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Dear Friends
I am grateful for this opportunity to introduce myself as your Interim Moderator in the Carse vacancy. I don’t come as a complete stranger, having been interim moderator at Abernyte some 30 years ago immediately prior to the setting up of the present linkage. I was also your Interim Moderator for all of three weeks during the last vacancy – but I am afraid I am likely to be with you for slightly longer this time!
Some members have been asking, “Will we get a new Minister?” The answer to that is, “Yes, you will certainly get a new Minister.” The only uncertainty is how long that will take. Clearly, a vacancy is an unsettling experience for the congregations, as you well know. My own priority is to try to ensure that the current vacancy lasts no longer than is absolutely necessary.
There will be two parts to the process. First, before the Presbytery gives permission to begin the search for a new minister, it will wish to reflect with the Kirk Sessions on the two recent vacancies and what may have led up to them. Only when it is satisfied that any underlying tensions and difficulties have been resolved will it permit us to begin to fill the vacancy.
We will take as long as we need to ensure we get things right. Vacancies that in the past lasted six months may now take a year or even longer to fill. During that period the pastoral needs of the charge will be in good hands.
I am delighted that the Rev Robbie Donald has agreed to remain as your Associate Minister until your new Minister is inducted. Also, that Rev Robin Rae, former Chaplain at Ninewells Hospital, has agreed to become Locum Minister in the vacancy. I shall fill in as required, while remaining Interim Moderator and Locum at Broughty Ferry St Stephen's and West. I shall share in services on the first Sunday of the month
For the first year, Mr Donald will take pastoral responsibility for Inchture & Kinnaird, Mr Rae for Longforgan, and myself for Abernyte. Members may of course contact any of the three Ministers for pastoral assistance. Any of you with concerns or questions about the progress of the vacancy process should approach me, rather than Mr Rae or Mr Donald.
Please don’t hesitate to phone me or email me at any time. I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming weeks and months.
With all good wishes and every blessing.
Your Interim Moderator
Jim Roy
Our Interim Moderator and Locum Minister :-
Rev Jim Roy, a native of Comrie, attended Comrie Public School and Morrison’s Academy, before graduating in 1964 from St. Andrew’s University. From 1964, he served as Assistant at St. John’s Kirk in Perth until taking up his first charge at Dunnottar, Stonehaven in 1966, moving to Lochee West in 1973 until 2006. Rev Roy was Interim Moderator and Locum at Trinity Church, Dundee from 2006-08 and is presently also Interim Moderator and Locum at Broughty Ferry St. Stephen’s & West. He was Clerk to the Presbytery of Dundee for 20 years.
Tel No 01382-543578, email
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Rev Robin Rae began his ministry at Kilmadock Parish Church in Doune, followed by a spell at Leith St. Andrew’s Church in Edinburgh and finally served as Hospital Chaplain for DRI, Ninewells and King’s Cross Hospitals in Dundee. Married to Sheena, his best friend, they have two daughters, three sons, and five grandchildren, three of whom attend Longforgan School. His main interests are preaching, pastoral care, walking, gardening and art.
Tel No 01382-581790, email
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