The Rev Josh Milton highlights the journey of a newly-united congregation in embracing challenge – and hope for the future.

TWO vibrant parishes, united in February 2021 with no previous linkage, each enriched by its unique identity, culture, and heritage, took an extraordinary leap of unity and faith.

In November 2022, Kirkcaldy: Templehall and Torbain United Parish Church’s nominating committee and the congregation entrusted me with the honour of serving their newly merged church. Making the Church relevant in a post-Christian Scotland presents a profound yet immensely gratifying challenge as a new minister.

Since my ordination and induction, we’ve embarked on a collective journey with a thirst for transformation and dynamism that would re-energise our Church and community. Inspired by the rallying call of the General Assembly to ‘Remember Who We Are’, we’ve chosen this theme to guide us as we navigate change within our local church.

From the vantage point of my pulpit, my mission stands clear: to echo in the hearts of my congregation of their divine lineage, their existence as God’s children, whose purpose is to glorify Him.

In an era dominated by self-centred narratives, where the ‘self’ is often put on a pedestal, my mission is to extend an invitation to a different paradigm - the cross. Here, one finds limitless grace, love, and forgiveness. Acknowledging our imperfections and accepting our need for a saviour.

Born and raised in India, where I’ve witnessed the expansion of the Christian churches and the ensuing surge of individuals turning towards Christ, I hold fast to the conviction that our Church’s growth is inextricably linked to our unwavering commitment to the great commission – to go and make disciples.

One of the challenges is to dispel a subtle yet powerful myth that has gradually infiltrated the collective consciousness of the faithful - the notion that our faith is something intensely personal. Faith can indeed be a profoundly personal journey; however, the gospel - the good news - is not meant to be hidden away in the quiet corners of our hearts. It is a message of universal love, redemption, and hope that should echo across the hills, valleys and urban streets, touching every life it meets. Yet the shadow of this myth has been cast, born from a hesitation, a fear of judgment, labels, and stigmas. Every week, I sincerely pray that God will give our people the wisdom and discernment to break free of this misunderstood notion and intentionally appreciate the life-changing power of the Gospel.

Embracing courage and resolve, our Church has made the conscious decision to embed mission into every facet of our ministry. Our initiative, “Bairns, a Blether and a Brew” (Parent/Carer and Baby/ Toddler Group), has become a cherished rendezvous point for a hundred families each week. We extend our hands to these young families, offering practical help and emotional reinforcement. In tandem with this, we offer spiritual guidance to parents, and when the time feels right, we gently encourage them to consider baptism or blessing for their children.

Our “Hopeline Kirkcaldy” initiative, a regular phone call programme, reaches out as a beacon of comfort to those in the clutches of isolation. With genuine empathy and understanding, we offer an open ear, prayers tailored to their unique circumstances, and solace, helping to alleviate the lingering shadows of solitude they may experience.

Our Friendship Group serves as a warm invitation to all for a lively afternoon teeming with fun, faith, food, and friendship. Recognising the difficulty some face in attending regular Sunday services, we include a concise 15-minute worship segment, allowing everyone to experience an infusion of spiritual nourishment as an integral part of the shared joy and fellowship.

We are launching a walking group - a time of nurturing friendships, promoting fitness, and fostering prayer. As we walk, we pray especially for those who reside, asking God to open doors that enable us to reach out to our community in His love.

Our local schools embrace youth-centred and value-based programmes aligning with the curriculum and educational outcomes. Our Communities Worker (MDS), Lauren Jones, offers services such as “Walk Through the Bible” an innovative approach to faith education. Our vision extends further to include programmess that give students a creative outlet, preparing them for further education in the creative arts. We maintain a youth-focused and faithcentric approach when we welcome these young people into our church.

So with these initiatives and opportunities, we set our course towards the future of this church. We have journeyed away from our old identity to embrace a new one ignited by Hope in Christ Jesus for future generations. This shared dream drove our congregation and Kirk Session to breathe new life into our Church’s identity, naming it Kirkcaldy: Hope Parish Church of Scotland.