- Its People
- Prayer and Meditation
- Children in the Cathedral
- Enquirers and First Communicants Class
- The Lichtoun Guild
- The Bellringers
Its People
You don't have to be a member of the congregation to be made welcome at services in St Machar's. In additions to services - Sunday, at 11 and 6 - the building is open every day of the year, from 9 to 5 in the summer, 10 to 4 in the winter. Many tourists of course visit this historic church, but it's also where visitors and locals alike take a moment for reflection and prayer (see below).
The worshipping congregation is an interesting mixture. There are those born and bred in Old Aberdeen, a community with an identity distinct from the City since Old Aberdeen was originally a separate Burgh of Barony. Many of these members are now scattered widely across Aberdeen and beyond but feel still a strong bond to the Cathedral. Since the parish is dominated by the University of Aberdeen, there are academics and students in the congregation. Numerous others are drawn by the austere beauty of the place, by its rich liturgical and musical traditions, and by the opportunities that exist for children.
Prayer and Meditation
The Cathedral is open daily from 9 to 5 in the summer, 10 to 4 in the winter. Many people find its tranquil spaces allow them some respite and make it easier for them to pray. While most will find their own 'best space', the east end of the south aisle has been furnished with private prayer much in mind. Appropriately this is where the Sanctuary Cross stands, just at the entrance to the Mitchell Chapel. Close by is a stand of candles: the candle flame has been a Christian symbol for centuries. Here too is the 'Prayer Tree'. Some people like to note their prayers (slips of paper are in a wooden alms bowl) and fasten them to a branch. These are gathered up weekly and incorporated in the prayers of the congregation.
Children in the Cathedral
Most Sundays in the school session the Sunday Schools meet in the Cathedral for the first part of the service and then go out to the Gatehouses to work.
There are three components: Bible study, doctrine and Christian life. One week a month is devoted to each of these. In addition, the seniors have taken responsibility for making contact with young children in the Cradle Roll and will keep up their interest in Malawi.
In previous sessions, the Sunday Schools have raised money to support a church in Malawi and to gift goats and hens to a village there.The Junior Choir, founded in 1998 and now led by Margaret Downie, another music teacher and a member of the Cathedral choir, draws its members much more widely. Many come from local primary schools and even from outside the city, attracted by the opportunity of training in choral music. In their distinctive blue robes, they contribute to occasional services, alone and with the adult choir.
Rehearsal, in school session, is on Fridays, in the church, from 5.30 - 6.30. Interested children or their parents should ask for Margaret Downie or speak to the Minister. Boys would be especially welcome!Children are always welcome at services but most parents take the under-5s for all or part of the time to the creche in the Session Room behind the organ. Mrs Madeline Duncan is in overall charge and ensures that there are always two supervisors who have completed the Church of Scotland's Child Protection training - as have all those who work with children in St Machar's. A range of activities is available to suit even those of nearly school age.
Enquirers and First Communicants Class
Each Spring and Autumn, a class takes place on Sunday and Wednesday evenings for those who are interested in exploring the possibility of church membership and discovering more about the belief and practice of Christianity.
The Lichtoun Guild
Henry Lichton was Bishop of Aberdeen in the early 15th Century. The Lichton Guild, named in his memory, is made up of a small team of volunteers who regularly visit the housebound and elderly.
The Bellringers
The St Machar Bellringers were established in 1987 when a member of the Cathedral congregation gave a peal of eight bells in memory of her late husband. The Bellringing team is lively and enthusiastic and they ring the bells each Sunday morning before the service. They practice every Monday and Wednesday night and enjoy a number of other activities through the year.