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Parish News

Thursday August 11 2022

Our regular round-up of news received from churches

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The congregations of Abbey Church, North Berwick, and Dirleton Kirk organised and curated an exhibit of Cherished Clothes, displayed at Abbey Church the first weekend of August, attracting hundreds of visitors and raising over £1500 for the East Lothian based charity, Teapot Trust.

In today’s world of fast fashion, the exhibit was a celebration of dearly loved garments that have been treasured, repurposed or redesigned. Each exhibit told a story, bringing the garment to life and offering interesting insights into decades of social history.

As well as three exhibition spaces, there was a sale of work based on eco-friendly and natural materials, including quilts, cardigans, dolls, cards and artwork by local artists. To highlight traditional crafts used to make clothes, a local Spinnner, gave demonstrations to visitors. Positioned around the exhibition space were quotes from well-known people about eco-fashion, recommended reading on the subject, and tips for visitors who want to embrace “slow” fashion

Entry was free with donations to Teapot Trust, a local charity with national reach which provides art therapy to children living with chronic illness. It was chosen in view of the creative connection and its environmental commitment.

Abbey & Dirleton Minister, Rev Dr David Graham, said, “We were delighted to welcome many hundreds of visitors, perhaps as many as 800 – some from East Lothian but others from all corners of the globe. The comments received showed how much the stories behind the clothes had resonated with visitors.”

A community mural project has been completed on the back wall of Barrhead St Andrew’s Parish Church. The mural, adjacent to a new Community Hall, was painted by local young people with the support of arts organisation Spectrum Arts.

The project was partly funded by a local grant secured by the church through a participatory budgeting process.

The Guild of New Abbey Church, in Dumfries and Galloway, celebrated their 120^th anniversary earlier this year in time-honoured fashion with tea and a celebration cake. They also took the opportunity to celebrate the long service of two members: Rose McWilliam (70 years) and Betty Johnston (50 years).

The Rev Roy Henderson from Place for Hope, joined the monthly meeting of the Prayer Shawl Group of the West Kintyre and Gigha churches last Thursday, to receive a shawl banner that had been made by all the ladies of the group. The gift was made in recognition of all the support and care given by Place for Hope to the congregations of the three linked churches over the past 18 months.
Place for Hope helps church communities to facilitate healing, reconciliation and peace during periods of change and upset.

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