Cornerstone CORNERSTONE_189_website_28 | Page 2

Cornerstone No. 189, page 2 Notes from the Manse Dear Friends, Wow, this is the Christmas issue of the Cornerstone! I am sure that by now, your plans for the holidays will be taking shape or are already in place. Some folks will be coming to Switzerland for the holidays and others will perhaps be going away. Wherever you plan to be I wish you the very best of the season and in the company of your friends and family, and the blessings of Christ Jesus. My return to work following Helen’s death has been interesting to say the least! I am grateful for the support given by quite a few people. Those calling upon me at the Manse, others willing to step up and share in the conduct of worship. I am also thankful for those who have been willing to take a lead with other initiatives and projects across the life of the church. Various threads of work are clearly to be seen, weaving together to make a strong cloth by which the Scots Kirk continues to be a place where we can find solace in sadness, healing for our brokenness and grace in our expectations of one another. Of particular note is the emerging work of the newly constituted Worship Team. This team offers us the opportunity to reflect upon the worship experience. As noted at the recent Local Church Review visitation from the Presbytery, there is always room for improvement in practice and in our understanding. It is my prayer that we will each offer our best in worship and that all we do will be to the glory and praise of God. Indeed, if you harbour concern for the worship life of the Scots Kirk and desire to see us flourish then come along to Worship Team meetings. You are invited! Make an honest and positive contribution to the work of the Worship Team. Come, help nurture the future shape and style of the worship programme. It’s been great working alongside Hector as a ministry student intern. Hector has come from Princeton Theological Seminary and will be at the Scots Kirk Lausanne for a year. During this time I hope you will reach out to Hector and his wife Marie, offering them your support, love and prayers. Please invite them into your home, or arrange to meet up with them for coffee in the town. Talk with them after Sunday services. They have a great deal to share with us and not least, their youthful energy, enthusiasm and