It would be true to describe the last two weeks as a bit of a whirlwind. Indeed I’m trying to think where didI last leaveyou. Whta story was i telling you? I think I'll start with this weekend past and work my way back where i left off just after  my visit to Aberdeen.

Sunday  24th February

I’ve just returned this evening from a visit to St Andrew’s University. We were met by the Chaplain Donald MaEwan. Donald is an outstanding person.  Not only does he stand out in appewarance ( after all he must be at least 6ft 4in with distinquished red hair} he is an excellent host and chef "par excellence" If you ever get a chance to taste his chillie flan its truly worth a mansize bite. 

When we arrived on Saturday evening, I had the great privilege of meeting a number of the candidates for ministry at St Mary’s College and to meet some of the staff members. I find myself being energised as I listen to students preparing themselves for ministry. Many of them have given up a great deal to find themselves in a situation where they are totally depending on God. Once again my visit made me aware of the need for more people to answer the call to become ministers of the gospel. I was also impressed by the commitment of those who I met. As a church we need to have these servants of God ever in our prayers.

The town of St Andrew’s is a really interesting place to visit. I always find myself reflecting upon the history that these streets must have seen over the years. Today I was the guest preacher at the 600th Anniversary of the University commemorating Founders Day.

The University was founded by Bishop Henry Wardlaw in 1412 and received its official recognition from the Pope in 1413.  It is the oldest university in Scotland. The title for my sermon was 'Transforming Communities.I believe a copy of the sermon I preached will appear on the University website later this week.

After the service there was a short commemoration of the life of the Martyr Patrick Hamilton. This took place on the very spot where he was burned to death on the street outside St Salvador's Chapel in 1528.  It is said that the  "reek of Master Patrick Hamilton infected as many as it blew upon" Today the spot is marked with the initials of Hamilton laid in to the cobblestones. Hamilton's life and ministry affected a lot of people. it is said that his death laid the seeds of the Reformation that was come some 32 years later. His life and witmness was to transform a nation.

I was glad to see a few friendly faces in the congregation. Those of you from Trinity College days will remember fondly Dr Gavin White who taught Church History. It was great to see him again and to have a chat about my forthcoming visit to Africa. Gavin retired to St Andrew’s a few years ago. I also caught up with a few friends who at one time lived in Bo’ness but now live in the vicinity of the University.

A visit like this one reminds us all of  the legacy of learning and faith we have in Scotland. It is important that we build upon that legacy. Each of us is called to be the agent of change in our circle. We may think have little influence. Hamilton no doubt thought his life was over at the age of 24 years. yet 485 years later a group stand around his initials and rmember his bravery and are invited to reflect upon the ideals he believed in that led to his death. There is no doubt transforming a community is a costly vision to pursue.