The Minister Writes...
Dear Friends
You have probably heard already that I will be leaving St John's quite soon to take up a new charge at Slateford Longstone church in Edinburgh. It was also probably a bit of surprise to you - it certainly has been a bit of surprise to me! My wife and I weren't looking for a move at this time, but I was approached by this church's nominating committee. We felt we should look into it, the way has opened up in front of us, and I can only say that we believe that God is calling us to go to this new work.
It's not been an easy decision to make after 14 years in St John's especially as - I'm told - my ministry here has in fact been the longest of any of your ministers since the 1920s! We have made many friends, and been involved with you in some exciting ventures as a congregation. Just recently we have installed an excellent new sound system and purchased copies of the new Church Hymnary. The regular pastoral work has brought me close to a great number of people at critical times in their lives, and I now understand more and more the comments I've heard from many colleagues over the years about what a privilege it is to serve as a parish minister. I have also discovered that St John's has in it some of the finest and most loving Christian people in the world. So I'll miss you!
What will be our new parish is in west Edinburgh, just off the Lanark Road. It has a smaller membership than St John's, but there will be plenty challenges to face in developing the congregation and in reaching out to the wider community. But we're not away yet. Maggie and I are about to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, and several months ago we booked an extended holiday in New Zealand. On our return from there in early October it will - hopefully - be all systems go for the flitting to Edinburgh, though there are tenants in the manse there at present and some renovation work to be done. So I'm afraid you may have to put up with me till well into the autumn.
One good thing about this delayed departure is that it will allow discussions concerning the future of St John's to begin well beforehand. Several people have asked me if St John's will be allowed to call a minister. The decision will of course be made by the Presbytery and the General Assembly's Committee on Parish Appraisal after consulting the Kirk Session, but my answer at present is "Why not?". St John's has a healthy life and - in national terms - a large congregation with a sizeable income. These are not the only factors to be considered of course, but I think they will be important ones for the appropriate authorities. One thing I am sure of is this: that if the move to Slateford Longstone is a good one for that congregation, for me and for my family, then it will also be for the long-term good of St John's. I believe it will be good to have a new leader with a fresh vision and fresh ideas.
None of us particularly like change, I suppose; but life is about change and in God's hands change can and will mean growth!
May God bless you all
