The first services of Holyrood Evangelical Church (HEC) were held on 5 October.
The set-up and music teams arrived at Leith Academy at 9am to rehearse and have the newly purchased equipment in place. At 11am the theatre was filled with the congregation, numerous well-wishers and a group of 20 American visitors accompanying Professor Doug Kelly, a longstanding friend of the fellowship. The newly called minister, Phil Hair, welcomed those present before the opening hymn, ‘Praise to the Lord the Almighty the King of Creation’ broke forth. Andy Scott, one of the trustees of the new church, explained something of the journey so far before George Sydserff, one of the senior elders, assembled and prayed for the ministry team.
Jesus our brother
With the children invited to their crèche and Sunday school in various rooms of the Home Economics department, Sinclair Ferguson preached through Hebrews 2.5-18. He compared buildings to ‘scaffolding’ around Jesus and asked what remained of faith when the scaffolding was taken away? His tender, pastoral exposition of that passage pointed to the Lord Jesus as brother and faithful high priest. His words brought both much needed comfort and encouragement to those present.
Painful exit
The process of exiting the Church of Scotland was a long, painful and confusing one. For some, it has caused a kind of grief. Moreover, a small number of the congregation have decided not to move with the new congregation, and have chosen either to seek fellowship elsewhere or remain within the Kirk. Although Sunday was a profoundly joyful day, the road to this new chapter has been punctuated by stress, sorrow and sleepless nights.
In the evening the church met again at Portobello Town Hall. A cavernous venue, with a tall stage and an upstairs balcony, the service was again well attended and cheerful singing filled the space. Euan Dodds, the outreach co-ordinator, preached on Hebrews 11.8-22 under the headings: ‘The Life of Faith is an Earthly Pilgrimage’ and the ‘Promise of God is a Heavenly Reward’. Abraham, who obeyed God even though he had no idea where God was leading him and lived in tents because his true home lay somewhere better, was examined.
Support from others
Fellowship from other churches, many who shared in the October day, has been precious to the fellowship in recent years. As the Church of Scotland has moved along its chosen trajectory, Holyrood Evangelical has found itself enjoying closer fellowship with those of other denominations who love the Lord Jesus Christ, honour his word and who desire to preach Christ crucified to dying sinners. The prayers, e-mails, letters and visits from brothers and sisters in the East of Scotland Gospel Partnership have encouraged and fortified.
Much prayer is needed now. Pray that the church will adapt to this new chapter in its life, especially the numerous logistical challenges. Pray that HEC would know how to pursue its vision of knowing God personally, sharing Christ relevantly and serving others joyfully in the midst of unfamiliar circumstances. Pray for unity among those who have left, and for ongoing love and friendship with those who have gone elsewhere. Above all, pray that God will be glorified as the gospel of his Son is preached and its countless blessings flow to many in the East of Scotland presently without God and without hope.
