BAGS OF JOY

In past years, the Easter Brunch hosted by the Social Group of West Church, Dumfries, held after the Easter Sunday service, has been one of the highlights of the church’s year. Last year’s Brunch could not take place because of the pandemic, and by January this year it had become clear that the likelihood of an Easter Brunch being held was again remote.

A ‘wee idea’ was put to the Kirk Session by the Social Group: instead of the Brunch, every member would receive an Easter gift pack – an Easter Bag of Joy, prepared and delivered during Holy Week. This ‘wee idea’ grew and grew, as did the amount of organising involved. Organiser, Julie Smith, pledged that the delivery of the bags, undertaken by volunteers from Social Group members, Deacons and Elders, ‘would focus on warm, friendly, positive and hopeful communication, so letting all our members know that we are thinking of them during these difficult and challenging times’.

Each bag contained an item with special significance: a palm cross, a crocheted cross bookmark, a heart pebble from the local river Nith, a chocolate bunny, egg and Love Hearts, Easter music suggestions, an Easter quiz, a love token, an Easter card, and some ‘thoughts from lockdown’.

“Thank you so much for remembering me” was an oft repeated appreciation from church members and friends."

There were some anxious moments in the run-up to Easter Week as the church waited for the go-ahead for doorstep and letterbox deliveries. Just in time, the green light for the yellow bags was given and over 300 Easter Bags of Joy were safely delivered by the volunteers.

“Thank you so much for remembering me” was an oft repeated appreciation from church members and friends.

Pictured: Volunteers Julie Smith and Colin Irving with just a few of the Bags of Joy.