People in our Church

Rev'd Scott McKenna
Parish Minister

Scott McKenna has been the Minister at Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church for nine years.   After a brief career as an accountant, he studied Divinity at St Mary’s College at the University of St Andrews.   While there he developed a special interest in the work of the theologian, Friedrich Schleiermacher, the father of modern theology.   Scott’s probationary period was spent at Wellington Church, Glasgow under the Revd M. Leith Fisher.   Thereafter, he was ordained and inducted as Minister of Viewpark Parish Church in Uddingston, Lanarkshire where he remained for six and a half years before being called to his present charge in 2000.   Since coming to Mayfield Salisbury, Scott has gained the degree of MTh from the University of Edinburgh and is currently in the early stages of studying for an MPhil.

Scott’s work and, in particular, his preaching is permeated and inspired by his deep and passionate faith.   He reads widely and the breadth of his reading, including poetry, is reflected in his sermons.   His theology is rational, progressive and pertinent to life in the 21st century and he has no hesitation in tackling controversial subjects.   He particularly admires the preaching of the late Revd Professor James S Stewart, who worshipped at Mayfield.   Scott understands worship, both private and public, as a ‘thin place’ where we can encounter the Living God.   He believes strongly that beauty in worship, in the liturgical and artistic decoration of the sanctuary, and in the music, is vitally important to the Church in the 21st century.  A convivial man, with a hearty infectious laugh, he is never happier than when enjoying a coffee with friends, a meal with colleagues or a discussion with students.

If you have any questions relating to weddings, funerals, membership of the Church of Scotland or worship, then Scott will be very happy to discuss the matter with you.

Click here to email Rev'd Scott

Sheila Wallace DCS
Pastoral Assistant

Sheila Wallace is a deacon who came to work at Mayfield Salisbury in 2008, having gained a BD at New College in 2007. Prior to this she worked for 30 years as a Natural Health Therapist and Masseuse, with a particular interest in the body’s natural healing abilities which she feels are part of the wonder of God’s creation.

Central to her theology is the need for prayer in all things, as part of our on-going relationship with God, believing that He is concerned about every aspect of our lives.

She enjoys walking and cycling in her spare time and is interested in environmental issues which are ultimately about taking care of our planet in a way which allows us to hand it on in good order to the generations to come.

Ever in search of balance, her favourite foods are salads and chocolate, not necessarily in that order!   

 

Click here to email Sheila

William Mearns
Church Manager

William was born and brought up in Edinburgh. He has a degree in the information technology area, but working within the Church of Scotland has been familiar to him since childhood, as his father is Church Officer at Liberton Kirk. He has been Church Manager at Mayfield Salisbury since 2006 and very much appreciates the independence the job gives him and the feeling that his is an essential and worthwhile role within the church. In particular he enjoys the variety of the work as it involves not only organising the maintenance and running of quite sizeable premises but also more creative aspects such as the putting together and publishing of the monthly magazine Grapevine.

It is William that you should contact for any information about the use of our buildings such as booking our halls.

Click here to email William

Christine De Luca
Session Clerk

Despite her name, Christine De Luca is a Shetlander by birth and upbringing. She retired from the world of educational assessment standards and research in the hope of devoting more time to her writing, particularly poetry. This year she has taken part in the Kolkata Book Fair and a Poetry festival in Brittany.  Her other passion is helping ensure that the Shetland tongue is not swamped by the erosive forces of modern culture.  To find out more about her work see www.christinedeluca.co.uk  and www.hanselcooperativepress.co.uk

At church she has always particularly enjoyed singing in the choir and being part of a housegroup. She took over the role of Session Clerk in April 2009 so feels she is still learning the ropes, wondering just how long this particular piece of string might be! Helping keep a big congregation working purposively together sometimes feels like a full time job! However, there are so many helpful, supportive people in Mayfield Salisbury that it really is both a privilege and a pleasure. 

Click here to email Christine