Welcome

Glencairn & Moniaive Parish Church is a linked charge with Dunscore Parish Church and is within the Presbytery of The South West.

The parish of Glencairn & Moniaive is located at the northern end of the scenic Cairn Valley in mid-Nithsdale, which is part of the Dumfries & Galloway region of South West Scotland.

The community is centred around the village of Moniaive.

We aim to play an active part in the community we serve, reaching out with the love and joy of Jesus Christ.

Our vision is ‘To convince all people of God’s love for them’.

 

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Message from our Minister

11 January 2026

As January flies by, we may feel that life is back to ‘normal’. All that celebrating, carolling, nativity-ing is out of the way (for a while). If we are to get the best out of 2026 we mustn’t put the Christmas message of the Light to one side, nor ignore the call to find Jesus for ourselves as the Magi did all those years ago.

We often use the phrase “the light at the end of the tunnel” to remind ourselves that light brings hope, and that is what we remember today as we ‘finish’ Christmas and move into the season of Epiphany.

Just as the Light of the star drew the Magi forward despite obstacles and challenges, so the Light of Christ draws us forward in Hope, whatever we face.

Epiphany officially celebrates ‘The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles’ – God’s declaration that Jesus is for ALL. Full stop. ALL.

Today we recall Jesus’ baptism. A step forward for Him on His Journey of Ministry. Do you recall the steps that have led you to today? Probably not all of them, but certain significant points on our journey of faith stick with us. Times when God has shone His Light onto our path through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, through His angels, through our fellow-pilgrims. Times when that Light has refreshed our Hope and spurred us forward.

Let the Light be with you in 2026, and let Hope be your energising drive as you continue your pilgrimage with Christ.

God Bless,

Mark

 

PRAYER for this week:

God of justice and resilience,

we give You thanks for calling us by name,

to shed Your Light where there is darkness,

to lead others to Jesus Christ, our Saviour,

to be open to the empowering Hope of the Holy Spirit.

May we never grow weary of praising You

but serve You with all our heart,

with all our mind, and with all our strength,

today and always.

 

PRAYER THEME:

Thank God for the Light of Christmas and Epiphany and the Hope it brings for 2026

 

Autumn Arrives … Autumn Leaves!?

As Autumn kicks in, it makes me reflect on the changes it brings and the cycle of the seasons. The annual pattern of nature can teach us a lot. It also makes me look ahead as planning for a certain mid-winter festival starts in earnest.

Autumn is the season of getting ready. Ready for what is to come. Ensuring that we have the resources needed to cope with the lean times. Whilst the modern world is not so tied to the seasonal availability of fruit and veg, the darkening evenings and changing weather still impact our physical and mental health.

Jams and preserves are bubbling, vegetables are canned and frozen, logs are split and stockpiled.

Why?

Simply put it is about being ready. Ready for anything. Ready for the unforeseen and the unplanned. Not in an apocalyptic survivalist way but in a basic make-it-through-the-winter way. Summer’s harvest is prepared and stored away, giving some semblance of certainty to provisions once 2026 starts.

So what does being ready look like? Colourful jars of jams, chutneys, preserves on a shelf? Freezers groaning with fruit, vegetables, meat? So our diet is assured.

What about other aspects of life? Physical health, mental health, and spiritual health? Do we pay the same attention to those?

The main feature of Autumn is the changing colours of the leaves in the trees. And that can tell us a lot. The trees withdraw nutrients from the leaves and send them back to their roots, to be saved for next spring. Energy is stored below ground, waiting for the demand of new growth. The branches look naked, as if the tree is dead, yet it is simply getting ready and waiting. Dormant, not dead. Preparing, not flagging. Ready, not past. We do not see the readiness or the stores of energy, simply the upper shell battling the winter winds and storms.

Lots to learn from the trees …

The roots ask us whether we, too, have hidden inner reserves stored away for the right time? For a time of need? Just in case?

The roots remind us that what is deep down is what will keep us secure for the future, whatever it holds. Our inner reserves, physically, mentally, spiritually, are vital in times of crisis and need.

The branches ask us whether we are slimmed-down to cope with the buffeting of life? Removing the unnecessary baggage and surfaces which catch every breeze and amplify it to breaking point?

The branches remind us to make sure we are clear of anything which can weigh us down or exaggerate the damage of life’s storms. Are we able to ride out the winds, stand firm in the storms?

The leaves ask us whether we have strength and energy which needs re-directing to better help us in the future. Things which would be better stored for the time of need.

The leaves remind us to shed what is no longer needed, reducing our vulnerability to the slightest breeze. Removing what is not needed so that the whole may be more healthy.

Quite a challenge. Being ‘Winter ready’ in all aspects of our lives – physical, mental and spiritual.

How are your roots?

Join us to strengthen your roots, shed damaging baggage, or simply meet with Jesus.

May God Bless you,

Mark RS Smith