A number of initiatives to highlight from the PACT meeting of 16 September 2020:

(a)  Wilma Coleman has been involved with the City Centre Community Hub working with Giraffe and the North Church, based in the cafe at Mill Street. A number of those who have dropped in have been asking where they might go to pray, either alone or with someone; we identified St John's Episcopal in Princes Street, which is open from 10.30 to 12 noon each Tuesday morning; St John's RC in Melville Street is open from Tuesday to Friday for Mass from 10 to 10.30 a.m., the Bield  Chapel is open – it would be advisable for individuals to phone the Bield beforehand (01738 583238) so they can be prepared to meet them – and St John's Kirk is open for silent prayer from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (it can accommodate a maximum of 8 at any one time, entrance is by the south door, and all social distancing, track and trace, hand sanitising, etc. are being strictly adhered to).

(b)  Jean Hendry mentioned that Starter Packs is still open and responding to referrals; donations of household goods (excluding furniture) can be handed in to their unit (22) at Friarton on a Wednesday morning from 10 to 12 noon;   donations will be quarantined then sorted by the volunteers on a Friday morning. Jean specifically asks that donations are not handed in on a Friday, to avoid confusion.

(c)  Moira Laing reminded us that the Prayer Shawl ministry continues, and there are a number of shawls available, which they are keen to distribute. If any church knows of someone who would appreciate a shawl, please contact either Moira or Mary Wright – the shawls have been kept safely and have been quarantined!

(d)  Stella Cranwell has been chatting to the new chaplain at Perth Prison, Rev. Margaret Shuttleworth, who tells her that she is desperately short of toiletries for prisoners who arrive with nothing. Could we appeal to our church members to donate items like shower gel, toothpaste and deodorant? Such donations must be in plastic bottles and sprays are not acceptable. If you can help or wish to donate, please contact Stella.

If you want to get in touch with any of the above people, please ask us for contact details.