Happy Anniversary

A member of one of my congregations has just dropped by the manse to leave a present and a card commemorating the fact that I am 'one' today; I was ordained a year ago. This person shall remain unamed, to avoid embrassment, but has been a constant supporter and encourager of myself and Gwen since our arrival a year ago.
What a year!
11 weddings, 28 funerals, and five baptisms - all of which lead to great highs and lows as you go on the emotional roller-coaster hoping to engage and encourage these people as they go through the major events of life.
What a blessing!
The privilege of getting to know people, and for them to so freely invite me into their lives is just amazing. So much in one year. Thank you God for the privilege and joy of being an ordained minister.
I could of course mention the changes...  but you all know what they are, and I look forward to many more as we try to steer a course to future promises and away from past blessings.

Invitation to Minister in Jamaica

Just before Christmas I had an invitation to take a small team over to Jamaica in March 2011. The invite comes from the Operations Manager of the Luis Palau Organisation and Luis Palau's son Andrew, both of whom I met in Inverness 2008. At first I just thought 'no chance' and sent an email back saying sorry cannot manage this one, but after some reflection I realised that perhaps I had been too hasty to say 'no chance'.
The Christian life is meant to be about giving to the poor and 'going out' to tell about the good news. Most churches that I know give fairly generously to the work of various organisations involved in such ministries but few churches get involved directly. Those churches that do get involved directly seem to benefit dramatically from an increased energy and confidence that is hard to gain by local work alone.
For this reason I would like us to seriously consider sending a small team out from each church to Kingston in March. I have attached some links to information pages that you can take a look at. If you would like to go or if you would like to offer some sponsorship then please let me know asap.
The links are at - flyer 1 flyer 2 flyer 3

Alpha Courses in Port Ellen and Bowmore

Gwen and I are having a few days away on Jura before returning to start the long awaited Alpha Courses. In Port Ellen the course will start on Tuesday 11th January in the Columba Hall:  ~6.30pm for refreshments and then ~7-9pm for the course content.
In Bowmore the course will start on Wednesday 12th January in the Baptist Church on Jamieson Street: ~6.30pm for refreshments and then ~7-9pm for the course content.
Each course will run for 10 weeks and I hope that many folk will attend this course, or one of those that will follow over the next couple of years.
This is not just for church members either, all are welcome, and its free :)
See you there!

A Blessed 2011 to you

Reflections on 2010