This week’s, and previous weeks’ news, can be found on the front page of the Presbytery website
https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/home/news-events/
Dear Friends
Did you catch this interview on the tele a couple of weeks ago? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsZtIN3JtGI
Bear Gryls is getting everywhere! Yes, the clip involves selling something and has a celebrity involved but could this be another small sign in mainstream culture that there is at present a resurgent interest in Christian faith? We have got used to our media’s implacably secular non-religious approach to Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVmelYOyf7s but last year many of our churches noted record numbers of people attending church events over the Christmas period. I believe that we will see the same again this coming year.
We are excited to be holding a morning that explores this rise in interest in Christian faith with the hope that as churches we can discuss, how and where, we can join in with whatever it is that God is doing.
Roy Crowne, alongside four other local storytellers will be there to share stories and invite discussion. The invite is free and open to all. Remember and bring your lunch.
Loanhead Church Halls, Friday October 24th 915-1300
Watching punchy wee videos is easy and engaging. Here’s another one related to Christmas that has me itching to respond! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVmelYOyf7s
This is why in our Christmas Video Competition we are inviting youth groups to make a short video that can be shown by our churches to explain the meaning of Christmas. All youth groups from secondary school aged to early twenties are invited to submit an entry.
The closing date for entries is Monday Dec 1st.
The top three will receive cash prizes. Please get your local group engaged and get in touch!
One fresh way of engaging people, who might not normally connect with church, in the joy of Christmas is to do Advent Windows writ large! This is something done by a friend of mine’s church down south. Here, residents sign up for a day in Advent and then turn one (or more) of the windows in their house into a bright celebratory Advent window.
For further ideas for families see…https://www.northstowe.church/advent
Thanks to Robin Hill our Presbytery Advent Reflections are currently being made ready. If you wish the daily reflection to drop into your email please drop Caroline a line before November 17th ckirk@churchofscotland.org.uk
More Christmas ideas & resources to come another week…!
Interview with two young elders at Gorebridge Parish Church
Can I encourage you to watch this short interview I did recently with two of the Gorebridge elders.
We talked about: How is it possible to bring new younger elders onto your kirk session? How do you refresh your kirk session? See https://youtu.be/hrJ7AhqJwrg?si=VnLy_8iIm5lO7to2
Presbytery Youth Leaders Gathering Oct 18th
If you work with young people we would love to see you join with us at Leckie church, Peebles on Saturday from 930 for a time of prayer & sharing of best practice. We’ll be thinking this time about how to maintain spiritual wellbeing. Please contact andrew@standrewblackadder.org.uk to confirm your lunch.
Selkirk Open Day October 24th
There will be a special day (2-4 & 6-8pm) to share publicly the vision & plans for the next stage in the building project. See flyer attached
St. Kentigern Way
You knew that we have the Forth to Farne and the Borders Abbey Way in our Presbytery but have you heard about the St.Kentigern Way? This new long distance walk crosses our region as it heads to Glasgow. https://www.kentigernway.com/page4.html
Bill Jack is willing to give a talk to any congregation if they would wish to see his presentation about this. For more info or if you are interested in becoming part of the steering group contact bill@thebothwelljacks.com
National Vacancy: Young People & Young adults Worker
A national appointment to join the Mission Support Team and to work with Presbyteries & local churches throughout Scotland based in 121 George Street, Edinburgh.
Theology, Churches & the Mainstreaming of the Far Right
Dr Krish Kandiah with Dr Robert Beckford etc.
“Join us online on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at 7:00 PM. We'll explore delve how far-right narratives have entered mainstream conversations on identity & nation. Drawing on recent events such as "Operation Raise the Colours" & "Unite the Kingdom" the discussion will examine the use of Christian symbols in national debates. Speakers will consider how theological studies and can respond, and what these shifts mean for churches—including those of Afro/Caribbean heritage.”
Bible Sunday
The Scottish Bible Society invite us to mark Bible Sunday on October 26th
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/resources/bible-sunday
Stewardship Webinar: Preaching Generosity > Wednesday 5 November 2025 4pm - 5pm
Particularly relevant for ministers, deacons, readers, MDS and local worship leaders:
Weaving stewardship into the worship year ahead
Register now for the webinar: Register on Eventbrite – Preaching Generosity
This one-hour session will:
- take an overview of Lectionary Year A, with a specific focus on Matthew's Gospel
- share inspiring new music suggestions from God Welcomes All
- & signpost resources for promoting generosity as an aspect of discipleship, including Lent study group material &
- The Very Rev David Lunan will also share his thoughts.
Books & Belief Festival at New College on Nov 7-8th
https://divinity.ed.ac.uk/new-college-festival
Includes Liz McWhirter -A creative writing workshop & Abi Millar ‘The Spirituality Gap: Searching for Meaning in a secular age.’
Crossreach Sunday is Nov 16th
“We would value your prayers for CrossReach Sunday, that we would be able to spread the word about CrossReach, raise valuable funds – gain more prayerful support and ultimately be able to support those in need across our society in an accessible and meaningful way.”
Resources can be found at https://flipbooks.crossreach.org.uk/CrossReachSunday2025
In the Presbytery prayer Calendar
Week beginning October 19th Hawick: Burnfoot
We remember this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Pray for our outreach work through our BB Company and the Knit & Natter group that those involved would come to know something of Jesus love. Pray too for the preparations & plans for a new minister.
A prayer to finish
Give to your church O God
a bold vision and a daring charity,
a refreshed wisdom and a courteous understanding
that the eternal message of your Son
may be acclaimed as the good news of the age;
through him who makes all things new,
even Jesus Christ our Lord.
(The society of St. Francis)
May God bless you in all your loving and serving
Best wishes
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
