Bulletins

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 …

Discover an inspiring journey of change and growth as we hear from a minister who navigated various pivotal life moments while serving in ministry

  I began the journey into ministry single, met my husband along the way, began probation, newly married, embarked on full-time ministry with a one-year-old,  and then had another baby (the first newborn of the manse). The most important milestones in my life have happened in ministry, and as such, I have gained various perspectives …

Why Spiritual Accompaniment?

Twenty-one years as a parish minister, and I’d probably not stopped “doing” for most of that time. I was exhausted. A colleague suggested I go on a silent retreat. As an extrovert who loves community and conversation, the thought of one horrified me. However, something had to change. I meet with a spiritual director for …

Disability Awareness Sunday is Sunday 22nd September

Disability Awareness Week launches on Sunday 15 September Don’t miss Revd Helen Cameron, President of the Methodist Conference, Moderator of the Free Churches Group, and President of Churches Together in England, preaching to launch Disability Awareness Week: 15-22 Sept ’24, calling for justice, equality and access.   Watch the Disability Awareness Week launch service, available …

Bethany’s Befriending Service – Passing the Baton Training

You are invited to join Bethany Christian Trust’s ‘Passing the Baton’ befriending training to equip you to build meaningful connections with people who have previously been homeless or who are at risk of homelessness in Edinburgh. This free training event is open to Church members who want to befriend people back into their community by …

Eco Congregation share their free resources for the Season of Creation

Eco Congregation share their free resources for the Season of Creation (Users are encouraged to adapt them to local circumstances) Included are notes on every lectionary passage for the six Sundays that the Season covers this year. Suitable for: worship leaders, small groups, ands churches looking for an interesting and challenging resource for the sermon …

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

The Impossible Job Description

  Ministry is a role that comes with immense pressure and often unrealistically high expectations. In a survey by the New York Times, it was revealed that 45% of pastors have experienced depression, 57% express a desire to leave Ministry, 75% report severe stress, and 33% feel that Ministry is a hazard to their families. …

Place for Hope

Are you leading a major change and finding tensions rising in your congregation? Are you dreading a meeting you need to lead or participate in that will discuss a divisive issue? Can’t sleep because you find someone you work with particularly challenging? Place for Hope is here to provide the support and guidance you need, …

Unveiling Hope after Struggle

Explore a powerful story of grappling with sex addiction and finding redemption, demonstrating that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel for those facing similar challenges. Join in this journey of healing, understanding, and ultimate transformation, embracing the fruit of self-control as a guiding force amidst the struggle.   I’m a …

Mission Directors: Part 1 – Rev Ken Brown

My father was not a toolmaker. He was a bridge builder – spending most of his working life in one of the many back offices of Sir William Arrol & Co.  History buffs will know that the second Tay Bridge, the original and the second Forth Bridges, along with Edinburgh’s North Bridge, are all “Arrol …

Me and ADHD by Gayle Miller

My name is Gayle, and I am a 53-year-old Candidate in training for the Ministry of Full-Time Word and Sacrament. I have been a nurse for 34 years and initially felt my Calling to Ministry in December 2013. Life has been interesting in the intervening years, none so much as when I was diagnosed with …

Reaching out

A reflection from conversations with people in ministry, who have contacted the central pastoral support team, is a regret they did not access support provisions earlier. A common question we are asked by providers of support is “how do we encourage people who need support to access it?” There are lots of opportunities for support …