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GOOD CHEER AND CRACK AT INAUGURAL CHRISTMAS MEAL
Our first ever congregational Christmas meal
was held on Saturday 22nd December. There was a good attendance of 50
people, plus volunteer helpers and their families. The support we had from the elders and other members of the congregation was fantastic, and we worked hard at getting tickets to members of the congregation who can’t always get out and about. We were also thrilled to receive so many financial donations towards the cost of the event. The first problem we encountered was the fact that, although we’ve been at St Andrew’s for eight years and we know many faces, we didn’t just know how few we actually knew. So apologies to anyone who had us look blankly at you when you offered help - we were trying to figure out who you were!! It has been fantastic for us to get to know so many of the congregation slightly better and to meet many more new faces. The second problem we encountered was trying to work out how much of everything we would need. Panicked phone calls to Orkney to Mrs Moar Senior ensued and between us we figured out what we thought would be an adequate amount for 60 people. The other items weren’t so difficult, as we were lucky to have the help of experienced ‘Burns Night’ suppliers …. Despite these minor issues (and Kirstie waking in the middle of the night panicking about towels!) it all came together on the day. A fantastic group of volunteers were on hand to offer advice, support and assistance with preparing, serving and cleaning up afterwards. Without their support we could not have run the event. It was hard work for the volunteers, but speaking from our perspective, we found it to be a very enjoyable, rewarding and fun afternoon. It was lovely to see the hall full of happy faces and to hear the hubbub of conversation - so much so the music was drowned out. This event seems to have been a success, given all the complements the volunteers received on the day. It gave people a chance to socialise with others in the church and experience fellowship in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This included some who are not always able to attend church regularly, and it was great to see them there enjoying themselves. Although the event wasn’t designed to raise funds, many people attending wanted to donate towards the costs. The donations we received, coupled with the fact that generous volunteers provided produce without recompense, meant that all our costs were easily covered. This left us with the magnificent sum of £200. This was donated to CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) and hopefully provided some additional cheer to someone else’s Christmas. Thank you all for your
support in what we feel was an extremely rewarding and enjoyable
experience. |
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