NATIVITY 2016
As usual, the Nativity Play was conceived by Beth MacQuarrie who, with Katie Eddyshaw, acted as narrators. Others taking part were Euan, Jack and Katie MacQuarrie, Ellie, Sam and William Stevens, Susan Hinchcliff, Lucy Eddyshaw and Elizabeth Stevenson with baby Niamh McCormick observing from the edge. This year followed a more traditional presentation – but Euan and Sam (Joseph and Mary) still fitted in a rap!
FOUND IN THE ‘ARCHIVES’ AT THE RECTORY
SUN 2 OCT: HARVEST THANKSGIVING
SAT 1 OCT: HARVEST SUPPER
Our first Harvest Supper, organised by the Little and MacQuarrie families, was an unqualified success and very much enjoyed by all those who attended. We had an excellent meal, some of the ingredients being home-produced, and many contributed dishes to the meal. The event raised in excess of £400 in aid of Castle Douglas Food Bank.
TUE 20 SEPT: MOTHERS’ UNION SERVICE OF DEDICATION AND OPEN MEETING
Two dozen members met in Church for the Service of Dedication and Eucharist and we then repaired to the hall for our soup and bread lunch and a general catch-up after the summer break. The fun began when the dishwasher was turned on to wash the dishes … and the water just kept on running!
SAT 17 SEPT: THE GREAT CLEAN-UP UNDER WAY …
(with thanks to Jenny Armstrong for most of today’s photos)
THE WORK CONTINUES IN THE CHURCH … it is all taking longer than first anticipated
SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER: “LITTLE FISHES” CELEBRATED ITS TENTH BIRTHDAY
SUNDAY 17 JULY: JEAN TURNBULL CELEBRATED HER 90th BIRTHDAY TODAY
The Rector announced the news at the start of the Service, to applause from the congregation.
MIDSUMMER CEILIDH
MONDAY 20 JUNE – BISHOP GREGOR’S LECTURE: “A BISHOP REFLECTS ON OUR LITURGY: RICHNESS, COLOUR AND NOT A LITTLE PERSONAL PREJUDICE!”
Bishop Gregor explored such questions as:
• Just how relevant is our Episcopalian liturgy to the people around us?
• Can it introduce them to the living God?
• What about its language, its ceremony, its symbolism; does it connect or does it alienate?
• Does it express a relationship with God or is it an anachronism?
As always the Bishop gave a fascinating talk, inviting people to ask questions as his lecture progressed. He gave many examples to illustrate the points he was making. It was interesting to hear of his pet hates as well as his favourites.
(M Palmer)
FLOWER FESTIVAL AT ST NINIAN’S BY CASTLE DOUGLAS FLOWER CLUB
“FLOODS OF COLOUR”
The ladies of Castle Douglas Flower Club also provided morning coffee and afternoon teas in the hall and a donation of £210 was made to St Ninian’s for their chosen charity, the Castle Douglas Helping Hands Food Bank.
EASTER FLOWERS
Here are some of the beautiful flower arrangements on display for Easter …
The Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2016
The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation (BASR) began life in 1960 in an old house in Bethlehem.
It was originally a Leonard Cheshire home and provided care for a few physically disabled children. After it was handed over to the Bethlehem Arab Society in 1975, the work grew and, in 1990, the Society’s dream came true when land on nearby Beit Jala hill became available and the present hospital building was constructed.
Today, BASR is a non-profit non-government organization that is nationally recognized for the comprehensive medical and rehabilitation services it gives to beneficiaries from all over Palestine.
The hospital is open to all, regardless of gender, age, religion or social class and is committed to enhancing the overall quality of a patient’s life. The hospital has a holistic approach to treatment with specialist departments in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and also surgery. Integration into community life is a key objective.
Pilgrims from the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway visited the hospital in 2013 and 2015 and were highly impressed by the quality of care and the financial needs it has. Generous donations will indeed change lives.
For more information visit http://www.basr.org/en/