Minister’s Message 5 July
Dear Friends,
The early rounds at Wimbledon have occupied much of my week (we won’t mention
FIFA!). I have loved this sport since my youth, and Wimbledon in particular. One thing
that has struck me this year, as I’ve watched former champions competing against
younger athletes, is their dedication to training. No one wins at Wimbledon without
countless hours of preparation. Players also need the right nourishment to keep their
bodies hydrated and sustained throughout a match. Above all, a successful athlete must
learn to adapt, to the court, the conditions, and the opponent standing across the net.
As I write this, eight members of our Kinross-shire churches are travelling to Debrecen,
Hungary, for a week-long mission. Over the past year they have met regularly to pray,
plan and prepare for this opportunity. Please keep Andrew, Liam, Abby, Abigail, Alex,
Emma, Lynn and Alan, in your prayers. May they be sustained in body, mind and spirit,
and remain open to the Holy Spirit as they encounter new people and unexpected
experiences. Above all, may the love of Jesus Christ overflow through them to listening
hearts longing to hear the good news of the Gospel.
Perhaps it is a stretch to compare our walk of faith with sport, but there are lessons we
can learn. We are all part of the same team, called to be disciplined in prayer, nourished
through God’s Word, and ready to adapt to God’s leading in this particular time and
place. May we, too, be faithful in our preparation, trusting that God will use us wherever
he calls us to serve.
In Christ’s Peace,
Kathy
Rev Kathleen Dain