We Welcome You
Warmly to our Website

I am sure you will have a good Sunday with my colleague, The Rev. Philip Maijcher. It is so good Philip is able to be back among us. Do remember that this is Altogether Sunday and we meet in the New Kirk at 10:45am.

This week our focus is on the General Assembly in Edinburgh. Do listen in on the web — it would be good for us all to endeavour to keep up to date with all that is going on. Anne Lamond is there as our Commissioner. My task for the next few days is looking after Brandy, the cocker spaniel, while my sister attends the General Assembly. She was delighted to meet up with Anne in Waverley Station this morning. Do remember the General Assembly. There will be a number of Reports, Discussions, and Decisions taken. I have not had a moment, yet, to tune in, but will do so, and recommend a listen to you all.

Now last week I was telling you about my encounter with the duck family. This week it is the starlings. When I arrived at Lorna’s Manse, the starlings appeared out of the hedge last night to party on the grass outside the kitchen window, and I’m glad to report, they were having a fine time. No murmuring at this time of year — but there might be some of the human variety in Edinburgh. If you don’t listen in, you will never know. The Mound in Edinburgh has potential, not to mention Holyrood.

I like to think we all researched well before we cast our votes in the election. I researched how various candidates had voted on issues important to my Christian Faith. Caring for the vulnerable is important. And, it is to be hoped that those who lead our country work to improve the conditions for those dependent on a well-run, efficient, caring and proficient, and readily accessible NHS. It is important that all vulnerable and challenged know acceptance, love and respect, and encouragement along life’s way. It is also important that those diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer have not reached Stage 3 or 4 by the time they are operated upon. Integrity matters in the world of politics as everywhere else. Love your neighbour as you Love yourself, truly matters. And, if you are privileged to bring a family into the world, the example of those ducks I met with their ducklings matters too. Time to ensure that at the General Assembly and at Holyrood, integrity prevails in seeking the good and blessing of those whom we serve.

No doubt, we are all hoping for a little more warmth — it would add to the joy of Springtime! Many opportunities are offered to us at this time of year. You will recall the opportunity given to create a prayer walk in the grounds, also to plant circles of bulbs in memory and celebration, and to engage in the planting of a sensory, even biblical garden. I was grateful to Greta, our lecturer in textiles and creative expression for volunteering. Other volunteers welcome. Are you free to bring along a plant for a border and a small fork? Water can be provided. Meet at the Burnside Kirkyard at 2:30pm on the Day of Pentecost, where we have a border at waist height that doesn’t require kneeling. Praise God for Springtime! And remember and give thanks that Christ’s Unconditional Love and Acceptance is offered you at your Parish Church of Scone and St Martins, and is available round the clock.