Shining the light of God’s love

Neill Shaw continues his journey around the people of the Church of Scotland’s Priority Area congregations with a focus on the transformative journey of Mary.

THIS month, I have the honour of introducing you to Mary, whose story is one of resilience, restoration and the power of belonging.

Meeting her was a privilege, as she shared how the church has been a lifeline through some of her most challenging times.

Mary first walked through the church doors 18 months ago, at a time when she was facing significant struggles with her mental health. “I was in a bad place,” she recalls. “I was spending a lot of time on my own, isolated, not going out. I wasn’t looking after myself properly. I was in a lot of arrears with my bills and in debt. With the cost of everything going up and my mental health being bad, it just spiralled out of control.”

The church offered her more than just practical help – it offered warmth, friendship, and a sense of belonging. “When I first came to the church here, even though it’s a big church, it felt like Little House on the Prairie to me; like a family.” she says. “It felt good. I got to know people quickly because they were all so friendly. I opened up. I was able to get food, a meal, somewhere warm. This is a big help, especially when you are on a low income and suffer from mental health issues.”

“ When I first came to the church here, even though it’s a big church, it felt like Little House on the Prairie to me; like a family.

The warmth Mary speaks of contrasts starkly with the reality of her own home, particularly in winter. “The cost of gas and electricity has gone through the roof,” she explains. “Trying to heat up my living room is terrible. I have a flat with a balcony, and I can’t afford curtains, so the draught that blows through the door to the balcony is awful. My house feels cold all the time. I’m in a ground-floor flat, and when the close door gets opened, the wind blows in under my front door and chills the whole flat.”

Fuel poverty, as Mary describes it, highlights a harsh reality for many people. But through the church, she has found some respite. “Being here has given me the confidence to speak to the energy company,” she says. “They have agreed to set up a direct debit to take the payment on the same day as my benefit comes in.” These small steps, supported by the church, help her regain control in areas where she previously felt powerless.

Mary’s journey has not been an easy one. Trauma from her past led to posttraumatic stress disorder and culminated in a life-threatening moment just a year ago. “This time last year, I was in hospital on life support after trying to take my own life,” she reveals. “I am definitely on the mend from this now, though. I can say that I will never do that again. If I feel like I don’t have anybody to turn to, there is always someone here.”

Today, Mary’s life is marked by the hope and stability she has found in the church community. She now volunteers in the church kitchen, cooking and handing out food. “Coming here gives me support, but also I get to support other people who come in too, and I really enjoy helping people out,” she says. “They have been so good to me, and it feels like I am able to give something back, which really means a lot.”

Beyond the practical tasks, Mary has found other ways to serve and connect. Having trained in hand, head, and shoulder massage, she offers this skill to those in the community. “I find that by helping other people, I get something back,” she says. “I feel like the energy I put in when I am massaging flows back to me.”

Even as Mary navigates ongoing challenges, she reflects on how far she has come. “People have commented on how I have changed,” she says. “I have got brighter, and the church has had such a positive impact on me.”

Mary has also reconnected with her faith, which has become a cornerstone of her daily life. “Since I started coming to church here, I now pray a lot,” she shares. “I pray every morning when I wake up – a gratitude prayer, telling God that I am thankful I am still here. I pray every night that God will look after my family. There is a real warmth here on a Sunday, and I feel very connected to God. God is personal to me, and I love to pray, knowing He is hearing and answering my prayers.”

Singing in the church choir is another new passion for Mary. “It is such an emotional experience every time,” she says. “I get goose bumps just singing some of the songs.”

The church’s holistic support has helped Mary in practical, emotional, and spiritual ways. “It’s really easy to fall into isolation,” she acknowledges, “but coming here has really helped me. My mental health has really improved, just having a place to go, people to spend time with, and a way to give something back. It really is a brilliant community here.”

As she looks to the future, Mary focuses on taking life one day at a time. “I have plans for most days of the week: from helping out with the cooking; to hand massages; to yoga; to different training programmes. It’s good to have things to be doing.”

For Mary, the church has been a place of transformation – a sanctuary where she has found purpose, connection, and the strength to rebuild her life. “The staff here deserve a gold medal,” she says. “They are always here for people, so helpful and welcoming. This is such a wonderful place, and I am so happy to be here. I was meant to be here!”

Mary’s story is a profound reminder of what the Church of Scotland’s commitment to parish ministry and priority for those in need is all about. It is about meeting people where they are, offering practical support, fostering community, and shining the light of God’s love into lives that need it most.

As Mary so beautifully puts it: “Here at church, both on a Sunday and through the week, I found a lot of love, I have found support, and through that, got stronger. I now feel part of a community.” ¤