The Moderator's diary
During their year in office, the Moderator visits two Church of Scotland Presbyteries; travels to partner churches overseas; represents the Church of Scotland on historic and national occasions; supports the work of Committees, congregations and organisations; and meets with interfaith and ecumenical bodies.
Below are details of the engagements in the moderatorial diary this month.
- 2 February 2025
The Moderator will preach at Cairngryffe Kirk in South Lanarkshire, before joining the congregation for lunch.
- 5 February 2025
The Moderator will visit the Motherwell Campus of New College Lanarkshire, to hear about their learning provision and their work on social justice.
- 9 February 2025
The Moderator will preach at the Schaw Kirk in Ayr, following their recent Union.
- 11 February 2025
The Moderator will visit RAF Lossiemouth in Moray. Dr Paterson’s father was a fitter on Mosquitos during the second World War.
- 12 February 2025 - 16 February 2025
The Moderator will engage in the first of two visits during his year in office to the Presbytery of the North East and Northern Isles. Dr Paterson’s initial visit will include preaching at Aberdeen University Founders’ Day service, visits to a number of local congregations and CrossReach Services, as well as time with several community outreach projects, including an initiative welcoming Asylum Seekers and Refugees to Aberdeenshire.
- 17 February 2025
The Moderator will travel to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and visit the Spiritual Care Department within NHS Grampian.
- 18 February 2025
The Moderator will meet online with the Church of Scotland’s Chief Officer.
- 19 February 2025 - 21 February 2025
The Moderator will visit the Royal Navy, travelling to Portsmouth to engage with those based on HMS Excellent.
- 22 February 2025 - 23 February 2025
The Moderator will visit the University of St Andrews: meeting the Principal, engaging with staff and students, and preaching at a service commemorating the University’s Founders and Benefactors.
- 24 February 2025
In the morning, the Moderator will lay a wreath at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh, on the third anniversary of the war against Ukraine. In the evening, Dr Paterson will attend a Dinner and Discussion in Edinburgh organised by the National Churches Trust, a charity which supports UK churches to maintain their historic sites and buildings.
- 25 February 2025
The Moderator will visit the University of Glasgow: preaching at a lunchtime service and an evening Communion, receiving a tour of the new buildings on Campus, and attending a Dinner hosted by the Principal.
- 27 February 2025
The Moderator will lead Opening and Closing Worship at the National Ministers’ Conference being held in Edinburgh.