Notices

Macmillan Cancer Support 2021

This year’s date for Macmillan Cancer Support is September 24th. After much consideration we have decided that it isn’t feasible to host our usual charity afternoon. We were unable to host last year’s event, but that didn’t prevent us here in Stepps from raising £1000.00. Much of that was down to Amy Sommerville, pool walking at Bannatynes. Amy has very kindly offered to do the same again this year.

Charities like churches have suffered a huge impact on income. If you are able to donate to Amy’s efforts and ultimately to Macmillan, it would be greatly appreciated. Please speak with Amy or Margaret Crawford. Alternatively, please put your donation in an envelope, and give it to either of the ladies. Many thanks for all your support in the past years.

Covid-19 Update

You will all be aware that the First Minister announced to Parliament this week that Scotland will move beyond Level 0 from tomorrow 9^th of August. She also emphasised that the virus continues to be a threat and that care still needs to be taken.

In light of her statement, the Covid-19 Group also met this week and offered some thoughts following her statement.

The First Minister said that they will continue to advise the public "especially indoors - that keeping a safe distance from people in other households and avoiding crowded places will minimise risk.”

Although it is possible to offer a range of seating options, the Covid-19 Group suggestion is that for the next few weeks congregations may wish to stick with the 1-metre physical distancing regime which was so recently put in place. They are not enforcing that of course but we thought certainly for the next couple of Sundays we would continue with that until we meet as a board later this month and discuss this and determine whether the Trustees are happy to completely remove the physical distancing altogether. We know that for many it may be more reassuring for those attending in person to be slightly further apart but that may change once we’ve had a chance to discuss it.

“It will also continue to be the law, subject to existing exemptions, that face coverings must be worn in all the same indoor settings as is the case already” So there is little change from what we have been doing when we come into the church building.

The Covid-19 group are aware that there are some glaring anomalies in what the Government says about face coverings – when sitting in the pew on a Sunday we need to wear our mask all the time but in the café across the street you can remove it when you are seated; when we stand to sing in church we need to wear a mask but if we came back later as a member of a choir then we can sing without the covering so they are continuing to lobby the civil servants and stating the case that these inconsistencies bring the system into disrepute but for now these are the rules.

We will continue to follow good practice and recommendations on cleaning and disinfecting regimes, hand hygiene, good ventilation and complying with Test & Protect. We have not yet beaten this virus and so the group advise that some of these measures may be in place for some time to come.

Reporting of cases

If you are experiencing any COVID-related symptoms, are feeling unwell or you, or a member of your household have received a positive COVID test please do not attend Church for any reason until you have completed a 10-day self-isolation period.

ACORN

This year's General Assembly approved a motion by the Faith Nurture Forum to "Urge congregations to adopt the ACORN Programme as a means to help members practise mission at grass roots level, and through support in small groups, to gain confidence in effective discipleship."

ACORN is a way to connect Christians with the work God is doing in others through caring conversation. It has been trialled in a host of Church of Scotland settings in the last year, and for many, it really works.

We are hosting a webinar on Tuesday 17th August from 7.30-8.30pm and are delighted to have Michael Harvey (ACORN, Weekend of Invitation, Back to church Sunday) join us, along with Paul Haringman (MDS Inverness Presbytery) for an opportunity to hear more about the Acorn process, as well as firsthand experience from those who have taken part in this over the summer.

You can sign up to trial this easy way to mobilise us for mission.

For more information and to register your place, please follow this link - https://acorn_update.eventbrite.co.uk

This session is open to all who may be interested.

Trinity College Courses

There is exciting opportunity for anyone considering or willing to get more involved with worship. Glasgow Presbytery have highlighted a series of short courses on Designing and Leading Christian Worship, running from September to early December, providing the academic and practical input for those who might wish to offer themselves up as Worship Leaders within their own congregations or across Presbytery. You will be aware that, with the projected reduction in the number of paid roles available within the Church, worship leaders are likely to become a more significant part of the ministry of the Church of Scotland.

Designing and Leading Christian Worship

The other courses being offered by Trinity College cover a range of contemporary issues which you can access directly from the Trinity college Glasgow website

• Reimagining Christian Practice

• Listening in Mission

Rev Dr Mark Johnston of Trinity College will be happy to provide any further assistance you need. Please note there is a discount for Glasgow Presbytery applicants.