A room with a view
help we've received. The last few days for me have been a time of reflection prayer and study preparing for the opening of the General Assembly.
I've got myself esconcd in a wonderful room with a view. It is here that I'm working hard on my Gaelic pronounciation of the benediction for the Gaelic service directly after the St Giles service on Sunday morning.
For those of you who are not familiar with the proceedings of the opening of General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; its a formal occasion in which various aspects of the history between Church and State are reflected in the rituals and the layout and the choreography of the day. The opening of the Assembly has a sense of dignity to it, but it is always relational and I'm sure there will be moments of laughter and good humour. The Assembly is also an opportunity for the voice of the congregations the length and breadth of the land to be heard. Friends and colleagues meet up and new friendships are made.
There was excitement yesterday all around as copies of the book of prayers I've written for the Moderatorial year arrived at the flat. The pictures in the book are quite spectacular. Great piece of work and a huge thank you to the staff at Sanctus Media, especially Rae who researched the pictures for the book and designed the layout.I believe you can purchase it from the Sanctus Media Online Shop. I've also produced a small pamphlet type book with extracts from the prayers that are being used during the worship session at the Assembly. The idea is that Commissioners can get a copy and take them home as a reminder of the fellowship we have all shared this coming week.
This morning it will be up to the Assembly Hall to run through all the procedures and meet up with the Lord High Commissioner. One thing that I think a lot of people don't know, is that the General Assembly is upheld with prayer from the beginning to the end. Prayer has always been at the core and heart of the Church of Scotland. No meeting can be deemed binding or effective or having any authority if it has not been opened with prayer.
Each day before the Assembly starts the Moderator's Chaplains lead his or her household in prayer and Bible reading. All this is a reminder to us that the business of the Church is also worship to Almighty God. It is a solemn reminder to all that the way we conduct ourselves in private or in public reflects the kind of God we serve and worship. Its my prayer that all who attend the General Assembly this week will encounter the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. And for those who are attending but are felling anxious about things, here's a verse of scripture for you;
"Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and supplication make your requests known to the Lord,and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart in the knowledge of Christ Jesus. ( Philippians 4v.6) Now was that verse not written just for you? Well it was for me!
However
Neil Said the shop will be up and running on Monday and you can purchase away to your heart’s content, although i think you’ve already bought everything in our shop 
Posted By: cliff Tilley On: 26 May 2012 At: 12:16pm
Albert, Thank you for an educational and uplifting week at the general assembly. Your energy, and enthusiasm lifted me, and I am sure many others. Thank you, have an excellent year in office.
Cliff one of the Commissioners from Dumbarton