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Balintore Sunday School BBQ Fun

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:South Africa Youth Visit

Book Review - The Case For Christ

Impressions of a Delegate

Lee Strobel is a journalist with legal training. He considered himself an atheist, God was a product of wishful thinking.

Didn’t science dispel belief in the supernatural? Jesus was a reactionary, a sage, but God? No, not even He thought that! However he hadn’t thought deeply about things, that is until his wife Leslie became a Christian.

The positive changes in her life and attitudes made Lee really think and he launched into an all-out investigation into the facts surrounding the case for Christ. The

by Lee Strobel £9:99 (Amazon have it for £6:16)

evidence began to point to the unthinkable! He used his legal training and the categories of proof he was used to in his work; eyewitness evidence, documentary evidence, psychological evidence circumstantial evidence and even fingerprint evidence! The reader is asked to weigh the evidence as a juror would in a court. (Interestingly there are two quotes from Anthony Flew a noted 20th Century atheistic philosopher.

He has recently written a new book stating his change of mind. Late in life he accepted the existence of God. See his book; “There is no a God.” This was after the quotes from Strobel.) Strobel takes each of these categories of proof and consults an authority in that particular field. Once

Book Review:

Ordination of Elders at CathcartOn Sunday 12 June we were delighted to ordain two new elders at Cathcart, Mrs Lana Robb and Mrs Morag Steven. It was a moving and encouraging service and we know these two ladies will contribute much to the work of the kirk session.

he had finished the examination of the facts he found the evidence was too strong to ignore. To quote him, “Yes, I had to take a leap of faith as we do in every decision we make in life… I was choosing to go in the same direction as the torrent of facts was flowing.” Also, “There were no lightning bolts, no audible replies, no tingly sensation, but an exhilarating rush of reason.”

This book is a great read and provides lots of ammunition against the often ill thought out objections to faith in Jesus we hear regularly. It is a useful weapon in the Christian’s armoury and contains lots of compelling evidence. People may still reject it but they will do so having had the facts!

The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus

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EditorialAs those who were able to attend this year’s General Assembly reflect on what was a inspiring and challenging event, this issue of Stedfast hopefully gives all of us a chance to catch a flavour of these reflections.In ‘Developing Mission in the Church Today’ the Rev David Thompson’s article calls us to set a new course for mission that ‘releases the mission shaped imagination of the people of God’. This is also the unifying theme of the forthcoming Dunblane event on the 27th August (please remember to book soon!) of ‘One World, One Vision, One Mission’ which explores some creative ways in which we are free to serve.In ‘Serving God, Serving Others’ the Moderator, George H McRobb, speaks of his great encouragement at the presence of young people at the assembly and the value of his own formative childhood years growing up in the Sunday school in Aberdeen. As Sunday schools, bible clubs and other youth ministries are about to recommence after the summer break it is important that we all remember that Jesus calls us to place the child at the heart of the Church.Stephen Marr, who runs various Bible Clubs in schools and churches, was handed this moving letter by one of his pupils at the end of the last session which he shares by way of encouragement:“Dear Mr Marr, Thank you for telling us the Bible stories each week. I knew some of them already, but you told us many others I’d never heard before. It was great! I enjoyed the singing and the quizzes, but especially winning prizes - I love the Bible story books, pencils and other things I got. I will miss you, but I promise never to forget the lessons you taught me.”Is it worth the hard work, sharing the Gospel with children? You had better believe it is! Alastair WrightStedfast Secretary

Contents

2 Ladies Day at the General Assembly

3/4 Developing Mission in the Church Today

5/6 Impressions of a Delegate

6 Balintore BBQ

7 The Glasgow Passion

8 Jesus the Evidence

9 Jesus the Evidence cont

10 Update at Gorebridge

11/12 Your Starter for 10

13 Progress in Pathways

14 Pathway Opportunities

15 Serving God, Serving Others

16 Ka Sefofane

17 South African Youth Visit

18 One World, One Mission, One Vision

11/12

15 17

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There was an exceptionally happy spirit of fellowship throughout the day - beginning with birthday greetings sung to the Convenor! Hymns and music were well chosen for both meetings. Mrs Christine Hartley and Mr Graham Skinner played and sang pieces which very aptly fitted the speakers’ themes. Well chosen hymns gave us opportunity to affirm our faith and love for God and also confess our need to be open to the Spirit’s work in our hearts and lives.

Although Mrs Jean Baguley, Secretary, spoke of declining numbers throughout the Women’s Associations some groups are reaching out to women through craft sessions, book clubs and DVD evenings. Thanks were expressed for the Special Gift Scheme total of £4282.50 (for Home and Overseas Funds) and collections on the day of £1057.72

The Keynote for the day however, was “challenge”.

In the morning meeting we were challenged from God’s word by Mrs Janette Neil who ended her reading of Matthew 17 by asking if we were really handing our lives over to God. The Convenor, Mrs Moira Patterson further challenged us to take the theme for 2011 – 2012 “Time to move mountains?” seriously and seek ways to move further forward in our service for the Master.

Mr and Mrs Archibald challenged us in their description of the commitment they bring to their unpaid service as Street Pastors in Perth. Christians from eleven churches in Perth make up 5 teams of workers who each take to the streets once a month on a Friday or Saturday evening from 10 pm till 3.30 am. They make themselves available to mostly young people moving between night clubs and pubs throughout the night; their aim is

to listen, care and help where they are able. In their pockets they carry normal items like a Bible (to be used or given away), cigarette lighter and torch. They also carry a Space blanket for emergencies, and special bottle stoppers to be given to young folk who can use them to prevent others spiking their drinks. Flip flop sandals are also carried and are given to young folk who either lose their shoes or are unable to walk in them comfortably! They find people want to talk about life issues and while the Pastors are happy to talk they are also able to arrange meetings with others more skilled in particular areas.

The Street Pastors work closely with local authorities and the police, and statistics show that their presence on the streets has led to a decrease in crime and serious injury and an increase in the safety of the area. The Street Pastors meet to pray together at 9.40pm before starting their patrols; others in their homes also pray at this time. You are invited to add your prayers for Street pastors’ safety and success in leading people to the Lord Jesus.

The theme of challenge was continued in the afternoon in the Rev Robert Owens’ brief review of his Moderatorial travels. He challenged ladies to find ways of involving more men in the work of the church. He also spoke of the challenge presented by our secular society to the deity and pre-eminence of Christ. He ended with a personal challenge to us asking how serious we are about knowing Christ.

Mr and Mrs Dave Henderson were presented with the Winter Project gift of £2484.50 for their work with Peaceseekers. Peaceseekers is a Christian enterprise set up to help people who are experiencing

emotional or spiritual difficulties. It is based at The Farmhouse, Drummaird, in Fife. Dave’s own experience of a nervous breakdown and his recovery led to him giving up a successful commercial career to set up this project. Peaceseekers aim to help others find hope, meaning, purpose and a better quality of life.

Groups meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week and activities include site clearance, horticulture and arts and crafts. Volunteers are always needed and more information can be found on their website:

www.peaceseekers.co.uk.

Mrs Rona Matheson testified to her own waywardness before she found God to be her Rock in the midst of a most harrowing experience in Canada. In desperation she called to God and he answered her! With the love and practical help of a Christian relative her nightmare ended and her life with Christ began. She decided not to pursue those who had set her up and caused so much misery and heartache because in Christ she had found peace which was worth far more than any financial gain. She returned home to Scotland and began a life of Christian witness and service. We were challenged as to how we would have faced up to the persecution she endured and how much we valued the peace of Christ in our lives.

This was without doubt one of the best Ladies’ Days ever. Even as we parted from each other on Friday evening ladies were saying how much Wednesday had meant to them. We were especially grateful for the Convenor’s gracious leading through it all and we wish her every blessing in her further service for the Lord.

By Alice C Cartledge

Ladies Day at the General Assembly

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CLIMATE CHANGEAs weather patterns change around us today, it is not unusual to experience something of all four seasons in the one day. Changes in the weather often see us caught out because we are left exposed to the elements. There is no doubt that across the United Kingdom in the last 30 or 40 years we have seen a dramatic change in the spiritual climate in which we operate as the Church. In the past it was ‘the done thing’ to go to church and to bring children up under the influence of Christian teaching and standards. For the majority of people this is now ‘the undone thing’.

THE WRONG CLOTHESAs churches we have struggled to come to terms with this change in the weather and the cold chill it has brought in terms of declining membership and influence. We feel the draft of a widening gap between church and community in terms of contact and message. Someone has said that there is no such thing as a bad day, only the wrong clothes! Perhaps that is a good description of where we find ourselves in the church today. We find ourselves inappropriately clothed for the change in spiritual temperature we have experienced in our land.

NO LONGER BUSINESS AS USUALThe changes in the atmosphere of church and society, and the place where they intersect for mission and evangelism, have left many of us bothered and bewildered. We know something is wrong, but we are not quite sure how to respond to the signs of decline all around us. For some that causes us to seek refuge in denial, a pretense that if we just hunker down everything will come back to the way it once was – the way we like it! Others of us get angry at the world and a terrible tension seeps into our church life causing us to lash out in blame in all sorts of directions. The more placid among us know a quiet desperation that sometimes shades over into a complete loss of hope. The elderly find themselves simply hoping that things will hold up long enough to ‘do us their day’. For still others we grasp at any straw in the wind – whatever holds the latest promise of church growth and renewal. Is there a better way to begin to think about re-clothing ourselves in the church to be the people of God, at this time and in this place?

BEGINNING TO SET A NEW COURSE FOR MISSIONAlan J. Roxburgh, a leading thinker about mission in Western society, suggests that, The task for leaders is...

about how we cultivate environments that call forth and release the mission-shaped imagination of the people of God in a specific place and time. (1) A number of things are involved in following his suggested approach. First of all, we need leaders who will help their denominations and congregations grapple with the realities of today’s world. Secondly, they will do so by carefully and patiently cultivating spaces in church life in which the people of God can begin together to discern God’s leading and calling upon their lives today. This in turn will begin to call forth a new imagination about ways to engage in mission that emerges from the ground up. These forms of mission will be very particularly shaped by the realistic starting point for each congregation and its context, rather than by the musings of the latest guru from afar.

As the people of God experienced exile in Babylon in the Old Testament, they were similarly bothered and bewildered by the new, unfamiliar place in which they found themselves. They had to live with that for a while and found themselves paralyzed by it. But eventually the time came to begin to think about striking out in a new direction. In Jeremiah chapter 31, verses 21 and 22, God calls them to set a new

course. 21 “Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to your towns. 22 How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter? The LORD will create a new thing on earth…” Perhaps we too need to heed that call. We have been wandering for too long. We too need to set a new direction for progress in the church’s mission today. But what might seeking to do that look like?

FIVE SIGNPOSTS TO FOLLOW IN LEADING CHANGE TO DEVELOP MISSIONIf denominations or congregations are going to rise to the challenge of changing their clothes for mission amid the realities of a spiritual atmosphere which has grown cold all around us, a number of things need to happen.

1. We need to raise an awareness of the realities of where we are todayThis is about facing the stark truth, not denying it, or being angry because of it, or even giving in to depression. We need to find ways of surfacing many of our unspoken feelings about church and the prospects for its immediate future. We often avoid giving voice to these things because we fear tension, but there is an urgent need to be courageous enough to

Developing Mission in the Church todayRev David Thompson, Mission Development Officer with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, spoke at the Leaders’ Forum and on the Thursday evening of General Assembly. We invited him to write on some of the points he covered.

overcome our reluctance.

2. We need to seek to gain a wider understanding of what is happening in our societySometimes we are so parochial that we fail to realize that what our church and denomination is experiencing is happening to others too. Often the bigger picture is complex and confusing, but as we begin to grasp it we get a sense of how we need to begin to re-clothe ourselves for mission. We know that God is sovereign in all the affairs of church and society and He is never bewildered by what he sees.

3. We need to evaluate what we are doing as a church in terms of the new realities we have uncoveredThings that were blessed of God in the past no longer remain the best ways of doing his work today. Our message never changes but sometimes our means must. Some of our actions, and the attitudes and values from which they spring, will have to change if we are to be effective as God’s witnesses today. In some this raises anxiety and defensiveness, but we need to get beyond that by a mixture of gracious conversation and prayerfully putting the fortunes of the Kingdom of God before our own preferences.

4. We need to experiment with new

“Moderator, like many venerable institutions, I think you need rewiring”

(Rev Colin Brown after a blip in the amplification system)

Heard at the General Assembly

ways of mission and evangelismAs Presbyterians we are often slow to change and risk averse. While this creates stability, it also lends itself to stagnation. We need to give permission for enthusiasts, keen to move forward in new ways, to experiment in small ways. Often we will have our doubts and fears, but we also need to take courage from our gracious God who forgives us when we get it wrong. As we experiment, we gain focus and confidence as we refine what we do and imagination and hope begin to grow as we edge forward into the new future God has for us.

5. We need to be open to ongoing change as a part of who we are as a pilgrim peopleAs we begin to learn from experience and discern God’s guiding hand, we need to ensure that new things aren’t random ‘one offs’ but become part of our normal way of doing things. In doing so, God gently and patiently re-shapes after His will. First time around we need to follow the signposts carefully, but longer term they need to become part of our very life, of who we are, as the people of faith on a continuous journey till the race is over and the battle won.(1) Alan J. Roxburgh ‘Missional Map Making: Skills for Leading in times of Transition’ (Jossey-Bass; 2010) P.77

“The Lord might return by 2013 and we won’t have a General Assembly”

(Moderator)

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At the beginning of June I had the privilege of attending the General Assembly as a Delegate from the Church of Scotland. In response to an invitation from your General Secretary I offer these impressions of what I saw and heard and experienced during these three days in the Salutation Hotel.

Many of the issues facing your denomination and taken up in Reports to the General Assembly are very similar to those facing other Churches in Scotland and elsewhere. For instance:• How can the Church best maintain a faithful and effective witness in an increasingly secularised society, in which religion in general and Christianity in particular are treated with less respect than ever?• How can we reach out to others, especially young people, with the Good News of Jesus Christ? • What does it mean to work together with our fellow believers for the Christian good of our communities and nation? • How can limited resources of people and of money be used to the full, at home and abroad?• How can connections with Christian communities and projects in other continents be developed, while lively long-standing relations with others are sustained?

Although no single Church has all the answers to these questions, each denomination, its leaders, its congregations and its members, must grapple with them and seek solutions appropriate to their own situations and resources.The debate at Perth on the conduct

of the Sacraments was a good example of this approach. When there is a shortage of ordained ministers, resulting in many vacancies, ways have to be found of ensuring that congregations have regular opportunities to share in the Lord’s Supper. The solution adopted by the UF Church is to authorise the elder already appointed as interim moderator to preside at the Sacrament. Perhaps this particular debate became unnecessarily prolonged by a confusion of ‘exceptional circumstances’, which by their very nature defy definition in advance, with the on-going, presumably unacceptable and to that extent exceptional, circumstance of a long-term vacancy.

At General Assemblies and their equivalent in other denominations too much time can be spent on church structures and finance, both necessary for the continuing existence of the Church, but no more than means to an end. The Perth Assembly was always focussed on the Church’s core business, the proclamation of the Gospel. And that was in no small measure due to the devotional atmosphere and tone set by each day’s opening worship, by the times of open prayer before the Assembly turned to the business of the day, and by the Moderator’s timely interventions to invite the Assembly to pray with him.

My thanks are due not only to the Church of Scotland’s Ecumenical Relations Committee for appointing me to attend your General Assembly but also to all who made me welcome in your midst, including Ian Boa, Colin Brown and John Fulton.

The General Assembly has been a gathering of warm welcome for me previously and all the more so on this my third year of attendance. Although I meet with officers elsewhere during the year it is good to get to know more of the wider membership and engage with the practices, celebrations and concerns by participating in the meetings. There is evidence of much common ground across the denominations especially in relation to finances, mission and ministry.

The debate on publications raised interesting questions about theology and dealing with differences. This made me aware again of the great sensitivity is needed to weigh the folly of ignorance with the fear of corruption in our faith. This tension is recognised in my own faith journey and in our ecumenical encounters. From attendance at the Methodist Sunday School and Anglican Brownies my experience of other churches widened during student days in Bristol when I took the opportunity to explore the unknown. Although the Methodist church has remained my spiritual base I have benefitted from the understanding gained, the pioneering ecumenical development in my hometown of Liverpool and the recent privileges afforded to me as Chair of the Scotland District. I now hold a deeper appreciation of other faiths and denominations having realised that our beliefs will hold to deep examination if they are grounded in truth. We are always in the place of sifting wheat from chaff.

All this resonates with what has been

happening in the past year in which Methodists have been asking radical questions about what is important to us from our past heritage which could be offered to others and what can we receive from their teachings and traditions. We are mindful that John Wesley never intended to found a separate church but to lead people in a discipleship movement “raised to spread scriptural holiness throughout the land”. The sparcity of our church buildings in Scotland mean that there are many Methodists who, like those in the beginning, are active in other denominations. At the Assembly I was delighted to meet several folks who owned their Methodist roots as well as to discover two of our trained ministers serving in the UF!

Some concern was raised about the need particularly to protect young people from wrong teaching. Their ministry at the Assembly was very real as they acted as stewards, worship leaders and were commissioned for their work with the South African group. It is rightly said that we should not consider young people as the church of the future but as the church of today. Likewise our older members are also the church of today and not that of yesterday. Across our denominations this age group predominates and we must find ways of drawing on their knowledge and experiences of both life and faith which need to be shared. It was encouraging to hear the Christian Education and Evangelism Committee reporting opportunities for lifelong learning for all which informs faith and inspires mission. It was a joy and privilege to share in the opening and closing worship which fittingly enfolded the business with strong messages of challenge and encouragement from the Moderators, Robert Owens and George McRobb accompanied by inspirational praise. I was given a superb floral arrangement as I left (the orchids of which are still giving pleasure these three weeks later!) but I also took with me a great sense of our being partners in the Gospel sharing the work of the Kingdom.

Impressions of a delegateWe invited two of those who attended our Assembly as representatives of other denominations to share their impressions.

“What helps evangelism best is a confidence in God’s word”(Rev Ian Lloyd) Heard at the assembly

General Assembly 2011

Rev W Peter Graham, Church of Scotland

Rev Lily P. Twist, Chair of the Methodist Synod in Scotland

Over 100 adults and children crowded into Balintore UF church field and car park on Friday June 24th for the Sunday School end of year festivities. Young folk bounced in the Bouncy Castle, played football and chases while the feast was prepared. The chefs made sure there were plenty of burgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings while the ladies loaded the tables with sweet goodies. The sun shone and it was so good to be able to sit around on the grass and chat while we ate and drank.

Then the fun really began! After the races the teams gathered for the men/boys v ladies/girls Tug o’ War; as the ‘armies’ gathered and were organised into their best places on the rope the excitement mounted. The best of three traditionally decides which side is the victor and this year by some strange quirk the boys and men triumphed. The ladies however, are magnanimous in defeat and will turn the tables next year!

The climax of the fun came in the Water Slide, prepared by

Balintore Sunday School BBQ Fun.

Davy and supervised by Graham. What fun the children had as they slithered down the soapy slope, ending with shrieks of laughter before chasing back up for their next go. Eventually of course, Davy and Graham were ‘persuaded’ to launch themselves down the slide so they ended up as wet as the children were. Most had brought a change of clothing with them so were able to go home more or less dry but all went home talking and laughing about the day’s exploits.

The adults all enjoyed seeing the children having such fun and it was no surprise when one wee girl told a teacher, “This is the best day in my life!” When she asked why we were doing this for her and her friends it gave the teacher an opportunity to say that Jesus loved us all and that the Food and Fun day was only one of the ways in which His followers in the Balintore UF church and Sunday School could show their love for the young folk of the Seaboard villages.

The only question being asked now is “When is the next one?”

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What would happen if Jesus was here in person today? How can the Gospel be made accessible to people who’re largely Biblically illiterate and have no knowledge of the Christian faith or who’ve heard the story but just can’t see the relevance?

This latter question is the challenge facing the church in the 21st Century and one which an ambitious new play seeks to tackle. The Glasgow Passion, which will be staged in Glasgow’s George Square this year on 6th October, is a contemporary drama about the life of Jesus. Written by award-winning Scottish playwright, Rob Drummond (currently working on projects for The National Theatre of Scotland, amongst others), it brings the story of Jesus right up-to-date.

Suzanne Lofthus is the visionary behind the play and it’s Producer: “Working with people of all ages, and particularly younger folk, I’ve become increasingly aware of the difficulty of sharing the Good News about Jesus when people feel so detached from the story. That’s where drama comes into its own; it’s a powerful way of communicating, without being intimidating.” Suzanne is a committed

Christian and her theatre company, Cutting Edge Theatre Productions, has staged traditional passion plays all over Scotland in previous years, including four in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park. Whereas they used a community cast, with Jesus being the only professional actor, this year will be different.

Locals will still be very much involved but this huge production requires a bedrock of professional actors. Rehearsals are already underway and there is a great sense of camaraderie and anticipation amongst the cast. Director, Fraser MacLeod (who is also the Associate Director of Scottish Youth Theatre) said: “I’m really impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved. We have a fantastic script to work with, of course, but the cast were taken aback by just how moving some of the scenes are and we’re all very excited about the impact this could have.”

Visualize George Square filled with three to five thousand people in the audience and you get an idea of scale. Suzanne says: “Already people are asking friends, neighbours,

The Glasgow Passion

colleagues - it’s much easier to ask people to come to a piece of theatre than church!.” The event will be ticketed but free to ensure no one is excluded because of cost.

Cutting Edge Theatre Productions is all about inclusion and making a difference and The Glasgow Passion is only one of a number of projects under its banner. ’11,’ a new musical which will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, looks at war and the effects of those left behind. COTS, a new initiative to take creativity overseas to marginalised, and often traumatised, children to stimulate their development is also underway.

As Suzanne, who retrained after leaving the oil industry some years ago explains: “We all have a calling and this is mine. Some people dismiss the arts but theatre really can challenge people’s thinking and attitudes. Ultimately it can change lives and that’s what Jesus was all about.”

For more information visit: www.glasgowpassion.co.ukwww.cuttingedgetheatre.co.uk

By Jill Brown

Allan was born in Dunoon in 1945, The family moved to Partick in Glasgow and then to a new house in Drumchapel, Alan attended Waverly School and was part of the YMCA youth Club as well as a member of the Boys Brigade, On leaving school he trained in the Grocery trade, He met Margaret and they were married in October 1968 in Knightswood United Free Church, Margaret and Alan set up home in Alexandria and they had two daughters Pauline and Wendy. He was a devoted Dad who couldn’t do enough for the girls, They moved back to Knightswood in 1986 and returned to Knightswood UF Church, Alan joined the choir and became an Elder and Margaret was also much involved.

Alan had had a very moving spiritual experience of conversion and it was clear to see the difference, He was an enthusiastic, committed Christian, During the Billy Graham Mission Scotland he volunteered to be a helper in the office where he made many good friends, Another memorable experience for him was working as a steward at the Keswick Convention, His desire to be involved in the Lord’s Work led him to take a course at Bible Training Institute where he wanted the training to lead to opportunities for full time service in the church, However, he began to have health problems and was unable to fulfil such ambitions.

Health became a major difficulty at the age of 52 in 1997 when he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and over these past 14years there has been a great deal to cope with, Alan had a positive, faith-filled outlook on life and toward other people, He reminded those who new him of the importance of genuine Christian fellowship. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Margaret and his daughters Pauline and Wendy and their families.

TributeAllan Richards: Knightswood

“Jesus: The Evidence” (JtE) is an outreach tool, primarily designed to engage with non-Christians.It is:

• A three evening course.• A one evening presentation.• A booklet.• A website (www.jesusthe evidence.com).

The “strap line” for the all these resources is:• There is a historical & rational basis for Jesus being the Son of God.• There is a wealth of evidence to support this.

Clearly, these are bold statements to make. The aim of the resources is to provide evidence to support these statements and allow people to draw their own conclusions.

Who is “Jesus: The Evidence” For?The resources have been developed primarily for people who would classify themselves as either agnostics or atheists. However, we’ve found that these resources are also of use to Christians – as it can help provide a grounding in the historical and rational aspects of our faith so they are better able to share their faith with non-Christians.

Why was “Jesus: The Evidence” Developed?Probably the best way of explaining why I developed the “Jesus: The Evidence” resources, is to share how I came to faith at the end of 2004.

Until my late 30’s I was resolutely agnostic, strongly of the view there wasn’t enough concrete evidence for or against God and the deity of Jesus. However, I thought it worth revisiting some of the questions I’d left unresolved in my teens. I realised there are plenty capable and intelligent people who profess to have some form of belief in God. In a survey published in the journal “Nature”, four out of 10 scientists said they believed in God. Ok, just over 45% said they didn’t believe, and 14.5% described themselves as doubters or agnostics. However, a figure of 40% surprised me. Why did they believe?

I met a colleague on a business trip to the USA who happened to be a Christian. I wasn’t aware of this until I asked him where he had been on holiday that year. He replied that he had been over to Oxford on missionary work. This sparked my curiosity and the conversation turned to matters Christian. The upshot of the conversation was that he said that he’d send me a few books that might help with my questions. Sure enough, two weeks later I received a package containing a copy of “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel and a bible.

Continued overleaf...

Jesus: The EvidenceBy Derek McIntyre

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Not so long ago we were asked to write an article on our church, and I wasn’t sure what to write, However, I did write, and the feedback was very enthusiastic, Last time, the emphasis was on our outreach to the community which is all important, but this time I thought I would write about our church “family”.

Having just spent three days in Perth at our General Assembly with all the formalities and reports, I felt very grateful for the church I belong to, and was impatient for Sunday and to be back in fellowship there, It’s good to see everyone at Assembly and catch up with all the news from our friends, but it’s nice to get back to your own church folks, I know I won’t be the only one feeling this way,

Gorebridge is a church with the emphasis on “family”, Although we all belong to the family of God, it’s nice to be able to worship Him in a family setting, Our elderly, of whom there are a good few, are very special to us, and recently we have been saddened by the passing of two of

our special elderly ladies, Mrs, Prim Alleyn reached the age of 90 years and for 80 of these she had been part of Gorebridge U.F, As a young girl she went to Sunday School there, and thereafter became a Sunday School teacher, and then Treasurer, All of her days she was a true witness for her Lord; helping everyone who came her way, Mrs, Doris Walker, a lady of great wisdom, reached the age of 98 years before, She first worshipped in Torry U.F, Church before coming to Gorebridge, She was generous in her work for her Lord and Master, and she had a very strong faith, Both Prim and Doris were great examples for the rest of us, They are both in the Lord’s safe keeping, but we will remember them with great affection and love,

Our young folk are special to us all too, and they love interacting with our elderly folks, giving them a little help when needed, Four of them go off to college and university this year, but they know that wherever they are, they will be in our prayers, They have contributed so much in the last few years, They have made banners for

“We hired Falkirk Football Stadium for the event, actually it was just the boardroom.”

(Frank Hartley)

“I’m Elaine from the building society, sorry the Bible Society”

(Elaine Duncan)

by Zena Shand

the church, and they have such enthusiasm for Jesus, They have loved going to the Ulf’s Youth Assembly and Camp, I know the leaders of the Youth Fellowship often learn a lot from our youth, We pray that God will lead other young folk to come along and join with the others who are still with us.

Our Prayer Group is still very strong, We have had so many answers to prayer, and are all grateful to the Lord for His compassion and faithfulness, Our Healing Services, held on the last Sunday of each month, have been truly blessed by some wonderful testimonies from people who have been transformed by the saving Grace of our Lord Jesus, Again the answers to prayer have been astounding, We have all witnessed that saving Grace from time to time in all of our lives, and it’s good to be able to share, I know at Gorebridge we all look forward to reading what God is doing in your church family.

Update from Gorebridge

Did reading “The Case for Christ” turn me into a Christian? Frankly, no it didn’t. However, it acted as the starting point for my own investigation into who Jesus is. I was amazed by what I found. I was amazed by my own ignorance of the evidence. How could I be living in a “Christian” country and not aware of this stuff?

I also spent time investigating the other side of the argument. Surely there must be something on the atheistic side that would blow all this out of the water? I was amazed at how little of substance I found. This was a significant part of my move from agnosticism to Christianity.

Now, here’s the point. In my resolutely agnostic state, I was never going to be touched by all the excellent stuff that Christians are doing today to reach out non-Christians until I had seen that there was a distinct historical and rational possibility that Jesus was the Son of God. Once that foundation was in place, everything else followed.

Attending an Alpha course provided the final push to me becoming a Christian. However, I remember sitting at the first night of the course thinking that, had I not done all the previous research, I would be quietly and politely dismissing what I was hearing as delusional nonsense.

There are plenty more like me out there. So, since finally becoming a Christian five years ago, I’ve been driven to find some way of sharing the information I’d amassed during my journey to faith with others like me. However, when I looked hard for existing ways of doing this, I couldn’t find anything suitable. Everything focused on Jesus’ message and faith. While it’s the best thing that exists in the world, if you’re one of the millions who regard the Bible as a collection of fanciful “fairy stories”, then this simply prevents you from even starting to seriously explore Jesus’ message, Christianity and faith.

So, in the absence of anything suitable, I put together the “Jesus: The Evidence” course.

What’s in the “Jesus: The Evidence” Materials?• Inthefirstpart,wedemonstratethattheGospels,ActsandPaul’s letters are genuine, valid, historical documents useful to both Christian & non-Christian historians in developing a picture of Jesus. • Inthesecondpart,wereviewthepictureofJesusthatemergesfrom the Bible sources. • Inthethirdpart,wereviewtheevidencefortheResurrectionbeing an actual, historical event.

Is “Jesus: The Evidence” of Use to you?Since running our first, 3-night course at Cathcart Trinity Church in 2008, we have successfully run both 3 evening and single night events in various churches, hotels and restaurants around Scotland. Our most recent event was at Croftfoot UF Church just after Easter this year.

Jesus: The Evidence cont...By Derek McIntyre

We know that these evenings have challenged and supported many of those that have attended. I’m also delighted to say that I know of one person who cites a JtE evening as a crucial step in his journey to faith.

Many of the churches who have hosted a JtE event have used this as part of their general outreach work to their surrounding communities – often running a JtE event as a precursor to an Alpha course.

To increase the numbers we can reach with the JtE materials, we developed a website (www.jesustheevidence.com) about 3 years ago. This site receives visits from all over the world. Last year, we also had JtE booklets printed – containing all the material covered in the courses. It’s exciting to know these booklets are being read by Americans, Canadians, Indians, Australians and Trinidadians – to name but a few of the countries we’ve sent booklets to. We now also provide each attendee of the presentations with their own booklet to allow them to digest the material covered at their leisure.

Would a JtE presentation fit with your outreach work? Presentations and booklets are free. We would be delighted to hear from you and discuss in more detail how we could support your outreach work. Please contact me at: support@jesustheevidence.com if you would like to find out more.

“I’ve always got a hankie in my pocket”

(Elaine Duncan on her propensity to get emotional at the General Assembly)

“I never thought I could pull rank on George McRobb”

(Rev Ian Lloyd)

Heard at the General Assembly

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Joanne lives in Airdrie. She left home to move in with a boyfriend but that didn’t work out, and in the meantime her Mum and Dad had moved away. She’s been living in temporary accommodation, and now a house has come up that suits her – but she’s got none of the basics for cooking or cleaning. Working part-time on the minimum wage, it’s hard to get everything together.

A new initiative is getting under way to help Joanne and people like her – Home Comforts. Home Comforts brings people together from the churches of North Lanarkshire, and with bases in Coatbridge and Motherwell, it will provide starter packs of pots, cutlery, mugs, tea towels, kettle and cleaning materials; these go a long way to help someone settle into new surroundings and make a house into a home. Many items will be good quality second hand; others, such as electrical goods and towels, are new.

Home Comforts is getting going in the summer. It is the result of work Scottish

Your starter forAt the General assembly, an appeal was launched for the work of Scottish Churches Housing Action. In this article, their Chief Executive, Alastair Cameron, introduces us to their work.

Churches Housing Action have done with local people – bringing them together, inspiring them with a vision of practical action motivated by faith, helping them with finding partners, premises and vital funds. It is one of 24 starter pack schemes that this small organisation has helped establish across Scotland over the past 13 years.

David Kennedy is the chair of the new venture: “We need to reach beyond the stereotypes,” he says. “Homelessness cuts across classes and age groups. North Lanarkshire had 2,264 homeless households in 2009/10. In a recession the problems for many households have become starker. The help we offer is extremely practical, motivated by a vision of putting Christ’s love into action.”

The first starter pack scheme supported by Churches Housing was in Edinburgh in 1998. The approach has been developed in other cities like Glasgow and Dundee – but also in places where many would assume there is no need for the community to respond to homelessness.

Chief Executive Alastair Cameron explains: “Homeless people aren’t just the ones you see selling the Big Issue or sleeping out. It’s mums and pre-school kids; it’s people who have lost a life-long partner; it’s men whose marriage has broken down, but still want to keep in touch with their children. For many, it’s a short but difficult time in their life – it doesn’t

have to become a long-term problem. Starter packs are one way for people in the community to help, and offer an easier path back to settled housing.”

Scottish Churches Housing Action brings together 13 national church bodies including the UFCS, and starter packs is only one of the charity’s activities.

“We’re a three-legged stool,” says Alastair. “We get volunteering projects off the ground – not just starter packs, but schemes to help access private rented housing, or offering befriending. We ask the churches to look at their property – do you have land or buildings that you don’t use to the full, and could be developed for much-needed affordable housing? And we help explain what homelessness is like in Scotland today. So it’s about making the most of the people, the property and the understanding of Scotland’s churches – with a vision that together we can help make a Scotland that is free of homelessness.”

Speaking at General Assembly in Perth in June, Alastair set out why the churches should be carrying out this important work:“First and foremost, it’s a Gospel imperative. Jesus didn’t just preach love for our neighbour, he demonstrated it, engaging with people with mental illness not ignoring them, and reaching out to those his society rejected. It’s up to us to do the same. The Old Testament is full of instruction on looking after the widow, the orphan, the migrant. Domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and some of the other factors that play a part in creating homelessness maybe didn’t play such a significant part in that society, but does any of us seriously doubt that our faith calls us to reach out to people facing these problems?“I’m not saying every homeless person is simply a victim of forces beyond their control, and of course each has made his or her own choices, often the wrong choice. But I think of the story of the prodigal son, and contrast the reactions of the elder brother and the father to the young man’s return. I believe we are called to offer love and a second chance, not just to say, well he’s made his bed, let him lie on it…

“Secondly, we are here, and we have the capacity. Churches have a strong track record of hospitality to the stranger and those without a home, dating back at least to the middle ages. The Salvation Army, the Church of Scotland and others have specific projects working with homeless people. Many of our housing associations have their roots in church action on slum clearance in the 1960s and 70s.“But what the work of Scottish Churches Housing Action has demonstrated is that there is goodwill and energy at the level of congregations and communities – and that our work can bring churches together at a local level and demonstrate that Christians have a contribution to make. The message that volunteers give out – I do this because I want to, not because I’m paid to – is one that homeless people find heartening at a time when they feel most isolated and ignored. That’s why our newsletter is called Our Homeless Neighbour.

“Thirdly, we need this work now more than ever. We are in a time of sharp cuts to the services most needed by the poorest in our society. The cuts to housing benefit are vicious – they will make sure that more people become homeless, seemingly just to satisfy the urges of populist newspapers.

“The Holyrood government says they will protect Scotland, but there are limits to what they can achieve – particularly since they have so many sacred cows, from free university study to the new Forth crossing. Housing investment has already been cut dramatically, and there are serious questions about how the target of 6,000 new affordable homes a year will be met.”

Scottish Churches Housing Action is facing a tough year financially. Ron Thomson, as well as representing UFCS on the Board, chairs the finance committee and knows how hard things are. One approach is to work in partnership with other organisations like local authorities who benefit from the work and will pay for it to be done, but they are under extreme pressure. “The appeal to members and congregations of the United Free Church of Scotland is much-needed, much-appreciated, and will be well-used,” says Ron.

If you would like a speaker or preacher about homelessness and the work of Scottish Churches Housing Action, contact Alastair Cameron on 0131 477 4500 or alastair@churches-housing.org. You can keep in touch by visiting www.churches-housing.org, or signing up to the Facebook page – just put Scottish Churches Housing Action into the search box.

Fresh Start Borders is one of Scottish Churches Housing Action’s more recent projects. Kicked off by Selkirk Council of Churches, it takes the same approach as Home Comforts (see main article), ensuring that people throughout the Borders who are finding their way out of homelessness have the necessities for life in their new tenancy.

Elodie Mignard, Development Officer with Churches Housing, worked with the steering group before it went live in September 2009: “We held an awareness-raising event, and responded quickly when the Selkirk group came to us for help with their idea. We worked with them for about

18 months – building partnerships with the Council and other local projects; advising on premises, volunteering and how to distribute the packs; helping with the constitution and operational plan”.

By April 2011, Fresh Start Borders had delivered starter packs to 250 families and individuals. As their website www.freshstartborders.org.uk puts it, the starter packs make an immediate impact, help people stay in their tenancies, and encourage recycling and waste reduction.

Chairman Richard Kightley says, “Fortunately we had the services of Scottish Churches Housing Action and in particular Elodie, who attended our meetings, and helped and supported us in lots of ways, providing model documents and advice... and YES we got there!”

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I’ve been asked to write a brief update on Pathways to Ministry. It has taken some time to review carefully the 3 aspects of ministry in which we now offer opportunities to serve:

• Ordained Ministry of Word & Sacrament• Ministry Assistant• Reader

Pathways is based on the idea of treating each enquirer in the same way initially, thus enabling individuals to explore their own sense of call with the Ministry Committee’s help before decisions are taken about formal application and beyond. It is our hope that we have now put in place a framework that’s flexible enough to allow applicants to be sure that their chosen pathway is both the right one for them and sustainable in terms of the training they will be asked to complete. This part of the process is drawing towards its conclusion, and whilst nothing radical has been done to alter existing ministry roles, it has been good for us to reflect on how we can best prepare people to serve God across our communities in Scotland.

The stage has been reached of preparing a set of 4 leaflets, one with

by Rev. Alexander Ritchie

a general overview of the 3 pathways and three others giving detailed information on each path. These leaflets will be made available to congregations, and it is also our intention to distribute them amongst academic institutions and training providers so that students are aware of what is available within the United Free Church of Scotland. Please do pray that this material will make a powerful impression as it is read by a variety of different people.

Once Pathways becomes fully operational, the Ministry Committee wants the urgency and importance of this vital area of church life to remain close to the top of our denomination’s agenda. That might mean an annual Ministry Sunday (like Missionary Sunday) or some other mechanism which will enable us to raise awareness levels and keep a regular focus on the call to those prepared to be equipped for God’s service. This is a task for the whole Church, not least because without adequate provision of trained ministry, it will become increasingly difficult for us to function effectively as a denomination. Suggestions would be most welcome!

The Ministry Committee has been greatly encouraged by recent applications from young people within our denomination, but it is equally important that we try to engage with potential candidates from the wider Christian community. Having said that, ministry is not just for the young and in today’s society more and more people have the chance to take up a 2nd career due to such circumstances as early retirement or a desire to pursue an employment break for study or other reasons. We are aware of these trends and would encourage people to reflect prayerfully on what the Lord may be saying to them now or in the not too distant future.

At our recent General Assembly, the t-word (training) came in for a bit of criticism as the valid point was made that we have to engage in ministry and faith-sharing as much as just theorising about it. My own experience with ministry development, though, has helped me to see the value of adequate formation for serving Christ in his Church. A number of folks at Assembly also expressed their lack of sympathy with the blandness of certain buzz words and phrases, but I’d suggest the concept of ministry formation is not one of these.

The whole ethos of Pathways is to equip people for their chosen role in a holistic way, combining elements of academic and practical training. We’re looking not just at the 3 pathways, but also at how we can equip people to dispense the Sacrament of Communion. It is the Ministry Committee’s view that those set apart should have a clear understanding not only of the practicalities, but also (and perhaps more importantly) of the Biblical texts, theology and reformed doctrine which underpin what we do at the Lord’s Table. That was made very clear in the Panel on Doctrine’s Report approved at our 2010 Assembly.

Progress has also been made in other areas, all part of fine-tuning the Pathways model. Application forms have been revised, for example, to take account of our new way of doing things and these are now being used. Plans are also being formulated in consultation with expert advice to put together a set of tools and tests which will provide us with a fair psychological assessment of every candidate. Pathways remains a work in progress, but we are making steady progress in that work. We greatly value your prayers and support!

Over the coming year it is proposed to share the learning experiences of our students in training with a view to encourage others to realise the opportunities available to better equip themselves for the Lord’s service. Here we focus on Nathan Owens.

Nathan is a member of Drumchapel UF Church and a candidate in training for the Ordained Ministry. He is about to enter his third year of a B.A course at Highland Theological College (HTC) and kindly agreed to share his experience of studying at the College. Having previously studied at Glasgow University, Nathan is in a good position to comparatively reflect on what HTC can offer those interested in theological study. However, firstly, it is perhaps helpful to provide some background to HTC.

HTC was set up in 1994 as a confessional Christian College within the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), and offers approved academic study for both the ministry (BA) and Ministry Assistant (CertHE). It also offers an Access course which would either be useful for those interested in becoming Readers or as preparation for further study. An aspect of study at HTC is their innovative shift to more flexible forms

Pathway Opportunities -

of learning, i.e. the ‘where’, ‘when’ and ‘how’ of learning, which recognises the benefits of being able to access appropriate learning opportunities (certificated and non-certificated) over the course of an employed lifetime. Other important features are the low cost of the courses, ways of paying (instalments etc); the type and cost of course study materials, and the availability of on-line activities. At the heart of HTC’s flexibility is the concept of blended learning which selects from a range of e-learning technologies and traditional face-to-face methods that come together in what is called a virtual learning environment (VLE). A virtual learning environment is a collection of integrated online tools which enable: the management and administration of online learning; access to content and resources; communication between staff and students; assessment; and student tracking.

Two practical aspects of this approach are the use of social networking tools to establish a virtual community and the use of video conferencing to create a virtual classroom. This virtual classroom allows remote students, who wish to participate in the “open campus”, to be ‘virtually present’ in the actual lectures via their home computer and a broadband connection i.e. to see/hear and be seen/heard by the lecturer/other students.

Nathan’s first year at HTC was undertaken using a more conventional distance learning approach and he found the study materials provided and on-line resources excellent,. However while remote distant learning offers

maximum flexibility of when to study he found that this mode of study requires a lot of discipline to work systematically through the course material. While there are regular off campus tutorials at venues throughout Scotland he opted in second year to join the open campus and to participate in the VLE.

Nathan found that this significantly improved his learning experience and enjoyed being able to study ‘alongside other students’ and to interact with the lecturer. In particular he appreciated the focus provided through participation in the lectures which helped improve his learning efficiency. Also the real-time support of other students through social networking brought the benefits of group motivation which is very much part of university life.

While appreciating the benefits of HTC’s ‘open campus’ environment, for his next year of study Nathan has opted to move on campus in Dingwall. He considers that having ‘got to know’ the other students better in second year will make for a smooth transition and hopes that the more focused ‘on campus’ environment, with the ready access to resources, will make for a even more rewarding period of study.

We wish Nathan well in his continued studies and pray that the Lord will richly bless him as he prepares to serve in the ministry.

Progress in Pathways

A Personal Experience

“The “e” word is a frightening word in the church vocabulary.”

(Gordon Steel referring to evangelism)Heard at the assembly

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Born in 1930 at Chestnut Row Aberdeen, the eldest of a family of three, I attended the Primary Schools at Kittybrewster, and Skene Square in Aberdeen. For a period, during the war, the school was only open for half a day, including Saturdays. At the age of 12 my education continued at Powis Junior Secondary School followed by Aberdeen Central High School until leaving at the age of sixteen.

My early employment was as a clerk in an old established building supplies company in Aberdeen before moving to Birmingham in 1957 to join a national company. Although in Birmingham for only two years, I have to confess to becoming a little anglicised, even becoming a member of the Warwick County Cricket Club in Edgbaston (non playing member!). On returning to Aberdeen, I continued with this company as a Scottish Sales Representative. Since that time, in the turbulent world of construction, the Sovereign Lord has brought me through five different “take overs” and, in fact, I am still doing some

Serving GodServing Others

consulting work for the Wolseley Centers (an American Company which is a world leading supplier of builders’ products to the professional market). It is an interesting testimony to my longevity that some of my current clients are architects, whom I first knew as apprentices, but who are now the main partners in their practice.

Returning to my youth in Aberdeen, I was a member of the Life Boys and the Boys’ Brigade from the age of seven until as an officer aged 22 my service ended. My family worshiped at Rosemount Church of Scotland, where my father was an elder and also the Sunday School Superintendent. It was during this time that I gradually came to faith under the ministry of the Rev. John Mowat. Sadly during my 18 months service with the RAF I strayed from the Lord. However God is faithful, drawing me back into the fold on my returned to “civvy” life when I joined the Torry U.F. Church. Under the ministries of the Revs. Peter Macleod, Albert Petrie, J.G. McPhee and now Ian Lloyd, I have served as a deacon, elder and

for a time the Session Clerk. God has also graciously used me in service of the wider Church: on the former Business and Administration Committee (now Administration and Finance); and, interestingly, as the convener of the Committee which began the then Workshops as part of General Assembly.

Even further a field, I have served with the Bible Land Mission as Secretary / Treasurer. This role has given me the opportunity to follow Him to 27 different countries: from Brazil to Australia; Norway to South Africa; and many in between. It never ceases to amaze me how that the Lord enabled me to preach in many of these lands through an interpreter. I remember a particular difficulty was preaching, that would normally take 20 minutes in English, would take twice as long using an interpreter.

This year’s General Assembly was for me a great challenge and also a great privilege to serve the Lord and His Church as Moderator. I was greatly encouraged by our young folks at the Assembly, (the Church of today) and although as a denomination we experience difficulties it is important that we always bear in mind, “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thess.5:24).

Please remember me in your prayers. May we all experience God’s richest and choicest blessings as we continue to serve our Risen and Living Lord, always for His Glory alone.

On hearing that I was to be appointed Moderator some of you may have been wondering who I was, so this is just a little of my story.

by the Moderator, George H. McRobb

The story is an exciting one and many people have encouraged the writing of it.

Read the accounts of ‘Sethunya’, the little girl who started it all. And about the flight with an explosive cargo… A Bushwoman who should have died… What happened when all the lights failed on a night flight. Learn about ‘P & G factors’ in aviation. Listen in to a ‘radio controlled’ birth. Read about Banana’s ‘angel from Canada’. And many other records of mission & medical work in the Kalahari Desert as well as what prompted the development of the Mission that now has extended into Zambia and many activities that are far removed from the ‘flight deck’ of the first Mission aircraft, the ‘Quiet Hour’, a Cessna 185 that was acquired in 1978.

This is a record of amazing timings and incredible provisions. Like the cheque that, written out and posted even before the need for it was realised, arrive at precisely the right moment to pay for an aircraft on the very day that it landed at Gaborone airport. Read of people from widely different countries and backgrounds who came to Botswana because they wanted to serve Jesus. It is a story that has spanned over 35 years and is still going on today.

Gudrun and I are so thankful for your sending us to the Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole in 1968... for your prayers and support over the years... and for your input, encouragement and involvement in Flying Mission since it began.

I hope that you will be blessed by this book and encouraged to continue to pray for the work of Flying Mission as it seeks to take the Christian Gospel to those who have not yet heard it and to bring hope to those in despair. I hope, also, that many young folk may be challenged and encouraged to dedicate their lives and energies to the service of Our Lord.

Copies of the book are available from the UF Church office in Glasgow. However, be warned... There are reports - in increasing numbers - that to begin reading it may result in a late night with a severe loss of ‘beauty sleep’.

Ka SefofaneHere it is at last... The promised book about Flying Mission.

“We’ve moved from Smith and Smith to Brown and Brown.”(Rev Colin Brown)

“There are many Onthanks in Scotland”(Rev Tom Ireland, referring to the BBC programme “The Scheme”)

“Sometimes we want grown-up things without growing up”(Rev Robert Owens) Heard at the assembly

Erskine lost a much loved and esteemed Elder when Bill Jackson passed away suddenly and peacefully in his home on 13th May. He is survived by his children, Colin and Lorna and their families, all of whom thought the world of him.

Ordained in June 1961 he went on to serve the congregation with commendable commitment, humility and good humour, creating in the hearts of those he served a very special affection. Together with his late wife Irene, who was deeply involved in the Sunday School and choir, their influence on congregational life was enduring and endearing.

Bill was one of Burntisland’s best ‘kent’ faces for he walked everywhere, no matter the season or weather. His routines were ‘religiously’ strict, so much so watches could be set by them! He was a painter and decorator to trade but later re-trained as a work study practitioner. His passionate love of gardening brought him into the heart of the community and for many year was a key figure in the local horticultural society.

Bill’s quiet ways obscured many outstanding qualities and achievements, not least during the war years in Burma when, as a member of the Chindits Special Force, he received the Burma Star.

Bill brought a real sense of goodness and godliness to his work in Erskine; firstly as a Manager where he used his practical gifts, then later as an Elder giving 47 years of sterling service. As a servant of Christ he was the essence of faithfulness and loyalty. To meet Bill was a pleasure, to have his friendship was a privilege, to work alongside him was an honour and to fellowship with him.

Tribute Bill Jackson (1924-2011)

Elder, Erskine U.F. Church, Burntisland

Heard at the General Assembly

17 18Don’t forget to book by Friday 19th August!

Leaflets about ‘One World, One Vision, One Mission’ are now available in your local church.

On the 5th of August we will meet the young people from Southern Africa and the two halves of the team will finally come together to begin the exciting three weeks that have been planned of sharing the Gospel. The young people both from UCCSA and the UF have been working hard in preparation for the visit and are looking forward to working with the congregations involved. Throughout the three weeks the teams will work in different congregations running a variety of programmes.

Week One includes assisting with the Summer Club for children in Lochwinnoch, detached presentations in the afternoons in the village and a teenage programme in the evenings including games, testimony sharing, a drop in style youth cafe, family BBQ and finishing with a cultural evening involving traditional African and Scottish worship, drama and testimony.

Another team will be in Croftfoot doing the Champion’s Challenge holiday club, a fun day for children and parents, a family film evening and another cultural evening of drama, music and testimony. Finally in the same week the third team will be in Torry UF helping to lead a children’s holiday club in the primary school, music and drama presentations in and around Torry and again evenings with testimony and music to share the Gospel. The team will have the Saturday to do some sightseeing in Glasgow and Stirling before leading worship in congregations on the Sunday.

Week Two consists of two teams, one in Drumchapel working in the Living Room drop in centre and sharing with people in the shopping area through

South African Youth Visit“God is preparing me, taking me out of my comfort zone. I believe the Lord is testing my ability to do His will, equipping me with the necessary tools and knowledge needed to be implemented in our local churches.” Greyling, Youth Visit team member from Namibia

musical presentations, along with worship evenings where the young people will share testimony and God’s word. The second team will be in Corstorphine where they will again share with the people there in a variety of settings including the local shopping area and events at the church. The entire team will be in Corstorphine for a Civic Reception, visit to the Godly Play Centre and will share one of their presentations in St. Giles Cathedral. They will also be treated to a ceilidh at Uddingston Park on the Friday, a sail on Loch Katrine on the Saturday and will again lead worship on the Sunday.

For the final week, the team will split into three smaller teams and will work with the Cumnock congregation visiting the local schools where they will lead assemblies and be out in the local shopping area sharing the Gospel. Another team will be in Bo’ness where they will visit schools and lead assemblies, door to door visits, drama and music presentations and work with teenagers. They will also have 2 special evenings with a Scottish and African theme.

The third team will be in Cunningsburgh, Shetland where they will lead an after school club and assemblies for the children in the local primary school, share at a lunch event and be involved in some mid week evening meetings. The three weeks will then culminate with the Dunblane event on Sat 27th August at Dunblane High School where the young people will share their experiences of the three weeks, help to lead a workshop and assist with leading worship. The afternoon will form a celebration of all that God has done. We are very much looking forward to August and to see what God will do in August and beyond.

Prayer is vital and we are very grateful for all the prayer support for the visit. Please continue to pray for this venture, for the young people, for visas required, for the teams as they travel around and for the congregations. Please also pray for opportunities for the Gospel to be shared with people of all ages. We look forward to sharing with you what God has done!