Farewell to Louise(and Derek and Tom and Charlie ...)

We knew that Louise Duncan would be leaving us sometime during 2010 but the news that she would be
leaving us at Easter following her call to be minister of Balerno Parish Church provoked mixed emotions among SLPC members – sadness that she was leaving us, but delight that she was moving to her own charge, and one that is not too far away.

In her six-and-a-half years at SLPC Louise has been a very popular member of the ministry team, and in addition to Louise we got husband Derek, son Tom, and of course those splendid hand-puppets – Charlie, Murphy the mouse and YoKo the monkey. Louise came to South Leith in 2003 for 15 months as a probationer, following studies in Scotland and student placements around Edinburgh.

‘I like being part of a team,’ she says, ‘and I liked being part of SLPC. Towards the end of my probationary period Jennifer Booth retired and I was asked to consider being associate minister. It felt right for Derek and me, and as we were hoping for a family we decided to settle in Leith. I learned so much more from Ian Gilmour and Jennifer than I ever would on my own in a parish. Ian is a great mentor for student ministers and I have a great respect for his integrity and commitment.

‘I feel that I grew as a probationer and found the constructive feedback very useful. I got to know the people in the congregation so well, and when Tom was born our house was absolutely swamped with blue cards, over 500 of them!

‘I have enjoyed being involved in the Leith Festival, in meeting other faith communities, and getting to know the other ministers in Leith through the Leith Churches Forum. I’ve enjoyed the youth events, and the alternative types of service that we have conducted, like the more meditative type of service. I love meeting all age groups, from the Sunday groups and the uniformed organisations to the older people in Porthaven and the other local homes. It’s great when I go into Leith Academy and one of the SLPC youngsters calls “Hi Louise!”. Their friends will often ask who I am, and they’ll say “Oh, that’s one of our ministers”. ‘I’ve had fun at social events dressing up with Ian as Francie and Josie, or John and Edward, and have enjoyed every aspect of life at SLPC. I feel I’m always asking people to help, but the great thing is they usually do. ‘I’ve relied on the help of William to advise me on the choice of hymns – its been great to have the choir for their introits and anthems – and of course Kailyard with the energy and liveliness, and sometimes poignancy, they bring.

‘I have been lucky that I have been able to work flexible hours, which has been important for getting Tom to bed, and Tom always enjoys coming to church. Derek has got involved as much as he can, and has enjoyed the Kilmarnock/Hibs/Hearts banter with many SLPC members.’

Now Louise is facing the challenge of Balerno Parish Church, which by all accounts is a busy and lively place. ‘SLPC gave me a good broad grounding in parish ministry’Louise says. ‘I knew I would have to leave this year, and we heard about Balerno, which seemed ideal for Derek’s teaching at Currie High School. We found out a bit more about Balerno, and it sounded right for us. It wants to be the church in the heart of the local community, rather like SLPC, and it has a strong community focus. I grew up in a village church so I understand how that can work.

I applied to Balerno – I thought it was worth a shot – and I saw the church in December and preached as sole nominee in January. ‘Balerno feels right. I’m aware that I have to build new relationships and deliver what the members require, but that’s what being a parish minister is all about. It’s an outward-looking church, very welcoming, encouraging and supportive, and I am looking forward to working with them. I hope I won’t lose touch with SLPC; Balerno is only at the other end of the Water of Leith. Of course I am sad to leave. I’ve been involved in so many people’s stories, and I feel loved and part of the SLPC family. I had a brilliant six-plus years and while it would be easy to want to stay on, I feel it’s time to stand on my own two feet.’

Louise will leave South Leith with the good wishes and prayers of the congregation, and our grateful thanks for sharing her many gifts with us. We shall miss her.

Louise’s induction at Balerno is on Thursday 22 April and starts 7:00pm.