A Lanarkshire congregation is raising money for Ukraine and handing out ribbons to show their support after the devastating consequences of the Russian invasion.
Rutherglen United Reformed Church collected £900 from their service last week and plan to raise more this Sunday.
All the money raised will be given to the Disasters Emergency Committee that can order and ship much-needed items to the war-torn country.
Reverend John Sanderson told Lanarkshire Live : “As a church we always try to support any country that has had any sort of disaster and we often have a collection to raise money.
“On this occasion, I think people have felt particularly moved by what they’re seeing happening in Ukraine at the moment, and with that comes a sort of helplessness.
“So we started a collection and we plan to keep it going. Some of our congregation want to donate but don’t want to do it online, they aren’t comfortable, so we started a collection as many of our members want to help.
“We raised £900 on Sunday and we passed the money along to the committee and let them buy what they need and they can get it to the country as fast as possible.”
The church is also offering blue and yellow ribbons to be taken and tied on the railing of the church or for congregation members to tie at their own home to show support for the country.
The reverend added: “The idea behind the candles and hearts was that some people in the congregation wanted a sense of solidarity with the people in Ukraine.
“We lit the candle and said a prayer and the children made the hearts for the railing and we left ribbons at the church for people to take.
“It brings awareness, so many have shown their concern and that the people of Ukraine are in their prayers. It is a horrendous situation.
“We’re more than happy for anyone to tie ribbons onto the church railing - they are more than welcome to do so.”
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
