We're delighted to welcome the Revd Susan Kirkbride in Kirkwall to the network.
Sue has been the minister of the Peedie Kirk United Reformed Church in Kirkwall, Orkney, since 2016. She writes: 'The Peedie Kirk is the most northerly church in the URC. What a place to be called to serve!'
Prior to that, she served as minister in churches in Edinburgh and Wiltshire. All of the churches had contact with local care homes, and this was a natural part of her ministry.
Throughout her career, Sue has taken a keen interest in supporting people living with dementia. In Orkney she is a supporter of Dementia Friendly Orkney, co-chaired the Life Changes Trust-sponsored conference to define a new strategy for dementia care in Orkney, is a trustee of the Memory Café, leads worship in care settings and leads the Orkney Dementia Week church service.
Previously she has served as convenor of the Murrayfield Dementia Project for six and a half years. During that time ‘The Club’ changed from its original small-scale project to a funded service for City of Edinburgh Council in western central Edinburgh.
Sue is a member of FIOP (Faith in Older People) – the Edinburgh-based charity 'enabling a better understanding of the importance of the spiritual dimension to the well-being of older people' – and when south has undertaken training events for them, especially in the area of worshipping with people with dementia.
'Although some of the work, naturally, is strategic,' she says, 'and involves committees and meetings, it is the day-to-day hands-on personal and pastoral aspects of ministry which gives most joy and fulfilment.'
Sue is also involved with Radio Church for BBC Radio Orkney, which serves care home residents and others who have been housebound during lockdown.
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