printed 19 March 2024
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“Invaluable” mission outreach work carried out by a South Lanarkshire church has been acknowledged within the Scottish Parliament because it celebrates its 625m anniversary
Cross-party MSPs have praised Bothwell Parish Church for its “indispensable” group larder challenge that it runs in partnership with native charity Bothwell Future.
Open three days per week, individuals are invited to browse the cabinets and decide up the meals and toiletries they want.
No referrals from different organizations are required to make use of this facility, which is run by volunteers and depends on donations.
A movement filed at Holyrood stated the service performs a key position in serving to folks affected by the continuing disaster in livelihoods and supported households through the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing meals parcels.
It notes that Bothwell Parish Church is the oldest collegiate church in Scotland and hosted a royal marriage ceremony in 1400 between Mary Douglas, solely daughter of Archibald Douglas “The Grim” Lord of Bothwell and Galloway, and David Stewart, 1st Duke of Rothes. Eldest son of King Robert III and inheritor to the throne of Scotland.
Working collectively for the frequent good
The movement acknowledged that the “incredible milestone” anniversary was marked by a particular service on March 3 attended by Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the Common Meeting.
Girl Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, native politicians and representatives from Bothwell Main Faculty and group teams additionally joined the congregation.
Lodged by Stephanie Callaghan, MSP for Woodingston and Bellshill, the movement “commends the church for the consolation and repair it continues to supply to the Bothwell group and desires it the very best for future companies and endeavours”.
Rev Ian Machar, minister of Bothwell Parish Church, stated: “Being honored by the Scottish Parliament is recognition that the church nonetheless performs an energetic position in the neighborhood after 625 years and there may be nonetheless extra to do.
“It’s a actual blessing to have the ability to work with members of all political events in any respect ranges and to see variations put apart to work collectively for native communities.
“Working collectively to help outreach tasks equivalent to group meals larders and native initiatives each inside and outdoors the church.
“It’s great to start our 12 months of celebration with the Moderator of the Common Meeting, who preached on John 2:13-22 and drove out the bazaar within the temple.”
protected place
Mr Mazcher stated the moderator reminded the congregation that it nonetheless had work to do to “right injustices” on the planet.
“We have been challenged by him to satisfy Jesus with a view to break down the culturally imposed boundaries to like,” he added.
“We’re known as to do not forget that the registered handle of Jesus just isn’t in an historical church, however in us, in each face we see, God trying again from the window of their soul.”
The moderator preached through the service, led communion with Mr Mazcher and a particular reception was held within the church corridor afterwards.
The parish minister stated the congregation is dedicated to doing what it may to “attain out” into the group within the identify of Jesus Christ.
“We proceed to work with all components of the group to supply a protected house and heat welcome by tasks such because the Reminiscence Cafe and Senior Membership,” he defined.
“As a parish minister, I’m blessed to know that I can converse for individuals who can not and open doorways to conversations that others could not have the ability to have on their very own.
“The constructing is within the coronary heart of the village and we pray that we will be within the hearts of all in the neighborhood.
“We nonetheless have an extended approach to go however we’re not afraid of the longer term as a result of we press on with Christ.”
Nobody must be a stranger inside these partitions
To mark the anniversary, Bothwell Parish launched the “625 Challenge” to pay for church constructing prices and mission outreach work.
Persons are requested to donate £6.25 or £62.50 and take into account doing a sponsored run, cycle or “one thing else loopy” to boost funds.
Mrs Foster-Fulton described the tradition and ambiance at Bothwell Parish Church as “ahead pondering and group centred”.
“The reception introduced collectively numerous representatives of the area people and was a real celebration of 625 years, with a willpower to search out new methods of serving,” he stated.
The Moderator returned to Bothwell Parish Church on March 13, as a part of a Presbyterian tour of the Forth Valley and Clydesdale.
Over 200 kids and younger folks from native colleges requested him a variety of questions on the problems most vital to them and sparked fascinating and vigorous discussions.
Friends invited to the occasion included elected members of North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council.
