District News
Bonkle Parish Church will hold a gift service in the church on Sunday with Sunday school and creche at noon. Parishioners are invited to bring along a gift for a child which will be donated to the Social Work Department for delivery to local families. There will be a Christingle service held in the church at 6.30pm. Speak to the minister if you know of anyone in need of a pastoral visit. The Sunday school had a fantastic party, thanks to Rainbow Entertainment, who gave the kids the time of their life last week. The children were fascinated with all their magic tricks, especially popping a real rabbit out of a burst balloon. The Sunday school teachers were delighted to be told that the children had been well behaved. This week will see another special surprise for the youngsters. Charity shop at Manse Road, Newmains is open Monday to Thursday, from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Food bank are making up Christmas hampers and would be grateful for donations of Christmas puddings, mince pies, tinned meat, sweets and chocolate. The computer class enjoyed a lovely lunch at Newmains Community Centre on Monday of last week and the club will now be closed until January 9. Ladies fellowship will hold their next meeting on January 10. Men’s and ladies club will be going for dinner at Shotts Golf Club on Wednesday, December 14, at 7pm. The club will then close until January 11. Thursday club closes on Thursday of this week and will reopen on January 12. Rainbows, Brownies and Guides meet in Bonkle church hall on Friday at their usual times. Church Christmas card The church are offering its parishioners the opportunity to pass their festive greetings to the church family by signing this year’s large Christmas card. This can be found at the back of the church and donation can be made in the box which has been provided by the charity. Bubble Gum and Fluff will take place on Wednesday, December 14. There are almost 100 primary children from St Brigid’s, Morningside and Newmains primaries and it promises to be great fun. Volunteers who would like to come and help on the day are invited to attend a planning meeting in Coltness Memorial Church on Thursday, December 8, at 7pm. Carol service A joint Christian Aid carol service will be held at St Brigid’s Church on Sunday, December 12, with tea, coffee and mince pies served afterwards. Family nativity celebration will take place in Bonkle Church on Sunday, December 18, at 12 noon. All welcome.
Gowkthrapple
Community cafe is open for business in Gowkthrapple Community Centre on Thursday, December 8, between 11.30am and 1.30pm. The cafe serves tasty and affordable snack lunches and a place to enjoy a chat and there’s also a take away menu. Club Sun fun day next meets in the community centre next Sunday, December 11, between 1pm and 2pm. All primary school aged children will be made welcome at the club to listen to bible stories, draw, paint, make things and enjoy a snack lunch together. For further information, contact K Crichton on 01698 360580.
Overtown
Overtown Parish Church There will