Our Rector, Andrea
Easter Day was celebrated this year with much joy and enthusiasm. The great Easter Hymns were sung with gusto, we shared the Easter feast and the church was beautifully decorated with spring flowers. Afterwards we all enjoyed our coffee and cakes with the extra attraction of Easter eggs – supposedly for the children!
The season of Easter has continued to be observed and celebrated. The scriptures have focused on the stories of the resurrection appearances and the beautiful and moving discourse passages from John’s gospel.
Spring has been late in arriving but in the last few days there has been a glimmer of hope as temperatures have crept up and the sun has made one or two appearances! After such a long and cold winter, a warm bright summer is profoundly hoped and prayed for!
In the past ten days various outings to the hills have been undertaken and enjoyed.
Two Saturdays ago, under the leadership of Tim, several of us set out for a day at Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith. It was a cloudy day to start with but despite this the views of the hills were magnificent – very clear. The inevitable coffee stop was courtesy of the local singers at Killearn village hall where we drank coffee and ate cakes to the sounds of the choir – all very jolly. We then proceeded to the Lake of Menteith to jump on the boat to the island. Such a peaceful and beautiful spot – the sun even came out for us while we ate our picnics. Home was via a walk for the dogs and a cuppa at the Ben Vue garden centre – aptly named as that was exactly what it was! Thank you, Tim, for a very enjoyable day out.
On the Monday it was a beautiful day. We had a friend staying and no other commitments, so a decision was taken to do The Cobbler. What a terrific walk that was – tremendous views over the neighbouring hills and lochs and out into the estuary towards Arran. We even manged a bit of scrambling at the end!
Wednesday saw the start of our West Highland Way walk. This year we planned to walk from Tyndrum to Kinlochleven over three days having walked from Rowardennan to Tyndrum over two days the year before.
The first day was cold and breezy but at least it was dry and bright, and we got to our destination with little drama and in good spirits. The guest House – in Inveroran – was super. Originally built as an Hotel in the 1800s it was full of cosy charm and the food was surprisingly excellent. The dormitory arrangement was equally satisfactory and we all had a comfortable night.
The next day dawn misty and wet for our trudge over Rannoch Moor but at least it was atmospheric! The accommodation for the next night was at the Glen Coe Ski Centre. A polar opposite of the night before – budget accommodation in a wooden pod – five of us sardined together on narrow cots! But at least there was a kettle for early morning tea which I think most of us were ready for before the dawn broke! The evening had been fun as we had all stumbled into a taxi to be conveyed down the glen to the Clachaig Inn – a cult bar for walkers and climbers.
Our final day saw no let up from the mist and rain, but it was a bit brighter in the afternoon as we scaled over the Devil’s Staircase and into Kinlochleven. We then had a great last night in a splendid B and B in Ballachulish before catching a bus right outside the front door back to Central Station. All in all, it was a wonderful few days: great company, amazing dramatic scenery despite the weather and brilliant food and accommodation! Thank you, girls, for a fab time and look forward to the next trip! Great Glen Way perhaps?
Back at church more work has been undertaken to complete the stunning banner. It should soon be finished and we all look forward to seeing it up and admiring the fruits of everyone’s labour!
Meanwhile we prepare to celebrate Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. With all the major festivals behind us, observed and celebrated with appropriate praise and joy we can now turn our attention to the “Daily round and the common task” of Christian life – referred to in the liturgical year as “Ordinary Time”.
A time when we study, Sunday by Sunday, the gospel accounts of Jesus’ earthly life – his teaching, healing and itinerant ministry. In doing so we should consider how our lives reflect his witness. So, let us pray that the Holy Spirit, brought to us at Pentecost, may still inspire and work in us today to grow the church and to encourage and support one another and all who we encounter on our journey.
Enjoy the summer!
Andrea