Peace Light from Bethlehem

For some years now, Scouting in Scotland has received a share of the Peace Light from Bethlehem during December. We are now finalising plans for this peace promoting activity in 2008 and we would like to extend a warm invitation to anyone who would like to join us at the ecumenical service of reception for the peace light. The details are as follows:

When: Thursday 18th December

Where: Rutherglen West & Wardlawhill Parish Church, 3 Western Avenue, Rutherglen, Glasgow, G73 1JQ

Time: The Service of Reception for the Peace Light will start at 7.30pm. Immediately before this, the Church are holding an outside carol service at 6.30pm and have extended an invitation to anyone who is coming to the service of reception for the Peace Light to join them for this.

Those who normally wear Scout uniform should do so. Below is a briefing note with some background info on the Peace Light.

Please RSVP to Gary Bainbridge in the Regional Office by December 17th so that we know how many people are coming.

Briefing note:

Planning is now under way for Clyde Region's 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 Glasgow Scouts (now Clyde Region) 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 we expect the Light to be delivered during on Wednesday 17th December and we hope that as many Scout Groups from across Clyde Region 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.

More information on the background to the Peace Light and its distribution throughout Europe, the UK and the US can be found on the Peace Light Web site www.batesgd.supanet.com