1st January, 2021

A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped … But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” St. Mark 4 vv 35-41

Dear Friends,

Moderators Mrs Jacqueline Thomson DCS of Kirkcaldy Presbytery, Rev David Redmayne of Dunfermline Presbytery and Rev Allan McCafferty of St Andrews Presbytery together with Rev Jane Barron — Moderator Elect of Fife Presbytery — wish you a Happy New Year, and send season’s greetings to all members of the new Fife Presbytery family.

1st January 2021 marks the creation of Fife Presbytery, and our first meeting is on Saturday, 6th February from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On behalf of Presbytery may we wish you well, and say we are very much looking forward to welcoming many new faces on that day.

Despite the Covid restrictions and the need to meet online, a great deal is planned for our first meeting. The morning session will be opened by Jacqueline, David and Allan with worship, followed by, with Presbytery’s agreement the installation of the new Moderator. Until and including lunchtime a varied series of online events is being planned to help us all orientate and get to know one another better. The Business meeting will commence from 2p.m.

We are deeply grateful to the Transition Group for their work, which together with a number of sub committees have all been working towards this moment. Indeed the Transition Group continues to have powers to operate as Presbytery, ensuring processes are established and running up until 6th February, when we pray the handover will be smooth. When we meet as Fife Presbytery on 6th February our new structure and our new team will be introduced.

Our Presbytery Clerk will be Rev. Dr. David Coulter who is taking up post from mid April, and our Mission Director Mr. Neil Campbell in February. Meanwhile for Presbytery’s approval, the Business Convenor Rev Brian Porteous, Board of Management Convenor Rev Gillian Paterson and our Board of Mission Convenor Rev Andrew Morrice will be looking forward to their appointments being agreed, and their new committee members approved.

Fife Presbytery is only the third amalgamated Presbytery since the General Assembly 2019 approved the Special Commission on Structural Reform. As such our membership is larger than we are used to, reaching across the map of Fife, and enabling us to evolve ever more friendly, open, inclusive and creative ways of following in Jesus’ footsteps.

It might sound trite to say, together we are stronger but in great part this is why we are where we are. Our Church is responding to seismic internal shifts and challenges. More importantly the call of Christ to bring his mission for peace and justice more vividly, creatively and kindly into our parishes and beyond is, we suggest deafening. We bring you the story of Jesus being with disciples in stormy times to reinforce courage, vision and even daring in His name.

More information from the Presbytery will be forthcoming. May we begin this New Year by sending a blessing upon you and your ministry. We pray the power of the Holy Spirit is readily sought and received, which in turn will surely loose innumerable gifts (so many still be discerned). May sisters and brothers throughout congregations and communities within our new bounds - and beyond - sense a morphing Spirit which wildly and kindly excites renewed mission in Christ’s name.

Mrs Jacqueline Thomson DCS | Rev David Redmayne | Rev Allan McCafferty | Rev Jane Barron

Creating God,
You made everything, you are making everything.
Every thing which breathes is a work in progress.
We are a work in progress.

Newly Born Christ,
A storm whips up and disturbs the comfortable sea.
We are afraid.
You are surprised.

Risky Wild Spirit,
Your energy fired a Genesis beam and lit the universe.
You are miracle.
Blaze the same in us, we pray. Amen.