Annan Old Parish

Church of Scotland

Dave has recorded a video message via Facebook (Annan Old Parish and Dornock Parish, Church of Scotland) – A ‘Newsletter’ to let us know what is happening in Church. Briefly, this is what it is about – but please listen to Dave’s message, as he explains each section in full.

If you know of anyone who doesn’t have access to the internet, maybe you could tell them the news, or maybe print out this abridged version, and post it to them. Anything, to spread the word and keep them informed. Thank you.

JIM WALLACE – MODERATOR ELECT

In his video Dave congratulates Jim Wallace, on being chosen as next years Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, saying how proud of him we are in Annan Old, and sending him all our best wishes and prayers for his year as Moderator.

PRIVATE PRAYER TIMES

Because of the cold, dark nights we have decided to bring forward the opening of the Church on a Sunday for Private Prayer – the revised times are ….

Annan Old – 1.30 – 3.00 p.m. Eastriggs – 10.00 -11.00 a.m. on 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month

Dornock Church – closed at present.

Many people say “I can pray at home – I don’t have to come to Church”, and that is true, we don’t dispute that fact, but Dave has found, personally, that praying in Church, for him, is an exceptional experience, where his prayers feel much deeper and meaningful. Just give it a try, come down to Church on a Sunday afternoon.

CHURCH SERVICES

There does not seem to be a great demand at present for Worship on a Sunday – and the amount of work that would have to be done before we could open for a limited number of people – no singing – everyone wearing a mask – sitting at a distance from each other – Worship would only be a welcome, a short message and a prayer. If we get a vaccine soon, we will be able to open our doors for ‘normal’ worship and sing God’s praises. We all look forward to that.

CHRISTMAS

Annan Churches Together Group are at the moment, preparing a ‘Virtual Christmas Holiday Club’ which will include the Christingle Service. This will be posted on line about 10.00 o’clock on Christmas Eve, and can be viewed at any time after that.

We also hope to have a ‘Zoom Coffee Time’ on Christmas Day, when we can greet each other and show our presents, and maybe sing a few carols. (Watch this space!)

CHRISTMAS TREE AND MANGER – OUTSIDE THE CHURCH

The tree has been ordered and we hope to have it up at the beginning of December. As in previous years, we will invite people to ‘Sponsor a Light’ in memory of someone. The donations this year will go to Annan Old Parish Church, to help with finances. To donate, please see Alan or Jennifer.

ENVELOPES – Blue–freewill and Yellow-Gift Aid.

The Minister and the Treasurer – John Bicket, have been discussing the financial problems we have, although they are not great (a few thousand pounds short) due to the Church being closed there are no Church Offerings, resulting in a number of people not being able to bring along their weekly envelopes, and we understand that. We don’t know who these folks are, as we only have numbers in a book, so if you, or maybe a relative you know of have envelopes and would like to get them to Church, just contact the Minister (01461 392048) or John Bicket, Treasurer (01461 203551) and they will come and collect them from you. It is not easy to talk about money and we are sorry to do so, but you will appreciate that even though the Church is closed, there are still bills to be paid. The money has to be in by the end of the year so that we can balance the books.

CLOCK

As you know, the clock in the steeple stopped working around March/April, and during lockdown it was difficult to get hold of anyone to repair it. The clock belongs to the Council, but they are not prepared to pay for the repair, they do not have the £100 a year to maintain it as they need the money for other things. Fortunately, we have found someone who knows what is wrong with it and has taken it away for repair. Hopefully we will have it back and working by the end of the year.

PRINTED NEWSLETTER

It is hoped that we will be able to prepare and deliver a Newsletter in time for Christmas.

Dave ends the video by saying ‘Take care. It has been good to talk to you again’