How do the churches of Cumbernauld work together to connect with the 52,500 people of our town? Following a year-long exploration of the challenges facing the churches, the Presbytery of Falkirk agreed in March that you need all the personnel that you have – and a few more if we can find the funding for them.

I want to thank the many people who gave hours of time and effort to generating the report to Presbytery which persuaded them of the vast missionary task you face and the resources to meet it.

Some people may think that the task is now done. The ministers and deacons remain in post. We can heave a sigh of relief and get on with our life. That sigh will be short-lived! We are now into phase 2!

The staffing decision was based on a strategy which is designed to equip the churches better for our mission to the missing generations around us. From the beginning we have been asking “What is God doing in Cumbernauld? What is God calling us to be and to become in Cumbernauld?” We have prayed for discernment, and our report was a commitment to work together to respond to God’s call.

The report spoke of shared teams for communication and lay training, of the need for children and family workers as well as somebody to explore fresh possibilities north of the A80. It highlighted other areas which needed further research and suggested that the current staff should meet regularly to explore appropriate ways of working together.

The proposals require significant effort if they are to take legs. It has been said that it is not the church that has a mission to the world, but God who has a mission and the church joins in. I invite you to pray that we all discover our role as we join God in his mission of compassion to our town. Imagine Jesus walking the streets. What does he see? What does he do? Where is he inviting you to join him?

Peter Neilson
Facilitator to the Cumbernauld Churches

© Cumbernauld Old Parish Church of Scotland; Registered Scottish Charity SC000877