In a church the size of Carrubbers it’s sometimes hard to get to know one another. The “Getting to know you” series of blogposts aims to help us have a wee insight into each others lives so that we can be better at connecting with one another when we do meet up in church or at women to women.

This month, we’d like you to meet Karen Clark

Hi Karen, you work in Carrubbers on Mondays and Tuesdays, but what do you do the rest of the week.

Until the end of this week, I am “Miss Clark” to sixty 3 - 5 year olds in a local School Nursery. The children are great fun and seeing them learn as they explore the world around them is amazing! It’s very different from what I do at Carrubbers and I enjoy the variety. I am however just about to hang up my teaching hat for good as I start full time in Carrubbers in September.

 How do you like to spend your time off?

I just love going to the zoo! Sad eh?!! I got a membership a few years ago when lots of friends came to see the pandas one summer, and ever since I have just loved being able to pop in and see what the monkeys or rhinos are up to. I also love to see my family and have four wee nieces and a nephew whom I adore…. A really good day off combines both these loves!!

How has God been working in your life recently?

I have been on a bit of a journey recently as I have sought to serve God with my life though understanding his word better and helping in different church ministries. God has used these, and the ministry of many older Christians, to lead me into this new role as Pastoral Assistant for Women at Carrubbers. My desire to live for Christ however is often in conflict with my attitudes, actions, willingness and abilities so I have had to learn to trust God in new ways, knowing that if I walk in obedience to him, he will make up for my weaknesses and use me in his service.

How has women to women been an encouragement to you over the last year?

I have been so encouraged to see various women have a try at giving a talk, or lead a bible study for the first time. It’s been so encouraging to see them grow through the experience, as well as see God use them to help me and others grow. As Ephesians 4:15-16 says “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”We all have different gifts and it’s lovely when we get to use them in the body of Christ.

Have there been any books that have particularly inspired you?

Aside from the bible... one i have enjoyed and learned a lot from has been Tim Chester and Steve Timmis's "Everyday Church". It's got some practical advice in terms of how to live for God and care for others and reach out in the every day way we live and interact.

What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind?

I'm not sure this this could ever by my legacy, but it is my prayer... I would love to see the church full of people who just love Jesus and want to live 100% for him, I would love to see so many more of our friends and relatives coming to know the Lord, and I would love to see strong women’s ministries thriving across Scotland.