The Friends help open the Church to the general public on Sunday afternoons (from May to September) between 2 and 4pm. It is a Scottish Tourist Board “3 star” attraction and admission is FREE!
The knowledgeable guides can explain much of the history of the church, and can sell you various information pamphlets on the church and provide a cup of tea.
The church won the West Lothian Award for Conservation in 1992. Previous visitors include John Knox, James Paraffin Young, David Livingstone and Frederick Chopin – and we look forward to meeting you too!
The Calder Witch Hunt exhibition is included in the experience.
We are part of The Open Churches Scheme www.sacredscotland.org.uk
Contact: John Jamieson 01506 411772 jamiesonjar@btinternet.com
The Kirk of Calder Guild meet on the second and fourth Thursdays (Sept-Nov and Feb-April)- in the afternoon at 2pm in the Glenalmond Hall
History and background
With around 35,000 members, the Church of Scotland Guild is one of Scotland’s largest voluntary organisations. Although women make up the bulk of our membership, increasingly, men are becoming members and taking active roles at local and national levels.
Members meet in local groups at congregational level, and have a speaker or activity on the day. They organise a couple of fundraising coffee mornings each year.
The Kirk of Calder Guild is also part of a regional group known as a presbyterial council, and once a year a national meeting, to which each group can send a representative.
The current constitution of the Guild was adopted in 1997, after a major review of the present organisation’s predecessor, the Woman’s Guild. In 2003, the Guild reviewed its constitution to ensure more inclusive language was used and to take account of the need for flexibility in local groups.
The Guild is about invitation, encouragement, commitment, and fellowship which leads to providing opportunities for continuing growth in Christian faith through worship, prayer and action.
Worship is an essential ingredient in all meetings and activities. Prayer underpins everything – and is a means of involving those members who cannot be active in other ways.
Action means living out the faith through project work, exploration of the discussion topics and local involvement of groups and individual members in various aspects of Christian service.
Women and men of all walks of life meet together under our common aim:
“The Church of Scotland Guild is a movement within the Church of Scotland which invites and encourages both women and men to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and enables them to express their faith in worship, prayer and action.”
The aim has been underlined in our motto which is taken from Acts 27, verse 23: “Whose we are and Whom we serve.”
contactus@kirkofcalder.com
The Choir was first formed in 2001 from members of the congregation. Through our good natured outlook and with encouragement, patience, humour and wit, we master our songs and perform with an enthusiasm that is very apparent to our audience.
The Choir performs two concerts a year in Kirk of Calder. One in June and one at the beginning of December with a strong Christmas theme when we offer carols, show tunes and Christmas favourites. The very accomplished West Calder Brass Band is our partner in the summer concert and Christmas concert with our audiences returning again and again.
Our music is wide ranging, from Classic Pop through gospel and a little bit of jazz.
On the social side, the choir has a summer night out and a Christmas night out with dinner at various venues. These biannual outings have become eagerly anticipated dates in our calendar. A chance to really let our hair down among good company – Always a great night!
Joining our choir is open to everyone. It is good fun and if what you have read appeals to you, then get in touch with John who will be delighted to welcome any new members. Rehearsals are on Sundays after the service 11.30 – 12.30pm approx. and Wednesdays 7.30-8.45 pm approx. in the Malt Barn
Contact John Rankine 07824970287 johnrankine.music@gmail.com for more info.
Rainbows have fun! They take part in games and activities as part of their programme called the Rainbow Jigsaw. Everything a Rainbow does helps her to develop and to think for herself, in a safe girl-only environment. What to know?
Brownies also have fun! Their meetings are full of challenges, games and activities, usually ones that the Brownies have suggested themselves.
