Today I met up with Russell McLarty, the Interim minister at Edinburgh's St Andrew's and St George's Church of Scotland. We had arranged a few weeks ago to take the bread and wine,two of the most powerful symbols of the Gospel out into George Street. Many people passed by and ignored the invitation others were polite as they explained they had to be somewhere by a certain time. One particular man stopped and said he was Jewish, then with a smile he added "we've...
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The last few days have been pretty busy. On Thursday last the church was packed to capacity as people from all walks if life attended the funeral of John Constable who was one of our local councillors and also for many a local hero and mentor. He was someone who passionately believed in his political cause and lived to see some of his dreams achieved. The refurbishment of the Bo'ness Hippodrome was one of the causes he put his political influence behind. He worked...
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Today I started to put together a number of articles for the Parish Network. Its the new name we're giving to our church broadsheet that we distribute around the parish. It go me thinking about some of the things we might plan for Holy Week. Before long I was reflecting on the amazing experience I had a few years ago when I took the bread and the wine out into the streets on Good Friday. It was a a profound experience. Taking Christ to the busy street on Good Friday....
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There is a great buzz around the church even although the weather is cold and the forecast is more rain this week. I've been encouraged hearing about at least half a dozen people of all ages finding a voice to openly profess their faith. In addition Sanctuary First turned out to be a great success last Sunday evening. The change of time for the evening services seems to have struck a chord especially with people with young families. We had around 50 at church last...
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Will you spare a thought and perhaps a prayer for all those who suffer in silence this Christmas. We've set aside one of the transepts in the church this year to highlight the work of Amnesty International. We would like to invite people to drop in and pray for prisoners of conscience. A few years ago we made this little mediation. I think it is still very relevant. The music was composed by Colin Jamieson copies of this can be purchased through Sanctus...
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