Opportunities to help

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 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.

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 Dr Roger Williams, 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!

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).

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.

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.

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

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 biscuits after morning service 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 Pat Keith 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.

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.

Perwinnes Moss