The question I have been asked most often this year is ‘when will we get the toilets at the Kirk’?
The answer now, as always, is ‘just as soon as we get the work done’! Only one small hurdle remains to be cleared, that is to satisfy Scottish Borders Council’s Building Standards Department that the septic tank tail-drain will not pollute the small burn running down the far side of the Cleuchside field beyond the kirkyard. When we get the go-ahead the Gregor McKechnie can start the work.

When considering our plans for their approval, Presbytery asked us to re-check the state of the Kirk’s roof to find out what had caused the bulge above the WWII War memorial. The roof is fine, not likely to cause extensive problems for quite a few years, but investigations revealed an interesting story. When Laidlaws opened up the plaster they uncovered what seems once to have been a window, no longer needed when the north aisle was built. When this had been filled in and plastered over the batten used to carry the plaster wasn’t straight which had left a visible bulge. The worry here was that water was getting in but it never has so the corner should be sound and finding this out means we can safely go ahead with the interior decoration.

The toilet and interior decoration look like being what we can afford at the minute. Historic Scotland are helping us fund the toilets and our own funds should cover the interior decoration so it will be prudent to prioritise and budget improvements beyond these.

Session thinks the next step should be to re-frame the south facing windows followed by re-decorating the outside of the Church.

Safety and efficiency of the heating system need upgrading along with this goes better insulation and possible generation of power by ‘renewables’.

Ways of altering the interior of the Church to accommodate the needs of hospitality and the growing Sunday School are being discussed by Session but we welcome members ideas on making the place more suitable for its job. Don’t be afraid to put new ideas forward. The Church is a tool to do a job in the community.

It is very pleasing to see the Sunday School growing thanks to Val Hunter’s efforts on the third Sunday of each month. Better tables and chairs are on the way to help her in this vital part of Church life.

Shaping Oxnam’s Kirk to meet changing needs of a dynamic community is quite a challenge for Session, we are always looking for new people with fresh ideas to shake us out of the ‘aye been’.

Maybe there is a potential elder dormant inside you. You will never know unless you try!!

Hugh Fraser .

FINANCES

Despite the Coffee Morning being held a month earlier this year, once again it proved a great success realising the sum of over £800 for the Kirk funds.

The ‘Talents’ initiative is still going strong and to date we have raised around £600. There are lots of £5’s still to be returned and I am looking forward to hearing how people raised their money. Some of the methods will be included in the next Parish Page. If you are not taking part in the scheme and would like to do so, just speak to your Elder or myself.

The final total from the sale of the Christmas Cards was £160. This was a great fund raising event and many thanks to all concerned.

Fiona Geddes, Kirk Treasurer

From your Interim Moderator ….   Autumn 2009

I was invited to write a short article as a way of introducing myself to the Church members – and this I am delighted to do, following my appointment as your Interim Moderator by the Presbytery of Jedburgh on 24th June 2009. I have been as Elder in Hawick Burnfoot Parish Church since 1970, Session Clerk since 1976, and a member of Presbytery for a good number of years and have been treasurer of Presbytery since 1996.

Until recently only a Minister member of Presbytery could be appointed as an Interim Moderator in a vacancy. However, some years ago the Church of Scotland amended its legislation to also allow members of Presbytery to be appointed, provided they “had received such preparation for the task as the Ministries Council shall provide”. In October 2005 I attended a training day in Glasgow and am now on the list of those who can be appointed to this role. My previous experience of being Interim Moderator was in the recent vacancies and union in Jedburgh.

I know Oxnam has had a rather lengthy vacancy – some 12 years – and I hope the congregation can in the foreseeable future move on to a more settled position. I have already attended three Kirk Session meetings and was present at the Service in August to welcome Colin Hogg as a new Elder. I had planned to worship with you on a more frequent basis but your worship Sundays have never been suitable to me.

I look forward to getting to know you all better as I work with you. If there is anyway I can be of further help to you please do not hesitate to contact me. Meantime as we approach Advent and Christmas may I wish you all a peaceful and joyous Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Scott Elliot




From our Interim Moderator …     Spring. 09.

"As your Interim Moderator I am pleased to have this opportunity to share with you some of the things that have occupied the attention of the Kirk Session these past six months.


We are pleased that our worries concerning some of the problems of the state of the church building were proved to be ill-founded and that they have been satisfactorily remedied. However, the office-bearers are pursuing a rigorous examination of the building in order to bring it more up to date to meet the needs of the congregation in the 21st century. This process is in its infancy. Nevertheless we hope that we will be able to move forward. We are being assisted by property survey reports prepared on the building in the last two years and they will help us determine priorities. The Presbytery is also active in its advice to us.


Indeed, the Presbytery is currently undertaking a Visitation of the congregation...a five yearly visit that it makes to every congregation to encourage and support the congregation and offer advice and guidance, where it thinks it is appropriate. I have already met the Committee and they will shortly meet Mrs Rodwell, then the Kirk Session in mid August and finally an opportunity will be given for members of the congregation to meet the Committee. It is good to know that the Presbytery's chief concern for all its congregations is that they be strengthened and affirmed in their Christian witness.


The challenge for Oxnam is no different and no greater from that of other congregations. Indifference to the Church and its Gospel is prevalent in our society. And so, remember one another in your prayers. Respond to the work that you have asked your locum, Mrs Rodwell, to undertake. Support your office-bearers in all that they do for you and with you.


My best wishes to you all.


Rev. Bruce McNicol

NOVEMBER 2008 Newsletter.

From the Locum Minister … 

Best Seller
Could you guess what the best -selling book was this week?
How about last week, or the week before? How about last month or last year?
I’ll tell you, it’s the Bible. It was this week and last week. In fact it is a very rare week when it is knocked off the top spot. I am talking about the UK, but the picture is the same worldwide.

"An article in The Times recently was sub-headed ‘Forget the modern British novelists and TV tie-ins; the Bible is the biggest-selling book every year.’ The writer remarked:

As usual the top seller by several miles was...the Bible. If cumulative sales of the Bible were frankly reflected in best-seller lists, it would be a rare week when anything else would achieve a look in. It is wonderful, weird, or just plain baffling in this increasingly godless age - when the range of books available grows wider with each passing year - that this one book should go on selling hand over fist, month in, month out.... It is estimated that nearly 1,250,000 Bibles and Testaments are sold in the UK each year.’"

Quite staggering. Obviously, as your minister, I am delighted by this statistic. I do wonder however, just how many of those 1,250,000 are actually read. Is yours on a shelf somewhere gathering dust?

Go on, do something amazing today. Let God speak to you through his word.
"Blessed are those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like the trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. Whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1:1-3)."

It doesn’t have to be ‘day and night’, of course - five or ten minutes would do!

Rev. Anna Rodwell

Presbytery News

The Presbytery of Jedburgh, of which we in Oxnam are a part, has been considering the possibility of employing one or two community ministers. Churches are being asked for their views on what they would like a community minister to do in their area. Representatives from Oxnam have been attending meetings and would value any thoughts you might have in this area! Please speak to Anna Rodwell or Moira Land.

Rev. Anna Rodwell

Churchyard Memorials

To avoid confusion in the future, Session would like to point out that anyone wishing to erect memorials in the churchyard, other that a normal headstone, firstly obtain approval  from the Kirk Session, and permission from SBC,  prior to anything being put in place.

Hugh Fraser, Session Clerk

Update on Toilet

Plans have been drawn up and submitted to the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. We are hopeful that, along with our own fundraising, the Trustees may give us a grant to help with the cost of the toilet. Estimated costs stand at £17,000.

Rev. Anna Rodwell

Talents

I’ve spoken about this before, now, here it comes in an envelope near you!
It is a fund raising initiative by Oxnam Kirk, to raise money to put a toilet into the Kirk. People are being given a £5 note, from church funds and asked to multiply it using their own, God given talents. The proceeds are then returned to the church within a year, but no later than Harvest Thanksgiving next year. How you do it is up to you. This has been done all over the country and ideas have been limited only by imagination. Some have bought seeds and sold the plants. Some have bought flour and eggs etc and sold cakes. Some have clubbed together with other £5 holders to pool resources and held coffee mornings in their homes. Some have bought wool and made scarves. Some have bought wrapping paper and offered their services as wrappers at Christmas. Some have used it for petrol and offered their services mowing grass, or chopping logs, anything goes - so long as it’s legal.

Whether the money is doubled or tripled or left untouched in a drawer, we simply ask that the £5 be returned to the Kirk by October 2009. The time scale is long enough so that hopefully everyone has time and space to work out a little plan!

No pressure, no shame if you lose money or ‘don’t get round to it’, just return the sum of at least £5 to us, and we will be happy.

Rev. Anna Rodwell

CHRISTENING CARDS

Christenings at Oxnam Kirk are always wonderful services. The Church is often attended by many family and friends of the parents. It is a big day and after the christening or baptism, the relations often have a celebratory lunch. In all of this, the baby is usually unaware of the special occasion except when he or she has an extra "watering"! The child is then a member of Oxnam Kirk and so the Session decided it would be appropriate to commemorate this occasion by sending a card to the child on the anniversary of their christening for the following five years. Suitable cards were looked for but there was nothing on the market so we just had to make them ourselves. There are five cards, one for each year, and they will be sent out to each child of the anniversary of their christening. Cornerstore bookshop in Edinburgh has agreed to sell some and if anyone knows of another church who would like to purchase some, please let us know.

This is a sample of the card sent on the first anniversary, the actual card, however, is in colour.

The Session

CHRISTMAS PANTO

Oxnam Village Hall Youth Club, toddlers and some bigger folk!
Even talk of the WRI on stage too!!

Sun 21st and Mon 22nd Dec
In the Village Hall
6.30pm pre-show mulled wine and mince pies.
Tickets £4 Adults £2 Children (Available from Mark Murdie 862830 From Me to You, Jedburgh or Wendy Meldrum 840644)
Raffle
Why not come along and enjoy an evening of festive fun for all ages.

Wendy Meldrum 

 



A MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERIM MODERATOR

Hugh Fraser asked if I'd write a few words of my experiences of being interim moderator of Oxnam, as I bow out after three years with you. I've thoroughly enjoyed moderating (posh word for chairing) the Kirk Session meetings. Oxnam is in good hands with the people on the Session. They are very warm, and have some wonderfully innovative ideas about how to be a church. They organised a super Harvest Supper recently, and it was a credit to their hard work to see the numbers who attended. A good evening was definitely had by all!

I am delighted that their ideas for providing a disabled access toilet have been approved by the General Trustees, and I hope that their thoughts and ideas continue to enhance the life of the church and the community. My own church is heading towards a big celebration, so I have to stand down as moderator, so that I have time to organise some talks, meals, and other celebrations.

I wish you all God's blessings on your continuing successes and ministry.
Warmest regards.

Rev Lisa-Jane Rankin.

FUND RAISING

The Kirk has had a busy year with fund raising events and, to date, have raised just under £2,500 which a tremendous effort by everyone concerned.

Coffee Morning

The annual coffee morning was held in March and, as ever, proved to be a good start to the year’s fund raising by bringing in £780 for Church funds. We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to the various stalls and to all helpers on the morning. Special thanks to Carry Scott for making the all important coffee. Next year’s coffee morning will be held earlier than usual on 14th February 2009.

Parish Walk

The walk took place on 10th August starting at the Kirk and following the route by Oxnam Row, Oxnam Sawmill, Birkenside, Oxnam Neuk and back to the Church.

Around twenty people (including children) took part and the sum of £270 was raised. The rain towards the end of the walk did nothing to dampen the spirits of the walkers and a good time was had by all. Many thanks to Anna and Rob for organising the event.

Great North Run

Kenny Taylor ran the Great North Run half marathon in October.
Kenny kindly offered to raise funds for the Kirk to help us reach our target for the new toilets. To date he has raised the sum of £635.

This is a tremendous achievement and we greatly appreciate his commitment and support of the Kirk and thank all who sponsored him.

Parish Supper

A large number of locals gathered together in the Village Hall recently at the Kirk’s Parish Supper, the first to take place for a number of years. Chairperson for the evening was Colin Hogg from Mounthooly who entertained the crowd with his good humour.

Grace was given by Lisa-Jane Rankin, our interim moderator then the ladies of the Kirk served a most enjoyable supper which was finished with coffee and Hugh’s delicious tablet.

The musical entertainment was provided by fiddler Carly Blain, Kelso, folk group Carlin Jig and singer Jackie McGaughin. We would like to thank all these artists who gave their time and provided the entertainment free of charge.

The approximate sum raised, which included a raffle on the night, is £800.
We wish to express our gratitude and thanks for all the support given by everyone concerned.



Fiona Geddes

Kirk Treasurer

Sunday School

Since the summer break in July we have had just three sessions. Our first theme on ‘Feeding the Five Thousand’ went well but our planned picnic had to be postponed until next summer because of the awful downpours on that day in August. At the September session we had the brilliant idea of asking the children to design a Christmas card for the Church. Several cards were enthusiastically drawn and two subsequently printed (see below). The sale of these has already raised over £100 for Church funds which is a marvellous effort and cards can still be purchased from Moira Land. Our sincere thanks go to Graham Dane for helping so much with their production. Next time it will almost be advent and we shall be planning what to do at

The artwork for the card above is by Zoe Collins and below by Rosie Tile

Sunday School

Since the summer break in July we have had just three sessions. Our first theme on ‘Feeding the Five Thousand’ went well but our planned picnic had to be postponed until next summer because of the awful downpours on that day in August. At the September session we had the brilliant idea of asking the children to design a Christmas card for the Church. Several cards were enthusiastically drawn and two subsequently printed (see below). The sale of these has already raised over £100 for Church funds which is a marvellous effort and cards can still be purchased from Moira Land. Our sincere thanks go to Graham Dane for helping so much with their production. Next time it will almost be advent and we shall be planning what to do at the annual carol service. We are always hoping that new members will come along and join in.

Val Hunter

Artwork of the first card by Zoe Collins and the second by Rosie Tile (originals in colour)Baptisms

29th June 2008 Angus Robert William Barbour, son of Sarah and Scott, Samieston, Jedburgh.
31st August 2008 Annika Schaeli, daughter of Sabine and Urs, Lintonbankhead, Morebattle.


Deaths

Mary March Banks Henderson, formerly of Cappuck
Annie Allan, formerly of Marchcleuch
Elizabeth (Betty) Forster, formerly Netherwells
Helen (Nellie) Brown Dodds, formerly of Hardenpeel
Ena Richardson, formerly of Oxnam Neuk

Obituaries

Mary Henderson
Mary March Banks Hendry was born in Lanarkshire on the 19th Feb 1917. Mary met and married James Henderson who was a dairyman. They were married in Mary’s family home at Kirkmuir Hill. Mary worked alongside her husband in the dairy. In December 1948, they moved to Cappuck, where they were to stay for 19 years. Mary was a quiet soul and kept herself to herself. She felt very welcome in the Oxnam community and enjoyed regular visits to the guild. The next move was into the town and to 26 Hartridge Crescent. Both Mary and James now took work in Manetti and they loved their work there. When James died Mary carried on. She was a fit, strong woman and when ill health over-took her she fought to be independent to the last. She was a content woman who was loved by all her family.

Nellie Dodds
Helen Brown Borthwick was born on the 20th January 1921 at Synton Mains. Nellie started her school days in Ashkirk, but later continued in Glendouglas Primary, when the family moved to Langlee. What she loved more than anything was to play rugby with her brothers in the field at Langlee! She was rugby daft, even to her dying day. She kept up to date with the local and national scene. On the 30th April 1943 Helen married Thomas Dodds, in Boston Blackfriars church in Jedburgh. Married life began at Hardenpeel, where Tom’s family farmed. Nellie loved it here. She attended Oxnam church and the woman’s guild. She made good friends. When Tom died in 2001 Nellie missed him terribly. Family and good friends were close by and were a tower of strength. In June 2006 the move to Queens Court was like a breath of fresh air to Nellie. She relished being so independent. She loved the freedom of the town and she loved being able to keep an eye on the movements of ‘her boys’ as they flew past in their various contraptions. Nellie was a tower of strength and had a fantastic sense of humour. She was always there for her children and her grandchildren. She was part of the very fabric of the Oxnam Valley community.



KIRK SERVICES

16th November 2008 Sacrament of Communion at 10.30 a.m
30th November 2008 Sunday Service at 10.30 a.m. (1st Sunday in Advent)

7th December 2008 Baptismal Service at 10.30 a.m.

Usual Hospitality Afterwards

21st December 2008 Family Service (4th Sunday in Advent)
24th December 2008 Family Candlelight Carol Service at 6.00 p.m.

A special collection will be held as usual

4th January 2009 New Year Service

Festive Hospitality Afterwards

Church Services will continue on the first, third, and where applicable fifth Sundays of each month commencing 18th January and the Sunday School will be held every third Sunday, also commencing 18th January.



Special Services

12th April 2009 Easter Sunday Service






Oxnam Parish Church of Scotland

Registered Charity No. SC010593