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Dear friends,
As I write my letter for this month's magazine, I am very aware that my time with you in Holytown and New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk, has only, a short time to run I was told a few weeks ago that I would be here until the end of July with a real possibility of being moved some time in August. There is no confirmation as to exactly when I might be asked to move or where I might be asked to go to, but there is no doubt that time is running out!
There are some things about Interim Ministry that I really enjoy. I enjoy meeting, new people and getting, to know different parts of the country. I enjoy working, with members of congregations on the issues that are important to them. I enjoy having, Aims and Objectives to guide what I do. I enjoy the different challenges that come with different parishes. But there Is also a downside to Interim Ministry. I find it really hard to get to know people, and then have to leave! I find it hard to leave when I know that while, the, task has begun and Aims and Objectives tackled, the task can never really be completed in the I8-22 months we are given. However it has been a real privilege to work, with YOU here, and it is my prayer that the direction that has emerged through all our discussions over these past months will continue to guide you in the months ahead. On one occasion a few years ago, someone told me that they understood that the appointment of an Interim Minister meant that they would get someone who would come in and tell them what to do! That is quite clearly not the task - and that approach would not work anyway! A period of Interim Ministry, I believe, gives a congregation time to consider what it wants to - and then begin to do it. I certainly have a sense that is what has happened over these months and I sincerely hope and pray that that process will continue in the months to come.
I also sincerely hope and pray that you will find the right person to work with you as minister for the coming years. That Is not an easy task in this day and age, but we all need to keep on praying that God will point the right person in our direction. And never forget that the work of the church does not need an ordained minister to keep it going - though that can help you have so many members in this congregation with energy and ideas and enthusiasm and commitment and motivation and skills. You are the ones who keep it going - whether or not there is a minister in post.
Having said all that - I am not away yet! There is still work to do as I try to complete the tasks that are before me and help get things in place for whoever comes after me. There is a lot to do and that is the way it should always be! It is a sign of things happening and moving. I hope we never get to the point in the church when we say that we are finished and there is no more to do! So let us keep working together towards the vision we have set ourselves of being. a Living, caring church at the heart of our communities - celebrating worship, offering support, giving a welcome and sharing the good news of Jesus
Every Blessing
Iain.
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