I am sure we all at some time wonder why we do things, why we did things? And maybe why we did NOT do things.

 I wondered long and hard about whether to or not. I decided I would leave it to the last moment. But then I realised well before that moment that I would  - and I did.

I did lead a full church in singing the children’s song ‘I may never fly like superman’, plus I led them in the actions. And, God bless them, they - most of them - did the same. Not very unusual in Dunscore Church – you know what they’re like -  except that this was in the middle of a funeral service! Was there a Presbytery spy there who will report me?

I don’t actually care.

I did it because Tim Hancock had asked me to. His instructions for his funeral service were well planned. With everything else he had asked for I understood his reasons. But this one! The only thing I could think of was that he was having the last laugh, getting me back for all the fun and giggles we had had over the years.

I really could not see it happening – until I knew that it was meant to be.

 And even in the midst of it I was still at a loss. Afterwards someone thanked me for the service and mentioned ‘superman’ in particular. He thanked me for in that moment he had been reminded of the fun loving Tim, who liked to fool around.

 I did have an explanation written out for the congregation but never used it on the day. The explanation was that Tim was wanting us to see, to realise that God wanted us to have fun in faith – to be a little mad sometimes! And I think that is very true. Faith is serious, but it should also be fun.

However, there was another reason which neither I nor Tim (I believe) knew – but God did.

There were at Tim’s funeral service a number of Rock Solid members – current and ex members. Young people , young adults who perhaps still look on faith and church especially as being a bit quaint, a bit dull, a bit predictable. This song was for all of us, but for them especially – and even when he was not there in person, his spirit was calling young lives and old to connect with God’s Spirit of fun, of joy, of hope.

Tim loved Rock Solid for their enthusiasm, their energy; he climbed high ropes with them, he played messy games with them, and throughout it all he told them of God’s love. He prayed hard for each and everyone that they would find faith, and find it earlier than he had himself. Those prayers continue for Rock Soliders, and for all his family and friends, for his neighbours and colleagues – or all. That is surely our prayer too. Tim just found a way of slicing through words and made us all sing a silly song, with a deep meaning, at a very (in) appropriate moment  - parenthesis will be your choice!

 The last laugh? Maybe. But as usual we are all laughing together with one another, knowing that Tim’s giggles, and God’s, are surely resounding throughout heaven.

 Excuse me this very personal message – but if you did not know Tim, you missed out. And if you do not know God, then you are missing out on something so special and so wonderful. Easter is coming – resurrection, spring, new life. Whether you are a believer, or not, reach out now and discover God is very near; listen and hear Jesus is calling your name; dare to open up and let his Spirit make his home with you and give you new life for this life, as well as the next.

 And lighten up. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Instead take God very seriously and let him show you the brighter side of life.

Prayer works: Elna Wilson has just begun her ‘work’ as prayer secretary and produces a monthly prayer diary. If you don’t get one, but would like one - please contact Elna or Christine. We will get one to you!

 11^th September

The Presbytery Mission and Discipleship Committee and Dumfries Churches Network, following on from the PS Event last May when we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, are arranging another celebration. This one is around creation/harvest; and planning meetings have just begun!

A Sunday afternoon at the David Keswick Centre – fun, food and food for thought for all ages. Please put it in your dairies now.

Maybe you would like to be involved – our next and first real meeting is Tuesday 22^nd March, 7.30pm at Troqueer Church Centre.

 22^nd May 2011  Roll Away The Stone

 And Nationally:-  The Church of Scotland is  organizing an afternoon extravaganza in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh on 22^nd May. From 1 – 6pm there will be music – lots of it, and various styles; activities and fun for children, story telling, food, stalls, 5 aside football (regional heats – sp get your team registers quick!) local, regional, national and world issues. Open to all. FREE! WE are looking into hiring a bus to go up – interested?

It is likely that we will have a joint service that day: 10am in Dunscore. So there is provision for local worship, and the chance for those who wish to then head up to Edinburgh. Alternatively go for the day and go to a church on Edinburgh – see what ideas you can bring back.

Presbytery Visit

 This year we are visited by representatives from Presbytery. They come to offer support, to find out if there is anything with which Presbytery can help; to answer (some) questions perhaps; and to make sure we are doing what we are meant to be doing – preaching the gospel, and keeping everything in order.

They have meetings with the minister, and the office bearers; the leader of the group will conduct worship on one Sunday; and then they write and present a report to Superintendence Committee. Superintendence then report to Presbytery.

The Kirk Session and Board will (by now) have their list of questions; the answers sent back to the visiting group before they meet with us. 

The ministers coming are Rev Sally Russell and Rev David Bartholomew.