News

Parish News Round-up

Thursday October 5 2017

Our regular round-up of news received from churches.

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The linked Outer Hebrides congregations of Barra and South Uist held their first joint worship on September 24.

The two churches, linked in 2014, are separated by many nautical miles of water and a forty minute ferry crossing. Nevertheless it has always been planned that at least occasionally they should worship together.

At long last the weather and ferry timetable conspired positively to allow this to happen, and so the Barra congregation went on the journey to visit their sister congregation. The two congregations joined for a communion service at Howmore Church’s unique central communion table, followed by lunch in the church hall.

The event was such a success that a return visit by the South Uist congregation is already being planned. Weather and ferries permitting, it is the intention to do this within the year.

The congregation of Gask Kirk, near Perth, gathered to celebrate 60 years service by organist Grace McFarlane.

Grace first played the organ at the church on Sunday January 6 1957. She also led the choir, winning the cup for church choirs at the Perth Musical Festival more than once.

Minister the Rev David Denniston (pictured with Grace) said: "It is a story of remarkable and much appreciated and valued service."