The August issue of Life and Work looks back to when the Church of Scotland began its first series of summer missions across Scotland’s beaches.

75 years of summertime mission

In 1934, the Church of Scotland began its first series of summer missions across Scotland’s beaches. Initially established by evangelist, the Rev D P Thomson, the mission took the church to Scotland’s packed beaches. Jackie Macadam traces how the mission has evolved as the landmark anniversary of the first revolutionary outreach approaches.

A call to surrender

The world famous evangelist Luis Palau is the subject of this month’s profile. He explains how his grandfather emigrated to Argentina from Nairn after fighting in the Boer War and reveals a deep love of Scotland.

Speaking in Inverness, where he fronted the Highland Festival of 2009, he explains how he fears ‘political correctness’ is working against Christianity.

"We hear stories about hotel chains getting rid of the Gideons Bibles from their rooms in case they offend anyone but lay people pointed out they were happy to keep the porno films available – so why not the Bibles, and thankfully they were put back.

"Political correctness, at the moment, is working against Christianity. Basically you can talk about anything else, but don’t mention Jesus Christ. God, yes. Lord, maybe. But Jesus Christ – cut him off!"

The summer Church of Scotland

The changing role of churches in the summertime is examined this month. Some, such as Kinross Parish Church, run a dedicated ‘Family Week’ with events aimed at children and adults alike, whilst others such as the historic Church of Holy Rude in Stirling open their doors to hundreds of visitors. Meanwhile, city churches, such as St George’s West in Edinburgh, play host to a number of Fringe shows attracting thousands of visitors.

• Full story at the Church of Scotland.

• Filed under Church of Scotland, Scottish Christian News Monitor.