Three Funerals and a Wedding!

It's been a busy first week in my new Placement.
That's my poor excuse for neglecting you all this week.

At the start of Monday we had a plan for my introduction to life in PKW&A but as the day progressed the plan gradually got pushed to the side as the needs of the bereaved families and communities pressed in on us.

It wasn't only the families, but a large number of the people who live in and around Winchburgh were suffering the loss of their friend David. He had fought cancer bravely and with determination but unsuccessfully. But he lived life to the full right to the end, marrying his fiancée only a few days before he died.

The church was packed, with people standing not only lining the walls, but filling the centre aisle too. It was an awesome tribute to a young man who had clearly touched the lives of so many people in the community.

Isobel's funeral earlier in the day was a smaller affair, but no less touching. Although she had only lived in Winchburgh for the past 10 years, many people came to bid her farewell. Even one of her former neighbours in South Queensferry came, despite the difficulties for her of that journey. Isobel's sudden death spared her the pain and suffering of illness and old age, but has made the parting more difficult for her family and friends.

And lastly, on Friday it was time to say farewell to Effie. She had lived in Abercorn parish for more than 50 years, hailing originally from Galashiels. Approaching 100 years of age, there were not many at the crematorium, but those who knew and loved her clearly mourned her passing. She had been a founder member of Abercorn Guild many years ago and had retained an active interest in the life of the church even in her last days. Her faithful service at Hopetoun House was marked by several of her former colleagues and the estate factor.

The wedding service on Friday afternoon was a welcome contrast to those of earlier in the week. There were babies, and frocks and kilts, and much giggles and laughter, as the happy couple pledged their troth and began their married life together with their friends and families. It was indeed a joy to be part of the service of blessing and commitment within which they were wed. I was surprised to discover that we sang one of the hymns we had sung earlier.

Love divine, all loves excelling. Yes indeed, God does love his people, in the celebrations of marriage, as well as in the sadnesses of parting. As Paul puts it, in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians,

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds
through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that
just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (TNIV, 2 Cor. 1:3-7).

And I have yet to mention the meeting of West Lothian Presbytery on Tuesday. It was a Communion service during which the new Moderator of Presbytery was elected. Since Peter is an elder at Winchburgh that's where we met. It was a wonderful beginning to my Placement and I was surprised and pleased to be formally welcomed into the Presbytery.

So all in all it has been a busy but satisfying first week. Only another 64 weeks to go!