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Dear friends, A minister was retiring after 25 years in the parish. As he came to clear out his bedroom he found a small bowl with 5 eggs and £1,000 pounds in it. Baffled he called his wife and said: Darling, what is this little basket under the bed with five eggs and £1,000 in it? "Oh " she said " I must confess that every time you preach a bad sermon I put an egg in the basket" Secretly the vicar was pleased: "Not bad five bad sermons in 25 years" he thought: "And what about the £1,000?" "Well every time I get a dozen, I sell them!" Not very encouraging and just as well he was retiring!
We all need encouragement and it is only when encouraged will we go on to try to do better. And it is encouragement that came to me as an email just the other day. A few weeks ago the congregation had a visit from the Presbytery, what used to be called a Quniquenial visit and now a Pastoral Support Visit. Two ministers and two Elders joined the Kirk Session and Board along with a number of members of the congregation including some young people. It was an opportunity for our visitors to enquire about the work going on in Kemnay and encourage us in what we are doing.
The Report turned out to be very supportive, highlighting many of the good things going on, the solid management system and financial foundation for the future. It commended the work going on among children and young people and noted groups for adults and the worship opportunities and support given for worship through organists, the band and participants.
There is too much to mention here but copies will be available after the report has gone to the Kirk Session. I wanted to share this with you at this time as a way of encouraging each one of you. The work going on in Kemnay is noticed by others and appreciated.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5/11
Your Minister John Renton
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