27th June 2021: letter from the Locum Minister Rev Marion Paton

Dear Friends,
When I lived in Dundee, my study window gave me a wonderful panoramic view over the city to the River Tay. I could see the boats going up and down the river, and away in the distance Newport and Wormit. With my binoculars I could even see my friend’s house and watch people going in and out of the shop! Not that I was nosey enough to do that, but I could have done so if I had wished. Sadly, from my study window now, I can only see across the road and there is usually not very much going on. I really miss the interest of the view.
All of this made me think about what we see, and what we don’t see, what we concern ourselves with, and what we don’t notice. During the past months for most of us, thoughts have been taken up with the rules and regulations concerning Covid, whether we are doing right or wrong, and whether and when it will all end. Now, all things being equal, we are told we can look forward to being set free to get back to normal on August 9th. Hooray! But free to do what? To return to the old ways, or to embrace new adventures? So, what is our vision for the freedom we are promised?
As the church in Boarhills and Dunino and Holy Trinity, we have worked hard to keep our fellowship together, to show we care, and to share the gospel message during the difficult times we have all endured. And we are now delighted to be able to return carefully to the things that we love about our worship and our Christian fellowship. But is that all we are going to do? During the pandemic we have learned a huge amount about the use of technology in winning people for Christ, and we must continue to develop and use that knowledge in our witness for Christ. But we also need to expand our vision as far as physical worship and service is concerned. Yes, quite rightly we want to get back to the ways of worship that we love. But let us also expand our vision, for there is so much more we could be offering in the service of Christ.
Can you simply see across the road, or can you see the panoramic view? And which is right for the future of our church, and which would you prefer?
With love and blessings
Marion