Joint service is first for Kirkcaldy as Moderator starts 10-day visit

Scores of people of all ages are expected to pack into Linktown Parish Church on November 4 to celebrate Right Rev Susan Brown’s visit.

The gathering forms part of the Moderator’s itinerary during a 10 day visit to Kirkcaldy Presbytery, which starts this weekend.

She will tour round churches, schools, community projects, the town’s hospital with the Lord-Lieutenant of Fife, Robert Balfour, and present long service awards to Kirk members.

Mrs Brown will also visit Glenrothes Foodbank, Levenmouth Academy, Victoria Day Hospice, and join locals walking part of the route of the Fife Pilgrims’ Way.

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She said: “I am looking forward to hearing the stories of congregations, communities and people within the Presbytery bounds and to sharing just a little of their journey in faith.”

Mrs Brown’s theme for her year in office is ‘Walking with’ – a past-time rooted in her early church life where hillwalking was a regular activity.

The Moderator, minister of Dornoch Cathedral in the Highlands, said: “Walking is good for your mental health, your physical health and it is good for your spiritual health, as well as for the environment.

“When you are walking you are talking to people in a different way.

“Conversations take on different flavours.”

Her visit was warmly welcomed by local churches.

Rev Alan Kimmett, Kirkcaldy Presbytery Clerk, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Moderator as she walks alongside a wide range people.

“She will walk part of the Fife Pilgrim Way, but will also share people’s journeys in places as diverse as foodbanks, Men’s Shed, schools, Prayer Shawl Ministry and on trains with Rail Pastors.”

On Saturday, the Moderator will attend an annual gathering for people with learning disabilities at Burntisland Parish Church Halls.

The event will include songs, drama, stories, signing and prayers.

She will also attend an ecumenical service to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of St Margaret’s Parish Church in Glenrothes.

A new hymn to celebrate the occasion has been written, and it will be led by a choir made up of singers from all the churches.

On Monday, Mrs Brown will visit Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy where she will dedicate a Sacred Table within The Haven as a memorial to those who “have given and received life” though organ donation.

She will meet patients, staff and volunteers at Victoria Day Hospice and get an insight into the sharing of tears, laughter, hopes and dreams from those living with a life limiting illness /diagnosis.

On Wednesday, the Moderator will visit Levenmouth Academy, and on Friday she will be at Glenrothes Foodbank.