Come and unwind with a nice cuppa

Aug 22 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SUMMER coffee mornings swing into action at St Matthew’s Church, starting tomorrow and being repeated August 30.

There’s a special outreach theme running from 10am to 11.30am.

Morag Green, who leads the team of church volunteers preparing to welcome visitors to the first of the “open to all” mornings.

She explained: “We want to welcome everyone for a good cup of coffee or refreshing tea and the chance to take the weight off their feet.”

The coffee mornings will be held in the main church hall accessed from the side doors and will be clearly signposted from Tay Street for shoppers and visitors to the Fair City.

Rev. Scott Burton, St Matthews minister, welcomed the return of “Coffee at the Kirk” following the success of the Falcon Watch weekends which St Matthews ran over the summer holidays in conjunction with the RSPB.

Scott said: “We had tremendous interest in the church, and in our family of peregrine falcons who have become our star evangelists.

“Hopefully our falcons will still be putting in an appearance. But by opening our doors once again we want people to know that they are welcome to enter our church, share our fellowship or simply enjoy a Fairtrade cuppa and a chance to unwind.”

In keeping with their outreach aims St Matthew’s hospitality is being offered to members and non-members alike.

Morag also explained that the church was waiving the more traditional entrance charge at the door in favour of a donation.

She said: “We’re asking people to come in and bring a friend. A donation of £1.50 towards costs and the work of St Matthew’s is suggested but this is only a guideline.

“People can stay as long as they like, refills are available and there will be no noisy music to put anyone off!”