Back in May, we received a visit one Sunday morning from Rev Gordon Palmer and his wife Karen. Gordon was my probation supervisor at Claremont in East KIlbride. As Gordon and Karen were on holiday, they decided to come along to Thornliebank to worship with us and it was especially good for me to see them.

Claremont have been sending me their quarterly magazine since my time with them and in June edition, the ministers letter contained this paragraph:

“Since I wasn’t back at work, Karen and I took the chance to worship at Thornliebank Parish Church where Mike Gargrave is the minister. Mike was a probationer here at Claremont in 2007-2008. It was great to see him in action in his own congregation and to see that the passion and concern so see Jesus glorified was very much to the fore among the congregation. Also, they were a very engaged congregation with all that was going on.”

For many years, I have known that Thornliebank was a special place to be and it is a joy to minister here, but its especially nice for me to have Gordon, who is someone I admire and respect greatly, recognise the passion that is present among the congregation. As I was pleased to see Gordon’s ‘review’ of Thornliebank, I thought I’d share it with you.!

- Mike