OH ALL RIGHT THEN

Stories from a Varied Ministry Written by: Marjory A MacLean Published: via Amazon on Kindle and available in paper back Price: £7.99 on Kindle and £12.95 in paperback

This book is essentially a love letter for the ministry of the Church of Scotland.

The Rev Dr Marjory MacLean has enjoyed a varied ministry within the Church, which has led full circle back to Orkney, the place of her first charge, via working in the church offices in Edinburgh, Royal Naval chaplaincy and ministry in a linked rural charge between Perth and Dundee. She is currently Convener of the Church’s Legal Questions Committee and a Chaplain in Ordinary to His Majesty the King in Scotland.

This variety of experience means she is well placed to write eloquently about the gifts and multi-faceted role that is the ministry of Word and Sacrament within the Church of Scotland.

Studying law initially, the call of ministry proved too strong and she switched and completed her ministry studies (followed later by a doctorate) at New College, Edinburgh.

But this book is not a dry, theological volume. Rather it is a lively account of the compelling call to ministry and the many varied challenges it can present (for which education cannot necessarily prepare candidates).

Essentially, it shows the very human reality of ministry: the variety and the purpose and meaning of that incessant voice which provides the basis of a call.

It is written specifically from a Church of Scotland perspective to fill what the author felt was a void in the reading lists of candidates for ministry.

It is intended to be a source of encouragement and to show the beauty, gifts and value of a life spent in ministry. It is also intended to demonstrate that ministry can cover many areas and forms in many different places.

The book is divided into nine chapters and is perhaps best described as a testament to the variety of challenge and journey that can present itself in ministry. It is a lively account of a journey that has gone full circle, in some ways (from Orkney to Orkney, with many stops in between) but also offers insights into the richness of a life of service (including humbling and humorous moments of learning).

Two pounds from the sale of every book will be donated to support the work of the new Orkney Islands Church of Scotland (in which the author plays a key role).