At the end of September, a small group gathered at Fountainhall Church at the Cross for an ACORN event. The evening was led by ACORN National Director (Scotland), Paul Haringman. ACORN is an acronym: A – Ask, C – Call,…
Learning from one another
My father is a retired farmer and in his younger days was always pretty good at fixing things. From welding machinery to nailing down corrugated iron roofs. He was an excellent problem solver – taking an initial idea and adapting…
Diversity and unity
This week, I thought I would share with you some photos from my time on Orkney and some initial reflections. It was a great experience to spend time in different communities and to join in the celebration of the union. …
Historic Union of 17 Congregations Forms Orkney Islands Church of Scotland
A special service has been held to mark the unification of 17 Church of Scotland congregations on Orkney into a single parish. Scores of people gathered at St Magnus Cathedral yesterday to celebrate the newly formed Orkney Islands Church of…
New Staff Member to Support Congregations
The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles is happy to welcome a new staff member. Natasha Hepburn has joined us as a Congregational Support Officer. In this role, she will be providing practical support and guidance to…
We imagine…
How would you complete that sentence? How would your church finish it? And what are we imagining as a Presbytery? I came across this wonderful noticeboard at Aberdeen North church whilst spending time there with the minister, Rev Fiona Lister. …
Reasons why ACORN works
Many reasons why ACORN works (These reasons have all come out of reflective experience, among people in various ACORN groups over a long period. The list is not complete as we keep finding out more that God is doing through…
Good Governance
The final value we aspire to is Effectiveness. We aim to be professional and timely in decision-making and action, continually developing and adapting the resources, systems and skills that lead to good governance. Whilst we all have a part to…
Scot-ART’s vision for the West Kirk
An arts charity that has taken over part of an iconic church in Aberdeen has set out its vision for the future of the building. Scot-ART took ownership of West Kirk within the Kirk of St Nicholas from the Church of…
ACORN – a Practice that Works
ACORN – a Practice that Works! ACORN is a movement that seeks to connect Christians with the work God is doing in others through caring conversation. Here is what Paul Haringman, ACORN National Director, shared with us: “Can you imagine…