The General Assembly reports have now all been published and can be found by clicking this link GA Reports.
There is a huge amount of information to read, digest and review. Information that reveals what has happened since the GA last gathered and information about where we are heading and what our priorities should be. Each report exists in its own right and takes you into a different part of our national church. Those of us who are commissioners are currently ploughing our way through them, trying to work out what needs to be read more than once and what, if any, questions we want to be asking. We have an online get together planned for the evening of Thursday 7th May where the hope is that we can talk about what is coming up. Discussing the information offered with others can be a great way to make sense of it. The Presbytery Clerks are doing something similar over the coming weeks.
Last night, and indeed at every Presbytery meeting, there is again a significant amount of information to be processed. From the presentation from Street Pastors, to the special reports, to the reports of the Standing Committees. There is a huge breadth to the business that is covered and and the Committee Conveners face the challenge of ensuring there is enough information for Presbytery to make decisions whilst not overloading everyone. And of course there are then the practicalities of making sure everyone has access to that information - apologies for when the Presbytery Office doesn't quite get that right.
Today I appreciated the opportunity of sharing information in a different kind of way. A number of us came together to meet with representatives from the Priority Areas team of the Church of Scotland. We sat around a table and listened to the 'good news' stories as well as stories of challenge and difficulty. The conversation was honest and, for me, helpful in terms of gaining a better understanding of what is happening in particular parishes. It reminded me of the importance of having a space in which to speak, be listened to and discover that others are in similar situations or have a similar perspective on ministry.
At the Presbytery meeting, the Pastoral Care Convener (Rev Dr Edmond Gatima) encouraged those in ministry in our Presbytery to seek out or form peer support groups. It is worth quoting the report:
"Peer-to-peer support is of great significance and brings numerous benefits, particularly within local prayer and ministry groups. Such groups do not need to be large or of the same denomination; even a pair of individuals supporting each other in various ways can be effective. This support might involve sharing a cup of coffee, going for a walk, or spending time in prayer together. Members can also rely on each other for emergency contact. These groups play a vital role in helping to prevent isolation and loneliness, challenges often faced by those in Ministry."
Today was a great example of peers coming together and supporting one another. I hope that in the coming months and years of our Presbytery, we can encourage more of that, so that effective support networks can be (re)built, for the sake of those who are serving within our bounds.
Rev Stella
P.S. If you have any feedback on how we are sharing information as a Presbytery or suggestions on how we might improve that, please do get in touch.
