Breaking the habit of a lifetime (and good ministry practice) Paul broke into his holidaying in Shetland and Orkney to share in worship at the Peedie Kirk in Kirkwall on Sundays 23rd and 30th July.
The service on the 23rd included a visit from the Church of Scotland congregation on the Island of Shapinsay, part of a regular annual visit each way between the two congregations, involving, of course, the visitors taking a ferry to church. The service was co-led by Rev'd Sue Kirkbride, the Peedie Kirk’s minister and Rev'd Julia Meason, Shapinsay’s minister, with Paul preaching on Jacob’s dream at Bethel. The Peedie Kirk folk provided an excellent lunch to follow the service.
On the 30th Sue again led the service with Paul preaching, taking another Old Testament theme, that of Solomon’s prayer. At the end of the service, the congregation recognised that Paul had just entered his last six months in post (with retirement beckoning) and Sue made a small presentation to recognise the visit and Paul’s (eventual) retirement. Later on that day all enjoyed an excellent barbecue at Sue and Mark’s home.
Paul and Mary, together with younger daughter Rachel, were more than happy to break in to an excellent holiday as the contacts with the Peedie Kirk folk were a welcome expression of friendship which enhanced their time in Orkney.
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