From the Manse
Dear Friends,
As I write this letter to you in early May the sun is streaming through my study window and I can feel its warmth as I work at my desk. I hope the good weather will continue for invariably it lifts our spirits and I certainly feel energised by it!
Another session in the life of the Church is drawing to a close and soon some of us will endeavour to take our foot of the pedal and spend more time enjoying leisurely pursuits.
Whether we go off on holiday or remain at home over the summer, it is good for us to have a less demanding schedule, and to be able to do things that help us not only to unwind but to recharge our batteries for the new session that will begin in September.
Having been your minister for many years, I am very much aware of the need to continually seek the leading of the Holy Spirit in order that we do not fall into the trap of always doing the same things year on year. With this in mind, a group of us have been looking at the Five Marks of Mission that were endorsed by the General Assembly in 2020.They have given rise to some good discussions and ideas which will be shared with the Kirk Session in June.
One of the ideas is to run an Alpha Course and there is an article about this elsewhere in The Parishioner which I commend to you.
Another idea is to actively encourage more people to become involved in our Sunday services. St Paul reminds us that we all have gifts and these gifts are to be used for the good of the Church as the Body of Christ. Many gifts are used in different ways in the life of the Church which is great, but what about those of you who may have gifts that could be used in the Sunday service? Perhaps you do not think you have such gifts. I ask you to think again!
Reading the lessons, giving the all age talk, leading the prayers, playing a musical instrument, singing a solo. If you would like to get involved please speak to me. I will be glad to hear from you!
We are also very keen to ensure that all who come along to our services are made to feel welcome, and we have discussed ways in which we might be able to provide further opportunities for fellowship including after our weekly service. While the fellowship tea in the Parish Halls on the third Sunday of the month will continue for the foreseeable future, there is a suggestion that tea, coffee and biscuits be served in the sanctuary on the other Sundays. There will, of course, be certain things that will have to be done to make this possible including having volunteers to help, but we believe this would let people to get to know one another better, and be a good opportunity for us to welcome visitors and provide hospitality every Sunday.
The Rev Tom Allan was minister of North Kelvinside Parish Church from 1946-53. He wrote a book called ‘The Face of my Parish.’ I read it again recently and was taken with his inference that the challenge is not only getting people into our churches, it is to hold on to them and integrate them into the life of our congregations. Though we live in a different age and culture from that of the 1940’s and 50’s I believe such thinking is still relevant today, and so I pose the following questions;
How welcoming are we as a congregation to one another and to those who come for the first time or the first time in a while?
How welcoming are we to those of faith and those who are inquiring about the faith?
How welcoming are we to those who offer their gifts to help the cause of God’s Kingdom?
What could be done to make our church more welcoming?
What are some things we can do to foster a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone?
How welcoming are we to the Holy Spirit who is ever at work and challenges us to be the people God calls and wants us to be?
How do we enable people to feel that they belong?
I hope that the summer months will afford us time to think and pray about our life as a congregation, and I would welcome your thoughts about what more we could do to enrich our worship, strengthen our fellowship, and increase our witness in and beyond St Ninians.
I assure you of my prayers and good wishes,
Gary
The Rev Gary J McIntyre