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
Whose world is it anyway?!
I could see that she hadn't seen me. The young woman was walking directly towards the junction where the cycle path crossed her pavement. She was wearing headphones and looking the other way...! I swerved to miss her. Later, on during that same cycle home I had another very similar experience and nearly collided with someone else who whilst walking was in full conversation on their mobile phone. With technology being so portable it is so easy for all of us in one way of another to get caught up in our own worlds these days...
Another, different example of living in our own bubble was demonstrated to me at the hustings last week when the businessman -first time in politics, with the shiny belt buckle -kept using using the phrase in his answers ‘in a nutshell’ The two older candidates from traditional parties looked at each other and sighed. If only life was that simple!
We can often want people to follow our agenda or to adhere to our way of seeing things. I heard recently of a church (not in our presbytery!) where they refused to agree to a local Living Advent project with carol singing because it didn't fit their traditional church timetable. There are however now around 50-100 locals who gather annually to do this. Meanwhile that church limps on, appealing to the world on their limited terms...
Forgive me God when I act in any way as if the world revolves around me -when I seem to say that it is my world when in fact it is yours; when I want everything to fit my agenda. I pray that I would learn to better share your planet and to notice and listen to others who don’t fit my worldview or who cross my path!
Pathways to Pentecost
A wee daily reflection provided by local writers is currently available to all in this period running up to Pentecost. To view the reflections please go the
Presbytery Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552394798223
or to the Website https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
Latest Presbytery Video Interview -Baptisms at Messy Church
Listen to the latest in the series of Presbytery interviews.
Hear how Messy Church was chosen as the community in which to make baptismal vows.
Presbytery Messy Church Gathering at North Middleton
The next Presbytery Messy Gathering is on Tuesday May 19th
All welcome! Tyne Valley have kindly offered to host in North Middleton Village Hall (just off the A7)
Come at 630pm for food or 7pm for the meeting. Delighted to have a seasoned guest speaker sharing insights & experience.
What wee mission project could you start with £500?!
Get in touch, particularly if you haven’t applied to the Good Ideas fund before
One recent supported project was undertaken by Leckie in Peebles who sponsored tickets to enable a wider range of people to watch the King of Kings video at the local cinema in Peebles at Easter.
Rev. Tara Curlewis is our Presbytery Mission Partner serving in Rome
Tara leads the St. Andrew’s, Church of Scotland congregation in Rome and represents the World Council of Reformed Churches in that city. We are delighted that she will be visiting Lothian & Borders Presbytery at the end of August until September 6th If your church would be interested in having Tara join with you at an event do please get in touch ASAP.
Are you using Ai in service of ministry or are you curious about it?
Recently I used co-pilot to input and to summarise notes that I had taken. This was done instantly and was helpful. Have you explored www.sermondrip.com This site takes a sermon and creates usable content off the back of it for other platforms or magazines etc.
Are there other digital resources that you would recommend?
Would you appreciate the opportunity to chat with other colleagues about Ai about ministry?
Stewardship
Bearing Fruit is designed to help your congregation strengthen its financial sustainability. By completing a series of simple questions, you will receive a tailored report with practical advice and resources to help develop your church's stewardship, governance and financial practices, and grow its income.
CrossReach Changes
A new chapter is beginning for CrossReach as we begin the search for our next Chief Executive Officer to take over from Viv Dickenson who will retire later this year.
As one of Scotland’s largest social care charities, the role of CEO offers the opportunity to lead a national organisation through a dynamic social care landscape, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services that meet the needs of the people we support. The CEO will represent the organisation with government, regulators, partners, and the wider Church.
At the heart of the work of CrossReach lies a love that is anchored within our Christian calling, and we are seeking a leader who shares that passion and can inspire a dedicated workforce through the continued delivery of our strategy ‘Love from CrossReach’
To find out more or to apply, please visit:
https://roles.saxbam.com/advert-details/?id=186ecc75-8f32-f111-88b4-7c1e5203f73a
Life & Work Farewell
At the General Assembly in May 2025, the Church made the difficult decision to cease the publication of Life and Work Magazine in its current format. For over 140 years, the magazine was the voice of the Church of Scotland. You can read the final issue, available free of charge, by following the link below.
https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/life-and-work
Care for the family event on May 20th 730pm
‘Left to their own devices!’
Helping children navigate the digital world.
Heart & Soul Swing Band are playing in Prestongrange Church
Friday May 8th 730pm
Free entry. Donations to Christian Aid.
Christian Aid Week is May 10-16th
Resources https://caw.christianaid.org.uk/uk/resource
Epiphany Group
Retreat in Daily life -Have you booked space for reflection in your diary?
https://www.epiphanygroup.org.uk/event/i-will-give-you-rest-summer-retreat-in-daily-life/
World Cup June 2026 -An opportunity for Mission?
Could your church host watch parties or how might you engage with the World Cup?
Materials -stories of the faith of footballers etc
https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Shop/Products/503616/Shop/Books/Gospels/Goal_of_Life.aspx
https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Articles/738119/An_interview_with.aspx
& In the Presbytery Prayer Calendar
We continue to pray this week for Tyne Valley Parish -for the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
& from Sunday May 3rd we pray for West Tweeddale
Giving thanks for local leaders and worship leaders.
Pray for wisdom and discernment in this period of vacancy.
We pray for the upcoming General Assembly -for wisdom & unity -especially in the new revised format. For those going as Commissioners and those bringing reports. For good listening and a humility to be led by the Holy Spirit.
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
Instagram: Presbytery of Lothian & Borders (@pres_lothian_borders)