A message from Jake.
Some say that the only constant is change. Well, over the past year or so, that has certainly been true for my family and me. Just over a year ago, we were in the United States, living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and I had a few less grey hairs in my beard. Now, after moving across the Atlantic and spending a transitional year in Stirling, we find ourselves living in the Kingdom of Fife in the East Neuk… somewhere that I didn’t even know existed before arriving in Scotland. Ironically though, this lovely bit of the world and the villages that share its coastline existed long before I did; and in fact, this place existed long before Kalamazoo, Michigan or even the United States.
One could say that amidst the changes of the world, in many ways, things here have remained fairly consistent or steady. However, even amidst the constancy of the harbours, streets, and the waves that lap the shores, we are well aware that even here there is change. But, not all change is bad.
For starters, you have a new minister, and one who is grateful to be here. I look forward to exploring the area and getting to know all who call this place home as we settle in and find our way. I hope to learn the traditions and practices that you value as we enjoy and help to preserve those things, but I know that just by being here (and by being American) I am a bit of a change; but again, not all change is bad…and I hope you agree!
More importantly, and more to the point, the structure of the church has also changed as Pittenweem and St. Ayle have completed a union to form St. Adrian’s East Neuk, and St. Adrian’s East Neuk and Crail Parish Church have now come together in a formal linkage. All that change can be a daunting thing, but once again, not all change is bad.
I believe that with this union and linkage comes great possibility and great hope. Together, we might discover new ways of knowing and sharing the love of God that open up new possibilities of being and serving the community. Together, we might rediscover the joy of being one body in Christ rather than separate congregations in separate places.
I don’t know if it’s true that the only constant is change, but I do know that change is not always easy. So, while these changes certainly come with challenges, in my life and in this community I am certain that we can thank God for the change, because as I may have mentioned before, not all change is bad.
Yours,
Jake Lehman
Minister, Crail linked with St. Adrian’s East Neuk