6 mins
The Big Question
The Rev Dr Allan Vint, minister at Kilsyth: Anderson and soon to be inducted to Mauchline l/w Sorne.
“Lent 2021 will be a moment of great significance for me and my family.
“What I am taking up this year is a new post in the linked charge of Mauchline and Sorn.
“This obviously means leaving behind my present charge which is full of wonderful memories and incredibly special people.
“The leaving behind part will be difficult and undoubtedly emotional, especially given the restrictions on large gatherings which will mean no church community formal farewell.
“I am hoping the pain of parting will be softened somewhat with the prospect of the new adventures which lie ahead.
“In that respect, I’m looking forward to meeting and sharing ministry alongside another group of passionate Christ followers.
“I’m excited at the prospect of learning about different kinds of communities rich in history and full of potential.
“Over the years of my ministry, I have come to recognise that God continually moves us on to new things.
“He leads us in unexpected ways, often to places previously unknown, to share new experiences where we gain new blessings and new insights into the God who walks beside us.
“Taking up this new calling is both daunting and thrilling but being confident that this is God’s call on my life means that I take it up with confidence. ”
The Rev Philip Wallace, minister at Renfrew: North
“I was often a bit dismissive of daytime TV, until the beginning of 2020 when I was recuperating for a few weeks after an operation. Then I began to watch Bargain Hunt and Flog it avidly each day, even sometimes watching multiple episodes on catch-up TV.
“What I found enthralling was the history and purpose of many of the items being examined, and the fact that selling the items was creating a prolonged use for the item: a new owner, a new lease of life, a new shelf or wall to reside on.
“In watching and learning, I began to appreciate the history and social history interest of many of the items, as well as the positive environmental impact of buying second hand items. Enjoying pre-loved and re-loved items along with recycling and upcycling are all purposeful ways of appreciating God’s creation and not buying into a consumer culture that constantly wants new things.
“With my new-found interest in things pre-owned, I started visiting second-hand shops and antiques centres during the summer when restrictions were eased, but this activity was curtailed with the advent of winter.
“So what am I hoping to take up again during the season of Lent? “Subject to Covid-19 guidance, I am hoping to visit the second-hand shops again, and maybe I can find that elusive art deco lampshade or mirror that looked so good on Bargain Hunt!”
The Rev Dr Andrew Gardner, Interim minister, Glenrothes: Christ Kirk
“I have Christian friends that are disciplined at giving things up for Lent – but that doesn’t work for me.
“With Lent falling in late winter, my thoughts will turn to preparing the garden for the spring. Some winter bulbs will be in full bloom, while good preparation in greenhouse will make spring planting easier as I pick up my ‘to do’ list for seedtime.
“The first job will be to give the greenhouse a disinfectant wash. This helps destroy plant pathogens that have been over-wintering. Next there are the Dahlia tubers to prepare. I enjoy their variety, vivid colours and and long flowering season. Thirdly I must decide what seeds should be sown. Some seeds germinate easily and provide vivid summer colour; nasturtiums, calendula french marigolds and petunias. The last job during Lent is a final prune of the trees to remove deadwood and retain a good shape.
“I am aware of the metaphors that Jesus used. The parable of the sower considers God’s kingdom like the growth of seeds on different soils. In John’s Gospel 15:1 Jesus says: ‘I am the true vine and my father is the gardener…’ “When I take time to enjoy the garden I remember the words of the prophet Isaiah 55:12: ‘You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.’ An inspiring image of creation restored and at peace with itself.”
The Rev Stella Campbell, minister, Skene Parish Church
“Books….literally.
“During this last year I’ve found that my screen time has increased dramatically, which will be a similar situation for many of us.
“In fact, my attempt to give up social media in Lent 2020 was rudely interrupted by the pandemic. We had to move most of ministry online, from communication to services. Technology has tremendous benefits attached to it and I’ve learned so many new skills. But it does make it harder to switch off. And time spent reading seemed to diminish as the year progressed.
“I’ve always loved reading and like many involved in ministry I buy books more than anything else.
“Bookshops are my idea of bliss when it comes to shopping. There is nothing quite like curling up and getting stuck into a favourite author’s new offering. Whether it be a Scotland Street story from Alexander McCall Smith or a detective novel by Ann Cleeves. And it’s fair to say that I have a good selection of books to get started on.
“But I’m also looking forward to choosing a book to accompany my journey through Lent. Carving time out to reflect on God’s word and grace through the eyes of a fellow Christian helps me in my preparations for Holy Week and Easter.
It also helps establish and maintain a rhythm of time spent in the presence of God, which sustains me and my ministry.
Swapping screen time for quiet time will be my intention again this year.”
The Rev Dr Kay Gauld, minister at Insch- Leslie-Premnay- Oyne
“What would I pick up during Lent rather than give up? “Anyone who knows me would immediately tell you that I would pick up a bargain – or three! “When my husband and I went shopping, Ranald would always hold my hand tightly.
“Was he being romantic? No, he didn’t want to lose me in yet another shop! I rarely pick up bargains for myself, but buy things which will be of future use to raise money for the Kirk or other charities.
“The next thing I would pick up is reading the Hebrew Bible on a daily basis rather than when I have a spare moment.
On graduating from Aberdeen University, I was fortunate to have been awarded a scholarship to study at Union Theological Seminary in New York. This meant I had the honour of taking Hebrew Bible classes across the road in the Jewish Theological Seminary. The Rabbis opened up the Bible from their perspectives of history and humour which made the classes great fun! I love the fluidity of the Hebrew language.
“Last but by no means least, every day of Lent, I would love to show my concern for the welfare of my parishioners by picking up the kettle and enjoying a cup of tea and a blether, guaranteed to raise the spirits.
“Now, take the initial letters of bargains, Hebrew, welfare and kettle and trust me that in Hebrew they spell ‘baruch!’ – blessed! Whatever you pick up during this Lent, may you all be blessed!”
This article appears in the March 2021 Issue of Life and Work
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