An ordination and induction service has been held for Rev Donald M Macleod as he has been welcomed into North Tolsta Free Church.
Friends, family, members of the congregation, members of the wider community, and friends from all the other island denominations attended the service.
At the induction, Rev Paul Murray preached a sermon on Jeremiah Chapter 6 – encouraging Rev Macleod to his duties as a Watchman in caring for the congregation. After the Formula was signed and the laying on of hands, Rev Malcolm Macdonald addressed the new minister, and Rev Iain Thomson addressed the congregation.
Following the induction and ordination, the congregation & wider community organised a reception in the Tolsta Community Hall.
John Murdo Macdonald, Elder, acted as MC for the night, addressed the new Minister in extremely good humour. He spoke of the sadness of “closing the old book” of the previous ministry of Rev Roddy John Campbell (who was in attendance), and the joy of “opening a new book” at the start of this new season of ministry. Rev Macleod’s previous minister, Rev Iain MacRitchie, let the congregation know some honest truths about their new pastor’s music, style, and culinary choices, before encouraging both pastor and congregation to their joint gospel work.
Rev Donald M Macleod thanked the congregation & community for the hard work in preparing the hall so beautifully. He also thanked the congregation for their warm welcome, along with thanking his family and friends for all the support over the years.
North Tolsta holds weekly Sunday Services (12pm and 6pm) and prayer meetings on Thursday evenings (7pm).
We look forward to hearing what the Lord is doing in North Tolsta through the congregation over the coming weeks and months.