November 2019

Pastoral letter
November 2019
Dear Friends,
What a memorable evening we enjoyed together in the MacFarlane Hall on the last
Friday of October, as a huge number of members and friends gathered for the
Farewell Social. I was astonished to see the hall filled to capacity. The many hours
of hard work in careful planning and preparation that resulted in such a perfect
occasion was so typical of our (if I may still use the first person pronoun!)
congregation.
As we arrived at the church we were treated to a beautiful recital on the church
bells, including at least two renditions of my favourite Psalm tune, Ballerma. Four
of the bell-ringing team braved the cold chill of the tower to warm the hearts of us
all, notwithstanding the rather dreich night outside.
The programme for the evening had been put together with much thought and right
from Ronald’s warm and light-hearted welcome at the start, the scene was set for
a thoroughly relaxed and convivial atmosphere throughout. In that respect it was
absolutely typical of the Old Parish Church.
At the heart of the proceedings were the presentations to Janet and me. For Janet’s
fabulous bouquet, the largest, most spectacular bouquet most of us have ever seen,
she wishes me to convey her deepest gratitude. The wonderful collection of blooms
now fills not one but three vases in the manse. On Janet’s behalf, thank you so
very much.
The cheque that was then presented to me on behalf of all of you had left me utterly
speechless when its value had been revealed to me shortly before the event. Had
I not been let into that secret I feel sure I would have been dumbstruck when I
opened the envelope.
Throughout the last eighteen years I have known great generosity of spirit in the
congregation and I have been on the receiving end of so much of your generous
spiritedness, but not for a moment did I imagine that your parting gift could have
been so immense. To each and every one of you, I say thank you for kindness that
surpasses anything I have ever known.
Janet and I will miss you very much and I have shed many tears at the prospect of
leaving you. I hope we shall keep in touch with many of you and you will be very
welcome at our new home. I will give Ruth our contact details and hopefully many
of you will visit.
In the meantime I pray God’s richest blessing on you as you move to the next
chapter in the remarkable story of Peebles Old Parish Church.
With all my love,
Calum.
Calum’s sermon from the 27 th October is printed in this edition.