This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Bearsden Cross Church - Organisations


Kirk Session Committees
  • Pastoral Group
  • Praise & Worship
  • Eco-Group
  • Publications & Publicity
  • Social Functions
  • Archive
Congregational Board
Fundraising Group 
North Project Group
Association of Bearsden Churches
Scottish Bible Society
Christian Aid
Traidcraft
Church Organisations
  • Choir
  • Praise Bands
  • Transport to Church
  • Prayer List & Prayer Group
  • Bible Study Groups
  • Coffee After Church
  • Guild
  • Knitting & Sewing Circle
  • Childrens Activites
  • Phoenix Circle
  • WAGs
  • Saturday Night Club
  • Parent & Child
  • Bearsden Cross Ladies Badminton Club
  • Bearsden Players
  • Bearsden Literary Society
  • Bearsden Rocks
  • Monday Club
  • The Way Ahead Group
  • The Forum
  • Walking Club
BEAM
Lodging House Mission
Uniformed Organisations
  • Girls' Brigade
  • Boys' Brigade
  • Girlguiding
  • Scouting

Kirk Session Committees

Pastoral Group

The Pastoral Group exists to support the Minister and Reader in visiting the elderly and housebound.

Praise & Worship

Along with the Minister, Organist and Session the committee explores ways in which we can develop our Christian understanding and faith through music, praise, prayer and Bible study and also offer outreach to the parish.

Eco-Group

eco-congregationEco-congregation Scotland is an ecumenical programme for churches to help them understand environmental issues in the context of their Faith and take Spiritual and practical steps to care for God's creation. The programme is designed to support and develop the existing work and mission of churches. It offers free resources, ongoing support and an award scheme. It can enliven church life, encourage the involvement of people of all ages and help churches engage with their local communities.

Publications & Publicity

The committee is responsible to Session for the production of the Church magazine, the Year Book, this Website, Church Posters, Book stall, Christmas & Easter cards and arranging distribution where necessary.

Social Functions

Working with the Minister, Session and those involved in other organisations the Committee arranges a variety of social activities aimed at welcoming new members and enhancing fellowship.

Archive

With the union of the North and South Churches, the new Cross Church Kirk Session decided it was important to keep historical documents from the history of both congregations. They appointed an archivist for each of the former congregations. Of the early records, Minute Books are held in the National Archives of Scotland, but there are a lot of records of both congregations in the churches. However there are gaps and the archivists would appreciate help with filling these gaps. If anyone is having a clear out and finds anything that might be useful, please get in touch.
Back to top

Congregational Board

The Board is responsible for the maintenance of the Church Buildings and the general administration of the congregational finances. It is made up of the Minister, twelve elders appointed by the Kirk Session and twelve members elected by the congregation at the AGM. The Board has a Clerk, Treasurer, Gift Aid Treasurer, FWO Convenor as well as a Property and a Finance Committee.
Back to top

Fundraising Group

This group has been set up to spearhead the fundrasing campaign the congregation will need, firstly to fund the restorative work on the South Buildings, and later, once plans are in place, for the development of the North Buildings as a Church Heritage and Community Centre.
Back to top

North Project Group

Following the decision by the Presbytery to approve the proposal by the Church to make its permanent home in the former South Church buildings, seeking to develop the buildings on the North site for community or other uses, possibly in partnership with others, failing which to sell them  the North Project Group has been set up. The Group will explore every avenue by which the North Church site and buildings might be retained for community and heritage purposes, if possible in partnership with others, investigating likely costs and possible sources of income, reporting to both the Board and Session at their regular meetings. For information on their work see the magazine here. 
Back to top

Association of Bearsden Churches

This is a committee of representatives from all the Bearsden Churches of all denominations. It organises various ecumenical events throughout the year such as 'One World Week ' and Holy Week. For details of our representative contact the Church Office otherwise see the website.
Back to top

Scottish Bible Society scottish_bible_society

The Scottish Bible Society is a fully independent charity working with all Christian denominations worldwide and here in Scotland providing Bibles, New Testaments, as well as resource materials in a variety of formats, including audio and video, to congregations, schools, and other Christian organisations. It also translates and publishes Scriptures. There is a volunteer network including Action groups, local Church representatives and speakers, all helping to spread the Word of God and finance the distribution of the Scriptures.
For details of our representative contact the Church Office otherwise see the website.
Back to top

Christian Aid

christian_aid

'The Churches' own charity'
A charity working with people helping them to find their own way out of poverty. Our local Parish organiser is glad to hear from anyone who has ideas or would like to help with fundraising. For details contact the Church Office otherwise see the website.
Back to top

Traidcrafttraidcraft_logo

A sale is held monthly of tea, coffee, dried fruit, sweets and chocolate, and other Traidcraft goods. From October to December, Christmas cards are available.
For details contact the Church Office otherwise see the website.
Back to top

Church Organisations

Church Choir

Church music is under the general direction of the Organist and Choirmaster. Anyone wishing to join the choir or assist it's work in any way from time to time, should speak to the Organist at the close of the service. The Choir usually meets on a Thursday evening at 7.30 p.m. We have a pipe organ in both the church buildings. Details of the instruments are recorded on the National Pipe Organ Register follow the links to see the entries. The organ in the North building is understood to be a JJ Binns instrument dating from  1902 and the  organ in the South building a TC Lewis organ from 1911 which was originally in Buchleuch Church and was moved to its present location about 1955.

Praise Bands

Members of the Congregation of all ages who can play a musical instrument are invited to consider joining the praise band. Details from the Church Office.

Transport to Church

Volunteers help provide transport to church for hose that cannot otherwise get here. Volunteers are asked to help one Sunday a month, or even be a 'reserve'.  If you are willing to help or if you need transport, please contact the church office.

Prayer List & Prayer Group

A monthly prayer list is published with suggested topics for prayer during the month and an invitation is extended to any who would wish to come together as a group for prayer. Suggestions and requests for inclusion on the list are welcome. Topics can include congregational activities and (if requested) individual members or their families as well as wider concerns. Details from the Church Office.

Bible Study Groups

Groups meet on Sunday evenings and weekday mornings.

We aim to offer members an opportunity to come together as part of a group to discuss questions arising from a passage in the Bible, usually following the passages and questions from one of the many guides that are available. For more information contact the Church Office.

Coffee After Church

Volunteers always welcome to serve tea and coffee or help with the washing up. While we enjoy fellowship and friendship after mornign worship any profits from the donations are shared between BEAM ('talking newspaper') and the Lodging House Mission.

The Guildguild

The Guild is open to all comers male & female, meeting fortnightly on a Monday afternoon from October to March. Everyone welcome. We arrange trasnport for those who need it. Everyone is welcome. The theme for the current session is 'To Act Justly', see the calendar for details.

Knitting & Sewing Circle

The group from the church together with friends knit throughout the year. A coffee morning is held  every other year to raise funds to buy wool and in the intervening year, a Beetle Drive as a 'thank you' to all knitters. In 2009, 238 garments and 13 blankets and 20 knitted toys were distributed to various hospitals and charities. We also make occasional cash donations to specific causes such as CHAS and Erskine Hospital. The committee meets on the 1st Tuesday each month from October to July and would welcome new knitters.

Childrens Activities

A Crèche during Church is arranged for young children. The Sunday School children go out to their classes after the Childrens address. It has a Beginners Department for those aged over three years; a Primary Department for those in P1 to 3; and a Senior Department to cater for those in P4 to 7 . There are two Bible Class sections meet before the Church service there is a Junior Bible Class for S1-2 and a Senior Bible Class for S3-6.

Saturday Night Club

For members of the Bible Class and their friends - held from September to June on Saturdays at 7.30 - 10 p.m.

The Phoenix Circlephoenix

The Phoenix Circle is to provide fellowship, outreach and education for young women of all ages in Bearsden. The group host a variety of talks, outings and events with something of interest to suit all tastes. The meetings take place fortnightly in the Church Hall on a Monday evening at 8 p.m. and run from September to March, see the calendar for details. A very warm welcome is extended to visitors and new members.

WAGs "In support of others"

WAGS was established in 2008. The original aim of the Group was to enable working age 'girls' within the Churhc to meet socially on a regular basis. The purpose of the Group has since been expanded as it was felt the Group should participate in the Church's outreach policy. The Group seeks to provide support for fellow members, other Church Groups and the wider community. For more information contact the Church Office.

Parent & Child Group

For Parents - or Grandparents, childminders or other carers - of children under three years old - or pre-playgroup. The group meets on Thursday mornings 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. in the South building but if there is enough demand will also meet on a Tuesday.

Bearsden Cross Ladies Badminton Club

During 'term-time' the Ladies Badminton Club meets in the South Building Large Hall on Wednesday afternoons 2 - 4 p.m.  The standard of play is variable, depending largely on our state of fitness and the age of the players! New members would be made most welcome - we would even be happy to welcome any men who wished to join us. In which case we would change the club's name to save embarrassment! There is no age limit but, given that the meeting is mid-week in the afternoon the members tend to be slightly older but no less keen or competitive for that.

Bearsden Cross Players

The Bearsden Cross Players is a group of young at heart thespians, who are keen to get up on stage and make fools of themselves! The Players meet on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and enjoy workign towards plays and pantomimes. Anyone interested in acting, backstage, costumes, directing, lighting, scenery, etc. will be most welcome.

Bearsden Literary Society

The 'Lit' as it is affectionately known was founded in 1892 and meets fortnightly on Monday evenings at 7.30 p.m. at present in the Baptist Church, Roman Road. Details of the meetings are advertised on the notice board in grounds of the North Church building at the corner of Drymen Road and Thorn Road. New members will be very welcome.

Bearsden Rocks 

This is curling group of the Association of Bearsden Churches open to all members of the Bearsden Churches and their friends. We do try to keep a church connection as we feel fellowship among members of the churches is important and this can be gained by playing a game of curling, where we have a lot of fun. We curl usually two Sunday afternoons a month October to March at Braehead Curling Rink 2.20 - 4.20 p.m. Presently the cost for the ice is £7.50 per session & group membership £15 a year. For more information contact the Church Office.

Monday Club

Formerly known as the Ecumenical Housebound Club this group is for elderly persons, not necessarily confined indoors, and meets throughout the year on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 2 p.m. in the Baptist Church on Roman Road. Helpers from several local Churches provide car transport where needed, entertainment and tea is provided in a friendly atmosphere. For more information or to offer assistance contact the Church Office.

The Way Ahead Group - A Stroke Club for Bearsden

Members meet every Thursday in Killermont Church Hall from 1.15 - 3.45 p.m. New volunteer drivers and helpers, who are only 'on-duty' one Thursday in the month, are alway welcome. For more information contact the Church Office.

The Forum

Meets at Baljaffray Parish Church halls fortnightly on Monday at 7.30 p.m. - the group welcomes both men and women from local Churches to a full programme of interesting talks, and to share in some fellowship, and occasional outings from October to March.

Walking Club

The group meet approximately fortnightly and details of walks, times and so forth are on the notice board in the Church.
Back to top

BEAM

Bearsden & Milngavie Talking Newspaper Association is a service for the blind, the partially sighted and those otherwise handicapped or labouring under some temporary or permanent incapacity or disability. It has been a registered charity since 1990. It was formed by the members of the Bearsden South Church but volunteers and listeners have been an ecumenical group from the beginning. It provides a weekly 90-minute audio tape of the local newspaper as a free service. BEAM has around 50 volunteers and depends on donations and fund-raising and a local grant to produce the weekly service. BEAM is happy to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer to help or who would like to receive the weekly tape. A monthly and quarterly tape is also produced.
Back to top

Lodging House Mission 'Where there's light there's hope.' lodging_house_mission

Established in 1907, The Lodging House Mission is a joint project of Glasgow Presbytery and the Church of Scotland to help meet the needs of the many single men and women living in Glasgow's lodging houses. Situated in East Campbell Street it offers hospitality, food, pastoral care and worship with a minister available throughout the week. It helps with housing benefit and other social issues and also offers a variety of educational and recreational activities providing a focus for learning and friendship. Meal vouchers at £1.10 are available from the Church Office and can be exchanged for a full cooked breakfast or three course lunch. A clothes service is also provided and any unwanted clothes may be left in the Assembly area for collection. We support the various seasonal appeals such as Harvest, Christmas and Easter. 
For details of our representative contact the Church Office otherwise see the website.
Back to top

Uniformed Organisations

bb_anchor

The Boys' Brigade - 1st Bearsden Company

Jointly with neighbouring churches. For details see the website.


The Girls' Brigade - 98th Glasgow Companygb_logo

Jointly with neighbouring churches. The company is part of the Glasgow North West Division and for their details use the Company Finder.


Girlguiding 'Girls in the Lead'girl_guiding

Various units for girls meet in the Guide hall in Pendicle Road and in other school and Guide Halls in the area.


Scoutingscouts_scotland

24th Glasgow (Bearsden) Scouts have groups meeting in the local schools and the local Scout Halls. For current contact details use the search section of ScoutBase.

Back to top