Now the days are getting longer and it has been so mild, are we going to miss out on Winter altogether this year? Time will tell and rather than looking forward this month I thought we could look back first.

If you were not able to be in church for the Christmas Gift Service you would not have been able to see the childrens’ Nativity. The children taking part ranged from babes in arms and toddlers to Primary school children each playing their parts with great aplomb and narrated beautifully by young Thea and Lucy. For the first time the action could be seen on the screens because of the new AV system, the traditional journey up one aisle, across the back of the church and down to Bethlehem was gladly retained. Many thanks to all who scripted the play and dressed the children, it was so good to see them in church after such a long time.

The Sunday School started back on 16th January with a fun day and I visited them on 23rd January. Mima arranges hospitality subject to Church of Scotland guidance and ensures track and trace and other COVID procedures are adhered to throughout the session.  The families meet on the chancel at 10am when the children love to tell Fiona their news. When it is time for the Story the children quieten down and pay close attention as Fiona produces the Godly Play mat and figures. This week it was the story of Noah’s Ark. After the story they wondered about Noah and the animals then they prayed. Janice and Elaine, with guitar, taught the children to sing ‘Mr Noah Built an Ark’ which the children loved, especially clapping their hands at the splish splash.

The Primary school children moved to the Godly Play room and their craft was making pipe cleaner animals with Jill and Hazel while talking and thinking about the story. I then went through to the large hall where the Pram and Praise families with younger children were having fun making an ark and craft stick animals with Janice and Elaine. Time for more singing this time with instruments. The whole session was very well organized with all ages having a great time.

Personally and on behalf of the Kirk Session I’d like to thank all of the above for guiding the children  as they embark on their faith journey with varied activities and maybe visits to the garden.

Liz, Sunday School Representative Elder