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Visit of the Rt. Revd. Bob Gillies, Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney

Between Wednesday 12^th and Saturday 15^th March, we welcome once again our Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Bob Gillies.  At 7.00 pm on the evening of the 12^th Bishop Bob will preside at a special sung Eucharist where ordination vows will be renewed and the holy oils of Chrism also blessed. To share in this occasion, we welcome the Revds. Ingirid Cosby (St. Mary’s, Stromness), Keith Henshall (St. Magnus, Lerwick) and David Bowen (Stronsay).  Following the service, there will be an opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and informally meet with +Bob, Ingrid, Keith and David, the latter whom is to serve in a post-retirement capacity in Stronsay.
All are very welcome. 

The following evening (7.30 pm Thursday 13^th), +Bob will chair an informal gathering of the congregation of St. Olaf’s, the theme being “Making St. Olaf’s Bigger” (people growth – not the building!).

 Fund-raising 

The fund-raising initiative, inspired by Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, has now raised a total of £585:50, received from eleven members. (This excludes the original £110 given by the Treasurer.)

The actual figure totalled £685:50, but one member, having made £200, kindly donated half of that sum to the Bangladesh Flood Appeal – a gesture totally in keeping with the spirit of the parable.

The generous creativity to increase an initial ‘stake’ of £10 displayed by many is nothing short of admirable.

With a number of members yet to submit the proceeds of their efforts, it is hoped that the overall total will prove handsome.

Many, many thanks to all involved.

The Visit of The Rt. Revd. Bob Gillies

Bishop Bob has sent his kindest regards and deep gratitude to all for helping make his first visit to Orkney a memorable one. He was greatly impressed by the sense of fellowship and warmth that he encountered and leaves us with his assurance that, from what he has seen and learned, we appear to be in good heart! In turn David would like to thank the congregation all for all that they have done for St. Olaf’s during the past year. Bishop Bob’s visit has been a ‘morale boost’ to say the least and a source of much spiritual encouragement. So, once again, thanks to all – such progress would not be possible without your love and faithfulness.

We record a warm welcome to the Revd. David Bowen, recently retired from the benefice of St Peter, Lugwardine with Bartestree in the Diocese of Hereford. David and his wife have moved to Stronsay, an island familiar to them from a number of holidays in recent years. Bishop Bob has met with and agreed to authorise David to exercise a ministry in Orkney. He will also assist the Church of Scotland parish minister on Stronsay and Eday and carry out pastoral work in these islands and, where appropriate, other isles. David will formally be attached to St. Olaf’s for administrative purposes. We look forward to meeting them both and wish them every blessing for a long, happy and fruitful retirement in Stronsay.

Conscious of the comparative and professional isolation of clergy in islands, Bishop Bob has suggested that on an occasional basis Fr. Keith Henshall of St. Magnus, Lerwick should travel to Orkney, for a day, to meet with Ingrid, David and David so as to allow them to share thoughts, concerns and examples of good practice. This should enhance relations between the various ‘outposts’ of the Diocese, outcomes hopefully being of mutual benefit to both clergy and congregations. And should you be wondering why it should be Fr. Keith who does all the travelling, it’s more cost effective for one to travel south than three to travel north – not to mention that flights to and from Shetland allow for a full day in Orkney.

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The AGM was held on 24th November and was very well attended. We were grateful and blessed by the presence of Bishop Bob Gillies, who added both presence and information to the discussions and was a welcome companion during the following lunch of soup and sandwiched provided by the congregation.

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The Bishop Elect of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney, the Very Rev. Bob Gillies, is being consecrated as Bishop in Aberdeen on 23rd September. We pray that his ministry and pastoral oversight among us may be long and fruitful.  Bishop Bob will be visiting Orkney for a week in November, and will be attending our AGM (followed by a bring-and-share lunch) on 24th November.

A spiritual link to Canada
Father Tom Corston is the Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Sudbury, Ontario and is Archdeacon of Sudbury-Manitoulin in the Diocese of Algoma. He visited Orkney between 14th and 18th May as part of the 'Orkney Homecoming' celebrations for Canadians and Americans of Orcadian descent. Tom was accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Frances Corston-Lundquist. His name has its roots in Orkney although no Corstons now remain in the islands, the sole link being a placename in Harray. Tom preached at our Sunday Eucharist and gifted a stole made specially for the visit (depicting maple leaves, the Canada Goose and crosses).

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Last modified: 26/02/2008