Rev Phil Pickett has been inducted as minister in Livingston Free Church. A congregation of 130 gathered to celebrate the end of a two and a half year vacancy in Livingston. Friends (including a large group from his time training in St Andrews), family and supportive members of Presbytery joined the congregation with Phil, Helen and son Lachlan for an uplifting service followed by afternoon tea.
The service was conducted by Rev Iver Martin, the Principal of Edinburgh Theological Seminary, and then Phil was addressed by Rev Hamish Sneddon after which Rev Thomas Davis gave a short speech (Phil’s supervisor during his time training in Carloway). The guest of honour was Rev John Mackay who was the first minister in Livingston and always keeps a prayerful interest and visits regularly. Messages were read from Rev Nigel Anderson (former minister) and from the pastor of Phil’s home church in Bridgend.
Presentations were made by the children to Phil, Helen and Lachlan. Prof. George M. Coghill gave a vote of thanks and presentation to Principal Iver Martin who had acted as Interim Moderator in the second part of the vacancy. Thanks were also given to Rev David Randall who served as Interim Moderator in the initial phase of the vacancy. Both Interim Moderators led the leadership team very enthusiastically and organised excellent preaching supply for Sundays. The Session would like to take this opportunity to thank every preacher who so willingly travelled to Livingston, provided pulpit supply and encouraged the congregation at the Sunday services.
After the service, a delicious and sumptuous afternoon tea was served in the hall. Many stayed to share a happy time of fellowship and pass on greetings to Phil and Helen as they began the new ministry.
The congregation gives thanks to the Lord who answered our prayers and blessed the time of vacancy with seekers and 19 new members. The Session ran two Christianity Explored courses and then Rev Dr. Ben Castaneda held membership classes. Please pray for Phil and the leadership team as the work of discipleship continues. Over the past two years the congregation has become multi-national with new participants from the US, South Africa, India and Nigeria. We are so thankful to have so many young families worshipping with us on Sundays and attending the other regular events. Please pray for Phil and Helen as they begin to serve in Livingston and for the congregation in this new exciting chapter.