Church of Scotland members amongst those receiving Maundy Thursday money

Six Church of Scotland members will be amongst those receiving Maundy Thursday money today from Her Majesty The Queen at Worcester Cathedral on behalf of His Majesty The King.

All have been nominated for their dedicated years of service to the Church, and they will be among 75 men and 75 women from across the United Kingdom also receiving the award.

The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday dates at least to the 4th century AD with the first record of a monarch doing this in the British Isles being in 1213.

Moyra Stewart, an elder at Glamis Church, said: "I feel extremely humbled to be thought worthy of this honour.

"I have a strong personal faith so endeavour to witness as best I can using whatever gifts I have been given."

Neil Jordan, member at St Andrews Wallace Green and Lowick Church in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, said:

"When I received the letter from Buckingham Palace I was initially shocked and couldn't believe it.

"I am elated and proud to be going, but at the same time very humbled that I have been chosen."

Philip Owen, treasurer of Newport-On-Tay Church, said:

"I have a mixture of pride, surprise and humility to have been recommended and approved to receive this honour.

"While looking back over a number of decades of Christian service - whether through the Boys' Brigade, Church finance or leading Church worship, it had always been done as a service to others.

"Consequently this recognition reflects equally on our Church locally and on the other, generally unsung, volunteers who help in ministry and mission here and across the land."

Elizabeth Bruce, elder of Dull and Weem Parish Church near Aberfeldy, said:

"I was surprised and delighted to hear that I was one of six members of the Church of Scotland chosen to receive Maundy money this year. I have often seen this ceremony on TV news, but never imagined that one day I would participate."

Clive Bridges, an elder at Logierait Church, said:

"I feel that it is a privilege and indeed an honour to be chosen to receive Maundy Money and be nominated for my association with my church."

Elizabeth Thompson, of Newport-On-Tay, will also receive Maundy Money. She is cited for her commitment to her local congregation and her extensive service to Fife Presbytery.

Neil Jordan, member at St Andrews Wallace Green and Lowick Church in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, said:

"When I received the letter from Buckingham Palace I was initially shocked and couldn't believe it.

"I am elated and proud to be going, but at the same time very humbled that I have been chosen."

The service is held at a different cathedral each year, and the number of people being given Maundy Money is the same as the monarch's age for men and women.

Those attending include the recipients and their guests.

The word ‘Maundy' comes from the Latin word for ‘commandment', which refers to the instruction that Jesus gave his disciples on the Thursday before he died "that you should love one another as I have loved you".

Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton said: "I am delighted that six long-serving and dedicated members of the Church of Scotland are being recognised in this way.

"They are people who have served their congregations and communities faithfully, giving up their time to help others."