Looking Forwards and Backwards

I was in Taynuilt, near Oban, on Saturday for the Ordination of one of my training colleagues as the new minister there.

There was a huge sense of anticipation as the congregation look to the future. Their new minister is a very energetic, sensitive and caring person, and I am sure the congregations will be encouraged and strengthened in the months ahead.

Looking backwards, we visited the preserved ruins of the old Bonawe Iron Furnace down by Loch Etive. It was founded in 1753, not long after the 1745 conflict. Iron ore was shipped up the loch from the sea, charcoal was made in the surrounding forests, and the resultant pigs of iron were shipped out as a raw material for manufacturers.

The blast furnace operated for more than 100 years before it was overtaken by more sophisticated smelting operations farther South.

The church in that place has a long history, but now it faces a future that will continue to bring many changes. Employment patterns change, new technology changes the way we communicate, education systems change the way we learn, travel becomes easier. And all these changes in the way we live bring change to our environment as well as our culture.

The core message of the Church, that God loves each person and calls us all to live with Him for ever, remains unchanged. But how does God's invitation change the way we live, and how can we share it with other people so that they too can take up the invitation.

I am sure that the folk at Taynuilt will look to the future - it's only just begun.