Dear Friends
The sudden freshening of the wind in these last couple of days has, together with cooler nights, confirmed that we are moving towards Autumn. We are ending what has been the hottest summer ever recorded in the UK. In the church year September is the season of creation. “We are made to be a blessing for life on earth” writes David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain.
Noticing, caring, nurturing are all qualities that we need as gardeners in order to help nature thrive.
Noticing when plants are struggling or have a disease. Caring enough to give space in the leaves of the plant in order to let it grow. Nurturing young plants so that they get a good start.
These are also qualities that come from our faith as Christians. Jesus notices the lilies and notices a curious but fearful individual hiding up a tree. He cares about the beggar and the Roman Centurion. He the Master, repeatedly asks his disciples questions and encourages them to minister even when they don’t yet full understand. I pray that as you think through the unique God given context of your church’s location this month so you will harvest gratitude and contentment and you will be a blessing for others and for creation.
Special Indian Visitor -World Church Partnership
We are delighted to welcome Pastor Ujwal Rai from the church of North India, Eastern Himalayas to Lothian & Borders on Thursday. He will meet the National Moderator in Edinburgh, visit parishes in Musselburgh, East Linton, Berwick Upon Tweed, Cheviot and will renew the partnership agreement at the Presbytery meeting.
Katherine Taylor, minister at Tranent has found a powerful way of sharing bible stories with children in schools.
It’s called Godly Play…
- What is the particular approach that Godly Play takes to the telling of bible stories?
Godly Play is visual and interactive. The children are encouraged to focus on the story, recounted with the use of natural materials such as wood, sand and felt, not the storyteller. The storyteller learns the story by heart so that there is no written script to act as a barrier.
- You use Godly Play with how many children?
It depends – in primary school I share stories with a class of around 25. Sometimes classes can be divided into two, which makes it easier.
- How much equipment do you need to get started?
You can start simply with one story. There is a lot of help with materials from Godly Play Scotland, based at Duddingston Kirk in Edinburgh. It has stories to borrow. It also offers Discovery Days, Making Materials Days and Storyteller training around the country. The founder of Godly Play started off using a shoebox.
- Why do you think it is powerful?
It is based on wondering and not telling. The storyteller and children share the story together. The children listen and then may choose to respond to questions, such as what do you like best about the story? What do you think is most important? Conversations start up. Children are encouraged to explore their own thoughts and feelings about a story. They are drawn into it and the story becomes their story.
- What age range is best suited?
Primary school age is good. Really all ages respond well. I share stories with local Church Guilds too.
- Can you illustrate its impact?
One wee boy said that the story was beautiful. Often when I ask which part of the story do you like best, I get the response – all of it. What is really noticeable is the children’s focus and attention, even in primary one, which means that I am often able to share the story in silence.
For more see https://www.godlyplayscotland.co.uk/
Captivating > Womens conference at Gorebridge Saturday Sept 20th
The Kiltwalk 2025 for Christian Aid Scotland -Sept 14th
The Presbytery team includes Morag McKeand (Jedburgh & Oxnam) who already walked 20 miles at Dundee!
The rest are doing the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday September 14th. Leslie Milton (St.Andrews High, Musselburgh) will be doing the Mighty Stride (20 miles) whilst Peter Wood, Andy Beatson (St.Andrews High, Musselburgh) with Fiona & Margaret (Tyne Valley) will be doing the Big Stroll (11 miles)
There is still time for you to join the team.
https://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/edinburgh
Or if this is not possible please consider sponsoring Peter as together we raise money for the important work that Christian Aid are doing.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/peter-wood-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Peter will be leading a short act of worship in St.Andrews, Musselburgh for walkers at 915am on the Sunday morning. Do join us!
New Appointment
Hawick South Church of Scotland is seeking to appoint an Assistant Minister
This post is part time – 20 hours a week and will involve working closely with the minister
Candidates must be in sympathy with the current law and practice of the Church of Scotland
This post is regulated work and the successful applicant will require a PVG or to undertake a PVG update check
For further information contact Gael Nuttall on clerk@south.hawick.church
Flyer attached
Gospel Entrepreneurs 11-3pm Friday September 19th
You are invited to gather in 121, George Street, Edinburgh
Includes Guest speaker Tim Purves who will speak about his faith and his work. (Purves Funerals)
https://gospelentrepreneurs.charitysuite.com/events/5ntny3wx
Worship Training
Presbyteries of Edinburgh & West Lothian and Lothian & Borders
Level 3: “The Gospels and Acts”
The latest joint worship training course for our Presbyteries is set for October-November 2025. The course aims to offer participants an opportunity to grasp the purposes, key themes and characteristics of the four gospels plus The Acts of the Apostles.
Contact Robin Hill if you have someone to recommend rhill@churchofscotland.org.uk
Presbytery Youth Leaders Gathering
Saturday Oct 18th at Leckie church, Peebles
For all involved working with young people. A time for sharing best practice, learning together and giving thanks.
‘The Quiet revival’ -Expressing faith in extraordinary times
Loanhead Church Halls, Friday October 24th 915-1300
With Roy Crowne together with 4 other speakers.
New Manse Handbook
This resource brings together a wide range of information relating to manses, including guidance on:
- Responsibilities for manse care and management
- Compliance with current legislation and standards
- Practical information for ministers and congregations
- Processes for repairs, maintenance, and improvements
The handbook is designed to be a clear reference point for those involved in manse matters across presbyteries and congregations. It includes an updated manse condition schedule, which replaces the previous version and should be used for future attestations.
Find it here: https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our-structure/building-and-property-resources
Finally, in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
Please continue this week to pray for our young people and those who work with them
Then from Sunday September 7th
Please pray for Eddleston linked with Peebles:Old linked with Stobo & Drumelzier
We remember in prayer this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
“Pray for all our outreach work that supports and encourages our local communities and for all our volunteers who willingly and silently support these activities and without whose help we could not continue.”
If I can help your kirk session think about next steps forward in mission, lead a retreat, evaluate a project or group or lead worship one Sunday do get in touch.
Love & prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552394798223
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LothianandBordersPresbytery/videos