Outreach is a practical expression of our concern for other people both in the locality and further afield. The Cathedral has an Outreach Committee which initiates and co-ordinates various activities on behalf of the congregation. This does not belittle or overlook individual interests and actions, but rather aims to encourage these and to offer a focus for larger scale combined efforts.

The Committee's work has two aspects - firstly an "informative" element regarding issues of social concern here and abroad with suggestions for effective responses both individually and as a congregation - and secondly an "action" element through providing opportunities to give practical assistance of various sorts. The Committee consists of nine members of the Cathedral - one of whom is Convenor - and has clergy representation. Throughout the year the Committee organises various events which are published via the service sheets and magazine. Core activities include:

• Christian Aid - a sub-group of the Committee co-ordinates activities linking into fund raising operations - such as the Forth Bridge Cross and Street collections - encouraging participation from all age groups in the Cathedral. The committee is concerned to focus as much on the educational aspects of Christian Aid as on the fund raising elements. While our major efforts are concentrated on Christian Aid Week in May, various other campaigns and events are organised throughout the year, aimed at keeping us all well informed of the needs of people in the poorest parts of the world.

• Services for Homeless People: the Outreach Committee is concerned also with local community needs. A group is in the process of creating links with one of the existing services in the City, so that Cathedral members can give practical assistance with offering food to homeless people. There are plans also to link in with the 'Fresh Start' initiative by offering practical help to homeless people who are at the point of being housed.

• The Oneworld Stall - offers an opportunity to purchase fairly traded goods and to learn about the needs of the food producers in the world's poorer countries. This is available each Sunday.

• Exhibtions - featuring various social concerns are presented throughout the year on the exhibition boards in the north aisles of the Cathedral. The Outreach Committee plans and co-ordinates displays which have included Water Aid, Edinburgh Direct Aid to Bosnia, and India.

• Special Events - are organised at different points and vary from year to year. For example, in 1998 there were bread and soup lunches during Lent, a day playing the BEO Environmental game, and a Harvest supper linked with Tools for Self Reliance.

The Outreach Committee regularly contributes articles on relevant topics to the Cathedral Magazine, and organises the Light a Candle feature which suggests themes for intercessory prayer.

This is only a snapshot of some of the Outreach Committee activities. If you require, more information, or can offer assistance with the events, please feel welcome to contact the Cathedral Office.