District News
Christian Aid success Kirkton Church’s minister, the Reverend Iain Cunningham, kicked-off this year’s Christian Aid week of fundraising with a special evening of praise in the church on Sunday of last week. During the week St John’s Church hall was the scene of bustling activity, amid the lovely spring weather, where hundreds of people from the community converged on the premises to enjoy tea/coffee and delicious home baking. Lunches were also in demand and extra tables had to be set up in another part of the building to cope with the many visitors. By working together congregations from St Andrews, St Athanasius, St John’s, Kirkton and United Reform churches raised approximately £6207 during this year’s Christian Aid cafe week. In addition, the Choices charity shop raised a further £1500. The town’s residents dug deep and responded so generously to the house-to-house collections to gather an additional £3215. This brought the total raised during this year’s Christian Aid week to an amazing £10,922, which will be used by the charity to carry on its vital work throughout the world’s many deprived areas to help its communities. The Carluke Churches Christian Aid group continues to be extremely grateful for the town’s support and expressed their sincere thanks to everyone who assisted in making this year’s appeal such a great success. St Athanasius Parish The parish would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who came along and assisted at this year’s Christian Aid cafe. This year’s special week of fundraising for the Christian Aid charity took place around the town’s churches last week and, once again, received great support from all. A special thanks goes to parishioner Brian Clark and local ladies, Maureen and Marie, who ensured that everyone attending enjoyed another successful day. Mary’s Meals appeal Representatives from the charity will be visiting St Athanasius Parish Church during the weekend of June 16 and June 17, in the run up to this year’s appeal. Anyone wishing to donate to this year’s appeal are asked to place their unwanted items of textiles, shoes, clothes, curtains, bedding (no pillows or duvets), handbags, etc into black bags. These can then be left at the designated area in the church for collection by the charity. Raffles tickets will also be on sale on the day to raise additional funds. Charity event Local man and member of St Athanasius Church, Eddie Kelly and his three brothers, recently embarked on his expedition to walk the 150 miles distance along the Pilgrims Way, Camino do Santiago from Portugal to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. So far he has raised £1126, towards his £2000 target, for the church refurbishment fund for his many well wishers. Donations can be made after this weekend’s Masses at the church or on his Justgiving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eddie-kelly4. Any support for this worthwhile cause would be greatly appreciated. SNP monthly draw The winners for the May draw were: £100 - J Hamilton, of Beechfield Gardens; £75 - LJ