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~~Dear congregations

As you all know, this time of year Robert Burns is the talk of the town. And people remember “Scotland’s favourite son” by means of sharing a special meal together – haggis, neaps and tatties (and just in case you wondered – even us ex-South Africans do that!). During this meal some of Burns’ poems are usually read or recited. And by means of this tradition, we keep the memory of a very special man alive.

Have you ever wondered why we always eat when we celebrate something? Birthdays, weddings, baptisms, even funerals… It’s either a meal or at least some cake, but there will always be food involved! I don’t know why we do that, but I do know that it’s been done for many many years.

In 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 we read: “…The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” So we also remember Jesus and what he did for us by means of a special meal, around the communion table, while we read words that he spoke or stories of his life. People have been doing this for countless years, to keep the memory of Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross, alive.

Maybe it’s easier to remember something if you feel part of it…

Every time I see haggis, I think of Robert Burns. Wouldn’t it be great if we could think of Jesus every time we see bread? Because then we will think of him very often.

I hope you all enjoyed your Burns’ Suppers, and I want to invite you to come enjoy the Lord’s Supper in church on the first Sunday in March.

Let’s celebrate the life of Jesus, for auld lang syne, and as often as we can, because He is the one person we never want to forget.

May God bless you all.

Nanda

Sunday Dec 1st  9.45am & 11.15am

                           — Communion: 1st Sunday in Advent

                             3pm Bereavement Service Polbeth Harwood

Sunday Dec 8th 9.45am & 11.15am  2nd Sunday in Advent 

                              3pm ’Beyond the Kirk Walls’  Stewart Court

Friday Dec 13th    7pm Evening of Christmas Music 

                                            West Kirk        

Sunday Dec 15th 9.45am & 11.15am 3rd Sunday in Advent

                                       Gift Service at West Kirk

Monday Dec 16th  1pm Congregational Christmas Party

                                       West Kirk     

                              7pm West Calder Brass Band Concert

                                       Polbeth Harwood Church

 Friday Dec 20th  9.15am Parkhead Primary School service

                                      West Kirk  

Sunday Dec 22nd   10.30am Joint Nativity Service

                                     West Kirk  

Tuesday Dec 24th 7pm  ’Journey with Jesus’ family worship

                                           Polbeth Harwood Church

                             11.30pm Watchnight Service  

                                             West Kirk

Sunday Dec 29th  10.30am Joint Morning Worship

                                       Polbeth Harwood Church  

     Everyone is welcome at all these events

This year, the special bereavement service for both congregations and communities of West Calder and Polbeth will be held on Sunday !st December at 3pm  in Polbeth Harwood Church. The service will be jointly conducted by the Rev Drs Jonanda and Andre Groenewald, our Locum Minister and Interim Moderator.                                                                                                                                                          Invitation is made to all those  relatives and friends who have lost loved ones and would like an opportunity .to remember their lives.                 Family and friends wishing to attend should  reply to the Admin Secretary on 871672  and are requested to bring a photograph of their loved one with them to the service.                                                                                                                                                                                  An afternoon tea of cakes and scones will be served in the church cafe after the close of the service.

As the school holiday week draws to a close, we would like to remind all the boys and girls Sunday Club is back on this Sunday and we have a great adventure to share with you all this week  so we hope you can join us!

Remember early to bed on Saturday as the clocks go back this weekend!!