The vision of the Church of Scotland is to be a church which seeks to inspire the people of Scotland and beyond with the Good News of Jesus Christ through enthusiastic worshipping, witnessing and serving communities. The Church of Scotland believes that if the above vision is to become a reality, every congregation needs to reflect prayerfully on its life in the light of the Gospel, and begin on a journey to ensure that every neighbourhood and network in Scotland has access to the Gospel of the grace of God and then responds to the call of Jesus Christ.  

          When the 2006 General Assembly affirmed the above vision for the Church of Scotland, it also declared that the purpose of the church is “to glorify God”. Sadly, some churches, once established can become preoccupied with their own internal affairs; caught up in the ‘busyness’ – even ‘clubiness’ of it all, overlooking the real business of the Church. So, what is the real business of the church if it isn’t glorifying God through missions, (witness, and evangelism)? See Acts 1:8. 

          One commentator wrote: ‘Some people say that missions outreach is only one of several equally important functions of the church. They describe the church as a four-legged stool, with the four legs being worship, fellowship, teaching, and missions outreach. But this is an inadequate representation of the church of Christ. The missions outreach is the light that should be sitting on top of the stool! A stool only needs three legs ­– worship, fellowship, and teaching are not ends in themselves; they are means to an end. They are the means of supporting the stool – of supporting the missions outreach of the church.” He continues; “…the spiritual health of any church is best measured not by the number of Christians it attracts, but rather by the number of witnesses it sends out.” 

          In 2008, the General Assembly welcomed the publication of Future Focus: a way forward for congregations and commended it to congregations to use as a resource. Simply put, Future Focus is a “toolbox” of ideas intended to help congregations understand their situation better, to read the signs of the times, and to answer the call of God to be all that God wants us to be in these challenging times. In response, the Mission & Discipleship Task Group was formed at St. Mary’s.  

          Future Focus and our forthcoming Timeline events offer new opportunities to face these challenging times together. By supporting our Timeline appeal for your ‘Stories’n’Stuff’, you will not only prevent our Timeline from becoming a futile, sterile exercise, but transform it something meaningful, appealing and personal. Furthermore, by lending your artefacts for the static displays during our four evening events, you’ll ensure the evenings are pleasurable and entertaining.  

          Please, if you’ve not already done so, respond positively to your invitations for ‘Stories’n’Stuff’ and to our evening events. Remember, you’re invited to all four evenings and hospitality will be provided.

7.30pm – 9.30pm Friday, 13^th May – Themed Timeline event for the period 1930 – 1940

7.30pm – 9.30pm Friday, 20^th May – Themed Timeline event for the period 1950 – 1960

7.30pm – 9.30pm Friday, 27^th May – Themed Timeline event for the period 1970 – 1980

7.30pm – 9.30pm Friday, 3^rd   June – Themed Timeline event for the period 1990 – 2010