Interview with Eilidh Marks, Associate Secretary, Church ofI Scotland Guild Interviewer: Alexander Jones
What led you to work for the Guild? I worked with a charity called Mary’s Meals for a couple of years. The charity was one of the Guild’s projects at the time, and I looked after this link. I guess this was my first relationship with the Guild. I then joined the Guild’s staff as a development assistant, before becoming Associate Secretary in November last year. It’s been so unexpected - all very exciting.
What’s at the heart of the Guild appeals to everybody because it’s about community, and a sense of purpose - it’s about who you are in Christ. I think the Guild represents what Church should be about. Our focus on caring about each other, caring about our churches in the community and caring about the wider world is important for everyone.
Does your faith impact your role?
Do you have hope for the future of the Guild?
God loves his national church and calls us all in different areas to serve. Working within my faith certainly makes it more meaningful.
How do you spend your free time? I do love anything artistic or creative. I love drawing and designing things and at the moment I’m interested in up-cycling. I used to be a really keen runner but can’t say that now - the weather’s been so rubbish!
So, you’re not a typical Guild member? I think it’s very brave of the Guild to put their trust in me! The General Secretary is a man, so both of us are quite different from the ‘normal’ Guild demographic.
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There’s a lot of work that has been done recently to forecast the areas the Guild needs to work in. That in itself is enough to believe that the Guild has a future. I hope it’s not just down to us though, but is something God will want to continue. Our challenge is to energise the existing members as that is how people will want to join. They are incredible people - Guild members are radical world changers!
Hear t and Soul 2016 PRINCES STREET GARDENS, EDINBURGH
Sunday May 22, 2016 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm Join with thousands of others on Sunday May 22nd to celebrate the life and work of the church. Over fifty organisations and congregations are ready to share with you their journey, and explore this year’s theme: PEOPLE OF THE WAY.
• Congregational Stories • Exhibitor Marquees • Fischy Music • Heart and Soul Swing Band • Spill the Beans – All Age Worship • New Youth Venue • Labyrinth • Massed Closing Worship
www.hear tandsoul.org.uk www.churchofscotland.org.uk
CONNECTING CHRISTIANS SCOTLAND 61 Scottish Charity Number SC011353