Update on The Record, Giving and Foodbank Donation
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The Record: As those who subscribe to the Record are not able to collect their copy at church services, it's been decided not to issue paper copies to congregations while the current restrictions are in place. As an alternative to paper copies, the Record is being made freely available online and the April edition can be viewed on the Free Church website https://freechurch.org. It featured on the home page until Friday but it can still be accessed under the News tab. A PDF copy is available and can be accessed and downloaded using the following link: https://freechurch.org/assets/documents/2020/The_Record-Apr-20-WEB.pdf
Praying for our ministers and church workers: This is a busy and difficult time for ministers and church workers everywhere as they adjust to pastoring their congregations by different and untested means and in a new and uncertain environment. Pray that all their diligent efforts to deliver services of worship will be a means of blessing and reassurance to all who listen
Donation to Western Isles Foodbank: The events of recent weeks and its impact on the lives of so many is impossible to calculate. For many it means unemployment with all its negative consequences and even a small reduction in family income can mean the difference between just managing and genuine poverty. As a community it has been really heartening to see the selfless endeavours being made throughout our islands to support the vulnerable and to mitigate the worst effects for those who are directly affected by the current crisis.
At times like these there are enormous pressures on humanitarian charities, particularly on those directly involved in ensuring that the most vulnerable in our communities do not go hungry. The sacrificial service and the commitment of those who manage and serve the Western Isles Foodbank at this challenging time is deserving of our prayerful and practical support.
To help the foodbank with maintaining supplies throughout this period, the congregation’s Benevolent Fund committee has agreed to contribute £3,000. This will be done with an initial instalment of £1,000 followed by two further instalments of £1,000 each over the next two months.
Please continue to pray for everyone involved in trying to ease the challenging situation many find themselves in and that their kindness will be a source of blessing to all who receive it.
Alternatives to freewill offering envelopes: In these uncertain times, we would expect the matter of continuing to support the congregation financially to be rather low on the scale of people’s current priorities. However, judging by the steady number of enquires received in recent days, it’s clear that many regard their regular donation as part of their worship and are genuinely concerned that the unchanging mission and work of the congregation does not suffer due to its regular income stream being interrupted. We sincerely thank all those who have already forwarded cheques and who have successfully set up bank Standing Orders or other means of online giving.
Those who are concerned about maintaining their regular contributions to the congregation but are unsure how to proceed should contact either of the following who will explain the options available and provide bank details:
Murdo Macphail (Treasurer) – 01851 705445
Donald Macleod (Doonie) (Gift Aid Treasurer) - 01851 704038
Donations made by cheque should be made payable to ‘Stornoway Free Church’ and posted to Murdo Macphail (Treasurer), 12a Jamieson Drive, Stornoway, HS1 2LF.
Due to the current restrictions on movement and to eliminate the risk to those who sort and count cash every week, the freewill offering envelopes should not be submitted while the current restrictions are in place. This will be reviewed when the restrictions are lifted and in accordance with the prevailing official advice.
