Dear Friends

I am writing to you at this time of crisis to let you know what’s happening with our church during the next few weeks.

The Church of Scotland sent notice this week that due to the Corona Virus we have to stop gathering for worship and that all activity that brings people together should also stop.   This is unprecedented and, for me, it feels really strange. However, it is absolutely necessary in the circumstances.   

The ministers from our cluster group of churches are offering an online service of worship each week that will be broadcast via the Aberdeen West Churches YouTube Channel.    If you have access to Facebook, please keep an eye on our page as I will be using it more to keep in touch.  I intend to do a short podcast every Thursday to replace the usual Thursday morning service and this will be available on the Facebook page and the web site.

Of course, I’m aware that not everyone has access to the Internet and I intend to try to keep in touch by telephone with our more vulnerable members, especially those living alone.   Ministers cannot visit during this period and so that will be the main means of keeping in touch.  Your elder might also give you a phone from time to time if you are in this group.   Please do not hesitate to phone me at any time if you would like a chat.

If you would like an audio CD of the Sunday Services sent to you, please phone or email me. In addition you can now listen to the Sunday Worship using a normal phone by calling 01224 013222. See below for details.

There is also a wider community effort being made to help anyone who might need help in coming days and weeks.  If you can volunteer to assist the Culter Resilience Team in delivering shopping, prescriptions etc to vulnerable members in the community, please do let me know.  My email address is JFerguson@churchofscotland.org.uk   or phone me on (01224) 735041.

The church office is closed, but you can still email it as I am checking emails.  There will not be a magazine issued during this time, but a short occasional newsletter will be published on the website.     Obviously, we will have no Sunday offerings during this period, but you can pop FWO envelopes through the office door or phone William Anderson on (01224) 732505 for a Standing Order.

I have no doubt that the Culter community will come together and support one another during this time.  Throughout it all, we need to uphold in our prayers those who have the virus, those who have lost loved ones through it and all in the NHS who are on the front line and do such a wonderful job.  We should also remember our young people, especially those unable to sit exams.   And let’s hope and pray that in time a vaccine will be found. 

In the meantime, may God bless us and protect us in the times to come.

John Ferguson.