Mission
The mission ethos of the Congregation centres very much upon the building of relationships and the development of unconditional acceptance. We believe that first impressions are very important and we seek to make our buildings a place of welcome. If people feel welcomed and valued they may come back and in the process begin to develop and deepen their faith.
The mission needs are typical of many town / rural communities in Scotland and include outreach to young people, support of families, support of the elderly … we seek to meet a need in our community for a place of safety and stability as well as a focus for spiritual nurture and the observance of the ordinances of religion.
At the present time the main focus for our mission is through the West Angus Area Ministry in general and the development of the family side of congregation life in particular.
Within the Glens and Kirriemuir Old Parish the Congregation’s involvement is quite typical of many small burgh churches in Scotland. We are a community focal point that goes about its business with purpose and integrity. Specifically we…
 | provide Church services |
| visit and offer pastoral support |
| build relationships |
| provide School Chaplaincy |
| offer our Office as a Community Resource |
| carry out Funerals [33 to date in 2006] and Weddings [21 in 2006] |
The principal community development is the West Angus Area Ministry which we hope will provide many new opportunities and experiences for the Congregation. Locally there seems to be a lifting of a ban on building and the subsequent possibility of new houses.
Other forms of local mission include the use of the Old Parish Halls by many secular organisations and also the publication of weekly Orders of Services, monthly newsletters and twice yearly magazines.
In recent months a series of conversations have taken place with different groups in the Congregation, reviewing what it means to be a 21st Century Christian and what makes the Church most meaningful. These conversations are ongoing but early results indicate the importance of ethos and welcome and relationships; worship; leadership; community and commitment. Once these conversations have been completed our current set of aims and goals will be reviewed.
Looking to the future the following areas are worthy of attention …
| Every Community will need to respond to Climate Change and the Church must be at the heart of this response |
| Review of what it means to be a 21st Century Christian and refocus our vision and aims in the light of this review |
| Continued development of and application of Appreciative Inquiry as a tool for Church growth and life |