Introducing: Rev Stuart Irvin

29th September, 2016

A warm welcome to Rev Stuart Irvin who took over as Parish Minister at St Catherine’s Argyle Church in the spring. Stuart has kindly written a blog introducing himself and outlining some plans he has for the church:•

My name is Stuart Irvin and I am the parish minister at St Catherine’s Argyle, Church of Scotland. I started here in April of this year and prior to that my family and I lived up in Arbroath where I was an associate minister for three years. I grew up in Edinburgh but moved after school for work and studies, eventually winding up in the North East to complete my ministry training in Aberdeen and Stonehaven. Along the way I met my wife Lynne who is a teacher at Leith Academy.• Our eldest has not long started nursery and our youngest will be one on Christmas Day. Recently, as a church, we celebrated his baptism which was a happy occasion.

I’ve enjoyed moving back to Edinburgh and I am really enjoying the pace of life -; particularly being able to take the bike more rather than relying on the car. Also, I have really appreciated the way I have been made welcome by folk in the community and the congregation at St Catherine’s Argyle.

In both the digital and personal realm there is a great sense of community here. As I get settled into my ministry I would love to see ways in which the Church can continue to engage well with the community. Likewise, I will strive to do all I can to make sure people from our community and beyond know that the Church is here to welcome them. Perhaps you might like to join us as we mark Remembrance Sunday on the 13^th of November at 10:30am or on other occasions throughout the year such as Christmas and Easter?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.• If you see me out and about do feel free to say hello. Please see me, along with my parish minister colleges, as available, approachable and always willing to listen and engage.

Warmest Regards,

Rev Stuart Irvin

61-63 Grange Road,

Edinburgh,

EH9 1TY

Email: SIrvin@churchofscotland.org.uk

Web: http://stcaths.church

Phone: 0131 667 7220