The Rev Jim Scott retired on Sunday 24th October 2010 so now we are in the middle of searching for a new minister. We always said that when we got Jim we got two for the price of one because Roz, Mrs Scott, was a dynamo in her own right.
Jim was an outstanding scholar, so much so that he took an M.A. (Hons.)in Classics at Glasgow University in only three years, rather than the customary four. His sermons were often punctuated with comparisons between the original texts and the current translations; diversions which were thoroughly enjoyed by the congregation. As a young man he'd been a very good football player, and a vigorous one too, but he'd excelled at other sports. He was, and is, a modest man and encouraged members of the congregation to play an active role in the services whether it was reading the lesson or leading a prayer or giving a musical interlude. The YSunday group took services too, as do the Guild; these are innovations we want to see continued.
Roz Scott played a very active part in the ministry in Drumoak-Durris encouraging a number of groups and growing our Sunday Club and YSunday organisations. Her hospitality was legendary and the Durris Manse - a fine example of an old country manse - hosted many evening and lunchtime meetings and an annual Summer Tea Party which was attended by many, many people.
We must embrace this change, if for no other reason than that we have no choice, but that doesn't mean that we aren't entitled to relish what we had. Our best leaving gift to Jim and Roz is to nourish what they planted and to strengthen our congregation and our community so that we can make this world a better place.