Friends

Friends of the East and Old Parish Church

Purpose

The purpose of the 'Friends' is to bring together in a common fellowship of loyalty and devotion all those who care for this principal Church in Forfar and who would like to have some part in promoting its continued existence, preserving its fabric and maintaining its services. In order to do this the aims of the 'Friends' are twofold:

1. To encourage  people to experience friendship and fellowship through social gatherings which in turn will hopefully increase   attendance at Sunday services as people begin to feel more comfortable within the Church of 'East and Old'. It was set up in the autumn of 2008 with the hope of reaching out to members of the congregation as well as the wider community to encourage friendship and fellowship.

2. To generate more income for the Church.

In some part we hope that this group will help the East & Old to become a a thriving church with something to offer the community. 

Events to date

We have existed for 2 years since September 2008 when we had a launch night in the Church Hall in the form of a Cheese and Wine / Slide Show Evening. During the 2008-09 session we had a Musical Evening which involved members of a YouthTheatre Group, an organist and a pianist from our own congregation; a Coffee Morning in which all the Church Organisations took part e.g. BB, Good News Crew, Guild ; a Burns’ Supper at which members of the congregation entertained; and a Quiz Night. Refreshments were served at all events. During the 2009-2010 session a local speaker gave an illustrated talk on the History of the Forfar Churches and Manses at our opening meeting. This was followed by a Ceilidh Dance / Stovie Supper, a folk concert by Civil Folk from Glenrothes, and a Ladies Pamper Evening. Further to this two walks have been arranged over the summer months for all 'Friends' followed by High Tea. One walk was a low level one in Glen Doll and the other round Balgavies Loch. A ranger accompanied us on one to point out flora and fauna of note. A Musical Evening with local entertainers was held in October then a Coffee Morning involving all the Church Organisations in November and a Burns' Supper in Jan 2011. All events were very well supported over this two year period and the sum of app. £10,500 has been realised. The 'Friends' have donated money to the general and investment Church Funds, have carpetted the social area and centre sanctuary of the Church, now that the pews have been taken out and stacking chairs bought, as well as monies for floodlighting the Steeple. Monies have also been given to Mary's Meals, the BB, and the Good News Crew.

Many people have expressed how good it is to be able to meet together to share in fellowship during these events and are always keen to know of the events being arranged for the future. Also many people’s talents have been brought to the fore during these events whether it is with regard to catering, organising or entertaining.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 2012

Sunday 26th February - Souper Sunday – after church in the church

Saturday 28th April - Old Race Night – Church Hall – 7.30pm

Saturday 12^th May – Chocfest – Church Hall 10am – 12 noon

MEMBERSHIP FEES

Annual Subscription                                                               £10.00

Life Membership                                                                     £150.00

Junior Membership (up to age 16)                                          Free

Corporate Membership: The Treasurer will be pleased to advise other Parishes, bodies or organisations wishing to enter into this form of membership.

Gift Aid: Please note if you are a taxpayer, a simple way of increasing your donation at no extra cost is to complete the Gift Aid Declaration. This allows our treasurer to claim tax relief on the amount gifted.

If you would like to be involved with the Friends or have any suggestions for future events we would like to hear from you. Go to the About Us page and scroll down to find the Friends representative or contact the web administrator.

Gift aiding your donation will boost what you give through tax advantages.

The group holds fund raising events throughout the year.

All funds raised will go towards improvements in the East and Old Parish Church.

To read about the enormous success we are achieving, the events which we are holding during 2011, a resume of the funds we hold and how we are using them go to June 2011 issue of The Steeple Times.

Application Form

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