Time for a Kirking

This weekend we will be embracing the Scottish portion of our Presbyterian heritage with a Kirking!

The practice goes back to the period after the Rising of 1945 when the Scots refused to bow to Brittish rule, yet again. When they lost to the redcoats and the wearing of tartans was banned, they would smuggle a small bit of plaid into church on their person each Sunday. At a certain point in the service, the pastor or priest would give them a signal and they would touch the fabric and the celebrant would bless them.

The part that many people outside of Scotland do not understand is those threads represent more than the colors they bear - they represent family ties. Kith and kin. Clans. People and generations of blood that have fought for one another, for love and against tyranny. Every one has a thousand stories tied to it.

I say this as someone with at least three family tartans tied to my own body - one from each of my parents. They carried them across the pond, one as recently as my own grandmother.

But I also know that who we are as Presbyterians has grown far beyond the shores of Loch Lomond.

Which is why the final clan name read on Sunday, related to the final tartan, is the Caledonian. It is the ancient name for Scotland. Because at the end of the day, all of the families of the Isle, of the world, are made one in Christ. All tartans and flags bow to the cross of Jesus Christ and God's true power.

So, let us come to God's house for a blessing - and remember the ushers have earplugs if you need them!

Blessings,

Rev. Janie