My church

Rosemary Lee describes how she and her late husband found a welcome at Broughty Ferry New Kirk, near Dundee.

WE lived in the beautiful seaside town of Portstewart on the Causeway coast, Northern Ireland, where our three children were fortunate to grow up and enjoy the lovely beach and participate in their favourite sports.

However, all three chose Scottish universities for their on-going education and inevitably, met their partners there, married and stayed!

So, how did we end up in Broughty Ferry, joining the local parish church, Broughty Ferry New Kirk, in 2006?

Well, with the arrival of grandchildren, we decided (after much soul-searching!), to relocate to Scotland, and help with the next generation.

We were given an amazing welcome by our minister, the Rev Catherine Collins, and the entire church family. My husband and I were soon roped in to use our ‘talents’ in appropriate ways! Ian helped on various committees and in the Monday morning Work Group, while I joined the Guild and helped with the crèche. We both enjoyed the Walking Group, getting to know the local district and lovely surrounding area.

So, the New Kirk became our spiritual home, and where we first made new friends. Truly, we arrived as strangers and very quickly gained lifelong friends.

In the early days, it was a joy to have our grandchildren squeeze into the pew beside us, and then as they went up to the front for the Children’s Address. Sometimes there was pride as they answered the minister’s questions, and on other occasions, embarrassment, as they gave those children’s blatantly open and honest answers!

Life does not always sail along easily, as we all know. When my husband was diagnosed with a serious illness, requiring treatment and complicated surgery, we were carried along, not just by our own faith and family, but by the help of our minister and friends. How comforting it was when someone dropped in for a coffee and chat, often leaving some wee buns on the kitchen table. The heartfelt prayers from our minister were very much appreciated. The packed congregation at Ian’s funeral, from both sides of the Irish Sea, was a great solace to us as a family.

When I was left a widow, one of the hardest things I found on returning to the Kirk was singing the words of hymns which were now extra meaningful. Hymns that were sung at our wedding, Ian’s funeral, or those that just simply touched my heart. Often I shed silent tears and someone behind me would just touch my shoulder to show that they understood. Little actions like that brought such comfort.

Picking up the pieces on a very different way of life was never going to be easy. I was very fortunate to have my caring family around me. I very soon realised there were many others in the congregation in similar circumstances, so I became involved in the pastoral care within the Kirk. Visiting elderly and lonely people was something I could do. After all, I had got that T-shirt and knew exactly how they were feeling. Sometimes they laughed about my Ulster-Scots accent, and said it reminded them of an old aunt in Cork! I didn’t have the heart to tell them that was the opposite end of Ireland to my home on the North Coast!

It was a devastating day for us in New Kirk when our minister retired. While wishing her well, how we miss her.

Throughout the Church of Scotland, presbyteries and churches are facing the same problems as ourselves. The shortage of ministers, and, sadly, diminishing congregations have meant unions and upheaval.

I trust that whatever decisions are made, we shall all work together and, as the hymn says, find that ‘All are welcome in this place’.

I certainly found a welcome in Broughty Ferry New Kirk. Thank you to the minister and all in the body of the Kirk for that.