Dear friends,

About 10 years ago I felt a desire to be of more help to The Church and my minister at that time asked me to consider the possibility of becoming a Church of Scotland Reader.

Having duly reflected on the responsibilities involved, talked the matter over with valued friends and with family, I decided to undertake the necessary training, which would eventually lead to me being, "set apart to preach the word".

The theory runs that a reader should provide "pulpit supply" to congregations whose ministers are on holiday, unwell, or otherwise unavailable on a particular Sunday.

I completed my training at Elderslie Kirk just as the incumbant minister, David McLachlan, was leaving to preach at a church in Glasgow. The Session at Elderslie, on their wisdom, or otherwise, asked me if I would provide pulpit supply until a new minister was appointed in a few months time (their words, not mine). I agreed to their request and led them in worship until a new minister was appointed... 57 weeks later!

I thereafter was asked to provide pulpit supply at St Machar's Ranfurly Church, Bridge of Weir during the minister's absense owing to ill health, which lasted about 3 months. Paisley Martyrs was my next port of call, once again providing pulpit supply during a vacancy... this lasted 75 weeks!

All of this is not to set myself up as someone special, but simply to indicate that sometimes one's plansdo not take the expected route. What this has meant is that during my period of Readership I have spent almost half of that time in only a few churches.

While almost every church building I have preached in has been beautiful in it's own way, I am fortunate in that I have never felt emotionally attached to bricks and mortar, so travelling from church to church has, of itself, never been a problem to me.

I have to say that in every church in which I have been priveleged to conduct worship I have been made to feel very welcome by the congregation. So too here in Kilbarchan East, where I have been for almostfive months (yes, I know it probably feels longer, but it has only been five months... honestly).

How long will I be with you as Locum Minister?... the answer to that question, as you know, lies initially in the hands of presbytery, but ultimately in the decision of The Lord.

Whatever the outcome of forthcoming meetings, I will be delighted to lead you in worship for as long as is required, or until you decide that you've had enough!!

Your friend and Locum Minister,

Russell Banks