Minister retiring
After seven years as minister at Killearn Kirk, Rev. Lee Messeder is retiring.
His final service will be on Sunday, August 27 after which there will be a family lunch in the kirk halls.
There the congregation will have the opportunity to say their farewells to Mr Messeder and his wife Evelyn.
A spokesperson for the church paid tribute to the outgoing minister – describing him as someone who introduced new initiatives to the church, not just for members but for all.
The spokesperson said: “When Lee Messeder became the minister some seven years ago, a new chapter in his life and that of the kirk promised great things.
“His wish was to show an expression of the love and presence of God, an essential to the life, growth and witness of any community. This he did by presenting the Gospel message in a bold, contemporary style.
“New initiatives, not just for church members, but open to others, were introduced such as a book club, prayer breakfasts and the recruitment of a family worker.
“Particular emphasis was placed on pastoral care in his ministry.
“Young couples setting out on life together were encouraged to be married in church, as were those parents who wanted their children to be baptised.
“Each and every one was made welcome and made to feel included.
“His pastoral work extended to times of sadness where, drawing on his experiences in earlier life in hospice chaplaincy, he has been able to bring God’s comfort to those in their latter days as well as hope to those left behind.
“His addresses at funerals were memorable, drawing closely on research into family backgrounds.”
The spokesperson added: “Regrettably his own serious health problems saw several extended periods of absence from his work for the church and the community and although now restored to better health he has, with great reluctance, decided that the strain of a busy parish ministry cannot be sustained the way he would wish.”
“We wish them much happiness in their new home but our greatest wish is that he will find a way to continue his Christian journey in seeking to understand God and how this is reflected in his day-today life.”