Hello and welcome, especially if this is your first visit ever or for a while. Maybe you got our letter and wondering what on earth is going on? Maybe it made you wonder if you really could go back to Church. But what are the rules now? Is there a dress code? Will I get thrown out for swearing? Do I need to wear a hat?  The answer to all those questions is a simple no, although you might be invited to contribute to the swear jar! Perhaps you are questioning what it means to be a member of the Church in today’s world.

We have tried to write to all our members to check their details. We have people who joined the Church with good reason but perhaps have moved away or worshipping elsewhere. We have lots of people who attend but are not members. And that’s okay too. Of course, we would love people to become members of the Church – a sign of belonging, of committing to this church family, of calling Moncreiff your home church.  Yet being a member of the Church isn’t just about rights and responsibilities.  I mean you do get to vote on major issues, including on the appointment of the minister. 

Perhaps a reminder for us all…membership of the Church follows a much more important decision. The first step is a Public Profession of Faith where you are asked firstly about your relationship with God, about your willingness to grow in faith and then asked if you are willing to work with God and his Church, giving of yourself – time, talent and money. There is celebration as you are welcomed into the family of Moncreiff, part of the global family of God.  So, when you become a member of the Church it isn’t just about rotas, committees and activities. It is about belonging and believing, risk taking and praying, mission and maintenance, sharing the journey and reaching out into the community and beyond.  It can be exciting, and it can be hard work. You can belong without joining, but we’d love to encourage those who feel at home with us to take the next step and join the Church, declaring love for Christ in word and action.  If you want to know more, let me know.

Starting late September, we are running First Steps, an introductory study series looking at the Christian faith. And here, we will cover much of the basic questions of faith in discussion. Do look out for more details. (Sundays 7:30-9pm 8 weeks). Lots of other activities are available so do have a look at our newsletter here on the website or print copies available at the Church. Support in a myriad of forms is also available through Kettle’s On, CAP, Hot Box and more. We are proud supporters of the EK Community Foodbank as well. 

Church is more than an hour on a Sunday morning.  Prayer meetings and walks, Faithbuilders for young folks, BBs and GBs, the Guild and so much more.  Worship services also available online as well as prayers on Facebook and Prayer Wall here on the website.

Please have a good look about and if you don’t find what you are looking for then drop a message to Lisa at theoffice@moncreiffparishchurch.co.uk and we can look into it.

God bless. Love Sarah

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.