printed 17 December 2024
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The Moderator of the Basic Meeting took half within the celebrations to mark the a hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Glasgow Church.
The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Patterson mentioned he was “delighted” to be a part of the congregation of Dennistoun New Parish Church because it marked a major milestone within the continued Christian presence within the area.
Many individuals, together with native dignitaries and previous ministers, attended Sunday’s service, a celebration of a spot the place God’s folks have faithfully witnessed to their religion.
The congregation famous that the world has modified dramatically since 1874 – it appears extra chaotic, wants and expectations are totally different however “Jesus Christ is identical yesterday, and as we speak and tomorrow”.
It was painful to say that the Church shouldn’t be a constructing however a motion of people that observe Christ, share and take care of each other, and make God’s love identified via phrase and deed.
Dennistoun New Parish Church was shaped in 2007 following a union between Dennistoun Blackfriars Church and Dennistoun Central Church.
The constructing in Armadale Road was formally known as Dennistoun Central Church and the halls have been properly utilized by varied teams together with Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Rainbows, self-defence courses, a keep-fit class, Gamblers Nameless, Sunday College and extra. Bible Membership.
It hosts music concert events and makes use of drama teams and two impartial congregations
The church runs an “Integrity Cafe” that gives a lifeline service to folks affected by dwelling crises who pay much less or as a lot as they will afford.
Run by volunteers, the New Den Cafe is open each Thursday from 11am to 2pm and has been acknowledged by the Scottish Parliament as an “glorious asset” to the neighborhood.
Addressing the congregation, Dr Patterson mentioned: “I’m delighted to be with you and produce the greetings of the Basic Meeting of the Church of Scotland.
“This church was opened on 24 November 1874 and the constructing was devoted to the service of Christ and the glory of God.
“We rejoice the existence of a spot the place God’s folks faithfully witness to their religion, for all that point.
“A spot that reminds these dwelling within the parish that God exists.
“Each Sunday we ring bells that decision the parish to worship God and listen to the gospel preached.
“When the bell was first rung in 1874 it was a matter of nice satisfaction.
“A neighborhood the place values and objectives have been shared, prayers have been supplied and hearts have been open to God’s blessings.”
Dr Patterson mentioned the anniversary represented a “stepping stone”, not a milestone.
“That is 150 years of a worshiping and witnessing neighborhood that has served the parish and the broader neighborhood and as we speak, as we acknowledge historical past, we additionally step into the start of the subsequent part of your future.
“In a way you tackle the position of John the Baptist in making ready the neighborhood to obtain Christ of their lives, and we try this with care and love, following the instance of our Savior Jesus Christ.
“My theme for the 12 months is constructing collectively however my focus shouldn’t be on stones or bricks however on us, coming collectively as kids of God to care and love each other.
“You take care of and love folks irrespective of who they’re and the place they’re as a result of they’re all God’s kids.”
The Moderator presents the congregation with a particular ceramic tile bearing the Moderator’s crest and his identify and date of go to.
He defined that he was anticipated to observe in his father’s footsteps and enter the constructing enterprise after leaving faculty.
However he completed college and financed his research by working as a tiler in his spare time.
Dr. Patterson informed the congregation that he wished to be a moderator who took off his jacket and did some “sensible work.”
He revealed that he helped tile a kitchen at Orchardhill Church in Giffnock in July.
The Moderator was introduced with a coach and his spouse Christine with a bouquet of flowers.
Parish minister Rev Ian McInnes mentioned the congregation was delighted Dr Patterson was current on the service and described him as “all the way down to earth”.
“Some folks mentioned that they had by no means been to a church service with a Basic Meeting moderator current and he actually related with them and made them really feel like they have been essential.”
“It was a really uplifting service, an ideal end up and for the congregation to be acknowledged on this manner was significant and essential.
“Whereas buildings have many recollections connected to them and are important as such, an important a part of a church is the folks.
“That was the moderator’s message and it resonated with the congregation and actually inspired them.”
