On February 13, we gathered at Cults to celebrate people who have distinguished themselves in serving the Church.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, presented Long Service Certificates to 25 elders, Sunday school teachers and Guild members along with a drama group from 9 congregations.
Mrs Frew's sermon was inspired by a speech given in the final episode of the drama New Amsterdam: ‘Remember what that moment was for you, when you knew that Christian service, eldership, ministry was your calling. Because this job can wear you down, even on the best days it takes a toll on your heart. If you find yourself in a tough moment, thinking that all is lost, feeling like what you do doesn’t matter, I want you to remember…. that coming to faith, that call to Christian service, that call to ministry. What it was that engaged you, opened your eyes and your heart.… and let that moment continue to be your inspiration, your guiding light.’
Aberdeen Mannofield (L-R): Mr Doug Marnoch (Elder, 40 years), Ms Ellen Smith (Elder, 40 years), Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Assembly), Mr Neil Paterson (Elder, 40 years), Mr Alan Marr (Elder, 40 years).
Aberdeen South (L-R): Rev Edmund Gatima, Ms Elizabeth Thomson (Guild, 40 years), Miss Jill Runcie (Ragamuffins and Leading Lights Theatre Group, 30 years), Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Assembly), Mrs Elizabeth Robertson (Guild, 30 years), Mrs Marjory Reid (Ragamuffins and Leading Lights Theatre Group, 30 years), Ms Ena Dickie (Guild, 40 years), Mrs Jennifer Brown (Ragamuffins and Leading Lights Theatre Group, 30 years).
Aberdeen Springfield (L-R): Ms Thelma Christie (Elder, 33 years), Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Assembly).
Aberdeen St Columba's Bridge of Don (L-R): Mr Dennis Mackie (Elder, 40 years), Mrs Edna Stewart (Elder, 40 years), Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Assembly), Mrs Norma Moore (Elder, 30 years).
Aberdeen St Machar's Cathedral (L-R): Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Assembly), Mr Cameron Campbell (Elder, 30 years).
Bennachie (L-R): Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Asembly), Ms Hilda Mowat (Elder, 30 years).
Aberdeen Devana (L-R): Rev Peter Johnston, Mrs Alison Low (Elder, 30 years). Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Assembly), Mrs Fiona Firth (Elder, 30 years).
Kingshill (L-R): Rt Rev Rosie Frew (Moderator of the General Assembly), Ms Julia Chisholm (Sunday School Teacher, 34 years).