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The Churches by the Don
Great oaks from little acorns grow.
This venerable quotation, an early variant of which was used by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1374, is often used when hoping for great things to come from small beginnings.
Thus it is with the Donside Christian Partnership.
This somewhat informal association, comprising the Cathedral Church of St Machar,
St Mary’s Parish Church, Woodside Parish Church, St George’s -
No sooner had the Partnership taken it’s first tentative steps in 2003 than four
Church of Scotland charges found themselves, one-
Once nominating committees had finished traipsing around the country in search of that most elusive species, the perfect parish minister, the Donside Christian Partnership was awakened from its slumber.
Slowly, but surely, what had originally been simply a hope in the hearts of a small number of people from each congregation gained momentum.
The six churches forming the original membership, have been delighted to welcome four newcomers. This has greatly widened the ecumenical dimension of the Partnership.
The Partnership provides visible proof that whilst we, from a group of churches with differing backgrounds, may ‘do our own thing’ we readily acknowledge our oneness in Christ. This is highlighted by the prayer cycle, through which the Partnership churches pray for one of their fellow congregations on a rota basis.
The call to the people of St Machar’s is simple. Let us continue to ‘do our own thing’. But let us also play our part in making the Donside Christian Partnership a vibrant and visible force for good in this corner of God’s vineyard.
The little acorn may not yet be a great oak; it is, however, a healthy sapling.
Dick Williamson