Ardoch Parish Church of Scotland

Whose we are, and Whom we serve

One Journey, Many Roads

Keeping You in the Loop                                        September 2020

 Today it is reported that due to coronavirus there have been over one million deaths worldwide. The human suffering is incalculable. It is a sobering thought because we are often focussed on our own lives and the way this disease is affecting us. It certainly puts things into perspective when one considers the grief that so many families are experiencing having lost a loved one, one’s livelihood and/or home. The  inconvenience of staying home  and the lifestyle-limiting regulations that prevent us from seeing loved ones etc. seem, on reflection, such a small price to pay in order to prevent  the spread of this disease throughout our communities.

However, I am also aware of the cost to individuals who are unable to receive hospital treatments and those who are suffering from being isolated, alone or unable to cope with all that is happening.

In many ways, although older people are more susceptible to this disease, we have much to be thankful for…. I am so grateful that I don’t have to go out to work. I have a pension that means I have a steady income that I can depend on. I have a home, a husband, a daughter I have seen twice since mid February, and lovely neighbours. I have a garden to work in and to enjoy.  I can paint. I have so many things I am so grateful for that I could fill this page easily.

I suppose I would count myself a very positive person but I would say that is because of my faith. Jesus has a central place in my life and colours my life. I give him permission, in fact I depend on Him, to steer my life – my thinking and interactions – giving me confidence that things will get better.

My prayer is that you too can depend on Him for all your needs and that He will bring people into your life who can transform it and help you cope with Covid19 restrictions.

With all good wishes,

Pat Duncan (Guild Secretary).

Here is the latest news from Pat, the Guild Secretary

Ardoch Parish Church Guild
Whose we are, and Whom we serve
One Journey, Many Roads

Keeping You in The Loop July 2020

In the past week or so the First Minister has announced some easing of the lockdown. However, on a personal level, I still feel very wary of going out and about. I am sure that most Guild members feel the same apprehension. We are desperate to see loved ones ‘in the flesh’ so to speak, but even they are cautious about getting together.
In the most recent church intimations there is still a feeling that we are not ready to start full church services in the near future although such things are officially ‘allowed’ by the Scottish Government. At the moment I personally don’t feel ready to start congregating in any way!
However, things are changing and the ‘new normal’ is taking shape, albeit slowly – and carefully.

Church Hall Screen: The installation of the video and screen equipment and upgrading of the sound system in the church and hall has been completed and this will be of great benefit to all using our church facilities. Unfortunately, the screen that was donated to the church by The Guild was not able to be utilised in the new system. The screen is to be recycled and has been gratefully received by Blackford Church.

Virtual Afternoon Tea: The Guild are inviting you to participate in a virtual afternoon Tea on 8th August at 2pm. You are asked to prepare an afternoon tea at home, perhaps asking another family to bring theirs, and enjoy it together in your garden (whilst following government guidance on social distancing of course).You will then be able to make a donation – either by cheque to the Guild office, or via an online donate page to be publicised.
All the donations will be shared equally between projects.

Sales Table for Projects: We would ask you to consider making items that can be sold for the projects when restrictions are relaxed and we can celebrate coming together again.
Whatever your craft let us see what you can do!

Wheelchair: Barbara McLaren advertised on the Braco and Greenloaning webpage and as a result we have been gifted a wheelchair by Mr Colin Mayall of Comrie whose son, Nick, lives in Greenloaning. We are so grateful to Mr Mayall for his generosity and willingness to help us in this way.

Guild Diaries: these are available at a cost of £4 each. Please contact Pat if you would like to order one.
Christmas Big Sing – 4th December 2020: This event is planned to take place at St George’s Tron, Glasgow. Tickets can be ordered NOW. There are 3 sessions – 3pm, 4.30pm and 7pm.
This is a very popular event so if you think you might be able to go then contact Pat Duncan ASAP to secure your ticket.
Virtual Annual Gathering : This will take place on 5th September at 11am. It will include hymns and music, and contributions from various people, and will end with communion that people will be able to participate in from home. The event can be watched ‘live’ through the website on your phone, tablet or computer.

I hope you all continue to stay safe and well. As we continue to make preparations for tentatively starting our syllabus in the new year of 2021. Our Guild theme for this session is ‘The Extra Mile’.
All good wishes,
Pat Duncan,
Guild Secretary,
3 Ardoch Way,
Braco.
01786880877

This Sunday the Guild would have put some lovely flowers into the Sanctuary and as usual they would have been distributed later.

As you click onto Zoom for our Sunday service from our link in the top right hand corner of the web page let us be thankful for all the beauty we have around us.