East Kilbride
Old Parish
Church
We have LIVE services every Sunday at 11am, in our church and online.
(See 'Other Special Notices' for an update on 'in-person' attendance).
Please join us below
Last Sunday's service moves to 'Watch a Service' shortly before 11am on Sunday.
The screen below will then prepare to show the new service.
New to Zoom?
Sunday Services in Challenging Times 1 (Updated March):
Sunday Services - Video Now Live Link!
The latest live link or its recording is available at the top of the Home page. It opens a few minutes before the start of the service with a 'holding' screen. If there has been a problem, look for a message, or try Youtube or Facebook: www.facebook.com/EKOLDPC . Words for the readings and hymns are shown on screen, and hymns continue to be videos backed by photographs, because singing is not yet allowed in church.
NB: Recordings of previous services are available if you click on the 'Watch a Service' button under the video.
Sunday Services - Audio
For sound-only recordings of services, please click on the 'Listen to a Service' button under the video. These recordings are in date order. If you do not see the service you want, check you are in the right 'quarter'.
We also have a 'Dial-A-Service' system which plays a recording of our most recent service (like an answer machine). Please get in touch with Alistair Walker, or your elder, if you would like to know more about this for a friend or relative in the church.
Know Someone with no Internet?
For members without access to the internet, we provide recordings in these formats: Dial-a-Service, CD, DVD, USB stick, all on request.
Sunday Services in Challenging Times 2 (Updated March):
How we produced the videos, and now, live broadcasts
After Palm Sunday on 5th April 2020, our services offered a new style of worship, in the 'virtual' setting of the sounds and images of East Kilbride Old Parish Church, and made in the context of the current pandemic, with no contravention of distancing rules.
Lasting around 30 mins or less, they began by blending new videos, recorded by the Minister and readers in their own homes, without outsider involvement, only technology! The hymns were initially those sung by our congregation in the past as we are lucky to have access to an archive of audio recordings from previous years. However, we moved on to a new sound - recordings made at home by a few choir members and blended together digitally by David K.
Services can now take place once more in church, with an increased number of places (112) upstairs and down, so our 'overspill' worship space in Glebe St Hall may no longer be needed. Note: no singing is allowed as yet. We have installed cameras in the church which show an overview, not close-ups, of the congregation; they mainly focus on the Minister, back at the altar or pulpit. A technical team directs the filming and produces recordings of the service, which is broadcast live on the internet (this website, Facebook and Youtube). Recordings are made available in the usual formats mentioned above.
Virtual Tea & Coffee on Zoom, twice weekly...
... Sundays at 11.45am - 12.45pm (Access Code 814-8227-9764)
You are cordially invited to join in our 'virtual' Sunday Service Tea & Coffee, at 11.45am, not in the Lower Hall, as normal, but at your desk or coffee table, with whatever device you use to get onto the internet.
Bring along your own tea/coffee and biscuits (no spilling on the keyboard!!!), and we’ll just chat as we always do. Drop in, or leave, when you like. We'll aim to close at 12.45pm but we can always extend it.
The code you need for access to this 'meeting' will now be 814-8227-9764 each week.
For the guidance on how to join us, please see below.
... Thursdays, 10am - 12noon, (Access Code 820-1455-4693)
Anne, our Minister, invites you to join her at our Thursday Coffee Morning in what we might call our 'Zoom Room’.
There must be no travelling to Glebe St. Hall of course - you’ll find us on your computer, phone or tablet on Thursday, any time between 10am and 12noon. Bring along your own tea/coffee and biscuits (no spilling on the keyboard!!!), and we’ll just chat as we always do. Drop in or leave when you like. The access code number for Thursday Coffee mornings every week is 820-1455-4693.
New to Zoom? It’s as easy as choosing between 1, 2, 3 and 4! (And now 5! - telephone access)
NB: We now nominate a Helper if you need assistance with joining this 'meeting' on the day. 'Helpline' phone number for Sunday: 07912 295943 (Iain).
You can also get in touch if you would like advice before the day - use our usual choice of Contact details, as shown below, last item.
If you are new to Zoom and want to join us in the next meeting, please get set up beforehand. Try whichever of these methods suits you:
1) Click Here (or below at 3 if you prefer pictures).
Note: The separate code numbers for access for Sundays and for Thursdays are shown above.
OR
2) Send us your email in advance and our reply will get you started. Either phone it in to EK 279004, or email us at ekopcmagazine@gmail.com .
Note: you must be able to access your emails on the device you plan to use for Zoom.
OR
3) Prefer picture guides?
a) Picture guide for people who have downloaded the 'app': Click Here
b) For people who have not yet downloaded the 'app': We recommend you watch the video at 4) below.
c) Picture guide to the control symbols when you are in the 'Zoom Room' (for beginners): Click Here for a picture of the screen in a meeting, explaining the controls eg for sound, video, etc. You can zoom in on the screen picture if required in the usual way.
4) Prefer a short video tutorial? Click Here
This is a short Youtube video made by a 'senior' couple who explain much of what we've told you above but in video format.
When you open it, change to Full Screen view by clicking the broken square at the bottom right of the video screen itself.
To go back again, click the Esc (Escape) key - top left on a keyboard, or use the Home button on an iPad.
5) Accessing Zoom meetings by telephone (audio only)
1) First, you need the Zoom meeting code number from the person hosting the meeting. (They will also give you a passcode if it's needed).
2) Dial 0131 460 1196
3) When asked, use the number keys on your phone to type in the meeting code, followed by the hash key: #
4) When asked for a 'participant ID', just press # again. (A participant ID isn't often used)
5) When asked for passcode:
a) If there is one, key in the passcode the host has given you.
b) If there isn't one, then just press the # key on your phone.
6) You will get a message that you are in the 'waiting room' and the host will let you in soon...
7) The host then lets you in. You will be asked to identify yourself, and you can join the meeting.
Get in touch if you need more help - use our 'Contact Us' button or the Church Office number (01355279004) in advance, or ring the host. Alistair and Iain are also usually able to help.
Need more help?
We will have nominated Helpers if you have a problem joining the 'meeting'. Just get in touch using our usual contact details (below, last item) preferably in advance. But you can also ring Iain, Alistair or Anne at the time of the meeting and one of them will 'step out' to give you guidance. Most commonly the issue is putting your volume or picture on. Read the guidance notes above to familiarise yourself with the control symbols.
“The Church is the people not a building”.
Our building may be closed, but the people of East Kilbride Old Parish Church are still here for you. Our 'Helping Hands' and other volunteers are willing to help in many ways – just get in touch.
For example:
- Need to hear a friendly voice, even if it has to be over the phone?
- Need some shopping, a prescription, or a dog walker?
- In need of spiritual guidance, a few words of comfort, or a prayer to be said?
We check 'remotely', on a regular basis, for messages to the following:
Contact details:
To contact us, telephone: 01355 279004, email ekopc.office@btconnect.com or you can use 'Contact Us' on this website. You can also go to www.Facebook.com/EKOLDPC
SCROLL DOWN FOR:
1. Sunday Services
2. More from the Session Clerk
3. Quiz Nights: 12th & 2nd
4. Christian Aid Week
5. Memorial Football
6. Video Clips Needed!
7. Messy Sun.School Theme
8. Summer Activities Art Date
9. Bible Readers Wanted
10. EKO Magazine June
11. Prayer Group & Diary June
12. C.of S. Prayer for 13/6/21
13. We’d love to hear from you!
14. Our Contact Details
Sunday Morning Services have resumed at our usual time of 11am, both in the church (in accordance with government guidelines) and online.
From the Session Clerk (22/5/21):
"The recent relaxation of restrictions has increased the safe seating capacity in the church and this, together with permission to use the balcony, means that it’s no longer necessary to use the Glebe Street hall on Sundays. The permitted capacity in the church has gone up to 112 and we will no longer use Glebe Street each week for live streaming and the church will be used for everyone coming to our Sunday morning service.
We will try to make sure that anyone who might find the stairs to the balcony difficult will have a seat downstairs. This may sometimes mean that we have to ask members who don’t regularly choose the balcony to take a seat upstairs so as to free up a seat downstairs. Hopefully everyone will understand why we’re doing this. We will review this change in a few weeks’ time and take account of any comments that members might have."
We use Track & Trace, so members must give advance notice to the Church Office (by Friday midday) that they will attend: contact the Church office 01355 279004 or ekopc.office@btconnect.com; or through Facebook Messenger.
Channels
These live services are broadcast from the church at 11am and can be viewed on our Home page above, at www.Facebook.com/EKOLDPC and on YouTube. A video recording will then move to 'Watch a Service'. Audio is available on the 'Dial-a-Service' phone number (ask for details) and later in 'Listen to a Service'.
2. More from the Session Clerk
Dates for Elders to Note:
Zoom meeting for elders of the Kirk Session: Wednesday 16th June, 7.15pm for 7.30pm.
Sestercentennial Planning Team – Monday 14th June 7pm.
Edict for New Elders – 20th and 27th June.
Oath for New Session Clerk & Deputes – 27th June.
Ordination & Induction of Elders – 4th July.
3. Quiz Nights
Our next Family Quiz Night is Saturday, 12th June, 7pm. Read Iain Shaw's June update in our News section (Youth & Families Worker page) for more insight into these popular events.
The next Congregational Quiz is Friday 2nd July at 7pm.
Please read our News page for a detailed update on East Kilbride Old Parish's successful Christian Aid Week 2021, but we can tell you that Stewart and Jim's Loch Walk brought in an amazing £2683!
Not yet counting Gift Aid*, and any remaining 'Wee Red Change Boxes', our grand total for Christian Aid Week this year stands at:
£4,425*
(*The expected-to-be considerable figure from Gift Aid will be added in when known).
Christian Aid Boxes
If people have CA boxes at home, these can be returned on a Sunday, when people come to a service. Or they can be picked up from home. Please call Stewart or Mary Smith.
If you do have any, please send your details to the church office either by email: ekopc.office@btconnect.com or leave a message on the Church Office phone EK 279004 and someone will arrange with you to get the video clips. Thank you! Austin H
The current theme is 'The Miracles Of Jesus'.
We are updating our current list of Bible readers for Sunday services. If you would like to join our group of volunteers, reading approximately 4 times per year, please contact me at: ekopc.office@btconnect.com Louise (secretary)
Note: While guidelines now allow us to resume personal delivery of the magazine by Helping Hands, if you wish to receive the EKO by email, please contact Isobel Gray - you can use the Church Office number: 01355 279004, isobelgray@blueyonder.co.uk or ekopcmagazine@gmail.com .
11. Our Prayer Group
Our Prayer Group is not meeting at this time, but we are still taking prayer requests to our Heavenly Father on your behalf. Please send texts and emails to Marion Leddie. Take your worries to the Lord in prayer.
This Month's Prayer Diary
10th. Father, we pray for those living in areas of conflict.
11th. We give thanks for our families and all the good people in our lives.
12th. Pray for tolerance and understanding for those who are different to ourselves.
13th. I praise you for the light of dawn as I arise this day and share this day with you.
14th. Hold before God all known and dear to us who are going through a time of adversity, that God's Holy Spirit will uphold them.Click Here
15th. A flashing shining light from a beacon in a lighthouse revealing danger in the darkness is God’s awesome power to protect us.
16th. Thank you for your continued love and support to keep me following your path.
17th. Help me to walk by your truth and not by my feelings, and to embrace anything
that comes my way as an opportunity to see you at work.
18th. God of mercy, shower upon all the people of the Holy Land the spirit of justice
and reconciliation.
19th. Praise God for the loveliness we can see all around us here in East Kilbride and the
surrounding areas - in parks and gardens, in fields and woods, in the countryside,
as spring flourishes and moves into summer.
20th. Thank you for walking beside me Lord, guiding me in what I say and do.
21st. May the Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen all of your children who are suffering
through illness.
Church of Scotland
12. Church of Scotland Weekly 'Call to Pray'
Join the Church of Scotland and others in prayer every Sunday 7pm.
Churches and Christian organisations across Scotland called on Christians to pray at the same time in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Thousands of people across Scotland have been answering the call to pray during this time of sacrifice, difficulty and bereavement. Prayer has become increasingly a valued time for Christians as they pause to pray, conscious that many others will be sharing the same prayer at the same time. It helps create a sense of community when we are isolated through lockdown. Click Here for more details of the Call to Pray.
Click Here to hear the prayer for 13th June.
Click Here to hear the new Moderator read the prayer for 6th June.
Click Here to read the prayer for 30th May.
... we’ve got folks watching our services in the Caribbean, the US, Germany, Scandinavia as well as various parts of the UK?
Are you among them? Do you watch our weekly service? Have you a local connection here but are now settled living away from East Kilbride?
We’d love to hear from you!
Please get in touch with us - by clicking on 'Contact Us', or via the church email address: ekopc.office@btconnect.com . You could maybe tell us a bit about yourself, where you live (in the UK or abroad), how you found us, and what you like best about our website? No personal information will be printed on the site (unless you are happy with that).
13. Contact details
We are here to help in difficult times! To contact us, use any of the following (all now monitored daily, despite the office being physically closed):
Telephone: 01355 279004; Email: ekopc.office@btconnect.com ; Send a Website Message via 'Contact Us' on this website; Or to go to our Facebook page, click the link below.
..to lift people's spirits and raise a smile during these hard times. Please contribute your photos, stories, links etc!
Beautiful Spring Flowers
Thanks to Fiona D for these:
Getting out into nature
New Life on the Farm
Thanks to Anne S for sending me these photos of new life on the farm.
Now keep scrolling down (or go to the top menu) for our other sections:
Church Welcome and Introduction including: General Information; Location Maps; and 'Contact Us' message facility.
then our
Click-on Boxes:
Worship with Us, including information on Church Services as well as Communion; Accessibility and Extra Support; a 'Newcomers' Guide
News: Church News; Pastoral Letter; Youth & Families Worker Updates
Photo Gallery
Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
Activity Group Pages (Youth and Adults)
Faith Matters
History and Graveyard
NB: Work and Workings of the Church is yet to be opened...
Welcome to East Kilbride Old Parish Church!
Join us for worship on
Sunday Mornings from 11am – 12noon.
We hope you will feel a warmth and friendliness and that your experience of our worship together is enjoyable, meaningful and encouraging. Please also look out for activities you could be a part of during the week – there are lots of opportunities to meet with a friendly crowd! East Kilbride Old prides itself in being known as a welcoming church.
From the church of the past to the church of today…
“This website includes a section on the history of the church and its graveyard because we know may visitors are interested in this. The current building dates back to 1774 (though there has been a church on this site since pre-Reformation times).
When today’s church was built, it stood in the midst of a small village. Today it stands in the midst of a large new town with a population of around 75,000 people.
Beautiful as it is however, our church is not the building, but the people. Within that building, there is a warm church family. People of all ages meet together, all striving to reach out to the community we serve in the Village area and East Mains.
We have active organisations for children and adults, giving a wealth of opportunities for fellowship and sharing, and everyone is assured of a warm welcome.”
Rev. Anne Paton
