Forest Church Special

We went out to Elshieshields for some stargazing last weekend. We enjoyed a combination of looking at stars, reflecting on ancient meanings, and learning with modern technology.

We were made welcome with a warm bothy where we could gather for refreshment. The evening was overcast, but we were able to see the moon and Jupiter for a while. We also were able to walk round a candlelit labyrinth

Anticipating the murkiness of southern Scotland’s weather Mark had prepared some projections of the night sky.

Taking advantage of this we moved beyond our own space and time to explore the night sky as it would have looked in the middle east 2000 years ago.

The following slides also provide a bit of an introduction into what people might have been thinking about at the time.

And for those who are less able to manage rough ground in the dark here are some photos and a video of the labyrinth (listen out for the owl!)

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There is more information about Elsieshields here

Ann arranged a collection on the evening.

Thank you so much for your very kind gift of £51.00 to our appeal to bring Hope and Healing this Lent.

As conflict continues to rage, our brothers and sisters need your help to get through this war, to heal and to build a more resilient future in their homeland. Thank you for caring for the Holy Land’s Christians and showing them they are not alone during a very difficult time. 

May the Light of the World bless you,

Friends of the Holy Land

Ann Shukman also provides a venue for times of silent prayer (with a forest to contemplate in). You can find out more here