9.45am: 'All-age' Service
11.00am: 'Traditional' Service
(G): Service at Gladsmuir

It’s May already. Bye-bye snow. Farewell frost. Hello blue skies. Greetings you bright golden rays. Or something.

As the days get longer and the mercury starts to rise pleasingly, it is good to get out and about in our glorious county of East Lothian. And the month of May offers something really special for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors: “The Rugged Pathway” pilgrimage from Haddington to Whitekirk.

Covering 24 kilometres (15 miles) through fine rambling countryside, this annual pilgrims’ trail brings together people of all ages and interests who look forward to stretching their legs while also considering the spiritual dimension of the walk – and that’s an important part of a pilgrimage.

When Longniddry Film Club screened Martin Sheen in “The Way” last month, it sparked a whole lot of discussion about what it means to be a pilgrim. In the film, Sheen plays Tom: an affluent and predictable man who makes his way from the south of France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain carrying the ashes of his son. Along the way, he meets an unlikely band of fellow pilgrims who are walking for many different reasons. Tom shows the others that pilgrimage is not about escaping from reality, while they encourage him to live his life beyond familiar boundaries.

As Martin Sheen notes in an accompanying interview, journeying can be both an outward- and inward-looking experience. The closer you get to Santiago, the closer you get to yourself.

Robin Hill

Longniddry Church has four groups aimed at our varied age groups of young people: YCG for S1 age upwards, JTYC if you are between 9-12, Sunday Club if you're between 3 - 8 and creche for anyone under 3. New members are always welcome so please just come along at the first service (9.45am) and see what we have to offer.

We are always in need of extra helpers (and it doesn't have to be every week!!) If you would like to volunteer to help with a group, please contact Beth Elliott on 853423.