LINKED CHARGES
Largs: St Columba’s linked with FairlieThis linked charge lies on the Clyde coast in the district of North Ayrshire.
St Columba’s Church is on the seafront in Largs, Fairlie Parish Church is on the A78 in the middle of the village, and the manse is on the seafront in Fairlie near to the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Minister Mobile 07853 774 383 |
Letter From the Manse
Dear All, Hasn’t life changed! With the impact of coronavirus across the country, we are now living in a way that is so alien to all of us. No more going out and about as you would like. No more just nipping into the shops for a few messages. No more chatting to friends over coffee or a glass of wine. Yes, life has changed; at least for a while. However, the consequence of these life changes is that neighbours are now looking out for each other in ways that many really didn’t before. The bible tells us ‘to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.’ And here is the town we are blessed with a very active group of volunteers who are doing just that and have agreed to give of their time to help any of us in need. (You may have received an information card through your door.) If you are in need, you can just give the named person a call and that person will help you in whatever way they can. It’s so generous of them; so don’t be afraid to make that call. Looking out for neighbours is something that we all must do and, in time, I’m sure we will have a big party to celebrate the town coming through these times of restriction. Then we will be able to ‘put a face to the name’, as we say. The bible is full of the names of people who went the extra mile to help others; even though we don’t know what they looked like. Of course, you will know the story of Abraham, a man who, though not perfect, obeyed God’s command to lead his people to an unknown Promised Land. And, Jesus, who cared for the children, the outcast, the sick, the awkward, and the unseen encouraged us to help others in His parable of the Good Samaritan; who went out of his way to help someone in need, after others had passed him by. There is a Proverb which tells us; Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. It is good to help others, and all of this goodness is a positive outcome of how we are now living. However, it is equally good just to acknowledge the presence of another person as we go about our new life, after all, you may be the only human contact someone has seen all day. So, if you are still managing to get out for a walk and meet someone along the way, just say hello. You can’t catch coronavirus from smiling and acknowledging someone’s presence. |
Yes, our life has been changed but we have been promised that it will eventually return to normal. I hope that our new ‘normal’ includes us looking after and caring for one another as we are currently doing, because that is a real sign that we have grown together through adversity.
I do hope and pray that, as you read this, you are well and being cared for. As the parish minister I will continue to pray for everyone and, until we see each other again, please stay safe and keep washing your hands for this is, simply, the best way to keep virus free. Yours in Christ. Graham Should anyone be in need of a chat, or have reason to speak with me, you can call me directly on my dedicated mobile number: 07853 774 383. |