Our visiting American Minister, Revd. Jonathan Warren, and his family were given a wonderful send-off as we wished them ‘Bon Voyage’ and safe travels home to the USA after their time in Houston.

Jonathan and his wife Siobhan, and daughters Hannah and Lydia, have been here on a pulpit swap with our own Manse family, Gary, Ruth, Robbie and Gregor.  Jonathan is pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, Illinois, and while he was preaching here in our Church, Gary has been preaching there in his.

A big thank you to everyone for welcoming the Warrens into our community, sharing meals with them and arranging trips and visits and helping them to explore Scotland. Highlights included things like a Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh, a tour of Glasgow’s street art and some of the city’s brilliant museums and art galleries, as well as cycling around Millport. Thank you to Eric Richardson for kindly lending them his car.

The family also enjoyed meeting Houston’s oldest resident, Marion Dawson, a Picnic in the Park organised by the Social Committee, a delicious Afternoon Tea with the Guild, and spending time with our brilliant Men’s Shedders.

After Jonathan’s last Sunday Morning Worship with us, we presented them with gifts including a beautiful picture of our Church and a wooden quaich made by the Men’s Shed. Thank you to Ronnie Anderson, Irene McLaughlin and Adam McCartney for sourcing these – we know that the Warrens will treasure them.

And thank you again to Adam for suggesting an impromptu rendition of Auld Lang Syne, to our organist Peter McKerrell for playing it at short notice, and to the congregation who linked arms and sang so heartily!

Well done everybody!