Message from our Locum – Joan Kilpatrick – Sept 2015

Dear Friends

I hope you have all managed some time to yourselves over, what we have been told, was our summer!  The weather may have left us feeling frustrated and down because we were unable to be outside as much as we would have liked, but it may have given rise to new activities or simply reading numerous books over many cups of tea or coffee!!  Whatever has been your experience, one thing is for certain, it is once again over all too quickly.

As I’ve reflected over this past year I am extremely aware of all that has happened to us as a congregation and individuals.  My first thought is to say it is hard to believe a year has passed, time seems to have moved so quickly and yet for some of you it has been a difficult time through the death of loved one, ill-health, concerns for the future both for self and the church are uppermost in your thoughts.  And yet, there is a real sense of knowing God walking beside you, carrying you and enabling you to carry on, I have no doubt He will continue to do so as we move into another church year.

This new calendar year highlights where we are in God’s plan.  Our buildings are now complete and offer so much to our organisations and community, the upcoming Ceilidh on the 19th of September will ‘launch’ the refurbished Large Hall which looks great – many thanks to all those involved in ensuring the work was overseen and finished on time.

I have always had a feeling of our congregation working together as the Body of Christ and this kind of project shows the gifts we have in abundance, we are truly blessed by God.

My hope and prayer is that we continue to recognise within ourselves, and each other, the wonderful work God is doing through the power of His Holy Spirit in bringing those gifts which will make us strong and courageous as well as gentle and compassionate for the kingdom work that lies ahead of us.  Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 13 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ.  For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Whoever is coming to Clincarthill as our minister they have a body of people who are both equipped and being equipped to serve in the future for God’s kingdom to grow in this community, of that I have no doubt.  It’s been a real joy to see the growth in our people during this time of vacancy.

God bless you in all that lies ahead and may we always seek His wisdom and guidance in all we say and do.

Love and Blessings

Joan