Last night at Presbytery there was a discussion about how we as a presbytery should be wresting with the challenges that are facing us nationally and locally, including the value of sharing of best practice, the importance of speaking to…
Ecumenical Matters
https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/articles/church-moderator-accompanies-the-king-to-meet-pope If you have ever been to Rome, you will understand why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘city of churches’. Many of them are extraordinarily ornate, with incredible architecture. As I visited some last week, I couldn’t help…
Peacemakers
This week sees the second anniversary of the attacks on 7th October 2023, the consequence of which has been the death of thousands of people and the destruction of homes, villages and towns. There has been a very high cost…
Trustee Details
Did you know that OSCR generates charity logos for each charity under its remit? You can access your own congregation’s charity logo through the OSCR website. It’s a great way of ensuring that the public knows that you are on…
Being United
There is much happening across our Presbytery at the moment. A few vacant congregations are at the stage of hearing sole nominees preach, and a number of congregations have agreed on joining together and are now celebrating that through services…
Faithfulness
Over recent weeks I have been privileged to travel across Presbytery meeting up with Kirk Sessions and congregations. As someone brought up on a farm, I have a great fondness for this time of year. The countryside is looking glorious,…
Being stretched
At one of the training conferences during probation, a speaker gave each of us an elastic band. He spoke about how we rely on such bands maintaining their elasticity. We want them to stretch and then to return to their…
Dealing with disappointment
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” (Robert Burns: To a Mouse) No matter how carefully we make plans or how much effort we collectively put into implementing them, there are times when things do not…
Back to school
This week thousands of children and young people, across our Presbytery, have headed back to school – with their new schoolbags and new uniform. After a six week holiday it will no doubt be a bit of shock to the…
Shortfalls
One of the significant changes in legislation coming from this year’s General Assembly relates to ‘insolvent’ congregations. Within the newly amended Presbytery Mission Plan Act, you will now find a section entitled Financial Sustainability Review. Such a review, which will…