By Helen Parker If you’re anything like me, the last few weeks have passed in a blur, as we plunge headfirst into the festive season. Every year, despite my best intentions, my days are filled with choosing last minute gifts, shopping, and trying to fit in as many nights out as possible. Our diaries are full, bank accounts emptying at an alarming rate and everything seems to demand our attention all at once. And of course, December is often a month of constant eating and drin

Written by Gordon Smith Last week I popped into Ninewells Hospital in Dundee to visit my cousin who’d had her appendix whipped out. Successfully :) Ninewells is a place I came to know quite well around 18 months ago when my wife, Janet, was undergoing investigations and treatment associated with a brain tumour. Sadly, despite the best efforts of all concerned, the tumour won and Janet lost a brave and dignified battle in May 2024. It’s still not an easy place for me to visit

Written by Gordon Smith I’m a member of my local church in Arbroath. We have a newish Minister in our ministry team and she, Judith, asked for volunteers to write a short passage summarising, or reflecting on, one of a number of passages from the bible. The collection will be formatted to become an advent calendar of readings and reflections from individuals. Several weeks ago, I picked Matthew 1, 1-17, The Ancestors of Jesus Christ, not knowing that a few weeks later the su