Lenzie Union Parish Church
A Church of Scotland Congregation
You are warmly welcomed to come and worship with us this Christmas, and celebrate God's gift of Love, the baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem! Members of our congregation will lead our services:
Sunday 15th December at 11.00am - Service of Lessons and Carols
Sunday 22nd December at 11.00am - Nativity Service, including an infant Baptism
Tuesday 24th December at 6.00pm - Family Service for Christmas Eve
Tuesday 24th December at 11.30pm - We will worship with our friends at a Watchnight Service in Lenzie Old Parish Church
Sunday 29th December at 11.00am - worship in Lenzie Union.
We look forward to seeing you!
2nd Sunday of Advent.
Today our Service of Communion was led by Rev Adah Younger. We considered John the Baptist, through the words of Malachi and Luke.
Our knitted animals have been on a journey again and have finally arrived in the shop windows in Lenzie! Join our nativity trail and find the sheep, donkeys and camels. Look on the tags round their necks and see their names, then jot them down on your trail leaflet. Try not to miss any!
Leafletswill be available through the schools or DOWNLOAD HERE
1st Sunday of Advent
Today we welcomed the young people, parents and friends of the 12th Glasgow/1st Lenzie Scout Group for their annual parade.
The service was led by Rev Leslie Grieve, and we considered the meaning of Advent.
Move around the church from scene to scene as the Christmas story unfolds.
Over the last ten years, this has been a great success with the primary school pupils who visited during the day and more than 250 pupils are due to come this year.
In the evening of Wednesday 11th at 6.30, 7.00 or 7.30 children and adults alike have an opportunity to enjoy this special Christmas drama. Not to be missed!
Hope to see you there! No need to book, just come along!
The church has 3 halls and a small room accomodation in dean house - next door.
If you wish to make use of our spaces please get in touch.
Lenzie Union Parish Church was established in 1873. We are a vibrant church, situated at the heart of a busy local community just north east of Glasgow, with easy transport links from the city and surrounding areas. There is on street parking available.
We meet on a Sunday morning at 11am for Worship and everyone is warmly welcomed.
The Service is also live streamed and available on YouTube
Lenzie Scout St Andrew's Day Parade - Youth Service 11.00am
On Sunday 24th November our Service was led by Mr John Nicolson, and the theme was 'Faith - Is seeing really believing?'
Please can you help this Christmas?
Message from the Lodging House Mission
We would love for everyone who comes to us to have something in their Christmas bag that they would like, rather than just what they need. We would also love to provide a bag of goodies to enjoy over the festive period.
We generally need toiletries which we to provide on a daily basis and there is also a miscellaneous list of a few wee extras that would made a big difference.
Earlier this year, we were delighted to be successful in our application for the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme which supports local good causes. Tesco customers in Kirkintilloch, Cumbernauld, Craigmarloch and Bishopbriggs stores voted during April, May and June with the result that we received a grant to use towards our ‘construction’ theme this year.
One of the crafts we purchased with the grant was Baker Ross kits for every girl to build a doll’s house room. We also bought furniture kits to make tables, chairs, bookcases and beds for our rooms. This project took three weeks and the girls worked hard to construct the kits and strengthen them with wood glue. The furniture was quite fiddly to put together and patience was required! Recycled materials brought from home or from our Girls’ Brigade resources were used to make carpets and curtains, and everyone got inventive with wall coverings, cushions, tablecloths and artwork. The girls had amazing ideas and came up with so many different designs for their rooms.
Finally, the girls made plasticene people for their rooms! Above are some pictures of the craft.
On Sunday 3rd Nov our service was led by Rev Dr Kleber Machado and included the dedication of the Guild. We also gave thanks for the work of CrossReach. We are called to be 'living stones', building God's Kingdom and leading others in His way.
Meet some of the people who keep our church running!
Feel free to contact them for further information
On Saturday 26th October, the Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir entertained a large audience of family, friends and church members. We were treated to a variety of songs from Alexander’s Ragtime Band to Black Island, an American trilogy and a superb finale of Highland Cathedral to name a few. Soloists sang I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables and Getting to Know You from My Fair Lady and David gave us a lovely rendition of Gabriel’s Oboe on the organ.
The concert was followed by an invitation to join together in the New Hall for chat and light refreshments.
A wonderful evening when over £1000 was raised for Crossreach and Lenzie Union Church!
Youth Cafe is a free space for young people so if you want to hang out and enjoy loads of activities, food or just chat come along and pick up a consent form to attend Youth Cafe. You can email for a consent form in advance. Hope to see you there after school 3.45 - 5.00 pm on Thursday 31st October!
youthworker@lenzieunion.org
Monday 21st October
Our guest speaker this evening was James Carmichael, a retired lecturer and crime writer who grew up in Glasgow. His topic was Polio which turned out to be a most inspiring, thought provoking and enlightening talk. The heart-rending stories of children diagnosed with polio being completely isolated from family with sandbags set on them to prevent any movement and being kept in hospital for a year or more was a reminder of how things have moved on in treatment and care. Polio, however, is still a problem in many parts of the world and James told us of the End Polio Now campaign of which he is President. In this role he travels all over Britain giving talks on the importance of effective vaccines. There is no cure for Post-Polio syndrome which emphasises the need for everyone to be protected.
James explained that Polio can be caught from being in contact with contaminated water for example. The Pro Plus Society is providing clean water around the world as well as protecting hundreds of children with a potentially life saving vaccine. The devastation of war torn countries such as Gaza cause untold misery to the thousands risking their lives to be vaccinated.
James finished his talk by emotionally explaining that his biggest challenge has been to adapt to the simple fact that his condition will deteriorate. All he can do is to `pace` himself which was not an easy thing for him to accept. His final words were “No-one today should contact Polio”.
4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.” ’
Luke 3, v 4-6
This week our service was led by Mr John Nicolson.
The theme was 'Rejoicing in God' and we read Psalm 66, and thought about God's never ending love for us!
This autumn some of the youngsters from 1st Lenzie Boys’ Brigade and 1st Lenzie Girls’ Brigade enjoyed a fantastic weekend away to Abernethy Outdoor Centre at Nethy Bridge, run by the Abernethy Trust. We enjoyed a selection of activities including crate building, adventure course, zip wire, canoeing, raft building, climbing wall, aerial runway, Jacob’s ladder and archery.
At one point the boys on the raft competed against the girls in the canoes to collect balls around the canoeing pond – we won’t say who won!
Some of the brave young people also chose to jump into the water after their canoeing activity – it was very cold! Everyone had time to also go swimming in the indoor pool at the house and to play in the games room.
In the evening there was a Christian session run by Abernethy, followed by an amazing camp fire and a movie night. After church on Sunday we played a scavenger hunt organised by the BB all around the house.
It was a great weekend for everyone and the young people experienced new activities and enjoyed some independence.
Thanks to the Abernethy staff and instructors for a great weekend.
Today's service was lead by John Nicolson on the theme of "Longing for God"
1As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
‘Where is your God?’
4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Saviour and my God. Psalm 42, v 1-5
Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered,
“Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
7 ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 ‘Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
13 ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7, V 7-14
Please smile as you greet folks each Sunday.
Thank you to all who help with the flowers in church each week.
For each Sunday, please provide and place flowers on both flower stands to the right and left of the chancel.
It's always lovely to get together on opening night after such a long break, to meet up and chat over a cuppa and some delicious home baking.
Last night however, we experienced a real treat! The entertainment was top notch. Kirsty Duncan, a professional singer from Glasgow, enjoyed singing almost as much as we enjoyed listening to her fabulous rendition of songs from the musicals.
What talent! What an entertainer! What a memorable evening!
Our Harvest thanksgiving service for 2024, led by Mr Phil Allan
'The Journey May be Tough, but the Rewards are Worth it!'
Compromise and No Compromise
On Sunday past (29nd September) the service was led by Rev Donald MacLeod. Reading was from Mark 9 : 38-50
Worship is for everyone.
People who are newly curious about God worship side by side with people who have been Christians for decades. You don’t have to be a Church member to join in, and it’s for all ages.
Worship basically means ‘worth-ship’. It’s about seeing what God is worth and giving him what he’s worth. Worship often involves singing and praying on Sundays, but it flows into loving and serving God through our actions and words every day.
Worship is natural – it can sometimes feel like ‘coming home’. St Augustine (354-430 AD) put it in a nutshell: ‘Great are you, O Lord, and greatly to be praised…You move us to delight in praising you; for you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.’
Jesus took time to worship, and weekly worship on Sundays at 11am is at the heart of Lenzie Union. The service is live streamed on …..link… so that anyone anywhere can join in or watch later. The minister and welcome team are at the church door to meet people before the service starts. The service lasts just over an hour and there’s time to chat over tea and coffee afterwards. You don’t have to dress up. Young people and children are a key part of the church family. There’s always something for them in the early part of the service – and afterwards they can join in age appropriate activities in the New Hall or stay for the whole service if they want.
Worship is about meeting with God. Since Lenzie Union got started in 1873 people have prayed ‘we want to see Jesus’. At each service there’s always a Bible reading so we can hear God’s Word. There are prayers which praise God, and prayers for the world, for the people on our minds, and for ourselves. The music is a mix of traditional and more contemporary and the all age talk and sermon try explore what it means to trust and follow Jesus today.
Worship is for every day. Jesus took time to be still in worship to equip him for the demands of the day. The Lectio 365 app is just one way to pray each day - a ten minute time of prayer, Bible reading and quiet each mornings and evenings…
A Minister is always available to take funerals and to help wherever he can in a time of bereavement. You don’t have to be a church member. Funeral services are always personal and unique for each person.
Lenzie Union with its beautiful ambiance has been the setting for lots of weddings over the years. To find out more just contact the session clerk or interim moderator. Wedding services in the church and other locations are a time to thank God for the gift of love and ask God’s blessing at the start of a new marriage. They’re always personal and unique for each couple.
Baptism (or Christening), is a celebration when adults or children are welcomed into the church family. It usually takes place at the 11am Sunday service. You don’t have to be a church member and a Minister is always delighted to chat about baptism or answer any questions.
Each Sunday throughout the seasons the flower group takes delight in creating floral arrangements, sometimes intricate, sometimes simple, but always beautiful, and always adding to the peaceful ambience of the church as we worship together.
And at the end of the service the flowers are taken to folks who, for different reasons, would benefit from being reminded that we care for them.
Wish to donate flowers, perhaps in memory of a loved one?
Contact Sheila 07791240248
Or help in any way? Contact Elizabeth 07742387027
By being an adult presence at Youth Café on a rota basis? Learn more.
Please contact Kim for further information.
Perhaps join a rota?
At Meeting Place on a Wednesday morning - learn more.
Contact Iris 0141 776 5170
At Coffee Pot on a Friday morning - learn more.
Contact Fiona 0774 846 0325
A few people need help to get to church. Would you be willing join a rota and to help occasionally?
Contact Hugh hugh.wright7@ntlworld.com
Enjoy pottering about in the garden? Join the Gardening Group and help keep our grounds looking attractive. Contact Sheila 07815851777
Do you enjoy arranging flowers? … or simply want to donate a bunch ?
Get in touch with Elizabeth on 07742387027
Did you enjoy going to Boys Brigade in your youth?
Would you consider helping out at Boys Brigade, either occasionally or regularly?
If so, contact Hugh Wright to find out more. hugh.wright7@ntlworld.com
There is a space at this desk for you!
Why not give it a go? We’d be delighted to welcome, guide and support you.
Contact Margaret 07792168826
Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered,
“Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
Ensuring a Safe Church for All
The church has a deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.
Working together with the Safeguarding Service we seek to safeguard the welfare of anyone who encounters the services and activities in the church.
The Gospel proclaims that it is the responsibility of everyone within the church to prevent harm and we always seek to reduce risk.
Our commitment to Safeguarding reminds us that God cares passionately about the welfare and wellbeing of all people. A tenet we follow just as passionately.
Whistleblowing Policy
The Kirk Session agreed their latest revision of the Whistleblowing Policy in August 2022. You can download this latest version here.
Code of Conduct for Members, Visitors and Users of the Premises
The Code of Conduct for members, users and visitors of/to Lenzie Union premises aims to set out appropriate and inappropriate conduct for all to follow, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for everyone who uses the premises.
In face to face, written or digital communication no-one should
No-one should
If working with children or vulnerable adults all Safeguarding guidelines should be followed and leaders/users should hold the appropriate PVG Scheme membership.
At all times visitors and users of the premises should respect differences in gender, race, culture, disability, sexual orientation and religious beliefs.
Make a Complaint
If you would like to make a complaint about some aspect of this congregation's life and work, then please — in the first instance — contact the Session Clerk here.
If you feel the need of prayer support for any situation the prayer chain of dedicated members are always ready to pray. Your message will be sent through the chain, sympathetically and with full confidentiality.
You can leave a message here.
In addition to the confidential Prayer Chain, we are pleased to receive requests for prayer for the work of the church, the community and the wider world, to be included in the Prayer Diary which is produced every 4 months. Together with Lenzie Old Parish Church we also meet to pray for the community and beyond. Prayer initiatives will be highlighted in News page.
In need of prayer?
Please call on the number below.
Or send a message with the heading “Prayer Chain”
If you feel the need of prayer support for any situation the prayer chain of 15 dedicated members are always ready to pray. Your message will be sent through the chain, sympathetically and with full confidentiality.
Hi, do you have any concerns? or need a listening ear …or a prayer? I’m at the other end of a phone.
During this time of vacancy please feel free to contact me.
The session has agreed to the formation of a Pastoral Care Team to augment the role of the Elder and our Pastoral Assistant, Donald Macleod. The Holy Spirit has given us all different gifts and talents to use to his glory but everyone who belongs to God’s church is part of the shared ministry of caring for each other and for the world. Jesus’s commandment to us was to love one and other and share the Good News of Christ.
It is envisaged that the role of a Pastoral Care Team member would require as little as an hour a month visiting 1 housebound person regularly or as much time in the month that would suit you to allocate to the task eg having 2 or 3 people you would visit regularly.
Should you decide to explore this role within our church and be a part of this team, God will equip you for the task but also we would offer 2 initial training sessions in the autumn led by our pastoral assistant, Donald. As this would be a formal team any member would require to apply for a PVG.
What a wonderful time of fellowship, fun and food we had on Sunday 25 August. Our pastoral assistant Donald Macleod led worship preaching on Psalm 23 , The Lord is my Shepherd. After the service, the Mission and Discipleship team made lunch for everyone and we delved deeper into the Psalm with our friends marvelling at the strength and promises of this portion of scripture.
We are really looking forward to the next time we can meet and do the same! I wonder what verses it will be and what culinary delights we can make!
Thanks so much everyone who took part
The M and D team
Rendezvous is an after church social meeting place. You'll be served a hot cup of tea or a coffee and have the chance to chat with friends or. friends you haven't met yet. Rendezvous is in the New Hall and it also where the children who attend Lighthouse will be.
Many of the people who attend Rendezvous like to chat so it won't be too long before a friendly face will introduce themselves to you.
Join us at the Sunday Morning Community Breakfast before the church service once a month (check our website for details of the next one)
Enjoy good food and good company. Open to all.
Good coffee, tasty home baking, friendly chat
Have you heard about the famous Coffee Pot cheese scones? The equally famous fruit scones? Or the cream sponge or tray bakes? Why not come and try them for yourself at Coffee Pot. Coffee Pot takes place weekly, and is a great place to enjoy chatting over a cup of tea or coffee and meeting friends old and new.
Coffee Pot is on Fridays, 10am to noon, in the New Hall which is fully accessible.
Cost - £4 for coffee/tea plus refills, with a cake or scone.
Contact Fiona here for any additional information.
It's WEDNESDAY – halfway to the weekend! The best way to celebrate the middle of the week is by visiting The Meeting Place Coffee Shop where you are guaranteed a warm welcome, cheerful service and delicious home baking.
A fully accessible space for all ages to come together to meet with friends old and new. A midweek cuppa and a chat refills your cup in more ways than one!
Enjoy a Fairtrade tea or coffee with scone or cake for only £3.
Wednesdays from 10 am – 12 noon in the New Hall.
For more information contact Iris impwill@yahoo.co.uk
Want to explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment?
We're delighted to invite you to our Alpha classes, on Wednesday afternoons starting 1:30 pm until around 3:00pm from the beginning of October, in the Lenzie Union New Hall
Unpack the Big Questions of Life.
No pressure, No judgement
Video - Coffee and Cake - Friendly Chat.
Come along any time you can!
Opportunities to share, learn together and grow in faith. Watch out for the next one, a new study is planned for Spring 2025.
Prayer for our community and beyond
Two local churches Lenzie Union and Lenzie Old unite in prayer. Come and pray together.
"Lenzie Prays" .... Together with Lenzie Old Church we seek opportunities for prayer for the community and beyond. Feel free to come along. See news and events for details.
Download this app (Lectio 365) on your phone.
Lectio 365 is a free daily devotional resource that helps you pray and read the Bible every day. Tune into God’s presence and peace by slowing down, meditating on scripture, listening to God and praying for 10 minutes at the beginning and end of each day. No need to plan. So easy and worthwhile.
Looking for opportunities to meet old friends and make new ones too?
Get together twice a month at the Guild from October ‘til March, mostly in the evenings, occasionally in the afternoons.
Enjoy each other’s company, chat over a cuppa.
Be entertained by musicians. You’ll be clapping and singing along before you know it.
Or be informed on a surprisingly diverse range of topics by our guest speakers.
Not only do we benefit, others do too. All over Scotland the Guild raises funds to support many good causes, both national and international. It is amazing what is being achieved, to benefit those in need.
For more information contact Morag Macleod here.
Can’t draw or paint? Be surprised!
Under the friendly expert guidance of our artist Bev McCluskey we are amazed with the results of our endeavours! She leads us step by step and somehow we all end up with a piece of art which we can’t wait to show off to our family and friends. We leave with a smile on our faces, having enjoyed a blether, a cuppa and a chance to escape from the pressures of daily life….Who can worry when totally focussing on creating a “masterpiece”!
Want to give it a go?
Contact Margaret 07792168826 to confirm numbers
ART for SENIORS 4th Monday of the month, 13:30-15:00 in New Hall
£5 per person to help cover resources.
Come along to a friendly De Cafe, on the second Monday of the month.
Relax in a safe, welcoming space where those with dementia can enjoy cake and chat, whilst their carers have a chance to find out from Ceartas where they can find additional assistance and help when needed.
We all have fun, including the helpers. We like to end the afternoon with a sing-along, which is especially beneficial to those with dementia, but almost everyone enjoys this and leaves on a happy note!
Contact Clare Robertson, (07789425547, or alpha.lenzie@gmail.com) for
more information on our De Cafe.
For more information on dementia support contact Ceartas, an advocacy
organisation, based in Kirkintilloch.https://www.ceartas.org.uk/
Looking for a gentle way to keep your mind and body active?
Come and join us twice a month for a wee boogie and a blether. You’ll find a sociable bunch at LUPC on the 1st and 3rd Monday’s of the month between 1.30 and 2.30 pm in the Old Hall having a chat and even participating in some dance moves. No ball gowns or tuxedos required just comfy clothes, shoes and a bottle of water…….and of course your sense of humour.
£5 donation is taken to help
Contact Sherrie here for details.
“A good way to start the week!”
That’s how one teenager described Bible Class.
An opportunity for Secondary School kids to get together, explore the Bible and learn about Jesus in a fun, relaxed way through videos, quizzes, puzzles, treasure hunts …… and more.
Come along and join the exploration!
We meet in the Atrium of the New Hall on a Sunday morning after the first part of the service.
Come and Shine with Us!
Every Sunday we gather in the church for all age worship during the first part of the service, before the children are welcomed to share stories and activities in the more relaxed space of the New Hall. A recent theme was “characters in the Bible” where we spent a little bit of time between crafts and games to explore God’s word. We had a closer look at some really interesting people, understanding the roles they played in fulfilling God’s promise to his people. We were reminded that although the Bible portrayed these men and women as special individuals, God sees all of his children as special. We affirmed that, with faith in God, ordinary people could achieve extraordinary things! A good lesson for all ages!
Once a month, we use Godly Play, a new and exciting way to engage the imagination and provide opportunities to experience the wonder, mystery and power of stories from the Bible.
1st Lenzie Company Boys’ Brigade is a lively group of over 50 boys who enjoy loads of interesting activities. Come and join in the fun!
Always happy to have new members!
We meet on Friday evenings:
Contact us here or visit our Facebook page.
“If it wasn’t for GB I wouldn't be me. I am unique, I have faith, GB really is the place to be!”
Buzz along to Girls’ Brigade! Make new friends while having fun!
Tuesday evenings during term time from 7 to 8.15 pm for all school-age girls.
For more details and a registration form email Anne Halliday on:
At Girls’ Brigade we learn new things, play games, make crafts and hear about God’s love in a welcoming space.
Are you a young person in S1- S6?
Looking for a free space to hang out with friends or meet new ones?
Enjoy free food & drinks and lots of games ….table tops …. or pool … or table tennis …. or get more active and try the current favourite - giant volleyball
New things to try so get creative ….
make some yummy snacks in the kitchen …. pizza making or cake decorating competitions.
Learn a new skill ….
Play a guitar or a piano …. clay making …. mosaic art.
WHERE? YOUTH CAFÉ, Lenzie Union New Hall
WHEN? Thursdays (during school terms) from 3:45-5pm. Youth Cafe is a partnership between Lenzie Union and Urban Saints.
Would you, like many of us, like to know and understand the Bible better?
Would you like to grow in your walk with Jesus?
Here is an opportunity to join a group of like-minded men and women.
Meeting as a small, relaxed and friendly house group, we can freely talk and ask questions over tea.
The Thursday Evening Group is due to begin a new 13 part Lifebuilder study on 17th October. This will be based on Hebrews and is entitled “Race to Glory”.
Hebrews Ch 12 v 1- "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Want to join in that race?
If you miss the start, feel free to come along any time.
We will meet at 7.30pm
Transport can be arranged.
For further details contact Isabel here. She will be delighted to hear from you.
A new intergenerational housegroup is planned
This term we will be starting an intergenerational housegroup. The aim is to intentionally bring together different generations to have the opportunity for meaningful interactions and build relationships between them. We will be using Messy Church Discipleship materials to begin with.
Watch this space!