Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
Dear Friends, The Manse, November 2023
“The tectonic plates of change are rumbling under our feet and God is teaching us to stand and then walk in new ways…”.
Those words, with which I begin this short letter, are taken from a recent talk I delivered to the Guild at Chalmers Church as they continued to think about the three year theme of the Guild which is “ L ooking forward in faith”.

There are apparently 7 areas on earth where tectonic plates meet – areas where the surface of the earth can sometimes be prone to earthquakes and/or volcanic activity. Scientists tell us that some of these tectonic plates are connected at some distance to the source of their volcanic activity. The common denominator amongst them, of course, is that when they move they can bring destruction, chaos and uncertainty.
Sometimes, I venture to suggest, it seems that the modern day church is sitting on its own homemade “tectonic plates”, especially in these days when there is so much change around us, or at the very least the prospect of change.
Later in this newsletter there is a brief update about the current state of play, as it were, in relation to the future union of Chalmers Church and Cockenzie Old Parish. Whilst the discussions have been almost universally amicable it would be wrong to say that the prospect of change (on both sides) is going to be easy. The tectonic plates sometimes rumble and with them comes uncertainty.
The closer we get to the point of decision making too also brings with it many questions, some of which we can answer now and others which will be answered only in the act of “being together ”. And it is good to remember this whilst at the same time recognising that God is with us and, so long as he is with us and we seek to be faithful to him, then he will teach us to stand anew as we journey together to the future.
After all, is this not the message of this Advent Season which we are just entering? Advent – the time of waiting… the time of preparing… a time to set our feet on the path towards the coming presence of our Saviour, the one who walks with us along the so called “ tectonic plates ” under our feet.
May you feel His presence at this season.
Your friend and Minister Robin Allison (Rev)