivy Johnstone

23rd July

Shirley McRae

Evelyn Paterson

Irene Grindlay

30th July

Mary McCulloch

Rosanna Rabaeijs

Kathleen Black

6th August

Margaret Ann Smith

Margo McEwan & Margaret Douglas

Moira McRae

13th August

Lorna Graham

Katie Albon

Margaret Ann Smith

20th August

Viv Vinter

Evelyn Paterson

Ivy Johnstone

27th August

Isobel Young

Rosanna Rabaeijis

Irene Grindlay

3rd September

Helen & Michael Fode

Margo McEwan & Margaret Douglas

Kathleen Black

10th September

Katie Albon

Moira McRae

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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Polbeth Harwood – Rota Information

Stewart Court Taxi Rota

9th July

David Prentice

16th July

Kenneth Mackay

23rd July

Margaret Marr

30th July

TBC

6th August

Charlie Sturrock

13th August

David Prentice

20th August

Kenneth Mackay

27th August

Margaret Marr

3rd September

TBC

10th September

Charlie Sturrock

Polbeth Harwood Duty Rota

Door Duty

9th July

Chrissie McCormack

Esther Hamilton

Moira Mushet

16th July

Anna Muirhead

Tom Walker

Betty Upton

Margaret Dempster

23rd July

Lilias Fairley

William Fairley

Jenny Doyle

Janice Davidson

30th July

Ena Prentice

David Prentice

Wilma Dickson

Bob Dickson

6th August

Etta Walker

Eleanor Davidson

Effie Halliday

George Halliday

13th August

Anne Weston-Lewis

Gordon Erskine

Jimmyy Greer

Charlie Sturrock

20th August

Reeta Griffin

Frank Mabbutt

Alice Mackay

Kenneth Mackay

27th August

Hazel Speirs

Linda Eardley

Margaret Hampson

William McCallum

3rd September

Jessie Kelly

Tom Kelly

Anne Watson

William Watson

10th September

Marian Kinsman

Betty Macauley

Janet Russell

Allan Mercer

Polbeth Harwood Café Rota

12th July

Effie Halliday

Grace Peace

19th July

Gordon Erskine

Chrissie McCormack

Esther Hamilton

26th July

Wilma Dickson

Jessie Kelly

2nd August

Frank Mabbutt

Betty Upton

Janet Walker

9th August

Jimmy Greer

Maisie Baird

Janet Russell

16th August

Effie Halliday

Grace Peace

23rd August

Gordon Erskine

Chrissie McCormack

Esther Hamilton

30th August

Wilma Dickson

Jessie Kelly

6th September

Frank Mabbutt

Betty Upton

Janet Walker

13th September

Jimmy Greer

Maisie Baird

Janet Russell

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The Link Issue 10

Summer 2006

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Great Truths About Growing Old

• Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. • Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can

get. • When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do

while you're down there. • You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a

rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. • It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody

bothers to ask you the questions. • Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. • Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

Contributions for the next edition … The next edition of The Link Magazine will be the September issue. Contributions for this edition should be submitted by Sunday 19th August, which can be sent via email, or handed in person to either Rev David Albon or Colin Dempster.

Over the summer months please give consideration to how you could contribute to our joint magazine. What have you done over the summer months and how has this affected you? Has anything joyful happened that you would like to share? What events are coming up that you would like announced in the magazine? Remember this is the magazine for both churches and contributions are welcomed from all. If you are inspired to write a short article feel free to pass it on or send it via email at any point over the summer months. Have a fabulous summer!

Paws… for thought

Do all the good you can By all the means you can

In all the places that you can At all the times you can

To all the people you can As long as you ever can

John Wesley