Livingston Ecumenical Parish

  Members of the Church of Scotland

  Scottish Episcopal Church,

  Methodist Church and United Reformed Church

  worshipping together since 1966

Humble and riding on a donkey

We greet you

Acclaimed by crowds and carolled by children

We cheer you

Moving from the peace of the countryside to the corridors of power

We salute you Christ our Lord

You are giving the beasts of burden a new dignity; you are giving majesty a new face; you are giving those who long for redemption a new song to sing

With them, with heart and voice, we shout Hosanna!

On Palm Sunday, 2005, people from across Livingston Ecumenical Parish gathered together in an act of joyous shared worship! Usually worshipping in 6 different centres across Livingston, the folk joined together to share in a united event where we were very pleased to welcome Dr Alison Elliot, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland as our special guest preacher.

We shared laughter and smiles as we listened to the children's story led by Deacon Glenda Wilson about the donkey destined to carry a king. We sang with united voice as we proclaimed God's praises amid the waving of palm crosses. We listened with intent as we were challenged by Dr Elliot to follow Christ from the joyful, perhaps safe events of Palm Sunday to the real work of sacrificial service to the needs of the waiting world.

And then, of course, we all shared in an excellent spread that awaited us in the hall. Again, the sound of joy and friendship echoed in the building of St Columba's Parish Church.

Deacon Glenda Wilson,  Dr Alison Elliot  & Rev. Colin Douglas

Rev. Eileen Thompson greets Rev. Roy Manson

The hand of greeting and friendship

Mrs Elisabeth Maitland, widow of one of Livingston Ecumenical Parish's founders, Rev. Dr Jim Maitland, makes a presentation to Dr Alison Elliot

Glenda with Eeyore the Palm Sunday

donkey...er, horse actually.

Our grateful thanks go to all who helped to organise the worship, oversee the Sunday School, prepare and serve the refreshments, and of course, to all who gathered for the service!

Some of the folk that shared in this wonderful worship event.

To the Top

O Saviour meek,

pursue thy road with palms

and scattered garments strowed...

from the Hymn, "Ride on, ride on"

by Henry Hart Milman

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