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Together we make a difference
The first of two gatherings was held on Thursday 19th February when we were happy to welcome our own members and a few visitors from other churches. After looking at the exhibition in the small hall the objects of the Stewardship Campaign were explained and a video showing what had happened in other parts of Scotland was shown. Gift Aid, Standing Orders and Weekly Freewill Offering Envelopes were all discussed and questions answered. This was followed by tea or coffee.
A similar pattern was used on Sunday 22nd February except that tea and coffee were served at the beginning. This was primarily a gathering of our own members. Once again questions were asked and answered.
We that there is a clearer understanding of the Church's finances as well as a realisation of what goes on not merely within Scotland but in many other parts of the world.
The final stage is a follow-up after members have had time to consider their next step. If you were unable to be present but wish to learn more contact either the Treasurer or the Freewill Offering Treasurer.
We should like to have a response from YOU. We are interested in what you have to say. A box will be in the Vestibule of the church to receive your replies.
Much of the success of the gatherings was due to the most willing group of helpers who prepared and served the tea and coffee etc. We do appreciate your service. Please accept our thanks.
Stewardship Planning Group
Genesis Chapter 1, Verse 14
God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years."
I can't speak for everyone but for me, Spring is one of my favourite times of the year. Only 2 weeks ago we had fairly heavy snow but since then, I've seen snowdrops appear from the ground that so recently was covered in thick ice and also seen the first signs of new green leaves appearing on a small tree in a neighbour's garden. Mornings have suddenly (it seems) become brighter and we seem to have a little more daylight to play with around teatime.
If we are part of the Church, there is always something to look forward to. At this time, shops are already stocking Easter Eggs reminding us Easter is not too far away. Even in the winter as it is drawing to a close, we can look back on a memorable celebration of the Christmas Story - the first with our new minister. Hopefully we will have sunshine during the summer to help the crops grow and mature which leads us nicely up to harvest thanksgiving. In between times we have work to do in our youth organisations, our Guild, our COSY groups and each week we have worship. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, there is always something to look forward to when you are part of the Lord's Church in this world.
The most recent initiative in the Church is our Stewardship campaign and we should ask through our prayer that this exercise may be blessed with positive outcomes. At both Stewardship presentations at the end of February, it was terrific to see the fruits of the labours of all connected with the Stewardship programme. At these presentations, I'm sure we all learned things we didn't know beforehand about the workings of the Church locally and nationally and also learned that we can all make a difference no matter how little. In times gone by, we've all heard of things other Churches were trying and wondered why we couldn't do something similar. Now we are at the forefront in this current venture and this has to be encouraging to us all. At the first of these meetings, Caryl likened God's love to a chocolate fountain in that no matter how many sampled the delights of the fountain, it didn't get used up, it just kept on flowing. This is a wonderful image to keep in our minds to remind us that just like the seasons that our God created all those years ago that God's love towards us just keeps on flowing and never runs out.
"Wayside" messages
Do you ever look at the messages on the notice boards of churches as you travel around? Here are two examples.
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