THE Moderator is heading to the Highlands this weekend as he begins a ten-day tour of Abernethy congregations.
Right Reverend John Christie, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, will be preaching at Newtonmore, Duthil and Grantown-on-Spey churches during the visit.
It is thought to be the first official visit by a Church of Scotland Moderator to the Presbytery of Abernethy for almost a decade.
In a busy and varied programme, Mr Christie will meet members from Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Centre, staff and patients at St Vincent’s Hospital in Kingussie, and also see the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.
Presbytery clerk, Reverend James McEwan, minister at Abernethy linked with Cromdale and Advie, said: “We are very much looking forward to having Mr and Mrs Christie with us for a week, and hope to show them a wide cross-section of life in Badenoch and Strathspey.
“It is the Moderator`s hope that his visit will show the importance that the Church of Scotland attaches to all areas of life, and that he will be able to offer encouragement in many situations.”
The Moderator said: “This is the fourth and last of the Presbytery visits to be undertaken this year.
“Each of the other three Presbyteries have made a fine contribution to the Moderatorial year and myself and my wife are looking forward to the time we will spend in Abernethy Presbytery.
“We are looking forward to learning more about a Presbytery which has at its heart a rich diversity of scenery, being in the company of people who work in the communities as well as, of course, those who worship in the area.
“The itinerary for our visit will enable us to experience first hand something of the joys as well as the challenges of living, working and worshipping in this part of our country.”
Other engagements include visiting Ballindalloch Castle, meeting with local clergy from other denominations, and a trip to Glenlivest and Deskie Farm.
Ends.
Notes to news desks:
For more information, please contact Reverend James McEwan, Presbytery Clerk of Abernethy, on 01479 821 280, or email abernethy@cofscotland.org.uk
Media are welcome to attend any of the events below, where photo opportunities and interviews will be available.
Visit to Abernethy Presbytery.
10 April – Preaching at Newtonmore
11 April – Visit to Glenmore Lodge and Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Centre
12 April – Visit to Ballindalloch Castle, Glenlivet Distillery and Deskie Farm
13 April – Visit to St Vincent’s Hospital and the Wade Centre, Kingussie, and meeting clergy from other denominations.
15 April – Visit to Boat of Garten, meeting representatives from the local care forum and community council, then lunch with residents at Grant House. Preaching at Duthil Church in the evening.
16 April – Visit to Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore.
17 April – Preaching at Grantown in the morning, then visiting Nethy Bridge Spring Gathering in the afternoon.
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