3 March 2026

I have been working with two Kirk Sessions in their preparation of a Parish Profile. They have been listing all that they are doing within the parish and reflecting on the ‘Five Marks of Mission’. Their work is impressive and the work being accomplished is very worthwhile.

Sometimes when we are reflecting on these things, we forget to look at the larger picture. We are so focused on fulfilling the task in hand – completing forms, sustaining past initiatives, creating something new, recruiting volunteers that we forget what the church is all about.

In his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul sings a hymn in which he concludes, ‘For in Christ all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of the cross.’

We participate in the ministry of Christ and his ministry is one of reconciliation, making peace through his sacrifice upon the cross. It is essentially a ministry of reconciliation which begins with ourselves – our personal relationships, our relationships with other congregations, denominations etc.

All our work should contribute to this essential ministry of peace-making. It includes all peoples and has two unique aspects. Firstly, it includes the whole creation – animals, plants, birds, bees, rose bushes etc. Everything. And secondly, it includes those on earth and those who have gone before us! Heaven and earth united.

Our unity bears witness to the disunity in our world which is marred by  uncivilised and inhuman behaviour. It is the prayer of Jesus that the Church should be one so that our witness may inspire faith. Nothing is more important than relationships characterised by grace and generating goodwill.

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