Great oaks from little acorns grow
This venerable quotation, an early variant of which is found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde of 1374, is often used when we hope for great things to come from small beginnings.
Thus it is with the Donside Christian Partnership.
This somewhat informal association of the Cathedral Church of St Machar, Woodside
Parish Church, St Joseph’s R.C.Church, St George’s -
No sooner had the embryo organisation began spluttering into life than four Church
of Scotland charges found themselves, one-
When nominating committees finished traipsing around the country in search of that most elusive species, the perfect parish minister, the Donside Christian Partnership was given the kiss of life.
Slowly, but surely, what had been simply a hope in the hearts of a tiny number of people from each congregation began to take root and grow. Now the Donside Christian Partnership is a reality which means much to a good number of people in its constituent congregations.
The ecumenical dimension of the Partnership was demonstrated by the fact that when
the Cathedral Kirk Session was looking for a venue for an ‘away day’ conference,
it was decided to seek the facilities at St Joseph’s. The genial Father Patrick had
no hesitation in granting use of the facilities.
The Partnership provides visible proof that, whilst we, from a group of neighbouring churches, may 'do our own thing' we readily acknowledge our oneness in Christ. This is highlighted by the prayer cycle through which the Partnership churches pray for one of their fellow congregations on a rota basis.
The call to the people of St Machar’s is simple: Let us continue to ‘do our own thing’. But let us also play our part in making the Donside Christian Partnership a vibrant and visible force for good in this corner of God’s vineyard.
'The little acorn has become a healthy sapling. Look out on this site for information on the Partnership's next event.
Dick Williamson
