Bulletins

Ministerial Development Conversation – ‘You are not Alone’ Ascend eNews article

I always find myself very encouraged by the title of this section of the Ascend eNews – ‘You are not Alone’. In so many types of ministry, it is easy to feel alone, but one thing that the Church has worked so hard on in recent years is finding ways in which those in the …

Theology in Scotland journal: Call for contributions for Spring 2025 issue on faith and language

  Theology in Scotland journal: Call for contributions for Spring 2025 issue on faith and language For the Spring 2025 issue of the journal Theology in Scotland we will be exploring the vital role and limitations of language in faith and the church. From Scripture to worship, theological discourse to private devotion – how does language shape, …

Scripture Union Scotland Christmas Resource

Scripture Union share their brand new RME resource, Explore Christmas for 8-11 years olds. The content is extremely transferrable within a church context in the lead up to Christmas. Over three video episodes, featuring young hosts, animation, and interviews with school children, we unpack ‘the promise’, ‘the surprise’ and ‘the light’ of Christmas. This free resource is accompanied …

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

New College Festival of Books and Belief

New College Festival of Books and Belief We are delighted to announce that the programme for 2024’s New College Festival of Books and Belief is now live!     Join us on 7-9 November to hear from Michel Faber, Ziauddin Sardar, Francesca Stavrakopoulou and Belle, Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch – and many more. Take a look at …

Learning Community Update – October 2024

At this year’s General Assembly, Tommy MacNeil opened the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team report by pointing us to the story of Isaiah.  He could see something of the desolation and grief that Isaiah 6 starts with in our own story in the Church of Scotland just now.   ‘In the year that King Uzziah …

CrossReach – Join us as we celebrate the impact of the Church of Scotland’s Social Care Arm

‘They helped me recover and get things back on track. It wasn’t easy – and it wasn’t a quick journey, but without CrossReach I can confidently say I wouldn’t be here today.’ Chris McCleary shared his powerful story ahead of CrossReach Sunday. It’s a story of a life transformed, one that radiates hope and encouragement …

The Impossible Job Description – Part three

I was ordained and inducted into Glasgow: Colston Milton in February 2008 – the 3rd most deprived parish in Scotland and one of the Cof S’s Priority Area parishes. Probably like many of you, since then, I’ve watched, feeling somewhat helpless, as the congregation shrank from approximately 50 on a Sunday to an average of …

Fruit of the Spirit – Kindness

  They say kindness costs nothing – but I wonder if they’re right. Kindness is an emptying out of yourself, a choice to do that even when you’re being emptied by people and pressures. We have a Lord who did this. Philippians 2 describes Jesus emptying Himself on our behalf. The greatest kindness ever done …

Join Heather Thorpe in exploring the rich tapestry of outreach experiences and initiatives that are transforming the local landscape

Over my 18 months in post, I have been inspired by the missional ideas bubbling up in Glasgow Presbytery and the courageous heart congregations have for reaching out to their communities with the Good News of Jesus. My role is to facilitate and support mission, pioneering and planting. I have been encouraged by churches seeking …

How I’m changing – Relationships

In 2016, I applied for my current charge. Unsure about continuing in ministry and whether a congregation would want a separated, single mum of four as their minister, I was upfront in my cover letter and CV that my marriage had recently ended. Thankfully, it wasn’t an issue; they’ve loved me and my children for …

The Importance of Retreat.

As a newly ordained and inducted individual in Feb 2022, most of my probationary experience was shaped by the pandemic’s restrictions. Our interactions with other probationers were confined to online conferences, devoid of the personal touch and quiet chats over a meal or before a meeting. The absence of these moments became starkly evident when …

Burn Like Stars

A 12 session online self led course exploring how to avoid or recover from burnout Go on a journey today to explore how to live and work in healthy and holistic way, grounded in the wisdom of our Christian faith. We hope the course will provide challenge and inspiration to help you flourish, particularly in …

Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow!

More information  An inspirational time of worship, prayer and vision. 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 connecting with your presbytery to discover together new ways we can encourage and support you. Neil Glover, Convener of the …

The School of Divinity at Edinburgh University is starting a new cohort of ministers from Scotland and the USA on their Doctor of Ministry programme from June 2025, and applications are now invited.

The School of Divinity at Edinburgh University is starting a new cohort of ministers from Scotland and the USA on their Doctor of Ministry programme from June 2025, and applications are now invited. Further information and the application form are to be found here: Read more here 

The Church of Scotland Learning Team are delighted to announce that our newest set of modules are now live

We’re delighted to announce that our newest set of modules are now live on Church of Scotland Learning. Could It Be You?  Exploring a Call to Ministry in the Church of Scotland. Knowing the Kirk: Understanding how the Church of Scotland is structured and operates as a denomination. Moderating a Kirk Session: Equipping individuals to moderate …

The Impossible Job Description – Part two

Rev Andrew Gardner  Dunblane St Blane’s w Lecropt Ministry is a tough vocation and as your ministry develops you will find seasons of joy and times of challenge. It is true that the work is never done. When I was training for the ministry, a fellow student told me that my ministry would be what …

Healing in the face of hate

“The last few weeks have felt like being in Covid lockdown all over again.” These words were spoken by a person seeking asylum living in Glasgow, describing what the last few weeks have felt like. She came to the UK seeking sanctuary, hoping to build a life free from persecution and violence. But now she …

Joy

“I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart,  down in my heart” –  a song I used to sing at Sunday School or Seaside Misson. Back then, I experienced a childlike joy, living in the moment and freely enjoying life through play,  music, and song. This childlike joy, however, is a challenge …

God is here and is constantly showing up

Since starting in Fife Presbytery a year ago, I have watched and waited patiently. I have walked alongside churches going through change and transition. It is not an easy place to be, and adding outreach into the mix can be stressful. However, God has shown up and given people strength, wisdom, and ideas so that …