London Calling!

Hi Everyone!
Nicole Kidman was looking decidedly cold; Rafael Nadal smokin hot ( as the young uns say!?)
Where was I? Madame Tussauds of course! Had a grand day out that started badly... my app to access my London Explorer Attraction ( paid for) wouldn't let me in SO...I had to enlist the help of Leroy and Monika , staff @ MT's. They got me more data, and were so helpful, getting me access to the waxess!!
While the other global touroids were taking selfies with Royalty or stars of sport and screen, I was making small talk with Angelina Jolie, and being delighted that I was the same height as Tom Cruise.
I then went on the ride "Spirit of London" which took me on a sawn off hackney cab down into the bowels of history like a ghost train. I went past Elizabethan rogues, the Great Fire of London, and the Blitz..all in my own time machine with sound effects.
But the highlight for me was getting to sit next to Will.I.AM on the big red chair from The Voice ( Sat eve talent show with swivelly chairs and a red button).
Meanwhile my husband was en route to The Postal Museum ( with Royal Mail trains) and then he went walking in the Lea Valley.. near where the 2012 Olympic stadiums were.
Being in East Anglia, we visited David's parentals and sister and family despite the freezing temperatures and falling snow. These Englandshire folks aren't as hardy as we Scots. Ha! ha!
Byeeeee....keep warm...

The Joy of Reflection!

For some of us, looking back to our past work or relationships can be a painful process as we go into a new year, but I've had a couple of "blasts from the past" which have encouraged me!
Last night I spoke to Mannofield Church Guild ( and yes there were two gentlemen among the gathering!?) and did everything but sing and tap dance! When another lady asked me what I spoke about, I said I told a few jokes, did a Bible reading and several prayers, spoke and answered questions, drank a cup of tea ( with a fly chocolate sweety...yes just one!?) as well as enlist help to show a DVD about the work and variety of The Diaconate.

The highlight for me, was going over the old ground of my first full time post as Development Co-ordinator at Shettleston new Church in the east end of Glasgow. My trusty helper googled the church afterwards and we saw on screen the extension to the building, which, by the grace of God,  the congregation, myself and a small team, had raised the 600 K required for refurbishment. It was a sigh of satisfaction and nostalgia as I looked at the photos.

A second reflection came from one of the Session Clerks from one of the locum churches I'd been serving at (the year before last.) The SC had been unable to access her funeral information for the Parish records, and was requesting that I resend this info about deaths and funerals "on my watch.."  Again, a wee sigh, when I remembered some of the families of the deceased- their interest in giving me facts about their recently passed loved one, or indeed, the families who argued about what should and should NOT be said!?

Then today I had the joy of praying with two individuals, one a churchy person, the other not- one whose husband had been very ill and was now recovering, the other who had been thrust into the role of deciding where next her elderly relative should live after a stay in hospital. This coupled with what to do with the property she had to leave ( and the family home with all its memories) to go into assessment and care.

 Real people situations in 2018. May God help us all to give adequate time to support others as sensitively and reliably as we can, and to know His wisdom to what we say "no" to!
Dot
PS A result of my first conduct of worship on Sun Jan 7th, was a husband telling me that after she heard the sermon, his wife decided to take to heart what had been said. No, nothing mind blowing or spiritually challenging, but the seemingly simple act of having the confidence to ask her boss if she could have another go at learning a new skill, which she's given up on, and which I apparently, gave her the confidence and nudge to retry... God moves in mysterious ways!? Byeee.

Christmas is Coming and Dot is NOT getting fat !!!

Hi Everyone
If you have time to read this then you must be sitting smugly on your tablet/laptop watching others frantically shopping for last minute presents. Yes, I am one of ye smug ones !!! 
Dot? Time to blog on Dec 23rd??? 
Have just enjoyed treating a single chap from nearby tenements to his cuppa in Cafe Connect, beside Mannofield Church where I work.  Hope he will come back with his neighbour. Then I popped in to see toddlers and babies having their last sing song before "Santa" comes. Enjoyed choosing a few tot friendly Nativity books for the cafe toddler play corner, and another about God making the world.
I guess these days , we need to be pro active to balance the see -saw of humanist propaganda that saturates our land. If we don't tell folks the Good News, who will?
 Once they've heard, they can respond with an " it's your opinion, but I'm not that way inclined" as one of my nephews did when I offered to do a Blessing for their first child OR "That's interesting. Do you still believe that twaddle/myth about Jesus?"  Yes I do!
Let me end with a quotable quote from a book I'm reading called "Sit, Walk Stand."....a golden oldie religious classic.
 "Since Adam the natural man, took the fruit of the tree of knowledge, people have been working out their own standards of right and wrong, and striven to live by them. Christ is for us The Tree of Life
 ( did anyone else enjoy Judi Dench's rapture at trees recently on TV? Wonderful)
We take in our sap from Him. We ask ourselves in this day and age..." Have I been justly or unjustly treated?" That is not the Christian's standard. the whole question for us is one of cross bearing. We are to live by the principle of self denial, non retaliation, others first. ( See that ever relevant speech by Jesus, recorded in Matthew's Gospel Chapter 5)
I leave you with a greeting to have a happy and safe and healthy Festive Season and New Year.
God will go with you, but will 2018 be the year you begin to follow Him. I hope so!
Love Dot

Well this is turning into a monthly fiasco!!

Well this is turning into a monthly fiasco!! Can't believe it's been over a month since blogged..
Been travelling to and fro from Aberdeen to Inverness and back to finalise home buying and see my husband. Just as well we do not pay for our train journeys ( sometimes I sneak into First Class and get freebie coffee and a goodie) ...However as from Nov 1st, I've tried to be gluten, diary and sugar free to support our elder daughter) After the first 4 days of a wee headache, it's been fine, except for the hunger!!!

No seriously, I am feeling better in my digestion and have lost a few pounds...it's a 30 day Arbonne Healthy Eating Plan. We have cheated..like I've had to have a caffeinated coffee on occasions to keep up my morale and energy at work.

Speaking of work- I got an email from Life and Work magazine as an "Emergency :Big Question" person...topic in 250 words. "The Holocaust" Well I had a lot to say, and fast, since my Dad went through this unspeakable horror.

On a lighter note, gearing up for Advent this and that. Doing a "Blue Christmas" afternoon Event for those who might find Christmas 2017 less than jolly.Tonight is a Mango choir concert and tomorrow the Guild Craft Sale. Have given my apologies, since on 18 and a half hours a week, I have had to be ruthless. Edinburgh national mtg Thursday and full day Wed, with Worship Service, Airyhall Primary School, worky chat with two people over coffee am and pm. Byeeee.

Coincidence???

Last week my Line manager had sent me a list of older folks in Residential Homes for me to fit in visits this month and next, before the rush and bustle of the C word ( or A word for Advent)
So I decided to walk across one Thursday afternoon -down the long granite housed  Cranford Street, to see 4 residents with dementia, pass on Greetings from Mannofield church and a current church magazine.
I only managed to see 2 out of 4 folks, because at 2pm that day ( unbeknown of course to me) there was an Activity Session/Discussion in Common Area. The Manager kindly foisted upon me a welcome cup of tea. I chatted to one  seated resident, before moving on to another room where Resident 2 lived. She was having personal care at the time so I went back to the foyer with my tea and texts.
After a few moments, a member of staff informed me that Resident 2 was ready to see me. She was lying very still in her bed ( there were very helpful photos on each residents room doors so I knew what he/she would look like) There not being a lot of response , but for a gorgeous smile as I waved goodbye several minutes later, I left
Fast forward to Saturday in Balmanno Hall in church, and I noticed the Church Officer pointing at my Body Shop stall ( selling off one of my daughter's surplus beauty products) and me.
"Yes, I was the Parish Asst who had left her card at Cranford Home, and yes, I'd be happy to speak to the gentleman in the vestry." Turns out, how timely that visit to his wife ( Resident 2) had been. She had not been expected to live many times over in her 12 year residency, but now the end looked like it was in sight. The chap said how thankful he was that I'd been to see his wife, and would I kindly do the funeral when need be. Of course, I consented, so grateful to God, for that God-incidence that had led me there two days before. These encounters greatly encourage me that I am in God's will and in His time, even when I don't realise it till later!

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 !!?"

End of August...end of an Era...

Working in Aberdeen today and tmors morning then hot footing it ( hot training it  by rail)

By Thursday evening, David and I will be collapsed in a heap in Aberdeen, having driven up a van and a car with  Lucy cat in it....She's a rescue cat so she might  need psychiatric support as we move her, after only 17 months chez Getliffes !?) No...she will adjust quickly as long as she has food, water and a litter tray.

Last week I had the joy of visiting a lovely smiley wee lady ( the elderly are not all like this as you will know). She was in a cottage hospital having fallen, and had a sling for her dislocated shoulder. She laughed when I joked that she'd have to stop nudging the men on the dance floor, if that's what happened.. After a wee favourite hymn that she couldn't remember the words to, and a wee prayer, I was off to let her daughter continue visiting regularly. Having lost my Mum in 2000, and speaking to a chap in the office today whose Mum is 91 and blind, it is such a bonus when more than one sibling or carer comes and shares the visits. I hope when I get older that I won't be so crochety that no-one will want to visit me !!??

Also last week on the bus home, I got talking to a woman who is a practice manager in a specialist GP surgery near the harbour. She told me that because folks with addictions and/or homeless people, if they miss 4 doctors' appointments , they are struck off most Gp's lists. SO.... this system was set up for folks with 'chaotic lifestyles' in Aberdeen and they understand the nature of their difficulties and let them come and go as they need, often treatment for their feet is top priority if they have been on the streets and sleeping rough.
At the end of our conversation, I said to this lady that since I was doing the service that Sunday, I would remember to pray for the clients and staff. She seemed genuinely grateful that anyone would do that for her and her patients. I know about this place now, so we can signpost potential 'service users'..such are the jargon phrases these days !? I also offered to give some of our upcoming Harvest Thanksgiving food donations to their place. watch this space...I hope Mannofield folks agree...

SOLD!!!

At last, the SOLD sign is up outside ye olde hoose!
I know it may sound pedantic, but David and I have been waiting for confirmation by new buyers signing missiffs. ( What a strange word !? I must do my Miranda Hart impersonation ....straight to camera...missifffths, mithiffffs...oh just legal jargon..)
So.....LD !! So...this means I shall spend tomorrow in Hamilton, not Aberdeen, informing ye Utilities and ye other companies of the our imminent move, and therefore cancellation of this and that.
I found a fabulous page to print off from the net on bbc.co.uk/homes, which gives you a tick list of people to tell that you are moving...wonderful time and brain saver...
No more for now...must pack...am so grateful for folks prayers and well wishing.
PS Yesterday at church, there was a mountain of baking left over from the rained out High Blantyre Gala Day, so along with a "thanks for being our neighbours for 11 years" it felt great to alkso pop through the letterbox gingerbread men for the families, and home made choc chip cookies for the others ....aw...

Up to my neck in the Ionian Sea!

Just back from the Greek island of Corfu. What a privilege it is, to be able to afford a holiday.
God reminded me while away, that everything we have ( or own) is a gift from Him. So, when I was moaning about not getting the value of the house we have sold in Hamilton, I was acting like a spoilt child. ( Sorry God) or worse, behaving like the world around us...where all there is is what they have or own, so they cling to their rights as limpets to a rock....back to the Ionian Sea...inky midnight navy blue at its deepest, then melding into azure turquoise clear green hues and as you reach the sandy shores, some grey green colours. Magnificent! We went by boat one day to the nearby island of Erikousa to sunbathe. Then I had the local delicacy of  fresh sardines. I will never forget the taste of my soggy bread as it soaked up the flavours of the Mediterranean...lemon, olive oil, herbs and fish.
Enough of my foodiness...here are two funnies..
Breakfast was continental in the hotel we stayed in. Every morning, the waiter, Christos, would ask if we wanted the small oval cup of protein with our toast...asking "boileg? boileg? wan? two?"
Another evening he caught me reading a book at the dining table, saying "wot you read? Dirty book?" I looked at the title and laughed as I told him it was a book about prayer "Fuelling the fire!"
I am now brown on arms and legs below the knees...thankful to God for the heat of the sun,and lashings of sun cream! Oh and it was SO nice to be able to wash through our clothes and hang them on the balcony of the hotel room, knowing they would be dry in a couple of hours... oh to do that in Scotland!?
By for now...next blog will be about the move....the furniture, the chats about what we keep what we ditch...aaargh!!!!

Aw...is it August already????

July was busy and stressful- mainly because I had to try to keep the house in Hamilton reasonably clean and well kitted out with candles to mask the smell of cat, while viewers viewed and we showed them round. Those of you who empathise, will know that the blue candlewick bedspread that matches the recently purchased blue lamp from an Aberdeen charity shop, will also know that not every husband bothers with these niceties and prefers to talk about how many watts the garage light uses up!!!???
At "under offer " stage now, so in faith, we are de-cluttering slowly but deliberately. I just sent THE text to both daughters, saying, "I will be ruthless!!! Take your stuff away before the end of the month, or it will be THROWN OUT"
Looking forward to an early start at 4am for flight to Corfu...can't wait to get away from house selling and a settling in/names to faces, faces ( oops...nearly put an extra vowel in there!?)
 to names in 3 months of new church job with almost 1000 folks on the roll. Still enjoying the challenge. Biggest joy so far, is that I am meeting monthly with someone who is keen to let me into her life to mentor her in her walk with God. I gave her "homework" as she called it, and she texted me today to say she now understands something in John's Gospel that is pertinent to her just now, and she is so grateful. Makes it all worthwhile. to hang with getting less than the value of a house in a flat market....Life and people are precious, extra bucks will always come and go, and in the end you can't take it with you. Investing in family and church folks, is real investment in the Kingdom of God, and it's this that will never fade away !!

Wibblybum....

Wimbledon fortnight- very strange seeing two Eastern European women slogging it out on a tennis court this afternoon. I say "strange" because in another parallel universe I'd be cheering them both on "How come!?  " you say. Well, if my Dad had not become a naturalised British Citizen away back in the 40's, my name would have been "Kolodjinska" since he was born in Poland.

    Anyway before Being a couched spectator of sport on TV, I'd had a real game of badminton with some of the Mannofield crowd. Great getting to kn ow a few. Sundays with 1-200 folks is more daunting still.

     Church Secretary now on holiday for a week. Jean is a wonder- deserving a medal for her people skills as well as her IT knowledge, and lots more. Her experience of church life is invaluable.
Also today, the organist for this week's funeral was on my cell phone, checking hymns for tomorrow. There's a slide presentation of the life of the deceased too, so lots going on. Got a short powerpoint presentation sorted this afternoon too. I LOVE finding appropriate pictures to accompany a sermon- some are straightforward Scripture verses on a coloured background, and others are a bit quirky- like myself. Folks seem to like my "West Coast" sense of humour so far!

"Why so early?" I hear you cry. Your next service isn't for 10 days...ah but, well but, when a funeral may come in at any time, it's wise to have your next service "under your belt" so that you can relax and go with the pastoral flow. Someone may land up in hospital too, while the minister is on holiday- so in the old Guide adage ( or is it Brownies?)- BE PREPARED. This part- time business is tricky
a) Because you still live 3 hours drive away and most of your funeral/wedding admin stuff is there and b) Since you are normally up in Aberdeen WITHOUT the car ( so hubby can have it for early early morning shifts or late late returns) you decide to do pastoral visits further afield, up in Kingswells, while you HAVE the car...saving so much time than taking 2 or 3 buses. Actually, as I expected, Mannofield folks have been super at checking I have a lift to and from church on a Sunday when buses are fewer.

So thanks God for a busy happy week, the use of a car, and I mustn't forget, a chance to hug a retired Deacon called Ann Lundie, who was in Cafe Connect ( cafe attached to church) one afternoon. Old Deacons don't retire, they just.............................................finish the punch line. Again, in my experience, when we hear a tribute to a "Deac" who has died, always they will say."She/he retired  the first time, in 1973, then they went to X. When they retired the second time, they went over to Y church, and so on. I wonder how many times ( in the current shortage of ministers) I will retire!!?

Housey ! Housey!

Well here we are. David and I said 11 years ago- that's the last move! But today we had surveyor in for obligatory Home Report, and a lovely guy from our estate agents to measure up, take photos etc.

I've watched enough "Location, Deviation, Hesitation" TV programmes, to know to put clutter into a corner or out of sight ( stuffed in wardrobe) to only show to the camera "dressed" bedrooms and living rooms. I thought dressing a cat was to neuter it...and so I " neutered the rooms" so that potential buyers can see themselves in oor hoose.

 It was raining heavily so hoping the gutters didn't overflow and give the impression we don't care ....ha! ha! In one sense we don't fret about material possessions because we know our Heavenly Father has the route mapped out for us, but I DID tell the surveyor that funding had been invested in our student daughters and not the house, and he nodded sagely...

Watch this space..I shall be travelling back and forwards to Aberdeen and David will be training elsewhere, but between us, we'll show folks round with the smell of coffee and home baking wafting seductively in the new owners direction......

Message in a Bottle

...Captain's Log June 21st....
Have been cocooned away from the world for 2 days and nights- n ot adrift on the ocean in a bottle, but in Musselburgh for annual "Deacins Meetins and Greetins" i.e Diaconate Council. Superb fun,and  fellowship with family. that is honestly how I feel, afgter being about 15 years around Deacons. active and retired.
I sensed a new spirit among us, a spirit of movement into the 21st century...we are no longer harking back to a bygone era but sprinting via Facebook and other technologies into a more modern and even more relevant variety of ministries and teams throughout Scotland.
Downers: Assumptions made by central committees and Councils that we are "in the know" about certain new developments, and at times; feeling patronised by those folks who are paid/ valued more highly than us.
Uppers: laughter, more free time with each other for cheese and whines. ...keeping on keeping on and growing in resilience as we have, and continue to persevere against many odds....

Train Sporting!

Early June... Finding lots to do on my weekly 2 hours + journeys to and from home to Aberdeen by train! Took up the hem of a charity shop maxi dress in prep for summer holiday in August. So mindful darning/sewing ....AND colouring- in, have been my pastimes. Actually, all these colouring books are so pretentious and expensive, aren't they??? A child's colouring book costs next to nothing and often has more cheerful line drawings in it.... Just buy yourself a cheap set of coloured pencils or felt tips and you're away! ( by train, of course!?)

Sunshine and Showers !!

It's been a strange week or two- not just in weather terms, but nationally and politically too, We must not forget the murders of  British and European folks in the Manchester and London attacks by religious extremists.
The only sunshine I can find after those events is that once again, people came together to mourn, and to lay flowers ( quite moving to see them in George Square Glasgow, as I crossed to get local train back to Hamilton)
How extraordinary that such atrocious evil happenings here, should bring out the Rainbow of Hope that is God's comfort through the lightings of candles, visiting bedsides, and showing many kindnessess in little and big ways.
Like Band Aid of the 80's, popstars loudly proclaimed peace. generosity and solidarity,with the sufferings of the world. Maybe it puts the church to shame/OR will spur us on to be bolder in our demonstrations of love !
Speaking of rainbows, I had an interesting chat with T and N who served me my "chippy" (child's portion my blogspotting friend who is a Weight Watchers Rep) !?) So T told me in broad Aberdonian why she doesn't believe in God..
."If I want near your cherch I'd fry and sizzle jis like moi chips here !?" She then told me how her daughter had had a baby boy still-born, and showed me her tattoo with his name on it imprinted on her arm. As my dinner cooked, she continued speaking about how her daughter was now having IVF treatment  and was now  4 weeks  pregnant with her "rainbow baby."
How wonderful that she hadn't a clue that the symbol of  coloured-spectrum-light-show was God
given  after the catastrophe of the Flood in Noah's time!
Showers and Sunshine!

Why do I always rise to the bait????

Yesterday I had a conversation with my Line Manager about the rights and wrongs, risks and blessings, of being on Facebook where any of your parishioners can see what you do in your spare time, show photos and so on, and so on. I, in my pride, said well I never, or rarely, enter into controvertial discussion topics on Facebook. there are forums for that ( such as the closed one Minister's Forum, where bucks and roes can rutt to their heart's content!?) "But, no, I only put fun things up, or where I've enjoyed and would recommend a film...."
Then today someone had notified me of a particular sermon to watch on youtube. The title alone should have had a red beacon of fire glowing out at me saying "Avoid avoid! Danger! Danger!" What did I do? i listened to the first few sentences then...wallop...straight I fell into a bear bated theological trap of "Commenting"...actually knowing that I might be the only Christian to disagree with this person because their Facebook "friends" would be those lads and lassies who either went to their church, or who would agree with their viewpoint.
So.o.o.o. I have fallen at the first hurdle in my pride, and open a potential tinderbox ..But I couldn't help myself. I was raging!! Why do I always rise to the bait????
On a lighter note- walking round a small district of Mannofield Parish to do Christian Aid collection, I came across a lady from the congregation whom I didn't know. Not hard, I hear you say, since you've only been in post 3 weeks and there are 998 on the roll!!! But I was invited in, and we had tea and a chat. She filled me in on a lot of useful info about the church,and her dear late husband. It was especially joyous cos I had wondered how to fill in my time from early afternoon till 6.15pm when the Alpha parenting course began. (Not enough time to get 2 buses back to my Northfield home base, and too tiring...)
APC was very worthwhile, by the way. There were 3 Iranian Mums included in the number who came.
God is good. Byeeee
PS Will try and blog once a week....

Pastures New...meh! meh bah! ( humbug)

Started new job at Mannofield Parish Church on April 27th, as well as my part time commute between Hamilton and Aberdeen 3/4 nights a week. Enjoying meeting folks and trying to remember faces and names, names and faces. With almost 1000 on the congregational roll, it could take some time!?
This week, in lovely sunny weather, I was invited out to the garden of one of the "flock" and she gave me a big bunch of ....................flowers?
No, rhubarb...delighted...stewed it that evening with maple syrup and ginger...whoop whoop!
This dear wee lady also gave me some  sweet smelling honeysuckle, which I promptly put into water in a toothbrush mug for the kitchen window since my wee home- base ( not the DIY store) is pretty sparse. These wee touches will make a difference. Have also met a local church Session Clerk who lives across the road, so I'll make a bee line for her if I'm feeling lonesome of an evening, especially since I have no tv!?

Found a smashing quote by Maya Angelou that I like " My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive, and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style!" Hopefully the folks I will be serving for three years, will see this in me....

Oh , one last thing.... I'm truly blessed in this job! why?
For the first time in my Diaconate career, I am in a church where there is
a) A Caretaker ( Jannie)
b) A dedicated office and secretary 4 mornings a week (she's a star, helping me to settle in and much more)
c) I no longer have to buy my own stamps for posting pastoral cards...there's a drawer full of them!?
d) Most people are on email, which makes communication that bit easier and often all in one go ..
And all in a warm modern environment... Thanks God.

Nerve Endings or Never Endings !?

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday, before I said "Goodbye" to St Enoch's Hogganfield Church, there was the small matter of leading the Easter Day Dawn Service in Alexandra Park in Dennistoun. This was an annual  St Pauls's Parish Grouping Event, and I had big nerves! A) Because it was out of doors and the usual perameters of "safety in numbers "and "safety indoors", and "safety in hiding behind a pulpit or lectern were gone !!?
and B) Because it was "chucking it down"  or as they say in USA...".it  sure was rainin, honey! "or in German "In Schottland regnet es immer" AND I had a precious guitar that might well lose its tone if left out in the rain ( like the cake in the song "Mac Arthur Park ) Park?  Ha! Ha!

In the event of rain, I had shoved  the hymn words into polly pockets and the other guitar player and myself tried to hide behind or in fact, in front of a dripping  tree! It was ok. God gave me courage from somewhere ( Holy Spirit?) and we sang and gave a message and prayer out of doors and it was ok. No dog walkers or joggers stopped. There was general mayhem as the youngsters then ran off to find the Easter Eggs hidden on tree stumps, in a host of not so golden daffodils or balanced precarously on Glasgow District Cooncel litter bins , and then we all retired to St Andrew's East Church for a bacon and egg breakfast buttie...especially welcome since we all had wet feet...ah the cup of a hot beverage.....and.that, dear friends, was the ending of nerves....

My second Ending was more delicious tea and cake, served in St EH after the main Sunday diet of worship. No, you couldn't BE on a diet of worship or anything else cos the cakes were all home made ! Yum!
Then  came a presentation of some gifts ( Already I had a basket of citrus yellow and white blooms in a handled basket and a card with a cheque within- how generous)
The local Councillor dropped in ( not dripped in.The rain had stopped by then!?) His present was a wadge of five M and S socks in different colours- how kind.
I said "bye" amidst cell phone photos with folks for the church facebook page and off I toddled, teary eyed. However, we know for God's people endings are never final, since we can look forward to that great feast in the Heavens when Christ returns to take us there by His grace, or we can have a holy bun fight up yonder....
Tis always sad to leave a ministry post but I know I leave some good folks, who will be well looked after by a Reader ...and in a week or so it will be "new beginnings" in Aberdeen.

I've Just done a long March..that's where I've been !!!

Hi everyone!
Last Tuesday I said "Goodbye" to Glasgow Presbytery- or should I say "They said "au revoir" to me?"
Lovely wee tribute from the Moderator about where I'd served these past 9 years, and then " Glasgow's loss is Aberdeen's gain" aw bless !

Also last week I conducted a funeral for a Springburn man since one of my colleagues from our Parish Grouping was on holiday. ( she had done one for me) It struck me as I drove round trying to find the home of the deceased man's next of kin, that my grandfather was born and brought up in Springburn. And my husband is always saying how the new West of Scotland Signalling Centre has kinda come full circle from where the goods depot was in my Grandad's day of 1910's onward.

You know I said up there that this was my last hurrah for GP....well it wasn't really. I pitched up at Clincarthill Church on Sat to do a wee strand about Messy Church, as part of the Mission Group's networking morning. It wasn't that well attended but  good listening ears and met a few new key people ( just as I'm leaving!)
Have just done service fermentation for this Sunday but my mind is occupied with the Spring Concerton Friday 24th March ( tickets available at door!) which I've organised as a Fundraiser for that exciting east end mentoring Youth Project Junction 12. My next blog will tell you how it's gone. Byeee.