Peacelight from Bethlehem

Clyde Region is delighted that plans are now in place for our annual involvement in the distribution of the Bethlehem Peace Light. Initially a charitable mission, for children in need in Austria and other countries, the distribution of the Light has involved Scouts and Guides from Europe since 1990.

Each year, a child from Upper Austria fetches the light from the grotto in Bethlehem, at the site of Christ's birth and it's transported to Austria for a service of dedication and distribution at the cathedral in Vienna. From Vienna Scout representatives distribute the light across Europe. All who wish to receive the light are welcome to do so and it is used in services and kept alight at public places until Christmas.

Since 1996 members of the Deep Sea and British Rail Scout Fellowship have acted as couriers for the light for the UK. Since 2000 Clyde Scouts have been involved as the Scottish contacts. Each year we have managed to increase the numbers who have seen and heard of the Light. This year, the Light will be delivered on Wednesday 16th December and we hope that as many Clyde Scout Groups and friends of Scouting, as possible will wish to be part of the service of reception or to have a share of the Light brought to them.

The message from the Austrian Scouts reads 'The Chain of Lights is not only a Symbol of the Peacelight - it is a Sign of Peace, Warmth and Family.'

Friends of Scouting in Clyde Region are invited to join with us to receive a share of the Peace Light from Bethlehem at our service of Reception as follows:

When: Thursday 17th December

Where: Rutherglen United Reformed Church, 69 Johnstone Drive, Rutherglen, Glasgow, G73 2QA

Time: The Service of Reception for the Peace Light will start at 7.30pm.

Those who normally wear Scout uniform should do so. If you would like any further details, please let me know. Please RSVP to me by Wednesday 16th December so that I know how many people are coming.

Scouting are happy to be part of this endeavour and look forward to renewing Light contacts in 2009. More information on the background to this and the distribution throughout Europe, the UK and the US can be found on the Peace Light Web site www.peacelight.org.uk