News

Parish News Round-up

Thursday April 4 2019

Our regular round-up of news received from churches.

Please send items of parish news to magazine@lifeandwork.org or Life and Work, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN. Please check the quality of your pictures: images which are too small, blurry or too dark cannot be used. If there are children in any picture please confirm that their parents or guardians have given permission for publication.

A North Lanarkshire church has launched its own cinema, offering the local community the chance to watch films on a big screen for free.

‘Westflix’ was launched by Bellshill West Parish Church on March 13 with a short film, food, a presentation from the minister, the Rev Calum Stark, and live music by the church band. This was followed by the first film showing, The Greatest Showman.

Mr Stark explains: “We live in a town where there is no cinema, and you have to get to Hamilton or Coatbridge, and once you get there it’s so expensive. Plus we recognise going to the cinema can be quite stressful if you have got a toddler, or a child with additional support needs. Also, in our community we have got quite a number of people who feel isolated and alone, and we want to give them the opportunity to be part of something outwith their own four walls.”

The church has invested in a big screen and projector in the church hall, and has a programme of family films on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, faith-related films on Sundays, classics such as Calamity Jane at ‘midweek matinees’ and a Star Wars night on, of course, May the Fourth.

Mr Stark is pictured (fifth from left) with church members at the launch of Westflix.

For full details visit www.westchurchbellshill.org or search for Bellshill West on Facebook.

The Induction of the Rev Sean Swindells took place in Cruden Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, on Friday March 29. The preacher was the Rev Aileen McFie, minister of Maud & Savoch linked with St Kane's New Deer. Maureen Esson, Moderator of the Presbytery of Buchan (and an elder at Cruden) officiated. Left to right: Ali Macleod (Interim Moderator), the Rev Sheila Kirk (Presbytery Clerk), the Rev Sean Swindells, Maureen Esson ,the Rev Aileen McFie, pictured with members of Presbytery and guests.