Next Services
Sunday 1st November:
Morning Worship in St Ninian’s Church at 11:30 am.
Sunday 8th November:
Morning Worship and Act of Remembrance in St Ninian’s Church at 11:30 am.
Sunday 15th November:
Family Worship in St Ninian’s Church at 11:30 am.
Sunday 22nd November:
Morning Worship in St Ninian’s Church at 11:30 am.
Sunday 29th November:
Advent Communion in Dunscore Church at 10:30 am.
See the Diary page for detail information on future services and events.
Welcome
St Ninian’s Church
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’.
News from the Kirk’s Website
Read about the latest News and Events. Click here.
Message from our Minister
15th November 2026
After the challenge of Remembrance, today we hear the challenge to be ready!
All you scouts and guides out there will know the mantra – BE PREPARED!
When Jesus told people about what the Kingdom of God was like, He used many images and stories. Most of the Parables are familiar today, and definitely make us think. No bad thing! All too often life rushes by and we don’t stop to think about what is coming.
The Kingdom of God is paradoxical – it is here, now, and it is still to come!
Jesus tells us that we can be part of the Kingdom of God now by believing in Him as Saviour and Friend but also tells us that the Kingdom of God will come in the future when He returns as King!
Many greater minds than mine have grappled with this concept – see the tomes in the Theological section in the library! How can we make sense of it?
There are two key parts to this … living in the Way of the Kingdom today ensures that we are ready for Jesus’ return. And Jesus’ return is a real deadline, not like the furniture sales or Black Friday which go on for ever. The end will happen with no (as the American’s put it) do-overs!
Don’t be a dopey bridesmaid!
Join us to get wise,
God Bless,
Mark
PS I’m ‘off’ this week so please contact Nan Tait (Glencairn & Moniaive, 01848 200403), or Rev Tim Harmer (01387 820861) if you need any help or information.
PRAYER for this week:
Lord God,
I thank You that I can be part of Your Infinite and Eternal Kingdom today
as I believe in Jesus and follow His Way.
I thank You that I can be ready for the return of Your Kingdom
as I believe in Jesus and follow His Way.
I commit myself to share Your Love with others
as I believe in Jesus and follow His Way.
PRAYER THEME:
Ask Jesus to help you be ready for His return as part of His Kingdom of Love
From the Manse –
Remember to not forget …
November is a time for remembering …
… those we love but see no longer – ALL SAINTS’ DAY (1st) & ALL SOULS’ DAY (2nd).
… the privilege of living in a ‘free’ parliamentary democracy – BONFIRE NIGHT (5th).
… those who have lost their lives through war – REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY (8th) & ARMISTICE DAY (11th)
… to get ready for Christmas! – ADVENT SUNDAY (29th)
… our Patron Saint – ST ANDREW’S DAY (30th)
A busy time, but an important time. A time to reflect but also a time to act!
Each of the rememberings above carries a challenge for us today. The challenge of being thankful for precious memories. The challenge of pursuing peace in a world full of turmoil and strife. The challenge of standing up for what is right. The challenge of pointing others to the best Way, to Jesus.
As you recall the memories of family and friends no longer here on earth, be thankful for them and what you shared together and look to live life to its fullest.
As you watch the fireworks and flames, think of so many around this world who suffer through despotic regimes and greedy dictators, who are persecuted because of their religion, or lifestyle.
As you stand in silence, commit yourself to seeking peace, peace for all people.
As you see the Advent wreath lit, step aside from the busy madness of commercial Christmas and seek the inner truth of the real Christmas – God with us.
As you celebrate being Scottish, resolve to be more like Andrew, who helped others toward a better way of life, life in all its fullness through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
As I said … a busy time, but an important time!
A time which can open us up to new ways of living, thinking and being. A time to be inspired by those who have gone before us. A time to get ready for … we don’t know what!
December is a time of preparation … requests, lists, planning, wrapping, posting … ready to celebrate the turn of the year.
Did you ever wonder why Christmas Day is 25th December? It’s simply the day after Mid-winter’s day (24th), the day that the daylight begins to push back the darkness. The early Christians knew the significance of that in relation to the arrival of the Christ-child, the Light of the World. That’s why so much of our celebration is about Light.
I hope you enjoy the many events and activities which will take place this December. Enjoy the surprises of Living Advent, the skills at the Craft Fairs, the joy of the singing together, the glow of the Christingles. I hope you remember the spiritual dimensions of what we are celebrating, without which we will simply carry on as normal once January arrives.
So we come full circle …
… let’s remember not to forget!
God Bless,
Mark RS Smith