CRAIL & ST AYLE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
Hello again from the manse. I mentioned recently that the Kirk Sessions were meeting this past week to discuss possibly re-opening the kirks. And this they did and had good discussions about the issues involved, and as to how it might work. It was resolved both by Crail and St Ayle that we would work towards gathering again in these much loved buildings, although it was noted that the services would be quite different in some outward ways than before lockdown. That is as it should be for health and safety.
So there are a dedicated number of folk in each congregation addressing these matters and shortly you will all be informed of how all this will work in practice in each location. We are very grateful to those who are spending much time preparing the necessary paperwork, signage and safety items. I understand that the vast majority of parishes in the presbytery have either opened or like ourselves are working towards opening, and seeking the approval of presbytery for that purpose.
So we are moving into what is a unique time in our congregational life and in the church in Scotland. It is an adventure where we take it step by step. We could look upon it as a time of loss and ‘what we cannot do’. Or, and I would really commend this way to you, we can seize the opportunity to look upon what we can do, such as it is, as being an offering to God, and be prayerful, present and poised as we take these steps and together discern how we might use what we have ‘in our hands’. That includes considering using such communication tools as are available in the moment and will aid us in being a church of the moment in this part of the East Neuk. As ever, the timing and purpose of all this is in the hands of the God who has promised that all things work for good, and who invites us to keep in step with his Spirit, and to trust in his care for us. God really is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
So, that is the update and it will not be long before there comes through your door or inbox or telephone some detailed information about all this, allowing you to make an informed choice in joining in worship. In the meantime, I look forward to using these same means to being in touch and meeting with more of you.
Best wishes
John