'Gatherings' Explore Migration Stories

Wednesday May 17 2017

An Alloa church is to host a weekend of arts and worship exploring migration stories, past and present.

The Unwritten Letters Project, from June 22-25 at Ludgate Parish Church, brings together musicians, artists and storytellers with the local community, especially local children, for a series of three ‘gatherings’ and an exhibition.

It originated in a project of Thursday’s Child, the singer-songwriting duo of Carol Anne Parker (Alloa Ludgate’s minister) and the late Stephen Brown, a URC minister who died suddenly in February 2016. Together they began using study leave to explore instances of ‘clearances’ – of land, industry and people – with the emphasis on ‘giving voice to stories often denied or distorted’.

Also among those taking part are Highland Clearances expert Professor James Hunter, and Syrian classical guitarist Ayman Jarjour. The exhibition, running daily from the Thursday-Saturday, will feature contributions from Ian Collins and Rhoda Meek, along with letters written by local children.

Carol Anne says: “I read the story about the Syrian minister being denied entry to the UK for the GA. The project has come to being precisely because of the atmosphere in this country which allows for such decisions to be made. I hope it will allow a gentler voice to be heard.”

There is no cost for any of the events but donations will be taken for Save the Children. The gatherings will culminate in a Sunday morning service entitled ‘All of us Belong’.

For more information contact Carol Anne on 07400 313303 or cparker@churchofscotland.org.uk, visit the Thursday’s Child website or the Unwritten Letters Facebook page.

Post Tags: unwritten letters, thursday's child

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