Last Sunday, as part of our service, we celebrated the Queen’s 70th Jubilee, giving thanks for her devoted service, which has been fortified by her strong Christian faith. The theme of the service was Calling and Vocation. Andrea, our rector, pointed out that the first disciples were an eclectic mix, but they were people in touch with the everyday world and with an enquiring mind. 2,000 years on, Jesus calls us to help him to proclaim the Good News in today’s world.
Two important meetings have taken place at the church in the last week. The first was the North-West Regional Council, which represents the episcopal churches in the area. Andrea was re-elected as Chair and reports were received on the activities of each congregation, which is a useful sharing experience. The other meeting was the vestry which is the church’s ruling body. Apart from the usual business regarding the running of the church, we discussed two papers for the Diocesan Synod in March. The first suggests changes to make our liturgy more gender neutral by altering some of the male references to God. The other paper relates to Climate Change and various ways in which churches should be taking action to reduce carbon emissions. St Andrews is already doing some of these and decided to apply to become an Eco-Congregation.
On Saturday, we are planning a Snowdrop Walk at Mugdock Park, weather permitting, followed by soup and crusty bread in the church hall. See the church website for details. Services continue at 10am on Sundays followed by coffee and 10am on Thursdays with refreshments in Friendship House afterwards. On Tuesdays at 10am the Inter-church Prayer Group meets in the Garden Room at the rear of the hall. All are welcome to any of these.