Congregational mission work recognised in Scottish Parliament

Two parish churches which work tirelessly to support their local communities have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.

Cross-party MSPs expressed their gratitude by signing motions thanking members of Blantyre Old Parish Church and Rutherglen West and Wardlawhill Parish Church, both South Lanarkshire, for all their efforts to enrich peoples’ lives through mission in word and deed.

They were lodged by Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, who personally wrote to church leaders to express her thanks.

Signed by 18 MSPs, the motion acknowledged that Blantyre Old Parish Church “hosts, among other things, a Warm Welcome event every Wednesday, bringing together local people and offering free hot food and drink; pays tribute to its year-round fundraising efforts for good causes; understands that, in 2023, Blantyre Old Parish Church and other local partners have worked together to provide aid that was sent to Malawi; notes what it sees as the ongoing generosity of the congregation, including for the church’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service in October, with food being provided to a local foodbank.”

Myra Beattie, Deputy Session Clerk at Blantyre Old Parish Church, said: “As a church family, Blantyre Old are delighted to receive recognition in the Scottish Parliament for our help and support in the community.

“It is a privilege and a blessing that, with God’s grace, we are able to reach out to the community and beyond, through the many projects, in which we are currently involved.

“We look forward in hope to the future work, we know God has planned for us here in the next chapter of our journey.”

Following Christ

Rev Jim Murphy, Interim Moderator at Blantyre Old Parish Church, said: “It is a fantastic congregation and very proactive in trying to help the local community.

“I am delighted that all their efforts have been recognised in this way.

“It is a privilege to be part of the church family and to follow Christ’s example.”

Signed by 19 MSPs, the other motion thanked everyone involved with Rutherglen West and Wardlawhill Parish Church for everything that they do for the local community in Christ’s name.

It states: “Rutherglen West and Wardlawhill Parish Church is also used on Mondays as a warm hub/free community café to help local residents deal with rising energy costs, and on Thursdays, it runs a parents café.

“The church’s facilities are also used by many local community groups and organisations; considers that places of worship, like Rutherglen West and Wardlawhill Parish Church, are at the heart of communities, and wishes the whole church community the very best in 2024.”