It's been a day and then an evening of meetings. We try and minimise the amount of nights for meetings, so tonight we had the Light house management meeting at 7pm and then the Congregational Board meeting at 8pm. I was on my way home by 9pm, so that for me is an efficient use of time!
We are now officially in a period of transition with a number of important roles requiring to be filled within the Congregational Board. Scott Jeffrey has completed his 3 years as Treasurer, so we are now looking for someone who is can take on this important role for the next 3 years. Ali Barron has completed 3 years as Clerk to the Board, so we are now also seeking someone who can keep the minutes of the meeting, prepare the agenda for the bi-monthly meetings and deal with any necessary correspondence.
Perhaps you are reading this and feel this is an opportunity for you to offer your gifts within the life of Hilton Church. If so, please have a word with me in the near future. We are not looking for a life long commitment. We would be happy for you to serve for a time limited period, before handing on the role to someone else.
One of these days we are going to get a good day in the Scottish hills! A poor forecast again this week, so we went to Glen Feshie near Aviemore. We climbed a top called Carn Ban Mhor, but spent most of the time walking in mist. The views on the way down across Strathespey were good and it was great to be able to see so many beautiful trees like the Caledonian Pines.
I had to go down to Edinburgh for a meeting yesterday. I'm glad that these trips are not a regular part of my work. The General Assembly is taking place, so there were some familiar faces going into the buildings above. It has been a very controversial Assembly. A Special Commission has been set up to look at the matter of human sexuality and will report back in 2 years time. The issue is now very clearly and unavoidably on the agenda of the National Church. 
The weather forecast for today wasn't great, so we went for our hill walk here. Congratulations to Peter, Lynn, Donald and Martin who all climbed their first Munro. 
On my way to a meeting on the Black Isle this morning, I was struck by the bright colours, and stopped to take a few photos. 
On Thursday evening from 6pm, we hope to get the grass sown in the Light house garden and in the area behind the church hall. We desperately need volunteers with rakes who can help to get this job done. Please come and help if you can. Refreshments are being provided by the Light house.
