’Symbols of inclusion and hope’

From The Editor

In some years (but not this one), it marks the start

PRAYER

More ready to absorb and transform evil than to pass

LETTERS

Many thanks for your thoughtful articles on Holy Communion

The Big Question

This month’s question is: ‘What is your church doing to be accessible to as many people as possible?’

’The meaning is the waiting’

As Advent approaches, Ron Ferguson considers the businesses that exploit the spirit of the Christian season.

A messenger and bridge

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning urges readers to be more like Andrew in the month in which the disciple of Jesus is celebrated as the patron saint of Scotland.

Creating a tipping point

The Very Rev Albert Bogle encourages readers to join the ‘Sleep in the Park’ in Edinburgh in December.

’Okay God, you win’

Thomas Baldwin considers the new Hollywood film, The Case for Christ, based on a book of the same name, charting one man’s journey from atheism to faith.

Time for change

The Very Rev Dr John Chalmers urges congregations to resist a natural presbyterian urge to disagree in forging a new path for the future.

’It’s here. In our towns, our cities and in our communities’

Jackie Macadam meets Dr Pam Cairns and learns the shocking truth about human traicking.

When I needed a neighbour…

Maureen Jack highlights the response of churches in Lebanon to the Syrian refugee crisis.

The Big Picture

Digital photographs only should be sent to magazine@lifeandwork.org

’A vigorous sense of community’

John R Hume reflects on the history of the presbyterian churches of Uddingston in Lanarkshire.

Culross at 800

Lynne McNeil reports on 800th anniversary celebrations at Culross Abbey in Fife.

Congregations urged to take part in the world’s biggest sleepout

A challenge to congregations to experience rough sleeping for themselves.

Moderator says Guild should teach about love

Lynne McNeil reports from the Guild’s annual gathering, which took place in Dundee in September.

£1.5m Church and Community Centre opens in Perthshire

Thomas Baldwin reports on a long-term fundraising project initiated by a rural congregation.

A diferent kind of freedom

The Rev Richard Baxter reflects on captivity and freedom as he considers people on the move.

REVIEWS

The Future of the Church of Scotland Written by: Doug

REGISTERS

Rev Andrew Kerr, formerly of Kilbarchan West, on July

CRO SSWO RD

9 ‘For God __ ___ ___ ___ that He gave His 26 across’

Songs that stir the emotions

The Rev Lezley Stewart reflects on the power of music to move the soul.