From the Manse
Dear Friends,
As we enter the summer months, many of us look forward to a change of pace — an opportunity to rest and spend time with family and friends after all the activities of the previous session. Summer offers us a valuable reminder that rest is not only necessary but part of God’s will for us.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says to His disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a remote place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Even in the midst of busy lives and demanding responsibilities, Jesus recognised the need for rest, renewal, and quietness. As we pause over the summer before the new session begins in September, may we each find time to rest, to appreciate the wonder and beauty of creation, and to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit.
This year, as we look ahead to the autumn, we do so with a special sense of anticipation as we prepare to mark the 275th anniversary of the opening of our present church building. On Sunday 13th September, we will gather for a special Service of Thanksgiving, when the preacher will be the Right Reverend Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
That service will give us an opportunity to give thanks for God’s faithfulness and goodness and to recall with gratitude the generations who have worshipped, witnessed, and served here before us. It will also be an important moment for us to rededicate ourselves as a congregation as we look to the future. While much changes in the life of the world and the Church, we continue to place our trust in a God who does not change and who has promised to be with His people always.
Although many activities slow down during the summer period, please remember that the pastoral care of the congregation continues throughout these months. If anyone would like to speak with me or arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am always happy to meet with people and to offer whatever support or encouragement I can.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rev Jake Lehman, who has been with us for his familiarisation placement since last September. Jake will complete his time at St Ninians Old at the beginning of September, and we are grateful for the contribution he has made to the life of our congregation. It has been a personal joy for me to work with Jake and to have him as a valued colleague and friend. We wish him every blessing as he seeks to discern where God is calling him to serve as a minister within the Church of Scotland. Please continue to keep Jake, Malissa, and the family in your prayers.
I send you my warmest good wishes.
Every blessing,
Your minister and friend,
Gary
The Rev Gary J McIntyre