Christian Viewpoint by John Dempster: Love and welcome in the ministrations of faith
"This is like heaven!" was my unexpected reaction on sitting for the first time in the pews of St Michael and All Angels in Abban Street, Inverness, writes John Dempster.
I was there for the "seating" of the Rev Dr Iain Macritchie as priest with charge at St Michael’s at a service led by Bishop Mark Strange.
It’s a lovely building – the symmetry of the design, the pictures and icons on the walls, the many candles, the robed participants. St Michael’s must be one of the most beautiful church buildings in Inverness. Presbyterian churches tend in contrast to be more austere, leaving words alone to convey the beauty of God.
Bishop Mark told us a church was originally erected on the other side of the River Ness at "The Maggot", designed to bring loveliness into the lives of people who saw little of the beauty of God in their daily routine.
When this community was rehoused across the river, the church moved too, taking the original stonework – a visible reminder that God accompanies us on our journeys.
I watched the Bishop during the service, leaning on his great staff with its curved handle.
Mark represents Jesus, the Good Shepherd of his sheep.
On our wiser days we remember as Christians that we need help and encouragement, and that in following the Good Shepherd we become more our true selves than we have ever been.
I loved the sermon, with its emphasis on God’s radical forgiveness.
I loved participating in the liturgy, each syllable a choosing of light rather than darkness.
I loved the mass: the Bishop consecrating bread and wine facing the East Window inviting us to go with him to meet the Christ.
I loved the inclusiveness of his invitation to take part: "All are welcome," Bishop Mark announced.
Ministers in other traditions use phrases such as "Come, all those who love the Lord!" and you wonder "Do I love the Lord? Am I good enough?"
Never before have I heard such a clear statement of God’s welcome. The condition is simply the desire, the longing to come. "I’m coming, you bet I am God," was my response.
And I loved that walk up to where the Bishop stood in the chancel with warm, welcoming eyes to receive the wafer (because of Covid, communion is still offered "in one kind only"). Each step I took was an affirmation of the faith which carries me forward.
I found in attending that service love and joy and welcome. And as we were leaving someone was methodically snuffing out the candles. Soon, the building would be in darkness but I knew that the light we encountered within its walls that evening will never be extinguished.
The spirit of God upholds me to choose light instead of dark
