A Night to Remember at St Andrews Lhanbryd and Urquhart Church
On Tuesday 25th February, 10 Brownies, 15 Guides, and 5 leaders stepped into St Andrews Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church. They were met with open doors, glowing screens, creativity and a welcome that lingered long aIer the lights went out. It was more than just a visit – it was a celebration of Thinking Day and a joyful encounter that sparked lasting connections.
✨ Thoughtful Planning & Warm Welcome
From the outset, the event reflected collaboration. Leaders from Lhanbryde & Urquhart Guide & Brownie packs were invited to the planning session, and their ideas helped shape the evening in a way that honoured the spirit of Thinking Day and embraced the diversity of ages and interests. Their feedback was clear: ‘We felt listened to, valued and appreciated. The planning was excellent – especially for such a large group.’
✨ Welcome & Orientation
At 6:30pm, MC greeted the group with smiles and housekeeping notes. The girls entered via the purple room into the sanctuary. They were both nervous and excited to discover what church might really be.
🗺 Exploration and Storytelling
A short tour brought history to life. Willie’s storytelling at the lectern bridged generations, turning bricks and pews into a living story of people and faith. Questions flowed, curiosity bloomed, and the building became a place of belonging.
🧩 Discovering Church Life Through Play
Christine introduced a card-based quiz, inviting the girls to explore how the church engages with its community through CONNECT, The Thrift Shop, Step by Step, Active Church and the Memory Tree. Many lingered at the Memory Tree, suggesting names they might add and asking thoughtful questions. ‘We appreciated being able to walk around freely in a relaxed way,’ one leader shared.
The last question? ‘Where’s the church mouse hiding?’ Giggles followed every clue uncovered.
☁ Word Cloud Promises
Fiona and Grant invited the girls to reflect using audience interactove computer platform SLIDO. Questions like ‘I promise to be…’ and ‘What’s the best thing you’ve done at G/B?’ sparked responses that lit up the sanctuary screens – a swirling word cloud of commitment and memory.
🎬What Is Church?
A short film about the meaning of church, introduced by Fiona and supported by the AV team, Charlie and Grant, reframed expectations. Church wasn’t just a building – it was connection, curiosity and community.
🎶 This Little Light of Mine
Led joyfully by Sheila, the sanctuary burst into song as familiar lyrics beamed from the screens. Girls, leaders and hosts sang together as one.
🎨🧘🎲 Creative Prayer & Play
In the large hall, reflection and play met. Bubble wrap prayers popped with meaning, tealights glowed around the cross, and girls painted stained-glass hearts with art felt pens.
🍰 Snacks, Smiles & Thoughtfulness
In the small hall, Susan Gilliland’s provided chocolate cake, muffins, cookies, and biscuits, alongside Capri Sun and juice. Tea and coffee were welcomed by the adults. Dietary needs were though^ully accounted for. All was well enjoyed!
🎉 Promise Renewal and New Invitations
At 7:45pm, parents arrived and joined a quiet, powerful moment of promise renewal led by Anne and Heather. A message was shared: We might not always meet in this building, but we will always be together. MC offered thanks and shared invitations to CONNECT and Active Church.
💬 Reflections from the Guides and Brownies
The girls had a great time exploring, crafting, playing, singing and more!
A huge thanks to the team at St Andrews Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church for the warm welcome.
Several leaders expressed interest in organising a similar evening again in the future. The Rainbows are keen to be included too, though coordinating across all three groups – Brownies, Guides and Rainbows – may be challenging given existing leader commitments. SGll, the desire to reconnect was strong and speaks volumes about the warmth and creaGvity of the welcome they received.
‘We’re conscious not to take advantage,’ one leader said, ‘but we’d love to do it again.’
💒 Follow-Up from the Kirk Session
A donation of £160 from the church helped the Guides reach their JustGiving target of £750 – with an additional £90 given to support the group however they wished to use it.
A note of appreciation was received. Overall, £6,000 was raised to fund a trip to Amsterdam, enjoy a canal boat trip and have all food costs covered. All girls who wanted to go were able to and a great life experience was had by all. Without SALU’s support some girls would have missed out.
The Kirk Session agreed to invite the Guides to take part in the Remembrance Sunday service in November.
And two girls have already come along to AcGve Church following the visit.
💖 A Note of Heartfelt Thanks
The following message was received shortly after:
…sincere thanks to all involved for the warm welcome and for facilitating an evening full of learning, fun, hospitality, and engaging activities. For many, the visit challenged assumptions about what church might be like – including for the accompanying leaders. Appreciation is extended to everyone who contributed to the planning and delivery of such a successful and enjoyable event.
🕗 8:00pm Close
The evening ended at 8pm, but it also began new connections, seeded future possibilities and lit up lives with hospitality, curiosity and shared promise.
