Thought for the Week

I AM in Edinburgh for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the atmosphere is amazing. There has been debate and discussion, prayer and praise, fun and friendship and so much more.

Sunday in Princes Gardens was a joy. Overlooked by that wonderful view of the castle, crowds mingled in the afternoon sun as the laughter drifted into a clear blue sky.

The stage was set for the Heart and Soul band, and that was when that moment happened.

Gathered by the side of the stage was a group of beautiful young South African children of about seven and eight years old.

Invited to come on stage, they absolutely exploded into life and enchanted us all with their colourful costumes, their rhythm, their singing and their total exuberance for life.

I cannot remember when I last sat in the audience at a bandstand and had such a wonderful time.The church had gone to the people and the people loved it.

The church was vibrant and exciting and touching people where they are.

Presbyteries walked past with their flags fluttering and I felt proud to be part of our national church as she was the centre of a great celebration of life.

The message was loud and clear that the church is not dying. The church is changing.

Back in the Assembly Halls the serious discussions continue and yes, there can be robust disagreement.

It is a week of intense conversations, of vision, of wonder, but also of hope.

It is a week of meeting old friends and meeting new friends. Some may have been absent from our lives for a while and it is a joy to catch up. I wondered if there were some folk in Princes Street Gardens on Sunday who caught up with God again that day. I hope so.