Forthview announcements January 2024
Moderator’s statement
Official Press Release
Statement from Fergus Duncan, Forthview Parish Interim Moderator – 7th January 2024.
We are now into January 2024 so that means that we are all now officially part of Forthview Parish Church. Initially, you may not see much difference on a day to day basis, but over time I expect the Kirk Session to plan a number of activities that will give us the opportunity to feel part of the wider Forthview. We are preparing a press release which should go out shortly, so keep an eye open for that.
As your Interim Moderator I have been busy mapping out various tasks for the way ahead. A number of these will be covered at our first Forthview Session meeting on 30th January, looking at bringing together different aspects of congregational life, and working towards the calling of three new ministers. It is fortunate that we have very capable people working in key areas, whether as Session Clerks, or Property and Finance Teams. I have also had great support from Rev Andrea Fraser and Rev Marjory McPherson.
I am conscious that working towards calling the ministry team will be a key priority for the new congregation, and I will keep you informed of the process as it unfolds.
As 2024 begins I look forward to stepping out on this new venture alongside you all. May God guide and bless us in the months to come.
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Forthview Church Press Release – 7th January 2024.
New Year, New Church
A group of Fife churches with a legacy which dates back centuries are looking to the future by combining resources in an exciting new union.
The churches at Aberdour, Dalgety, Inverkeithing, North Queensferry and Rosyth are uniting into a single charge, but at the same time maintaining worshipping centres in each of the five communities.
The new parish has been named Fife: Forthview Church of Scotland and Fergus Duncan, who vas previously interim moderator of Aberdour: St Fillan’s, has been appointed interim moderator of the new charge until a permanent ministry team is in place.
Dr Duncan, who will support the new united kirk session and congregation, commented:
“It is an exciting time for the local church in the area, and a real opportunity to continue to build on the previous ministries, but also to look to the future and where we can see God at work in our local communities.”
“Fife: Forthview is a place and space for all, where each and every person is welcome.” The local parish churches united as a single congregation on January 1 2024. The next step will be to begin the process of calling the ministry team of three full-time ministers of Word and Sacrament, who will work across the five communities.”
While the parish is united under the name Fife: Forthview, the five worshipping communities will each retain their local name to identify the building and area, for example Fife: Forthview – North Queensferry.
Dr Duncan explained that this will help ensure that local people know where to go for particular groups and events, but will also serve as a reminder that worship, pastoral care, funerals. weddings, and baptisms continue in the areas of the previous parishes.
Worship in the five communities will continue to be provided by the associate minister, locum ministers and pulpit supply, alongside the provision of pastoral care.
Anyone who needs to access the services of a minister can contact the office based at the Dalgety building, either by email at officeDalgety-church_co_uk or by phone on 01383 824 092. Calls will be directed to the ministers covering the parish.