Report on "Journeying Together", the Church of Scotland Guild Annual Rally 2008

took place at Caird Hall, Dundee on Saturday 6th September 2008

Report  by Jenny Easson

The Caird Hall, gifted by a Jute Baron and built along “Jute Factory Hall” dimensions, was filled by women - and some men - who had travelled from many parts of Scotland (and beyond) for the annual Rally. In addition to the formal programme, there was opportunity before the Rally and during lunch to make purchases from the Guild Stall, to visit the World Day of Prayer and Fellowship of the Least Coin Stands (very pleasing to this former National Committee Convener!), to meet old friends and make new ones, and to see just a little of Dundee (also pleasing this resident of “the City of Discovery”.).

I was pleased to be there on behalf of both Methodist Women (“Network”) and ACTS (“NEWS”) as one of a group of representatives of a variety of organisations including church denominations, ecumenical, civic and social care bodies (list at end of report). Particular welcome was given from the platform to two ladies from the Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, who in turn presented a “wee banner” to the Guild.

The Rally Programme comprised keynote speakers and presentations with Guild business, all set in the context of worship, supported by Stuart Muir (City Organist / St Paul’s SEC Cathedral) from the Caird Hall organ.
The Guild’s link with the Youth Assembly meeting concurrently in the Apex Hotel Dundee was marked by the introduction and leading of closing worship by two members of that Youth Assembly who spoke with warm appreciation of the Guild’s support - both institutionally and personally - of the Assembly and of the “belonging” of young people as church.

The Keynote Speakers’ addresses were stimulating and challenging, in varying yet complementary styles, following the Theme “Journeying Together” and the Guild’s 3-year Project Partnership Scheme: ‘Let’s Live: body, mind and soul’ (see end of report): as this is the third year , their focus was on “the soul”.
The Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Rev David Lunan, gave a “Personal view” of ‘Life and Soul’, formed round memories of a lady of great influence in his early life, ”Mrs Mac”. He spoke of her wisdom (“skill in the art of living”) and also of the more recent growth he had experienced in his own personal devotional prayer life. His reference to this as “a means of grace" rang a clear bell with this Methodist!

The second Speaker, the author, Irene Howat, outlined “A Spiritual MOT” by tracing her own life journey, with particular reference to the role of pain and disability, and illustration of verses in Psalm 23 with “wee stories” from her own and others’ lives.

The afternoon session had as its “keynote facilitator”, Fiona Squires, who took those two words to lead us across “Stepping Stones” through song: the Caird Hall’s excellent acoustics were explored thoroughly and heartily as all joined in items, some old and some new. Guild members were challenged to take the outlines of this “workshop” back to their own meetings for inclusion in their forthcoming programmes!

Guild members and guests heard words of report and challenge, not least on the very important lead role taken by the Guild in campaigns by several denominations & ecumenical groupings on “Human Trafficking”. There was also encouragement to develop the links between Guilds for mutual support and widening of horizons. Retiring officers were thanked and in-coming ones welcomed, and suggestion made for a “chain of peace” to mark Guild Week 2009.
The Rally had again provided opportunity for a gathering of active, committed, warm-hearted sisters and brothers in Christ to meet and greet, be moved and stirred, re-invigorated and resourced in their individual and corporate contributions to the work of God. It was a pleasure and privilege to join them.


Amounts donated over past 2 years to
Borderline, supporting Homeless Scots in London £ 106,616.85
Christian Aid, Action for the Adivasi, Bangladesh £ 53,353.10
Cross Reach, Beyond the Blues, Bluebell Project £ 99,406.88
The Leprosy Mission,. Scotland, Walking in the Light-Nigeria £ 86,624.83
The Lydia Project, Miriam- Changing the world together,
Eastern Europe £ 58,561.10
Scottish Love in Action, Touching the Untouchable- India £104,480.47
Grand Total £509.043.23