The apostle Paul often begins his letters to the Christian diaspora saying, ‘Grace and Peace to you from God and from our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Like the epistle letters of Ephesians, Corinthians, and Romans, I begin each worship service using these words at the font. It is first to welcome everyone in our midst, for all are welcome at Portland Parish Church. Second it is to remind us that in and through creation and our baptism we are named as God’s own beloved children and are always already at home with God. I don’t know that anyone ever expected lockdown with a pandemic to last as long as it has here in Scotland and the United Kingdom. We thought surely this would be finished by Easter of 2020. Throughout lockdown Portland members continue to BE the church. As we now begin to look toward planning for Christmas 2021, we know that things will look different. We don’t know what the future holds, but we understand that God’s abiding presence will accompany us into the future whatever shapes it takes. When I began this Locum, I committed to be your pastor for 6 weeks, 1.5 years later, I find this calling in my life fulfilling, challenging, and comforting. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor during these extraordinarily odd times. Rev. Mary Elizabeth Prentice-Hyers (mel)