- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Hello! I’m a member and Elder at New Laigh Kirk, and have found it to be a welcoming, encouraging and innovative home in which to develop my faith journey, grow in faith and serve the Lord.
Church has been part of my life since baptism. Parents were role models, ensuring church going and the Bible was part of my life. I attended Sunday school from Infants to Senior Sunday School, then Bible Class and Youth Fellowship, before taking my vows to become a communicant member of the church of Scotland.
Other influences played a major role on my faith journey from childhood to adolescence: school was a very important instructor ; we learned Bible stories, hymns, and psalms, said our prayers in class each day, had regular visits from the school chaplain and the school had regular end-of-term visits to church. “Summer suns are glowing” was often loudly sung as rain battered down.
At secondary school, in Religious Studies, we studied both Old and New Testaments and learned to recite “David’s Lament for Jonathan”. All I can still remember is “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon” and that David and Jonathan were “lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided”.
Brownies and Guides were an important part of my life until I left school.. I made my promise as a Brownie, and still clearly remember making my Guide promise to “do my best to do my duty to God, serve the Queen, and help other people………..”
Service has long been a crucial part of my faith journey - taking various forms at different times.
“Be available as a worker to bring in a harvest for Jesus.” Matthew 9:37-38
On marriage, church continued to play an important part in my life. Our children were baptised and attended Sunday School & Bible Class . I attended the forerunner of the young Women’s Group. later becoming a Guild member.
Decades have gone by, life has brought various joys, challenges and sorrows - many common to all of us - bereavement, illness, changes in residence and career, offspring growing up, leaving home and making their own way in life; their marriages and arrival of Grandchildren, “ big birthdays”, major anniversaries and retirement Throughout them all, the right people, support, or new opportunities have appeared at just the right time.
When the invitation to become an Elder came, it was quite a shock. However I knew this was an invitation I must accept and that God would send the guidance and support when I need it. I’m still learning - to trust, and obey.
Confidence can be wobbly at times. I enjoy sharing my skills as various opportunities to serve arise - even some I had never previously thought about.
However, God is in charge of our lives - as He has always been.
God bless you.
E.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10