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!

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

The Angel Gabriel (Rory McCormick) arrives on his tinsel-decorated scooter with Good News
The Angel Gabriel (Rory McCormick) arrives on his tinsel-decorated scooter with Good News
Mary was played by Sam Stevens(!) and Joseph by Euan MacQuarrie
Mary was played by Sam Stevens(!) and Joseph by Euan MacQuarrie
Herod (Jack MacQuarrie) gives instructions to the wise men
Herod (Jack MacQuarrie) gives instructions to the Wise Men
Most of the cast with some of the backpacks to be sent to Mary’s Meals are on display
Most of the cast with some of the backpacks to be sent to Mary’s Meals are on display

FOUND IN THE ‘ARCHIVES’ AT THE RECTORY

A collage of photos taken at the Sunday School outing to the beach at Mossyard in 2004
A collage of photos taken at the Sunday School outing to the beach at Mossyard in 2004
More of the same
More of the same

SUN 2 OCT: HARVEST THANKSGIVING

Just some of the beautiful arrangements in the Church. Donations of food were being given to the Castle Douglas Food Bank
Just some of the beautiful arrangements in the Church. Donations of food were being given to the Castle Douglas Food Bank

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.

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The Rector welcomes everyone to our Harvest Supper. Rosie and Susanne keep an eye on the food in the kitchen while Peter takes people’s orders for the first course
Everyone relaxing at their tables after a good supper and the draw for the raffle prizes takes place
Everyone relaxing at their tables after a good supper as the draw for the raffle prizes takes place
Jack and William, who sold tickets and raffle tickets; Sam and Euan hard at work in the kitchen and the table which achieved the highest score (but only just) in Rosie's Harvest Quiz
Jack and William, who sold tickets and raffle tickets; Sam and Euan hard at work in the kitchen and the table which achieved the highest score (but only just) in Rosie’s Harvest Quiz

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!

Sue Beddows and Judi Rumble (and Liz Barrett, not in photo) swab the decks while the Rector (outside) phones for the plumber!
Sue Beddows and Judi Rumble (and Liz Barrett, not in photo) swab the decks while the Rector (outside) phones for the plumber!

SAT 17 SEPT: THE GREAT CLEAN-UP UNDER WAY …
(with thanks to Jenny Armstrong for most of today’s photos)

 The Rector, steam cleaning the floor
The Rector, steam cleaning the floor
Joy and Sue polishing ...
Joy and Sue polishing …
Liz uses some elbow grease
Liz uses some elbow grease
Jenny Wright and John tackling the dusty pew cushions
Jenny Wright and John tackling the dusty pews and cushions
Ann at work in the porch
Jenny Armstrong vacuums a window sill
Ann tackles the porch
Ann at work in the porch
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Gill, Janet and Margot clean the brasses
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… with some help from Ian

THE WORK CONTINUES IN THE CHURCH … it is all taking longer than first anticipated

The scene when things were at their worst ...
The scene when things were at their worst …

 

The Church during the renovation work. The nave has been painted, except for the Chancel arch, where loose plaster needs to be rectified.
The Church during the renovation work. The nave has been painted, except for the Chancel arch, where loose plaster needs to be rectified first. The Sanctuary needs special paint because the existing coating contains lime …

 

The Hall set up for Services
The Hall set up for Services

SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER: “LITTLE FISHES” CELEBRATED ITS TENTH BIRTHDAY

Roz Stevens - the leader of, and inspiration behind, Little Fishes
Roz Stevens – the leader of, and inspiration behind, Little Fishes

Some of the fishes made by the children on the day
Some of the fishes made by the children on the day

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.

Jean with husband, Francis, in the hall after the 11.00am Service
Jean with husband, Francis, in the hall after the 11.00am Service

MIDSUMMER CEILIDH

Rosie and Alison serve the hungry queue
Rosie and Alison serve the hungry queue
There were games for the children
There were games for the children
A comfy lap for the youngest participant
A comfy lap for the youngest participant
Bishop Gregor and Alison join the dancers
Bishop Gregor and Alison join the dancers
All ages enjoying themselves ...
All ages enjoying themselves …
The dancers whirl around the floor
The dancers whirl around the floor

 

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)

Mon 20 June: Bishop Gregor’s Lecture: “A Bishop Reflects on our Liturgy: richness, colour and not a little personal prejudice!”
Some of the people from Moffat, Lockerbie, Annan, Dumfries, Dalbeattie, New Galloway, Castle Douglas and Wigtownshire who attended the lecture on a fine summer evening

FLOWER FESTIVAL AT ST NINIAN’S BY CASTLE DOUGLAS FLOWER CLUB
“FLOODS OF COLOUR”

Some of the colourful displays on show over the weekend of 28-29 May
Some of the beautiful displays on show over the weekend of 28-29 May (Click on image above for a clearer view)

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 …

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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/