On Friday morning I travelled up from Aberdeen to Sumburgh to visit the parish of Shetland. It was an early start and a bumpy landing (after one aborted attempt). But over the weekend, the weather improved dramatically and it was lovely to travel across the mainland to visit a few different places. On Saturday, the Kirk Session met together and, I think as most of us find, it was helpful to be in one place. Time spent together, sitting around a set of tables, listening to one another and listening to the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit, is always precious. On Sunday, there was a joint service of worship, with a celebration of communion, in Lerwick, followed by hospitality. I was struck once again by the warmth of the welcome and the joy to be found in good news stories from across the parish.
One particular highlight was sharing worship with Rev Charles Greig. This year he marked the 50th anniversary of his ordination, which is remarkable. I loved his prayers, which contained within them the challenge of taking what we had received from God and carrying it into our communities and the lives of other people. We give thanks for his many years of faithful service. (And there are a few other anniversaries to be caught up at our next meeting).
Another highlight was hearing of the work of the foodbank, which the congregation helps to run, and the upcoming launch of Street Pastors, together with the building of ecumenical relationships, all of which are so encouraging.
Spending time with congregations allows an opportunity to find out about what people have done but also to find out what God is doing in the here and now. At the recent Regional Gathering it was wonderful to hear about the work with young people alongside the comfort offered through friendship cafes and lunch clubs - so many lives impacted by the service of faithful followers of Jesus. There was a general feeling that it would be good to have more regular meetings between congregations, for fellowship, encouragement and the sharing of resources.
In 2027 there will other opportunities for congregations to spend time with each other. Perhaps you could begin thinking now of the stories that you would want to share and you could even offer to host one of our gatherings.
Rev Stella
