The Scottish Episcopal Church is totally committed to becoming carbon net zero by 2030 and on Thursday 24 February anyone interested in climate change and being carbon-neutral is invited to take part in a study session led by the Climate Change Group on the topic “Carbon Neutral 2030 – What Does it Mean?” This session will run on Zoom from 9.30am to 1.00pm – details of the programme and how to register at this link.

Away with gloom, away with doubt!
With all the morning stars we sing.

Edward Sillitoe’s hymn may not be part of the Christmas repertoire, but it was how we all felt after our carol service on Sunday. Health concerns and disruption to travel plans meant some couldn’t join us, but still there were 40 in the church to celebrate Emmanuel’s coming.

As always, the members of our local ecumenical partnership rose to the occasion, and offered enthusiastic and thoughtful worship in our traditional Advent 4 way. Yes, we missed the processing, and the tea/coffee and mince pies afterwards, but we had all the other elements of organ, choir, readings and congregational singing. Not only did we keep the tradition alive, but we were able to welcome old friends and strangers, which is what Christmas is all about.

Our fairly traditional pattern of readings and music (pew sheet at this link) included three poems that we commend to everyone: Do not be afraid (Liz Crumlish), Kenosis (Luci Shaw) and The sceptical shepherd (Godfrey Rust).

In all twenty musicians and readers from both congregations were involved: grateful thanks to all the willing and enthusiastic volunteers, to our ministers, whose garb showed a commitment to the spirit of Christmas, and to Mario Cassini for providing the photos.

Thank you too to those who gave towards the work of the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland and Action for Children. The total given to date is £267.60, but it will be more than that, as some folk always take envelopes and give later.

In response to the rapid spread of the omicron variant, we encourage everyone to take a lateral flow test before coming to church, and we have reintroduced the one-way system within the Church building. Hand sanitisers continue to be available, and the wearing of face-masks is obligatory, except when actually leading worship. The fire exit and the swing doors of the church will remain open during services for ventilation, so you might like to think in advance of this when choosing what to wear! We will continue to record your attendance to meet our Test and Protect obligations, and ask for contact details if we don’t already have them.