In the latest feature of our “How I’m changing” series, we are pleased to introduce Graham McGregor, a Church of Scotland Reader hailing from Glasgow. Graham graciously shares with us the journey he has undertaken, shedding light on the evolution of both himself and his role within the church throughout the years.
Fifteen years ago, I was a jobbing actor, still performing and seeking work in theatre. Five years ago, I had put all of that on hold and was caring for my dear mum, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. Sadly, she died nine months ago, and I’m still adjusting to all that such loss brings.
My Readership path began with my attendance at a Vocations Conference in November 2015. When I think of me then and my subsequent journey, I’m quietly amazed at how gracious and supportive God has been. Along the way, I’ve worked with wonderful supervisors and met warm and encouraging congregations. I’ve been leading worship since last autumn, gaining experience and growing in confidence.
So many churches within the Glasgow Presbytery face uncertainty and change now. There are so many vacancies; sadly, fewer candidates are coming forward to train for ministry. With declining church attendance, the upkeep of all our church buildings becomes impossible, and unions and linkages become inevitable. All of that brings a sense of sadness and often hurt as congregations adapt and move forward.
That’s why we must move forward, finding new ways to embrace our faith in Jesus. God’s love for the world and each of us remains constant, but nothing stays the same as it was a year ago, five years ago, or fifteen years ago!
During Covid, we had to find new ways of doing church services. We introduced online streaming and Zoom services, which we still retain today for those unable to attend church on a Sunday morning. We adapted to the circumstances we faced.
We were saddened and outraged a year ago by the senseless destruction of the ancient Sycamore Gap tree next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. In March of this year, it was confirmed that new saplings had successfully been propagated from the seeds collected from the tree. In October, it was further announced that 49 of these saplings, each representing a foot of the height of the tree, will be gifted to communities across the U.K. for planting in publicly accessible spaces. This “Trees of Hope” project is designed to create a new chapter of hope as a legacy of the much-loved and admired tree.
Likewise, difficult as it may be just now with the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine if we think of war-torn countries rebuilding towns and villages after the devastation of war has ended, we can imagine a sense of hope for a better, less troubled world emerging. The return of the exiled people of Judah from Babylon to Jerusalem around 538 B.C. brought reassurance that, in the end, faith and trust in God brings great joy and contentment.
So, what keeps us going through all the changes in our personal lives and in our churches today? Ultimately, it is our faith in God – a God who hears our cries, feels our pain and suffering, knows everything about us, and gently encourages us to keep going. I’m reminded of the closing verse of the hymn, “Bind us together, Lord”:
You are the family of God,
You are the promise divine,
You are God’s chosen desire,
You are the glorious new wine.
We are the glorious new wine, and God calls us to keep going.
Amen