I have been asked to share the Church of Scotland tribute to Pope Francis
In response to news from the Vatican that His Holiness Pope Francis has died, the Moderator has made the following statement:
May I express my condolences to the Catholic Church in Scotland following the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We recall with gratitude the hospitality extended by His Holiness to representatives of the Church of Scotland and also the occasion of the Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace made by Pope Francis to South Sudan in the company of the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2023. In recalling his contribution to Christian witness, we hear renewed the call made by His Holiness in Laudato si’ to care for the earth as our common home, and in Fratelli tutti to discover the presence of Christ in each human being. We join with all Christian people in the prayer of Pope Francis:
Grant that we Christians may live the Gospel,
discovering Christ in each human being,
recognizing him crucified
in the sufferings of the abandoned
and forgotten of our world,
and risen in each brother or sister
who makes a new start.
Amen.
May the blessed memory of Francis continue to serve as an example to the faithful people of God in our shared pilgrimage and in our common task of caring for God’s creation. May he rest in peace.
Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Just a reminder of events coming up in the next few weeks.
Memorable Melodies
Friday, 25th April, at 2pm we have the next session of Memorable Melodies. Please join us. All are welcome to enjoy Sounds of the Sixties.
Community Choir Tea and Cake Concert
Saturday 26 April at 2.30pm. Please come along to the Community Choir Tea and Cake concert. The doors at the church here at Stephen’s will be open at 2pm – please do not expect to get in prior to that, we are rehearsing until then!
We are looking for donations of £12 per adult, children are free! The proceeds will go to The Men’s Shed.
Please tell your friends!
Christian Aid Coffee Morning
Saturday 10 May. The annual Christian Aid Coffee and Cake Morning will takes place at St Stephen’s.
As usual we hope to have our ever popular Plant stall and we will be looking for donations of plants to sell. If you are working in your garden please pot up some cuttings and plants ready for the Sale. We will welcome all contributions.