Farming Chaplaincy

 

Agricultural Chaplaincy - What it is...

Agricultural Chaplaincy :

• Engages and supports those involved in all areas of agricultural and rural life 
• Understands the issues which affect life in rural Clydesdale 
• Tries to be a bridge between church and rural businesses  
• Builds relationships by being a reliable, consistent presence at rural events and venues like Lanark Mart  
• Is a pastoral ministry where a lot of time is spent listening to peoples stories and their concerns 
• Providing support in whatever way is appropriate to the individual concerned  
• Advocate for the agriculture sector  
• Is for all faiths and none  

History of Agricultural Chaplaincy project within the Southern Ministry Cluster 
(informal parish grouping of Upper Clyde, Douglas Valley, and the Tinto Parishes)

In early 2018 a group of four ministers from Lanark Presbytery visited the Pioneer ‘Minister for the Farming Community’ based at Ayr Mart. This was a fact finding visit, to see if there was scope to develop something similar within the bounds of Lanark Presbytery. We fully understood that the funding for the Ayr venture was one-off and not something we could also access. But we did think that a Chaplaincy also involving volunteers from within the church and farming community might be something we could develop.

The pandemic put a halt to exploring this project temporarily but now, with our shared Community Outreach Worker we started the project in 2021, and since then, continue to develop it. 

What we are doing at present

We have a team of three at the moment, led by Deacon Angela Wilson, with support from Rev Dr Nikki Macdonald and the Rev Louise Mackay and we would encourage those with an empathy towards the agricultural community, and wanting to explore this type of ministry, to come along for a look-see at what we do, and, perhaps join us!
For the most part, Angela is the consistent presence, attending Lanark Market on Mondays, generally from around 9ish - 1ish... and is always available for a friendly chat over a cuppa, and to be a listening ear. Over time, relationships have been built up, and the feedback so far has been positive: many people really appreciating the fact the “church” has come to where they are. Also during a time of change within the church people have come on a one to one basis to seek clarity on issues relating to the church and the direction it is heading.

The future

We hope to continue to build on the relationships which have already been built in the last year or so.

We are hopeful that we will be able to hold a Carols @ The Mart event in the lead up to Christmas at some point, and eventually, other events at key times of the seasons.

We will continue to listen and respond as appropriate to ideas and concerns from the agricultural community.

checked/ updated October 2023