Newhills Church

Newhills Church has had a “Fast Day” for many years, but like so many projects, people forget what its purpose is and why we have one. So what is the purpose and why do we continue to have one? Douglas McKay had the idea for the “Fast Day” in the early nineties after watching the depressingly all too familiar TV pictures of war, famine and starving children in Africa. The original vision was that Christians all over Aberdeen, at least to start with, would one day each week forego lunch and bring the money saved to their respective churches for re-distribution to organizations which worked with starving children. This was never meant as another pitch to people to dig deeper into overstretched pockets and purses to contribute to another good cause no matter how worthy. The value of any single contribution should only be what an individual had not spent on lunch that day whether it be, say cooked meat between a couple of slices of bread, or say a cafe lunch.

Also each week on the appointed day those taking part whether it be at school, workplace, home etc. would in response to the inevitable questions as to “why are you skipping lunch?” have the opportunity to mention that it was their Christian response to helping those less fortunate than themselves. Having been in this situation himself Douglas can confirm that it is the least threatening form of witness he has come across! During any chat on the issue there is also the chance to invite others to think about foregoing their lunch and donate the monies saved. The potential is there, with widespread participation, to raise large sums of money. During the early days of the fast day many others managed to encourage friends and colleagues to also fast and donate. The vision is big, as indeed it has to be to address a big problem. There is a good Christian precedent for a big vision!

With regard to considering our response to this vision here at Newhills, having discussed the matter with the then Outreach Team and Minister, the issue came before the Kirk Session. Approval was then given to start a fast day each month whereby members of the congregation were invited, subject to any personal health issues, to take part in the fast day on the appointed Wednesday and bring the money otherwise spent to Church the following Sunday. The monies collected were then transferred to a charity which worked to improve the lot of starving children. The fast day quickly became established on our church calendar. Over the years we at Newhills continued to contribute to the fast day appeal raising many thousands of pounds. With the inevitable change of duties (some time ago), Douglas relinquished responsibility for administering the fast day. However we remain grateful to all those who have subsequently administered and contributed to this venture.

Whilst as a church we continue to faithfully support the fast day, my understanding from conversations with others is that not so many actually fast although funds continue to be placed in the collection baskets. Given the problems that are still manifest in our world, which I believe, prompted the vision, it is timely, to refocus on the original vision and reflect on the 3 core aspects of:

1. Fasting
2. Giving from our resources to those less fortunate, and
3. Being prepared to give a reason for our actions to others

As we reflect on Easter and what Jesus has sacrificed for us, we also have an opportunity to consider what we in turn can sacrifice for others.

David Wood