There are many opportunities for people to become involved in the life of the Cathedral in addition to worship. If you can help with any of the following, contact the Secretary, the Session Clerk, the appropriate committee convener, your own elder, or the Minister. But don't hide your light under a bushel!

THE FABRIC OF THE BUILDING. Skilled tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts are particularly welcome, or it may just be that you can apply a coat of paint

The Fabrics Committee - Convener, Alan Wilson - attends to the maintenance of Cathedral and Manse. The budget is small (remember, it's the congregation which has to care for this ancient building, not the State or the National Trust) so members take pride in doing as much as they can themselves. One member routinely checks electrical appliances, and painting and joinery work have also been carried out by members. If you are willing and able to do anything of this sort, mention it to an appropriate person..

THE SOUND SYSTEM. Volunteers are needed to operate this, as part of a Sunday morning rota or for particular occasions. As with any rota, the more people involved, the less often any one person is on duty. Ian Munro will give training and support.

MUSIC. The Cathedral Choir is always delighted to welcome new members, especially men. You need to be able to sing in tune, and, ideally, sight read. The choir rehearses on Friday evenings. Contact Michael Thomson, or any member of the choir.

It may be that you can't make the commitment to rehearse and sing most Sundays but would be happy to join the choir when extras are needed for particular occasions. Let someone know!

If your children enjoy music the Junior Choir (Margaret Downie) may provide opportunities.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN

Two adults are required in the creche each Sunday. Again, the more volunteers, the less often each person is required. Training is provided by the Church of Scotland as part of its commitment to Health and Safety (usually a Saturday or a couple of evening sessions somewhere in the city). See Madeleine Duncan.

The Sunday School caters for children of school age. The staff would warmly welcome potential new teachers, either full time or willing to cover for occasional absence. Talk to Judith Norton.

WORKING WITH OLDER PEOPLE

Older members sometimes need a lift to church. If you can help from time to time, speak to the Church Secretary.

WELCOMING VISITORS

The Cathedral Shop and Traidcraft Stall are staffed during the. day from April to September. Morning / afternoon sessions or all day. There's a rota. Talk to Janice Milton and Alexis Darg.

A short tour of the Cathedral is offered on Sundays after morning service. Training will be given to anyone joining the team of guides. Speak to Walter Duncan.

On Sunday afternoons members of the congregation enable the Beadle to have a break by staffing the Cathedral from 2-5. Volunteers work in pairs to chat to visitors and take care of the shop. 

Kate Mason convenes a group - the West End Committee - which provides coffee and cake after morning service on the first and third Sundays of each month and for musicians rehearsing for Music at Six. If you can join the rota, or bake for the occasional service, talk to Kate.

FLOWERS. Flowers, and the skill to arrange them, are needed each week. Talk to Marjorie Falconer if you can help. There is a Flower Fund to which you might want to contribute, particularly to mark a significant occasion or anniversary for your family. Pat also offers a service to wedding couples and would welcome help with this.

COMMUNICATIONS. Before Easter and Christmas, St Machar News is delivered to the parish. If you can deliver to a street or two, speak to Judith Norton.

CHRISTIAN AID. House-to-house collections take place throughout Scotland each May to finance support to the neediest across the world. These collections are organised on a parish basis. See Charles Morton if you can spare a couple of evenings.

The WORLD MISSION TEAM maintains contact with our Mission Partner, in Jerusalem; maintains our support for Ekwendeni Hospital in Malawi and runs the Traidcraft stall. These are just some of their activities. They need knitting wool and more knitters, and can also make use of used, stamps. Deliver these to the West End. If you can do more, speak to Alexis Darg or Helen or Robin Donald.

Cathedral Office Hours

Monday to Friday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Please contact the Church Secretary to make an appointment to see the Minister.