Guild Annual Gathering returns to Dundee

This Saturday, the 2018 Guild Annual Gathering will return to Caird Hall in Dundee for a jam-packed day of music, hymns, communion, reflections, guest speakers and project updates.

Around 1,900 Guild members will descend on Dundee, as the event focusses on the Guild's 2018 theme of ‘Seeking the way'.

Speakers on the day will be the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Susan Brown, as well as National Youth Assembly Moderator, Tamsin Dingwall.

Acknowledging the important role the Guild plays in church life, Susan said:

"It will be amazing to be with members of the Guild from every part of Scotland and beyond!

"The Guild knows how to inspire and inform its members and knows, too, that as people of faith God calls us to roll up our sleeves and to walk with Him and with His people and His world.

"My ‘Walking with…' theme is one I am keen to continue to explore throughout this year and it fits in so well with the Guild's theme of ‘Seeking the way'.

"Where is it God wants us to go? What is it He want us to take with us for the journey? Who are we to meet and how are we to show the loving reality of God in all our walking?

"The Annual Gathering sets the agenda and the tone for the year ahead and this year we will be starting on a new and exciting journey with God leading the way."

A showcase for Guild members and congregations

During the afternoon, the grand totals raised for each of the 2015-18 Guild-supported projects will be announced, including the Street Pastors, Care for the Family, Christian Aid, Feed the Minds, Mission International and Prospects.

A number of stalls will also be available to browse, including the Guild Shop stall which will be stocking an exciting new range of Guild merchandise items, including the 2018 Christmas cards.

Special guests will be welcomed from across the Church of Scotland, as well as former Guild National Leaders, project partners and other organisations.

Speaking ahead of the event, Patricia Robertson, the Guild's National Convener, said:

"I'm looking forward to the Annual Gathering as it's a showcase for Guild members and also for all congregations - even those without Guilds, as we know there are some congregations who support the Guild through the projects.

"This year, for the first time, we're sharing an Agape Meal (a communal meal shared among Christians) in the Caird Hall as well as with those who are watching via the live stream.

"I believe there are around 800 sharing with us during the day. We will also hear from the representatives who are joining us.

"One of the highlights, for me, is the singing with a choir of over 1,900 people in attendance, which is very uplifting."

Can't make it to the Annual Gathering this year? A live stream will be available to view here.