Bulletins

Holy Week, Passover, and the challenge of representation

As Holy Week approaches, I often reflect on the intricate relationship between Christianity and Judaism. In my role as the Interfaith Manager, I engage with challenging texts, consider the appropriateness of conducting Christian Seders, and deliberate over costume choices for Passion Plays. These reflective moments, however, extend beyond my professional responsibilities; they are shaped significantly …

SPaCE26

  My wife is an Addictions Nurse and I’m a parish minister with experience of prison chaplaincy and involved in recovery groups. Together we are triple adoptive parents with three adult care experienced children.     A key component of mission is having a heart for the people we are seeking to reach and my wife and …

The Great Prayers of the Church

The Great Prayers of the Church St Richard of Chichester, 1197-1253 Regarding biographical details, a considerable amount is known about Richard, and any quick search will take you there. But one or two notes are worth noting here. He was educated at the University of Oxford, and after furthering his studies in Paris and Bologna—where …

The Anchorage

  Anchorage: noun. haven; refuge; safe place; resting place; secure connection The Anchorage sits on a busy part of the High Street of Forfar. It is a mission and outreach base for Forfar: All Souls Church, a recent union of five congregations formerly based in the town and the rural areas nearby.    Its raison d’etre …

National Covid-19 Day of Reflection 2025 Alt-worship meets Civic ceremony: Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church

  We all have experiences we can never forget. Still, few of them are shared with so many others that they become part of the nation’s corporate memory. COVID-19 was one of them, with lost relationships, lost education, lost employment, lost opportunities, lost health, and, for many, the loss of loved ones. So when Sunday, …

New Resource: ‘Bearing Fruit’ Financial Health-Check Tool for Congregations

The Church of Scotland is pleased to introduce a new resource, Bearing Fruit: a financial health check for growth. This tool from the Stewardship team is designed to help congregations assess their financial practices, governance and stewardship across eight key areas. Rooted in Colossians 1:10, it encourages churches to “bear fruit in every good work” …

Sign up to the monthly Ascend E-Newsletter here

The Church of Scotland website allows you to sign up to a number of newsletters including the Ascend monthly E-newsletter Sign up here Newsletters | The Church of Scotland

“Jesus said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” — Mark 16:15

One of the great privileges of being a parish minister is ministering to all the parish, especially our schools. I am blessed to be a chaplain at one secondary and three primary schools. It is an honour because I am invited into schools for Assembly and to share the stories of Jesus Christ specifically. I …

Strengthening Communities: The Boys’ Brigade and the Church of Scotland

Nearly 300 local Church of Scotland congregations partner with the Boys’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade with Girls Association groups as outreach and mission resources to engage with local communities. For many, this long-standing relationship has resulted in the wider church gaining members, office-bearers, and, in some cases, Ministers! For churches who have only recently started …

Reflection of Scripture John 4: 5-30, 39-42

I walked into my kitchen the other day, and from my radio, I heard Michael Bublé belting out the statement, “This is a man’s world!” With International Women’s Day in mind, I couldn’t help but agree! If you are like me and have grown up within the Church of Scotland, you may think from the …

Milton belongs to God, Glasgow and all its people

Colston Milton has been my first and only charge for these last 17 years. It is a Priority Area parish in a post-war housing scheme in North Glasgow, with high levels of deprivation, poor health and poverty, both material and spiritual, reminding us that Jesus says the poor are blessed. In terms of size and …

A heart-warming story of God-led change

Church has always featured somewhere in my life, and beginning to help at a local Girls’ Brigade company sparked something more in me. I enjoyed the fellowship and loved leading girls and sharing in their quest to ‘Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.’  Soon after, I found myself in Church each Sunday, becoming involved in leading …

In a time of closure and endings, how do we keep ourselves open, emotionally and intellectually?

In December, Chris Blackshaw reminded us of the importance of fallow time, the time when it looks like nothing is happening. In reality, the earth is resting and restoring itself for future growth when investments are made that will lead to long-term well-being and fruitful harvests. It also reminded the support team of what can …

Ministerial Development Conversation

  Ministerial Development Conversation – Ascend

Signs of God training – British Sign Language in Christian Settings – Training and Exploration

Signs of God Training The Signs of God Summer School is now open for booking. Signs of God is an organisation dedicated to training people in the use of British Sign Language in Christian settings. Churches often have unique vocabulary and expressions that may not be covered in standard BSL classes. This specialised training helps …

An inspirational time of worship, workshops, prayer and vision – South West

Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow! Saturday 22 March 2025: An inspirational time of worship, workshops, prayer and vision. Carrick Centre, Culzean Road, Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 7DE 1030-1530hrs Post General Assembly 2023 we have seen the creation of Seeds for Growth and the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team. We are excited to be visiting your …

The Church of Scotland Pension Plan (Defined Contributions Group Personal Pension)

     Please find the latest presentation regarding the Church of Scotland pension plan including where to go for help and guidance HERE   

Sunday 9th March 2025 is an opportunity for the communities across the UK to come together in a Day of Reflection for the COVID-19 pandemic

  The COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025 will take place on Sunday 9 March.   The UK Commission for Covid Commemoration’s final report was published in 2023. Their first recommendation is that ‘a UK-wide day of reflection should be established and held annually.’ Sunday 9th March 2025 is an opportunity for the communities across the …

Sanctuary First – Beginning to Flourish Lent 2025

Beginning to Flourish We invite you to follow along with us as we explore our Lenten theme for 2025 Beginning To Flourish You can use this Bible study for group discussion or personal reflection.    

Individually Guided Retreat at Whitchester Christian Centre – Monday 24 – Friday 28 February 2025

Individually Guided Retreat ​Monday 24 – Friday 28 February 2025 Taking the above as our text for the retreat, we invite you to come, stay, receive and find over these few days. ​£395 to include individual accompaniment each full day, in addition to full board. ​For further information, please see our Retreats & Quiet Days page.  …