Dear Friends

I can hardly believe that it is five months since my induction.  Congregational life is so very busy at Oakshaw Trinity that time seems to always be in short supply.  It is however gratifying that our congregation works hard to ensure that God's Kingdom is moving forward in our corner of the vineyard.

Whilst we are busy it is also important that we take time to evaluate and reflect on what we are doing to present the gospel of Christ in our church and parish.  Recently, during morning prayers in the chapel a the coffee shop I shared with the volunteers and staff my memories of congregational trips to Iona.  One of the highlights of the week is the pilgrimage round the island.  During the day the pilgrims stop at the Hermit's Cell.  This is a circle of stones where it is thought that monks, or even Columba himself, may have come to have a time of silent prayer and communication with God.  Nowadays, the pilgrims sit round the inside of the circle in complete silence for about fifteen minutes.  It is a time for personal thoughts and prayers before the party gradually moves off to the next part of the pilgrimage.

From a personal standpoint it is essential that we make provision in our busy lives to commune with God to share our innermost feelings.  However, it is also important that we, as a congregation, also take time to stop and consider our whole approach and life as a fellowship of God's folk.  To this end we have been forming a new constitution for the congregation along with a revision of our committee structure.  A congregational strategy for the next 5 to 10 years is also being thoroughly discussed and will be the subject of a kirk session conference to take place on Sunday 11th March.  All this will be done with the earnest prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide our discussions and then our actions.

Oakshaw Trinity is a vibrant and busy church.  Through our worship, organisations, coffee shop, hall lets, and the Wynd Centre we reach hundreds of people every week.  May we continue to show and experience the love of Christ in all these places to the glory and advancement of God's kingdom.

May God bless you all.

Your minister and friend.

Hutton Steel