Holy Trinity Dunfermline has always had a rich connection to the sea. In 1903 approval was given to construct Rosyth Naval Base on the northern shore of the River Forth. 6 Miles south of the church this base has provided employment and opportunity for over 100 years to the local area. From Dockyard workers, researchers, civil servants and the sailors themself the church has been a welcome community. When the base was sold in 1997 the impact to the local community was vast, with the Navy church closing in January 1996 the congregation moved to both Holy Trinity Dunfermline and St Margarets Rosyth who are in partnership with Rosyth Methodist Church.
With the Queensferry crossings between the north and south sides of the river the local area has been connected to the sea. Since Dunfermlines time as Scotland’s Capital the link to trade and merchant sailors has been vitally important. Coal, linen and other goods were traded to central europe from many of the Fife coastal harbours, the mark of this can be seen most noticeably by the unique roof tiles in places like Culross brought over as ballast from the continent and not seen elsewhere across Scotland.
Still today the River Forth sees Naval Traffic, Container Ships, Large oil tankers and Gas refineries all utilising the sea. The re-introduction to the direct passenger Ferry link to Europe is well underway with a start date to be confirmed. In recent years Rosyth has seen the Royal Navys largest warships, two Super Aircraft Carriers built, Nuclear Submarines maintained and now dismantled and will see a new fleet of T31 frigates build over the coming decades, vital projects to the local community. Links across the River have been important too, with the opening of the Forth Bridge opening for Rail traffic in 1890 Dunfermline and the local area has expanded. The car Ferry service between North and South ended shortly after the Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964. More recently this bridge has been turned into a public transport corridor as the Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017 adding the third bridge, one from each of the last three centuries, allowing people to travel quickly to communte and for leasure from both sides of the Forth.
We at Holy Trinity also remember our pilgrims who would sail to the Forth and through Dunfermline to St Andrews. We want to pray for all those who have had a link in the past, present and the future via our Sea links to the world. Especially those who serve or have served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Merchant or Royal Navy and those whose livelihoods have such a direct link to our seas.
Sea Sunday service of Daily Prayer
Follow along with our Daily Prayer by using this link.
Collect of the Day: O God, you have prepared for those who love you good things no eye has seen: pour into our hearts such love of you, that, by loving you in all things and above all things, we may be worthy of your promises, which surpass all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen
First Reading: Isaiah 55.10-13 read by Stephen
Second Reading: Romans 8.1-11 read by Linda
Gospel: Matthew 13.1-9,18-23
Our Rector is now on holiday but please join us at 11am for this recording of Daily Prayer. Join us live at 11:45am for our Blether, all are welcome to come together and chat online with a cuppa.