Scottish Parliament recognition for 'invaluable' outreach work at 625 year old church

The "invaluable" mission outreach work carried out by a South Lanarkshire church has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament as it celebrates its 625^th anniversary.

Cross-party MSPs commended Bothwell Parish Church for its "indispensable" Community Larder project that it runs in collaboration with a local charity called Bothwell Futures.

Open three-days a week, people are invited to browse the shelves and take the food and toiletry items that they require.

No referrals from other agencies are required to use the facility, which is run by volunteers and relies on donations

A motion lodged at Holyrood states that the service plays a key role in helping people affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis and supported households during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering food parcels.

It noted that Bothwell Parish Church is Scotland's oldest collegiate church and hosted a royal wedding in 1400 between Mary Douglas, the only daughter of Archibald Douglas "The Grim" Lord of Bothwell and Galloway, and David Stewart, the First Duke of Rothesay, who was the eldest son of King Robert III and heir to the Throne of Scotland.

Working together for the common good

The motion acknowledged that the "fantastic milestone" anniversary was marked by a special service on 3 March attended by Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly.

Lady Susan Haughey, the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, local politicians and representatives from Bothwell Primary School and community groups also joined the congregation.

Lodged by Stephanie Callaghan, MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, the motion "commends the church for its comfort and service that it continues to provide to the Bothwell community and wishes it all the best for future service and endeavours".

Rev Iain Majcher, minister of Bothwell Parish Church, said: "To be honoured by the Scottish Parliament is a recognition that the Church still plays an active role in the community 625 years later and that there is still lots more to do.

"It is a real blessing to be able to work with members of all political parties at all levels and to see differences being put aside to work together for the local community.

"Working together to support outreach projects like the community food larder and other local initiatives, both within and outwith the Church.

"It is wonderful to kickstart our year of celebrations with the Moderator of the General Assembly who preached on John 2:13-22 and the driving out of the marketplace in the temple."

Safe place

Mr Majcher said the Moderator reminded the congregation that it still has work to do to "right the injustices" of the world.

"We were challenged by her to meet Jesus in dismantling culturally imposed barriers to love," he added.

"We are called to remember that the registered address of Jesus is not in any ancient church, but in us, found in every face we see, God looking back from the windows of their souls."

The Moderator preached during the service, led Communion with Mr Majcher and a special reception was later held in the church hall.

The parish minister said the congregation was committed to doing what it can to "reach out" into the community in the name of Jesus Christ.

"We continue to work with all parts of community to provide a safe space and a warm welcome through projects such as the memory cafe and senior club" he explained.

"As a parish minister, I am blessed to know that I can speak out for those who can't and open doors to conversations that perhaps others would be unable to do themselves.

"The building is situated in the heart of the village and we pray that we continue to be at the heart of everyone in the community.

"We still have lots to do but we are not scared of the future because we move forward with Christ."

Within these walls let no-one be a stranger

To mark the anniversary, Bothwell Parish Church has launched the "625 Project" to help pay for building costs and mission outreach work.

People are asked to donate £6.25 or £62.50 and consider doing a sponsored run, cycle or "something else mad" to raise funds.

Mrs Foster-Fulton described the culture and atmosphere at Bothwell Parish Church as "forward thinking and community focused".

"The reception gathered diverse representatives from the local community and was a genuine celebration of 625 years, with a determination to find new ways to serve," she said.

The Moderator returned to Bothwell Parish Church on 13 March, as part of her visit to the Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale.

More than 200 children and young people from local schools asked her a wide range of questions on subjects most important to them and sparked engaging and lively discussions.

Invited guests to the event included elected members from North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council.