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"Derek's old bit" go back to Derek's new bit
Hi!
Welcome to the St C’s website. I hope you enjoy the browse! I’ve
been the minister of the congregation here since 2001, having previously
spent 11 years in a Highland congregation (the beautiful Rosskeen, 25
miles North of Inverness). I’ve been married to Catriona for 15 years
and we have 4 children – Scott, Amy Joe and Ross.
It’s been a tremendous challenge returning to the city, and congregation,
where I grew up. My Dad was previously the minister in St C’s for 24
years. Tragically, when I was appointed as the minister here, 13 years
after my father had retired, things were at a very low ebb. Only 14 or so
people left.
"Close the church down! - nobody cares about going to church
anyway anymore – make the building another pub!"
That’s what many people in the city might have said, if their opinion had
been sought. Thankfully, the Free Church decided against closing down,
and opted for redeveloping the work ... I firmly believe that God was
behind the decision.
As minister, along with the elders and our fellow Christians, the vision
we have is to share our relationship with Jesus Christ through our
worship and lives - to all with whom we come into contact.
"Why bother with all that myth and religious nonsense"
I believe the message of Jesus Christ and his offer of salvation is as
fundamental to the needs of humanity today as life itself!
As a human race we’ve messed up – and we are brilliant at pointing the
finger of blame – "God ... parents ... society ... fate ... genes ...
cigarettes ... God ... lawyers ... God ... God ... God ..."
But when all the accusations have been cast, and God has been rejected,
I don’t think people are any further forward. No real answers, no help
and no genuine hope. At best, a temporary fix of life and love without
explanation or guarantee – and all terribly fragile.
"Jesus Christ! – you’re crazy!"
Is that what you say? Is that the only way you have heard of Jesus – as
an expletive? Is that what you think of Him, or any who claim to know
Him?
I’m really sorry if that’s the case, and I am also gutted that so often I, or
other Christians, have misrepresented the truth of Jesus Christ, the
urgency and relevance of his message and the marvel of his redeeming
love.
As a person and a minister, and together as a congregation, we want to
live out our Christian faith as honestly as possible. We want people to be
aware of the claims of Christ which we have come to accept as
absolutely true, and as providing the only real answer to our deepest
problems and most fundamental needs.
Jesus has radically altered my view of myself and the world. Until I
realised that I was living in rebellion against God, and his ways, I was
spiritually lost in this life, and heading for an eternity without God and
without hope. Utterly desperate.
Jesus came to die. To pay the price for my rebellion, and to offer me
forgiveness, unconditional love, and friendship with God. I accepted,
and it changed me forever. That’s what all of us in St C’s want to share
with others.
Come along to church sometime soon, and introduce yourself – ask me
about Jesus and faith, and I’ll try my very best, with God’s help, to point
you in the right direction. It would be brilliant to see you.
Derek Lamont
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