The church representatives met on Monday 5th August at Airth Parish Church, and reviewed what had happened over the weeks.
The Joint services over July and August had helped to bring people together to worship and get to know each other. It is hoped that there will be more joint services for special occasions and regularly. The planned vote on the name for the new church has been held over to Sunday September 1 and will be open to members and adherents present on the day. The result will be announced the following Sunday. The name is a necessary part of the Basis of Union, which the group will focus on in coming months.
Some of the group visited other churches which have made changes to their buildings, to get an idea of what might be possible for the current Larbert East building when the new church is formed. This will be followed up at an Elders Conference in November. However, before making changes, the mission and purpose of the congregation needs to be defined. What are we going to do and how are we going to do it? What kind of church will we be? An interesting point was made by the probationer at Zetland Church, who was visiting the group: she had been living in a city away from home and looking for a church a few years ago. Where she settled was in a fellowship with older people who made a point of welcoming her and getting to know her. Separate subgroups to look at the building’s possibilities and the financing of the project are being formed and anyone with relevant experience is asked to contact Margaret, Senga or George who represent Larbert East on Wallaces Group. We are also looking for ideas and visions for the new church, focusing on mission and sharing the good news in our community.