St Mary's Greyfriars' Church, Dumfries :: Church news

I will name that tune!

Dave — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:05:42 -0400

I have ruminated on an idea from a social evening many years ago led by Rev and Mrs Wotherspoon, and more recently by our Session Clerk Isobel Evans. The fundamentals come in the form of an evening of fellowship fun where members of the congregation kick-start their cerebral endorphins and arrive at the hall to give a brief precis on a couple of tunes that have left a meaningful mark on their life. Their choice would then be exposed by an appropriate CD.

As everyone has their own Desert Island Disc, a form of favourite, it would be enjoyable to share this. The content would be so diverse – Robbie Shephard, Ella Fitzgerald; Queen (we must have Queen or I’m not playing!); Nicky Spence and all that jazz! I’m assured there would be something for everyone. If you think this sounds a worthwhile idea for January, with proceeds hopefully going to charity, speak to a duty elder or give me a ring on 257691.

Tommy Jardine

Christianity Explored

Dave — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 08:05:21 -0400

If you’ve been meaning to come along but haven’t quite got round to it then don’t leave it too long. Christianity Explored is a great opportunity for an informal chat and a think about anything and everything about our faith – and you even get a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit!

The group is looking at different bits of Mark’s Gospel and has looked at Jesus’s healing ministry and talked about the reactions of the people who witnessed Jesus’s death. The guide that we’re using helps us think about these issues by asking simple questions like what has Jesus come to do, and why did Jesus forgive sins before healing a man?

The more people who come along the more interesting it is, so make a date in your diary to come along at least one occasion – it’s on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm, usually in the hall and the remaining dates are November 6, 13, 20 and 27. If you would like a lift it’s easy to arrange - please just give Anne Twiname (263241) or Elisabeth Manson (07796 044903) a ring.

Christmas is coming …

Dave — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:45:59 -0400

The social and fundraising committee would like to remind members that the Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday December 6. Anyone wishing to convene a stall should contact Janet McSherry on 264973, Bette Archibald on 07899 916565 or Anne Mackie on 249129. Stalls presently are Cake and Candy, Garden Club, Unwanted Gifts, Handcraft, Books Teas. Any other stalls please contact us.

This year, the format has changed. The Bazaar will run from 10am to 12 noon. Only teas and coffees will be served. Lunches will not be available.

There will be a Christmas Quiz in aid of church funds, available from the church or members of the Garden Club. Quizzes should be returned to David Cannon, 30 Ashton Drive, Lochside, Dumfries by Friday November 28.

Christmas music evening
This will be held in the Church on Sunday December 14 at 6.30pm. Come along and enjoy an evening of Christmas music, singing, recitations and festive spirit. Refreshments will be served in the church hall following the service in the church at a cost of £2 per person or £5 per family. If anyone wishes to take part in the evening, please contact Agnes Fraser on 254332.

Tearfund/Tearcraft

Dave — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:44:26 -0400

Tearfund/Tearcraft catalogues are available in the vestibule of the church. If you would like to take one please follow the instructions inside on how to place an order.

Goods from the catalogue can also be viewed and bought at the following times:
- Saturday November 1 at the charities fayre in DG One from 11am to 3pm;
- Monday November 3 at Georgetown library from 2-6pm;
- Thursday November 6 in our church hall from 7.30-9pm, when a DVD on the work of this charity will also be shown and supper will be served.

There is also a book on Living Gifts for Christmas in the vestibule of the church. We only have one copy of this. If you would like to borrow it please return it as soon as you can.

Fairtrade update

Dave — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:43:56 -0400

Developing Fairtrade in Dumfries …
A leading Fairtrade campaigner is visiting our region. Bruce Crowther is coming for a two-day visit on October 6-7 and will be speaking a number of different events to help our region work towards Fairtrade status. He’s going to Castle Douglas, Dunscore, Wigtown and Dumfries.
The Dumfries event is on Tuesday October 7 in the Cumberland Day Centre, off Brooms Road car park, at 7.30pm. Our church is a member of the Dumfries Fair Trade Group so it will be good to get as many people as possible there – please come along and support this event.

… and across the world
Readers of Christian Aid magazine may already trying to find their poetic muse – a wee article in the last magazine advertised a competition to celebrate 10 years of Divine chocolate. Your poem can be any length any format and should be along the theme of how Fairtrade, farm ownership and fantastic chocolate can really make a difference. And guess what the prize is? Yes! It’s Divine chocolate! Entries by December 22 to Divine Poetry Competition, 4 Gainsford Street, London SE1 2NE or by e-mail to poetry@divinechocolate.com.

Buckets of Love

Dave — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:46:03 -0400

Earlier in the year St Mary’s-Greyfriars’ with Caerlaverock undertook to support the Buckets of Love project being run by Blythswood Care (Christian care for body and soul).

It provided a means of showing love and practical support for families outwith Britain who have suffered much.

We give thanks that 63 filled buckets have been sent off (many more people than 63 having ben involved in filling them!) and were included in the 600 buckets sent to China, along with tents and tarpaulins to help victims of the earthquake in China.

God’s love in action.

Anne Twiname

In Touch outing

Dave — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:43:06 -0400

On July 3 a group of 23, including drivers and carers, enjoyed a pleasant drive to Colvend via New Abbey and the scenic route of the Solway Coast passing Southerness and Sandyhills. There was a shower of rain on the way but the sun came out and the afternoon was beautiful. We met at the Stuffed Olive Cafe where we enjoyed afternoon tea with lovely home made scones and lots of chatter.

Some of us took the opportunity to visit Rockcliffe and Kippford before our return journey through Dalbeattie.

We all enjoyed our afternoon and would like to thank the congregation for their support.

Marie Martin, convener

Across the road …

Dave — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:41:48 -0400

Sunday Kids
The children in the Sunday Kids group are on their summer holidays now, after a fulfilling programme taking them through the school year. The session came to an end on June 29 with the Flower Service and prizegiving in the church - well done to all those who took part!

The Sunday Kids (our new name for the Sunday School) has run mostly with a team on a rota this last year and the plan for next year is the same. We're very fortunate that a new graduate of Theology and English, Christina McLemon, is joining our church and going to be very active in helping out - but any offers of help from anyone else would be most welcome!

Creche
At the moment the Creche that runs on a Sunday morning alongside Sunday Kids operates on a volunteer, pairs basis. This year we have had four pairs of adults on the rota which means each pair has Creche duty approximately once a month. Due to a change in circumstances of two members we are again looking for pairs to add to the rota so it can continue to operate on a monthly basis and let some of our current volunteers get across to church once in a while!

Volunteers will have to undergo Disclosure Scotland clearance, but this can be quickly and easily arranged through. Any offers to make the rota continue to run smoothly would be gratefully received! Please contact Lynn Smith on 247702 (evenings) or e-mail smithl@ahv.dumgal.net.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to all the current rota members for their ongoing help and time in running the creche. Could all current (and new!) rota members please meet in the creche at 11am on Sunday August 24 to prepare the rota for next session.

Lynn Smith, creche convener

Meeting space plans

Dave — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:38:44 -0400

Your point of view sought
You'll be aware from the article in the last magazine that the Congregational Board has been considering making a meeting space at the back of the church by removing two or three rows of the side pews. A drawing of the proposal was on display in the church over the last couple of months and Elders and Board members have been taking soundings from the congregation about their views.

We had a detailed discussion at the June Board meeting when there was a range of views expressed both for and against the proposal. It was noted that some people who sit in the side pews at the back of the church had already made objections.
Here's some of the points made during the Board discussion:

Church purpose

It would be good to have a place where people meet with friends and share fellowship indoors at the end of the service, especially when it's cold or raining
The church is for worship and should be retained solely for that purpose
It would be important that the space is only used at the end of the service so as not to interfere with people's preparation time and/or detract from the organ music

Changing the building

It's a historic building and would be wrong to change it
The church is a place of fellowship and changes like this are fine so the building meets the need of the congregation
It would mean the foyers are not so congested

Capacity

We might need these pews if new people come along (eg the new housing estates being built)
We have plenty space in the other pews and the balcony to accommodate existing and any potential increase

History

People like to use the back pews and don't want to move forward
It doesn't matter where you sit - the point of coming to church is being at the service

Cost

It's a waste of time and money
The work would be undertaken by church members so there would be no direct costs incurred by removing the side pews
Removing all the back rows would incur some costs due to the central heating system

Other options

We could look at making one of the entrance foyer areas into a meeting space
It would be better to remove all the back pews - from the centre and the sides - and make a bigger space that goes right across the church
Screens could perhaps be added to give noticeboard space about events and to block any noise

The Board agreed to ask our members more formally for feedback so that we make sure
that whatever course of action we do we will have considered the views of our members in the process.

So please let any Elder or Board member know your views in person, by phone or in writing. And/or there will be a short note put in the church pews seeking your views that you can fill in a return any time over the summer.

Elisabeth Manson
Clerk to the Congregational Board
Tel: 07796 044903

General Assembly

Dave — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:37:25 -0400

The General Assembly took place in Edinburgh earlier this month. For full details of what was discussed, including audio and video reports, visit the Church of Scotland's site at www.churchofscotland.co.uk/generalassembly/.