Durness and Kinlochbervie Church Profile We are inviting Probationers and Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, who are eligible to be nominated to a vacancy in the Church of Scotland, to prayerfully consider our vacancy as you read through our Parish Profile. We wish you every blessing as you do so. KINLOCHBERVIE DURNESS
Landscape The Durness and Kinlochbervie parish sits in one of the most spectacular areas in North west Scotland. It is part of the Geopark and has many sites of scientific, geological and archaeological interest. Smoo Cave in Durness has the largest limestone cave entrance in Britain, the 400ft. sandstone cliffs of Handa island, are home to large sea bird colonies, Foinaven, its rocky, mile-long ridge dominates the skyline. Long, golden beaches of Oldshoremore, Balnakeil and Sandwood are spectacular. Rare flowers can be found Primula scotica being the most famous. There are sparkling rivers and a myriad of lochs. Deer, eagles, herons, foxes, badgers, otters, seals, are common sights. The grandeur and the vastness of the land are a reminder of our wonderful creator God.
The People The congregation love God, work together as one body, for the benefit of the whole church and community. We are prayerful, hard-working, willing to listen, enthusiastic and love preaching that is encouraging and inspiring. The community is welcoming. The population is about 400 in Durness and 400 in Kinlochbervie. Fishing, transporting fish/mussels, tourism, salmon farming, crofting, work associated with the schools/ health/social care provide the main employment.
Organisation Sunday services are held once a week in Kinlochbervie and in Durness. We have communion twice a year with a visiting preacher and several joint services with the APC followed by a fellowship lunch. We have a variety of carol services and are joined by the community choir for our Candlelit Christmas service. We have a Harvest Thanksgiving at which all the local children s art work is displayed. Every child receives a small gift with a prize for others in each age category. There is a weekly bible study in both Durness and Kinlochbervie. The minister visits both primary schools, nursery and Kinlochbervie secondary school. We have had a SU lunchtime club in Kinlochbervie primary which ran for many years, a SU Group in the Secondary school, Sunday club and successful holiday clubs. We have run Christianity Explored in both communities in 2015. The church has dedicated members who provide and arrange beautiful flowers every Sunday. Praise combines a mixture from MP, CH3, psalms and modern praise songs. There is an organist. An elder provides lunch at his house every Sunday following church. This is open to everyone in the area. There is a non-denominational fellowship group which meets monthly in the winter and hosts a variety of speakers. This group is organised by women from several churches in the area. We have good relationships with the other ministers and congregations in our area. We meet to pray monthly with others from Lochinver, Scourie, Durness, Lairg in the spring and summer.
Buildings The manse is in excellent condition comprising four bedrooms, two public rooms, two bathrooms, study, kitchen and utility room. It has central heating and a coal fire. There is a large garden which is well looked after and a garage. The church and vestry is in good condition. It has a loop system for the hard of hearing and a small but serviceable kitchen. There is room at the back of the church for activities for children or space for a fellowship lunch. The Durness church needs some care but a community appeal has raised over 3000 which will help with the maintenance of the building. Finance There is an excellent treasurer and secretary. The finances are well managed.
Challenges We are small congregations with 12-20 meeting for Sunday worship in Kinlochbervie and 6 12 in Durness. We are very willing to pray and to work but as we become older it is more difficult for us to reach out to the young. The financial upkeep of the buildings is costly. The midges in the summer! As the Church of Scotland is in the process of restructuring this will have implications for us the parish size will increase but this affords us an opportunity to rethink how we do church. This is a challenge but we believe in a God who does the impossible so we can go forward in thanksgiving and faith. Every challenge is an opportunity. 'The new green grass sees the birth of a fresh anointing, full of life, energy and belonging.
HOPE This charge will be the right position for a relational person who loves God, has a heart for all people, preaches the word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is open, organised and likes stepping out their front door to be enveloped by a warm community and stunning scenery. We will together, be open to his leading and guiding, be filled with grace upon grace from our heavenly Father, so we can bring the practical love of the gospel to our communities and glory to God. Community.
Reflections Interim moderator: Gladys McCulloch - 01863755393 glad.mac.@btinternet.com Clerk to the session: Sheila Urquhart 01971521373 sheilaklb@gmail.com Web Site: https://dkparish.wordpress.com/