You will have heard a lot about the COP26 Conference which is due to open on 31 October. A programme of ecumenical and inter-faith events are taking place in Glasgow over the three days leading up to the Conference opening, hosted by a variety of church and faith groups, and an ecumenical service is being planned in St Mungo’s Cathedral on Sunday 7 November after the close of the Conference.

At least four separate international pilgrimages will be arriving in Glasgow for the Conference. Do take time to look at their websites, follow their progress and pray for their safety and effectiveness in promoting the cause of climate justice:

Get Docht (Katowice, Poland to Glasgow)

Pilgrims Walk for the Future (Vadstena, Sweden to Glasgow)

Camino to COP (London & Bristol to Glasgow)

Relay to COP – YCCN (Cornwall to Glasgow)

In-person worship at Rosyth has been happening since the last lockdown, with St Margaret’s and Rosyth Methodist meeting on alternate Sundays. This has worked well, but it is now felt that we can recommence weekly worship beginning on Sunday 3 October. For October, St Margaret’s will meet as usual at 9:30am, and Rosyth Methodist will meet at 11:15am, to give a little more time for post-worship cleaning in between services.

Even though we are at a level described as ‘Beyond Level 0’ in Scotland, we are encouraged to keep to the Covid protocols of hand sanitizing, wearing of facemasks, trace and protect, and 1 metre social distancing. At this point, refreshments will not be served following worship.

On the 4th Sunday of every month, beginning on Sunday 26 September 2021, we will resume the practice of worshipping together in a joint service with Rosyth Methodist Church at 10:30am. Future joint services for the remainder of 2021 will take place on 24 October, 28 November and 26 December.

[Adapted from Eddie Sykes’ letter which followed a recent meeting of our joint Covid committee]

The following letter from Bishop Ian was read at our Eucharist this morning:

Dear members of Holy Trinity and of St Margaret’s,

Thank you for all the patient understanding and care you have given to Kenny and Ruth in the months since Kenny had to step back from active ministry because of a serious health issue. Kenny and Ruth have had to wait until now to set the date of Kenny’s retirement, and this decision has now been taken, with my agreement. Kenny’s last day as your Rector and Priest will be 31st August, and he will retire from 1st September.

It is very good indeed that Kenny and Ruth will be with both congregations on Sunday 12th September, so that farewells and thanks can be expressed, and prayers for the future can be offered.

Please continue to hold Kenny and Ruth in your prayers as they prepare to move away from Dunfermline and into a new chapter of life for them. Please also continue to pray for your Vestry members as they work on the Profile for each Church, and as Holy Trinity begins to seek a new Rector and St Margaret’s begins to seek its own new Priest-in- Charge. Pray too for Hunter Farquaharson as he serves you as Interim Pastor, and for me as I work to support you and your Vestries over the coming months.

Thank you, everyone at Holy Trinity and at St Margaret’s, for all your faithfulness and hope for the future, as well as all your compassion and care in the present.

With warmest good wishes,

Bishop Ian