Newsletter Items
THE GUILD
The Guild met on Tuesday 22nd March and we opened with the well-known hymn `All things bright and beautiful`. We then had a reading from Psalm 145 v 13b-21 followed by prayer.
We were very sad to acknowledge the passing of our fellow member Freda Silver`s husband Ian. He passed away on Sunday 20th March in Ninewells Hospital. His daughter Lorna and niece Lynne were by his bedside and his passing was very peaceful. Our thoughts and prayers are with Freda and the family at this time.
Our dear friend Marguerite Ruffle put us through our paces with seating exercises. We all worked out to the sound of Scottish music which was great fun and kept us all going. A big thank you to Marguerite for all her efforts in getting us fit and making it so enjoyable.
We were all ready for the welcome cup of tea and cake afterwards!
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 5th April at 2p.m. in the hall where Stan Nutt will speak to us on `The Death of a Dinosaur`. This will also be our annual Gift Day.
Chris Livingstone
President
CHRISTIAN AID
Enclosed in this newsletter are envelopes for Christian Aid Week 15th - 21st May. These can be placed in the collection plate in church on a Sunday or handed or posted to me at any time in the next couple of months until the end of May. Donations have been covered for the past 2 years so it is a welcome move that collection envelopes are once more in circulation
Elspeth M Collins
FOOD BANK
The Dundee & Angus Foodbank Staff in Dunsinane Avenue have expressed sincere gratitude for our contributions to their collection depot so please continue to bring donations of non-perishable goods for the box in the Welcome Hall. We are very grateful to Brian Flynn for delivering these on our behalf as this is a never-ending need throughout the entire year.
A VERY SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
On the 6th March 2022 the loving family of the late Rev David Taylor masterminded a wonderful Memorial Service to honour the memory of Dave who died on 10th May 2020. Although this occasion was held back because of the restrictions of the pandemic which started in March 2020 this did nothing to interfere with the celebratory atmosophere engendered by a congregation of over 150 friends and family members. The wide spectrum of his life`s experiences ensured representatives of his Masonic circle, The Black Watch Association, and the the British Legion Dundee Branch, (honoured by their Standard Bearers) to name but a few, were proudly present for him, and course he was fondly remembered for his long years as padre to the annual Dundee Festival of Remembrance in the Caird Hall. At one time he served as a railwayman and even as a special constable and this is not to mention his years as a highly respected and much loved padre, minister and chairman opening him to many hundreds of people in all walks of life. This special day was also the occasion for the dedication of the beautiful plaque honouring him and sited at his own Prayer Corner with his lovely picture above it. The plaque, the masses of flowers in the church, and all the organisation was undertaken entirely by the Taylor family and the playing of Bruce Erskine the piper was quite glorious. David Taylor Jnr gave a superb and heart-warming eulogy which captured the very essence of his father`s life and character and along with his sister Margaret Ann`s precious thoughts and words ensured there were quite a few tears in eyes. Collections were taken in his memory for “Harlow`s Helping Hands” “Dundee Bairns”, and “Freya`s Wish” and the collection plates were in the charge of young David, Kirsty, Victoria and Laura being part of the younger generation of the dynasty that is the Taylor Family. Dave and his much loved wife Chris of nearly 63 years have no less than 23 great-grandchildren and the two very youngest of these little ones are to be baptised in our church on Easter Sunday 17th April. This will bring the presence of dear Dave close to us all again for the very best of reasons.
EMC
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
The World Day of Prayer Service was held on Friday 4th March, 2022, in St. Andrew`s R.C. Cathedral, Dundee at 2.30p.m. This year`s Service was written by the Christian women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As there were still some restrictions in place because of “Covid-19” we made a few changes in the format of the Service to ensure that everyone was safe, however, it did not take anything away from the meaning of the title of the Service “I know the plans I have for you”.
Before we began the Service we had a few minutes of reflection and Prayer for the people of Ukraine whose families are being torn apart by having to flee their homes and indeed their country through the ravages of “War”.
We were extremely happy that we had a congregation of around 38 people and, although behind masks, sang their hearts out to celebrate this very special day which is held throughout the world. Our offering amounted to £186.
The only down side to the day was the fact that we couldn`t have our refreshments and that very special social time together that we all enjoy. God willing maybe next year!!
Sadly, the International Meeting, which was to have taken place in Scotland in June this year, because of the logistics of travelling from all over the world will now be held in an online form. Any donations which were given to help offset costs, etc., will be used to put this together. There will also be a gift sent out to each of the ladies who would have been delegates from different parts of the world,
Mary Wightman
Chair