Church Newsletter - May 2008

As you know, our congregation recently took part in a pilot programme for the Church of Scotland's Stewardship Campaign, called Together We Make A Difference.

February seems so long ago now but, here at Cumbernauld Old, there was a frenzy of activity as our three Stewardship Gatherings took place. A great deal of time and effort went into the preparation of these events which were held on the 17th, 19th, and 24th February at the Forge, the Village Church and Cumbernauld Primary School respectively.

Invitations went out to over 350 households, personally inviting nearly 500 individuals to attend. Around 150 attended the events, which were a celebration of our own church, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the wider Church of Scotland.

The presentations & brochures provided were very informative and professionally prepared, and the refreshments on offer were enjoyed by all.

Everyone was invited to respond to the Campaign, and, to date, around 150 responses have been received and acted upon. A number of new Free Will Offering, Standing Order and Gift Aid requests have been actioned. An increase in giving has been observed. Attendance at worship seems to be up a little too, but what is especially rewarding is the variety of excellent ideas & suggestions made by young and old at the Gatherings – everything from pew cushions to Smartboards & graveyard tours to pencils.

All the suggestions have been passed to the relevant groups e.g. Session, Board, Worship Team, J-Team & Sunday School for consideration. We await their feedback.

A further review of the success of the programme is planned for summer '08.

An interesting incidental finding during the Campaign was that around 30 members had moved away, often without giving a forwarding address. That, too, will be followed up in due course.

On behalf of the Stewardship team, many thanks to all those involved for their sterling efforts. It was a privilege to be involved.

© Cumbernauld Old Parish Church of Scotland; Registered Scottish Charity SC000877