Pastor's Letter February 2012

Dear Friends

A few weeks ago we baptised four ladies in the training pool at the newly re-opened Carnegie Leisure Centre. As I stood in the middle of the pool I had the privilege of looking round and seeing not only the four who were being baptised and the many family and friends who had come along to see the baptisms, but also so many from our community who were in the Centre that day enjoying themselves, having family time, bringing kids to lessons etc. I reckon that lunchtime on a Sunday must be one of the busiest times for the Centre and there were many there looking on with curiosity, probably wondering what on earth these people were doing.

It felt a little like we were in a goldfish bowl, and I got this tremendous sense as I stood in the pool that this is exactly where God wants us to be: right in the middle of the people to whom God has called us to be a witness, to testify to the grace and power of God and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. I spoke a couple of weeks ago about being salt to those around about us and how salt has to be rubbed into the meat or fish in order to preserve it. It takes close contact to be effective and in order for us to be an effective witness we need to be “rubbed in” to our community. We need to be right there in the middle of community life.

I read in the book of Acts this morning that “more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number” (Acts 5:14). This happened because the church was living in closing relationship with God and with each other and was boldly proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

I am tremendously excited at the moment to see how many doors are opening for the churches in Dunfermline to connect with those around us. I have never known a time when the churches of Dunfermline have been so united in wanting to be salt and light in our community, or enjoyed so much favour in the community. I want to restate what I said last month: it is time for harvest, time to see people saved and our churches filled with new life. It is a very exciting and challenging time and I don’t want any of us to miss it.

Love and Blessings


Jon