The Cupar Justice and Peace Group was founded in 1997 by Sister Ellen Munn. Ecumenical from the beginning the Group is drawn from many congregations and none. It now numbers about 60 people who all take part in its activities when they can. It meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm in St Columba's Catholic church hall and these meetings are always open to anyone who may be interested. It usually organises a coffee morning in the Spring and a lunch in the Autumn. This gives everyone an opportunity to do a little to make a difference in the world through donating to good causes, buying at the fair trade stalls, joining in campaigns and taking part in activities. The group lobbies politicians and takes a stall at the Cross in Cupar from time to time. It believes that to pray and campaign for justice and peace is part of our Christian obedience in the world.
Annual Party with the Moderator
Justice & Peace have an annual party, usually at Epiphany. This year we postponed it for a week to enable the Moderator to attend. We also had the good fortune that Sister Ellen Munn who founded the branch ten years ago was able to attend. She left Cupar some years ago & is often in Zambia. Otherwise the evening proceeded as usual: a meal, some games, and closing worship .
<-----Fiona Gordon, our vice-chair, welcoming the guests who replied in turn. The Moderator said how glad she was to have some ecumenical involvement as this had been her main concern at 121 George St, in her role as the Secretary of the Church of Scotland's Ecumenical Relations Committee.
-----> Guests playing the game, which was a Scottish quiz devised by David Cleland. Local clergy visible are Canon Pat, Peter Gordon, David Sinclair, & Anne Haselhurst.
<-----The winners: left to right Maureen Jack (St Andrews, & member of Christian Peacemakers Team who regularly visits West Bank to try to liaise between Palestinians & Israelis); John Wilson, St Columba’s; Raymond Young, St olumba’s. J&P Chair; Margaret Gourley , Cupar Old
----->Sr Ellen, the Chair, the Moderator
<-----Guests at the meal. At right hand end of table are Carol, the Howies’ guest from Brazil who’s currently attending Cupar Old. As a human rights lawyer she’s most interested in attending J&P. Beside her is Anita Wilson, St Columba’s, who is Portuguese so that she & Carol could chat together in their native language.
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On 21st October 2007, the Justice and Peace bunting was displayed at Cupar Old Parish Church - much of the bunting was very colourfully decorated and some of the words were as follows:
All hands on Debt ....may we give hope for a better future for all people....J&P makes the world a brighter place ....Clean safe water for all....Together you do make a difference....Fun together J&P Fellowship....Hands offered in love and peace....Whole is more than sum of the parts....Hands raised in praise ....Make Poverty History ....A circle of friends can make a huge impact....J&P is the way forward....Praying for prisoners of conscience ....Fairtrade....No way to peace, peace is the way....We must never lose hope....This one is for you Jim, we will always support landmines clearance in your memory....Keep taking a little step at a time – don’t ever give up....Thank God for this group here in Cupar....We must never lose hope....Mary’s Meals helps many children.
Together they reflect the commitment of the J&P members and affirm what they try to do together from many congregations in Cupar and round about. After going round six churches and being on display in The Lighthouse for a fortnight, the bunting will have pride of place at the J&P One World Week Lunch in St John's church hall on Saturday 3 November.