GA thoughts from Natasha Hepburn
My First Time at the General Assembly – A Few Reflections This year I had the chance to attend the Church of Scotland General Assembly in Edinburgh – not as a commissioner or delegate, but as a visitor. It was my first time, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I left feeling incredibly moved, encouraged, and grateful.…
Labyrinth Launch in Burra, Shetland
Article and photo: Michele Simms, Shetland Parish Development Worker, Church of Scotland This Saturday at 1pm people will walk an ancient path at Bridge End Kirk, Burra at the launch of a labyrinth in the community garden. The event coincides with World Labyrinth Day, an annual event sponsored by The Labyrinth Society to “walk as one at 1” local time…
Shapinsay Kirk’s very first overnight pilgrims!
Shapinsay Kirk, Orkney Islands Church of Scotland, is part of the Sanctuary network with the British Pilgrimage Trust, offering Shapinsay’s place of worship as low-cost accommodation to pilgrims. The church has basic sanitary facilities and a kitchen. Pilgrims are expected to bring their own bedding with them (sleeping bags, roller mats etc.) but Shapinsay kirk has 2 new basic camp…
The Miracle of Far & Wide
A charity shop in Stonehaven celebrates an outstanding achievement – over one million pounds in donations. When the first Stonehaven Churches charity shop opened on November 13, 1993, many thought it would last only as long as it took people to empty their lofts. But 30 years later, Far & Wide is thriving, having donated £1,021,647.44 to projects worldwide. …
Highlights from the Moderator’s Visit – Part 1
The Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, visited our Presbytery from February 12-16, marking the first leg of his NENI tour. During his time here, Dr Paterson connected with congregations and communities serving Christ across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray, offering encouragement and support. The tour will continue in April, when he travels to Orkney and Shetland…
St Ternan’s Church Arbuthnott – 465 years
On Sunday, 16th of February, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland visited St Ternan’s Church in Arbuthnott to celebrate its 465 years of Christian worship in the Church of Scotland. Upon arrival, Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson and his wife were given a historical tour of the ancient church, kindly organised by Emily Arbuthnott. St…
1700 Years of Service
On the 14th of February, the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles held a special service as part of the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland’s visit. Hosted by Inverurie West Church, the service featured the presentation of Long Service Certificates by the Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson. These certificates are awarded to…
Moderator Visits Our Presbytery
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is embarking on the first leg of a tour across the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles this week. Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson said he is very much looking forward to learning more about the life and work of the church in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and…
Shapinsay Church Receives Silver Award
We are delighted to announce that Shapinsay Church, Orkney Islands Church of Scotland has been awarded an Eco-Congregation Scotland Silver Award in recognition of their work and commitment to caring for creation. Eco-Congregation Scotland is a movement of Scottish church congregations, of all denominations and none, committed to addressing environmental issues through their life and mission. (Please see their website…
Meet Iain Sanders
Imagine yourself on a ship in the North Sea, somewhere between Aberdeen and Bergen. You’re caught up in a fierce storm: the wind is howling, and the waves tower above. The crew is on edge, but you are utterly frightened – this is your first job at sea. You’re shivering and can’t seem to get warm, as you are used…