From The Editor

I posed a similar question at the beginning of 2018

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LETTERS

Reading about Alastair Stephens’ recovery in the mortuary

The Big Question

This month’s question is: ‘How have CrossReach services impacted your life?’

When words fail

Ron Ferguson explains how broken words and music can bring comfort.

’We are not on our own’

The Rt Rev Susan Brown offers a message of hope for 2019.

Celebrating 150 years of social care

Lynne McNeil looks back at the proud legacy of social care in the Church of Scotland which can be traced back to 1869.

Caring in communities across Scotland

Jackie Macadam ofers a snapshot of just some of the innovative work carried out today by the Church of Scotland’s Social Care Council.

’True enrichment in life’

Jackie Macadam meets Susan MacKenzie, who has offered lifelong service to the Girls’ Brigade.

The Iolaire Centenary Prayer

God of the years, our hope and refuge, we come to you

The loss of Lewis

Thomas Baldwin reports on the centenary commemoration of a post-war disaster in the Western Isles.

The Big Picture

Digital photographs only should be sent to magazine@lifeandwork.org

A remarkable part of Scotland

John R Hume reflects on the history of the Church in a Moray village.

Immortal longings

The Very Rev Dr James Simpson reflects on the hidden God moments.

’It’s even more amazing than I thought’

Thomas Baldwin meets the new Chief Executive of Christian Aid.

Keep the momentum

Catriona Munro, a former Clerk to the National Youth Assembly, relects on the Year of Young People in the first of a new series of columns written by under 30s.

Burns Day prayers

To mark Burns Day on January 25 (the birthday of the poet), the Very Rev Dr Finlay Macdonald o ers prayers of intercession based on poems by Burns.

CHURCH AND CHARITIES IN OIL CALL

The Church of Scotland and other faith charities have

PARISH NEWS

Dr Iain Galbraith celebrated 60 years as an organist

Conserving a landmark

Thomas Baldwin reports on a boost for a repair project for a Brechin church.

Lest we forget

IN November, Scotland joined the rest of the world in commemorating the centenary of the end of World War One. Churches throughout the country, often joined by other denominations and community groups, created spectacular and poignant poppy displays. This is a selection of the pictures sent in, either to Life and Work or the Church of Scotland’s Facebook page.

REVIEWS

The Royal Wedding Sermon Written by: Bishop Michael

CROSSWORDS

16 “__ __ ___ with clouds descending” (Advent 4 down)

Flawed nature

In the month of Burns Day celebrations, the Very Rev Dr John Chalmers considers the Bard’s relationship with the Church.