Cornerstone No. 186, page 12
within a Presbyterian structure. I might just have a quick flick through it again!
Sometimes you are a shepherd. Sometimes you are a commander. Sometimes
you have to be decisive, but the catalyst that has always been important in life
and ministry is to bring people together. That is where hospitality and welcome
comes in. All are welcome.”
He was called to Morningside in 2001, where he has overseen major property
changes, including the building of new halls. In bringing the generations
together, Derek has increased the role of children in worship. Our children play
an important part at the beginning of services. They lead a weekly prayer. They
help with the offering. Offerings have gone up since they started to help! We
also have an all age communion service every year. Our Sunday Club is
maintaining its numbers and growing because children feel welcome. When
children are collecting the offering, they come down the aisle to the communion
table and some of them skip down the aisle carrying the offering bags. I see
the congregation loving it too.”
His diary for his year in office includes presbytery visits to St Andrews, Glasgow,
Dumfries and Kirkcudbright and Ross. Overseas visits to the Middle East and
Sweden have also been pencilled in, along with Wittenberg in Germany for the
commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
The Moderatorial outfit has already been planned: “The congregation has
purchased my gown, which is hugely significant as it means I will carry a little
bit of Morningside with me through the year. I’m going to wear a traditional
court coat with buttons.” He promises that lace will feature.
Notice to parents and guardians
We occasionally publish photographs in Cornerstone, on the Kirk’s
website and—to a lesser extent—on the Kirk’s facebook page of
children and young people belonging to the Scots Kirk. If for any
reason you would prefer that a photograph of your child should not
be used in this manner, please let the editor know on
[email protected]. Thank you.
Soup & Cheese Lunch dates for 2017
7 th June, 5 th July, 2 nd August, 6 th September,
4 th October, 1 st November, 6 th December