‘Church Council has agreed that we will support children in need throughout the city who have been referred by Social Work or other agencies and will buy gifts for a named 7 year old boy. Any donations of gifts – or money to buy them – to Sue M-J as soon as possible please.’
‘The ClothesBank continues to provide clothing for those in need across the city and we are now also supplying ‘Hospital Bags’ to Ninewells. These include pyjamas, slippers and essential toiletries for people or their carers who arrive at the hospital in an emergency and do not have time to pack a bag with essentials in it. The bags for children also include a book and – thanks to a generous donation of £300 from Blackadders – will also include a teddy. Dundee City Council staff have been fundraising especially for the Hospital Bags and we received a donation of over £170 this week. Huge thanks to all who support the ClothesBank in so many different ways.’ SMJ
At the recent Finance & Property Committee, it was agreed we should ask if there are any volunteers to “look after” the kitchen, a job which Paddy McFarlane did. This is simply keeping an eye if any replacements are needed and generally ensuring that things are stored reasonably tidily. If you can volunteer, please speak to Keith or Lorna.
Last week’s meeting was cancelled because of potential small numbers and the prevailing weather conditions. If you wish to find a date to meet and complete the course, please let Nick know. If there is a general wish to meet, we can consult diaries to arrange a suitable date and time.
The Tree will be erected upstairs during Friday and an invitation is given to all who wish, to join in decorating it on Saturday morning, from c 10.30am.
The young in age & heart and those with long arms are especially welcome!
Please support and publicise this event, in Marketgait on Friday 30th and Saturday 1st from 10am – 3pm. It will take place upstairs – free entry, tea and coffee available.
Offers of help in hosting & catering will still be appreciated by Liz Kay
The Redevelopment group met on Tuesday. Its discussions took place in the context of the congregation’s exploration of its future mission – what is our purpose here, and how does the building fit in with that mission? It considered where the congregation might be in 10 years’ time; how would we then be financing the running costs of the building? If we are to seek funds from external bodies for redevelopment, we need to tell a story about our proposed future use of the premises
It was recognised that the full range of options might include
• Raising £800,000 to implement the architect’s plans
• A cheaper version, perhaps with the worship area downstairs
• Installing only a lift and accessible toilets
• Partnering with another church
• Seeking guarantees of future rental income from user groups, especially those with a long term financial future
• Renting accommodation in the City centre.
The group aims to further the conversation on which options are desirable and feasible. We will investigate what our running costs are, and explore possible partnerships. We are aware that there are maintenance jobs that have been put on hold, but cannot be forgotten. We will investigate possible sources of funding.
The next meeting is fixed for Tuesday 15th January at 10 am.
This being distributed by email, with some print copies on the vestibule table. Please let David Easson know if you do not yet receive the Plan, but wish to do so on a regular basis, in either format.
To facilitate the important discussion we are asked to hold, copies of the Paper are available on the vestibule table (or by email from a Church Council member).
Two open meetings are to be held on
Tuesday 4th December from 7pm-9pm and Sunday 20th January (over / after ‘faith lunch’). All members of the congregation are urged to attend.
If you cannot attend, please give your views to a Church Steward or the Council Secretary, Margaret Goudie.