FAITH IN ACTION

Rev Dr Scott JS Shackleton Head: Faith Action Staff – Ministries & Mission Support

March – my favourite month – sees my wife’s birthday, which makes it special. Without the support of my lifelong partner, my life would not have been blessed as it has been. What of the importance, then, of partnerships for our faith and Church: the Trinity of God, our priesthood of all believers, our Kirk Sessions, our church groups for young and old alike? Everything is communal, nothing is individualistic. How wonderful and how important this is. We are certain that the Faith Action Programme will succeed only through partnering across our Church and nation – and beyond.

Rev Dr Alan Hamilton Vice-Convener: Faith Nurture Forum

The story of Presbytery Mission Planning has begun and the first chapter is nearing completion. Together, we’ve introduced a fresh and exciting plotline – Christ reshaping our part in His mission. Emerging across Scotland are new communities of faith, fit and eager for mission. It’s not been easy but the energy, imagination and courage shown by almost every Presbytery has been truly humbling. Even where plans are not yet approved, for most we’re not far away. This is faith in action: actively seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and learning to trust God and one another with hard decisions. We’re rewriting the narrative. No longer need we be an old Church in decline. Instead, we’re ordinary people willing to do what it takes to follow an extraordinary Saviour. And impatient to be effective local churches, through which our neighbours might discover a new identity in Christ.

Mirella Yandoli Executive Officer in Equalities: Faith Action – Public Life & Social Justice

International Women’s Day 8 March 2023

We know that it is good for human flourishing that there is difference and diversity in the human community; when difference can be celebrated and lived out in a myriad of ways. This diversity is one example of the image of God imprinted onto and lived out in all of us. It is a scandal then, that our being gendered is so often experienced not as joy, but as an intersection of oppression. Humanity has developed and enforced stereotypes and restrictive gender norms that restrain our self-expression and the ability to reach our full potential.

This is why International Women’s Day (IWD) is an important part of the calendar. Sexism, misogyny and forms of violence that explicitly and disproportionally target women are still live issues. This day is necessary in order to affirm the accomplishments of women in all areas of life and as a time for us to reflect on our progress in establishing full gender equality. We rely on the work and prophetic vision of those who have gone before us and we must challenge ourselves to listen to the prophets of our own time.

“ Humanity has developed and enforced stereotypes and restrictive gender norms that restrain our expression and the ability to reach our full potential.”

How will the Church be marking IWD? The Church’s Integrity Task Group will be holding its introductory training on violence against women on 1 March. Open to anyone involved with the Church in any capacity, this session offers a practical insight into how gender plays a role in this form of violence and what we can do in the Church to prevent and respond to it. It will include a chance to reflect on the issues and diverse experiences of gender that shape this question, as well as focusing on more practical examples to help build up a robust response in our own lives and communities. By March, our e-learning version of the same training will be accessible on the Church of Scotland Learning platform.

International Women’s Day is not just about the difficult subject of violence and behaviours that happen to women and girls. It is also a day of celebration. We invite readers to celebrate where they are. One way is to reach out in gratitude to the women in your lives, or to reflect on women in history. For the women of the future we can promise to do more to ensure that they are able to live out their agency and reflect a thousand versions of the image of God.

To register for training visit the Events section of the Church of Scotland’s Ascend website.

https://ascend.churchofscotland.org.uk/

Hannah Sanderson Innovation and Events Manager

Culture of Innovation: A HeartEdge Collaboration

A year on from Lorenzo Lebrija’s visit, congregations nationwide are enjoying our Culture of Innovation Learning Module film, having fun with small mission experiments. You are invited to join us at our conference on 29 April. The day is a creative collaboration between Culture of Innovation and HeartEdge – the international, ecumenical movement that helps galvanise churches to be at the heart of their communities, whilst being with those on the edge. We’ll be teaming up with Greyfriars Kirk and Grassmarket Community Project and the event will take place at the Charteris Centre in Edinburgh.

Culture of Innovation and HeartEdge are both about encouraging and equipping us to reimagine how we, the Church, connect with those around us. With fresh vision we can ask – what do I already have in my hand: in what new way can I use it? How can I rediscover my passion and function from and in my joy? Come along and make new connections, be inspired and challenged and be an inspiration and a challenge to others.

Book your place now: search Eventbrite for Culture of Innovation: A HeartEdge Collaboration

Access the free Culture of Innovation Learning Module online at: https://churchofscotlandlearning.teachable.com

Join our collaborative Facebook group by searching for churchesinnov8 on Facebook.

Very Rev Albert Bogle Leader: Sanctuary First

Connecting faith through friendships

As we become more missional in our thinking in the Church of Scotland, we can empower each other to take the initiative in faith sharing. Reaching out sensitively to friends in clubs and social gatherings, at moments when we become aware of their particular need, can be a welcome opportunity to introduce someone to Jesus.

One or two Christians who belong to an interest group can create a touching place, by setting up a Connect Group for friends who might be interested in faith but not church attendance.

Congregations can create intentional Connect Groups to carry out certain tasks. These groups might include digital media creatives sharing faith stories on social media; inviting friends on the fringe of faith who are skilled in these disciplines to help can often create a link for them to find faith.

This format has the potential to be a new church plant, reaching out in a relevant format to connect with a variety of cultural groups and age groups on the internet within a geographical location. These small groups could be the start of creating a missional strategy in your community. For more details contact us at Sanctuary First.

contact@sanctuaryfirst.org.uk

“ As we become more missional in our thinking in the Church of Scotland, we can empower each other to take the initiative in faith sharing.”

Rev Dr Rory Macleod Minister Of Strath And Sleat

For our Gaelic readers

Tha e caran neònach a bhith a’ sgrìobhadh rudeigin airson a’ Charghais ann an teismeadhan Aidmheint! Air an làimh eile, ’s e co-dhiù aon dòigh anns a bheil an dà nì ceangailte ri chèile gur e ràithean ullachaidh a th’ annta. Rè Aidmheint nach ullaich sinn gus fàilte a chur air Ìosa, fhad ’s a chuimhnicheas sinn gun till e air ais aig àm air choreigin? Tron Charghas nach meòraich sinn air adhbhar a theachd: gus an saoghal a ghràidhicheas e arèiteachadh le bhith a’ pàigheadh prìs ar peacaidhean le a bheatha choileanta fhèin. Moladh do Dhia gun robh e soirbheachail; nach dearbh aiseirigh e?

For further information visit: www.churchofscotland.org.uk