Guild Convener Challenge

GUILD CONVENER PHOTOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE

Mabel Wallace Local woman Mabel Wallace has taken up the office of National Convener of the Church of Scotland for 2020/21 – a challenging year for her, but also time to set a challenge in which all members can take part:

The ‘Woman’s Guild’ was founded in 1887 by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on the initiative of Archibald Hamilton Charteris.

Charteris acknowledged women were already involved in Christian service but that there “was a need to develop and organise them as an official working unity within the church”.

In 1997, following a major review, the Guild adopted its current constitution. The new constitution changed the name ‘Woman’s Guild’ to ‘Church of Scotland Guild’ – and opened up groups to men as well as women.

How can I put into words the absolute privilege it is to be chosen to take up the office of National Convener of the Church of Scotland Guild for 2020/21.

Certainly not even a seed when I became a member of Duncansburgh Parish Church Guild way back in the 80’s.

I have served with and been blessed to learn from many Guild Folk down the years, I am ever grateful for this which enabled me to assist in 2007 with the Union of Duncansburgh Parish Church and The MacIntosh Memorial Church - Guilds.

Having served on the National Leadership Team under three National Conveners I continually give thanks for this time of sharing, listening and learning and for the ongoing support afforded to me as I have served my first 6 months in Office.

We are all living through a year like no other, the usual handover would be after the last National Conveners engagement – [the Big Sing

at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland]. This was changed in 2020 because of the Covid’19 restrictions to September during the Annual Gathering held each year, in Dundee at the Caird Hall when there would be around 1500/2000 members and guests in attendance. Eventually this too could not take place in person and had to be carried out virtually. meet and share in Fellowship I know that Guilds have not

During my appointment as with each other. been able to meet together National Convener in normal For the last few years the personally but, we still have rain, circumstances I would be National Convener is asked to and the rainbows appear, and travelling round the country provide a challenge that folk there are some amazing trees visiting, sharing and promoting can take part in. Challenges we out there too, so get snapping, this Great Movement, meeting have shared so far are: Bowling, saving and sending. For Guilds with members just where they Sewing and Literary. in our area Lochaber, send your are. Again travel restrictions and lockdowns have prevented this. I have been blessed through I have set a photographic challenge for my year in offi ce. Guild members are challenged entries, along with the personal details of who took the picture to [thewallace@talk21.com] Zoom/Teams to take a picture The eventual winning entry meetings to go of a tree, a will be printed onto a card, online and share with some Guilds that are using this technology, great to see faces, I have set a photographic challenge for my year in offi ce. Guild members are challenged to take a picture rainbow, or ideally a tree and a rainbow together. Each picture blank inside to be used for any occasion, these will be made into packs and will be available for sale, with all proceeds to aid General Guild Funds. but nothing of a tree, a rainbow, or presented for I hope that All Guilds especially beats meeting ideally a tree and a rainbow judging has to those here in Lochaber have in person and sharing a hug! together. have been taken by the person been able to share the various YouTube videos produced For those who presenting it and during the last year. If not then do not have a digitally saved. As these are still available to view computer we are doing our in past challenges each Guild either on YouTube, the Guild best to make sure that printed wishing to take part is required website or Facebook page.matter is delivered to keep folk involved, encouraged, updated and informed that the work of the Guild goes on! We all look forward to when we are able to to get one entry to their Guilds Together Convener for their area, who will then send it to Guild Offi ce to be forwarded for judging. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future [Jer 29: 11]

PETER WEST Caring for you and your loved ones.

Peter West comes to work every day in the knowledge that he has found his true calling, in caring for deceased loved ones and their families.

Having worked closely with people all of his working life, firstly following the family tradition as a highly talented bespoke tailor and for the last 15 years as a Funeral Director, he joined the team at John McLelllan in 2017, setting up home in Ballachulish. Fully qualified as a Mortuary Cosmetologist, in Facial Reconstruction and as a Mortuary Instructor, Peter uses these skills to the utmost in presenting the deceased at everlasting peace as families pay their respects before the final journey.

He said: “I pride myself on treating each individual with the greatest of respect and do all I can to bring comfort to those left behind through showing their loved one at peace. Many may have had a difficult path to the end and it can be very comforting for families to see them finally at rest. I pride myself on treating each person with the greatest care and attention to detail”.

This view is deeply held by Peter, as when his own parents passed within weeks of each other, his close family persuaded him that he himself should prepare them for burial. Doing this when he was so personally involved has left him with a feeling of even greater empathy with those who have lost their loved ones, ensuring each individual is cared for to the best of his abilities.

He said: “I firmly believe that continuation of care does not end until the deceased is at peace in their final resting place and that is exactly what the team here at John McLellan’s do”.