April 19, 2015
One Service, 10:50am
Procession begins at 10:30am
(Sunday School at 9:30am)
Origin
In the day of English suppression of the Scottish culture, it was illegal to wear the tartan in public. Legend has it that as a symbol of clan pride, Scots wore a piece of tartan concealed on their person to church on a specified day. At a given point, the Minister would pronounce a prayer in Scots Gaelic, which the English did not understand. The congregation would touch the hidden tartan, thus blessing, or “kirking” the tartan.
The Modern Service
In the 1940’s a Presbyterian church in New York began the “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans” to recognize the Scottish origins of the denomination and to celebrate Scottish culture. The ceremony has spread throughout the U.S., and is conducted at several locations in the DFW area on an annual basis.
The Kirkin’ ceremony at St Andrew is a celebration not only of the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church, but also of the tremendous global reach that our denomination has achieved. Ours is a celebration of FAMILY. The family of St Andrew, whatever your ethnic origin.
WHAT TO WEAR: The Scots among us are invited to show your spirit in kilts and tartans. Everyone is encouraged to represent his/her own origins by the wearing of national costumes, and thereby make this a true festival of celebration!
WHAT TO EXPECT: There will be a bagpiper calling us to worship on that morning, and the clans and other groups will be led in procession into the church from outdoors (weather permitting). A special Scottish Bible will be ushered into service by the Beadle. Special music is being prepared, including a premiere of a new Choral work based on a traditional Scottish worship tune.
WHAT TO BRING: Everyone enjoys good food at St. Andrew! Explore your culinary creativity and bring the Scottish, foreign, or American food you enjoy the most, from appetizers to desserts. We will have warming ovens turned on before worship so you can place your dishes in there to keep warm. Cool dishes can be put in the refrigerator, and we will have volunteers available starting at 9:00 a.m. to receive food and assist. Coffee, tea, and water will be served. We know that you will all be hungry and ready to eat a wonderful meal after church that day, so put April 19 on your calendar for a Scottish and international feast, filled with entertainment and merriment! There may even be a haggis . . . . . .
Do you want to process? If you want to be part of the Kirkin’ processional, whether to march behind a clan banner or to simply march as part of the St. Andrew family, please attend a brief meeting in the sanctuary with Adele Stewart following the early service on April 12. If you cannot attend that meeting, please contact Adele at adele520@outlook.com to be included in the processional. If you will be marching in the processional, you will need to assemble in Fellowship Hall by 8:45 am on Sunday the 19th. The processional rehearsal with pipes and drum will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. We will finish in time for you to attend Sunday School. Marchers of all ages are welcome, but we ask that younger children be accompanied in the procession by an adult. The real procession will begin at 10:30 on Kirkin’ Sunday. Come join us!