From the Manse

June 27 th 2016

Dear friends,

It is with great joy and excitement that I find myself writing this first letter as your newly inducted minister. The past two weeks have been hectic- saying goodbye to my congregations in Falkirk,moving home, emptying what seemed like countless boxes, organising where best to put things in the new Manse as well as preparing for the induction service. Myself, David and the girls are finding our way around Lenzie and we look forward to settling in and getting to know everyone over the coming weeks and months.

I wish to thank Rev Ian Taylor for his guidance and support leading up to my induction, the property committee for making the Manse such a beautiful home, and all those involved in the preparations for the induction and social. It was a lovely surprise to have an induction cake, and also I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks for the NIV Bible and the generous gift  which I will use to buy a new set of commentaries and new cassock. David and the girls would also like to thank you for their thoughtful gifts which are much appreciated.

Thank you also for the flowers which were in the Manse when we arrived and the cards, flowers and gifts given to us by members who popped round to welcome us. Everyone has been so kind and we are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received. Whilst I was training for ministry one of my supervisors whilst writing my report asked his wife what she felt my deepest calling was and she said, ‘Louise’s deepest calling is telling others about God’s love.’

And so it will be my greatest privilege and honour to share my deepest calling with you and the wider parish in the years ahead. I look forward to journeying with you into the future that God has planned for us and I know that we will learn and grow in faith together.

I echo the words of Paul to the church in Ephesus which I shared with you at my induction:‘I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.’ Ephesians Ch3, v17-19

Every blessing,

Your minister and friend,

Louise

LMcClements@churchofscotland.org.uk