The Guild

The convener opened the Guild AGM with a talk on a survival kit for everyday life, using several props to illustrate ways to survive. A toothpick was used to illustrate that we should pick out the good qualities in others and not be so judgemental; a teabag was shown to remind us that we all need to relax more and think about the blessings we have in our lives. Prayer followed.

Hymn 274 - I heard the voice of Jesus say - was sung, and the reading was Ephesians 1:15-23 - Paul's Prayer. A tribute was read following the death of Joan McLennan, who had been a Guild member for many years.

The Guild has donated £800 to St Mary's-Greyfriars' Church and will be convening a coffee morning on September 20 to raise money for the Mercy Ships Charity. Information will go to all Guilds in the Presbytery and their ministers with regards to promoting this event in due course.

Janette Kirkpatrick gave the Treasurer's Report, and the convener gave her report on all the events the Guild had been involved in over the past session. Guild members have been out to visit twelve other Guilds in our Presbytery - the convener remarked that we have great affection for other Guilds and try to visit whenever we can. This has been a tremendously successful year for members going out to visit.

The Guild outing is to Irvings Bakery in Castle Douglas on May 27, with 27 members attending. A tour of DS Smith Special Packaging Ltd in Lockerbie has been arranged for August 27.

Presentations were made to Freda Hunter and Moira Cannon who were retiring from serving on the committee. Kathleen Greer received a gift and a card wishing her well in her new home in Easter Ross when she moves to be nearer her family with her husband, the Rev Dr David Greer. The Rev Jamie Milliken officiated the election of new committee members - Bette Archibald, Anne Mackie, Carol Forbes and Sheena Watson.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Helen Gray, Eunice Sutherland, Anne Twiname, Lorma Bell, Irma Mitchell, Lorna White, Isobel Evans and Janette Kirkpatrick. We had a selection of piano solos, poetry, choir singing and a sketch - a most entertaining arrangement from these talented members. To close the meeting, Hymn 649 - The King of love my Shepherd is - was sung and Mr Milliken gave the Blessing.

The Guild session is now closed until October 7. Everyone is welcome to come along and join us.

Catherine Nicholson
Convener