Emmanuel-God is with us

As the UK pauses for Christmas celebrations, Jackie Macadam and Thomas Baldwin learn more about celebrations in the midst of conflict or danger.

Prayer

From within the ancient longing May we hear

The Big Picture

Lake Ontario, Canada, Bill Stevenson Autumn, Allan H

Welcome

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War Memorials

Thank you for your thoughtful editorial on War

Orkney Thanks

The elders and congregation at Kirkside, Hoy and

Letter from the Holy Land

The Rev Dr Stewart Gillan emphasises the need to keep the light shining ‘piercing the darkness together’.

Our presbyteries

Thomas Baldwin finds a team ready to ‘make a difference’ in the Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale.

‘The Christ story matters’

Lynne McNeil learns why Christingle services have grown in popularity.

‘This is the time to act’

As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1, Carol Finlay highlights the need for vigilance and reflects on work in Malawi.

A ‘trusted friend’

Walter Scott and Anira Phipon Lepcha reflect on the life of a woman missionary and her legacy in the Eastern Indian Himalayas.

‘We are not alone’

Daniel Mvula, a member of the Malawian Men’s Guild reflects on a visit to Scotland with Jackie Macadam.

Pause for a moment

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson encourages readers to stop and look with new eyes at the nativity story.

Sharing the story

The Rev Ruth Kennedy considers how the ‘heartbeat of Christmas’ can be passed on.

‘A new sense of purpose’

The Rev Scott Rennie highlights the importance of partnership and community in creating sustainable church buildings.

Creating sanctuary

The Rev Roddy Hamilton highlights the importance of creating space in December worship.

Making the most of 121

Dave Kendall describes changes which have taken place

‘A gift to the church’

The Very Rev Dr Martin Fair offers a

My church

Connie Anderson, treasurer at Duror Church, North Argyll highlights the new ‘adventure’ of the congregation as it continues to serve local communities.

Anniversary

Lenzie Old Parish Church recently celebrated its 150th

Pet blessing

As part of the Season of Creation, Largo

New members

Kirkliston Parish Church in West Lothian welcomed seven

Honoured for youth work

Alice Waite, an elder at Flemington Hallside Church

Long service

Thirteen elders have been awarded certificates of Long

Alex Salmond tribute

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the

Asylum seeker bus passes welcomed

The Church of Scotland has welcomed a renewed

Great Grandmother’s 100-mile challenge

An 80-year-old Church elder completed a 100-mile walking

Churches provide billions in health support

Churches across the UK provide health related support

Caring Christmas trees

Bethany Christian Trust is again asking tree shoppers

Two Bibles launched each week in 2023-4

Two new translations of either the whole Bible

Colombia ceasefire extension welcomed

An extension of the ceasefire between the Colombian

A new place

The Rev Richard Baxter considers the messages of Luke 1:5 to 2:20 and Matthew 1:18-25 and the example of Gabriel in the nativity story.

REVIEWS

WOUNDED I SING Written by: Richard Harries Published

A transformative gift of grace

The Rev Richard Frazer reflects on the meaning of hospitality.

A handy reference guide to contacts within the Church of Scotland at 121 George Street, CrossReach and presbyteries.

121 George Street contact: 0131 225 5722

Prize Draw

A £15 book token will be awarded to

Quick Crossword December 2024

Cryptic Crossword December 2024

REGISTERS

Ministries Compiled by Faith Action DEATHS Rev David