Building Together: The Moderator’s Visit to the Annual Homelessness Service (October 2024)

On the 10th of October, we had the distinct honour of welcoming the Rt Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to our Annual Homelessness Service. This event was not only a time to address the ongoing challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness but also an opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks for the generous Harvest donations received from our local churches.

Dr Paterson, who assumed his role as Moderator in May 2024, delivered an inspiring message centred on humility. He emphasised the importance of stepping down from the pedestal that is often reserved for leaders and instead immersing oneself among the people that Jesus cares about. His heartfelt words resonated deeply with everyone present, reinforcing the core values of compassion and genuine service that underpin our mission.

With a dedicated ministry at Strathaven Trinity Parish Church since 1991, Dr Paterson brings decades of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to community service. A proud four-time graduate of Glasgow University, it was there that he met his wife, Christine, at the University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel. Together, they have nurtured a family grounded in faith and service.

This year, one of Dr Paterson's key themes as Moderator is "Building Together", a philosophy that mirrors the collaborative spirit of our organisation. His visit underscored the importance of unity and collective effort in addressing homelessness and fostering a supportive community.

The Annual Homelessness service provided a meaningful platform to not only celebrate the successes of the past year but also to look forward to future initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. The generosity demonstrated through the Harvest donations will significantly bolster our efforts to provide essential services and support to those in need.

As the evening concluded, our gratitude extended to the numerous churches and individuals whose contributions have made this year's Harvest a remarkable success. The Moderators presence and his uplifting message have left us all motivated to continue our work with renewed energy and a shared commitment to building together.

We look forward to the continued collaboration and the positive impact we can achieve collectively, inspired by the guidance and support of people like Rt Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson.