An encouraging attendance of around 60 people, young and old, souls gathered in Partick on 26^th November for the Southern Presbytery’s first Family Conference.  The Conference, which was organised in order to help strengthen the bonds of fellowship between the brethren, was a blessing to all present.

The service is underway.

Proceedings began with a service at which Rev. Murdo Angus MacLeod preached from the book of Ruth on the theme “A Bow in the Clouds’”.  He spoke of how God visited his people with both famine and bread.  He was at work in both and so our sovereign covenant God continues to give us what we need.  In this way, he does his people and his Church good.  Moreover, God calls his people – backsliders to return to him, and sinners such as Ruth to join the people of God.  How wonderful is God’s irresistible grace!  Additionally, God equips his people.  A kinsman-redeemer in the person of Boaz was provided for Ruth and Naomi.  We have a greater kinsman in the person of Christ, one who made himself poor that we through his poverty might be made rich, and who is able to supply all our needs.  Thus God comforts and saves his people.  Time and again Mr MacLeod pointed to Christ, the one whose presence and work enlightens the darkness of life in this world.  Here was spiritual fare which was well received.

Members of the Presbytery pictured with Conference speaker Rev Murdo A N Macleod, front, centre). Left to right, Murdo Campbell, Andrew Allan, James Millar, Graeme Craig, Murray Mackay, Bill Scott, John N Gillies and James I Gracie.

After worship, the gathering retired to the Hall where they enjoyed soup, savouries and sweet things kindly provided by the ladies of the Presbytery.  Old friendships were renewed and new ones made, but above all, there was fellowship centred on our Father and our Elder brother the Lord Jesus.  The conversation lasted long after the food was eaten.

To round off proceedings there was a time of Psalm singing led by Rev. James Gracie.  Then, after prayer, those who had gathered made their way home, encouraged at being under the Word and having met with fellow pilgrims.  The Presbytery hoped to hold another Family Conference DV around the same time next year.

Mr Gracie led the Psalm singing.