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
Matthew 6.6 “But whenever you pray, go to your room and shut the door…”
In this chapter we find Jesus contrasting the religious practices of the religious authorities with that of his disciples. He compares praying in the company of others and praying when there is no one else there, only God. Jesus’ focus here is on the latter. Like fasting (Matthew 6.16) prayer is something that Jesus expects his disciples to do. Rather than suggesting how to pray Jesus, in Matthew’s gospel, first suggests that we need to go to a place where we can ‘shut the door…’
I’ve been challenged of late as to what this wee phrase might mean for me today in practice. It certainly means something solitary and is a space where we will not be disturbed or found by others -so not at our work station or in our study?! -or with our phone in hand or with other social media devices open? It might mean leaving our house for a quiet solitary place (Mark 1.35 or Matthew 14.13) Jesus, we read in Mark 1.35 ‘got up early in order to go to a deserted place’ I pray that in this season, however we do it, we can find a pattern in our days so that we can block out distractions and meet with God heart to heart.
Berwickshire
-Growing in Friendship & Faith
Already a mission cluster the Berwickshire churches underlined their commitment to working together when nominating committees and church leaders met last week in Duns to share lunch together. Former Moderator Susan Brown addressed the meeting. The group comprises folks from Berwick & Ayton & District churches; Duns & District Churches; Coldstream & District linked with Eccles & Leitholm and Earlston linked with Gordon St Michael’s linked with Greenlaw linked with Legerwood.
Presbytery Youth Leaders Network
Nine churches were represented at the gathering on Saturday in Bonnyrigg. Youth leaders shared ideas and challenges and prayed together. In addition to worship and food those present got the opportunity to meet Carrie Brown the new National Church of Scotland Youth & Young Adults Co-ordinator and to the two local SU workers. Next gathering is in the Autumn.
Lothian & Borders Presbytery Youth reps for General Assembly 2026
Are there any younger folks in your church interested or curious about the church and big issues?
Hospitality for youth reps at the GA will be provided by FAPLT. Join Kevin from Peebles who is already going.
In Conversation video clip
Catch up with Helen Howden our current Presbytery Moderator in this short video and hear how the year is unfolding and of her hopes for the future.
Burnfoot Parish Church is celebrating 75 years
On the 18th February 1951 in a small hut in Fairhurst Drive, Burnfoot, Hawick the first service took place. A service to celebrate 75 years of the life and witness of this community will be held on 22nd February 2026 at 10.30am in the church led by the Interim Moderator Rev Kwame Ahaligah.
You would be most welcome to join!
Presbytery Decisions taken under powers
| 07/02/2026 | Presbytery Clerk | Approve the decision by their Kirk Sessions for Stobo, Peebles Old and Eddleston to worship together at Stobo on 22 February, at Peebles Old on 8 March, and at Eddleston on 22 March . |
| 07/02/2026 | Property Committee | Application by Penicuik Trinity for release of funds to rewire the church. |
Presbytery Facebook in Lent
We are using the simple ACORN prayer and process through Lent. Each day there will, after the ACORN question, be different daily prompts. The daily ACORN prayer is
‘Gracious God, today is there someone You want me to connect with outside the church?”
Then stay attentive.
No pressure.
No fixing.
Just noticing where God is already at work.
Postgraduate Studies
The Postgraduate Fund provides monies for part-time postgraduate studies. Following a deliverance at General Assembly the Forum was able to identify a legacy fund to enable postgraduate funding. This will be managed annually by People & Training Team of Faith Action, with the assessment panel meeting each June.
The applications for the 2026 fund are now open, and will close on Monday 18th May 2026.
Application form available here – Postgraduate Application 2026 – Fill out form
National Government sponsored Covid Day of Reflection Sunday March 8th
Could you hold a special event or act of remembrance or keep your space open to allow people to quietly reflect? Last year folks walked into churches on this day. It can be advertised on a government sponsored web page https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/
The Calling 2026 is Scotland’s new one‑day leadership experience designed to inspire, equip, and commission people who want to lead well.
Global Leadership Network (GLS)
https://events.humanitix.com/thecalling-2026?discountcode=CHARITY50
Christian Aid Annual Online Gathering
Tuesday, 24 February 2026 – 1030 – 12:00 GMT
Join the Gathering, where supporters, churches, and partners from across Scotland come together to celebrate our shared commitment to global justice.
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/events/gathering-2026
Sleep out for The Bethany Trust
Big Sleepout March 13th 9pm -8am at the City Chambers
Fundraise for The Bethany Trust
£10 per person 12-18yrs Or £12 older
https://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/the-big-bethany-sleep-out-2026/
The Knitted Bible Exhibition at Blackhall, St.Columba’s March 13-20th
See attached for full details
Thy Kingdom Come Prayer event
Find out all about this year's brand new Thy Kingdom Come resources at the official online launch event happening on 24th February at 10am GMT.
From age 3 to 103 there are a range of resources including the brand new Novena, Prayer Journal, 11 new films and content for Children and Young People.
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/thy-kingdom-come-2026
Children, Youth & Community worker wanted in Berwick Upon Tweed
In Berwick Upon Tweed a sister church (CoE ) is looking to appoint a Children’s, Youth & Community Worker full time https://besst.org.uk/youth-childrens-work/
Finally, in the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue to pray this week for North Berwick: Abbey linked with Dirleton
We remember this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Bless those who are supporting the congregations during this time of vacancy and guide those who will be involved in the process of looking for a new Minister
Week beginning February 15th we pray for North Berwick: St Andrew Blackadder
We remember this week the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
Our prayer is, both individually and together as a church, we will
Go as Guests, boldly and humbly, sharing the good news of Jesus in the words we speak and the way we live out our faith;
Be hospitable hosts, who graciously and generously welcome others, being the good news of Jesus as we do this.
May the grace of God renew you
May the love of God fill you
And may the peace of God be the foundation
Of all that you do and are.
Amen
Love & prayers
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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