By Lucy Ashton
Despite the bitter wind the crowd that had gathered prayed and sung hymns in the beautiful grounds of the church.
Worshippers gather in the prayer garden at Cardross Parish Church for Sunday’s special service in support of the people of Ukraine. Picture by John Young
Parish minister, the Rev Maggie McArthur, in her introduction, thanked all those who had turned out – and, while apologising for the cold conditions, reminded everyone that the millions of people fleeing the Russian invasion were having to stand in sub-zero conditions for hours on end while carrying children and all their possessions.
Worshippers in the prayer garden at Cardross Parish Church for Sunday’s special service in support of the people of Ukraine. Picture by John Young
A collection had been taken at the earlier morning service in the church and by the time the afternoon service had finished more than £800 had been raised for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal organised by the Disasters Emergency Committee.
Ms McArthur said: “Our church family and village community have shown how deeply concerned they are about the invasion of Ukraine and the plight of the innocent people forced to abandon their homes in fear of their lives.
Local councillor Richard Trail, standing at the back, was amongst those who went along to show his support Picture by John Young
“We want them to know that they are very much in our prayers and, by our donations, hopefully offer them some practical help too.”
A special card was made and those gathered invited to sign and write messages of support in it.
Jessica Kinloch, Daisy McLeod and Rowan Miller, with the Rev Maggie McArthur, sign the card that has been sent to the Ambassador of Ukraine. Picture by John Young
The card will be delivered to His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko – Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK.
The Helensburgh Advertiser’s publisher, Newsquest, has also organised a fund-raising appeal to help those in greatest need in Ukraine: to find out more, and to make a donation to our #ThereWithUkraine appeal, click here.
Or to donate to the appeal being run by the Disasters Emergency Committee, click here.