Cornerstone No. 192, page 2
A Letter from Ian
Dear Friends,
There are so many good things coming into my mind as I consider what to write
in this farewell thank you note.
Particular threads of activity I reported at the annual congregational meeting
this year are representative of the colour-
ful tapestry that will be an enduring mem-
ory of my time in Lausanne.
We’ve seen growth in participation and
change. For example, from hosting a
small Bible study group meeting at St
Andrew’s House to co-ordinating multiple
group meeting in homes across the area
and, different again this year, with study
guides written and available for home
devotion, we’ve enjoyed opportunities for
groups to meet in venues across town in
the mornings and evenings after work.
One of the first things I was called upon
to do when I arrived almost eight years
ago was to accompany our young people
on a trip to Amsterdam! This was the
beginning of many blessings which
culminated in our hosting the most recent
Youth Presbytery Gathering here in Lausanne. Over the week end 18 young
adults from 8 cities in the Presbytery thought and discussed the question “What
difference does believing in God make to how we live our lives?”. We also
laughed and played together and of course, we ate well too!
What a privilege and a deep, deep blessing to have walked alongside your
children and see them grow!
These are simply two illustrations of the wide and varied ministries we have
within the church family at the Scots Kirk Lausanne. I continually give thanks
for the rich, colourful patterns of service and devotion which have taken root
within the church. Immediately, I recall the expansion in the remit of the
Pastoral Care Team, as well as the initiatives of the Outreach Team which
created the “Open Church, open doors” themed projects and their potential for
neighbourhood and ecumenical engagement. In addition to these things,
there’s the streamlining efficiencies coming to us from the work of the Finance
Team. There is much cause for thanksgiving.
What’s more, it’s not all about expertise and confidence. It’s certainly not all
quick fixes and easy solutions. I know that the slow, emerging nature of our