Whoosh…...Another December

Posted Wednesday 28 December 2011

St Andrew’s Eve found us processing into St Andrew’s Fortrose for a wonderful High Mass for our Patron Saint.  The church filled with incense and music and the evening wound up with a few drinks and snacks at the rectory, hosted by Canon Mel. We had celebrated the eve of the festival because on the 30th I was back on the train for another preparatory meeting in Edinburgh, the slow and at times painful processes of Canon 4 is grinding its way forward.

Worlds Aid Day started with me preparing to speak a few words at the service in the Cathedral that evening.  I was just about to begin a funeral service when the phone rang, “help”, the officiant for the evening service was ill, could you….So back to Inverness and a very powerful and emotional service, readings, memories and lovely music- thank you to the choir from the Old High and St Stephen’s Church of Scotland, and the beautiful guitar playing and singing by a local lass.

On Sunday we set off for St Marnan’s, Aberchirder, and we just kept on driving, the snow had arrived unexpectedly in the night and the roads were dreadful.  We arrived at St Marnan’s in time to give a short address and the final blessing, thank you Norma for stepping in at the last minute. We then headed slowly to Huntly and I was in time to celebrate and preach, we then held a vestry meeting to discuss some difficult issues before heading home and a nice fire to toast my toes at.

The following week started quietly and I had time to think about the fast approaching Christmas festival. On Wednesday the Cathedral Chapter met to discuss a number of issues affecting the diocese, it is always good to share problems and concern with the senior clergy and the registrar. Friday was supposed to be another Edinburgh day, but the weather intervened and I was forced to sit at home, with my feet up, drinking freshly ground coffee while I spoke to the other people at the meeting. It was a meeting to discuss a way forward in the sharing of ministry in remote areas- watch this space for further updates.

Saturday was Beth’s eighteenth birthday, it seems impossible that eighteen years have passed since she first lay in my arms in the hospital. That beautiful baby has now transformed into a beautiful, funny and caring young woman who is a pleasure to spend time with, and she wanted nothing more on her birthday than a meal out in Inverness with her family, it was great.

The Sunday services were in Lairg and Dornoch, 8.15am at Lairg parish Church means a 6.50am departure from home, especially in the winter. We crawled across the Struie Road, following a very very wobbly motorbike but we did arrive in time to have time to prepare. We had a picnic breakfast at the Mound between Dornoch and Golspie before driving to St Finbarr’s, Dornoch for the morning service followed by the AGM of the Congregation. Then it was back to Arpafeelie to pack my case and catch the train to Edinburgh for the next two nights as the final phase of the Preparatory Committee was reached, this week we were to Interview prospective candidates, it was going to be a long and difficult process, it always is.

Monday was spent in the Edinburgh Diocesan office as we interviewed and discussed the people we had seen, the day’s work ended in time for Canon Alison and myself to join the Primus for dinner, before a night cap in the Haymarket Bar. Tuesday was much the same and we eventually finished in time for us to catch the 4.30pm train home, tired and thoughtful.

The Diocesan Administration Board met on Wednesday, but I excused myself from this stimulating meeting so that I could attend the Nativity play at Bishop Eden’s Primary School. All the usual cast members, angels, shepherds, kings with crowns slipping over their ears and teachers prompting furiously from the corridor, I loved it. On the way back to get my car I was stopped twice by people wanting help, one with an immediate request and the other seeking advice about who could help her find the resources to give her children a proper Christmas, I hopefully responded pastorally to both and I pray that those children enjoyed a joyful Christmas.

By Friday night the usual fine line between Advent and Christmas was being crossed regularly, I believe it is difficult for the church to get too conscientious about Advent without us also becoming exceedingly pompous about it also.  We can only talk about the importance of the period of preparation if we are where the people are, and by the middle of December most are at parties so please remember for next year, please invite me to a party! Jane of course was off to her staff party this Friday evening; I stayed in and watched the television!!

On Saturday we had a buffet lunch at Bishop’s House for the licensed clergy and their partners, somehow Jane had managed to find time between unexpectedly working full time and staff parties to prepare a wonderful lunch. I think a good time was had by all. Sunday morning began with the drive to Tain, and once again the snow had fallen in the night, the church was very cold as the heating was playing up, but the congregation made up for it by the warmth of their welcome. The service was followed by their AGM, I am becoming very used to chairing all these congregational meetings, only one more to go this season, I hope. The day ended with a wonderful Carol Service at the Cathedral.  Christmas is coming.