Minister’s Message 7 September
Dear Friends,
We gather this Sunday morning at the Lord's Table and I encourage you to come prepared for
an encounter with the living God, ready to listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit as we
continue to reflect on Jesus' teaching about discipleship and to take hold by faith of all that
God has done for us in Christ, yielding His life that we may find forgiveness and peace and life
in all its fullness.
In preparing the words I will use in leading the service this Sunday I have drawn on very
ancient texts taken from a first (or early second) century writing called the Didache – or to give
it its full title 'The Teaching of the Lord through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations'. The words
of the choir's contribution this week are also taken from the Didache. As we unite around the
Table we remember that we are in communion not only with those who are physically in the
church but also with those joining us online, with our brothers and sisters all over the world
and with those who over two millennia have taken bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus'
death and resurrection. Draw near in faith and let us experience a truly holy communion.
In that communion, please give thanks for Kirsty Buchan who has died and pray for her family
and friends in their loss. She was a faithful member of our church choir over many years and
her funeral will be in the church this Tuesday at 1.30pm followed by a committal at
Dunfermline Crematorium.
Last week we noted Alan McKay's call to his first parish in Bearsden and this week I am also
delighted to share with you the news that Anne Redpath has been called and appointed to the
post of Associate Minister at St Madoes and Errol. This is a part-time post and the remainder
of her time she will continue in her role as one of the Presbytery Chaplains offering pastoral
support to ministers (including me, I'm glad to say!) We will share details of her Service of
Introduction at Errol when we have them. Alan McKay's Ordination and Induction will take
place at Baljaffray Church, Bearsden at 7pm on Friday 10th October. If you would be
interested in attending, please contact the church office by email or leave a voice message by
this coming Friday (12th Sept) so that we can make arrangements for shared transport.
In personal news I have now been given a date for my gall-bladder surgery on 16th September.
I will be off work for at least a couple of weeks and will be taking some time away from home
during that period to recuperate. Alex Johnson will be your first port of call for pastoral support
during my absence. I do appreciate your prayers for me at this time.
Finally, do please join me in congratulating Alex on the successful completion of his
probationary period after his Final Review at the end of August, although he will remain in post
here until at least 30th November when his formal placement concludes. Pray for him and for
Hazel as they seek God's leading for the next stage of their journey of faith.
Every blessing,
Alan
Rev A D Reid