New Face in Langbank

Whenever I undertake a locum I like to do a piece for the Church magazine or newsletter. I have managed to share some of my life and faith history with several of you but hopefully the following will give more of you some information about the person you see leading worship every Sunday. It is always quite daunting to become part of a new congregation but I have been greatly encouraged by the warm welcome I have received from the friendly folk of Langbank Parish Church

Although I have lived in for most of my adult life I was born and brought up in Paisley. I have been married to John for a long time and have three grown–up children. Our elder son Steven is married to Donna and lives in ; they have two children Brodie and Amelia, while our younger son Paul, lived and worked in the Netherlands. Sadly Paul died in tragic circumstances in December 2019. His partner Willeke and their three daughters Emily, Nina and Mabel continue to live in the Netherlands. We remain close to the Dutch branch of our family although because of the pandemic have not been able to meet in person since early March 2020. Our daughter Claire is married to Jamie. They live in and they have a son Ruaridh and a daughter Brooke.

I used to work for the Abbey National Life Division (now Santander) in as a Technical Consultant in Pensions but took early retirement in 2006

I was brought up in the church in Paisley and became a Christian in my late teens but although I always remained a church member the demands of a full-time job and a growing family lessened my involvement. However through some friends I became involved in the Alpha course which led me to a wider and deeper faith and eventually to Readership.

After 3 years training and placements in various churches I was set apart as a Reader in 2004. I have been very busy since covering for holidays and illness in various churches. When I took early retirement in 2006 I was able to do locum work and covered the vacancy in Houston and Killellan Kirk which is now my home church. Locums in Old, Uplawmoor (twice) Castlehead, Martyrs Sandyford (twice) and Renfrew Trinity followed

The present time finds Langbank Church in a challenging position. You have so many exciting plans for your future but these are dependent on decisions made by the new Clyde Presbytery. Also we are still dealing with the restrictions of the pandemic on our weekly worship, hopefully they will be lifted soon. From what I have observed there is a great willingness and enthusiasm among the folk at Langbank to work together, trusting in God to guide them

With prayers and blessings for you all

Eleanor

My contact telephone numbers are 01505 704208 (landline) and 07847 543311(mobile)