Minister’s Message 14 September
Dear Friends,
As we gather this Sunday we are celebrating the proactive love of God, taking in
the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. This love searches the world, not
only seeking to restore people back into community with Father, Son, and Spirit,
but eager to celebrate each reunited person. There is an understanding that the
love of God is an active thing, it isn't simply a truth or a divine character trait, it is
something that influences and shapes the world.
The concept of the 'missio dei', or 'mission of God', tries to reframe our
understanding of discipleship in light of this divine love. We are responsive to
God's agency, we celebrate God's actions, we are admirers in what God is already
doing in the world. We take steps and make decisions, we ensure good order, and
much more, but we aim to do so in response to the searching and celebrating
mission of God.
So, as we read Luke 15:1-10, we can understand ourselves as the lost sheep or
coin, in need of rescue. We can even understand ourselves as the shepherd or
the woman, contributing to the mission of God. We can also be like the angels
and celebrate the work of God.
Looking ahead, our prayers are with Alan Reid as he prepares for his surgery this
week. If a pastoral situation arises, know that I am here in Alan's absence. We
also hold the nominating committee in our prayers as the parish profile was
published last week, another step towards finding 'Minister B'.
Even further ahead, we are hoping that this congregation could host members of
a visiting brass ensemble from 29th-31st October. Our interim moderator, Marc
Prowe, has been working hard to connect the ensemble to different churches
across Scotland and we're looking forward to their performance in Kinross-shire.
If you can help, please get in touch with the church office.
There really are many things beyond this to bring to your attention, from the local,
such as the gardening afternoon Saturday 20th September, to the national, like
the Scotland Demands Better march on 25th October. https://www.scotland-demands-better.com/on-the-day So please take the time to read and respond to the intimations.
Every blessing,
Alex Johnson
Probationer - Kinross-shire Parish Church