From the Manse
Dear Friends,
There comes a time in every ministry when a new chapter begins, and so it is with mixed emotions that I write this final pastoral letter to you as your minister. After twenty-eight years at St Ninians Old Parish Church, I will leave in September to begin my ministry at St John's Renfield Church in Kelvindale, Glasgow.
As I look back over these years, my overwhelming feeling is one of profound gratitude. Thank you for the privilege you have given me of being your minister, for your friendship, your encouragement, your loyalty and your prayers. Together we have shared so much of life's journey, and it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to walk alongside you.
When I came to St Ninians Old in 1998, I did so because I believed that God had called me here. Before that, He had called me to my first charge of Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay linked with the High Kirk of Rothesay. Now, after much prayer and careful discernment, I believe that same gracious God is calling me to St John's Renfield. There is real sadness in leaving a congregation and parish that I have come to love so deeply, but there is also peace in knowing that God's call always invites us to trust Him with the future.
Over almost three decades we have shared the joys and sorrows that are at the heart of every congregation. We have celebrated baptisms, welcomed new members, rejoiced at weddings, gathered around the Lord's Table, marked anniversaries and milestones, and stood together in times of grief as we committed loved ones into God's eternal care. Through all these experiences I have sought to bear witness to the love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
As I reflect on these years, many faces come before me. I think especially of the elders and members whose faithful service enriched the life of St Ninians Old for so many years and who are now in the nearer presence of God. Through quiet acts of devotion, generous service and steadfast faith, they helped to build the congregation we know today. Their witness continues to inspire us, and I thank God for each one of them. They will never be forgotten.
One of the greatest joys of my ministry at St Ninians Old has been serving not only the congregation but also the wider parish. I have always valued being the parish minister. Visiting homes, meeting people at every stage of life and sharing in the life of this community has brought immense fulfilment. I shall also miss my walks through the parish, not least at Swanswater, where there has often been space for quiet reflection and prayer. Those familiar paths have become part of my own spiritual journey, and they will always hold happy memories.
I have also greatly valued serving as part of the chaplaincy team at Borestone Primary School, St Ninians Primary School and the High School of Stirling. Spending time with pupils, staff and families has been a most rewarding aspect of my ministry. Watching young people grow in confidence and character, and sharing in assemblies, celebrations and moments of pastoral care, has continually reminded me of the importance of the Church's presence within the wider community. I shall miss those schools, and everyone connected with them.
The life of this congregation has always extended far beyond Sunday worship, and I have been continually encouraged by the dedication of so many people. Whether through the Tuesday Group, the Boys' Brigade, or the other organisations, committees and activities that sustain the life of the Church, countless individuals have given generously of their time, talents and resources. St Ninians Old has long been blessed with people who quietly serve Christ through serving others.
There have been many memorable moments throughout my ministry here. It was a particular joy to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of my ordination while serving at St Ninians Old and, in 2023, to mark the Silver Jubilee of my ministry in this congregation. Those occasions were made so special by your kindness and generosity, and I remain deeply touched by the warmth and affection you showed me.
No minister serves alone. Throughout these years I have been greatly supported and encouraged by those who have shared the work of ministry with me. I want especially to thank our Session Clerk, Leslie Asher, for faithful support and steadfast friendship; our Treasurer, Edward Morton, for his careful stewardship and dedication; and our Church Officer, Ernie Colthart, whose willing service is such a blessing to us all.
Our worship has also been enriched by music. Sunday by Sunday, Tony Baldwin has offered his gifts with remarkable faithfulness, sensitivity and excellence. His music has helped lift our hearts to God, adding beauty and depth to our worship and to so many joyful and solemn occasions alike. I offer him my sincere thanks for all that he has contributed to the worshipping life of this congregation.
As you begin a period of vacancy, there will naturally be uncertainty. Yet I encourage you not to think of this simply as an ending but as the beginning of a new chapter in the life of St Ninians Old. This congregation has faithfully served Christ for generations, and its witness within this parish continues to matter greatly. The ministry of this Church has never depended upon one individual. It rests upon the faithfulness of God and upon His people seeking together to follow His will.
In the months ahead, the Presbytery will meet with the Kirk Session and engage in discussions with neighbouring congregations as it considers the future pattern of ministry. My sincere hope and prayer is that, in due course, permission will be granted for St Ninians Old to call a new minister who will lead you into the next chapter of your life together. Please pray for wisdom for all involved in these important conversations, and pray also for the person whom God is already preparing to answer that call.
The words of the prophet Isaiah offer wonderful reassurance:
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:10)
As ministers come and go, the One who remains is Jesus Christ, "the same yesterday and today and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). He is the faithful Shepherd of His Church, and your confidence is ultimately in Him.
Hold on to these promises. Continue to worship faithfully, to care for one another and to serve the parish. Continue to be a church where Christ is known, His Gospel is proclaimed, and His love is lived out day by day.
Looking back, I thank God for every person He has brought into my life through St Ninians Old. Looking forward, I thank Him for all that He still has in store for this congregation. The best days of the Church are never simply behind us, because the Lord of the Church always goes before us.
If, over these twenty-eight years, I have been able to contribute in any way to the life and witness of St Ninians Old, it has been through the grace of God and through the faithful partnership of so many people. Whatever has been accomplished, to God alone be the glory!
Although my ministry among you is drawing to a close, you will always remain dear to me. I shall continue to remember you in my prayers with deep affection and thanksgiving. The friendships we have shared and the memories we have made together are treasures that I shall carry with me always. My family joins me in expressing sincere thanks for the kindness and support that have been shown over the years. Your friendship has meant more than you will ever know.
May God richly bless every member of this congregation, every family in this parish and all who worship and serve within St Ninians Old. May He guide you wisely through the months ahead, strengthen you in faith, fill you with hope and, in His perfect timing, lead you to the minister whom He has chosen for you.
"And now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20–21)
With heartfelt thanks and every blessing,
Your friend and minister,
Gary
The Rev Gary J. McIntyre