Minister’s Message 26 April
Dear Friends
This Sunday, Alex and I will be starting a new ten-week preaching series across the united parish looking at the Letter of James. James is subtly different from the letters of Paul and opens out a number of interesting themes. It is our prayer that the series will be a practical one, focusing on the blessings and challenges of Christian living. This week we begin by exploring 'Faith under Stress.'
Following on from what I have written the last couple of weeks about the Kirk Session's newly-agreed Mission Action Plan, I want to say something this week about the more specific priorities of each of our Teams and to encourage you each to think about how you might be involved.
The Worship & Discipleship Team have put strengthening the prayer life of the congregation at the top of the agenda, followed by the creation of opportunities for worship in Glenfarg where the church building has already closed and then in Portmoak and Cleish when those buildings are sold. We will also be looking at developing various new forms of worship across the united parish to make it as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.
The Pastoral & Fellowship Team is focusing on the spiritual and practical support of individuals and families across the parish, developing the ministry of welcome and encouraging unity across the parish through worship, social events and sharing information.
The Youth & Families Team plans to undertake a survey of children, young people and families to help shape the activities and worship we offer across the united parish. They also intend to build relationships with all the schools.
The Outreach & Community Team will continue to run a stall at the monthly Farmers Market, to progress as an eco-congregation and to develop connections with the global church through such things as Christian Aid. Specific outreach, such as to those moving into new houses, will be developed going forward.
As well as finding a new treasurer, the Finance Team aim to support a focus on the Stewardship of Talents, to use existing funds to better support the community and to use fundraising events as an opportunity for outreach.
As well as continuing to provide support in all areas of the church's life, the Admin & Comms Team will specifically focus on developing consistent branding for the united church, setting up a single website, offering a single, parish-wide weekly email and, in time, re-establishing some form of magazine.
As well as undertaking ongoing repairs and maintenance across all our buildings (Orwell Church & Hall, Milnathort Church Office, Portmoak Church, Cleish Church and cottage, Fossoway Church & Hall, Kinross Church & Church Centre, Kinross and Crook of Devon Manses) there are plans for a wholesale energy review, the upgrade of heating at Fossoway, repairs to Orwell Church roof and the upgrade of bathrooms at Kinross Manse.
If one of these areas of work particularly excites you, there are ways you can get involved. It may be through prayer or otherwise behind the scenes, or it may be in meetings or on the front line. Many hands make light work and we have a God-given opportunity to extend the work of God's Kingdom at this time. Please pray and act.
With every blessing
Alan
Revd A D Reid