MESSAGE FROM Interim moderator Rev. Stuart Davidson
Dear Members & Friends of Paisley North Church,
Almost four years into the role of Pioneer Minister, I often recall the privilege of meeting so many people who in some way or another are connected with Ferguslie Park and the North end of Paisley. To have now been invited to be the Interim Moderator of the newly formed Paisley North Church is also another “Hello!” for me and my “Hello!” to YOU.
I've found people both welcoming and keen to tell me of their lives in Paisley. I've known some of you over these past years, especially those who attended the Wednesday small group and those who helped during the Beechwood Community Centre’s “Messy Church.” I’ve had a cuppa with a few of you and heard of the great work being carried out not only in this Church but also through community groups and local charities. What strikes me the most is the people I’ve met who’ve a heart to see things change for the better.
I often get asked what my role is since I'm "someone who doesn't have a Church." To these folks the title "Pioneer Minister" isn't all that helpful and for some the idea of a "Community Minister" seems easier to grasp.
I spend a lot of my time walking the streets and those who know me will know that I like to walk as it helps me to get to know areas of the town as well as the people I meet along the way. During these stops and walks, I often see people of all sorts, as I get a sense of people's hopes, dreams, things to be thankful for and the spiritual heritage that exists in Paisley. I see the closing of shops and I also see the outworking of what has been labelled a main concern here in Scotland, that of people who find themselves struggling to overcome addiction. Such times when I meet folks always remind me that we’re all broken people in one way and another.
It would be easy to be overwhelmed, to reckon that nothing can be done. That, however, is not the case – for the story of Jesus inviting himself to the home of Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10) reminds me that if anyone can “fix us” it is Jesus. What would He have us do? Invite people into our lives, invite ourselves into their lives, do whatever we can so that relationships can be made and we all can find ourselves embraced back into community? Isn’t this and much more what the Church of Jesus is to be about – would you agree?
Each day I meet people who are working to support what's happening now and perhaps that is the only thing we can change - “the now.” So that tomorrow we can hope in God as we all live and walk towards making “the yet to be” with Jesus’ help.
As we meet in the street or in Church, may you know the love of Jesus for you.
God bless and keep you all.
Stuart
07717 503059
