Here's something I very seldom do, write a tribute on my blog to members of my congregation who have passed on to glory. I guess I hesitate to do such a thing because its often impossible to single one person out over another. However this evening I've decided I'm going to mention Tommy Simpson and talk a little about him on the eve of his funeral. I want to do so because he was the first person I ever met and spoke to in Bo'ness. Chance meetings can end up...
Continue Reading

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Friday is going to be a busy day but its going to be interesting. I'm off to Humberside with a couple of Board members from the Vine Trust to look at two Fleet Tenders. You never know we might end up buying one of them. the vine Trust has decided to purchase another boat where it will end up will depend on a number of factors but we are convinced that there is an opportunity at this time to prepare a ship for future medical work....
Continue Reading

[gallery] Sanctuary First was well received tonight. It was great that people took part and explored what it means to be shaped by the Spirit of God. The opening video featured Michael Jackson's iconic video in which we were reminded of the plurality of cultures and colours in the world. All these cultures impinge on all of us because we live in a global village. It is so easy to allow ourselves to be shaped by the philosophies of the people we live and work...
Continue Reading

Today Sheena Orr our trainee minister flies out, along with a number of other ministers and theologians to visit Israel. During this visit Sheena will have an opportunity to reflect on the current political and religious divides in the Holy Land and perhaps bring back a more informed point of view for all of us consider. This year at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Douad Nassar,from Bethlehem was an invited guest. He came representing Christian...
Continue Reading

A vote to the status quo may sound safe but the Kirk may end up walking a tight rope. Doing nothing may end up costing some congregations and Presbyteries dearly. Why am i saying this ? Read on. The General Assembly rejected the proposal for reform of the Presbyteries that had been laid before them by the Panel Review and Reform. It was always going to be a challenging concept for many in the church. Larger Presbyteries with full time staff running the day to day...
Continue Reading