St Oswald's Magazine StOM 1510 | Page 3

FROM THE PULPIT (My desk, actually) I am sitting at my desk with a very different view from the one I described in the last letter; Instead of mountains of boxes, I can now look out across Glasgow and on to the distant hills of Loch Lomond. The colours of the hills are constantly changing with the clouds rolling over them. Ashley and I give thanks to God and to you all for finding us such a wonderful home to rest in. I want to say that this will be an open home and you are welcome to visit, you do not need a reason to come, however I lose the ability to be coherent after 9pm and before 8 am I shall be at prayer but probably still in my pyjamas!!. And Friday will be my day off and barring people needing last rites or the building being on fire I stick to it. Once a month on a date to be decided, we are going to have afternoon tea here at the rectory for those of you who would like to take it. I will call it ‘Eat Chat Pray’; feel free to bring friends and if they are not church goers then all the better! No need to say you’re coming. If you want a lift then call the day before and Ashley will taxi you (he is good). Ashley is so good that he had agreed to become property convener and you may begin to notice a few changes around the church building (remember that you people are the church: 1 Timothy 3:16). The building is our place to gather. The notice boards will be kept up to date so please read them. My ‘cupboard’ is now an office and can be used for private prayer or conversation after services and in the week. I am a praying priest!! And will pray with or for anyone who wants that ministry. I also anoint with oil those who are sick or in need of healing in any way. My prayer is that with our gracious God we will become known as the church that listens. The Scottish Episcopal Church sign is about to be re-instated by the entrance gate Hopefully name and telephone number is on the notice board. Please enable Ashley to be efficient in his tasks and let him know of any jobs that need sorting as they arise. On a different track but essential to mention is our response to the growing refugee crisis. I will be contacting the other priests in our area to enquire what they are doing practically, and will let you know how St Oswald’s congregation will join in. I encourage you all to include the crisis in your daily prayer, and listen for what God may say to you with regard to your own response. I am happy to prayerfully listen with you . StOM Page 3