Minister’s Message 17 August
Dear Friends
I am writing this as I tidy my desk to have a couple of weeks off. It has been a big year so far
and a busy summer so I am definitely looking forward to a break. It's good to be able to leave
you in capable hands and Alex is your first port of call if you need any pastoral support. Brenda
is leading worship in Kinross this Sunday while Alex is preaching at Fossoway. Alex will be
preaching in Kinross on 24 August.
As I take a break, of course lots of things are starting up again in the life of the church and will
be in full swing when I return to work at the end of the month. It may be that this is a good time
to think about getting involved in something new or in getting back to something you have
taken a break from.
I know of a couple of new people thinking about joining the choir, and this time of year is
always a good time to join a house-group if you would like to deepen your understanding of the
Bible and how it applies to everyday life. The Craft Group meets in the Church every
Wednesday afternoon; if you find it harder to get out to things why not try Table Talk on Zoom
on a Thursday morning; and there is a very informal opportunity to join others in playing board
games in the Church on a Monday afternoon. The Guild will soon be starting up for the new
session and will be glad to welcome new members. You are also welcome to attend things
that are going on at Fossoway or at Orwell just as we look forward to welcoming people from
elsewhere in the united parish to events in Kinross.
I personally would love to see new people joining one or other of our times for prayer – on
Zoom every Sunday evening at 6pm to pray for individuals and for the wider world; in the
church at 8am on the first Monday of every month for a time of Silent Meditation (a reflective
start to the day) and in the church at 9pm on the third Thursday of every month for the late-
evening monastic service of Compline. If you try one of these gatherings and don't enjoy it you
don't have to come back but if you never try you'll never know! Rest assured no-one is ever put
on the spot.
If you feel you have something to offer as a volunteer, there are lots of tasks to do – offering a
welcome at the church door or stewarding at events during the week, assisting with office and
other admin tasks, helping out with maintenance of buildings and grounds. If you would like to
be on the rota of those who do Sunday readings, please let me know, and there is always room
for others to lead prayers at church. Some tasks, like helping out with children's and young
people's work or visiting the housebound do require safeguarding checks but these are not
onerous and you will be guided through the process. If you think you might be interested in
helping, please have a word at church on Sunday or contact the church office and someone
will get back to you.
As we prepare to set out on a new year of service to God, to one another and to our parish,
what part is there for you to play?
With all prayerful good wishes,
Alan
Rev A D Reid