Minister takes up role at retreat

A Church of Scotland minister has been appointed to provide spiritual leadership at a retreat on the edge of Strathearn described as a“piece of heaven”.

Rev Pauline Steenbergen said she is looking forward to taking up her new chaplaincy role at The Bield Retreat and Conference Centre at Blackruthven later this month.

Established in 1998, the residential facility is located in tranquil and beautiful countryside and is well used by Church members.

Described as a place for rest and relaxation or for prayer, reflection and healing, Bield is an old Scottish word which has several meanings – from shelter to welcome, refuge and strength.

Born in Glasgow, Ms Steenbergen has been a Church of Scotland minister for 26 years.

As well as serving in parishes, she has worked as presbytery trainer, a co-presenter of the BBC General Assembly programme, a worship leader at Church Without Walls events and a hospice chaplain for adults and children in Carlisle, north England.

Ms Steenbergen said:“The Bield is a much loved ecumenical space for rest, renewal and healing.

Ms Steenbergen, who has also worked in the Church offices in Edinburgh, said she has been offering spiritual direction and retreats online and in-person for the last nine years. She is a supporting member of The World Community of Christian Meditation.

Ms Steenbergen, who is taking up her new role on May 24, is married to Rev Steve Carter, a recently retired Anglican vicar.

Prior to rural ministry in North Cumbria in England, he served as a mission partner with the South American Mission Society in Peru and Uruguay for 15 years.

The couple, who have four children and four grandchildren between them, will soon be moving to Blackruthven.