Recent Events
On this page we hope to give you a flavour of some of the things that have happened in the not too distant past with a short description and some photographs. You can enlarge the photographs by clicking on the thumbnails.Treasure Box
The Sunday School project was called Treasure Box and it raised over £500 in aid of Sunday school work in Malawi. This was made up by ordinary donations and loose change, which arrived in carrier bags and jars of coppers. You can look at some of the designs and pictures that members of the the Sunday School made out of the coins.
Boys’ Brigade Awards
The closing service of the Boys’ Brigade was held on 26 April and, for the first time in a few years, President’s Badges were presented to six members of the company. These boys gained their President’s Badges by completing three stages in each of the following five badges: Adventure; Leadership; Community; Interests and Physical. We congratulate them on this achievement and hope that all will continue to work towards the Brigade’s highest award, The Queen’s Badge.Here are the six recipients: Matthew Stewart, Jason Molloy, Joshua Logan, Michael Wright, Connor Watson and Caleb Logan.
Girlguiding
The closing service of the Guides, Brownies and Rainbows was held on 10 May. It marked a change of leadership with the retirement of Ruth Hood as Brownie Guider as well as of her assistants, Janice Morrow and Denise Kiley, each of whom received gifts from the girls to thank them for looking after the Brownies. Their new leaders are Sharon Shiel and Katrina Flanagan.Here are two of our Rainbows with our minister after the service.
Rebekah’s Year in Chicago
Rebekah Hall started work in August in Chicago with Mission Year. You can read about her preparations and what she is doing on her blog.
On 28 May a sale was held to raise money to support her work in Chicago. You can see some of those who took part in the sale and those who enjoyed the refreshments.
Holiday Bible Club 2009
On the 3rd August Champion’s Challenge Holiday Bible Club began. Following many weeks of planning and preparation and with a talented and enthusiastic workforce of nearly 40 volunteers, representing all age ranges and several of the churches in Whitehead, the doors were opened to a bible club planned to challenge those involved to join team Jesus.
The atmosphere was electric throughout the week as the children met some very silly characters, watched a daily drama, heard bible stories, had very competitive quizzes, sang new songs as well as old favourites, created an athlete, played games, learnt a memory verse and enjoyed juice and biscuits. Wow! And all in two hours each day!
Many thanks are due to all those who supported the club in any way. Their prayers and financial support were greatly appreciated. Most importantly, those who sent their children who made the club the success it was. Throughout the week 102 children shared in the club and it is hoped to meet many again in the other children’s activities that our church has to offer. Our town is blessed with wonderful children, the future of our church. It was great to have the opportunity to work with them.
Look at some photographs taken at the meetings of the Holiday Bible Club.
During the evenings of the same week teenagers met at The Street. Look at some photographs taken at The Street.
Harvest Thanksgiving
As usual, the entrance and interior of the church were decorated with a harvest theme.
Here are a few of those stayed after the morning service to enjoy lunch together.
Friday Lunches
During much of the year lunches are available in one of our halls. The food is excellent and greatly enjoyed. Most of those present are retired people (others are at work!) and it provides them with an opportunity to meet with their friends over a good meal. The money raised goes to our church building fund. The lunches are not just for members of Whitehead Presbyterian Church and we are always glad to welcome others.
The photographs below were taken at a Friday lunch with a harvest theme.
Presbyterian Women Centenary
Our branch of Presbyterian Women celebrated the centenary of the organisation in Whitehead with a special dinner on 3 November. Mrs Dorothy Marshall, President of Presbyterian Women, and Mrs Paula Mairs, whose husband, Rev Ian Mairs was minister of our congregation, were guests at the event.
The photographs below were taken at the dinner.
100th Birthday Party
One of our members, Mrs Nancy Calwell, celebrated her 100th birthday on 15 November and was joined by friends and family at her home. The Very Rev Dr John Dunlop brought greetings form the General Assembly and Rev Ian Carton, Mrs Carolyn Cubitt and Mrs Evelyn Love brought greetings from our congregation in Whitehead.
Victorian Fair
A Victorian fair was held in Whitehead on 28 November. The events included Victorian teas in our halls.
Our halls were also used for stalls with items for sale in aid of various charities.
Many of those taking part took special care over what they wore.
Many other events took place in the open air.
Christmas Celebrations
Children’s Party
A party was held for children of the Sunday School.
Carols and Readings by Candlelight
The annual service of readings and carols for Christmas was held in the church.
Fashion Show
A fashion show was held in February, the proceeds of which went to the Raise the Roof campaign to help to pay for the replacement of the roof of the sanctuary in 2009. You can see some of the dresses and those who wore them
and others who helped the evening go so well.
