Church without Walls STOBSWELL PARISH CHURCH Celebrating in verse Our Mission Group organised a special service for Sunday 21 November to mark the Church of Scotland's national celebration of Church without Walls. The service incorporated our dedication and thanksgiving to all the groups and organisations associated with our church and celebrated our community relationships both old and new. Of particular significance was the recent official re-opening of Morgan Academy (destroyed by fire three years ago) back into our community. A poem was composed for the service by a member of the congregation: STOBSWELL PARISH CHURCH Celebrating in verse “Whaur are ye going ?” “I’m going tae church.” “Ach eh dinna like that idea very much.” “How no ?” eh said. Whit’s wrang wi’ that. Ah that praying and fuddy duddy chat. “It’s no like that at a‘, “eh replied. “You’d soon find oot if you only but tried. The meenisters great, young and keen’ Fu’ o’ ideas, no’ a has been.” “Whit dae ye dae apart fae pray And sing boring sangs alang the way?” “We sit wi’ friends and think o’ God. We joyfully sing sangs tae the Lord. We hae fun nights, concerts and do’s. We a’ enjoy it, you would too” “Whit else dae ye dae, Tell me please do, I’m really getting quite interested noo” “We’ve got Rainbows, Zodiac, Guides and Scouts, Stobbie Ramblers for a great day out. Bowlers, Guides, Beavers and Cubs, We’ve even got a Slot Car Club. Toddler Group, Bowls and Activate Tap Dancing for a’ will make you feel great. Wednesday Club and Choir for chat and song So why no’ make the effort tae come along. Study Groups, Creche and Sunday School’ Friday Lunch Club -- sorry nae swimming pool,-- Plenty for a’ ages to dae Come alang and see, dinna sae nae.” “Eh think eh’ll come alang and see You never know maybe its for me.” “I’m glad you’re coming to join wi’ us Like minded people wi’ oot ony fuss. Young and auld are a welcome here So come alang and show nae fear. We’d like tae meet and get tae know you, Relax, sit here, Please tak a Pew.     Options for change: a five year plan 'Options for Change' sets out the issues, goals and proposals for change in three core areas for the period 2002 to 2007: * elders * youth * community General issues: Lighting a lamp without burning out Issues * Protecting the minister and elders from 'burn-out' in trying to achieve all our goals * Avoiding reliance on the same members driving all actions * Maintaining momentum whilst avoiding radical change Goals * To ensure that goals are achievable and evolving in line with kirk session philosophy * To create a culture of delegation within the congregation Proposals * Church without Walls committee to meet annually to review progress of 'Options for Change' and provide report to session, board and congregation * Small core of elders and members to be set up with specific responsibilities for aspects of Church life * Consideration to be given to appointment of paid assistant for the minister to share the existing duties and responsibilities of the Stobswell Church ministry and to assist in the establishment, development and leadership associated with future Church policy Eldership: Giving careful care Issues * Difficulties for elders in full-time employment in finding suitable times to visit nursing homes or sheltered housing as often as is appropriate. Proposals * Creation of core group of elders to manage the visiting of members who are housebound, in sheltered housing or residential homes * Establish elder 'teams' to cover groups of geographically adjacent districts * Review of districts to optimise use of elder teams * Promote informal get-togethers of elder teams to disseminate information and exchange views * Review the purpose and operation of the kirk session: - do we need the kirk session in its present form? - Kirk session meetings: do we need them? - could a small group and moderator deal with business items only? Young people: Providing attractions and building relationships Issues * Church holds little attraction for the young people of Stobswell. Goals * To establish closer relationships with the organisations using the church premises (specifically the youth organisations) * To build on existing links with the local schools * To initiate projects to assist and attract the young people of Stobswell Proposals * Creation of core group responsible for the management of organisational visiting * Target to visit each organisation at least twice per year * Core group would be additional contact point for organisations * Special service to celebrate events in organisations' calendar (eg. Thinking Day or Founder's Day for Guide/ Scout organisations) * Initiation of annual 'holiday club' * Appontment of church 'liaison officers' for uniformed organisations, other youth organisations, local schools, community projects * Consider employment of community worker Community: Opening lines of communication Issues * Little involvement of the church with local businesses. Goals * Promote church activities and 'successes' outwith the church walls * Foster relationships with local businesses for mutual benefit * Build on existing relationships with neighbouring churches * increase church involvement in community projects Proposals * Energetically promote One More Step events in local press and on council website * Post 'thank you' banners on church railings after all church events (eg. Christian Aid week, 'One More Step' events) * Increase circulation of 'Monthly' beyond membership (eg. local businesses, doctor's surgeries, neighbouring churches, etc) * Appoint formal representatives to attend Stobswell Neighbourhood Forum * Initiate meetings with representatives of the Stobswell business community to discuss mutual interests and create formal links * Identify and use existing congregational budgets to fund community linked church projects.