Did you enjoy the Olympics? Seventeen days of the best competitors in the world trying to achieve something special. From a season or personal best to winning gold. It is a wonderful spectacle and I was very privileged to be able to attend this year. One of the most exciting aspects of that was watching the hockey at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium. In 1924 it was the stadium at which Eric Liddell ran his record-breaking gold medal winning 400m. A man of tremendous faith and integrity, who showed remarkable compassion to those in need.
Surrounded by fans of every nation, I was struck by the level of encouragement and support afforded to everyone. In the Stade de France, the sound was incredible when any French competitor stepped up to the mark. And yet, respect was shown to all those who were participating and to their fans. We all joined in the karaoke of Aux Champs-Élysées.
Respect is another one of our values as a Presbytery.
"We are a diverse Presbytery serving urban, rural, coastal, and island communities. We will show respect by listening to and learning from each other."
There is no doubt that our Presbytery covers every kind of community and geography. As the services of union and adjustment continue (Aberdeen South is up next on 6th September at 6.45pm), we are getting to travel around the length and breadth of the Presbytery. One of the great challenges we face is learning how to work together whilst making space for the differences that exist between us. Our context and our history shape us and our perspective - including how we express our faith. They also shape our approach to problems and our decision making.
By appreciating our diversity and acknowledging that we can learn from one another, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to respect as one of our values. Listening is key to this. But so is ensuring that our language is helpful - full of grace as well as truth. We show respect by learning each other's names and engaging with those whose background is different from our own. And realising that whilst we may disagree with someone, we remain brothers and sisters in Christ, united by the Holy Spirit.
I hope that you have been able to enjoy a good summer and look forward to seeing lots of you at our first Presbytery meeting of the new session.
Rev Stella
