Moderator of the General Assembly Visits Kilwinning Abbey Church

Kilwinning Abbey Church was honoured to welcome the Rt Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, on Sunday, March 9, 2025. An even more remarkable honour as Dr Paterson not only preached the sermon but led the Congregation in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Dr Paterson began the service by sitting and speaking with the church's young members, He spoke about the role of Moderator, the vestments and symbols of office and the experiences he had in Africa. He encouraged the young people to embrace their roles within the church, highlighting that they weren’t “The Church of Tomorrow” but rather “The Church of Today”.

In his sermon, he reflected on the temptations of Jesus in the Desert. He spoke about that because of what Jesus did for us, he will “always be there to reach out to us when we feel ourselves sinking”. He spoke about that the story of Easter is one of “resetting our lives” because “Jesus took our sins, so we are all seen as perfect in God’s Eyes”

He spoke passionately about how Jesus showed “the world” how amazing the “love of God is”, how he suffered and was raised from the dead to open the gates to heaven for “you and me”.

He urged the congregation to continue their mission of love and support, adapting to the evolving needs of those they serve while remaining rooted in their faith. He urged them to remember that “with God, all things are possible”

The service concluded with Dr Paterson leading the congregation in Sacrament of Holy Communion, fostering a profound sense of unity and spiritual renewal among attendees.

Deacon Isobel Beck DCS, who has served the church since 2016, expressed her gratitude for the Moderator's visit, stating, "It is an profound honour for Kilwinning Abbey Church to not only receive a visit from The Moderator but for him to lead us in Communion. Dr Paterson’s hymn choices, prayers and sermons moved the congregation deeply and inspired us to move forward with Jesus"

The congregation of Kilwinning Abbey Church extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr Paterson for his visit and his inspiring message, reaffirming their commitment to serving the community with faith, love, and dedication.