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
I was in a good mood as I made my way out of Jedburgh on Thursday evening after a very happy service of induction & ordination. I’d stayed for a scone & a wee cup of tea afterwards so didn’t leave ‘til after 9pm. As I drove North up the A68 I thought I saw a sign that said something about a road ahead being closed. Hmm. Unlikely to be mine I thought. However, as I approached Earlston it became clear that the A68 was closed and I was diverted East. In Earlston I saw a fair few cars going up and down a hill on the left and decided on a whim that they probably knew where they were going and that this was a short cut. Alas! after coming to a dead end on a residential street up the hill I had to retrace my steps back down onto the road from which I’d come.
It was dark, it was getting later, there were very few diversion signs and here I was heading away from where I wanted to go… so again I slowed as I saw some small roads to the left that appeared to invite me North…mmh? Tempting. But I decided against it as I wasn’t sure where they ended up. I carried on and was thankful that I had as I was almost immediately engulfed in mist as I descended a valley. I continued on until the Gordon crossroads came into sight! Joy! I now knew where I was.
Would you believe it but the Edinburgh bypass was also partially closed so I got home considerably later than I had anticipated. On reflection it was a lesson to me to stop being impatient, trust the signs rather than looking for a short cut because, no, you don’t always know better and getting where you want may take a little longer.
Sometimes it is tempting not to trust God’s guidance and God’s timing when we cannot see clearly and so we look to step in and change course! I wonder what in ministry at the moment is taking a little longer than you had envisaged on setting out!? May you trust in God’s good purposes and his directions!
Interview with Aaron Wright, candidate for CoS ministry from Haddington.
Meet one of our latest candidates for ministry in this short video.
Crossreach Sunday is November 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
Advent
>Presbytery Advent Reflections
If you wish the daily reflection to drop into your email please drop Caroline a line before November 17th ckirk@churchofscotland.org.uk
Please note that the Mission committee will ensure that each reflection also appears each morning on the Presbytery facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552394798223
>Advent Retreat
“Sometimes we need a little time out, a bit of space to breathe, and just to be. Sometimes we wish for some time to think, and reflect and pray, and often, in our busyness, we don’t find that time. Lammermuir Church is offering an Advent morning exactly for this, spending some time with the Nativity narrative, and reflecting on what matters to us at this time.
This will take place on Saturday, 29th November, from 9.30 to 12.30 o’clock, at the Humbie Stables, Humbie Kirk, and with a walk in the nearby woodland.
Refreshments will be available throughout the morning, and everyone is welcome. Please book your place by contacting Aniko at anikosb@churchofscotland.org.uk or 07936 042191 by 15th November.”
Christmas Video Competition for young people > The closing date for entries is Monday Dec 1st.
Christmas Handouts
It’s a great time to share the joy of the gospel with others. You might wish to order some copies of give-aways for services such as these as gifts to any folks who are interested in what Christmas is all about.
https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Shop/Products/502444/Shop/Books/Gift_of_Christmas.aspx
https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Shop/Products/503427/Shop/Books/Gospel_of_Luke.aspx
New Hymns from Tom Gordon
Tom has written one for Advent and one for celebrating churches coming together. He is happy to share them. See attached
Eco-Congregation resources for Advent
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/advent-2025/
Presbytery Communications > New Instagram account added.
Got any youthful contacts in or beyond the church?! Please share.
Instagram: Presbytery of Lothian & Borders (@pres_lothian_borders)
For Treasurers
Important Bank of Scotland Information -See attached
A National Day of Prayer has been called by the Moderator for Saturday November 29th
-Praying for Christmas outreach and services?
-Start a new prayer pattern as an individual or as a church?
-Open your church building to your village or town to pray for hope & peace in the world
-Plan and promote a future prayer course?
Other ideas…?
‘The last brightness of everything!’ -Be transported to the soundtrack of the universe!
The wonderful Stewart & Carol Henderson with Yvonne Lyon invite you to an hour of Poetry, Song & script. Gorebridge Church Nov 15th 730pm. See flyer attached
Tickets suggested £10/ £5 on the door and on https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-last-brightness-of-everything-album-launch-gorebridge-tickets-1781314021189
HeartEdge Day Conference -Abundant Churches – Creative, Missional & Sustainable
Greyfriars, Charteris Centre on Thursday Nov. 13th
International Justice Mission (IJM) -Survivor Leadership Pilot Workshop
“Workshops to engage churches, businesses, and communities with the work of IJM. Our hope is that they will inspire, create space for genuine leadership dialogue & deepen partnership with IJM.”
On the day there will be two modules: one on Biblical Justice, and one on Resilience in Leadership.
Date: Thursday, 27 November Time: 09:30 – 12:30
Venue: Scottish Bible Society, Haymarket, Edinburgh. Coffee and cake will be provided. Katy.sawrey@ijmuk.org.
Coffee Morning @ Hawick Burnfoot Church
Come & suppport the growing Knit, Sew & Natter Group
Saturday 22nd November 2025, 10.00 until Noon
Various Stalls Cost £2.50. Children Free
The earth is the Lord’s! Caring for Creation November 25th 1300-1400 webinar
Learn more about sustainable use of church land
Led by Sharon Hall, Operation Noah. Organised by the CoS Public Life & Social Justice
Borders Interfaith Event at BGen. Hospital December 7th 2-5pm
Meet, greet & share. See attached
“Bring one snack to share with 2/3 people. Let’s share our stories & dance!”
Srihari Vallabhajousula, Surgeon & Interfaith Scotland Chair
All welcome. Limited places. Register by emailing eventorganiser15@gmail.com
New College Pioneer Course > January 24th until March 14th
2 Saturdays in person and 6 Wednesdays online
Are you interested in starting a community or project for folks who don’t yet come to church regularly?
Where to start? What works elsewhere? Several different experienced practitioners share their stories.
-Fees can be paid for through Seeds for Growth level 1
Co-ordinated & led by Sandy Forsyth & Peter Wood. See attached
https://divinity.ed.ac.uk/news-events/short-courses-for-church-people
Glasgow Trinity College Short Online Courses -January to March
https://www.trinitycollegeglasgow.co.uk/short-courses
>Liturgy & Prayer in Christian Worship
Develops skills in planning, writing and producing worship materials including spoken liturgies and prayer and leading these in the context of Christian worship.
>Creative Writing as Spiritual Reflection
Enables and supports the use of creative writing as a means of theological reflection upon personal, spiritual and contemporary experience
>Eldership & leadership in a changing church context
Exploring the meaning and role of local leadership in the Church of Scotland and other Reformed churches, both historical and contemporary.
NEW > Ministry & Mission in a digital culture
This course will help students to reflect on and engage with the rise of digital media and its rapid move into church presence online.
And finally in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue to pray this week for Innerleithen, Traquair & Walkerburn
Then, on the week beginning Sunday November 16th
Jedburgh & Oxnam l/w Ale & Teviot
We remember this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
“Please pray for our new minister Revd Sarah Cook who was just recently ordained & inducted and for our church members as together we build new partnerships across our villages so that our witness may be generous, warm and always pointing to Christ.”
May you know God’s leading and blessing this week wherever God takes you!
Love and prayers
Peter
