Two Churches, One Vision
Welcome to our profile page
Services
As of 18 November 2007, service times are: - 10.00 am at Holytown Parish Church- 11.30 am at Wrangholm Kirk Holytown has monthly evening worship (Sunday Celebration) on the last Sunday of the month. This allows us to take a fresh approach to worship.
We began a joint service on Good Friday in 2007 and have made this an annual event, with each Church taking turns at being host.
Both Churches have hearing loop and public address systems. Volunteers from the congregation and members of organisations normally undertake scripture readings.
Chaplaincy
The minister in this charge has the responsibility of being Chaplain to Holytown and New Stevenston Primary Schools. Consultation Both Kirk Sessions appointed two representatives early in 2007 to work with the Interim Minister in making the initial plans for tackling the Interim Ministry aims and objectives. We held an evening conference and consultation with both congregations.
COSY groups
This led us to the COSY initiative. Four groups were set up to look at different aspects of Church life in this new linked charge: Caring. Bereavement support, visiting the sick. Outreach. Including ways of increasing membership. Support. Including support for each other, fellowship, meeting for prayer, and supportfor the work of the church.Youth. Including children and families. Each of these groups has members from both Churches and we carry out this work in an enjoyable atmosphere of genuine Christian fellowship. Whilst worship is central to the life of the church, we do not include it in our COSY groups. Instead, we raise matters of worship at Kirk Session meetings, although we understand that our groups may well touch on matters relating to worship.
Our promise
Following a meeting of both Kirk Sessions, we made the following promise on which to base the future ethos of the linkage:
- to be one in spirit and purpose,- to be united with Christ in serving the interests of others,- to work in ways that will enable harmony and partnership between us to grow, and - to do everything in a spirit of thankfulness and celebration of our faithHolytown Parish Church History This Church has been looking down over the village of Holytown and the surrounding area since 1837 - three different centuries - but its origins go back to at least 1688. Over the years, the village has changed as well as the lives of the worshippers but in spite of changes all around, two very important things remain constant - the Gospel message preached within these walls is faithful to the teachings of the Bible and the witness of the congregation stands firm. Kirk Session and Board There are currently 19 members in the Kirk Session. There are a further four board members. Website
The Church has an informative web site at www.holytownparishchurch.org.uk
Buildings
We pride ourselves in the level to which we maintain our Church buildings. Our original hall was lost to fire in January 2006. The front facing wall is being retained but the remainder is in the process of being rebuilt. The new hall is purpose built and combines a large and small hall with excellent facilities in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We hope the hall will be used for congregational and community activities.
Finance
The Church is financially sound and all commitments are met from offerings and two donation days each year.
Communion
We observe the Lord's Supper on the first Sundays in March, June, September and December at 10.00 am and 6.30 pm.
Hymnbook
Recently, we have introduced CH4. These are normally played on the impressive pipe organ but some are more suited to guitar accompaniment. There has also been the recent purchase of two Yamaha clavinovas.
Roll and attendance
There are currently 326 members on the Church roll. There are usually 80 to 90 in attendance each Sunday morning. When organisations are present at special services, attendance will be 140 to 150.
Organisations
The Boys Brigade has a membership of 41 and meets every Monday evening. The session begins in September each year. The Girls Brigade has 58 members and meets on a Wednesday. The minister is Chaplain to both uniformed organisations.
The Guild meets each Wednesday in the local senior citizens centre. Between 30 and 40 attend. A wide-ranging programme of activities, meetings and trips takes place over the year, organised by the Guild Secretary.
Our Sunday Club stopped when the hall burnt down, but we hope to begin and build up a Sunday Club for children when the new hall opens.
Magazine
A monthly newsletter is produced (except July and August). The congregation pays a token subscription for it to help cover its production costs. Members of the congregation distribute it and it is available for collection at the church. You can also view online copies of the magazine in the parish news area on this website.Wrangholm Kirk New Stevenston History
The church we know today as Wrangholm Kirk was founded as a Free Church in 1843 following the Disruption. In 1890 it became a United Free Congregation and then in 1929, Church of Scotland.
The new linked charge with Holytown Parish Church provides mutual support in our partnership together and encourages us to move ahead with confidence. Kirk Session and Board There are 11 members in the Kirk Session. There are a further 7 congregational board members. Website
The Church has a web site at www.wrangholmkirk.btik.com
Buildings
At present, we have our church building and a hall located opposite the church on the other side of Clydesdale Road.
With the linkage of the congregations, the manse was no longer required and we have now sold the manse and land to pave the way for our 'New Dawn' project. It is our hope to redesign the interior and create a multi-purpose space in the church allowing us to sell the hall and locate all our activities under one roof. The process has begun with the appointment of an architect and we have draft plans for a new interior design.
Finance
The congregation has met its financial commitments, with regular fund raising events and two days of giving each year.
Communion
We observe the Lord's Supper on the third Sundays of February, June and October. In June, we also have an evening communion service at 6.30 pm.
Hymnbook
The congregation has now updated to CH4 and continue Mission Praise (Numbers 1 to 798). There is an Allen digital organ and a Yamaha digital piano.
Roll and attendance
There are currently 178 members on the Church roll. There are usually around 80 in attendance each Sunday morning. This includes our Sunday school with around 12+ children.
Organisations
The Girls' Brigade meets on a Monday evening. The session begins in September each year.
The Guild meets every second Tuesday from October to March. The Wednesday Prayer Group meets twice a month for prayer and reflection.
We have a choir consisting of seven members and our own choirmaster who is also the church organist. The choir begins each Sunday worship with an introit and has helped with fundraising events in the past.
Sunday School meets every Sunday morning in Church leaving the congregation after the children's talk.
Magazine
A bi-monthly newsletter is produced and is also published on our website.The Manse. Holytown manse will be the home for the Minister who will lead both congregations.Separated from the main Holytown Parish Church grounds by a private access road, the Manse is situated in a quiet location, just off the A723. It is a five minute drive from Wrangholm Kirk: New StevenstonPrior to the induction of the Interim Minister, we organised a full programme of works and the manse was refurbished, inside and out.It boasts the following features: - Fully decorated- Gas central heating- Gas cooker- New fitted kitchen- New bathroom- Garage Location
The charge is located in the Motherwell area of North Lanarkshire.
Ideally situated in the central belt of Scotland, it is approximately 15 miles east of Glasgow and just over 30 miles west of Edinburgh.
Travel links
Boasting excellent travel links, it is within two miles of the M8 motorway which links Glasgow and Edinburgh, and is also close to the M74, M73 and M80 motorways.
Motherwell train station is located nearby and is a main hub for most major UK destinations.Local services
For comprehensive information about local services, please visit North Lanarkshire Council’s website at www.northlan.gov.uk