Discusses a recent report, Urgent Call to the Kirk, which stresses that ‘mission and evangelism must be given priority and a controlling placed in all the worship, life and activity of the Kirk’ but had suggested that the Assembly’s committee on worship be placed in the Education department. This was defeated at the Assembly and the editor discusses why this was the correct decision.
This was an address given by the Revd S D Rogerson (Kilchoman with Portnahaven) to the Presbytery of South Argyll in April 1982.
After reviewing biblical references, the nature of silence is explored. Internal silence may need to be enabled by the removal of external silence. Silence within public prayer enables the congregation the better to enter into the prayer. There is temptation to keep talking in a pastoral situation, which must be resisted. A call for a period of silence may assist a difficult business meeting. We should not be afraid of silence or embarrassed by it.
Stuart Campbell outlines the aims of the recent founding of the Scottish Association for Church Music, whose chair is George McPhee of Paisley Abbey. Courses have been offered for organists and would-be organists.
The Revd Kenneth Walker describes the introduction of Plough Sunday (found in the Church of England as the second Sunday in January) in his parish of Athelstaneford, Whitekirk and Tyninghame. He discusses the necessary preparations, such as the provision of visual symbols, and provides an interactive order of service.
Our Hymn Tunes, their choice and performance, Donald Webster, Saint Andrew Press, reviewed by R E C J
Family Services, Kenneth Stevenson, SPCK 1981, reviewed by David A Stewart
An extract from the report of the Society’s annual meeting in 1871 when the speaker called for a greater readiness on the part of ministers to give their attention to the most appropriate ways of marking death and burial.
From the Revd Stewart Miller of Morningside United Church.
Recent acquisitions are listed.