Policies and Statements

FAIR WORK FIRST
Dunbarney and Forgandenny Parish Church commits to the advancing the Scottish Government’s flagship policy for driving high quality and fair work and advancing the Fair Work First criteria.
 
Dunbarney and Forgandenny Church Kirk Session does this by:

• committing to paying all employees the Real Living Wage (this was a directive from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland many years ago)
• providing opportunities for employee’s voice to be heard and listened
• committing to their professional development as appropriate;
• providing a friendly and supportive working environment.

 
HARASSMENT POLICY
Dunbarney and Forgandenny Church Kirk Session is committed to creating an environment which is free from harassment, and which protects the dignity of everyone. The Kirk Session reviews annually a policy that covers bullying and harassment which might take place within the life and ministry of the congregation.  All complaints of harassment will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly and impartially through an approved procedure.
 
All employees of the congregation are required to comply with this policy and to assist in the promotion of a good working environment free from any form of harassment.
 
The Kirk Session recognises that harassment and bullying can cause stress and anxiety and may lead to illness, tension or even conflict. Incidents of harassment will be regarded seriously.
 
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT: ENSURING A SAFE CHURCH FOR ALL
The Church of Scotland has a deep concern for the wholeness and wellbeing of each individual.
 
Through its Congregations, working together with the Safeguarding Service and statutory agencies, the Church seeks to safeguard the welfare of all people who come into contact with the Church and its services.
 
The Gospel proclaims that it’s the responsibility of everyone within the fellowship of the Church to prevent harm, be it physical, sexual or emotional, and we will always seek to reduce risk.
 
The Church’s commitment to safeguarding reminds us that God cares passionately about the welfare and wellbeing of all people.

 

Dunbarney Church Hall

Dunbarney Church Hall is a modern comfortable hall space that can be easily adapted to suit many occasions. The hall boasts excellent facilities and together with a friendly caring approach and a willingness to please we believe this is a venue that will impress you.
 
Set to the rear of Dunbarney Church, the hall was added in 2000 (a millennium project).  The hall is an ideal venue for concerts, parties and meetings.  A modest but well equipped kitchen contains modern amenities including instant water boiler, commercial dishwasher, and cooking facilities.  There is also a serving hatch between hall and kitchen to assist with easy distribution of hot drinks and meals etc.

For our guest's comfort there are three toilets and one is suitable for disabled access.  Furthermore, there is baby changing facilities. The hall has wireless internet access, a large TV screen, public address system, flipcharts, comfortable seating and tables.
 
The hall is used for small formal meetings, concerts, lunches and birthday parties as well as events such as Baptisms, funeral receptions, and private functions.  It could be used for: day conferences, exhibitions, presentations and seminars, team building sessions and board meetings.  On request, a list of external caterers - who have supplied functions in the hall - can be supplied.  We will make every effort to ensure your meeting or event is a complete success.  There are affordable rates for use of the hall, £16 per hour and also half and full day rates. 

​For hall bookings please contact the Mrs Avril Fulton who is taking responsibility for hall bookings at the moment.

For up to date Terms and Conditions for use of the hall regarding COVID guidelines, please click here.

 

Membership

​The church is not a building or a place, though these have their uses. The church is the people of God gathered together. It is a living thing - not just stones and mortar but people striving together to work for the Kingdom of God.

We are a parish church, existing to help and support everyone who lives within our parish (& surrounding area) but we also have people who are regarded as members of our church. However, you do not have to be a member to join us at worship on a Sunday or to take part in church activities throughout the week.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the congregation please speak to the Minister. If you are not already a member of the Church of Scotland this involves attending 'Christianity Explored' meetings at which we explore the meaning of membership.

If you are already a member of the Church of Scotland and want to join Dunbarney and Forgandenny you will be able to bring a Certificate of Transference, commonly known as 'lines' from your previous congregation. This should be given to our minister, or Session Clerk who will ensure that your name is taken to the next Kirk Session meeting to add your name to the roll of the congregation.

We would love to welcome you as part of the family of Dunbarney and Forgandenny Parish Church. If you want to think about church membership then please contact the minister who will be only too happy to help!

But remember, you do not have to be a member to come along to any of our activities or services of worship.

 

Baptism

​Baptism is an important event in the life of a family, and in the life of our Church family.  In the case of infant baptism the Church asks that at least one parent or other close family member is a member of the Church or willing to become a member. In the baptismal service the child’s parents or relatives profess their own faith and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.

Baptism is not only for infants but can be something for adults - who have not been baptised before. In the case of adult baptism the person themselves makes the appropriate promises.

Baptism is administered at Sunday worship in the presence of the congregation. This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as becoming part of the body of Christ and the life of the Church. In the case of emergencies, e.g. in a hospital situation, these arrangements can be more flexible.

One of the baptismal promises made by parents at the baptism of their child, or by adults at their own baptism, is to become part of the Church’s life. For children this would mean coming to the crèche, and later Adventurers and Food 4 Thought as they grow up - accompanied by their parents or wider family.

An Alternative: "Service of Thanksgiving and Blessing of a Child"
Since 2003, the Church of Scotland has offered thanksgiving and blessing ceremonies for children.  The blessing ceremony takes place at morning worship following the same pattern as that for Baptism, except the wording and promises are different, and no water is used. Nothing is required of the parents in either commitment or belief. This is an option for parents if they are not members of the Church nor wish to explore membership and who would prefer for their child to make up his or her own mind about baptism later on in their life.

The Minister is happy to discuss any of the above on an individual basis.

 

Weddings

A wedding is an important occasion in the life of any couple. At Dunbarney and Forgandenny Parish Church we would be glad to welcome any enquiries regarding marriage in our church.  You do not require to be a member of the church to request the minister to officiate at a wedding.

Initial Contacts
Before any date is finalised, contact should be made with the Minister to find out both his and the Church’s availability. Other arrangements for the wedding and the reception, including the provision of flowers for the Church and the printing of hymn sheets, are your responsibility.
 
Hymns
You are free to choose whichever hymns you like and think might be appropriate. However, it is worthwhile choosing hymns that you think the congregation will know. You are responsible for producing the hymn sheets if you wish to use them.
 
The Minister
The Minister will require to see the couple to discuss the practical details of the marriage some months before the wedding and then to discuss the meaning of Christian Marriage and the details of the Marriage Ceremony before the wedding. Be sure to make an appointment!
 
Rehearsal
A rehearsal will be held usually the night before the wedding, at this point the couple must bring the marriage schedule with them. The Church may be viewed prior to the wedding at our 9.30am/11.00am Sunday services. Make yourself known to the minister after the service and he will be glad to assist you with your enquiries.
 
Church Costs
Dunbarney and Forgandenny Parish Church kindly asks for a donation of about £225 (inc cleaning costs) towards the heating and lighting of the sanctuary on your wedding day.  There is an additional fee payable to the organist, should you require their services.  There is no fee to the minister.
 
Legal Requirements
The Registrar of the District in which the marriage is to take place carries out all legal preliminaries. Please click here.  You should apply for a marriage schedule no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days prior to the wedding day and the Registrar will guide you.  The Registrar will issue the 'Marriage Schedule' and this document must be produced on the day at the wedding rehearsal. WITHOUT A WEDDING SCHEDULE, THE WEDDING CANNOT TAKE PLACE!

The completed Schedule must be returned to the Registrar’s Office within three days of the marriage. This is something you should make arrangements for. The Registrar’s Office is at:
Perth Registrar
5 High Street
Perth
PH1 5JS
​T: 01738 475121
E: [email protected]

Photographs
Photographs and videos are permitted during the wedding ceremony in the Church. However, we would ask that photographers and videographers are courteous and discreet.  It is after all, a service of worship.
 
Confetti
Confetti is permitted outside of the church building however it must be biodegradable.

 

Funerals

A bereavement is a difficult time for everyone. People have many different feelings and emotions about what has happened. Grief, anger, relief, and thanksgiving are all common feelings. On top of all the natural emotions that are felt when a death occurs, there are many arrangements to be made.

If you are a member of Dunbarney and Forgandenny Parish Church, or live within the parish, you can call on the services of the Minister to conduct a funeral.

Before you make any plans or decisions it is important that you engage a reputable Funeral Director who will guide you through the sometimes complex arrangements that need to be made. It is the job of the Funeral Director to act as the link between you and the Minister, as well as make any of the necessary bookings for the Church service or the Crematorium or Cemetery.

The Minister will make arrangements to meet with you to discuss the content of the funeral service after all parties have agreed the date, time and venue. Things you will need to think about will include hymns, readings and the content of the tribute.  The Minister will be happy to guide you through these arrangements.

Church Costs
If a funeral service is to take place within one of the buildings, Dunbarney and Forgandenny Parish Church kindly asks for a donation of about £105 (that includes cleaning costs due to COVID) towards the heating and lighting of the sanctuary.  There is an additional fee payable to the organist, should you require their services. 

There is no fee to the minister.