I want to announce today that at the end of June, David Brown will be retiring from his role as Pastoral Assistant.

David and Marjorie have been members of St Mungo's, for over 20 years and have served in so many different ways. House Group Leaders, House Group Pastors, Gold, and David has also been an Xplorers leader, involved in Men's Ministry, a Counsellor in the Wellness Centre, and has sat on Vestry.

David came onto staff in May 2015 as a Pastoral Assistant and has served the church in this role with great care, wisdom and compassion. I have seen this first hand on many occasions, and I want to thank David especially for all he did throughout Covid. This was a particularly sad time as many of those David had cared for and spent time with died over a short period of time, yet he continued to demonstrate great love, care, and compassion; always willing to go the extra mile to support others.

I know as a staff team we have greatly appreciated the care and concern David has shown us and his sense of humour which often brings a smile and a laugh especially in a staff meeting. David also took on the role as social secretary for the staff outings which included the fantastic staff Christmas meals.

On behalf of the congregations in both Balerno & Livingston and the staff team, I want to honour David and thank him for all he has done during his time on staff and as a volunteer. As a whole church, we look forward to David & Marjorie continuing to be a vital part of our church family. We look forward to them continuing to serve, but doing so at a slower pace, and be able to enjoy more time with family and friends.

We will be recognising and acknowledging David's time on staff during a Balerno morning service before he finishes up at the end of June.

In the meantime, do join me in praying for David & Marjorie as this time and thanking them for their significant contribution to the life of St Mungo's over many years.

God Bless

Ollie Clegg
Rector