The Guild has been active in Ardoch parish for over 85 years.  Founded in 1934, there are still around 30 active members.

The Guild meets on the first Thursday of each month from October to April and has a very varied programme of speakers.  All are welcome to attend the meetings in the Church Hall, starting at 1.00pm with a bowl of soup and sandwiches.

Church Services: The Kirk Session are constantly reviewing government and Church of Scotland guidelines regarding the re opening of our churches. We have concluded that it is not the right time to re open our church on the 6th September as we had planned. As a church it is vitally important to us that the health, safety and well being of our church community and the wider community of Ardoch be given top priority when making this decision. Therefore, we will continue with our zoom and online services. Our church doors may be closed but our church community remains active.

Mairi.

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).

A Guild Committee meeting took place via zoom on Thursday evening 17^th September:

A Guild syllabus for Meetings has been arranged tentatively for January to April inclusive. It is still not clear whether all or any of these meetings will take place, but we continue to look at ways and means, and  for permissions to restart.

Normally, at our church harvest service, we would have a retiring collection for Edith’s Hope. This is a charity which  supports vulnerable orphans and child-headed families in the Kumi district of NE Uganda. The pandemic has seen food become scarce in this region and prices increasing by 100%.  If you would like to read more about this charity go online to www.edithshope.org

It was agreed by the committee that Ardoch Guild donate £150 to this worthy charity.

Blythwood Christmas Boxes: The Committee discussed news from Ann Speirs that Blythwood Christmas Box donations are no longer being organised by a local group in Crieff.

It was felt that with everything that is happening just now with coronavirus,  we should concentrate our giving locally. Several charities were discussed – but because we have been in the habit of giving to ‘Start up Stirling’ and because of the wide range of work they do (not just a food-bank!) to help those in the greatest need, we felt that we should focus on that charity.

I have been in touch with ‘Start up Stirling’ and they have given Ardoch Guild a special and particular request. They have asked for donations of cranberry sauce, Christmas puddings and Bisto gravy granules.

If you can donate any or all of these things singly or in multiples please deliver or request uplift from one of your Guild Committee members by Friday 6^th November 2020.

Committee members are: Heather (880 556), Dorothy (01764 661043), Phyllis (880 566), Pat (880 877), Maureen (880338), Barbara (880 509), Anne (880709) and Sally (880496).

Our president, Heather, has been assiduously keeping in contact with Guild members throughout this difficult time with occasional phone calls.  For most people this would be an onerous task, especially when undertaking cancer treatment, and so we thank her for her kindness in thinking of our well-being during such a difficult time.

Heather writes…..

It has been my pleasure to speak to so many of you in these trying times. I held back in August as I thought we were getting back to normal. Then 1st September I was nearly locked down in Busby, for how long?!

So another month has passed and I keep wondering, what stops us from picking up the phone and keeping in touch? I leave it with you. ( answers on a postcard- – – – – )

 

Craft Sales  Please keep up the good work!  – we are hoping to have a sale of all your craft work in January 2021.

Isabella McNaughton has decided to retire from the Guild Committee and we want to thank her many contributions and wish her well.

Guild virtual Annual Gathering: If you have a device which allows you to go online, then, if you haven’t already done so, you can still access the Guild virtual Annual Gathering (courtesy of Christine Souter who has put it on the church website). It is an uplifting experience and well worth the effort.

240^th Anniversary: Next year we are to celebrate 240 years of Ardoch Church. Things are being thought over about how we celebrate this anniversary. Something to look forward to!