From The Editor

THIS month our focus is on the Year of Stories, as 2022 has been designated by the Scottish Government as part of a biennial programme of ‘themed’ years with funding available for those wishing to take part.

Scotland has many stories to tell – and the Church of Scotland has its own rich seam to share and tell.

Storytelling is at the heart of the Gospel, for it was the sharing of stories which pointed to the birth, life and death of Jesus, and the parables, miracles and promise of what is to come which lie at the centre of all Christianity.

Everyone who is a part of our Church has a story to tell. Every congregation has a story to tell too – often with a rich history. The church of my childhood had been through around 13 (if my memory serves me well!) different changes ahead of its 250th anniversary in 2002. The story was ultimately one of unity but the journey to that stage and time was fascinating.

We all have personal stories to recount of a call to faith – the insistent voice pushing us towards something out of our comfort zone, the ‘coincidences’, which on reflection and looking back can be interpreted as clear messages from God, or as a wise former Moderator once said when I reported what felt like a remarkable coincidence in my life: “Coincidence is the fingerprints God leaves behind.”

There are pockets of funding available for the year (although the window closes this month) with some information here: https://www.visitscotland.org/events/ funding/themed-year-funding

"Small stories are the stitches which ultimately create the rich fabric of a tapestry of social history and amid the change currently being felt within our Church, it is the stories of our people and their connection with faith which could provide a seam of encouragement for the future.

However, regardless of this themed year, every single church has a story to tell within its community –a story of how it came to be (sometimes against the odds) and of one that is deeply connected to local people and local events with the Gospel at its very heart.

Small stories are the stitches which ultimately create the rich fabric of a tapestry of social history and amid the change currently being felt within our Church, it is the stories of our people and their connection with faith which could provide a seam of encouragement for the future. In this year of stories, everyone in our church family has a story to tell which is all part of the bigger story of a call to follow Jesus.

It is these personal, small stories and the faith connection – and contribution – to our communities which will weave the pattern of journey, faith, service and love across Scotland in this celebratory year of stories.

Lynne McNeil Editor