Church of Scotland Guild Weekly E-News
A light to my path
As we enter a new year and look forward to brighter, lighter days I wonder how many of us have been hiding our lights; our God-given gifts and talents. We all have them. Perhaps they are skills we learned a long time ago, some learned as we have progressed through life, some we have learned through necessity, and some because we have a particular interest.
Whatever skills we have, we have them thanks to God’s good Grace and He wants us to use them. When we light a lamp, we do not hide it away — we put it on a stand and the light is shared by all. In Matthew 5:16 we are encouraged to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. The essence of light is embodied in Jesus who said “I AM the light of the world”.
Can you let your light shine? In a quiet moment, we could ask God how we could let His light through us. During the course of the pandemic, many people have found life quite difficult, living with lockdowns and unable to meet with friends and family, and would perhaps welcome someone to sit with them, have a cup of tea and a chat. Are you a good listener? Perhaps your talent could shine a light into someone’s life! If you are able to drive, would you be willing to take someone to an appointment, fetch some shopping or pick up prescriptions?
Kindnesses are always appreciated and benefit not only the recipient but can also lift the spirits of the giver. There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit gives them. Faith is another precious gift given by God to enable us to trust in Him and to go forward with confidence in His word and promises and to learn that He will never forsake us. The nature of God’s love and faithfulness is declared throughout the Bible and is the lamp that provides the light helping us through darkness and doubts, giving us strength and encouragement, especially through our prayers.
May we go forward into this new year with our gifts of giving and sharing to the best of our ability and rejoice that we do this in God’s name.
Flora Buthlay,
National Vice Convener
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July 2021
Last week, we saw how Guilds kept in touch during the first half of 2021. This week, we look at what happened in the second half of the year.
In July, we heard about Guilds taking the opportunity to meet, like the Guild of New Monklands and Greengairs who had a picnic in June, while enjoying the Big Sing. Guilds continued to move forward, like the Guilds of Northfield Parish (pictured) and Summerhill and Mastrick Parish in Aberdeen whose congregations have united, and the Guilds planned to unite too.
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August 2021
In August, many Guilds took advantage of the summer weather to meet outside as well as inside. The Guild in Dalgety Bay enjoyed their first outing since March. Afternoon teas were popular and were enjoyed by Crown Church Guild in Inverness, the Guild in Stevenston High Kirk and the Guild in Cults Parish Church, Aberdeen, who enjoyed afternoon tea and celebrated a total of 846 years of service.
The Guild of Boghall Parish Church in Bathgate changed to a summer Guild as a way of moving forward and helping their Guild to grow.
Congratulations again go to Guild member, Tom Thomas (pictured) of Ferintosh Parish Church in Conan Bridge. Tom, a retired gardener, was awarded the British Empire Medal for voluntary work in the community.
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September 2021
September was a busy month. The Guild was back and looking forward in faith.
At the beginning of September, we were delighted to meet in person, although socially distanced, to have our Annual Gathering in the Assembly Hall in Edinburgh. Margaret Muir, our new National Convener, started her role immediately, speaking to the congregation in Auchterarder the following day. Pictured is Mabel Wallace, Lord Wallace and Margaret Muir.
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Also in September, the winner of the outgoing Convener’s challenge was announced. Mabel Wallace’s challenge was a photo of trees and rainbows. The winner was Sheila Wallace of Dundee Guilds Together.
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October 2021
Our new theme, Lights and Bushels, started and Guilds were shining their lights. The Guild in Liberton planned a cookery course for students. The Guild in Carrbridge enjoyed afternoon tea and raised money for our projects. The Guild of Grahamston United in Falkirk made blankets to support children in Eastern Europe.
The Guild in St Andrews, Arbroath, restarted with a service of dedication and Communion with their minister, the Very Reverend Dr Martin Fair.
Guilds in Edinburgh from Marchmont St Giles, Craigmillar Park, St Catherine’s Argyll and Mayfield Salisbury to Priestfield and Reid Memorial met and planned ways of working and meeting together.
Inverness and Nairn Guilds Together enjoyed afternoon tea and Iain Whyte was delighted to see the enthusiasm when he visited Larbert East.
Where Guilds were still not able to meet, members found ways to stay connected, like the Guild of St Anne’s Parish Church in Edinburgh who kept their noticeboard up to date with information for members.
Congratulations went to sisters Irene Walker and Margaret Dundas of Cadder Parish Church in Bishopbriggs, who celebrated 50 and 40 years of Guild membership respectively.
The Guilds of Clark Memorial, St Columba’s and St John’s churches in Largs became Largs United Guild. Margaret Muir, National Convener, and Iain Whyte and Karen Gillon joined them in their celebration (pictured).
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November 2021
There was a lot to celebrate in November with special birthdays and anniversaries.
The Guild of Banchory Ternan East celebrated 135 years. Maxwelltown West Guild in Dumfries celebrated 90 years as did New Monklands who were joined in the celebration by their former minister, the Rev Alan Ford, and his wife Mary, one of our past National Conveners.
We had two 100th birthday celebrations. Miss Marjory Dick of Monifieth and Nan Hill of Renfrew North, who was also presented with a certificate for 76 years as a member.
The Guild in St Mungo’s Parish Church in Alloa highlighted our Starchild Project by decorating the church Christmas tree with sunflowers.
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December 2021
And so, we reached the end of 2021 — a year like no other.
We said goodbye to Iain Whyte, our General Secretary of 10 years. We wish Iain and Elaine a long and happy retirement.
Cadder Guild in Bishopbriggs and Barnhill St Margaret’s in Broughty Ferry both celebrated 100 years.
Congratulations to bowler Moira McKay (pictured) of Faifley Guild in Clydebank for her success in the Special Olympics.
Elsewhere, Cockpen and Carrington Guild in Midlothian are trying a change the pattern of their meetings to encourage more members and the Guild of Leven in Fife started meetings after 18 months and with seven new members.
A positive end to 2021 with the Guild 'Looking Forward in Faith'.
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Hymn of the week
This week, our thoughts turn to Robert Burns. John Bell’s hymn, 'We cannot measure how you heal', sung to the tune of 'Ye Banks and Braes' is a constant reminder of God’s healing power at all times in life, in faith, and in times of doubt.
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Monday memories
Our Monday memory this week is of friends from Malawi who were able to visit us in 2019. We look forward to being able to welcome visitors before too long.
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Pray this week
Monday: remembering the people of Tonga after the recent volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Tuesday: asking for guidance for leaders in local, national and international government in these different times.
Wednesday: giving thanks for Guild and congregational treasurers as they complete their accounts for the year.
Thursday: remembering staff in hospitals, hospices, care homes and in the community who care for people who are unwell, elderly or vulnerable — asking for patience, compassion and a generosity of spirit.
Friday: giving thanks for those who organise and help with food banks and other services that support people in need of food, clothes or a warm place to stay.
Saturday: remembering Church of Scotland mission partners serving in various roles throughout the world supporting those around them.
Sunday: asking God to develop spiritual growth within churches and Guilds and a willingness to serve in whatever way possible as we look to the future.
Contact us
Phone: 0131 225 5722 <tel:+013120225205722>
121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN