“I like good strong words that mean something …”
Dear all,
As you will be aware, the Church of Scotland has now instructed all congregations to suspend Sunday morning services. We cannot tell how long this will last, but realistically it may be for an extended period, and we will inevitably miss the opportunity to gather together for worship over the coming weeks, and will notice the loss of fellowship that we enjoy in our times of worship.
We will be able to continue with funeral services, but probably with significantly reduced numbers of people attending.
Thinking about the Union to create Fort William Kilmallie Church, it is probably to our advantage that the first round of advertising for the post of Team Minister didn’t produce any applications, because it would be very hard to introduce a team member in a setting where there are no services, no activities and no option of visiting; we will re-advertise when the time is right. Presbytery, and General Assembly, are also suspended, so the Union and Linkage Service will also be delayed to a later date.
Some information and worship resources will be distributed to members and adherents so we each have something to use for worship in own situation meantime.
The key concerns are of course for the health and well-being of our congregation and community and for those who will find their livelihoods severely affected. We will aim to be alert to opportunities to help and serve wherever we can. It is also the case that in the absence of weekly offerings our own resources will be significantly stretched, and those people who choose to give by standing order will be of great importance to us just now.
I am conscious that on several occasions over the past few weeks, as part of the 2nd Talk, it has been mentioned that the Christian life is not one of ease and luxury, but that we continue to face problems. Well, here we are, in these days, facing what will be one of the biggest challenges that we, as individuals and as a church, will face, and yet we need not fear, for we remember that our Lord is with us through this time. We can continue our walk with him, confident of His presence every moment of every day.
Please keep well, take care of yourselves, stay in touch with one another by phone and email, and highlight any opportunities you spot for us to help and serve our community.
Best wishes to you all,
Bill Skene,
Interim Moderator
Phone: 077 1718 3773
e-mail: bill.skene@lochaber.presbytery.org.uk