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Dingwall Castle Street
Church of Scotland
Achievements and
Performance 2008.
Worship:
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The average
attendance at morning service is approximately 90, and
approximately 40 at the evening service.
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The weekly Bible
Study and Prayer group is attended by 15-20 people per meeting.
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There is also a
small Sunday School and crèche of between 3 to 6 children.
Pastoral Care:
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The congregation
provides the ordinances of religion to the congregation and
parish.
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The minister and
elders give support and pastoral care to any within the
congregation and parish area who need assistance.
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A few members also
take part in a Hospital visiting scheme.
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The minister is
chaplain to St. Clements Special Needs School, plus visiting
Dingwall Primary School.
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Several elders have
attended training courses on the eldership, including pastoral
care.
Ecumenical Activities:
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A joint service was
held with Dingwall Free Church to mark the opening of the
refurbished Free Church building. The congregation also has
regular monthly joint prayer meetings with the Free Church.
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A joint service was
held with St. Clements Church of Scotland, St. James Episcopal
Church, and St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church for Christian Aid
week.
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A joint service was
held with St Clements Church of Scotland to mark Guild week.
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A joint service was
held with Dingwall Baptist Church.
Regular Activities:
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Between 20 and 25
ladies attend the Guild, with occasional visits by male members
of the congregation.
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A Parent and
Toddlers Group, open to the community is used by around 12
parents each week.
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A Youth Group
started this year with, at present, 6 attending.
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The congregation
continues to run a weekly coffee morning which is well attended
by both members of the congregation and the general public, and
produces generous donations to Church funds.
Special Activities
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Members of the
congregation assisted the organisation Friendship
International, which does work among the poor and orphans in
Romania countries.
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The congregation is
now formally partnered with Balaka church in Malawi through the
Church of Scotland partnership scheme. This partnership will
involve education, mutual assistance, exchange visits,
involvement in spiritual and environmental projects, and
fostering Scotland-Malawi links.
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The congregation was
visited by Mr. Zondiwe Mbano from the University of Malawi in
Zomba.
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The congregation was
also visited by the Rt. Rev. Robert Benn, Moderator of the
Presbyterian Church in Australia.
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The congregation
hosted the Scottish Northern Convention.
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Special collections
were donated to: The War Blinded, Zomba Theological College in
Malawi, The Botha’s work in Ekwendeni in Malawi, the Church of
Scotland World Mission Fund, Christian Aid, Balaka, and Highland
Theological College.
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