Union reinforced during lockdown
The union of St Columba’s and Allan Park South Church took place during the early stages of lockdown.
But although they are yet to meet in person as a newly- f ormed congregation, the members have all joined together to serve their community during these difficult times.
A wonderful team of volunteers created craft, Lego, baking and activity packs - with volunteer drivers making sure they were all distributed at a safe social distance.
Some amazing bakers have been hard at work making scones, cakes and other tasty bites to drop off to older members of the community along with beautiful cards created by little ones, and gifts of plants and flowers in order to help everyone remain connected.
Prizegivings for the Sunday school groups and Boys’ Brigade have still taken place, with books and badges being handed out in order to create a sense of normality.
Spokesperson Laura St John said: “Like many organisations we have also managed to keep in contact through the use of social media and Zoom.
“Currently we have our Stirling Wellbeing Choir still meeting on Zoom every Tuesday at 7.30pm and Bible Art Group every Friday at 10.30am.
“Our pre school group
Bairns Rock continued to run live on Facebook until end of term each Tuesday at 10.30am and are still looking at things we can do together now that social distancing is beginning to relax.
“During lockdown we created a Tree of Hope in the grounds of The Park Community Hub on Dunbarton Road. Together as a community it has been decorated by beautiful pompoms and lights in order to bring joy and hope during these difficult times.
“Our volunteers also distributed brightlycoloured wool to all who requested it so that everyone could join in this project of hope together - proof that even though we could not be together in person, we could still create something beautiful that would life the spirits of our community.”
The public can keep up to date with everything the church is doing on its various Facebook pages: The Park Church; The Park Church Community Hub; Bairns Rock; The hub Lego club; Parent Craft; Knit, Sip and Stitch; Stirling Wellbeing Choir; and Jubilee Lunch Club.
Laura added: “We pray that as lockdown restrictions ease we do not forget the lessons learnt during these past few months and that we hold on to the community spirit that has had so many reach out and support others in their time of need.”