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There is more to church than meeting on a Sunday. Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals are important events but many people are abandoning the traditional church services for fashionable alternatives which, we suspect, is something they will come to regret.
Church is not boring - if you have been out of touch with church lately we would encourage you to visit us to see how things have changed. We also offer a practical role in the community, such as the Mums and Tots group that meets on a Thursday in the church hall.
We cannot show everybody, and so many people help in one way or another but here are few of the familiar faces you will see in St Ninians congregation.
Lay representative: John DavidsonThe Lay representative is elected every year and has official duties within the organisation of the church.
"Im the person who helps communication with
the diocese and the wider church."
Amongst many other things the treasurer manages all the finances including reclaiming Gift Aid tax and paying the bills!
"The finances need careful attention but should
support rather than dominate what we do."
Tel: 01292 477991.
Secretary: Liz MarsdenThe secretary keeps minutes at church meetings
and deals with correspondence.
"I help by doing the many little things that need doing."
Tel: 01294 834436
Young adults require every opportunity to grow in the faith.
"We try to encourage healthy debate,
sharing and lively meetings."
Tel: 01292 671140
Godly Play Activities (Sunday) and "The teams provide a safe environment for children to explore the meaning of their faith.
We also provide contact with young famalies and the parents and grandparents."
Tel: 01292 477108
Child Protection Officer: Alastair ColquhounProvides information about the legislation
and best practice in this field.
"We make St Ninians a safe environment for every child and young person who attends."
Tel: 01292 441653
Philip Noble has led workshops worldwide on a number of creative subjects. One speciality is Origami and he has contributed to several books on the subject. He has written a couple of books on String Figures and is currently writing a book on Kirigami. He is author of a book "Fool of the Kingdom" published in 1996 and has just completed a Dictionary of Saints due to be published in 2007.
He has been involved in the performing arts for many years as storyteller, clown and conference speaker. Philip has performed in cathedrals, prisons, schools, libraries, theatres and outdoor events. He is a founder member of the Holy Fools an association for Christian clowns in U.K., and co-founded the International String Figures Association (www.isfa.org).
You may find these external links of interest:
In 1985 Bp Ban It Chiu, formerly bishop of Singapore, visited St. Ninian's Church. He left a photograph of melting snow with black earth showing through. It was taken by a Chinese photographer, deeply troubled religiously; and when he developed it, he was amazed to see in it the face of Christ and he became a Christian.
Chiu told us:- "It may take you a long time to see the face but be assured that it is there. It will suddenly become visible. It is, perhaps, a parable that in the perplexities and turmoil of life we can suddenly become conscious of His presence." We put an enlarged version on the church hall and became a talking point.