Doors are Open for Worship again!!! Scone and St Martins are off to a great new beginning!!!! 9.30am at St Martins, and at 10.45am at Scone New and again at 12.45pm. *** We are back to the monthly rota for services. Worship lasts for 25minutes.
Very happy to report that on our first Sunday of opening we far exceeded the numbers attending for prayer and meditation.
Well done, Scone and St Martins! It was lovely to hear people, on leaving, the Church, all safe spacing, saying that it had been good to be back. Emails have come in, too, to say that it had been a good experience, and people had felt Safe. I quote” . . . I also thought the practicalities were really well thought out and organised by all involved.” “. . . greatly appreciated by all who attended.” “. . . it was great to hear people happy . . .” “ . . . I must say it was excellent.” “. . . these are difficult times but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.” “I will remember the lamp to light the path”. “Thanks be to the Light of the World!”
I have to say that the Church is well organised. It is one of the safest spaces I’ve known since the start of Covid 19. Please put on your mask before entering the building. Hand sanitiser is at the door. Give your name and telephone number to the person on duty for Trace and Protect. The person on duty should record these details for you. Do not sign the book yourself. Strict confidentiality is observed. We are strictly following Government Guidelines. Now, we are sociable in Scone and St Martins. A new social grace is letting your eyes smile over your mask and do remember we are not to go wandering around the pews to shake hands, or to hug, kiss or embrace each other but, as we know, it is amazing what eye contact can convey or a smile behind your mask!
Between services, the Church is aired, all 3 doors open to the outside. The Church building also is sanitised.
Safe spacing is in place as you make your way to a pew. Pews are safe spaced. Only a family or a couple sit in the same pew.
Music is playing as you enter. We are not permitted to sing hymns but we have CD’s of hymns being sung and folk have commented on how listening to them has been a good experience. We hope you will find Church a relaxing place and know a sense of the Presence of God. Worship is for 25 mins. Know Peace in a non- threatening environment.
Flowers, don’t we all love them, however as we are adhering to NHS standards, no flowers meantime. In the current climate this is as much a loving gesture as a red rose.
We safe space as we exit and sanitising gel is at the door.
Numbers have been on the increase since our doors opened. We hope you will add to the lovely, safe, peaceful, fellowship. (You might like to bring a bottle of water with you.)
Do read the insert in the Church Magazine for detail.
If you are unwell, please stay at home and be kind to yourself.
All the fore-mentioned is conveyed in Love and in Pastoral Care.
Last week we featured Greenock, in our online experience, click Church News and take the ferry to Dunoon and visit the Botanic Garden on your way to Inveraray. We head to Dalmally and via Crianlarich meander back to Scone and its saints. You may dip into interesting places, read about yourselves, enjoy good going hymns, familiar to you, and interesting readings. A Short Meditation includes A Prayer of John Baillie, once Principal of New College, Edinburgh. The introductory psalm is sung by Arthur Cormack and well worth listening to. When joining in the worship, please remember a minute’s patience is required if an advert appears; the advert will quickly disappear. Please also remember when leaving an item, to be sure to BACK – SPACE.
VIRTUAL SUMMER CLUB/ NOW SATURDAY CLUB: We hope all those of school age and the staff are having a happy and good return to school. Here are the links for equipment/things to gather together for the first Saturday Club; for that matter engage with the material on the day that suits you. We will post a week in advance, the equipment/things you will need to gather for the fun on offer (please scrawl down).Are we taking a while to get going. We are allowing the schools to settle in before sending our advert.
WEIGHT LOSS: The formal end of the Weight Loss Campaign for Church Funds, 31st July. I have lost almost 3 stones 7 lbs and intend to keep going until the clocks change! Even more might have been lost but at the same time I have been trying to cut down on another habit as well, and this has been quite an exercise during Lockdown so please ensure the Church benefits as much as I, and encourage the sponsorship. Thank you to those who have been encouraging and who have sponsored me.
MORE RECIPES for the Lockdown Recipe Book are coming in, another fundraiser for Church Funds.
In addition to all else the income of the Church locally and nationally requires to be sustained. We’re told that many church buildings could close. Your support of your Church is vital! The Treasurer has written us all to say he will be so appreciative of receiving the offerings saved up. Donations too are always appreciatively received.
The Bible Study Group continues to meet on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in CR1 at Balformo Road. All are welcome.
Balformo Road, Scone 
Every First Thursday at Burnside Hall
Every Third Thursday at Balformo Hall