News from the churches:
(a) Jenny from St John’s RC in Melville Street told us that they now have three African nuns staying in one of their church houses; one of them, Sister Mary Delphine, is part of the Prison Chaplaincy Team.
(b) The Congregational Church is hosting a concert by a solo bassonist on Thursday 3rd November (see poster). Gordon Campbell also commended the Festival of Remembrance – Sat 5 Nov – 7pm – Caird Hall, Dundee (but organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland in Angus, Dundee and Perthshire) – all proceeds to Poppy Scotland. Lots of music – including Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery – and a short ecumenical service. (Gordon describes this as the local equivalent of the event at London’s Albert Hall.)
(c) Andrew Howe from the Salvation Army asked for prayers for the staff at Skinnergate, who are coping with numerous changes, including a change of manager, and the tragic death recently of one of the staff in a road accident. Andrew also mentioned the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal – a poster will follow. The cut-off for donations is likely to be 9th December, after which they will be sorted out – volunteers welcome to offer help! He will also accept referrals for recipients. There will be a Community Carol service on Sunday December 11th at 2pm. Finally, he reported that they have vacancies currently for two van drivers.
(d) the Baptist Church are hosting a Renew Well-being seminar on Saturday 12th November from 9.30-12, with guest speaker Professor John Swinton from Aberdeen University – “Is Faith a help or a hindrance?” (I think!)
(e) when thinking about Ukrainian refugees in Perth, we were reminded that St Mary Magdalene Church in Craigie has Polish services, and there is still a monthly Orthodox service in St John’s Kirk.
(f) St Matthew’s is hosting a Christmas Fair on Saturday 3rd December from 10a.m. – 2p.m.
(g) there will be a Christingle service at St Ninian’s Cathedral on Christmas Eve at 3p.m.
PACT news:
(a) Christmas Carol service; after much deliberation it has been decided to stick with the original date of Friday 23rd December, and the Church Life group is planning the content. It was suggested that the collection on the night be shared among churches offering ‘warm spaces’ (see below), Starter Packs and the Salvation Army/Skinnergate (our guest speaker is from the Salvation Army.) Please can churches let us know what their deadlines are for newsletters/magazines, so information can be sent in good time.
(b) The Lantern Parade will go ahead as usual on Saturday 3rd December, around 4.45p.m. – further information will be forthcoming after consultation with Michael Boyle at the Council.
(c) Our Church and Society Network Group has been collecting information from local churches about their intentions to offer ‘warm spaces’ over the winter, with the intention of drawing up a poster which will indicate what is open and when. This is still being worked on, and discussion included liaising with the Council, risk assessments, and also the need for safeguarding to be considered.
(d) Our Faith Studies Network Group would welcome guidance about next year’s Lent Studies – face to face, on Zoom or a hybrid? – all thoughts welcome!
(e) we hope to send out an updated list of our contacts to all reps and clergy – please let Marjorie know if any of your details have changed.