Year of Homecoming Resources |
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our resources for congregations for the Year of Homecoming 2009. The latest resources are listed at the bottom of the page here. These pages will be added
to
and updated throughout the year, so please come back often to read what's new.
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The Scottish Government has designated 2009 as a Year of Homecoming for those who are connected with, or have an affinity with Scotland and by now you may have seen the adverts on national television featuring famous Scots. (Go to www.homecomingscotland.com/caledonia.html to view the ad in full.) |
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Various national bodies and companies are partners in this endeavour which focuses on five areas for special events around the country and throughout the year :
Robert Burns
Whisky
Golf
The Enlightenment (Scottish innovations)
Ancestry
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As a Christian you may not feel particularly drawn to what is clearly a tourism marketing initiative, but take a moment to reflect on the creative spiritual possibilities of Homecoming as a theme : The Church of Scotland - in company with the other Scottish Churches - have entered this partnership, because they see its potential as a stimulating call to witness and welcome in 2009. It's a great opportunity for us to take stock of who we are and what we do as Christian communities.
It's a great opportunity to offer a warm Christian welcome to neighbours and strangers through special events, for thereby "we entertain angels unawares". |
On these pages you will find a range of resources for your congregation to use during the Year of Homecoming based on different themes. These are listed below. You can also order the invitation card, 'You welcomed me as if I were an angel', and find information about the Church which can be used during Homecoming here, and download a special Homecoming hymn in Scots from our Worship in Scots pages.
Latest resources
9 July 2009
Summer opportunities
Special homecoming events for holiday time, and
the concept of pilgrimage, exploring with a purpose and what churches can offer in their own area.
[more]
7 April 2009
Home and Holy Week
In Jesus' final week, he sought the comfort of home and friends. The Church should also be a welcoming place for those with cares and troubles.
[more]
Homecoming souvenirs
Travel broadens the mind, and we bring back photos and souvenirs to remind ourselves of what we saw. What could your church give to people who visit it?
[more]
18 March 2009
A home to come back to?
Leave-taking and home-coming can be challenging when someone is forced to leave abruptly, such as entering prison, and we should remember the family that's left behind to cope.
[more]
A good Scottish welcome!
How good is your church's welcome for locals and visitors, and how can you improve on it?
[more]
Making of a Makar
Makar in Scottish literature means poet or bard, and sharing poems, stories and songs is one way to celebrate Homecoming events.
[more]
3 February 2009
The season of Epiphany
There are many reasons why people may leave home, but coming home may not always be an easy thing to do for some. Can we make it more welcoming for them?
[more]
Getting started: who are we?
Looking at the history of your church and the journey your congregation has taken to get here today.
[more]
Contact us
For more information about these resources, contact Fiona Campbell at the email address below.
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