As I write this, “summer suns are glowing” and all that. Hopefully it will still be glowing when this newsletter is delivered.
We’d like to bring you up to date on what’s happening at the church these days. First of all, the Church of Scotland head office in Edinburgh has decided to keep us open for the time being. They were concerned about us being financially viable in the future and they’ve given us a year to come up with a business plan which shows that we can sustain ourselves for the next ten years. We’re not out of the woods yet and we have a lot of work ahead so if anyone has any helpful hints, please send them our way.
Church Community Café
We continue to meet on Tuesdays from 12 noon till 1.30 pm. There is always a good selection of soups with at least one being suitable for vegetarians and, where possible, a gluten-free choice. All are served with home made rolls. Delicious cakes are also available along with tea and coffee. All of this is free of charge however, if you wish, you can leave a donation towards running costs and the two charities we are currently supporting. We give 25% of your donations to two charities which this month are Perth Prison Visitors Centre and The Rock Trust Perth Youth Homelessness. All are welcome at the café and we look forward to meeting and greeting new folks. The café will close after the session on 4th July and will reopen on August 15th.
Church Community Hub
Many of you don’t realise that The Hub, including the Toddlers Group and the Shepherd’s Hut, along with the other activities that Kirsty our community worker organizes so well, is a church group. Kirsty is employed by the church and we are very lucky to have her. The following is an overview of what has been happening there:
- Busy Bees Playgroup – Mondays and Tuesdays 10 – 12pm
- The Shepherds Hut – Tuesday 12 – 1pm
- Friday 3.30 – 5pm
- Together Time – Friday 3.30 – 5pm
The Busy Bees trip was on 22nd May and they ventured over to Frosty’s Soft Play Centre in Forfar. There they had a free play session with snack and drinks. Twelve children and eleven adults took part in the trip and the cost was covered by The Hub.
We also had a picnic in the church grounds to celebrate the King’s Coronation. Thirty-five visitors joined us to celebrate on Saturday 6th May with plenty of cakes to share. Each visitor on the day was gifted a commemorative mug and there are some available to purchase from the Shepherd’s Hut at £4 each.
Guild
The summer lunch is on Wednesday 14th June at the Ardler Tavern. Names should have been submitted to Margaret Linley who can be contacted at linley314@tiscali.co.uk
Charity Shop
The Reuse Shop has been leased from 22nd – 29th July. Please gather up clothes, utensils, books etc. Proceeds will go to church funds. Any queries contact Sheena McNaughton on 01828 627773.
In conclusion, although we may not know what is going to happen with the church in the future, this is a quote that gives us hope:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29 v11