 to Alistair’s Diary – January & February ..so far!
Outside of ministry at the 'Rock' - January was a month of retreats, conferences, networking
and some severe headaches!
The headaches came about because the Cardiologist put me on a new medication called Nicorandil.
He warned me that I would have headaches for a couple of weeks & then they would go. What he did not warn me of was the
migraines, weak limbs, tiredness and constant desire to be sick - but NOT being able to be sick! All of that of course meant
sleepless nights of thumping neusea and tired days when Paracetamol did not seem to relieve the pain. So I came off those
pills - and have never felt better!
This meant I missed a Pastors' prayer retreat in January I always look
forward to organised by my good friend Jim Purves the minister at Bristow Baptist. Still I am so glad to be
over the headaches!
21st - 22nd January Patricia & I attended a 24hr. Retreat
for the core leadership of the 'Network of Churches' to which Patricia has now been invited to be a
member. It was held in a small Catholic Retreat House (guest house really) near Largs and overlooking the Clyde Estury. It
was such a time of blessing - fellowship, worship, prayer, and listening to God. Very refreshing.
27th January I visited the small 'missionary' band of believers in Possil Park Glasgow.
This group is affiliated to 'Urban Expressions' as well as the Network and consists of about a 6 young
couples who have all moved into Possil ( a rough and deprived area of Glasgow) to be a witness and serve the community
as best they can. I have a 'supporting' role with the leader of this group Paul Ede and will be giving encouragement
to them whenever I can in their chosen 'mission field'.
31st January I visit Bishopbriggs
Community Church. I have a good relationship with this vibrant church founded by the late David Black and are using them as
research material in my PhD on the 'New Churches'. Good visit. Great people - many of whom remember my parents who
used to be leading members of the church under David Black.
Wednesday 3rd February Core
leadership meeting of the 'Network' in the morning followed by a lunch time gathering of other leaders
for prayer etc. I always really value this time when we can share what is blessing us across Scotland, pray for each other,
worship together and seek vision together. This time of mutual support is invaluable.
Saturday 6th February
Alpha Vision Day Scotland in Edinburgh. Fiona Buchanan our administrator had organised a minibus to take the 'Alpha
Team' through to this conference in Edinburgh. Just a great opportunity for fellowship amongst ourselves, of
worship with 700 others(!), listening to God's word through Nicky Gumble and others and being re-envisioned!
Sunday 6th February Gathering of the Alpha Team at the home of the McDougalls. Great soup provided
by Maureen. Good fellowship as usual between churches - especially ourselves and the Baptists! A great time of prayer was
followed by discussion as to what we should be doing next in Alpha Dumbarton. There was feeling on my part that we
should not just 'do the same thing' but seek God for what he had next for us. Out of our discussion came a strong
sense that God was calling us to reach out into the housing schemes such a Bellsmyre or Brucehill begining in
January 2011. Watch this space!
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