Held on Saturday 1st March 2008, the Penninghame Quiz Night was an evening of fellowship and brain-taxing as six teams faced 100 questions over five rounds - Scottish, Sport, Pot Luck, Music & Entertainment and Things Biblical - from quiz masters Vic and Jane Pitcher. The winning team was "The Majorettes", with a score of 65. Each member of the winning team received a book token.
On 24th February 2008 we were joined at public worship by the Galloway Cubs to commemorate the birthday of Lord Baden Powell, founder of the Scout Movement. Over 30 cubs and leaders were there to re-take their promise. It was good to see a local youth organisation so well supported.
The coffee morning was held on 26th January and was, as ever, well organised, with a beautifully decorated hall and willing "waitresses", and was well supported. There was a vast range of cakes and other produce to buy, as well as a well-stocked white elephant stall. The event raised over £700 which was split between Shelter and Scottish Churches Housing Action
We had some very well supported services of worship over the Christmas period, from Songs of Praise in Glentrool to the Watchnight Service on Christmas Eve. It was great to welcome members from afar who had returned home for the celebrations. The Service of Lessons & Carols on 23rd December included a performance of the Nativity by the Sunday Club - a touching and entertaining event for everyone.
On 11th September 2007 members of the congregation and the wider community, including representatives of the British Legion, the Brownies, and the Army Cadets gathered in Penninghame St John's Church for a service of remembrance for the people who have given their lives for our freedom in the two world wars and others since. The service was followed by an act of remembrance and wreath laying at Dashwood Square war memorial.
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them."
We held an evening Songs of Praise Service on 7th October, to which the congregations of Monigaff, Challoch and St Ninian's were invited. There was a very good attendance from all congregations and worship included a range of songs, some familiar and some new. The service was followed by a time of fellowship over tea and coffee - and of course cakes!
The Congregational Development Committee arranged a wonderful Harvest Supper on 6th October. The event was attended by around 50 people in a beautifully decorated hall. There was homemade soup, fresh bread, puddings and tea and coffee, followed by entertainment from a live band! The Harvest Supper raised over £200 for the Red Cross.
Under the baton of Shirley Denwood the singing group rehearsed and performed Jailbreak!, a musical by Roger Jones, of Christian Music Ministries. For the performance on 15 June the singers, including participants from Penninghame, Monigaff and Glenluce churches, were joined by touring soloists, and Roger Jones was there to conduct. This was a great opportunity for the local churches to come together and the performance was enjoyed by performers and audience alike!
In celebration of over 50 years of work by Christian Aid we planted a tree in the grounds of the church, on 29 April 2007.
