From the Locum Minister - Shirley Fraser

Thank you for your welcome to me as your part-time Locum while you wait for your new minister!   As you know, I am not new to this role, but I find that every congregation and parish is different and presents me with exciting opportunities and challenges.   Already I have been impressed by your commitment to an expository Bible ministry and to praying together in the “vacancy”.

One statistic which has surprised me is that only 14% of the membership lives in the parish and I wonder why.

These summer months will present us with special opportunities to shine the light of Christ in the parish.  There will be the Holiday Club and the special services connected to it.  We will be praying that whole families may want to remain a part of the life of the congregation and come “further in”.   We pray for every member’s home in the parish may be a “lighthouse”, shining out the glory of the Lord Jesus.   People also watch what goes on around the church, and the well kept grounds and building are a fine witness.  However, much more important is our demeanour as we come and go.  In Acts 4:33 we read that “much grace was with them all”:  something clearly visible to onlookers in the distinctive and attractive lifestyle of God’s people.

As I look forward to finding out about your varied life in St Catherine’s-Argyle I pray that God may use me even in some small way to share with you in the task of bringing the Good News of our Saviour to the parish.   When I park my car in the manse driveway, I am committing myself to “prayer walk” on the street up to the church and anywhere else where I may be visiting.  Is that a spiritual exercise (in two senses of the word) familiar to some of you?   Why not join me?   Pray for the occupants of each home; of any of the institutions such as the Sick Children’s Hospital, and the annexe of Napier University, asking God to give specific insights into their needs. The apostle Paul found himself marking time in Athens, and as he walked around ”he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols”.   He did not stand back, however, but instead he engaged with its citizens, “preaching the Good News about Jesus and the resurrection”.  Would we be ready to share Him with those whom we meet on the street or in the shops?

Because of the deadline for copy for this summer edition of One Voice I am writing this just two days after Pentecost Sunday. What a wonderful Gift the Lord has given to His people to enable us to point people to Him!

Yours in the fellowship of the glorious Gospel,

Shirley