Our Minister:
Rev Robert Craig BA, BD(Min), DipRS
Robert was ordained and inducted to this charge of Wishaw Craigneuk & Belhaven Parish Church linked with Wishaw Old Parish Church in October 2008. He holds a BA in Social Sciences with honours from the Open University and a BD in Ministry with honours from the University of Glasgow. Originally from Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, Robert joined the Corps of Royal Engineers as a boy soldier at 16 and served for 9 years during which time he was employed as a Combat Signaler and a Bomb Disposal Engineer. Since then he worked in the construction industry in Scotland and the Channel Islands as a joiner and as a site manager. His interests include birdwatching, DIY, cooking and history; he is also a caseworker for SSAFA Forces Help.
His call to ministry was as sudden as it was painful. Following a near fatal accident that resulted from a 30 foot fall from a building he felt God had saved him for a purpose and he identified that purpose as the call to ministry. This Damascus Road experience was pivotal in changing the direction of his life; touched by the hand of a God who loved him he sought to turn that love into action. Throughout the long recovery process he pursued the call that brought him to Wishaw.
He brings with him his own personal ministry team of wife Anne and daughters Rebecca, Hannah and Abigail with Border Collie Meg in a supporting role.
Robert says: "I feel my life has been blessed by a God who loves me in so many ways and I am humbled by the responsibility that has been entrusted to me here in Wishaw."
Contact:
Tel: 01698 376080
Wishaw Old Parish Church Session Clerk:Tom Donaldson
In his formative years Tom was associated with Wishaw EU Congregational Church, and was a member of the Life Boys. In 1976 he joined Wishaw Old Parish Church and was soon involved in the Bible Class and Youth Fellowship, Sunday School and as a helper in the Boys’ Brigade. This has helped to make up for the period of 15 years he spent as a Scout Leader. His major claim as cook at the weekend camps was in converting the group to the pleasure of Cheese Dreams and Banana Fritters. He was elected to the Congregational Board in 1976 and was appointed as Clerk in 1978, a position he held until 2007. He was ordained as an elder in 1977 and recently received his Long Service Certificate. He has been a member of the Men’s Club since 1976 and completes his 20th year as Chairman this year. He was appointed Session Clerk in 2006. He is also serves as an additional elder in the Presbytery of Hamilton and is Clerk to the Stewardship and Finance Committee.
Tom took the opportunity of early retirement six years ago and now spends his time divided between First Aid Training, the YMCA where he is Treasurer, the Council of St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association, where he serves as a Vice President and of course the Church. As well as the administrative role as Session Clerk, he is acting as Treasurer at present. His leadership skills were used to good effect in his thoughtful and dedicated leadership of the Nominating Committee. His wide experience of the practices and procedures in the church has certainly been used to the full in managing the long period of vacancy. He sees the future of the church being at work in the community both in the maintaining of worship and provision of opportunities for service.
Craigneuk & Belhaven Parish Church Session Clerk: Alex Steele
Alex began his early life in South Dalziel Parish Church passing through the Sunday School, Bible Class and BB Company. He married Jean in 1967 and became a member of Craigneuk Belhaven in 1970. His service here has been varied and committed becoming a Deacon in 1971, an Elder in 1973 and Session Clerk in 1990 as well as 10 years with the Junior Sunday School. He has steered the church through the recent protracted vacancy with his cheerful leadership and sensitivity. Alex has a compassionate disposition that is reflected in his pastoral commitment which manifests itself in his love of visiting members despite his heavy workload. Although now retired he brings to the team extensive management experience from industry. His leadership remains a mainstay of congregational life at Craigneuk and Belhaven and he plays a key role in our ministry team.
Worship Leader:Roberta Hutton
I have been coming to Craigneuk to worship for most of my life. There were a few years when we had moved from the Craigneuk area that I attended another church, but I always maintained ties with the congregation here, and when the time came to make the commitment to become a church member, I knew the place I wanted to join was Belhaven.
I worked in the Sunday School, and various other organisations, I am a member of the Board and was ordained to the Eldership. In my years in this church I have been involved in a lot of different means of service, from cleaning to living as caretaker of the manse for 13 months during vacancy, from serving soup to training as part of the worship team. Always with one aim, to try to serve the Lord in whatever way He led me.
I have worked in Morningside Primary School for over 14 years, a job which, most days, I wouldn’t change. I love working with the children, and take great pleasure in seeing them progress.
I enjoy reading and doing puzzles, but my favourite pastime is sharing time and activities with my family.
Worship Leader:Nicola McConnell
Nicola grew up in Wishaw Old Parish Church coming up through the Sunday School and Bible Class. She also attended Wishaw Old's Brownies, youth music group New Image and Guides at Chalmer's Church.
She is now a Sunday School teacher and was ordained as an Elder in 2008. Nicola retains links with other churches in the Motherwell and Wishaw area and has a special interest in joint youth work initiatives.
Nicola is currently conducting research in Classics at the University of Glasgow after completing an MA in Classics in 2007 and a Postgraduate Diploma in I.T. in 2008.
Worship Leader: Margaret Clarkson
I grew up and attended the youth organisations in Craigneuk and Belhaven Church and when the time came for me to make the decision where God wanted me to serve Him as a member, I felt it was right to stay at Craigneuk. My journey with God has seen me serve Him as a Sunday School teacher, Congregational Board member, an elder, editor of Contact, the church magazine and Prayer Chain co-ordinator, amongst other things. I have completed a Teambuilder Course in Pastoral Visiting and more recently trained as a Worship Leader. Along with a small team we run a club for P1-3 children in Berryhill School on Thursday Evenings 6.30-7.45pm.
