Page 8 - Contact Summer 2020

Thoughts on Pastoral Care
During the last number of weeks while
we have been unable to meet together as a
church family, it has been even more impor-
tant to keep in touch with one another, by
telephone or email or even video calling.
This has proved challenging to facilitate
comprehensively and consistently in such
a large congregation.
Our services are broadcast online every week
and CD’s or DVD’s of these are available and
have been distributed to those who have let
us know they would like them. The Elders,
Norman and myself are continuing to try
to contact as many people as possible. Life
Group leaders and ministry leaders eg GB,
etc have been keeping in contact with their
groups, leaders and helpers and are caring
for each other pastorally in this way. I, for
one, really miss being able to sit in the same
room as someone, to oer a listening ear
and a comforting hug if required. Talking and
praying over the phone is good but just not
the same. This time of separation is going to
go on longer than any of us anticipated -
especially for some of our senior members
and those with long term health concerns.
This makes how we pastorally care for each
other a real challenge and we need to look at
ways of doing this that are sustainable and
helpful to all involved.
I am so thankful for all of you who
have called, texted, delivered cards and
communicated with each other, whether
members of our church family, neighbours
and friends and all of you who continue to
support BOB’s store with such generosity.
The compassion and thoughtfulness you
show is incredible.
If you would like CD’s,
or need prayer or
pastoral support please
contact me on
07930336369 or
nikki.gillan@highkirk.org.uk
We are, I think, getting a bit weary of this
now and really miss chatting, telling stories,
laughing, crying and worshipping together.
The summer months are coming but we still
don’t really know if we will get a break away
from our immediate surroundings and can
feel we have nothing to look forward to.
Can I encourage you to keep going, especially
over these summer months. Take some time
to rest in God’s presence, allow Him to minis-
ter to you and strengthen you. Please con-
tinue to reach out to others, especially those
who pop into your mind. It is amazing how
God brings someone to your mind who just
needs a little encouragement and to know
that they are thought of and prayed for.
This is for a time, a season - it will end. We
don’t know yet what life, or church, will look
in the next few months but God knows. He is
our hope and our future.
Although we were unable to have our Ladies
weekend this year, I think our theme was very
denitely for this time:
Fearless: ‘For God has not given us a
spirit of fear and timidity, but of power,
love and self discipline’ (2 Tim 1:7)
As we look towards the next few weeks and
months, I pray that we can be excited about
what is ahead because we are following God’s
leading. Even though there will be lots of
challenges, and ministries may look very
dierent, we can be sure that God is with us
and we can walk fearlessly in His power and
love. Take care of yourselves and one another.
Much love
Nikki Gillan