The Thrift Shop was the brainchild of Maggie Lunan, initially as a way of raising money for Christian Aid. It has now developed to support both Christian Aid and local charities. In 2013 the Thrift Shop celebrated its 30th birthday. It was first opened on 19 April 1983 during the church’s bi-centenary.
It can be found at the original garage of the manse, 39 St Andrews Road, Lhanbryde. Donations can be handed in to the shop during its opening times.
When you are spring cleaning don’t forget that your “throwaways” might be someone else’s “treasures”!
Each month, church members come together to reflect, sing and pray – nurturing community and engaging deeply with the Guild’s National Theme. These meetings create space for Bible reading, shared devotions, heartfelt songs and inspiring discussion led by invited speakers. They have become a beloved rhythm in our church calendar, drawing people into worship, learning and fellowship.
Twice a month, from September to June, a gentle rhythm pulses through the church hall and beyond – it’s TOFM (Together on Friday Mornings). It’s a group whose quiet consistency brings connection and comfort to many. One meeting is all about coffee and chat, the other might be a guest visit, a short outing or a shared activity. The details may change, but the ethos remains: welcoming, inclusive and rooted in friendship.
With from 12 to 25 people present each time, TOFM blends familiar church faces with others who may not be churchgoers. Everyone is embraced with warmth. Many older women count on the lift provided by fellow participants. More than a social gathering, it’s a lifeline for those who might otherwise feel isolated.
SACRO, a not-for-profit Scottish Community Justice Organisation, works to deliver life-changing services. They are contracted by Moray Council to provide temporary supported accommodation in Guildry House, Elgin, where the residents have an opportunity to turn their lives round, working with staff to build confidence in life skills to help towards living independently.
SALU offers support via friendship, cooking meals and providing donations from the thrift shop.
SALU supports the work of Step by Step in Moray, a local charity which helps families with babies and young children who may be feeling isolated or in need of support. The charity runs groups across Moray, including in Elgin, Forres, Portessie and Lhanbryde, providing welcoming spaces where parents can build friendships, confidence and resilience. All services are free of charge. Step by Step describes its work as showing”Christian love in action” through the support it offers to families.
The Lhanbryde group meets every Thursday in the Community Centre. Parents, babies and toddlers come together to enjoy play, crafts, singing, story time and a healthy snack in a friendly and supportive setting. The sessions are led by two Family Workers, who also provide support and advice to families throughout the week when needed. SALU supports the group both financially and through volunteering.
SALU leads school assemblies at Lhanbryde Primary School every month on a Friday afternoon. Volunteers also go into school every week to run a Knitting Club and help out with the school library. We also deliver the Scripture Union Bible Alive programme, directly contributing to the school Religious and Moral Education (RME) curriculum.
Other organisations we support
