CONTACT NUMBERS

Locum: Rev. Christopher Rowe 0141 5641138 POSSILPARK PARISH CHURCH

124 Saracen Street, Glasgow, G22 5AP.
Session Clerk: Karen Ritchie 07973 439938
Charity number SC003241
Treasurer: Udeme Jonah 07443 096853
Editor: Adah Younger 07947 580924
Book a seat: Maryanne McI. 07729 200809
Administrator: Maqsood Umeed 07466 421976
THIS MONTH’S INSERTS
• A palm cross with an explanation of what it means to
believers.

• A leaflet from Ardoch Childcare Centre where families

can find support with childcare and early learning.

• A series of reflections for Holy Week.

• A letter from Bob Doris MSP.

POSSILPARK PARISH CHURCH EASTER SURPRISE GIFTS FOR 2021.

The Kirk Session devised a plan to encourage the congregation to have hope this
Easter. All households are to receive a bunch of fresh daffodils with an Easter Photo taken for Church of Scotland website with the article which accompanied it
greeting card from the church. Children (16 and under) are to receive a Fairtrade
REAL EASTER EGG with an activity storybook based on the bible account.
APRIL 2021
All members should have flowers on Easter morning. The bright daffodils
trumpeting the power of the risen Christ! The card reminding us of the
community of faith at Possilpark who trust in the Lord Jesus.
 OUR COVER EXPLAINED Sunday worship for April
The priority area church helping the community to get vaccinated
A Glasgow congregation in a priority area has helped hundreds of people to get The world wide church uses the same readings as we do.
vaccinated against coronavirus by opening their doors for use by the NHS.
Possilpark Parish Church, which is situated in the north of the city, was
approached by the local surgery, Balmore Medical Practice, after they were able
to provide a safe site for flu injections last autumn.

Karen Ritchie, who is the session clerk at Possilpark, said: “The scale of the
vaccination programme over these last weeks has been remarkable, a real boost
for so many. “It has been a real privilege for us in Possilpark Parish Church to be
able to make our buildings available and so play a tiny part in that endeavour.
“We are grateful for those who are helping this to happen. And we’re looking
forward to the day when our church buildings can be open every day again,
serving and supporting our community in the Name of Jesus.”Property Convener
Adah Younger worked in partnership with the NHS on the arrangements to help
the building to be made safe for people to use.
Susan Findlay, who is the manager at Balmore Medical Practice, said that it was
helpful to use a site which was well-known in the local area
“The staff really appreciated the use of the church because it was within the
immediate community.
“Inspection of the premises to establish best practice was easy.
“The one way system worked because of excellent access to all parts of the
building. The two stewards were on duty throughout the day.
“The familiar surroundings gave the patients confidence. Everyone happy!”
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr
Martin Fair, said he was “delighted” that many Church of Scotland buildings had
been able to support the vaccination program.
“In lots of communities across the country, The Church of Scotland is the key
provider of space for all manner of groups and organisations - and many of these
groups are community-based rather than congregational in nature.
“While lots of that hospitality has been on hold during the pandemic, other
possibilities have opened up - not lest for church buildings to be used for
vaccination centres.
“I’m delighted that that’s happening and am glad that congregations like
Possilpark in Glasgow have found this unique way to continue to serve.”
4th EASTER John 20 v 1-18. “Christ is risen” Experience
the joy and mystery of the first Easter morning.
11th Low Sunday. John 20 v 19-31. The meeting with Jesus
lets Thomas test the truth for himself.
18th Luke 24 v 36b-48. The disciples walked with Jesus on
the road to Emmaus, but failed to recognise him until later.
25th John 10 v 11-18. Living in community offers security
because we are known and cherished.
Hi, everyone,
The great picture on the front of our last magazine showed us the
beautiful pictures by Helen Getty and the lovely card by Ina Munro. The
afternoon tea was a great idea and looked so yummy you just wanted to
tuck in. Well done to the “Girls” for their hard work. I am sure, like me, it
made us all feel part of the occasion as a congregation.
We appreciate the time and skill to place the beads in the right spot to
bring the picture alive. We admire Ina’s creation of the card. It conveyed
affection and goodwill on behalf of us all.As I write, the possibility of
getting back to church has been announced. Marvellous news! Stay safe
and take care.
All my love, Minia
 PRESBYTERY REPORT MARCH 2021
From our Presbytery elder, Helen Cuthbertson
The Moderator, Rev, William Wilson opened the meeting with
Scripture Reading Micah Chapter 7, verses 8 to 20 and a prayer.
The Church’s Chief Officer, Mr Dave Kendall, gave a realistic but
hopeful picture of the Church of Scotland. His key idea was that we
have much to do as we become more missional, more relevant and
more contextual and that we must do this in ways which are
affordable.
He recognised that the past year has been difficult and complex but
was grateful to congregations for the innovative ways the work of the
Church was continued during lockdown.
This was a detailed report and much discussion took place.
A new Presbytery Plan will start just after the General Assembly.
It was announced that Martin Johnston would be stepping down as
Interim Moderator for Possilpark and the Rev. Stuart Matthews would
replace him.
The COP26 Meeting was also discussed and volunteers are
required. Climate Sunday will be 5th September. It was also pointed
out that hospitality may be required i.e. use of Churches for meetings
and also accommodation for visitors.
SNIPPETS
A man came to the door of the church. “I’m Robert from
East Kilbride. I used to come here when I was a wee boy. It
is good to see it looking so well”. The conversation
continued in a relaxed and friendly manner. Robert took an
envelope from his pocket and offered it to us. “Please use
this gift as you see fit.” We explained that with Easter
coming, chocolate eggs for the children were our next
priority. “That’s fine,” said Robert and then he left. When
we opened the envelope, it contained £100. The exact
amount we wanted to buy the Real Easter Egg because it
has the story of the first easter in a puzzle book! TRUE!
A member was telling me of a lovely hamper she received
for Mother’s Day. “It had a bag of Baby Belling Cheeses”
Flora Borland’s thoughts from her daughter, Fiona.
I spoke with mum on my visit on Mothering Sunday. She was in quite good
form and has recognised both Jim and me on the last few times we’ve visited,
which is great as due to Lockdown restrictions we hadn’t seen her since
Christmas Eve. When I asked her about church and her memories she smiled
and said, ”It was good.”
We talked about her dad being the church officer and Jimmy, her husband
being an elder and the many friends she had. We also talked a little about
Sunday School and the children.
She remembers fondly her visits from “wee Helen”. These visits are really
important to her and she mentions them during her reviews that the staff
undertake. Her faith has always been a significant part of Flora’s life. She has
been through many difficulties, especially with her health but was able to
face them with a smile and chat her way through them. When asked what
got her through all these challenges she said, “faith, family and friends”
Once again Hawthorn House is providing a safe haven for our loved ones.
Articles for the May magazine are needed by Sunday 25th
April 2021. Please send your item to Adah, the editor.
By e-mail: adah@youngerg31.co.uk
By post or by hand to the church address on the cover.
By telephone on the back page of this magazine.
All donations gratefully received.
The front room of the manse
A reader’s comments on Our Daily Bread
“Your ministry gives me such hope and courage through the
day. No matter what happens in my life, I continue to
experience the love of Jesus Christ, drawing closer to him
through the Bible teachings. To be able to experience the
never -ending love of Jesus is such an amazing feeling.
Thank you for sending the book to me so faithfully.”
PHARMACY DEVELOPMENT TEAM CONSULTATION
The dining room
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde are proposing to submit an
application to provide pharmaceutical services from
premises at 261-263 Bilsland Drive. The views of local
people are being sought. If you are interested, you can
complete a short questionnaire available at the Board’s
website:https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/pharmacyconsultations
or Twitter@NHSGGC
General comments can be submitted by e-mail to
CPDT@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
The kitchen
For a paper copy, please call 0141 201 6047.
The manse has been refurbished to the highest standard. The
The consultation will end on Friday 9th July 2021. stairs to the upper bedroom are carpeted. The toilets are
elegantly appointed. New Velux windows adorn the roof. Excellent
Robert Butchart has changed his surname to LOUGHLIN.
From now on he wishes to be known as Robert Loughlin. His
address has not changed. At the moment, he and his family
are self-isolating. Sandra, Robert’s wife has suffered a
miscarriage. They wanted their friends at church to know
they are in mourning. Please respect their situation.
Jesus says: Let the children come to me; for the kingdom of
God belongs to such as these. [Mark 10 v 13]

This scarlet elfcup mushroom grows in Possil Loch. The

Rev. Christopher Rowe has conducted two funeral
services on our behalf, one for Audrey Martin on 8th
March and one for Tony Welsh on 18th March 21. We
are thankful for the comfort he gave to the families.
He has another piece of news for us.
red is the inside of the mushroom cap which is shaped
like a cup. Could you make up a short story about this
unusual plant? It might help to think about the story of
the robin redbreast that was in our Christmas
magazine. Maybe you could invent an Easter story
about this mushroom.
Send your story to Adah for the next magazine.

It may be of interest to Possil folks that every week I have

been making a short video reflection which I put on All magazine articles are published with the
author’s consent.
FaceBook, so if anyone wants to watch them they can look
at the Colston Milton Parish Church facebook page.
 Decisions from the Kirk Session and Congregational Board Meeting MORE SNIPPETS
18th March 2021
A big “Thank you” to those members who are
1. The Congregational Roll was attested – The congregation had 84 faithfully sending their offerings to the church. Helen
members as at 31st December 2020. C. makes sure the Bank gets the goods.
2. The Kirk Session is exploring the constitution of the church to change
Sarah J. sent 5 envelopes full of used stamps to the
from Model Constitution to Unitary Constitution. More information will
be issued in due course. church for the work of CrossReach, the church’s social
care service. When added to the pile we have
3. The Manse – work at the Manse is now complete and the keys returned gathered in the Save Old Stamps box in the church,
to the property Committee. we were able to send a fat envelope to Edinburgh
where they are sold. This helps fund the work.
4. Vacancy Arrangements – Rev Christopher Rowe from Colston Milton
Parish Church will become our Interim Moderator. We look forward to Betty Boll is still in the Royal Infirmary having
Christopher joining us at our meetings. treatment for her feet. But Sam is at home, so please
Rev Martin Johnstone has stepped down from his role at Interim
keep in touch with him.
Moderator.
Kay McM. and her team are busy planning an Easter surprise for
5. The First Minister has confirmed that Places of Worship can open from
the members of the Recycled Teenagers.
Friday 26th March 2021. The Session agreed to re – open the church on
Easter Sunday 4th April 2021 there church can hold a maximum of 30
spaces and you need to book your space by calling Maryanne Mcilroy on
07729200809. This is providing forms are completed and approval from
Glasgow Presbytery.

6. Property – The parquet flooring is lifting again. The Board agreed to look
at this again and instructed the Property Committee to provide a further
2 quotes. We have one from the Company who laid the floor. They have
quoted approx £5,000.

7. June Mclean is keen to become the next Convener of the Property

Committee. The meeting agreed to this appointment and we wish June
well in her new role. We also took the opportunity to thank Adah, the
previous convenor, for all her hard work over the past three years. Adah
will stay on as a member of the committee.