Ministries
On the 6th of October 2006 the Kirk Session took the decision to set up five ministries within the Church with both elders and non-elders serving on each. The objective of this new way of working is to make the best use of the talents, interests and time of elders and those involved with the congregation willing to enter into a commitment. The structure is both dynamic, by harnessing a wider range of talents and interests, and flexible, by changing the level of involvement of individuals according to their other commitments. There is an ongoing programme of recruitment for these ministries. The work of these ministries includes the following:
The Nurture Ministry
To be responsible to the Kirk Session for the fulfilment of the mission statement "to learn more of God and grow in faith and love." To be involved in the training of those involved in the other ministries.
Convenor: Robin Forrest
The Welcome and Hospitality Ministry
To be responsible to the Kirk Session for the fulfilment of the mission statement "to provide a friendly and hospitable welcome to all." To organize rotas of elders and non-elders for pre and post service duties. To oversee hospitality within the Church through the work of the hospitality committee.
Convenor: Sheila Nicoll
The Worship and Communication Ministry
To be responsible to the Kirk Session for aspects of the Worship Services other than the content of worship. In conjunction with the Minister to liaise with the Director of Music and to be responsible to the Kirk Session for the development of the musical life of the Church. To oversee publications including the magazine and the website and for the enhancement of our communications.
Acting Convenor: Catriona Sutherland-Hawes
The Outreach Ministry
To be responsible to the Kirk Session for the fulfilment of the mission statement "to serve God and His Church, each other and those in need both near and far." To maintain links with the West London Churches Homeless Concern, West London Action for Children, Borderline and those using the building. The Service Unit and Benevolence Committee form part of this Ministry.
Convenor: Betsy Wilkie
The Fellowship Ministry
To be responsible to the Kirk Session for increasing and sustaining the fellowship of the congregation. To organize a panel of visitors to engage in a systematic visitation of members and adherents needing visits and to refer instances of pastoral need to the ministerial team.
Convenor: Lilias Gillies
The Alexander Rose Memorial Fund
The Alexander Rose Memorial Fund may be used to help poor Scots and people of Scots descent and their families. We do not enter long-term commitments and generally our help is one-off to assist with a particular problem. For instance we often help with essential furnishings for homeless people moving into a new tenancy or to help with redecoration or refurbishment after a fire or a period of illness or stress when things had been left undone for a while. We might contribute to costs of a holiday or convalescent stay, or a visit to Scotland for a funeral or other family occasion. We also help students undertaking a project with financial help.
Grants are generally around £200-300. Sometimes we have combined with other charities, such as the Royal Scottish Corporation, for larger items, such as a wheelchair or other bit of equipment.
Small grants, from funds with less restrictive trust deeds, can sometimes be made to non-Scots in need. Application can be made with this form which helps the Committee in making its decision, but could also be made by letter in the first place. Please click on the link, print the form and complete.
