Pastoral Letter
The Times they are a’changing
In 1963 Bob Dylan wrote one of his most famous songs ‘The Times They Are a-Changing.’ Apparently, the song was a protest song and a reflection of the generation gap and political divide marking American culture in the 1960’s. It was thus a deliberate attempt to create an anthem of change.
However, some 60 years on, after Dylan penned his lyrics, there appears to be a new interpretation to his song. This is because some are now saying that the song itself doesn’t look to the past but rather it is an anthem of hope for a future where change is always possible and therefore can be positive. The times they are a-changing for us here in Dalry, not just for us here in Trinity but for the folk in St Margaret’s too.
Change as we know is inevitable. We know that there are situations we can do nothing about but that does not mean that we are powerless to move forward.
We have been blessed here in Trinity these past 20 years with a sound, solid and stable ministry through the faithful leadership provided by God for us through Martin and Lorna. Ministry is team work and we are grateful that Martin and Lorna worked as a team during their time with us, giving so much of themselves to the fellowship here in Dalry and the wider community.
Yes, it would be fair to say that we are all missing them terribly and wish they were still with us, but God’s will and purpose for them was to move on and to enjoy a long and happy life of retirement. Although Martin and Lorna might have retired, God has not retired and he will continue to lead us through our time of change.
As we have said before, God is and always has been our Spiritual Leader and will therefore continue to lead us by his Holy Spirit into the future, but only if we will allow him to do so.
I was speaking with Jan, our former Session Clerk not so long ago, and she saw our present situation like this. She described Trinity Church like a long ship or a galley ship with every member of the congregation manning their oar and every member stroking their oar in union and harmony with each other to remain afloat and stable. Although we might not have a human captain at the helm at the moment, the Holy Spirit is our Spiritual Captain and he will guide the rudder of the ship to keep us sailing in the right direction. We may have to face some high waves, choppy seas, and strong winds as we sail across the sea before we reach our final destination, but as long as we keep pulling together, as long as we don’t give up, as long as we stay united and one with each other, as long as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus our constant companion and guide, we will all make it safely home.
There is something else we have to bear in mind. Our brothers and sisters in St Margaret’s too are finding these changes difficult. We have lost our minister; they are about to lose their building. We need to be caring and sensitive to how they are feeling and try and help them to see that the coming together of our churches will give us much greater opportunities to serve not just one another in new and different ways but the whole community of Dalry.
I believe that if Jesus were to come and visit us here in Dalry any time soon, he would see what Matthew wrote that Jesus saw in chapter 9:36 of his gospel – ‘a crowd of people who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.’
I hope that the coming together of Trinity and St Margaret’s will address this sad situation that many, far too many, people in our community are experiencing today.
Everyone of us, if we play our part in the new fellowship that transpires in the future should have the same compassion Jesus had and help lead these lost sheep to still waters and pastures new and become part of the flock of God.
Although the times they are a-changing, “Jesus Christ is still the same, yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) so our confidence and hope is not in ourselves but in him. His promises are what is going to ensure that all will be well in the future. He does not change; he has our best will at heart and will make sure that what is right and best for us will happen.
So, be encouraged, Christ has not failed us ever and I don’t believe he will fail us in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.
One final thought. The union of Trinity and St Margaret’s was not their will, nor the will of the Presbytery of the West of Scotland but the will of God and as such it should not be challenged. It should be graciously accepted because God’s will is perfect. He knows what he is doing, so he can always be trusted.
Yours in Christ
Gus McKay
(Session Clerk)