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
It’s never too late in January to say ‘Happy New Year!’
So, how has the year started for you?
In January this likely means more time spent being indoors. And so, for me this has been discovering the challenge of baking with filo pastry! Disastrous! Then beginning to clear out my study. Euck! …and finding discoloured A3 paper from 12 years ago; that bonnie pile of wee stones from my mother’s old house which I had intended dealing with years ago…and finding the extension cable under a pile of junk!
Making space for 2026. It is so easy to just keep adding stuff -materials or activities -but what about redistributing things or even letting go of things i.e. throwing things out or stopping things so that we have the space and time and open hands to embrace the new year? Space for creativity, reflection, and space to be surprised afresh by beauty, by love, by angels disguised as strangers and by what God is doing…I’ve still work to do in my study but I must admit it was worth doing and it already looks better.
In Conversation…
Latest L&B Youtube videos
Three new short videos have been uploaded of people telling their faith stories. It is always wonderful to hear people doing this and each of these stories is particular to the person and their situation. The words used to describe their journey in each is quite different, but each is remarkable in the person’s honest searching for God and in their desire to live a life of love. As Ellie in Aberlady said -she wanted to commit herself ‘to this way of life rather it just be something interesting…’
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzLYiOnBYAeXZmh9TammhDg
Looking at the year ahead…
Presbytery Internships
We have five £1000 funded places this year. Do you have someone to take on a project in mission. A young person or a person in between things?
Presbytery Good Ideas Fund
It is remarkable what a small amount of money can do! As a Presbytery we have a fund to help new mission initiatives. Last year this included:
-Hiring the village hall on a Friday afternoon for children & parents to have a craft & bible club;
-Helping enable a digital QR town trail and
-Enabling a photographic story display for Holy Week.
Seeds for Growth
This national fund is still alive and open for business!
https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/grants-and-funding/seeds-for-growth
Presbytery Pilgrimage > Sunday March 22nd to Saturday March 28th
We are walking the Forth to Farne route which goes round the East Lothian coast finishing at Lindisfarne. https://www.forthtofarneway.org.uk/
Walk the whole week with me or do a day or two. Interested? Do get in touch.
As your mission officer besides that mentioned I am also only too happy to
-take a worship service during Holy week or
-lead a church retreat or an away day after Easter
-help with a prayer course…
Next Youth Leaders Gathering is at Bonnyrigg -Saturday February 7th
We meet at 10am in the Pitcairn Centre to share stories and best practice, to prayer for one another and to be encouraged. Louise Purden is one of two special guests…!
We finish with lunch which is provided. All youth leaders welcome.
Getting your church election ready!
-A guide to hustings, voting and prayer: Online on Thurs 29th January 1230-130pm.
Devolved and local elections are just around the corner. This webinar will give you all the information you need make sure members of your church are ready to vote on May 7 2026.
Https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/e8H_Enx6SU2XjeKaT0hHpg
Upcoming courses
Explore the bible course
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/the-bible-course
Ettrick & Yarrow churches are doing this course…
New College Pioneering Course
Deadline is tomorrow! https://divinity.ed.ac.uk/news-events/short-courses-for-church-people
Trinity College Glasgow, Leading in Church Change
Deadline is Jan 20th -online Masters level https://www.trinitycollegeglasgow.co.uk/leading-in-church-change
Grandparenting for Faith next 6 week course starts Jan 29th
Bible reading Fellowship (BRF)
Designed for grandparents and grandparent-figures who want to help the children and young people in their lives meet and know God. It’s full of practical ideas, encouragement and biblical wisdom to help you share faith naturally as part of everyday life.
Alpha -If you have a course running do let me know how it is going
Decisions taken under powers by the Presbytery Council -
| 3/12/2025 | Property Committee | Approve Roslin's application for release of funds from Consolidated Property Fund |
| 9/12/2025 | Presbytery Council | Approve by email the Basis of Union of Loanhead and Bilston Parish Church and Roslin Parish Church. |
| 15/12/2025 | Property Committee | Approve by email application by Aberlady & Gullane Churches for the alterations and upgrading to both buildings. |
Every Sunday at Cockpen & Carrington Church there is a 4 part choir!
See & hear them in action as part of the recent Lessons & Carols service https://youtu.be/p_lNns7Xat0
Future Presbytery Meetings
On Zoom on Tuesday March 3rd 7pm
In person on Saturday June 13th 10am
And finally in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue this week to pray and give thanks for the church in
Lyne & Manor and for St Andrew's Leckie in Peebles.
Then the Week beginning Sunday Jan 18th we pray for Musselburgh: North Esk
We pray for the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
“Pray for Hayley, our minister now on maternity leave, and all members of the kirk session as they look to a future of worship, service and broadening co-operation in a rapidly changing town setting.”
Please continue to pray also for our next Presbytery Clerk.
Love & prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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