printed 18 Might 2024
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A person who was anticipated to observe within the footsteps of members of the family and change into a bricklayer has been chosen as the subsequent Moderator of the Church of Scotland’s Common Meeting.
The Rt Rev Dr Shaw James Patterson will preside over the annual gathering in Edinburgh then act because the Kirk’s ambassador at residence and overseas for the subsequent 12 months.
He stated it was a “large honor” to be chosen and felt “very humbled” to signify the church on this function.
Dr. Patterson seems to be ahead to assembly and inspiring these concerned in church work on the native, nationwide and worldwide ranges in occasions of unprecedented problem and alternative.
The outgoing moderator, the Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton handed him the official ring and chain of workplace.
Dr Patterson is taking a depart of absence from his function as parish minister of Strathaven Trinity Parish Church in South Lanarkshire, a job he has held for 33 years.
Addressing the commissioners, he stated: “I’m humbled that you’ve chosen me as your moderator.
“It’s a large honor and I promise to serve you to the very best of my skill.”
Dr. Patterson stated he has served the church in numerous capacities over time.
“I’ve negotiated a four-way union and there are extra modifications for me regionally – so neither I nor my parish are exempt from parish planning,” he added.
“I’m very conscious of how we should construct collectively, which is the theme of my yr.
“And whereas each scenario is kind of totally different, I do know one thing of what congregations the size and breadth of the nation are going through”.
present
Dr Patterson stated he appreciated that he needed to stay impartial as moderator however promised to take heed to folks.
“I will be there and I am going to take care,” he added.
“I additionally provide the Church the items and skills which have sustained me in ministry to this point – and for that I thank my congregation for instructing me the ropes, and for being affected person, forgiving my errors, for placing up with my foolish jokes, and for my Wind up.
“And, in fact, I would not be who I’m with out my household, I owe them all the things.
“They have been via rather a lot over time they usually’re those who decide me up once I want encouragement and preserve my toes firmly on the bottom.
“To them, I say – the respect is mine, thanks.”
conversion
Dr. Patterson requested the commissioners to maintain him and the church of their prayers.
Ms Foster-Fulton stated: “As you tackle this function, Moderator, you select the instruments and abilities that God has gifted you with and put them to work on this particular place with us; collectively we create.
“Bear in mind who you’re – you’re Christ’s beloved, you’re a distinctive, never-to-be-repeated creation of God – like everybody else in our shared world neighborhood.
“You’re a part of a physique alive on this earth, referred to as to remodel via embodied love.
“You’ve gotten been chosen to information us, to encourage us, to be absolutely your self.
“Thanks for answering this name.”
Dr Patterson grew up in Holytown, North Lanarkshire and was anticipated to change into a bricklayer like different members of the family earlier than him, however took a distinct path and accomplished 4 levels, together with a doctorate, at Glasgow College.
proud boy
The daddy of three was informed by academics that there was no level in him persevering with his research, however was inspired to take action at residence.
When he was named moderator final autumn he stated: “My father acknowledged one thing in me and I went to Glasgow College to check biology.
“He nudged me gently and encouragingly.
“That second once they shout on the moderator – will probably be for my father.”
Whereas at Glasgow College, Dr Patterson supported himself by working numerous jobs, together with as a tailor.
He married Christine on the College of Glasgow Memorial Chapel after which started finding out for a level in divinity.
“They discuss a calling—it is within the sense that God is chipping away,” he recalled.
“I did not need to be a minister and I felt a bit like Jonah – I assumed go away, I need to have a profession in science.
“Lastly I had a stressed evening and I considered Isaiah 6: ‘Whom shall I ship…ship me’.
“I mainly wakened and stated ‘OK God you’ve got received, ship me I am going to do it’.
“After the choice was made, I knew it was the proper one.”
Constructing Collectively
Reflecting on greater than 30 years in a single parish, together with 10 years as presbytery clerk, Dr Patterson stated he “thrived” in pastoral work, though there have been some very tough moments.
“I really like connecting with folks, listening to their tales and reminding them that I care, the Church cares, God cares,” she added.
Dr Patterson stated the church has a powerful basis in Christ.
Referring to the implications of the Presbytery’s mission plan, he added: “We’ve got to construct collectively and we have now to return collectively – we have now to appreciate that just about everyone seems to be dropping one thing.
“We’ve got to attempt to overcome the sensation of animosity.
“We’re one Church collectively and we should transfer ahead collectively to construct on the muse of all our ancestors.”
