Minister’s Message 2 November
Dear Friends
Some of our tradition's most powerful stories are those of people who, by the grace of God, have turned their life around. We have Paul, the persecutor of the church turned apostle. Augustine of Hippo, the hedonistic seeker turned bishop. Peter Waldo, the wealthy merchant who, upon reading the Bible, sold all he had to live a life of poverty. John Newton, the slaver turned abolitionist. And many more contemporary figures that you may be able to call to mind. There is something about seeing so clearly the impact God has on somebody's life that encourages all of us to renew our commitment to Jesus and trust in the work of the Spirit.
These examples of repentance are equalled by this Sunday's reading, which tells of the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, the corrupt tax-collector. We see Jesus crossing the divide, offering a hand of friendship, which inspires Zacchaeus to right the wrongs he has committed against the community. The question we are exploring this Sunday is how do these amazing stories of repentance impact our lives? Given their prominence in our tradition, how do they work out into our understanding of our faith? What do they contribute to our understanding of who we are?
A reminder that we are sharing in an informal Communion after the service so there will be no refreshments. If you are joining us online, you are invited to have something to eat and drink ready so that we might join together in celebrating the Lord's Supper.
We are also celebrating the introduction of Rev Anne Redpath at Errol Church this week. The service will take place on Thursday 6 November at 7pm. If you're planning on going, it might be worth asking around and seeing if you can share transport.
Next week is Remembrance Sunday, so a reminder that worship will begin at 10am in Kinross Church to allow for people to attend the Act of Remembrance at the Kinross War Memorial.
Every blessing.
Alex Johnson
Probationer - Kinross-shire Parish Church