We went into church this evening in Auchterarder for Andrew’s Institution as the new Rector. Clear bright light over Glen Eagles and the Ochil Hills – slight touch of colour in the trees for the beginning of Autumn – perfection. I brought a sermon and definitely preached this one. The Vestry and congregation have done well in the 10 month vacancy but they’re glad to see new leadership arriving. The settling in period is always a bit strange as people take the measure of one another – I remember greeting the first time somebody told me what they thought in clear and simple language. I regarded it as my arrival point.
As I welcomed Andrew to Scotland in my Irish accent, I did ponder the fact that this church does not seem to be producing all the clergy it needs. Small churches need people coming from outside but there’s a balance in these things.