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
People dressed in red clothes; candles or fireworks; blowing bubble prayers; birthday cake… I wonder how you celebrated Pentecost?
In Italy, Pentecost Sunday is known as “Pascha Rosatum” or “the Feast of Roses.” In churches throughout Italy, rose petals are scattered from the ceiling. The petals represent the tongues of flames that rested on the Apostles during Pentecost.
In Poland decorating with birch branches and other greenery on Pentecost Sunday is popular. The decorations go beyond just houses—cattle with wreaths of birch branches wrapped around their horns can also be seen during the holiday. In Germany, picnics are a popular activity on Pentecost.
In the Middle East for Christians from Byzantine tradition (Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic), Pentecost is the fulfillment of the big feast of the Resurrection (Anastasis). This great event is celebrated over three days. On the Sunday children are baptised and a special office of “the Prostration” is held invoking the Holy Spirit. In Brazil, Pentecost is a week-long celebration, including massive processions, music, dancing, and food. The centuries-old observance is known as Festa do Divino.
Beyond the festival what does it mean for us to be Spirit-led and to know God’s resurrection power at work in our lives and communities? At times I’ve been with people who sing in tongues and sense new visions filling their imaginations…but not all days or people are like this! For believers we are however all looking to see God at work and our lives are marked by gratitude and hope. I pray that across Presbytery our churches are spirit led -by which I mean led by the compassion of Jesus; led by the generous self-giving love of Jesus; and led in our decision making so that we can all see God at work renewing all things and people in wonderful ways.
General Assembly 2026
A report of proceedings and of the debates will be given at the Presbytery meeting on June 13th
The reports that were presented can still be found at
Presbytery decisions taken under powers…
| 17/05/2026 | Property Committee | Approval of Release of Funds from Duns & District CFF holding fir EICR certification and work in the manse |
Upcoming Presbytery Inductions
At 7pm on Wednesday June 3rd Moira Taylor-Wintersgill will be inducted at Duns Parish Church to be the minister to Duns & District Churches.
At 7pm on Thursday June 4th Kerr Wintersgill will be inducted at Coldsream Parish Church to be the minister for Coldstream and District Parishes and Eccles and Leitholm Parish Church.
Some worship materials
At Presbytery council we noted and rejoiced at the number of folks in our churches who are stepping up into leadership from the congregation. We always encourage training whatever the level of experience and are looking for preachers and worship leaders to work with their context and from their own experience as far as possible. It was however stated that knowing where to look for worship resources that could inspire or give ideas could be helpful. I am aware that each of us will have our own particular likes and styles and theology but I have made a wee list of such resources below in the hope that it might help some folks…
https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship
https://www.abvcosworship.com/
https://www.rootsontheweb.com/
https://www.workingpreacher.org/
Other useful guides
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/preaching-resources
https://www.collegeofpreachers.co.uk/sermons-and-homilies/
Church Websites!
Our church websites are often the first thing that people see of our churches. What do they say about us!? Are they attractive and invitational?
Join with us online at 730pm on Weds June 10th as we think about communication and share best practice. Alison Murray, a local webmaster will kick us off by sharing her experience of setting up a site. Please join us and bring your questions or discoveries!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84616821108?pwd=iZ1mvAUDHR6L2VL63KiHr7HOrr7eYa.1
Meeting ID: 846 1682 1108 & Passcode: 293034
Stage n Slam Midlothian: Monday to Friday 13th - 17th July
For young people S1 to S6. Held at Gorebridge. Day Camp -
Sports - Arts - Comedy - Real Questions - Mess - Craziness - DINNER
Stage 'N' Slam is for everyone! £2 per day & £10 for the week.
Held at a local Primary School for half the day. Ending at Gorebrige Parish Church for the rest.
You are invited to bring your youth group.
For more, bookings or enquiries contact joel@gorepc.com
We are Hiring!
Counselling Centre Manager -Peebles
Soul Restore Counselling / St Andrews Leckie Church, Peebles
Part-time – 19 hours per week (Monday–Wednesday)
Salary: £14,186 per annum (£28,000 pro rata)
The duration of the contract is currently under review and will be confirmed at the interview
Soul Restore Counselling is a professional Christian counselling service supported by St Andrews Leckie Church in Peebles. We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and organised Counselling Centre Manager to lead and develop this important ministry serving the local community.
For an application pack, including the full job description, person specification and application form, or for an informal conversation about the role, please contact:
Jacqueline Hay, St. Andrews Leckie Church office@standrewsleckie.co.uk [01721 723121]
Closing Date: Friday, 5th June 2026
The Rugged Pathway Pilgrimage -Haddington to Whitekirk
“After a break of a few years, the Rugged Pathway Pilgrimage is taking place on Saturday 30th May. We will be walking the 14 miles from St Mary’s Church, Haddington to St Mary’s, Whitekirk, with stops on the way for quiet reflection. There will also be also refreshment stops at Athelstaneford and Prestonkirk in East Linton. The walk will commence from St Mary’s Haddington after a short service at 9.30 am.
Those wishing to join in should be prepared for some gentle inclines along the way, and, as always, should dress for all Scottish weathers. Please provide your own transport and a packed lunch. (Some transport may be possible for those not able to do the whole walk)”
If you would like to come, it will help organisers to know that you are planning to come. You can register online at https://www.parishoftraprain.org.uk/pilgrimage/
Locum Minister wanted
Dryburgh District Churches are inviting anyone interested in acting as a locum minister during our current vacancy to get in touch.
“The post will be vacant when our current locum, Rev Rob Jones, leaves at the end of June - although I hope that we are covered for pulpit supply in July, so really from the beginning of August. Anyone interested should contact our Interim Moderator, Rev Mike Taylor (e-mail; godsborders@gmail.com) for further details.”
Try Praying have new resources for the Football World Cup
https://do.trypraying.org/join-in/football-edition-of-trypraying-for-world-cup-season/
“We’ve created a special try praying booklet for this world cup season -designed to be shared and which features real stories from footballers about faith and answered prayer.”
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
Magnitude Festival
“Magnitude is a five-day annual Christian youth festival for young people aged 11-18
18-22 July at Lendrick Muir
Find out more at MAGNITUDE.ORG.UK
For information about being part of the Church of Scotland site contact Carrie Brown, Church of Scotland Lead for Young People CBrown@churchofscotland.org.uk
Christian Values in Education Scotland https://cve-scotland.org.uk/
“An invitation to all East Lothian teachers and school staff – to come and be encouraged! Join us for a relaxed end-of-term meet-up and find out more about CVE Scotland.
Saturday 20th June 10:00 – 11:30am
Haddington Community Church, Court Street, Haddington, EH41 3AF
Coffee, warm bacon rolls & fresh cakes from a local bakery
Free copy of Every Good Endeavour by Tim Keller and a Time for Reflection: CfE Christianity: Values and Issues booklet by Steve Younger.
A great chance to connect, share, pray, give thanks and be refreshed before the summer break. Everyone welcome!
Register in advance at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GJPN”
Go Health & the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation https://gohealth.org.uk/
“After a season of prayerful discernment, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation has now formally closed as an independent charity. By agreement with the Acorn Trustees, its mission and legacy are now being carried forward within The Guild of Health and St Raphael (GoHealth).
Many within GoHealth will know Acorn’s ministry and the contribution it has made over many years through prayer, listening, teaching, accompaniment, and healing presence. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us as this new chapter begins.
We also want to warmly welcome those from the Acorn community who may now be joining us or exploring GoHealth for the first time.
Over the coming months we will share more about what this transition means in practice, including ways that aspects of Acorn’s work and ethos will continue to grow within GoHealth. This will include the future development of the Listening Course, alongside opportunities to connect, learn, pray, and serve together.
Please pray for everyone affected by this transition, and for wisdom, gentleness, and faithfulness as together we continue the healing work of God in the world.” From the GoHealth Team
Comfort International
Ann Dunsire from Penicuik had a fantastic trip last year and recommends…
“Ever thought about coming on a trip with us to visit our partners and projects in Rwanda or DRC? We are now taking bookings for groups going out in 2027. We'll be having an initial meeting online on June 15th at 7.30pm to talk in more depth about potential dates/ costs/ practicalities etc If you are interested in travelling next year, please send us a note of interest, including which countries you'd be interested in visiting and any questions you may have as soon as possible by getting in touch via rebeccandombe@comfortinternational.org.”
Presbytery Prayer Calendar
Caroline has kindly popped dates in the calendar on the website so that you can see several months ahead and so perhaps find out when your church will next be prayed for. Access the calendar from the home page of the website.
https://lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
We continue to pray this week for the life and work of Belhaven & Spott church.
Then in the week beginning June 1st we pray for
Berwick Upon Tweed linked with Ayton & District Churches linked with Fogo
We remember the leadership and all involved in the life of this community.
“Pray for our work as 3 congregations on our action plans and also for us as we feel our way forward to a workable pattern of linkage, sharing opportunities and resources as best we can.”
Wishing you know & share joy in the sunshine!
Peter
Rev. Peter J. Wood
Mission Officer for Lothian & Borders Presbytery
Website: www.lothianandborderspresbytery.org.uk/
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