A Message from Rev Brian Porteous OLM

I don’t have to tell you that we are living in extraordinary times. Our lives are dislocated and disrupted in ways that can only be comparable to wartime.

Our first priority is to stay safe and follow Government guidance so as to minimise the rate of spread of the virus and ease the pressure on our wonderful NHS.

As Christians we can and should go further. We should do what we can to help our neighbours even if that just means a phone call to see that all is well. We are organising a support system in the parish for those needing help and anyone needing assistance should call 07913611018.

We should remain as positive as we can knowing that through all the challenges we are facing, God is with us and these words from Philippians 4 should be of assistance:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As Paul writes in this passage we should bring our concerns to God in prayer.

I am unable to visit anyone at present but I am trying to phone round as many folk as possible. If I haven’t got to you yet then please do not hesitate to give me a call on 07796694413. I am also doing a daily reflection on the Church’s Facebook page each morning and leading an on-line Study every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. If you want to join this study session then please drop me an email to BPorteous@churchofscotland.org.uk  Finally, we are online each Sunday at 11am and hope that you will join us.

Please stay safe, please follow guidance, please ask for help if you need it but above all, please continue to trust in our merciful God to be with us in our troubles and to get us through them.

Every blessing,

Brian