St John's Church, Carluke

On 11 February, 2021, our Minister, Rev Dr Elijah Obinna celebrated five years of ministry in St John's.  In an open letter to the congregation, he writes:

Dear family and friends at St John's Carluke,

I hope you are all keeping safe and healthy.  Today marks five years I have spent as your minister here at St John's Church and I have been spending a lot of time lately reflecting on our past few years together.  Several of you came to the Glasgow Airport to receive and to help us carry our boxes, several more families provided hot homemade meals and others helped us to shop for the children's school uniforms. I remember with gratitude how welcoming everyone has been to Joshua, Jessie, Elspeth, Finlay, Favour and I since the first day we arrived in Carluke.  I remember all the services, Baptisms, weddings and funerals I have had the privilege of serving at, as well as all of the various church functions including our 175^th Anniversary.  Most of all, I remember all the heartfelt conversations that have taken place in the vestry, during Session and group meetings, at the church halls, over the phone, on the streets, shops and in homes over a wee cuppa.

Today I am simply writing to say "thank you".  You are such an amazing congregation and it has been such a blessing to be your minister.  I am continually blown away by your compassion, generosity, prayers, love and faithful services to our God.  I can only hope that I have inspired all of you as much as you have inspired me.

As we journey together into the future, may we remain assured that God's plans and purposes for our lives, families, congregation, communities and our world will never fail.  God assures in Jeremiah 29:11 saying:

Thank you so much for all that you do and continue to do.

Yours in Christ,

Elijah Obinna