Dear friends,
On Sunday 25th November we had as guest speaker at the Sunday service the Rev. Richard Higginbottom. Mr. Higginbottom who is an ordained Church of England clergyman works for The Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) which originated in the Church of England in the early eighteenth century and was the vision of several prominent Christians including Lord Shaftesbury. The aim of CPAS was to work alongside parish churches to assist them in reaching out to their parishes with the gospel. It was set up during the Industrial Revolution - a time of rapid social change in Britain, when urban populations were expanding at an enormous rate, presenting churches in towns and cities with the challenge of how to reach the new parish population with the gospel. The aim of CPAS was encapsulated in the sentiment that "the gospel should be taken to every man's door". CPAS do not now confine their efforts to the Church of England or Episcopal churches but will work with congregations of any denomination. The Kirk Session have agreed to establishing what is called a Church Consultancy with Richard who will help us to consider how we might maximise our effectiveness in outreach to our parish. This will last about six months. Although I have been aware of the existence of CPAS for a good few years now, I only met Richard very briefly last year and only relatively recently discovered that he lives in Bankfoot the home of our prayer partner congregation Auchtergaven and Moneydie - an amazing co-incidence. Richard's involvement with us will be similar to that of David Geddes a few years ago but perhaps with more emphasis on outreach and less on structure. Currently a questionnaire is being completed which will be analysed in order to give Richard some objective detailed information about the congregation. An important week-end will be held on 2nd and 3rd February. On the Saturday night there will be a meeting between Richard and the Outreach Committee and then on the Sunday a shorter than usual service followed by a congregational gathering where Richard will discuss with us the questionnaire followed by a congregational meal. Another such week-end will be held on 26th/27th April when Richard will discuss his findings with us. In order to ensure that we receive maximum benefit from the input of CPAS it is essential that we all take seriously any insights given to us regarding our needs as a congregation and suggested ways forward.
2008 could be the best year yet for Dalserf Church if we are all willing to pull together in the same direction - forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. . . press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called (us) heavenward. (Phil. 3:14).
May you have a happy and prosperous New Year.
D. Cameron McPherson
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