Fresh appeal for the homeless
Stonelaw Parish Church’s Meeting Place community cafe got into the festive spirit in style.
The Carols by Candlelight service proved to be a big hit with all who went along to the church on December 18, where a selection of songs were played by a group of talented musicians.
Earlier in the month, Stonelaw was visited by Stuart Weir from CARE ( Scotland) sharing at a morning service.
CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) is a Christian charity helping the churches to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. CARE is represented in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies, at the EU in Brussels and the UN in Geneva and New York.
Its goals are to promote Christian action, research and education to support children, single people, marriage and family life effectively; encourage Christians to pray for society and to recognise the dignity and worth of every individual person from fertilisation to life’s natural end; assist Christians to understand social and moral issues in public policy, education and the community; challenge Christians to become actively involved in the democratic process, to be effective salt and light where there is a need for truth and justice; and equip Christians to show the love of Christ in their communities through practical caring.
The church is also looking ahead to next month, to support the homeless.
Janis Neil, convenor of the National Mission Team, said: “The National Mission Team is already looking ahead to Homelessness Sunday, on January 25.
“Plans are still being made as to how exactly we will mark Homelessness Sunday, but one thing we know for sure, we need underwear again.
“We seek to support the Lodging House Mission in as practical a way as possible, so we always ask them what they would like us to collect during the month of January, in the run up to Homelessness Sunday.
“This year they have asked that you donate underwear again.
“The Lodging House Mission has requested men’s underwear - and mostly small sizes please, as it will mainly be going to rough sleepers, who are of slim build.
“So, although you do not need to bring the underwear to church until January, we thought we would give you plenty of notice in case you spot any in the sales.”