The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles held a Service of Union at Torry St Fittick's Parish Church. The service united South St Nicholas Kincorth Church of Scotland and Torry St Fittick's Parish Church of Scotland as Aberdeen South Church of Scotland.
Rev Corne Randall gave an inspiring sermon on resilience. He explained that a resilient faith comes from the Spirit, and the key to becoming resilient is twofold. On the one hand, one should be aware of and open to God's Spirit, which gives us strength, self-control, and resilience. On the other hand, one has to ignite the gift that God has given us—"fan into flames the gift of God." (2 Timothy 1:6)
"Christian communities are communities of hope. These are places that have resilience written into the very essence of their being. Christian communities are founded on hope. The same Spirit who worked in the early church and young Timothy is at work in us, is at work in this church, and is at work in the Church of Scotland."
Presbytery Clerk, Rev Stella Campbell, gave us the Narrative, which is a story of what brought us to this moment of the Service of Union. She reminded us that “God’s plan for His Church is always good.” And in these changing times, we, as Christians, should face the future with optimism because we know who holds the future.
Members of the congregations of South St Nicholas Kincorth Church of Scotland and Torry St Fittick's Parish Church of Scotland have agreed to come together and be one congregation in Christ Jesus, under the designation of Aberdeen South Parish Church of Scotland. Torry St Fittick's Parish Church of Scotland is set to be the main place of worship for the united charge and Rev Edmond Gatima is the minister.
The Moderator of the Presbytery led the congregations in prayer. After the service, people stayed for refreshments and enjoyed the spirit of a newly united community.
From left to right: Rev Corne Randall, Rev Shuna Dicks (Moderator of Presbytery), Rev Stella Campbell (Presbytery Clerk)
