River Church flows....

On Sunday Sept 17th, I 'defected' and went up from Mannofield Church to River Church , which meets in nearby Airyhall Community Centre. I wanted to meet the pastor and see if our churches would be compatible to work together on Messy Church next year. I was delighted that, though small, this church is vibrant and alive and mission minded. The pastor told me that they had asked God to show them where there was a gap in Aberdeen, where no churches existed. He also asked God to give them favour in His eyes. They have laboured away for several years, and I believe the breakthrough has come! River did a two day Holiday Club in the summer so have valuable experience in reaching families...watch this space!

Went on Retreat for two days recently to the Black Isle, to a wee village called Kilmuir overlooking the Moray Firth.. beautiful views across the Firth, bird life galore, and inside in the warm, several Deacons learning to be still and listen to God with the aid of Scripture and poems. It was a gift, and a joy to be there. Just need to practice being still in the busyness of people and meetings. Looking forward to leading wee half hour Wed morning service tomorrow.

I feel I need wisdom  these days..one or two individuals needing pastoral care, and I am out of my depth. But God is faithful and will show me when to be silent and listen; when and what to speak.

Our house hunting in Inverness is progressing, but I'm getting weary of travelling the two hour train journey most Fridays.. showing photo ID or signing something...you know how it is!?
Patience and trust required!  Autumn is a time of letting go, as the leaves change colour to hues of gold, burgundy, and forest green.So, I shall allow myself to let go of one meeting this weekend, in order to be fresh for a busy Sunday service followed by an Elders Conference 11.30-2.30.
Blessings! Byee....

"You're going to have to watch yourself!" Monday Sept 4th 2017

"You're going to have to watch yourself!" is perhaps the most caring quip I have had since telling folks I am knackered after the move ! Arrived late last Thursday back to ABDN, aching all over but filled with thanksgiving to God for ordering our move of furniture into storage in Inverness. David took the cat up in his van, like Postman Pat.
So... Fri, Sat and Sun were 'down tools days' for me and daughter Dawn. Both she and her Dad started new jobs today...you couldn't write it, could you...the providence of God...wonderful.
Came back to office with quite a few emails to answer, and to sort out a rota muddle...
The lovely lady who coined that title phrase was responding to my recap of last few days. She's the convener of the Pastoral Care Grp in Mannofield Church....I call it a Task Group because they get things done and organised very efficiently and I love liaising with this lady, who is an inspiration.
Committees which meet and discuss and pen push to make them look as if they are effective, I have no time for, being honest. So in this new post, I am only partnering with the 3 grps where I feel I have something to offer, and where they are fired up for action....
Bye for now...yes, I AM going to have to watch myself....
Joke...was at a student lunch in another church in Aberdeen with older daughter yesterday, and the conversation got round to "Eggheads" and "Pointless" TV shows, both of which I have been on, so if you say to me again..."you are going to have to watch yourself" I say to you "Not again !!?"