Church of Scotland to commence Year-Long Celebration

Beginning on Sunday 21st November 2004, the Church of Scotland has invited every member to join in a year-long celebration of ‘Churches without Walls’. In May 2001, the Church without Walls report was presented to the General Assembly, and encouraged the Church al all levels to “dream dreams about God’s mission for the Church of Scotland”.

Members were encouraged to build a Church “based on the Gospel and Christ’s invitation to ‘follow me’”. In the report it said that this meant, a church shaped by friendship in its own surroundings and the gifts of those involved.

Local congregations have been asked to launch the celebrations, which will last an entire year, on Sunday 21st November.

Each congregation has been told to decide for itself how it is best to celebrate. However, regional teams have been set up across the country planning various events to help start the celebrations, and on Saturday 28th Mat 2005 a national celebration will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).

Up to three representatives can be sent by every congregation, who will then report back to their own congregations on Sunday 5th June 2005, which has been named by organisers as ‘WOW’ (WithOut Walls) Sunday.

The occasion will see many works of art being displayed, and newly written dramas performed. In addition there will also be a range of workshops on a range of themes including music, drama, working with children, and using sacred spaces. Huge plans for a Church Film Festival are also being rumoured as a major attraction to the celebrations.